Dream Theater - A Walk Through the Band

Transcription

Dream Theater - A Walk
Through the Band
by Dream Theater Fan Club
(facebook.com/DTFanClub)
PDF generated using the open source mwlib toolkit. See http://code.pediapress.com/ for more information.
PDF generated at: Fri, 26 Aug 2011 20:40:26 UTC
Contents
Articles
Dream Theater
1
John Petrucci
21
John Myung
27
James LaBrie
34
Jordan Rudess
39
Mike Mangini
46
Mike Portnoy
49
Derek Sherinian
59
Kevin Moore
65
Charlie Dominici
70
Chris Collins (singer)
72
When Dream and Day Unite
74
Images and Words
77
Live at the Marquee (Dream Theater album)
81
Images and Words: Live in Tokyo
83
Awake (Dream Theater album)
85
A Change of Seasons
93
Falling into Infinity
95
Once in a LIVEtime
99
Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory
102
Live Scenes from New York
110
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
113
Train of Thought (Dream Theater album)
117
Live at Budokan (Dream Theater album)
121
Octavarium (album)
125
Score (album)
133
Systematic Chaos
139
Greatest Hit (...And 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs)
148
Chaos in Motion 2007–2008
151
Black Clouds & Silver Linings
155
A Dramatic Turn of Events
162
References
Article Sources and Contributors
166
Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors
170
Article Licenses
License
171
Dream Theater
1
Dream Theater
Dream Theater
Dream Theater at High Voltage 2011
Dream Theater with new drummer Mike Mangini performing at the 2011 High Voltage Festival in Victoria Park, London.
Background information
Origin
Long Island, New York, United States
Genres
Progressive metal
Years active
1985–present
Labels
Roadrunner, Warner Bros., Atlantic, Elektra, EastWest, Atco, Mechanic
Website
[1]
Members
John Petrucci
John Myung
James LaBrie
Jordan Rudess
Mike Mangini
Past members
Mike Portnoy
Kevin Moore
Chris Collins
Charlie Dominici
Derek Sherinian
Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci,
John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently
dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would ultimately become Dream Theater. Though
a number of lineup changes followed, the three original members remained together along with James LaBrie and
Jordan Rudess until September 8, 2010 when Portnoy left the band. In October 2010, the band held auditions for
Portnoy's replacement drummer. Mike Mangini was announced as the new permanent drummer on April 29, 2011.
The band is well known for the technical proficiency of its instrumentalists, who have won many awards from music
instruction magazines. Guitarist John Petrucci has been named as the third player on the G3 tour six times, more than
any invited players. In 2009 he was named the No. 2 best metal guitarist by Joel McIver in his book The 100
Greatest Metal Guitarists. He was also named as one of the "Top 10 Greatest Guitar Shredders of All Time" by
GuitarOne magazine.[2] Former drummer Mike Portnoy has won 23 awards from Modern Drummer magazine and is
also the second youngest person (at the age of 37) to be inducted into the Rock Drummer Hall of Fame. His
replacement Mike Mangini has also previously set 5 WFD records.[3] John Myung was voted the greatest bassist of
Dream Theater
2
all time in a poll conducted by MusicRadar in August through September 2010. The band was inducted into the
Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2010.[4]
The band's highest-selling album is the gold-selling Images and Words (1992), which reached #61 on the Billboard
200 chart.[5] Both the 1994 release Awake and their 2002 release Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence also entered the
charts at #32 and #46 respectively and received mostly positive reviews. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence also led to
Dream Theater becoming the initial band reviewed in the music section of Entertainment Weekly during its opening
week of release, despite the magazine generally preferring more mainstream music. In 2007, Systematic Chaos
entered U.S. Billboard 200 at #19.[5] By 2008, Dream Theater had sold over 2.1 million albums in the U.S. and over
10 million records worldwide.[6] [7]
The band's tenth studio album, Black Clouds & Silver Linings, was released on June 23, 2009. It entered the U.S.
Billboard 200 at #6 and Eurochart Hot 100 at #1, marking their highest entry on either chart. The band finished
recording a new album, A Dramatic Turn of Events, in 2011. The album, the band's first with Mike Mangini, is due
out on September 13, 2011.[8] [9]
History
Early years (1985–1988)
Formation
Dream Theater was formed in Massachusetts in 1985 when guitarist
John Petrucci, bassist John Myung, and drummer Mike Portnoy
decided to form a band while attending the Berklee College of Music.
The trio started by covering Rush and Iron Maiden songs in the
rehearsal rooms at Berklee.
Myung, Petrucci, and Portnoy joined together on the name Majesty for
their newly formed group. According to the The Score So Far...
documentary, they were waiting in line for tickets to a Rush concert at
the Berklee Performance Center while listening to the band on a boom
box. Portnoy commented that the ending of the song "Bastille Day"
(from the album Caress of Steel) sounded "majestic". It was then
decided that Majesty would be the band's name.[10]
Founding members (from left to right) John
Myung, Mike Portnoy, and John Petrucci in 1985.
The trio then set out to fill the remaining positions in the group. Petrucci asked his high school band-mate Kevin
Moore to play the keyboard. After he accepted the position, another friend from home, Chris Collins, was recruited
as lead vocalist after band members heard him sing a cover of "Queen of the Reich" by Queensrÿche.[11] During this
time, Portnoy, Petrucci, and Myung's hectic schedules forced them to abandon their studies to concentrate on their
music, as they did not feel they could learn more in college. Moore also left his college, SUNY Fredonia, to
concentrate on the band.
The beginning months of 1986 were filled with various concert dates in and around the New York City area. During
this time, the band recorded a collection of demos, titled The Majesty Demos. The initial run of 1,000 sold out within
six months, and dubbed copies of the cassette became popular within the progressive metal scene. The Majesty
Demos are still available in their original tape format today, despite being released officially on CD, through Mike
Portnoy's YtseJam Records.
In November 1986, after a few months of writing and performing together, Chris Collins was fired. After a year of
trying to find a replacement, Charlie Dominici, who was far older and more experienced than anyone else in the
band, successfully auditioned for the group. With the stability that Dominici's appointment brought to Majesty, they
Dream Theater
3
began to increase the number of shows played in the New York City area, gaining a considerable amount of
exposure.
Shortly after hiring Dominici, a Las Vegas group also named Majesty[12] threatened legal action for intellectual
property infringement related to the use of their name, so the band was forced to adopt a new moniker. Various
possibilities were proposed and tested, among them Glasser, Magus, and M1, which were all rejected, though the
band did go as Glasser for about a week, though fans reacted poorly to this decision. Eventually, Portnoy's father
suggested the name Dream Theater, the name of a small theater he ran in Monterey, California, and the name
stuck.[13]
When Dream and Day Unite (1988–1990)
Dream Theater in 1989: John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy,
Charlie Dominici, Kevin Moore, John Myung
With their new name and band stability, Dream Theater
concentrated on writing more material while playing more
concerts in New York and in neighboring states. This eventually
attracted the attention of Mechanic Records, a division of MCA.
Dream Theater signed their first record contract with Mechanic on
June 23, 1988[13] and set out to record their debut album. The band
recorded the album at Kajem Victory Studios in Gladwyne,
Pennsylvania. Recording the basic tracks took about 10 days, and
the entire album was completed in about 3 weeks.[14]
When Dream and Day Unite was released in 1989 to far less
fanfare than the band had anticipated. Mechanic ended up
breaking the majority of the financial promises they had made to Dream Theater prior to signing their contract, so
the band was restricted to playing around New York City. The promotional tour for the album consisted of just five
concerts, all of which were relatively local. Their first show was at Sundance in Bay Shore, New York opening for
the classic rock power trio Zebra.[15]
After the fourth show, Charlie Dominici was let go because the band was starting to feel the limitations of his voice
based upon the vocal style they wanted. The band was looking for more of a Bruce Dickinson/Geoff Tate type of
singer. And his stage presence was not what they wanted for a front man. Shortly after, however, the band Marillion
asked Dream Theater to open for them at a gig at the Ritz in New York, so Dominici was given the opportunity to
perform one last time.[15] It would be another two years before Dream Theater had a replacement vocalist.
The Atlantic years
Images and Words and the addition of James LaBrie (1991–1993)
Following Dominici's departure, Dream Theater fought successfully to be released from their contract with
Mechanic, and set about auditioning singers and writing material for their next album. In their search for a new
singer, they auditioned over 200 people, among them former Fates Warning front man John Arch; all were turned
down. In mid-1990, at a gig in New York, Dream Theater introduced Steve Stone as their new singer. They had
successfully recorded demos with him, which can be seen on the Images and Words Demos [16], though he only
performed one live show with them that ended up disastrous, and Stone was fired immediately. The band says he had
been dancing around the stage in a rather odd manner, seemingly doing a bad impression of Bruce Dickinson. Also,
he had infamously shouted 'Scream for me Long Beach!' several times throughout the show, although they were
actually performing in Bayshore, embarrassing the band further.[17] It was five months before Dream Theater played
another show, this time all-instrumental (under the name YtseJam). Until 1991, the band remained focused in an
attempt to hire another singer and writing additional music.[15] It was during this period that they wrote the majority
of what would become 1992's Images and Words.
Dream Theater
In January 1991, Kevin James LaBrie, of glam metal band Winter Rose, was flown from Canada to New York for an
audition. LaBrie jammed on three songs with the band, and was immediately hired to fill the vocalist position. Once
recruited, LaBrie decided to drop his first name to avoid confusion with the other Kevin in the band. For the next few
months, the band returned to playing live shows (still mostly around NYC), while working on vocal parts for the
music written before acquiring LaBrie. Derek Shulman and Atco Records (now EastWest), a division of Elektra
Records, signed Dream Theater to a seven album contract based on a three song demo (later made available as "The
Atco Demos" through the Dream Theater fan club).
The first album to be recorded under their new record contract was 1992's Images and Words. For promotion, the
label released a CD Single and video clip for the song "Another Day", but neither made significant commercial
impact. The song "Pull Me Under", however, managed to garner a high level of radio airplay without any organized
promotion from the band or their label. In response, ATCO produced a video clip for "Pull Me Under", which saw
heavy rotation on MTV. A third video clip was produced for "Take the Time", but it was not nearly as successful as
"Pull Me Under".
The success of "Pull Me Under", combined with relentless touring throughout the U.S. and Japan, caused Images
and Words to achieve gold record certification in the States and platinum status in Japan. A tour of Europe followed
in 1993, which included a show at London's famed Marquee Club. The show was recorded and released as Live at
the Marquee, Dream Theater's first official live album. Additionally, a video compilation of their Japanese concerts
(mixed in with documentary-style footage of the off-stage portion of the tour) was released as Images and Words:
Live in Tokyo.
Awake and Kevin Moore's departure (1994–1995)
Eager to work on fresh material, Dream Theater retreated to the studio in May 1994. Awake, Dream Theater's third
studio album, was released on October 4, 1994 in a hail of controversy among fans. Shortly before the album was
mixed, Moore announced to the rest of the band that he was simply no longer interested in touring, nor did he favor
the style of music Dream Theater performed and would be quitting Dream Theater to concentrate on his own musical
interests.[18] As a result, the band had to scramble to find a replacement keyboardist before a tour could be
considered.
Jens Johansson, who would go on to become a member of Stratovarius, was among the biggest names to audition,
however the band members were eager to fill the position with keyboardist Jordan Rudess. Portnoy and Petrucci had
come across Rudess in Keyboard Magazine, where he was recognized as "best new talent" in the readers' poll. The
two invited him to play a trial gig with the band at the Concrete Foundations Forum in Burbank, California.[15] For
the members of Dream Theater, the show went incredibly well, and Rudess was asked to fill the keyboardist position
permanently, however Rudess opted to tour with The Dixie Dregs instead, since it granted him more personal
latitude. Dream Theater hired fellow Berklee alumnus Derek Sherinian, who had previously toured and recorded
with Alice Cooper and KISS, to fill in for the Awake promotional tour. By the conclusion of the tour, the band
decided to take Sherinian on as Moore's full-time replacement.[10]
A Change of Seasons, Falling into Infinity (1995–1998)
Once again finding themselves with a new member, Dream Theater did not immediately start working on new
material. Fans around the world, united on the YtseJam Mailing List (the most popular form of communication
between Dream Theater fans at that point), had started placing pressure on the band to officially release the song "A
Change of Seasons". It had been written in 1989 and was intended to be a part of Images and Words, but at almost
17 minutes, it was deemed too long for studio placement. However, the band did perform it live on occasion while
continuing to revise it in the years leading up to 1995.
The petition was successful, and the group entered BearTracks Studios in New York in May 1995 to rewrite and
record the 23 minute song with Sherinian contributing significantly to the final product. To disseminate "A Change
4
Dream Theater
of Seasons", the band released it as an EP along with a collection of cover songs recorded live at a show they played
at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London earlier that year.
After a short run of small concerts to promote A Change of Seasons, Dream Theater took a break for a few months.
To keep busy, however, the band released a special Christmas CD through their official fan club, consisting of rare
live tracks recorded during the band's early years. They continued releasing a new CD each Christmas until 2005.[19]
Also during the break the individual members set out to write compositions for their upcoming collaborative writing
sessions.
Meanwhile, there were several changes at EastWest, and Dream Theater's main contact within the label was fired. As
a result, the new team at the company were unaccustomed to the relationship Dream Theater had with former
EastWest personnel, and they pressured them to write an album that was more accessible. In mid-1997, they entered
the studio to write their next album. In addition to pressuring the band to adopt a more mainstream sound, EastWest
recruited writer/producer Desmond Child to work with Petrucci on polishing the lyrics to his song "You or Me". The
whole band substantially reworked the music to the song, and it appeared on the album as "You Not Me" with a
chorus that was barely reminiscent of the original. Child also had a noticeable impact on the album, with a shift
towards compositions that were less complex and more radio-friendly.
