Dream Theater’s 16th Album ‘Parasomnia’ and Upcoming Tour

On February 7, 2025, Dream Theater released their 16th studio album, Parasomnia, which has sparked excitement among fans as the band embarks on a tour across the country, performing the album in its entirety. In a recent interview on Loudwire Nights, guitarist and founding member John Petrucci discussed the album, the tour, and the band’s legacy with host Chuck Armstrong.

Celebrating Milestones

“[The new record and tour] coincide with the 40th anniversary of the band, so that’s mind-blowing,” Petrucci shared. This album marks a significant return for the band, as it is also their first release since drummer Mike Portnoy rejoined. Petrucci emphasized the unique significance of Parasomnia due to these two monumental events.

Touring with a Purpose

Since the album’s release, Dream Theater has been performing select tracks during their U.S. and European tours. Now, they are ready to present the entire album live. “It was always the plan all along because when we wrote the album, it turned out to be a concept album,” Petrucci explained. He believes that performing concept albums in full allows the audience to experience the music in a more cohesive and profound way.

Innovative Presentation with a Graphic Novel

In addition to the tour, Dream Theater is introducing Parasomnia in a novel format with a graphic novel. “They came in with different writers and different artists and reinterpreted every song,” Petrucci revealed. The graphic novel offers a unique narrative based on each track, providing new, sometimes darker interpretations that diverge from the album’s original stories.

A Reflection on Legacy

As Petrucci celebrates the release of Parasomnia, he also reflects on Dream Theater’s impressive legacy. “John [Myung] and I still reminisce about meeting [Mike Portnoy],” he recalled, noting how they were just young students at a music college when they formed the band. This sense of nostalgia is crucial for Petrucci, as it helps maintain the band’s focus on future endeavors.

The Brotherhood of Bandmates

Petrucci described the bond among the band members as a “real brotherhood.” He expressed how this connection enhances their performances, stating, “When you step on stage, I think that kind of connection is really important because the stage is a battlefield.” The shared history and mutual support among the band members significantly contribute to their stage presence.

Insights from the Interview

During the interview, Petrucci also touched upon several other topics, including:

• Ozzy Osbourne’s Influence: Petrucci cited Osbourne as a pivotal figure in his early musical journey, particularly through his admiration for Randy Rhoads.
• 30 Years of ‘A Change of Seasons’: He expressed disbelief at how quickly time has passed since the iconic track was released.
• Aspirations for Film Scoring: Petrucci hopes that Dream Theater will eventually venture into film scoring, believing their music’s dramatic qualities would be perfect for cinematic backdrops.

Conclusion

Dream Theater’s Parasomnia not only marks a new chapter in the band’s journey but also serves as a celebration of their rich history and enduring legacy. With an upcoming tour and innovative projects like the graphic novel, Dream Theater continues to push creative boundaries while connecting with their fans on a deeper level.

FAQs

When was ‘Parasomnia’ released?

‘Parasomnia’ was released on February 7, 2025.

Is Dream Theater touring for the new album?

Yes, Dream Theater is touring across the country to perform ‘Parasomnia’ in full.

What is the significance of the graphic novel associated with ‘Parasomnia’?

The graphic novel reinterprets each song from the album with new narratives and artistic representations, offering a unique experience for fans.

How long has Dream Theater been active?

Dream Theater is celebrating their 40th anniversary as a band this year.