Archive for dream theater

DREAM THEATER – Re-Signs With Roadrunner Records

Posted in classic rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, prog rock, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on December 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Dream Theater - Large Band Logo - White!

As reported on Roadrunner Records by Phil Freeman, back on December 3rd, 2012:

Grammy-nominated band Dream Theater, one of rock’s most musically fearless and adventurous bands, has re-signed with Roadrunner Records. The group first signed with Roadrunner in January 2007 and has so far released three critically acclaimed albums with the label. The label first issued Dream Theater’s ninth studio album, Systematic Chaos,in 2007 and went on to release Black Clouds & Silver Linings in 2009, as well as their most recent album, A Dramatic Turn of Events in September 2011. The band will soon begin recording a new album as part of the new agreement with Roadrunner Records.

In 2012, the band received their first-ever Grammy nomination for “On The Backs Of Angels” in the Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance category. The song was the first single from their 11th studio album, A Dramatic Turn of Events, which had 14 Top 10 debuts around the world, including the U.S., where it entered at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart. 2009’s Black Clouds & Silver Linings also charted strongly, debuting at #6 on the Billboard Top 200, the highest-charting record of the band’s career.

They have also won several awards while at Roadrunner Records including Rollingstone.com’s readers’ poll for “Your Favorite Prog Rock Albums of All Time” (2012), several awards from the leading Japanese rock magazine BURRN! (2012) and the”Spirit of Prog” achievement award at the 2009 Classic Rock Awards. Overall, the legendary progressive metal masters have sold in excess of 10 million records and DVDs worldwide.A powerhouse live act, they’ve headlined and sold out shows all over the globe.

Dream Theater - Group Publicity Pic - 2011 - #1

The band commented, “We are all very excited to be re-signing with Roadrunner Records! Over the past 5 years from the release of Systematic Chaos to our latest A Dramatic Turn of Events, we’ve developed strong creative and professional bonds with everyone at Roadrunner as well as many great friendships along the way.”

The band adds, “Roadrunner’s dedication and commitment to Dream Theater has been evident to all of us from the very beginning, and is consistent in all departments and on all levels, right on through to the top. Roadrunner is a record label that is not only great at what they do but who truly understand what Dream Theater is all about as well as the amazing people who support us all around the world whom we proudly call our fans. They are a record company we relate to as an organization firmly rooted in its ideals and mission, while always pushing the envelope in an effort to keep things moving ever forward. We’ve reached many career defining milestones while at Roadrunner and are all incredibly pumped in anticipation of our continued future together!”

Dream Theater formed in 1985 under the name Majesty. The lineup has evolved to become John Petrucci (guitar, founding member), John Myung (bass, founding member), James LaBrie (vocals), Jordan Rudess (keyboards and continuum) and drummer Mike Mangini.

Dream Theater recently wrapped up a massive worldwide headline tour in support of A Dramatic Turn of Events and is heading back into the studio to record their next album. The next chapter in Dream Theater’s storied career begins in 2013.

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For more info on DREAM THEATER, click on the links below!

http://www.dreamtheater.net

facebook: Dream Theater

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE DREAM THEATER.

LONG LIVE ROADRUNNER RECORDS.

Stone.

DREAM THEATER – Announce New Album Title, Track Listing and Release Date

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on June 8, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

The following is a press release from RoadRunner Records, on June 8th, 2011:

(New York, NY): The recent announcement that Mike Mangini would be joining Dream Theater, replacing departed drummer Mike Portnoy caused such fanfare that  Mangini was a trending topic on Twitter, second only to England’s Royal Wedding. Now, the band is revealing more information about their upcoming album. The new album is titled A Dramatic Turn of Events. The much-anticipated platter, which marks Mangini’s recorded debut, will be released via Roadrunner Records on September 13th and will be supported by a massive world tour.

 “I’m incredibly psyched with the way this album came out and can’t wait to share it with everybody,” guitarist John Petrucci, who also serves as the producer for A Dramatic Turn of Events, said. “We are currently in the mix stage with the great Andy Wallace and it’s all sounding amazing!”

