Long Live American-Canadian Friendship - A Review of Dream Theater's Parasomnia

Critics and fans might have received the message of drummer and founding member Mike Portnoy's return to the band after thirteen years with mixed feelings. The clash of egos, nasty messages in the media and an overwhelming number of new projects seemed to stand in the way of a balanced, dedicated and respectful reunion. However, it appears that the band members have been able to sort out all those negative distractions and have indeed been able to write and record a very strong record with Parasomnia.

This record reminds of the last full length effort released by the same line-up, the sinister progressive metal masterpiece Black Clouds & Silver Linings that saw the light of day sixteen years ago. The styles of the cover artworks are strikingly similar, the gloomy mood on both releases is nearly identical and the running times are almost exactly the same. The bottom line is that listeners will appreciate this release if they have thoroughly enjoyed Black Clouds & Silver Linings. Those who have been expecting something completely new however might feel somewhat underwhelmed.

Three types of songs deserve to be described on Parasomnia. Let's start with two instrumental tunes that really give the record room to breathe and showcase the exceptional talent of every musician involved. The opening "In the Arms of Morpheus" for instance highlights Mike Portnoy's domineering rhythmic drumming again. It also showcases the emotional, fast and melodic guitar play by John Petrucci. We also get to hear experimental yet melodious keyboard patterns by Jordan Rudess. One also deserves to mention John Myung's consistent bass guitar play supporting the other musicians as a solid backbone. Fans of the band will already have a big smile upon their faces when listening to this appropriately chosen opening tune. As an intriguing contrast, the other instrumental song "Are We Dreaming?" is much shorter and rather works as an interlude offering some contextual background as well as an intriguingly adventurous, gothic and mysterious atmosphere.

The second type of songs are this release's catchier tunes and singles of which three have been released to promote this record in advance. This is a rather unusual strategy for this particular band and progressive metal acts in general. However, it was a clever choice to promote the group's reunion record in such a way as several songs have stayed on listeners' minds and have grown over time. "A Broken Man" for instance oozes with atmosphere and can be called progressive gothic metal at its finest without any doubt. "Midnight Messiah" however is much faster and heavier and flirts with traditional heavy metal and even thrash metal influences here and there. The band certainly explores numerous different inspirations on this diversified output.

The third and final type of songs are obviously the band's ambitious epics. That doesn't necessarily mean that these have to be the quintet's longest tunes. "Bend the Clock" is an absolutely outstanding power ballad with heartfelt vocals by James LaBrie and captivating guitar play by John. Petrucci that is so stunningly beautiful that it slowly fades out rather than ending at all. This song will send shivers down the spines of listeners who have always had a soft spot for this band's balladry. Closing epic "The Shadow Man Incident" also deserves much praise since it sounds much shorter than its ambitious length of nearly twenty minutes. It starts wonderfully with great instrumental work, remains in listeners' minds with a strong chorus that only appears halfway through the song and finishes with an atmospheric coda that should once again send shivers down your spine.

Parasomnia might not reinvent Dream Theater's progressive metal style but it captures everything that has made this band stand out in the past four decades and can compete with some of the group's strongest releases. The songwriting quality is consistent from start to finish, the instrumental work is perfectly skilled and the balance between concept and emotions is absolutely stunning. Dream Theater deserves praise, recognition and respect and any progressive metal fan on this planet should give Parasomnia a fair try. In a time when tensions between the United States of America and Canada seem to be growing because of a childish dictator sitting in the White House, Dream Theater's Parasomnia reveals the lasting strength of true American-Canadian friendship.