The band wrote almost two CDs worth of material, including a 20 minute long follow-up to the Images and Words
song "Metropolis Part 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper". The label, however, did not allow the release of a double
album because it felt that a 140-minute record would not be digestible by the general public. James LaBrie also felt
that the CD should be a single disc.[20] The unused songs were later released in the Ytsejam Records release The
Falling into Infinity Demos.[21]
The material that made it onto the album proper was released as Falling into Infinity, which received a mixed
reception from fans who were more familiar with the band's earlier sound. While the album was moderately
progressive-sounding, tracks such as "Hollow Years" and "You Not Me" prompted some to believe it was the dawn
of a new, mainstream-sounding Dream Theater. Overall, the album was both a critical and commercial
disappointment. Although Portnoy did not speak out publicly at the time, many years later, in the 2004 DVD
commentary for 5 Years in a Livetime, he revealed that he had been so discouraged during this period he'd
considered disbanding Dream Theater altogether.
During the European leg of the Touring into Infinity world tour, two shows were recorded for a live album entitled
Once in a LIVEtime, in France and The Netherlands. The album was released at around the same time as the video 5
Years in a Livetime, which chronicled the time from when Kevin Moore left the band up to the Falling into Infinity
promotional tour.
Addition of Jordan Rudess and Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory (1999–2000)
In 1997, Magna Carta Records' Mike Varney invited Portnoy to assemble a progressive 'supergroup' to work on an
album, which would become the first in a long string of side-projects for the members of Dream Theater.[22] The
lineup consisted of Portnoy on drums, Petrucci on guitar, Tony Levin on bass, and keyboardist Jordan Rudess, who
had finished with the Dixie Dregs. The band assumed the name Liquid Tension Experiment, and would act as a
medium through which Portnoy and Petrucci could once again court Rudess to join Dream Theater. In 1999, he
accepted an offer to become the third full-time Dream Theater keyboardist, replacing Sherinian.[10]
With yet another new member, Dream Theater entered BearTracks Studio once again to write and record their next
album. As a result of an ultimatum from Portnoy, the label gave the band complete creative control. The follow-up to
"Metropolis Part 1", which was written during the Falling Into Infinity sessions (but not used on that album), was
taken off the shelf for reworking. They decided to expand the 20-minute song into a complete concept album, with a
story revolving around themes such as reincarnation, murder and betrayal. To avoid stirring up the fan base, a tight
veil of secrecy enveloped the writing and recording process. The only things fans were privy to prior to its release
were a track list that had been leaked against the band's wishes, and a release date. In 1999, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes
5
Dream Theater
from a Memory was released to high critical acclaim. It was hailed as Dream Theater's masterpiece by many fans and
critics alike, despite only reaching #73 on the US album chart.[5]
The album was mixed by David Bottrill, but only a few of his mixes made it on the final album. The bulk was
remixed by Kevin Shirley. The rest of the mixes can be heard in the band's official bootleg "The Making of Scenes
from a Memory".
A massive world tour followed recording the album, taking over a year to complete, by far their largest to that point.
The concerts reflected the theatrical aspect of the album. They played the entire Scenes From a Memory album from
start to finish, with a video screen on the back wall of the stage showing a narrative companion to the story of the
album. In addition to playing the album in its entirety, the band also played a second set of Dream Theater songs, as
well as a few covers and improvisations of old Dream Theater material. For one extra special show, at the Roseland
Ballroom in New York City, actors were hired to play characters in the story, and a gospel choir was enlisted to
perform in some sections of the performance.
This show, the last North American date of the tour, was recorded for the band's first DVD release. After many
technical delays, the DVD, titled Metropolis 2000, was released in early 2001. Shortly after, the band announced that
an audio version of the concert, with the entire four-hour long set-list (some of which had to be cut from the DVD to
save space), would be released.
The cover for the CD version of the concert, titled Live Scenes from New York, depicted one of Dream Theater's
early logos (the Images and Words-era burning heart, modeled on the Sacred Heart of Christ) modified to show an
apple (as in "Big Apple") instead of the heart, and the New York skyline, including the twin towers of the World
Trade Center, in the flame above it. In an unfortunate coincidence, the album was released on the same date as the
September 11 attacks. The album was quickly recalled by the band and was re-released with revised artwork later,[23]
though some copies were sold, and have since become rare collectors items for fans.
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (2001–2002)
Putting the whole ordeal behind them, Dream Theater once again entered BearTracks Studios to record their sixth
studio album. Four years after they first petitioned EastWest to allow them to release a double album, they finally got
their chance with Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. The first disc consisted of five tracks of 7–13 minutes in length,
and the second disc was devoted entirely to the 42-minute title track, which is to date the longest song Dream
Theater has written. The genesis of that song came when Rudess wrote what would become the "Overture" section of
"Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence", and the band took some different melodies and ideas contained within it and
expanded them into chapters of a complete story.[10]
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence ended up being received very well by critics and the press. It was the most
publicized of Dream Theater's albums since Awake, debuting on the Billboard charts at #46[5] and the Billboard
Internet charts at #1.[24] Throughout the next year and a half they toured the world once more, with an expanded live
show including a select few special "album cover" gigs (see Cover songs section, below), in which they played
Metallica's Master of Puppets and Iron Maiden's The Number of the Beast in their entirety.
Train of Thought (2003–2004)
During 2003, Dream Theater entered the studio to write and record another album. Since Scenes from a Memory was
written and recorded simultaneously in the studio, in the spirit of change, the band took a different approach by
setting aside three weeks for writing prior to recording. In the middle of the recording sessions for the album, a
special tour with two other progressive metal bands, Queensrÿche and Fates Warning, was undertaken in North
America. The "Escape from the Studio American tour", as it was referred to in Dream Theater's promotional
material, featured Queensrÿche and Dream Theater as co-headlining acts with Fates Warning performing supporting
act duties. As a finale for each concert there was an extended encore in which both Dream Theater and Queensrÿche
performed together on stage simultaneously, often playing cover songs.
6
Dream Theater
At the completion of the tour, Dream Theater returned to the studio to finish the recording of their seventh album,
Train of Thought, the follow-up to sixth double disc album Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. They concentrated
more on writing a great song-oriented album, a mindset inspired by covering Master of Puppets and Number of the
Beast on their previous concert tour. As a result, the more straight-forward metal sound of those two albums seemed
to creep into Train of Thought.[25] The album was a critical success, but it alienated a fair proportion of Dream
Theater's fans who preferred traditional progressive rock, such as Yes or King Crimson. Regardless, it seemed to
expand Dream Theater's fan base into new territory, capturing many more metal fans.[10]
Another world tour followed, during which Dream Theater performed support act duties for one of their major
influences, Yes. A modest North American tour was completed by the two bands, after which Dream Theater
continued to tour the world with their so-called "An Evening With Dream Theater" shows.
Their next move was to release another live CD/DVD combination, this time recorded at the famous Nippon
Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan on their Train of Thought World Tour. Live at Budokan was released on October 5,
2004.
Octavarium (2005–2006)
Upon the completion of their Train of Thought
promotional tour, Dream Theater entered the Hit
Factory studios in NYC to record their eighth album.
As it turned out, they would be the last group ever to
record in that famous studio, and after they wrapped up
their final session, the lights were turned off at the
studio forever.[26]
Octavarium was released on June 7, 2005, and took the
band's sound in yet another new direction. Among its
eight songs is a continuation of Portnoy's
Dream Theater after a concert in Paris during the first European leg
"Twelve-step" saga ("The Root of All Evil", steps 6-7
of their tour (2005). From left to right: Mike Portnoy, John Petrucci,
James LaBrie, John Myung and Jordan Rudess
in the 12-step plan), as well as the title track, a
musically versatile 24 minute epic rivaling "A Change
of Seasons". Octavarium received mixed reviews from fans and has been the subject of spirited debate. Octavarium
was the last album under their seven-album deal with Elektra Records, which had inherited the contract upon its
absorption of EastWest Records.
Dream Theater toured extensively throughout 2005 and 2006 to celebrate their 20th Anniversary as a band, including
a headlining spot on Gigantour alongside Megadeth and put together by frontman Dave Mustaine, also featuring Fear
Factory, Nevermore and Symphony X. During a show on August 2, 2005 in Dallas, the band paid tribute to Pantera's
late guitarist Dimebag Darrell by performing the song "Cemetery Gates" as an encore. In addition was the
unexpected appearance of fellow musicians Russell Allen (Symphony X vocalist), Burton C. Bell (Fear Factory
vocalist) and Dave Mustaine (Megadeth vocalist/guitarist), who joined the band on stage to perform parts of the
song.
Dream Theater later departed from Gigantour a few dates before it ended and continued on with their own series of
concerts. Several concerts were recorded and released for the Fanclubs. The 20th anniversary tour concluded with a
show at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 1, 2006. Though the show had minimal promotion, it was
sold out days after tickets were made available. This show, which was recorded for a CD/DVD called Score released
on August 29, 2006 through Rhino Records, was the band's first concert accompanied by an orchestra (the
"Octavarium Orchestra").
7
Dream Theater
The Roadrunner years
Systematic Chaos and Greatest Hit (2006–2008)
After the show at Radio City Music Hall, the band decided to take the summer off for the first time in bands career.
Dream Theater later entered Avatar Studios in September 2006 to record their follow up to 2005's Octavarium, once
again being self produced by John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy, with legendary Studio Engineer, Paul Northfield
handling engineering and mixing duites. Dream Theater's 9th studio album, Systematic Chaos was released on June
5, 2007. The record marked their first with new label Roadrunner Records, a subsidiary of the band's previous label
Atlantic Records. Roadrunner implemented increased promotion for the album, and as a result, Systematic Chaos
reached number 19 on the Billboard 200. It also saw the release of a video for "Constant Motion" on July 14, the
band's first music video since Hollow Years in 1997. An authorized book entitled Lifting Shadows, detailing their
first twenty years, was also released in 2007, with an updated and expanded edition released in 2009[27] Systematic
Chaos contains eight tracks, but technically only seven songs. The album contains an epic titled "In the Presence of
Enemies", bookending the album as tracks 1 and 8, Portnoy's continuing AA Saga with the song "Repentance", and a
song of political nature, "Prophets of War".
The 2007/2008 Chaos In Motion World Tour started off in Italy. Dream Theater played in the Gods of Metal concert
on June 3, 2007.[28] Dream Theater also appeared at the Fields Of Rock Festival in the Netherlands on June 17,
2007.[29] They also played at various other European festivals including the UK's Download Festival and the French
festival Hellfest Summer Open Air with other bands such as Megadeth, Korn, Mastodon and Slayer.
Dream Theater returned to perform the North American leg of the tour on July 24 in San Diego, California and
wrapped up on August 26 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They played with opening acts Redemption and Into
Eternity. The "Chaos In Motion" tour continued for the rest of the year and into 2008, playing shows in Asia, South
America and, for the first time, Australia.[30]
On April 1, 2008, a two-disc compilation album entitled Greatest Hit (...and 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs) was
released by the band. The title jokingly references the song "Pull Me Under", the band's only significant radio hit. It
also includes three song re-mixes from their second album, Images and Words, five edited versions of previously
released songs, and a track from a single B-side. Unlike most greatest hits compilations, Dream Theater was actively
involved with the album, coming up with the tracklisting that they felt best represented their musical careers.
Mike Portnoy, after the release of Greatest Hit, organized a new tour called Progressive Nation 2008. Unlike
previous Dream Theater tours, performances were held in cities that they had not visited before in the past (such as
Vancouver, Canada) or cities they had not played in for several years. This tour also marked the first time, since the
release of Images and Words, where the group performed in small venues and performance halls.
After this tour, the band released a DVD set called Chaos in Motion 2007–2008, a compilation of songs from the
tour supporting their 9th album, Systematic Chaos. There were two sets of DVDs released. One was a regular two
disk set while the Special Edition set contained three CDs of music that went along with the DVDs. It was released
on September 30, 2008.
Black Clouds & Silver Linings and Mike Portnoy's Departure (2008–2010)
On October 7, 2008, Dream Theater again, entered Avatar Studios to begin work on their 10th album, resuming their
relationship with Paul Northfield to engineer and mix the record. The album, titled Black Clouds & Silver Linings,
was released on June 23, 2009.[31] In addition to the standard CD, the album is available on vinyl LP, as well as a
3-disc Special Edition CD that includes the full album, a CD of instrumental mixes of the album and a CD of six
cover songs from artists such as Queen and Rainbow. On July 1, 2009, the album debuted at #6 on Billboard's Top
200 album chart, with first week sales totalling 40,285, making their highest entry on the chart.[32]
Mike Portnoy spoke to Metal Hammer about the new album and commented the song 'The Shattered Fortress' was
the last in a series of songs about his 12 Steps recovery from alcoholism, 'The Best of Times' "is a real heavy
8
Dream Theater
personal subject about my dad who passed away during the making of the album," adding, "He was battling cancer
throughout its making."[33]
The band also embarked on a second Progressive Nation tour, including the tour's first performances in Europe.
Opeth, Unexpect and Bigelf supported Dream Theater in Europe, while Zappa Plays Zappa, Pain Of Salvation, and
Beardfish were slated to perform on the North American leg. However, Pain of Salvation and Beardfish were unable
to tour with Dream Theater and Zappa Plays Zappa because of financial troubles within their respective record
labels. The two new bands that filled the vacated slots for the Progressive Nation 2009 tour in North America were
Bigelf and Scale The Summit with Bigelf performing on both European and North American legs.
After the Progressive Nation Tour, Dream Theater entered the studio right after New Year's to write and record a
brand new instrumental track for inclusion on the God of War III soundtrack EP God of War: Blood & Metal. Titled
"Raw Dog", God (of) War reversed, the instrumental was sent to Roadrunner Records January 8, 2010. This marked
the first time that the band has written and recorded an exclusive track for an outside project.[34] "Raw Dog" includes
the first ever commercially recorded harpejji track, performed by Jordan Rudess, as well as Dream Theaters final
recorded performance with Mike Portnoy on drums. In December 2009, during their Black Clouds & Silver Linings
tour whilst visiting Australia, Dream Theater appeared with one support act, Pain of Salvation.[35] In March 2010,
they toured South America with Bigelf. Afterwards, during the summer of 2010, Dream Theater supported Iron
Maiden on the US and Canadian legs of their summer tour which were the last shows DT played during 2010.[36]
On Wednesday, September 8, 2010, Mike Portnoy announced he had left Dream Theater.[37]
In his official statement he said:
"Dream Theater was always my baby...and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my
life since 1985...24/7, 365...never taking time off from DT's never-ending responsibilities (even when the band
was "off" between cycles)...working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever
would do for a band....But I've come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me out...and I
really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DT
spirit hungry and inspired.