 “We have poured our hearts and minds into the creation of this album,” keyboardist Jordan Rudess offered. “All the life changing events that surrounded us before,  as well as during the whole process, fueled our desire to dig deep within ourselves and create the best music we possibly could.”

Vocalist James LaBrie said, “In the grand scheme of Dream Theater’s career, the last several months have been such an incredibly positive, fulfilling and rewarding experience. The new songs and sound has never been so spirited or rejuvenating. I cannot wait for every one of our fans to sink their audio senses into this batch of tunes.”

The track listing for A Dramatic Turn of Events is as follows:

1. On the Backs of Angels

2. Build Me Up, Break Me Down

3. Lost Not Forgotten 

4. This is the Life 

5. The Shaman’s Trance 

6. Outcry 

7. Far From Heaven 

8. Breaking All Illusions 

9. Beneath The Surface

* For more info on DREAM THEATER, click on the links below:

Dream Theater

ROADRUNNER RECORDS

LONG LIVE DREAM THEATER.

Stone.

DREAM THEATER – “WITHER” IS MY STANDOUT SONG FOR 2009

Posted in 1990's progressive metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal songs 2009, metal odyssey, Music, progressive metal, progressive metal 2009, progressive metal albums, progressive metal music, progressive metal songs, progressive metal today, progressive metal videos, progressive rock music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 20, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

Dream Theater are such amazing musicians, it is scary. I liken Dream Theater to a “Heavy Metal Electric Light Orchestra”. Of course, that is my humble, Metal opinion. The song Wither, from the 2009 Dream Theater album Black Clouds & Silver Linings, (on Roadrunner Records), is an incredible work of Progressive Metal. This song has struck a chord with me, (not to sound sappy), with all of it’s content. With it’s layering of music, lyrics, mood and edginess, Wither is a song that stands out amongst a ton of music I have been listening to, this past year of 2009. I always tend to shy away from ballads, only this is Dream Theater… and I’m all ears to Wither. James LaBrie has flawless vocals on Wither, amazing. Hopefully you can enjoy this song and video of Wither as much as I do.

Dream Theater “Black Clouds & Silver Linings” – Many silver linings found on this album

Posted in Album Review, cool album covers, current prog metal albums, current prog metal music, current progressive metal albums, current progressive metal music, essential progressive metal albums, Hard Rock, heavy metal album review, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal music, metal music today, Metal Reviews, Music, prog metal albums, prog metal music, progressive metal, progressive metal 2009, progressive metal albums, progressive metal music, progressive metal today, progressive rock, progressive rock music, rock music with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 16, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

main-150I have come to the conclusion, that Progressive Metal and Progressive Hard Rock are the genres that keep me grounded. Dream Theater offers me the best of two worlds, like a one-two Metal punch… this band makes me want to Rock out, then again, I have many moments with their music when I want to chill, in a Metal sort of way. I am not at all stating that Dream Theater can be easy listening Progressive Music… no way. They offer the segues, interludes, intro’s and instrumentals that serve as that musical cushion to fall back on, while awaiting the heavy parts. This is what draws me into their music, to always expect the unexpected with the Progressive nature of Dream Theater. Dream Theater has for me, come so far, paid their Metal dues, to be now recognized as a Progressive Metal super power. It is difficult to dispute the vast landscape of progressive musical ingenuity that Dream Theater bestows. listening to their new music is a reminder to me, that you can erase any other thoughts in your mind and escape into an album of songs.

Dream Theater group photo“A Rite Of Passage” is an amazing song, it reminds me of what maybe Rainbow would sound like, in 2009. The keyboards in this song is what has me thinking of vintage Rainbow, the melody also has a deep, rich, Classic Rock flavor. “A Nightmare To Remember”, the opening song, has all the dynamics I come to expect from Dream Theater, musically and lyrically. I am very glad the story line to this song has a happy ending, despite the child mentally reliving such a personal experience that is the referred nightmare. “Black Clouds & Silver Linings”, (released on June 23, 2009), has most certainly eclipsed my expectations of what to expect, both musically and lyrically. This new Dream Theater release deservedly reached #6 on the Billboard album charts on the initial week of it’s release. It is clear that new fans have embraced Dream Theater and all of their epic Progressive Metal.

