Dream Theater’s “A Change of Seasons”: A Journey Through Time

Dream Theater made their mark in the world of progressive metal with the release of “A Change of Seasons” in September 1995, a 23-minute epic that showcased the band’s musical prowess. However, the origins of this long-form piece date back to 1989, making it a significant part of the band’s history.

The Genesis of “A Change of Seasons”

Drummer Mike Portnoy revealed in a recent conversation on the UCR Podcast that “A Change of Seasons” was among the first compositions the band created following their debut album, When Dream and Day Unite. He noted, “That was one of the first things we wrote, intending to be on [1992’s] Images and Words. So yeah, it’s got a long history. It’s really about 36 years old at this point.”

Why Was “A Change of Seasons” Delayed?

Despite its eventual release after their third album, Awake, the delay in launching “A Change of Seasons” was not due to dissatisfaction with the work itself. Instead, it was the band’s record label, Atco Records, that decided to shelve the piece. Portnoy explained, “At the 11th hour, the label made us leave it off the album, just because they didn’t want a 75-minute album. They thought it was too much for a sophomore release from a new band.”

Atco’s A&R man, Derek Shulman, shared similar sentiments in his forthcoming memoir, Giant Steps. He empathized with Dream Theater’s predicament, recalling his own struggles with the progressive rock band Gentle Giant. Shulman was clear about the challenges of compromising artistic integrity for radio-friendly versions of songs.

Portnoy’s Emotional Response

The news of the song being excluded from Images and Words hit Portnoy hard. He described feeling “crushed” since it was his first lyrical piece, and he had not contributed lyrics to any other songs on that album, believing that “A Change of Seasons” would be featured. “It felt like a big part of my voice had been cut off the album,” he lamented, emphasizing the personal nature of the song’s lyrics and concept.

The Release of “A Change of Seasons”

After years of persistence, Dream Theater finally received approval from Atco to release “A Change of Seasons” as an EP in 1995. However, by this point, the piece had undergone several transformations. Portnoy explained that there was an original version featuring Kevin Moore, and they later reinterpreted it with a seven-string guitar and new keyboardist Derek Sherinian for the EP version.

Special Performances and Nostalgia

As the band gears up for their fall tour, fans are treated to a nostalgic experience as they perform “A Change of Seasons” live, marking the first time Portnoy has played it with the band since 2004. The tour also includes the whole of their upcoming reunion album, Parasomnia. Portnoy reflected on the emotional weight of revisiting the song after so many years: “It brings back so many memories to be revisiting it after all of this time,” he shared. “It feels natural to be sitting in the same set with Parasomnia. They were written 35 years apart, but yet they still feel like they’re the same band.”

Conclusion

“A Change of Seasons” stands as a testament to Dream Theater’s resilience and artistic vision. From its long journey of creation and evolution to its recent revival in live performances, the piece continues to resonate deeply with both the band and its fans alike. The connection that Portnoy and the band feel towards the song encapsulates the heart and soul of Dream Theater’s music, bridging the gap between their past and present.

FAQs

1. When was “A Change of Seasons” released?

“A Change of Seasons” was released in September 1995 as an EP.

2. Why was “A Change of Seasons” not included in the album Images and Words?

The label Atco Records decided against including it, fearing that a lengthy track would overwhelm listeners on a sophomore release.

3. How did Mike Portnoy feel about the exclusion of the song from Images and Words?

Portnoy felt crushed and believed that a significant part of his voice and story was lost by not including the song.

4. Is Dream Theater performing “A Change of Seasons” on their current tour?

Yes, they are performing “A Change of Seasons” live during their current fall tour, marking a special moment for the band and fans.