"We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen
EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here & there over the years has
been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a
"hiatus" to recharge our batteries and "save me from ourselves"...
"Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to
continue without me rather than take a breather...I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011
against my initial wishes, but it was not to be..."
The rest of the band did not agree and decided to continue on without him. Because of this decision, Portnoy decided
he will be leaving Dream Theater.[38]
Portnoy, who had recently finished recording Avenged Sevenfold's most recent studio album, "Nightmare" in place
of their late drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, appeared to have an in with Avenged Sevenfold after his departure
from Dream Theater. After the members of Avenged Sevenfold decided to continue on without Portnoy, he went
back to the members of DT to try to reconcile. Unfortunately, the band had already moved on and any chance of
rekindling their working relationship had already passed. Portnoy wrote, “Just for the record, this is indeed
true…Fairly recently, I reached out to the guys to try and make amends and offered to reconcile for the sake of
having peace back in our lives…(plus I know how much it meant to a lot of the fans…),”. Portnoy also wrote online,
“I figured it was still possible to try and save us, because they hadn’t made any announcements yet or begun any
public activity with another drummer…but sadly, they declined my offer (well, actually their lawyer did…they didn’t
even tell me themselves…)”.[39]
9
Dream Theater
10
The addition of Mike Mangini and A Dramatic Turn of Events (2011–present)
After Mike Portnoy's Departure, auditions to find a new drummer were to begin in October.[40] An interview with
James LaBrie conducted on October 8, 2010 confirmed that there were seven world-class drummers lined up for
auditions,[41] which would be taking place through the rest of October. On January 3, John Petrucci stated on his
Twitter account that Dream Theater entered the studio to begin recording their eleventh album, but still had not
revealed who the new drummer was.[42] Two months later, Petrucci posted on his Facebook page that the band had
finished writing the next album and would soon begin the tracking process.[43]
On March 17, 2011, John Petrucci addressed on his forum page, since there was frustration among the fan base about
who the new drummer was, he commented: "I appreciate everyone's patience regarding the announcement (or lack
thereof!) of DT's new drummer. I know it has been very frustrating to have to wait for the news. Believe me, we are
busting at the seams to tell everyone and rest assured that our decision will not disappoint on any level!".[44]
On April 21, 2011, the band released a trailer for an upcoming documentary, entitled "The Spirit Carries On", in
reference to a song from the album "Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory, about the search for their new
drummer. This trailer revealed the seven drummers who auditioned; Mike Mangini, Virgil Donati, Marco
Minnemann, Peter Wildoer, Thomas Lang, Derek Roddy and Aquiles Priester.[45] On Friday April 29, 2011, Dream
Theater revealed over YouTube, in the third and final episode of the documentary, that they chose Mike Mangini as
Portnoy's replacement.[46]
On May 24, 2011, John Petrucci announced that they will be working with legendary producer Andy Wallace for
mixing the album.[47] On June 7, 2011, John Petrucci revealed over Facebook and Twitter that the title of the band's
upcoming album will be A Dramatic Turn of Events.[48] A track listing of the new album was revealed on June 8,
2011.[49] On June 28, 2011 Mixing and mastering of the album had been completed, and on the following day
released their first single from the album, "On the Backs of Angels".[50]
Logo and imagery
Despite the band's being forced to change their name, Dream Theater adopted a
custom logo (known as the Majesty symbol) and wordmark which has appeared
on the vast majority of their promotional material and on the front cover of
almost every Dream Theater studio album. The Majesty symbol is derived from
Mary, Queen of Scots' mark,[51] [52] which was re-worked by Charlie Dominici
for use on the album artwork for When Dream and Day Unite.[53]
Dream Theater wordmark and
"Majesty" symbol
In September 2010, a fan of Dream Theater discovered that all of the letters of
"DOMINICI" fit together perfectly into the Majesty symbol.[54] When Charlie
discovered this, he laughed and mentioned that "it only took them 25 years to figure out the 'Dominici Code!'"[55]
This has earlier also been discovered as shown on the comment section of DTFAQ[53] and in the DTNorway Podcast
Episode 2 from 2008, with Charlie Dominici.[56]
Musical style
Dream Theater is well noted for being one of the early progenitors of the progressive metal genre.[57] The original
two members, John Petrucci and John Myung have strong influences from bands such as Rush, Yes, Iron Maiden,
various speed metal bands, and even the hair metal of the day.[58] This synthesis created a unique metal that was not
traditional of the day: it had distorted guitars and fast riffing, but the music focused more on technical proficiency
and precise execution than on heavy metal riffs. The band's music has focused on three main elements: metal,
melody, and progressive roots.[59] In terms of style and ability, they have been compared to the commercially more
successful Winger.[60]
Dream Theater
11
Live performances
Throughout their career, Dream Theater's live shows have gradually become bigger, longer, and more diverse. The
most obvious example of this is their rotational set list policy. That is, every single night of every tour has had its set
list devised by Portnoy using a meticulous process that ensures its uniqueness. Factors such as set lists from previous
cities are taken into account to ensure that people who see Dream Theater multiple times within the same area will
not see the same songs performed twice, and even the set list from the last time the band was in a particular city is
taken into account for the benefit of fans who see the band on successive tours.[61] Whether or not this practice will
continue following Portnoy's departure remains to be seen.
For this to be possible, the band prepared to play the
majority of its catalogue at any performance, depending
on what Portnoy decided to program for that night. This
process also required the employment of a complex
lighting system to load pre-configured lighting cues
based on the individual songs.
Some of Dream Theater's more notable touring partners
include Porcupine Tree, Symphony X, Between The
Buried And Me, Deep Purple, Emerson, Lake &
Palmer, Iron Maiden, The Dixie Dregs, Joe Satriani,
King's X, Marillion, Megadeth, In Flames, Pain of
Salvation, Opeth, Queensrÿche, Riverside, Spock's
Rudess and Petrucci dueling in Buenos Aires, Argentina (2008).
Beard, Fear Factory, Enchant, 3, Yes and Zappa Plays
Zappa. In 2005, Dream Theater toured North America
with the Gigantour festival, co-headlining with Megadeth, and have played with Megadeth and Iron Maiden
physically on stage.
The band's full world tours, since Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, have predominantly been so-called "Evening
with..." tours, in which the band performs for at least three hours with an intermission and no opening act. The show
that was recorded for Live Scenes From New York was nearly four hours in length, and resulted in Portnoy almost
being hospitalized after acquiring severe food poisoning from the food he ate before the show.[62] [63]
There is also a significant amount of humor, casualness, and improvisation attached to a Dream Theater concert. In
the midst of "A Change of Seasons" it is quite common for themes such as those for Major League Baseball and The
Simpsons to be quoted, and Rudess routinely modifies his solo section in the song and others, often playing the
ragtime section of "When the Water Breaks" from Liquid Tension Experiment 2. Several songs included on Once in
a LIVETime include snippets of others' pieces, such as Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" and Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight
of the Bumblebee." Other quotations include "Mary Had a Little Lamb" during "Endless Sacrifice" on the Gigantour,
a calliope-inspired break between verses of "Under a Glass Moon", a quote of "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina"'s main
melody played by Petrucci while performing the intro solo of "Through Her Eyes" in Buenos Aires, the Turkish
March at a concert in Istanbul, and the opening riff of Rush's "A Passage to Bangkok" at a show in Bangkok,
Thailand. On the "20th Anniversary World Tour" Rudess has even thrown in a short "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"
theme in a break during "Endless Sacrifice", and during a concert in Israel he started a spontaneous "Hava-Nagilla"
later accompanied by the rest of the band.
Occasionally, a member of the audience is picked at random to perform on stage, an example of which can be seen
during Portnoy's drum solo on the Live at Budokan DVD. There have also been many impromptu renditions of
"Happy Birthday" when a member of the band or crew has a birthday corresponding to a tour date, which normally
results in a birthday cake being thrown at the subject.
Dream Theater
Perhaps the best example of Dream Theater's unpredictable concert structure is that during Derek Sherinian's time
with the band. At selected shows the band members all swapped instruments and performed an encore as the
fictitious band dubbed Nightmare Cinema. They usually performed a cover of Deep Purple's "Perfect Strangers",
and, on one occasion, Ozzy Osbourne's "Suicide Solution". At some shows, Sherinian, Petrucci and Portnoy would
take the stage together under the name "Nicky Lemons and the Migraine Brothers". Sherinian, wearing a feather boa
and novelty sunglasses, would perform a pop-punk song entitled "I Don't Like You" with Petrucci and Portnoy
backing. In Chaos in Motion tour, in several concerts before "Trial of Tears", Portnoy and Petrucci would change
positions and play.
Dream Theater's largest audience as a headlining act was 20,000 in Santiago, Chile on December 6, 2005.[64] This
was during their first tour of South American countries other than Brazil (which they had visited in 1997 and 1998).
The show was released on DVD through Portnoy's YtseJam Records.
In the Score and Chaos in Motion DVDs, an animation has accompanied certain parts of the songs, showing the band
playing along to the music as cartoon characters. On the Score DVD, during the song Octavarium, the band is seen
performing in an octagonal shaped maze. As the animation continues Jordan Rudess spontaneously turns into Santa
Claus and John Petrucci catches fire.[65] In "The Dark Eternal Night" from the Chaos in Motion DVD, the band
battles against a monster by shooting fireballs from guitars, throwing drum sticks, and screaming.[66]
In 2007, after their show in Salt Lake City on July 30, Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. signed a proclamation officially
marking July 30, 2007 as Dream Theater Day in the state of Utah.
In 2008 Dream Theater started the "Progressive Nation '08" tour, along with Opeth, Between the Buried and Me, and
3. The tour is the brainchild of Mike Portnoy, who stated, "I've been wanting to assemble a package tour like this for
many years now. With all of the festivals and package tours that go through America, I've been talking with our
manager and agent for over 10 years now about doing something that focuses on the more progressive,
musician-oriented side of hard rock and metal. I decided it was time to stop talking the talk, lace up and finally walk
the walk."[67]
On February 13, 2009, Dream Theater announced the official line up for their Progressive Nation 2009 tour. The tour
was originally set to feature bands including Swedish bands Beardfish and Pain of Salvation, as well as Zappa plays
Zappa. On June 22, 2009, Mike Portnoy announced that Pain of Salvation and Beardfish would not be touring the
North American leg of the Progressive Nation 2009 tour because of record label complications. In the same
announcement, Portnoy stated that the bands Scale the Summit and Bigelf would replace Pain of Salvation and
Beardfish on the tour.[68] This lineup change has put Bigelf on both the North American and European legs of the
Progressive Nation 2009 tour. The tour's North American leg ran throughout July and August 2009. On March 26,
2009 it was announced that Dream Theater would take the Progressive Nation tour to Europe for the first time
alongside Opeth, Bigelf and Unexpect. The tour ran throughout September and October 2009.[69]
In June/July 2010 Dream Theater were the opening band for Iron Maiden during the first leg of their Final Frontier
Tour which included Madison Square Garden as one of the many venues. On December 7, 2010, Dream Theater
announced on their website that they would be headlining the High Voltage Festival alongside Judas Priest in 2011.
In July 2011 they started a new tour to promote their newest release.
12
Dream Theater
Cover songs
Dream Theater has covered other artists' work throughout their career. During the promotional tour for Six Degrees
of Inner Turbulence, during shows in Barcelona, Chicago and New York City, they covered Metallica's Master of
Puppets album in its entirety after a full set of Dream Theater material.
On the next leg of the tour they covered Iron Maiden's The Number of the Beast and received a similar reaction to
Master of Puppets, although it was already known that a cover was to be performed that night because the tour
itinerary included two successive gigs in a single city. On October 11, 2005, Dream Theater covered. Dream
Theater's official webpage stated that the second sets of the second nights in Amsterdam, London, Buenos Aires, São
Paulo and Tokyo (October 11, October 25, December 4, December 11 and January 13 respectively), and also the
second set of the January 15 show in Osaka, would be a classic album covered in its entirety. The Dark Side of the
Moon was played again on October 25 in London. However, in Buenos Aires (December 4) and São Paulo
(December 11) the 'classic album' played was Dream Theater's own Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory, to
make up for not having visited Argentina and Brazil in their Metropolis 2000 tour. On January 13, 2006 (Tokyo) and
on the 15th (Osaka), Dream Theater covered Deep Purple's live album Made in Japan. Portnoy said that he had
planned one more cover show, but refused to reveal when it would occur, or what album would be covered.[70]
Under Mike Portnoy's drum solo under the instrumental track, Ytse Jam, from the Images and Words: Live in Tokyo
DVD, he covered the beginning of Pantera's "By Demons Be Driven" from their sixth album, Vulgar Display of
Power.
During Gigantour 2005, Dream Theater did a cover of Pantera's "Cemetery Gates" as a tribute to "Dimebag" Darrel
Lance Abbott. As an added bonus, they had Burton C. Bell of Fear Factory, and Russell Allen of Symphony X do
guest vocals and Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, do the main solo for the song.
In March 2006, Dream Theater played the Rush song "Jacob's Ladder" at a show in Toronto. John Petrucci said a
few days later in Asbury Park, New Jersey, prior to the night's show, that "Rush wouldn't play it, so we thought we'd
play it for them."
In addition, Dream Theater performed several live cover songs on their EP A Change of Seasons, including songs
from Elton John, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Genesis, Journey, Kansas, and Dixie Dregs.
In 2008, they recorded a version of Iron Maiden's "To Tame a Land" for a Kerrang magazine compilation entitled
Maiden Heaven.[71] This song was later included on the special edition of Black Clouds and Silver Linings.
Also in 2007/2008, they performed portions of "Sugar Mice" by Marillion at various live shows, including in Seoul,
Korea.
Dream Theater also recorded a number of cover songs for their 2009 album Black Clouds & Silver Linings. The
songs came as a bonus disc in the special editions version of the album.