After listening to “Black Clouds & Silver Linings”, one can reach the conclusion that Dream Theater has created an album that is a throwback. With guitar leads and lengthy songs that reminisce of 1970’s albums from Yes, Rainbow and Rush; it is my Metal opinion that Dream Theater has maintained, tweaked and fine tuned a remarkable balance of Old School intertwining with originality and relevance. If Metal music was ever supposed to move me, Dream Theater has done it on this release. This is an amazingly enjoyable album to listen to. This Progressive Metal Music with all of it’s musical eloquence, will no doubt have me exploring the deep layers of “Black Clouds & Silver Linings” for years to come.

Dream Theater, as they appear on “Black Clouds & Silver Linings”: John Petrucci on guitar & vocals, Jordan Rudess on keyboards & continuum, James LaBrie on vocals, John Myung on bass and Mike Portnoy on drums, percussion & vocals.

banner new album

Electric Light Orchestra – Progressive Rock icon

Posted in 1970's Rock, Album Review, Amon Amarth, electric light orchestra, Hard Rock, Music, progressive rock, Rock with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on April 11, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

8236759If I could pin point the exact age I was, when I first listened to the Electric Light Orchestra, I would be somewhere around 10 years old – the vintage 1970’s. I have been inhaling the music of ELO for my entire life, safe to say. It does not matter what Metal genre I am currently obsessed with, ELO always gets playing time on my turntable and/or CD players. The Electric Light Orchestra, in my opinion, is one of the original leaders of Progressive Rock. What exactly is it about ELO that gravitates me to their music? Since I can remember, even as a young kid, I always got the biggest kick out of any music that was louder, faster and heavier than what was being played on AM radio. (that is correct, I wrote – AM radio).

Is/was ELO faster, louder and heavier than AM radio music of the ’70’s? Some of ELO’s greatest songs are legendary AM radio hits. However, as with any Rock band out there, it always comes down to the deeper album cuts that separates the legendary bands from the plain average bands. There are dozens and probably more, of ELO songs that for me, are far better than the hits you would/currently here on FM radio. What I heard from ELO, all those years ago and still here today, is the bold and rich clarity of combining Traditional and Classical music with up tempo Rock and Roll. I cannot say enough in regards to the intellectual approach to musicianship ELO has stood for. Jeff Lynne, well, he is a musical genius, a musician, vocalist and song writer who has influenced quite a few prominent names in Rock. It is obvious and factual the influence Jeff Lynne has had on the career of Tom Petty. The Traveling Wilburys only solidifies my opinion of just how creative and influential Jeff Lynne was/is. Could any influential credit be given to ELO, for the evolution of the fabulous Finnish cello Metal band – Apocalyptica? This past year of 2008 has had Apocalyptica appear on the new Amon Amarth album – “Twighlight of the Thundergod,” so I am not alone in the world of Metal with my affection towards the cool sounds of cello’s or string arrangements! I do not know for fact, yet every time I listen to the great Dream Theater, I cannot help but here musical arrangements that are reflective of ELO. At times it is a choral arrangement, other times a guitar lead that blends in with tones from a keyboard or organ. I feel pretty confident in comparing Dream Theater to ELO, both bands are musically progressive and are not bashful about experimentation to create sounds and effects. For me, the true musical difference between Dream Theater and ELO is that Dream Theater packs the Metal muscle and overall Metal power brilliance.

