PARASOMNIA

Parasomnia: A Dreamlike Resurrection of Progressive Mastery

Having been a devoted Dream Theater fan for over 20 years, listening to Parasomnia feels like a return to those electrifying teenage chills; a resurgence of the magic that first captivated my soul. With the triumphant return of Mike Portnoy, the album immediately delivers on the high expectations set by decades of Dream Theater lore.

From the very first notes of "In the Arms of Morpheus", Portnoy's thunderous drum opening, reminiscent of his pre-Mangini 12 Steps Suite work, sets a transcendent tone that seamlessly melds classic DT intensity with fresh, previously unexplored sound textures. The record deftly integrates the band's signature style from Scenes from a Memory through Black Clouds & Silver Linings, capturing that era's essence while expanding into uncharted sonic territory. Parasomnia is more than an album; it's an experience meticulously crafted to embody the very concept behind the band's name. From hypnotic rhythmic patterns to eerie, otherworldly harmonies, it pulls listeners into a dreamlike soundscape where the familiar and the surreal collide.

A standout moment for me comes with "Bend the Clock." In its epic simplicity (for typical speed-technical fan standards), the song opens with a beautifully crafted guitar intro and an impressively understated riff/strum transition; a subtle yet profound contrast to the album's rich musical density. This purity of expression is a rare gift for true Dream Theater aficionados, a reminder that sometimes less is infinitely more. My personal favorite guitar solo in the entire album, by the way. The fade-out decision also is questionable, but very likely that epic solo was improvised, and that's exactly why it should be forgiven.

Equally enthralling is the album's grand finale: a nearly 20-minute epic that feels unapologetically theatrical. Here, Dream Theater channels the very essence of its name, painting a vivid sonic picture through rapid tempo changes, dynamic speed shifts, and the masterful use of the Phrygian Dominant scale that infuses the track with tantalizing Latin vibes. This mesmerizing instrumental odyssey stands as a testament to their continual evolution and uncompromising vision.

While many of their past releases, like The Astonishing, were misunderstood masterpieces, Parasomnia binds its sprawling tracks into a unified, dreamlike concept that resonates deeply with the band's storied identity. Portnoy's return is not merely a nostalgic nod: it revitalizes Dream Theater's creative spirit and underscores their commitment to both experimentation and tradition.

If there is one minor quibble, it lies with the album cover, which seems designed more for commercial appeal than as a fitting visual representation of the music's profound artistry. A more evocative image?perhaps featuring theatrical red curtains to symbolize the stage of dreams? would have done greater justice to the album's epic narrative. Unless the cover makes some reference to Images and Words and BC&SL.

In every note and nuance, Parasomnia is a 5-star triumph; a masterful blend of past and present that reaffirms Dream Theater's enduring legacy and immerses listeners in a lucid, cinematic dreamscape like never before.

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