Dream Theater played "Hava Nagila", the traditional Jewish song, during "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the
Sleeper" at a sold-out concert in Tel Aviv, Israel on June 16, 2009.[72]
On August 14, 2009 during a Toronto show, Dream Theater played the Rush song "The Camera Eye", which was
originally released on Rush's Moving Pictures album.
Dream Theater also performed "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd eight times during their 'Escape The Studio'
Tour, accompanied by Queensrÿche from July 12 - August 2, 2003.[73]
13
Dream Theater
Bootleg culture
Dream Theater have released a series of official bootlegs, demos and other rarities through YtseJam Records, headed
by Portnoy.[74]
Demo series
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Majesty Demos 1985–1986
When Dream and Day Unite Demos 1987–1989
Images and Words Demos 1989–1991
Awake Demos
Falling Into Infinity Demos
Train of Thought Instrumental Demos 2003
Studio series
• The Making of Falling Into Infinity
• The Making of Scenes From a Memory
Live series
•
•
•
•
•
•
New York City – 3/4/93
Tokyo, Japan – 10/28/95
Old Bridge, New Jersey – 12/14/96
Los Angeles, California – 5/18/98
Bucharest, Romania – 7/4/02
When Dream and Day Reunite – 5/6/04 CD/DVD
Cover series
•
•
•
•
•
Master of Puppets (CD)
The Number of the Beast (CD)
Made in Japan (CD)
Uncovered 2003–2005 (CD)
The Dark Side of the Moon (CD/DVD)
Discography
Studio albums
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
When Dream and Day Unite (1989)
Images and Words (1992)
Awake (1994)
A Change of Seasons (EP) (1995)
Falling into Infinity (1997)
Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory (1999)
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (2002)
Train of Thought (2003)
Octavarium (2005)
• Systematic Chaos (2007)
• Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009)
14
Dream Theater
15
• A Dramatic Turn of Events (2011)
Tours
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Majesty Shows (1986–1988)
Early Dream Theater Shows (1989)
When Dream and Tour Unite (1989)
Pre-Images and Words Shows (1990–1992)
Images and Tour (1992-1993)
Music in Progress Tour (1993)
Pre-Awake Shows (1994)
Waking Up the World Tour (1994–1995)
A Change of Seasons Tour (1995)
Home for the Holidays (1995)
The Fix for '96 (1996)
An Evening of New Music (1997)
Touring into Infinity (1997–1998)
Deep Purple/ELP/Dream Theater Tour (1998)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
An Intimate Evening with Dream Theater (1998)
Pre-Scenes From a Memory (1999)
Scenes From a Memory Tour (1999)
Metropolis 2000 (2000)
World Tourbulence (2002)
Escape From the Studio (2003)
Train of Thought Tour (2004)
Octavarium Tour (2005–2006)
Gigantour 2005 (2005)
Chaos in Motion Tour (2007–2008)
Progressive Nation 2008 (2008)
Black Clouds & Silver Linings Tour (2009–2010)
Progressive Nation 2009 (2009)
The Final Frontier World Tour (2010)
A Dramatic Turn of Events Tour (2011)
Band members
Current members
Former members
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
John Petrucci – lead guitar, vocals
John Myung – bass guitar, Chapman Stick
James LaBrie – lead vocals, percussion
Jordan Rudess – keyboards, Continuum, lap steel guitar
Mike Mangini – drums, percussion
Mike Portnoy – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Kevin Moore – keyboards
Chris Collins – vocals
Charlie Dominici – vocals
Derek Sherinian – keyboards
Dream Theater
Awards and certificates
RIAA gold and platinum certifications[75]
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Images and Words (Gold) – February 2, 1995
Metropolis 2000: Live Scenes From New York (Gold) – November 8, 2002
Live at Budokan (DVD) (Platinum) – January 26, 2005
Live in Tokyo/5 Years in a Livetime (Platinum) – March 22, 2006
Score (DVD) (Platinum) – October 11, 2006
Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory (Gold) – 2010
Keyboard Magazine
Jordan Rudess was awarded the following Keyboard Magazine Reader's Poll award:
1. Best New Talent (1994)[76]
Burrn Magazine
Jordan Rudess was awarded:
1. Best keyboards player of the year (2007)
Guitar World
The album Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory was ranked #95 on the magazine's list of the 100 Greatest
Guitar Albums of All Time.[77]
Total Guitar Paul Gillard
John Petrucci won Guitarist of the year award (2007)
Ultimate Guitar Archive
In 2009, Dream Theater were placed on the Top 10 in Ultimate Guitar's The Greatest Metal Bands of the Decade.[78]
Classic Rock magazine
Dream Theater won The Spirit of Prog Award at the Classic Rock Roll of Honour 2009 in London.[79] [80] They were
also nominated for the Album of the Year Award for their newest record, Black Clouds & Silver Linings, but lost to
AC/DC's Black Ice.[81]
Rolling Stone
In July 25th, 2011, Dream Theater were placed on the list "The Best Prog Rock Bands of All Time", chosen by the
Rolling Stone Magazine's readers poll.[82]
MusicRadar
The MusicRadar readers poll placed them amongst "The 30 greatest live acts in the world today" (as of 2010). They
peaked #5 on the list, placed over artists like Metallica, Muse, U2 and Coldplay.[83]
John Myung, from August through September 2010, was voted the greatest bassist of all time. In the same time
frame, Mike Portnoy was voted the second best drummer ever, losing out to Joey Jordison. In December 2010,
James LaBrie was voted the 15th best frontman of all time (with Axl Rose coming first and Freddie Mercury in
second). Jordan Rudess was voted the best keyboardist of all time in a poll conducted from June to July this year,
with John Petrucci coming second in a shred-guitarist poll conducted in May this year (losing out to Al Di Meola.
Other recognitions
• At Dream Theater's Salt Lake City show, Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. signed a proclamation making July 30,
2007, "Dream Theater Day".[84]
• Dream Theater played twice on Xbox 360s Game With Fame event. They played Halo 3 in December 2007[85]
and Call of Duty: World at War in June 2009.[86]
• On November 2010, Dream Theater was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.
16
Dream Theater
References
[1] http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net
[2] "Top Shredders of All Time" (http:/ / www. randyciak. com/ guitar/ top_shredders_of_all_time. htm). RandyCiak.com. . Retrieved
2008-02-26.
[3] "World's Fastest Drummer" (http:/ / www. worldsfastestdrummer. com/ mikemangini. htm). . Retrieved 30 June 2011.
[4] "Dream Theater's John Myung: "Being Inducted Is Like Passing An Important Mile Marker In Our Career..."" (http:/ / www.
roadrunnerrecords. com/ news/
Dream-Theaters-John-Myung-Being-Inducted-Is-Like-Passing-An-Important-Mile-Marker-In-Our-Career-22417. aspx).
Roadrunnerrecords.com. 2010-11-17. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[5] Billboard Chart history for Dream Theater can be seen at Billboard.com (http:/ / www. billboard. com/ bbcom/ retrieve_chart_history.
do?model. vnuArtistId=14435& model. vnuAlbumId=681399).
[6] "‪Dream Theater - The Spirit Carries On Episode 1‬‫( "‏‬http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=L609JsPFmmI& feature=relmfu). YouTube.
2011-04-21. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[7] "Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy talks about sharing the road" (http:/ / www. goldminemag. com/ article/
dream-theater-mike-portnoy-talks-about-sharing-the-road). GoldmineMag. 2010. . Retrieved 2010-08-29.
[8] "Rock Interview: Dream Theater" (http:/ / gmgradiocdn. co. uk/ audio/ 2011/ 05/ 5cn5cw7ufh. mp3). rockradio.co.uk. . Retrieved
2011-05-31.
[9] "Dream Theater's official website" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ news_dreamtheater. php#pressrelease). 2011. . Retrieved 2011-06-28.
[10] This was referenced in the documentary "The Score so Far", on the second disc of the Score DVD.
[11] Portnoy, Mike (2003). "The Majesty Demos 1985-1986" [CD Liner Notes]. New York: Ytsejam Records.
[12] "The Dream Theater FAQ - Graphic Version" (http:/ / www. gabbo. net/ dt/ faq/ ). Gabbo.net. . Retrieved 2009-01-02.
[13] Portnoy, Mike (2004). And Nathan Edmonds help produce "When Dream and Day Unite Demos" 1987-1989 [CD Liner Notes]. New York:
YtseJam Records.
[14] Dominici, Charlie. When Dream And Day Unite liner notes (2004 re-release).
[15] Please see MikePortnoy.com tourography (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ dates/ tourography/ ?tour=4) for more information on this
tourdate.
[16] http:/ / dreamtheater. wikia. com/ wiki/ Images_and_Words_Demos
[17] Portnoy's tourography: June 9, 1990 tour date (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ dates/ tourography/ ?show=28)
[18] EastWest Records Press Release.
[19] Nine Christmas CDs were released through Dream Theater's fan club before it was closed down in 2005. See DTIFC on Dream Theater.net
(http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ dtifc. php?p=annualcd).
[20] LaBrie, James. (Summer '97) Images & Words No. 14, pg. 5
[21] "Falling into Infinity Demos" (http:/ / www. ytsejamrecords. com/ ProductCart/ pc/ viewPrd. asp?idcategory=6& idproduct=26).
Ytsejamrecords.com. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[22] Portnoy, Mike (1998). "Liquid Tension Experiment" [CD Liner Notes]. New York: Magna Carta Records.
[23] "Mike Portnoy FAQ" (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ aboutmike/ faq/ answers/ 12. aspx#213). .
[24] DreamTheater.net (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ archive_dreamtheater. php?y=2002#billboard) reported that Six Degrees of Inner
Turbulence had reached #1 on the Billboard Internet Charts.
[25] Mike Portnoy (2007) "In Constant Motion" Instructional DVD, Train of Thought album analysis.
[26] Moldstad, Frank. "New York's Hit Factory Gets a New Identity" (http:/ / digitalprosound. digitalmedianet. com/ articles/ viewarticle.
jsp?id=45690). Digital Pro Sound. .
[27] "Lifting Shadows - The Authorised Story Of Dream Theater" (http:/ / www. dreamtheaterbook. com/ ). Dreamtheaterbook.com. . Retrieved
2009-01-02.
[28] "Gods of Metal official website" (http:/ / www. godsofmetal. it/ ). Godsofmetal.it. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[29] " DREAM THEATER Begins Recording New Album, Seeks New Label Home (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/
news. aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=59931)". Blabbermouth.net (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net)
[30] " OPETH To Support DREAM THEATER In North America (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/ news.
aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=81636)."
[31] "Dream Theater – Black Clouds & Silver Linings" (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ forum/ m2268614. aspx). Mikeportnoy.com. .
Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[32] "Dream Theater debut's at 6 on Billboard Top 200, The Gauntlet" (http:/ / www. thegauntlet. com/ article/ 1124/ 16276/
Holy-Shit-Dream-Theater-debuts-at-6-on-Billboard-Top-200. html). Thegauntlet.com. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[33] "Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy Pens Tribute To Late Father" (http:/ / www. metalhammer. co. uk/ news/
dream-theaterâs-mike-portnoy-pens-tribute-to-late-father/ ). Metalhammer.co.uk. 2009-05-01. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[34] Portnoy, Mike. "MP's Forecast for 2010" (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ forum/ m2443312. aspx). mikeportnoy.com. .
[35] Mark Bredius (2011-06-14). "tour dates for Australia, December 1–12, 2009" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ tourdates.
php#dtnzaustralia). Dreamtheater.net. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
17
Dream Theater
[36] "Dream Theater to tour with Iron Maiden this summer 2010" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ news/
Dream-Theater-To-Tour-With-Iron-Maiden-This-Summer-21029. aspx). Road Runner Records. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[37] Portnoy, Mike. "Mike Portnoy's Press Release" (http:/ / www. facebook. com/ notes/ mike-portnoy/ mike-portnoy-leaves-dream-theater/
137362372974878). Facebook. . Retrieved 2010-08-30.
[38] Mark Bredius. "Dream Threater - The Official Site" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ news_dreamtheater. php#mppressrelease).
Dreamtheater.net. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[39] Name: (2010-12-20). "Rejected! Mile Portnoy Tried To Rejoin Dream Theater" (http:/ / gunshyassassin. com/ news/
rejected-mike-portnoy-tried-to-rejoin-dream-theater/ ). Gun Shy Assassin. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[40] John Petrucci on (http:/ / twitter. com/ JPetrucci) Twitter
[41] "DREAM THEATER Singer Says Seven 'World-Class' Drummers Will Audition For Band In Two Weeks - Oct. 8, 2010" (http:/ / www.
roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/ news. aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=147378). Blabbermouth. . Retrieved 2010-11-01.
[42] "John Petrucci's Twitter account" (http:/ / twitter. com/ JPetrucci/ status/ 21907283457867776). 2011. .
[43] "John Petrucci's Facebook account" (http:/ / www. facebook. com/ johnpetrucciFB/ posts/ 169479939770693). 2011. .
[44] "Petrucci Forum account" (http:/ / www. petrucciforum. com/ forums/ showthread. php?72949-Update-from-JP). 2011. .
[45] "Facebook teaser video of Seven Auditionees" (http:/ / www. facebook. com/ pages/ Dream-Theater/
7677942180?sk=app_108468622525037). Facebook.com. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[46] "Dream Theater, The Spirit Carries On – Episode 2 : Mike Mangini" (http:/ / www. radiometal. com/ en/ article/
dream-theater-the-spirit-carries-on-episode-2-mike-mangini-2,35867). Radio Metal. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[47] "Roadrunner Records announces Andy Wallace as mixer" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ news/
Dream-Theater-Album-To-Be-Mixed-By-Andy-Wallace-23023. aspx?utm_source=Facebook& utm_medium=FB+ (DT+ Andy+ Wallace)&
utm_campaign=FB+ (DT+ Andy+ Wallace)). 2011. .
[48] "John Petrucci's Facebook" (http:/ / www. facebook. com/ johnpetrucciFB/ posts/ 191937184190827). 2011. .
[49] "Dream Theater official MySpace blog" (http:/ / www. myspace. com/ dreamtheater/ blog/ 543196705#pm_cmp=O_5785_notif). 2011. .