The musical totality of ELO far reaches beyond the AM and later FM radio hits that made them so recognizable. ELO took string arrangements and horns to an entirely different level, not just combining these musical instruments with Rock and Roll, but doing so in a a manner in which was powerful, emotional and more often than not, just plain cool. The ELO album “Eldorado” distinguishes the pure emotional feel and sound that only became enhanced two fold from the use of Classical musical arrangements. The ELO album “A New World Record” eclipses any straight forward Rock album of the 1970’s, again through unconventional musical arrangements and structure, in turn creating the cool songs from ELO. I am not ashamed to admit that ELO is an all time favorite Rock band for me. Certainly, Metal and all of it’s genres are my true music love, still it is an exhilarating Rock music, listening experience for me any and every time I tune into ELO. After all of these years of enjoying music, ELO never fails to keep me grounded, while amazing my ears along the way.

Dream Theater is Progressive perfection.

Posted in Album Review, Guitar, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Metal Reviews, Music, Rock, Vocals with tags , , , , , , , , , on April 3, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

17102877Alas, I found a moment to just kick back, chill out and listen to a Metal CD that caught my eye. This Metal CD was filed in my collection, just waiting for it’s turn to be enjoyed by my hungry ears. Oh, the CD I am talking about? Dream Theater – “Systematic Chaos”. Try hard as I may, it is impossible for me to hear any chaos on this Dream Theater release, none. Instead, what I do hear, is what I will call Progressive perfection. Seriously, for me, the Progressive Metal music of Dream Theater is so accurate, structured, and created on the premise of musical integrity and musical knowledge. Honestly, I am schooled each and every time I give Dream Theater a listen. The musical dynamics that are occurring throughout “Systematic Chaos” makes me realize it may take quite a few more listens before I feel I have heard every key, lyric and note that mystically saturates this incredible album.

In true Progressive Metal form, the songs are long, gloriously long. What better way to be taken away on a Metal mind journey, than to tune into Dream Theater? When I listen to this band, of course I hear influences of legend. In my opinion, I hear greats such as Yes, Rush and early Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force. The Progressive Metal trip with Dream Theater is so musically expansive, I actually hear Megadeth influences, yes, Megadeth. There are times when the vocals of James LaBrie and guitar leads of John Petrucci spark together with shades of  Dave Mustaine’s Megadeth. This is an honest compliment from me to both of these Metal bands. If you are already into Dream Theater and can agree entirely with me or just partially, I give you a huge Metal bravo! If you are totally unfamiliar with Dream Theater, well, do yourself one of the biggest Metal favors of your life – buy anything from this Progressive Metal giant! The new Dream Theater album will be released on June 23rd, 2009. Yes, I think I will definitely be looking to buy it. I will listen carefully to the new material on “Black Clouds & Silver Linings” and jump onto the outstanding Progressive Metal ship called Dream Theater!

Greatest Metal album of all-time list #5!

Posted in Album Review, Alice cooper, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Metal Church, Metal Reviews, Music, Over Kill, Power Metal, Rock, Slipknot, Thrash Metal with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 1, 2009 by Metal Odyssey

3646022Here it is, list #5 in my soul searching quest to determine the greatest Metal album of all-time! I feel like I am nearing closure, the light is at the end of the Metal tunnel. Please feel free to chime in and throw at me any Metal album you have not seen on any of these lists thus far, that you feel is deemed worthy of nomination for the greatest Metal album ever. Why, for me to actually forget a legendary Metal masterpiece? Of course, I am only (Metalhead) human. Plus, the years of Metal have provided such a vast array of genres, so many cool and brilliant albums are out there. I will consider any Metal album suggestion that may come my way, despite my being a Heavy Metal expert – I am kidding of course, all you need to do is read my article on “experts”! Now without any more Metal delay, here goes another 10 nominations (in no particular order) for the greatest Metal album of all-time:

1.    Dream Theater – “Images and Words”

2.    Mountain – “Climbing”

3.    Van Halen – “Van Halen”

4.    Alice Cooper – “Billion Dollar Babies”

5.    Aerosmith – “Toys In The Attic”

6.    Metal Church – “Metal Church”

7.    Over Kill – “Feel The Fire”

8.    Manowar – “Battle Hymns”

9.    Rainbow – “Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll”

10.  Slipknot – “Slipknot”

Stay tuned!


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