[50] "Dream Theater To Debut New Track!" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ news/ Dream-Theater-To-Debut-New-Track-23075. aspx).
Roadrunnerrecords.com. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[51] The mark used by Mary, Queen of Scots, is available on DreamTheater.net (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ pics/ marysymb. jpg).
[52] "An embroidery showing the Mary, Queen of Scots, symbol in use" (http:/ / www. marie-stuart. co. uk/ images/ sun embroidery. jpg). .
[53] Dixon, Brad et al. " What is the 'symbol' DT use? (http:/ / faq. dtnorway. com/ question/ 29)".
[54] "What does Dream Theater, Majesty and Dominici have in common?" (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=jfdRfcCe_NM). YouTube.
2010-09-13. . Retrieved 2010-09-28.
[55] "Someone finally figured out the "Dominici Code!"" (http:/ / www. dominici. com/ forum/ index. php?topic=421. 0). DOMINICI.com
Forum. 2010-09-28. . Retrieved 2010-09-28.
[56] "Echo's Hill Podcast" (http:/ / dtnorway. com/ podcast. xml). DTNorway. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[57] "Progressive Metal" (http:/ / allmusic. com/ explore/ style/ progressive-metal-d2952). Allmusic. . Retrieved 2010-12-12.
[58] York, Will. "Dream Theater" (http:/ / www. rhapsody. com/ dream-theater). Rhapsody. . Retrieved 2010-12-12.
[59] Portnoy, Mike. "Dream Theater - Interview - part 1" (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=vlbhILPW80A& feature=related).
TheCrookedStep.com. . Retrieved 2010-12-12.
[60] ^ Kip Winger Interview at Heavy Metal and Power Metal Portal www.1heavymetal.com
[61] Campbell, Courtney. " Mike Portnoy - Dream Theater (http:/ / www. earplugsrequired. com/ bands/ dreamtheater/ dreamtheatermike. html)".
Earplugs Required.
[62] See the Metropolis 2000: Scenes From New York DVD
[63] Hansen, Scott & Portnoy, Mike. " What’s this I hear about Mike being really sick after the Roseland (DVD) show? What happened? (http:/ /
mikeportnoy. com/ about/ mpfaq/ showquestion. asp?menu=about& faq=1& fldAuto=102)". MP FAQ (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/
about/ mpfaq).
[64] Voices UK: Dream Theater Fan Club "Dream Theater News: Record crowd" (http:/ / voicesuk. net/ news. php)
[65] "Octavarium animation" (http:/ / www. clevver. com/ music/ video/ 24600/ dream-theater-octavarium-animation. html). Clevver.com. .
[66] NADS Animation By: Mika Tyyska (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=XLK4xtZ3H78)
[67] "Progressive Nation 2008 - Press Release" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ news_dreamtheater. php#prognation). dreamtheater.net (Dream
Theater). 2007-11-05. . Retrieved 2008-05-11.
[68] Mark Bredius. "Progressive Nation 2009 North American Tour - Lineup Change" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ news_dreamtheater.
php#pnlineup). Dreamtheater.net. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[69] Mark Bredius (2011-06-14). "Progressive Nation Tour Dates" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ tourdates. php). Dreamtheater.net. .
[70] Hansen, Scott & Portnoy, Mike. " What are all the aspects involved in covering an entire album by another band? What does Mike take into
consideration when picking an album? (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ about/ mpfaq/ showquestion. asp?fldAuto=353)". MP FAQ (http:/ /
www. mikeportnoy. com/ about/ mpfaq).
18
Dream Theater
[71] "Maiden Heaven track listing revealed!" (http:/ / www2. kerrang. com/ 2008/ 06/ maiden_heaven_track_listing_re. html). .kerrang.com. .
[72] "Video of Dream Theater playing in Tel Aviv, they play "Hava Nagila"" (http:/ / whiplash. net/ materias/ news_874/ 091017-dreamtheater.
html). Whiplash.net. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[73] "Dream Theater setlist of the mini-tour with Queensryche" (http:/ / www. setlist. fm/ setlist/ dream-theater/ 2003/
kahuna-summerstage-wilmington-de-5bd6d390. html). Setlist.fm. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[74] "YtseJam Records - The Official Dream Theater Bootlegs" (http:/ / www. ytsejamrecords. com). Ytsejamrecords.com. . Retrieved
2009-01-02.
[75] "listing of Dream Theater awards" (http:/ / www. riaa. com/ goldandplatinumdata. php?resultpage=1& table=SEARCH_RESULTS&
action=& title=& artist=dream theater& format=& debutLP=& category=& sex=& releaseDate=& requestNo=& type=& level=& label=&
company=& certificationDate=& awardDescription=& catalogNo=& aSex=& rec_id=& charField=& gold=& platinum=& multiPlat=&
level2=& certDate=& album=& id=& after=& before=& startMonth=1& endMonth=1& startYear=1958& endYear=2010& sort=Artist&
perPage=25). Riaa.com. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[76] "Jordan Rudess biography" (http:/ / www. jordanrudess. com/ jr/ index2. html). Jordanrudess.com. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[77] "Dream Theater's Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory ranks #95 on Guitar World's 100 greatest guitar albums of all time" (http:/ /
rateyourmusic. com/ list/ Boggs1027/ guitar_worlds_100_greatest_guitar_albums_of_all_time). Rateyourmusic.com. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[78] Ultimate Guitar's Best Metal Bands of the Decade! http:/ / www. ultimate-guitar. com/ columns/ features/
the_top_ten_bands_of_the_decade_metal_continues_to_rule_supreme. html
[79] "‪Канал користувача ArtisanNewsService‬‫( "‏‬http:/ / www. youtube. com/ user/ ArtisanNewsService#p/ search/ 4/ bWBma2xE4q4).
YouTube. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[80] "Dream Theater won The Spirit of Prog Award at Classic Rock Roll of Honour 2009!" (http:/ / www. classicrockmagazine. com/ news/
iggy-pop-awarded-living-legend-at-classic-rock-roll-of-honour-2009/ ). Classicrockmagazine.com. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[81] "Classic Rock » Blog Archive » Classic Rock Roll Of Honour ‘09 Nominations!" (http:/ / www. classicrockmagazine. com/ news/
classic-rock-roll-of-honour-09-nominations/ ). Classicrockmagazine.com. 2009-06-26. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[82] Greene, Andy. "Readers Poll: The Best Prog Rock Bands of All Time" (http:/ / www. rollingstone. com/ music/ photos/
readers-poll-the-best-prog-rock-bands-of-all-time-20110720/ 0318489). Rolling Stone. . Retrieved July 25, 2011.
[83] "The 30 greatest live acts in the world today" (http:/ / www. musicradar. com/ news/ guitars/
the-30-greatest-live-acts-in-the-world-today-462684). MusicRadar.com. 2011-06-16. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[84] "Utah Governor Declares DREAM THEATER Day - July 31, 2007" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/ news.
aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=77886). Blabbermouth.net. . Retrieved 2010-11-02.
[85] "Xbox.com - Game with Fame - Game with Fame: Dream Theater Recap" (http:/ / replay. waybackmachine. org/ 20081015200636/ http:/ /
www. xbox. com/ en-US/ community/ calendar/ gamewithfame/ 2007/ 1218-dreamtheater-recap. htm). Archived from the original (http:/ /
www. xbox. com/ en-US/ community/ calendar/ gamewithfame/ 2007/ 1218-dreamtheater-recap. htm) on 2008-10-15. .
[86] "Xbox.com - Events - Play Call of Duty: World at War with Dream Theater" (http:/ / replay. waybackmachine. org/ 20090619014130/ http:/
/ www. xbox. com/ en-US/ community/ calendar/ gamewithfame/ 2009/ 0620-dreamtheatre. htm). Archived from the original (http:/ / www.
xbox. com/ en-US/ community/ calendar/ gamewithfame/ 2009/ 0620-dreamtheatre. htm) on 2009-06-19. .
Further reading
• Bredius, Mark. Dream Theater - The official site (http://www.dreamtheater.net). (Retrieved February–April
2005.)
• Dixon, Brad et al. Official Dream Theater FAQ (http://faq.dtnorway.com). (Retrieved February–April 2005,
moved c. 2007.)
• Hansen, Scott & Portnoy, Mike. Dream Theater Tourography (http://www.mikeportnoy.com/dates/
tourography.asp?menu=dates). (Retrieved February–April 2005.)
• King, Brian. (2003). "JaM Progductions! Interview with John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy". Theater of Dreams 29,
pp. 14–20.
• Hansen, Scott. (2003). "James LaBrie: As this man thinks". Theater of Dreams 27/28, pp. 26–30.
• Hale, Mark (1993). "1731 Majesty". Headbangers (First edition, second printing ed.). Ann Arbor, Michigan:
Popular Culture, Ink. ISBN 1-56075-029-4.
19
Dream Theater
External links
• Official website (http://http://www.dreamtheater.net)
• 2011 interview with James LaBrie on Prog Sphere (http://www.prog-sphere.com/2011/07/11/
resurfacing-an-interview-with-james-labrie/)
20
John Petrucci
21
John Petrucci
John Petrucci
John Petrucci with Dream Theater in Rio 2008.
Birth name
John Peter Petrucci
Born
July 12, 1967
Kings Park, Long Island, New York
Genres
Progressive metal, instrumental rock, progressive rock, jazz fusion
Instruments
Guitar, vocals, bass, drums, programming
Years active
1985–present
Labels
Roadrunner, Sound Mind Music, Magna Carta
Associated acts Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, Explorers Club, Eric Johnson, Jon Finn Group, Nightmare Cinema, G3
Website
www.johnpetrucci.com
[1]
Notable instruments
•
Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature Model
John Peter Petrucci (born July 12, 1967) is an American guitarist and songwriter best known as a founding member
of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. Along with his former bandmate Mike Portnoy, he has produced all
Dream Theater albums since their 1999 release, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory. He is also a backing
vocalist for Dream Theater. Petrucci was named as the third player on the G3 tour six times, more than any other
invited guitarists. In 2009 he was named the No. 2 Best metal guitarist by Joel McIver in his book The 100 Greatest
Metal Guitarists.[2] He was also named as one of the "Top 10 Greatest Guitar Shredders of All Time" by GuitarOne
magazine.[3]
John Petrucci
22
Biography
John Petrucci was born on July 12, 1967 in Kings Park New York
to an Italian American family. He picked up the guitar at the early
age of 8 because his older sister was allowed to go to bed later in
order to practice the piano. However he decided to quit the guitar
when his attempts to stay up late were unsuccessful. He would
later pick up the guitar again at the age of 12 when his childhood
friend and future Dream Theater keyboardist Kevin Moore invited
John to join his cover band.
John attended Berklee College of Music in Boston with childhood
friend John Myung (bass), where they met future bandmate Mike
Portnoy (drums). These three in addition to Kevin Moore, formed
the band Majesty, which would later become Dream Theater.
John Petrucci performing live.
While Dream Theater is what Petrucci is most commonly
associated with, he is also a part of the project band Liquid
Tension Experiment and has appeared as a guest on several records by other artists such as the Age of Impact album
by the Explorer's Club.
Petrucci has released a guitar instructional video, "Rock Discipline", which covers warm up exercises, exercises to
avoid injury while playing, alternate picking, sweep picking, chords and other techniques for developing one's guitar
playing. Petrucci also has a book named "Guitar World presents John Petrucci's Wild Stringdom", which was
compiled from columns he wrote for Guitar World magazine, bearing that same title.
In 2001, John Petrucci was invited by Joe Satriani and Steve Vai to tour with them on the popular G3 guitar tour,
which exposed him to a massive number of new fans and inspired him to record a solo album. The album, Suspended
Animation, was released on March 1, 2005, and was made available for order from his web site. Petrucci also
appeared on the 2005 and 2006 G3 tours, and in 2007, went on G3 tour again, this time with Paul Gilbert and Joe
Satriani. In a recent video with Larry DiMarzio, Petrucci revealed that he's been working on a follow up to his 2004
album, "Suspended Animation" along with the new Dream Theater album.[4]
Petrucci also wrote and recorded two instrumental soundtrack songs for a Sega Saturn game titled Digital Pinball:
Necronomicon. Each track is roughly two minutes long and they are simply titled "Prologue" and "Epilogue".
According to the spoof rock band Nightmare Cinema (the Dream Theater members changing instruments playing a
gig) he got the "alternate stage name" Johnny James.
Dream Theater bandmate Jordan Rudess revealed in an interview that Petrucci is a practicing Catholic.[5] He
currently lives in St. James, New York with his wife Rena Sands, a guitarist in the all-female heavy metal band
Meanstreak, and they have 3 children, Samantha and Reny (who are twins), and Kiara. He is also an avid fan of
bodybuilding and dedicates much of his off time to weight training.[6]
He is a voting member of NARAS.
Musical style
Guitar Technique
Petrucci is respected for his variety of guitar styles and skills. One of the most notable of these is his high speed
alternate picking which, as he himself claims, requires a "strong sense of synchronization between the two [playing]
hands." John is notable for frequent use of the seven-string electric guitar, which he states is used as a "writing tool",
taking advantage of the extended range both for heavier riffing (The Mirror) and to play extended range runs as part
John Petrucci
23
of a solo (This Dying Soul). Petrucci has also been known to directly incorporate riffs and solos from other bands
into live Dream Theater performances. For example, Pink Floyd's 'Have a Cigar' and Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' are
referenced during the performance of 'Peruvian Skies' from the 'Once in a Livetime' live album. Another example
occurs in Dream Theater's live DVD 'Chaos in Motion', during the extended version of 'Surrounded'. Here, Petrucci
incorporates the guitar solo from 'Mother' by Pink Floyd. The varied examples of this further demonstrate Petrucci's
wide range of influences.
In addition, Petrucci is the only band member to have contributed lyrics to every album; he's written lyrics for at
least three songs for every single album. These include, among others, the fan favorite Metropolis, Pt. 1: The
Miracle and the Sleeper, the heartfelt The Spirit Carries On, the politically-charged The Great Debate and the epic
In the Presence of Enemies. Furthermore, Petrucci has used real-life experiences for lyrical inspiration, which
includes songs as The Count of Tuscany, A Nightmare to Remember, and Endless Sacrifice.
Singing
Petrucci has been Dream Theater's backing vocalist since the Awake's Tour. His singing is much darker than James
Labrie's and is often used in bridges like "Solitary Shell", and in choruses of songs such as "Forsaken" and "In The
Name of God". On the EP Wither Petrucci performs lead vocals on an alternative, demo version of the title track. He
had previously done his own vocals for "The Spirit Carries On". During live performances before the departure of
Mike Portnoy, he only sang small sections of backing vocals or harmonies.
Guitar Rig
Studio albums
Album
Amplifiers
Majesty/When Dream And Day Unite
Randall RG100ES
Images and Words
Mesa Quad Preamp, Mesa Triaxis/2:90, Marshall JMP1 for Metropolis Pt.1, Roland JC120 for cleans
Awake
Only album to be quadruple layered. 2 takes using Dual Rectifier, 2 takes using Mark IIC+
A Change Of Seasons
Mark IIC+, Mark IV, TriAxis
Falling Into Infinity
Dual Rectifier, Mark IIC+, Mark IIB, Mark IV, TriAxis
Metropolis Pt.2: Scenes From A Memory Mark IIC+, Mark IV, TriAxis, Formula, Dual Rectifier
Mark IIC+, Dual Rectifier (for The Glass Prison)
Train Of Thought
Road King Series I
Octavarium
Road King Series I, Mark IV, Lone Star
Systematic Chaos
Lone Star, Mark IV
Lone Star, Mark IV, Mark IIC+, Mark V
Suspended Animation
Roadking Series 1, Mark IIC+
Liquid Tension Experiment
TriAxis, 2:90 power amp
Liquid Tension Experiment 2
Mark IIC+, Mark IV
John Petrucci
24
Live
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
I&W Tour: 2 Triaxis Preamps (one for backup), 2:90 power amp, Mesa Abacus+Mesa Midi Matrix for switching
Scenes From NY: Triaxis, Dual Rectifier, Mark IIC+, Mark IV, Formula Preamp, 2:90 power amps
Live At Budokan: Road King Series 1 (x3), Lonestar (x2)
Score: Custom Built "Nunya" Preamp, Formula Preamp, mesa 2:100 power amp, 4 Mesa 4x12's and 4 Mesa
2x12's. Midi switching by Steen Skrydstrup.
2005 G3 Tokyo: Dual Rectifier (x2) Road King (x2)
2007 G3 tour: Mark IV (x2), Formula preamp
2007 Systematic Chaos Tour: Mark IV (x2), Lonestar (x1), TC Electronic 2290, M3000, Eventide Ultra
Harmonizer, Jim Dunlop rack wah & various stomp boxes. Midi switching by Axess Electronics.
2009 BC&SL Tour: Mark V(x3), 3x Mesa/Boogie Mark V, 1x TC Electronics C400XL Compressor/ Gate, 3x TC
Electronics M3000, 1x TC Electronics 1210 Spatial Expander/Stereo Chorus/Flanger, 1x Eventide H7600
Harmonizer, 1x Dunlop DCR-IFC Rack Wah, 1x Keeley Modded Tube Screamer TS-9DX Flexi, 1x MXR EVH
Flanger, 1x MXR EVH Phaser, 1x Axess Electronics FX-1 Midi Foot Controller w/ expander,2x Dunlop
DCR-IFC Wah Controllers (one for pedalboard and one on center stage for solos), 1x Ernieball 25k Stereo
Volume Pedal,1x Boss TU-2 Tuner
2010 Iron Maiden Supporting Tour: Mark V (x3), Dunlop Rack Wah, Fractal Audio Axe-Fx Ultra
Since the Train of Thought World Tour, John has used two footrests made by Patrick Slaats (who also designs
Jordan Rudess's keyboard stands), such that they are book-ends for his pedalboard. These are utilised whenever
Petrucci plays difficult-to-play passages within his songs, as he practices using proper classical guitar techniques meaning that he must rest his guitar on his left thigh when sequences get difficult. Before this, he used regular stage
monitors to do this. He stated in the Live at Budokan DVD that he also has "spit shields" around his cabinets, in
order to avoid getting them defaced by Mike Portnoy's "gobs of goobers" (spat-out chewing gum). It would seem
that this isn't used, now that Mike Mangini is in the band.
Discography
Year Title
Label
Notes
1986 The Majesty
Demos
The Original CD had no label. It
was just for the students at
Berklee. Ytse Jam Records then
re-released the album in 2003
A rare CD recorded for Berklee College of Music with Kevin Moore as their
keyboardist and Chris Collins as their singer. Ytse Jam Records then re-released the
album as an official bootleg. They play a song of this album called Another Won on
their 20th Anniversary DVD, Score.
1989 When Dream and
Day Unite
MCA/Mechanic
First Dream Theater studio album.
1992 Images and Words Atlantic/ATCO
Again with Dream Theater, introducing the new lead singer James LaBrie.
1993 Live at the
Marquee
WEA International
First Dream Theater live album.
1994 Awake
EastWest
The last Dream Theater album with Kevin Moore as keyboard player.
1995 A Change of
Seasons (EP)
EastWest
Dream Theater EP, introducing Derek Sherinian as new keyboard Player.
1996 Working Man
Magna Carta
A Rush tribute.
1997 Falling into
Infinity
Elektra
Last Dream Theater studio album with Derek Sherinian.
1997 Dragon Attack
CNR Music
A tribute to Queen
1998 Guitar Battle
Viktor
Various Artists
John Petrucci
25
1998 Liquid Tension
Experiment
Magna Carta
Project with Mike Portnoy, Jordan Rudess and Tony Levin
1998 Once in a
LIVEtime
Elektra
2CD recorded in Paris, France.
1998 Age of Impact
Magna Carta
Explorers Club
1998 Wicked
The Orchard
Jon Finn Group
1999 Liquid Tension
Experiment 2
Magna Carta
Second album with Liquid Tension Experiment
1999 Metropolis Pt. 2:
Scenes from a
Memory
Elektra
Jordan Rudess as new keyboard player for Dream Theater, the band's first concept
album.
2000 An Evening with
Sound Mind Music
John Petrucci and
Jordan Rudess
A live album with keyboard player Jordan Rudess
2001 Feeding the Wheel Magna Carta
Jordan Rudess solo album, Petrucci is featured on guitar.
2001 Live Scenes From
New York
Elektra
3CD recorded in New York, U.S. featuring Scenes from a Memory in its entirety.
First Official live album (audio of the DVD Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York
with featuring extra songs) with Jordan Rudess.
2002 Six Degrees of
Inner Turbulence
Elektra
Dream Theater's first studio double album. Notably heavier than previous releases,
containing more prominent guitar riffing and solos than previous Dream Theater
records.
2003 Train of Thought
Elektra
Dream Theaters heaviest release to date.
2004 Live at Budokan
Atlantic
Dream Theater 3CD/2DVD combination recorded in Tokyo, Japan.
2005 Suspended
Animation
Sound Mind Music
John Petrucci's first solo album.
2005 G3: Live in Tokyo
Sony
Plays on G3, with guitarists Steve Vai and Joe Satriani
2005 Octavarium
Atlantic
Dream Theater's last album with Atlantic Records Group.
2006 Score
Rhino Entertainment
3CD/2DVD recorded at Radio City Music Hall on April 1, 2006 New York, U.S. for
Dream Theater's 20th Anniversary.
2006 Blood of the Snake Inside Out Music
- Derek Sherinian
Played guitar on first track "Czar Of Steel".
2006 Loudspeaker Marty Friedman
Mascot/Avex
Special guest guitarist on "Black Orchid".
2007 Systematic Chaos
Roadrunner Records
First album released under Dream Theater's new contract with Roadrunner Records
on June 5, 2007.
2008 Chaos in Motion
2007–2008
Roadrunner Records
A live album 3CD/2DVD documenting the band's 2007/2008 Chaos in Motion and
Progressive Nation tours featuring several songs from the supporting album
Systematic Chaos included extended versions of Take the Time and Surrounded and
both parts of In the Presence of Enemies played as one song. Also features a medley
of Trial of Tears, Finally Free, Learning to Live, In the Name of God, and
Octavarium (using the final part Razor's Edge) titled Schmedley Wilcox.
2009 Black Clouds &
Silver Linings
Roadrunner Records
Released on June 23, this is Dream Theater's tenth studio album. Last album with
Mike Portnoy, also recording of the last part of the Twelve-step Suite dealing with
Portnoy's alcoholism titled "The Shattered Fortress".
2011 A Dramatic Turn
of Events
Roadrunner Records
First Dream Theater album with Mike Mangini on the drums. Upcoming release on
September 13.
John Petrucci
26
Videography
Year Title
Notes
1993 Images and Words: Live in
Tokyo
First Dream Theater live DVD. Includes extended version of Take the Time.
1995 Rock Discipline - VHS
John Petrucci does a DVD on guitar warmups, tricks, exercises, and his gear.
1998 5 Years in a LIVEtime
The only live Dream Theater DVD with Derek Sherinian.
2001 Metropolis 2000: Scenes From
New York
2002 Rock Discipline - DVD
2004 Live at Budokan
2005 G3: Live in Tokyo
2006 Score
2DVD recorded at Radio City Music Hall on April 1, 2006 New York, U.S. Celebrated Dream Theater's
20th Anniversary. They performed this concert with a symphony orchestra.
2007 Chaos in Progress: The Making
of Systematic Chaos
DVD included in the special edition of Systematic Chaos
2008 Chaos in Motion 2007–2008
Released September 30, 2008. Documents the band's 2007/2008 Chaos in Motion and Progressive
Nation tours.
References
[1] http:/ / www. johnpetrucci. com
[2] http:/ / www. ultimate-guitar. com/ news/ interviews/ dave_mustaine_discusses_the_100_greatest_metal_guitarists. html
[3] "Top Shredders of All Time" (http:/ / www. randyciak. com/ guitar/ top_shredders_of_all_time. htm). RandyCiak.com. . Retrieved
2008-02-26.
[4] http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=-v0M_tSllDI
[5] The Dream Theater official FAQ (http:/ / faq. dtnorway. com/ question/ 114)
[6] The Official John Petrucci Web Site (http:/ / johnpetrucci. com/ biography. htm)
External links
• John Petrucci official web site (http://www.johnpetrucci.com)
• John Petrucci Official Twitter Web site (http://twitter.com/JPetrucci)
• Official Facebook of John Petrucci (http://www.facebook.com/johnpetrucciFB)
John Myung
27
John Myung
John Myung
John Myung with Dream Theater in Berlin 2007 (Note Jordan Rudess in the background)
Birth name
John Ro Myung
Born
January 24, 1967
Origin
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres
Progressive metal, progressive rock, jazz fusion
Occupations
Musician
Instruments
Bass, Chapman Stick, guitar, keyboard, violin
Years active
1985–present
Associated acts Dream Theater, Platypus, The Jelly Jam, Explorers Club, Gordian Knot, Nightmare Cinema, Nicky Lemmons and the Migrane
Brothers
Notable instruments
Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo
Yamaha RBX6JM
Tung Wingbass II
John Ro Myung ( /ˈmaɪ.əŋ/; born January 24, 1967 in Chicago, Illinois) is an American bassist, Chapman Stick
player and a founding member of the progressive metal group Dream Theater. He is considered a virtuoso player
who is widely recognized for his technical proficiency.
In a poll conducted by MusicRadar in August through September 2010, he was voted the greatest bassist of all
time.[1]
Background
Born in Chicago to Korean parents, Myung grew up in Kings Park, Long Island, New York. He played the violin
from the age of five until he was asked to play electric bass in a local band when he was fifteen. He accepted,
assuming the violin and bass were similar due to the number of strings.[2] After graduating from high school he and
his high school friend John Petrucci enrolled at the Berklee College of Music, where they met future bandmate Mike
Portnoy. The three of them formed the band Majesty with another friend from high school, keyboardist Kevin Moore
and vocalist Chris Collins. The band would later change its name to Dream Theater.
Though Dream Theater is his primary focus musically, he has appeared in a number of other projects through his
career. His first non-Dream Theater venture was in the pop-prog band Platypus with Rod Morgenstein, Ty Tabor and
ex-Dream Theater bandmate Derek Sherinian. He is also a member of The Jelly Jam, which consists of the same
John Myung
line-up as Platypus, but without Sherinian. Apart from his membership in these bands, he has appeared as a guest on
numerous records. He also played keyboards in the spoof band Nightmare Cinema as Juice Malouse.
Myung's main influences include Chris Squire, Steve Harris, Geddy Lee and Cliff Burton, and their respective bands
Yes, Iron Maiden, Rush, and Metallica.
Myung is married to Lisa Martens Pace, the bass player in the defunct all-female heavy metal band Meanstreak. Two
other members of the band, Rena Sands and Marlene Apuzzo are married to current and former Dream Theater
members: John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy, respectively.
Myung is a Christian and open about his religion in interviews—Jordan Rudess confirmed this in a post on his
forum.[2]
Up until the addition of Mike Mangini, Myung had the distinction of being the only member of Dream Theater to
have never performed vocals.
Personality
Myung has a reputation as the "mysterious" member of Dream Theater, as he is very quiet and seldom draws
attention to himself in videos or concerts. This has led some fans to jokingly wonder if anyone has ever heard him
speak. However, he does speak in DVD commentaries and on his instructional video, as well as to fans he meets at
live shows.[3] His mysterious personality was emphasized when, at a show in Germany, he tackled Dream Theater
singer James LaBrie, much to the confusion and amazement of both the audience and the rest of the band; this move
later became known as the "Myung Tackle." It would later be revealed in the band's biography Lifting Shadows that
he was dared to do it with "a couple hundred dollars and nobody thought that he would do it."[4]
Myung is also famous for his practicing principles. Both Kevin Shirley (on the Metropolis 2000: Scenes From New
York DVD) as well as former keyboardist Derek Sherinian (on his website [5] ) have said that Myung is the only
musician they know who "cools down" (opposed to "warms up") before a show. He also has been seen to practice
just minutes before the band goes on stage. In a forum post, John Petrucci said that, when he and Myung were at
Berklee, the two had an agreement to practice at least six hours every day.[6]
Songwriting
Dream Theater has long been known for its group writing process, so it is sometimes difficult to identify which
member of the band authored a particular song or song section (although, on some DVD commentaries, the band
members have identified certain parts as, e.g., "a John Myung riff"). With respect to lyrics, Myung wrote the lyrics to
one song per album from Images and Words to Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory, though none of Dream
Theater's releases after Scenes From a Memory has had any lyrics written by Myung. Mike Portnoy once commented
in a chat session that this is probably because Myung's lyrics usually needed some work by the rest of the band to fit
to the song. As a result, the band eventually imposed an unwritten lyric rule that required lyrics to be "properly
formed, phrased, constructed, etc. to go with the melodies," and, "since then, John has kind of backed off." [7] In
April 2011, it was confirmed by Jordan Rudess that Myung has written lyrics for the upcoming eleventh album.
Instruments
Myung began playing bass at the age of 15 after having played violin for a number of years. His first bass was a
"Memphis" brand Precision bass copy, but he quickly upgraded to a salmon-colored four-string Fender Jazz bass. He
also began to develop a unique playing style high on the neck, adding counterpoint lines and melodies to the band's
material which are not typically heard in traditional "rock" music. He was also a heavy user of effects not typically
heard on the bass guitar to better bring out his distinctive style.
28
John Myung
Early Dream Theater gear
For Dream Theater's debut album When Dream and Day Unite, Myung played a heavily-modified Ernie
Ball/MusicMan Stingray four-string bass, as well as his four-string Fender Jazz Bass, with the Stingray seeing the
vast majority of local New York City-area live performances in this period (1988–1992). The Ernie Ball/MusicMan
Stingray four-string was customized with an added front pickup sending a traditional clean bass sound to a clean
amp, while the bridge signal was sent to a full-time "effected" amplifier, much like his influences Chris Squire and
Geddy Lee and similar to "The Wife", a modified Fender precision bass used by Billy Sheehan, except Sheehan's
bridge pickup was notch filtered to achieve a more guitar like sound.
Myung used a 4-string Spector NS-2 [8] for most of the recording of Images and Words in 1992 (although he may
have used a 5-string or 6-string bass for songs such as "Take the Time", which features a low-C#).
Switch to 6-string basses
He made the technically challenging switch to 6-string basses for Dream Theater's subsequent tour of America,
Europe, and Japan, using several high-end Tobias "Basic"-model basses. At least two, a Cherry Sunburst (seen on
the "Live In Tokyo" VHS/DVD release) and "Transparent Red" (seen in the "Take The Time" video) Maple
body-and-neck with Rosewood fretboard can be seen and heard on various Dream Theater music videos and on the
Live At The Marquee EP released in 1993. Myung continued to use Tobias basses throughout the "Images And Tour"
and "Music In Progress" tours from 1992 to late 1993. He has used six string basses almost exclusively ever since.
Tung endorsment
For Dream Theater's Awake album, Myung became the primary endorser of Tung basses, which were produced by a
small company formed by ex-Tobias luthier Nicholas Tung. Myung owned at least three of the only 100 instruments
constructed, two "Wingbass II Bolt-on" six-strings (one Natural and one Sunburst, both with Figured Maple tops,
Ash bodies and Maple necks with Rosewood fretboards), and one "Wingbass II Hybrid (a "half neck-through") with
Spalted Maple top, Ash body, and Maple neck with Birdseye Maple fretboard). The natural-finish Wingbass II
bolt-on became his main live instrument for the "Waking Up The World" and "A Change of Seasons" tours, although
he used the other two in his "Progressive Bass Concepts" instructional video. During this period, Myung also used a
Hamer acoustic bass for "unplugged" radio shows and live performances. For amplification, he was using Mesa
Boogie Strategy 400 power amps, a Mesa Boogie Bass 400+, and a modified Mesa Boogie Triaxis guitar preamp
with several transistors swapped out for ones that would support the lower range of a bass guitar.
Switch to Yamaha
After the Tung company ceased production, Myung began endorsing Yamaha instruments, using its TRB [9] and
John Patitucci [10] six-string fretted and fretless basses live for Dream Theater's The Fix For '96 [11] & An Evening of
New Music with Dream Theater [12] while working with Yamaha's Artist Custom Shop on what would become his
signature instrument. Based on the more "rock"-oriented RBX body style, prototypes of the RBX6JM along with his
TRB basses were used for the recording of 1997's Falling Into Infinity. A bolt-on bass with alder body with
flame-maple top available in either "Ruby Red" or "Turquoise Blue" with a maple neck, ebony fretboard, gold
hardware, 35" scale, and "Infinity" dot inlay on the fretboard, various Red and Blue RBX6JM models were his main
studio and live instruments along with his TRB fretless from 1997–1998's Touring Into Infinity [13], 1998's Once In
A LIVEtime double-disc live CD and 5 Years In A LIVEtime video, 1999's Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory,
following tour and 2001's Metropolis 2000: Scenes From New York DVD and Live Scenes From New York three CD
live set. Myung's amplification and speaker endorsement changed at this time to SWR Sound Corporation, as can be
seen on the Metropolis 2000 DVD. However, Internet-released "Webisodes [14]" of the making of 2002's Six Degrees
of Inner Turbulence double album showed an expansion of Myung's studio gear with the use of a Hamer 8-string
bass, as well as a Music Man Stingray 5 five-string bass. The usage of this bass on the entirety of disc 2 of Six
29
John Myung
Degrees of Inner Turbulence would lead to changes to his Yamaha signature bass.
In 2002, Myung and Yamaha unveiled the RBX-JM2 [15], an updated version of his signature bass that echoed the
redesign of Yamaha's entire RBX-series of basses. Changes included a modified body shape with more "modern"
lines and carvings, finishes in either "Inca Silver" or "Plum Purple" in flat as opposed to glossy paint, slightly tighter
string-spacing, a maple neck/rosewood fretboard with "Yin-Yang" inlay at the 12th fret, 34" scale as opposed to the
35" scale that the RBX6JM had, and most importantly a single Seymour Duncan Music Man-type Humbucking
pickup, by all accounts an influence from his usage of a Music Man Stingray to record a good portion of Dream
Theater's last album as well as the Stingray that was his primary bass on the band's first album. This was used on
Dream Theater's Train of Thought and Octavarium albums, the tours supporting them, as well as the vast majority of
the Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence tour (the prototypes for the second version arrived for him to test early in the
tour), the Summer 2002 tour co-headlining with Joe Satriani, the Summer 2003 tour co-headlined with Queensrÿche,
and the Gigantour heavy metal festival Dream Theater co-headlined with Megadeth. Myung did not play the
Production model of the RBX JM2 he had a second pickup added between the Music Man Style Pickup which was
made by Seymour Duncan an the bridge. There were also a few controls added. He stated that also the body shape
and the woods were slightly altered for the Bass he was using.
Switch to Music Man
During the recording of Systematic Chaos in 2006, Myung was seen using various MusicMan basses (most notably
an Egyptian Smoke Bongo 5 HH as well as a Sterling H/SC, which can be seen a few times during in-studio videos
and the EPK for this new album). At the beginning of the 2007 "Chaos in Motion" tour, he was spotted playing a
MusicMan Bongo 5 HS in his signature "Inca Silver" (Flat Gray) finish on stage as opposed to his signature Yamaha
instrument. This was the first time since before Images and Words that Myung had toured with MusicMan
instruments. On July 23, 2007, a posting on the Music Man online forum by the owner of Music Man, Sterling Ball,
[16] stated with certainty that "I am speaking for both myself and the entire Music Man family in welcoming a
wonderfully talented bassist and good guy, John Myung of Dream Theater. John has fallen in love with the
prototypes that we made of the Bongo 6 and is now playing them exclusively. He is so in love with them that he
wont let me tweak them. He is playing the first proto and has two others from the same batch. This is historic for us
to have hit the nail on the head for an artist without any input, visit, or promise." He also stated that, for the first time
since John was endorsed by Yamaha over 10 years ago, "It is not a signature bass it is part of the regular line."
However, several years ago, Sterling Ball had stated that there was no chance of a six-string Bongo unless a
"high-profile artist asked for one," so John Myung's desire for a six-string Music Man can be seen as the genesis of
the six-string Bongo. Myung is currently (as of May 2008) playing the 2 original six-string prototypes on Dream
Theater's "Progressive Nation 2008" tour, a Flat Silver model very close the "Inca Silver" color on his signature
Yamaha and a Black model both with Humbucker/Single Coil pickup combinations, as well as a single humbucker
Flat Silver. On July 26, 2007, both he and John Petrucci visited the Music Man factory to test some new instruments
that were being made for them—in this visit Myung can be [17] seen with an Egyptian Smoke six-string with a H/SC
pickup configuration. In an Interview in 2010 which was made due to his election for the greatest bass player of all
time he states that he is working with Musicman on a modified Bongo with different types of wood which sometimes
may be available for the public.
Other instruments
Myung also has used a 12 string Grand Chapman Stick, an instrument primarily intended to be played by "tapping"
the strings much as a pianist plays a keyboard, as well as strumming them or fingerpicking. To date, Myung has only
used the Stick on four Dream Theater songs in the studio and live: "New Millennium", "Trial Of Tears", "Take
Away My Pain" from Falling Into Infinity, and "Misunderstood" from Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (although it
has been brought into the studio for every recording session since and was the original instrument that the "Home"
bassline was performed on until being switched to bass). He did, however, use the Stick on several tracks on Sean
30
John Myung
Malone's first Gordian Knot including "Srikara Tal" and "Redemption's Way." Myung also used a fretless bass on
the Dream Theater song "Through Her Eyes".
Amplification
Currently (as of May 2008) onstage, Myung uses all rackmount units for his sounds. As of the August 2005 issue of
Bass Player magazine detailing his on-stage equipment, he used two Demeter HBP-1 preamps, a Demeter VTDB-2B
mono tube direct box, Demeter HXC-1 optical compressor, Ashdown ABM RPM-1 EVO II preamp and ABM APM
1000 Evo II power amp, a Pearce BC-1 preamp, Framptone 3-Banger (for switching between preamps and their
different settings) and Mesa Big Block 750 amplifier. Myung does not use speaker cabinets onstage. Instead, he uses
direct boxes that feed the signal from his instruments into the front-of-house mixing board. Many fans and viewers
of their live DVDs complain that his signal is distinctly quieter than the rest of the band's when playing live
compared to studio recordings, sometimes causing his solo sections to be almost inaudible.
Effects
On the Chaos in Motion Tour he used a Demeter VTDB-2B mono tube direct box, a Demeter HXC-1 Compressor
and a Demeter HBP-1 Preamp for his direct signal. He also used two Mesa Bigblock 750 amplifiers and a Mesa
Bigblock Titan V12 amplifier connected to a Mesa 2x12 cabinet and a Mesa 4x12 cabinet. All this is controlled by a
Mesa high gain amp switcher. Furthermore he used a DBX 166xl compressor as well as some Furman units and a
Shure wireless system. The only rackmount effect unit he used was a Eventide DSP 4000. In All this can be seen on
a picture which is shown on the Mesa homepage. In addition you can see a MXR Phase 90 and a MXR double shot
distortion pedal on his pedalboard. A Framptone AB Box as well as a Korg Racktuner and his Midi Footcontroller
which is made by Custom Audio Electronics are also mounted on his pedalboard. Myung used to use a 4x10 Mesa
Cabinet and 2x12 Mesa Cabinet. On some pictures you can see two Mesa Roadking heads next right to his cabinets.
These might be also used to create his sound.
Apart from the various preamps that he uses for overdrive and distortion, the only "effect" Myung uses is an
Eventide DSP4000 Ultra-Harmonizer for chorus, harmonization, and time-based effects: "I dig the Hyper Quad
setting on the Eventide. It makes for a great wide, spatial effect that really brings my bass sound to life, especially
live."[18]
In 2011 he was seen in the studio using the Fractal Audio AXE FX as well as his mesa bigblock heads.
Equipment over the years
• 1998: Custom Build Noisegate, Rocktron Rack interface, Voltage Controlled Amplifier, Steward 4 Channel DI,
Mesa Boogie Amp Switcher, modified Mesa Triaxis. Mesa M2000, Mesa Bass 400+, Mesa Abacus, Mesa
Strategy 500, Mesa 2x10 wedge monitors, Mesa 1x15+4x10 Cabs, DBX 166, Yamaha spx900
• 2002: SWR SM900 Heads, Demeter Isocabs, two Pearce BC1 Preamps
• 2005: Ashdown RPM1 Preamp, Pearce BC1 Preamp, Mesa Bigblock 750, Ashdown PM1000 Poweramp,
Eventide DSP4000, Demeter HBP-1 preamps, a Demeter VTDB-2B mono tube direct box, Demeter HXC-1
optical compressor
• 2007: Two Mesa Bigblock 750, Mesa Bigblock Titan V12, Eventide DSP4000, DBX 166XL, Demeter HBP-1
preamps, a Demeter VTDB-2B mono tube direct box, Demeter HXC-1 optical compressor, Mesa Powerhouse
4x10 and 2x12 Mesa Amp Switcher, Mesa Rectifiers
• 2010: Smaller setup for the tour with iron maiden an in south America. Eventide DSP4000, Demeter HBP-1
Preamp, Mesa Bigblock 750, Mesa M9, DBX 166XL, Mesa Amp Switcher
• 2011: In the studio Axe Fx, Bigblock 750
31
John Myung
32
Technique
Myung mainly uses a two or three finger picking style in his playing. He also uses slapping and popping on some
songs and also uses Tapping and Harmonics in his bass playing. His tapping technique is demonstrated most
prominently in the bass solo in "Metropolis part 1: The Miracle and The Sleeper". He uses his chorus effect to help
the harmonics to ring out in his playing and sometimes plays chords consisting mostly of harmonics. This is heard
most prominently in the intro riff of "Lifting Shadows off a Dream", the beginning of "The Glass Prison" and the end
of "The Shattered Fortress" (which both use exactly the same riff). He uses tapping and fingerstyle on his Chapman
Stick throughout "New Millennium". He occasionally uses a pick as well, namely on "These Walls" and the ending
of "The Dark Eternal Night". For the song "These Walls" he played with a pick in the studio but later used
fingerstyle when playing live.
Setup and tuning
Until his switch to Music Man John was using d'Addario XL roundwounds later he switched to the d'Addario
Prosteels. He used gauges .032, .045, .065, .085, .105, .130. Live he likes to set his strings higher to "be more
physical". In the Studio he likes the strings to be lower. Most of the songs are in standard 6 string tuning but for
some songs he uses different tunings (according to a forum post in John Petrucci's Forum):
Tunings
Songs
BEADGC
Standard tuning for most songs
CEADGC
As I Am, Honor Thy Father, In the Name of God, A Nightmare to Remember
DEADGC
Endless Sacrifice
Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-B The Root of All Evil
AEADGC
These Walls
AEACGC
Panic Attack (on the album 3rd string was at C only for the intro, and the 6th string may have been Bb)
Discography
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dream Theater - The Majesty Demos (1985)
Dream Theater – When Dream and Day Unite (1989)
Dream Theater – Images and Words (1992)
Dream Theater – Live At The Marquee (1993)
Dream Theater – Awake (1994)
Dream Theater – A Change of Seasons (1995)
Dream Theater – Falling Into Infinity (1997)
Dream Theater – Once In A LIVEtime (1998)
Platypus – When Pus Comes to Shove (1999)
Dream Theater – Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory (1999)
Platypus – Ice Cycles (2000)
Gordian Knot – Gordian Knot (album) (2000)
Dream Theater – Live Scenes From New York (2001)
The Jelly Jam – The Jelly Jam (2002)
Explorers Club – Raising the Mammoth (2002)
Dream Theater – Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (2002)
Dream Theater – Train Of Thought (2003)
The Jelly Jam – The Jelly Jam 2 (2004)
Dream Theater – Live At Budokan (2004)
John Myung
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dream Theater – Octavarium (2005)
Dream Theater – SCORE (2006)
Dream Theater – Systematic Chaos (2007)
Dream Theater - Chaos in Motion (2007–2008)
Dream Theater – Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009)
Dream Theater – Wither (2009)
Dream Theater - A Dramatic Turn of Events (2011)
Videography
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dream Theater – Images And Words: Live In Tokyo (1993)
Dream Theater – Awake In Japan (1995)
John Myung – Progressive Bass Concepts (1996)
Dream Theater – 5 Years In A LIVEtime (1998)
Dream Theater – Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York (2001)
Dream Theater – Live At Budokan (2004)
Dream Theater – When Dream And Day Reunite (2004)
Dream Theater – SCORE (2006)
• Dream Theater – Chaos in Progress: The Making Of Systematic Chaos (2007)
• Dream Theater – Chaos in Motion (2008)
• Dream Theater – A Rite Of Passage (2009)
References
[1] "The 25 greatest bassists of all time | Page 25" (http:/ / www. musicradar. com/ news/ guitars/ the-25-greatest-bassists-of-all-time-279007/
25#content). MusicRadar.com. 2010-09-24. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[2] "John Myung - Dream Theater Wiki" (http:/ / dreamtheater. wikia. com/ wiki/ John_Myung#Early_Life). Dreamtheater.wikia.com. .
[3] faq.dtnorway.com | Does John M speak? (http:/ / faq. dtnorway. com/ question/ 33)
[4] Wilson, Rich (2007). Lifting Shadows: Words. London, England: Essential Works. p. 275. ISBN 978-0-9545493-7-4.
[5] http:/ / www. dereksherinian. com/ bio-arthist_bass. html
[6] "Practicing" (http:/ / www. petrucciforum. com/ forums/ printthread. php?t=50). John Petrucci Forums. March 2002. . Retrieved 2008-11-02.
[7] "dtfaq.com" (http:/ / www. dtfaq. com/ question/ 1058). dtfaq.com. . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
[8] http:/ / www. spectorbass. com/ images/ ns2goldenstainlrg. jpg
[9] http:/ / www. yamaha. com/ guitars/ products/ productdetail/
0,,CNTID%25253D60178%252526CTID%25253D600008%252526CNTYP%25253DPRODUCT,00. html
[11] http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ dates/ tourography. asp?menu=dates& tour=21
[12] http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ dates/ tourography. asp?menu=dates& tour=22
[13] http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ dates/ tourography. asp?menu=dates
[14] http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ archive_dreamtheater. php?y=2002#makingof
[16] http:/ / www. ernieball. com/ forums/ music-man-basses/ 25761-welcome-family-john-myung. html
[17] http:/ / www. ernieball. com/ forums/ ernie-ball-music-man-artists/ 25855-john-petrucci-john-myung-visit-ernie-ball-music-man-factory.
html#post393185
[18] "John Myung on Revisiting Your Roots" (http:/ / www. bassplayer. com/ story. asp?sectioncode=16& storycode=9796). Bass Player. August
2005. . Retrieved 2008-11-02.
33
John Myung
34
External links
• Dream Theater site (http://www.dreamtheater.net)
James LaBrie
James LaBrie
James LaBrie in 2007
Birth name
Kevin James LaBrie
Born
May 5, 1963
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Progressive metal, progressive rock, power metal, rock opera, melodic death metal, glam metal
Instruments
Vocals, keyboards, drums, percussion
Labels
Roadrunner
Associated
acts
Dream Theater, Winter Rose, Ayreon, MullMuzzler, True Symphonic Rockestra, Sebastian Bach, Fates Warning, Shadow Gallery,
Explorers Club, Trent Gardner, Henning Pauly, Frameshift, Tim Donahue
Website
Official site
[1]
Kevin James LaBrie (born May 5, 1963) is a Canadian vocalist who is best known as the lead singer of the
progressive metal band Dream Theater.
Biography
Early life
James LaBrie was born in Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada and started singing and playing drums at age 5. By his
mid-teens, he was a member of several bands as a singer and/or drummer. He stopped playing drums at age 17[2] and
in 1981, at age 18, he moved to Toronto to further his musical pursuits.
Career
Winter Rose
After stints with various bands, LaBrie became the vocalist for the glam metal band Winter Rose, who released their
self-titled album in 1989.
James LaBrie
Dream Theater
In 1990, LaBrie learned that American progressive metal band Dream Theater was looking for a new singer, so he
submitted a tape and was quickly flown to New York for a full audition. The trial went well, and he was chosen
ahead of 200 other hopefuls to fill the full-time vocalist position in that band.[3]
LaBrie has since had a significant impact on the vocal melodies on each Dream Theater -album, but continues to
have little input on the instrumentation of Dream Theater's music. To date he has written or co-written lyrics for at
least one song on seven of the nine albums Dream Theater has released with him in the band, Images and Words and
Black Clouds & Silver Linings containing none of them.
Asked by Prog-Sphere.com what is his favorite Dream Theater song to play live, James says "The favorite song for
me is Scarred, I love performing that live. And… well, Octavarium, that whole frickin’ thing."[4]
Solo
With Matt Guillory, LaBrie has released four solo albums under various names (Mullmuzzler, James LaBrie's
Mullmuzzler, and simply James LaBrie).
In an interview from "Beyond The Dark Horizon" on June 12, 2010, James LaBrie stated that his next solo album
entitled "Static Impulse", is in the mixing stages and will contain 12 tracks. James stated "It’s very heavy and I’m
really excited."[5]
On July 27, 2010 it was announced on Dream Theater's website that "Static Impulse" would be released on
September 27, 2010 through InsideOut Music. It features longtime collaborator Matt Guillory on keyboards, Marco
Sfogli ("Elements of Persuasion") on guitars, Peter Wildoer from DARKANE on drums/screaming vocals, and Ray
Riendeau on bass.
James LaBrie stated "The release of Static Impulse is one that the whole band is psyched about. This is modern
Metal and as heavy and relevant as any other band out there going in a similar musical direction. There are riffs that
will blow your head off and melodies both musically and vocally that are hypnotic. Get in the driver's seat and let the
ears bleed. Enjoy and see you out there with a tour to follow up and support this release."[6]
In 2011's interview for Prog-Sphere.com, LaBrie stated that the US tour got cancelled, saying "Because it was so
disorganized last time. That’s why I basically said, "you don’t have the visas yet. Where we’re at this point, by the
time you get the visas processed, we’re gonna have one rehearsal and then we’re gonna go out." And I said, "I’m not
doing that."[4]
Other projects
Throughout his career with Dream Theater, LaBrie has lent his voice to many other artists' records as well as tribute
albums. In 1991, not long after joining Dream Theater (and before ever appearing on a Dream Theater recording), he
sang background vocals on the song "Life in Still Water" on Fates Warning's "Parallels" album.[7] He has appeared
on many Trent Gardner releases (including Leonardo: The Absolute Man and Explorer's Club), as well as appearing
on albums by such artists as Ayreon (The Human Equation, released 2004), Shadow Gallery, Tim Donahue and
Frameshift.
LaBrie is also a featured vocalist on Henning Pauly's "Babysteps" project released in 2006; LaBrie plays the role of
the arrogant doctor.
Since 2004, LaBrie has been working with the True Symphonic Rockestra project, along with Thomas Dewald,
Vladimir Grishko, Dirk Ulrich, Christopher Jesidero, Sandro Martinez, Paul Mayland, Marvin Philippi, and Igor
Marin. Their album, "Concerto In True Minor - 3 Rock Tenors" was released on iTunes and for download on
Amazon on March 28, 2008 by Brainworx [8] and Marinsound [9].
35
James LaBrie
Personal life
LaBrie currently resides in Midland, Ontario, with his wife Karen, daughter Chloe, and son Chance. His Dream
Theater bandmate, Jordan Rudess jokingly nicknamed him Pirate, as he stated in the Chaos in Motion DVD.
According to the spoof rock band Nightmare Cinema (the Dream Theater members changing instruments playing a
gig) he got the "alternate stage name" Abdul Matahari.
Religious views
James has said in many older interviews that he is Christian, and actively practices the religion. However, more
recent interviews, along with some of his lyrics (including "Undecided" on Elements of Persuasion) imply belief
separate from any form of organized religion.[10] [11] In 2011, James appeared as a guest vocalist in the Eden's Curse
song "No Holy Man" which deals with the theme of religious intolerance, and with Fred Phelps and the Westboro
Baptist Church in particular.
Singing
Influences
His musical inspiration comes from many different genres, including such artists as Sebastian Bach, Aerosmith, Don
Dokken, Metallica, The Doors, Ludwig van Beethoven, Nat King Cole,[12] Queen, Sting, and Muse whose
inspiration, according to LaBrie, is shown on Dream Theater's album, Octavarium.
Criticism
During his career with Dream Theater, LaBrie's singing voice attracted criticism. In response to detractors of his
vocal abilities, LaBrie has said, "These people are pathetic and need to move on. I say get a life and maybe work on
making your life a better one instead of thinking the answer lies in cutting someone else up to raise your miserable
spirit."[13]
Food poisoning incident
On December 29, 1994, while vacationing in Cuba, LaBrie was stricken with a severe case of food poisoning from
contaminated shrimp and while vomiting, he ruptured his vocal cords. He saw three throat specialists who all said
there was nothing they could do except have him rest his voice as much as possible. However, on January 12, 1995,
and against doctor's orders, he was on the "Awake" tour in Japan with his voice far from normal.[14] LaBrie has said
he did not feel vocally "normal" until at least 2002. LaBrie has said that this was a very hard time for him as a singer,
and depression as a result caused him to consider departing from the band, although his bandmates supported him
and told him to stay. After the "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" tour he discovered that his voice had fully
returned. He has said that his voice was fully healed by time and training.[14]
Other
He was placed #15 on MusicRadar's "The greatest vocalists of all time". [15]
Discography
Albums
36
James LaBrie
37
Title
Release
Band
Winter Rose
1989
Winter Rose
Images and Words
1992
Dream Theater
Awake
1994
A Change of Seasons
1995
1997
Scenes from a Memory
1999
Keep It to Yourself
MullMuzzler 2
MullMuzzler
2001
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence 2002
Train of Thought
2003
Octavarium
2005
Elements of Persuasion
Dream Theater
Solo
Systematic Chaos
2007
Dream Theater
2009
Static Impulse
2010
Solo
2011
Dream Theater
As a guest
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fates Warning - Parallels (1991)
Various Artists - Working Man – A Tribute to Rush (1996)
Various Artists - Dragon Attack: A Tribute to Queen (1997)
Shadow Gallery - Tyranny (1998)
Explorers Club - Age of Impact (1998)
Various Artists - Encores, Legends & Paradox - A Tribute to the Music Of ELP (1999)
Trent Gardner - Leonardo: The Absolute Man (2001)
Explorers Club - Raising the Mammoth (2002)
Frameshift - Unweaving the Rainbow (2003)
Tim Donahue - Madmen & Sinners (2004)
Ayreon - The Human Equation (2004)
Henning Pauly - Babysteps (2006)
John Macaluso - The Radio Waves Goodbye (2007)
True Symphonic Rockestra - Concerto in True Minor (2008)
Roswell Six - Terra Incognita: Beyond The Horizon (2009)[16]
Redemption - Snowfall on Judgment Day (2009)
Eden's Curse - Trinity (2011)
James LaBrie
References
[1] http:/ / www. jameslabrie. com/
[2] "An interview with James LaBrie on Prog-Sphere.com" (http:/ / www. prog-sphere. com/ 2011/ 07/ 11/
resurfacing-an-interview-with-james-labrie/ ). .
[3] "dtfaq.com" (http:/ / www. dtfaq. com/ question/ 32). .
[4] http:/ / www. prog-sphere. com/ 2011/ 07/ 11/ resurfacing-an-interview-with-james-labrie/
[5] http:/ / beyondthedarkhorizon. com/ main/ ?p=4559
[6] http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ news_labrie. php#staticimpulse
[7] "Fates Warning - Island in the Stream (Parallels)" (http:/ / www. fateswarning. info/ a_p. shtml). .
[8] http:/ / www. brainworx-media. de/
[9] http:/ / www. marinsound. com/
[10] mms://mediaserver.kataweb.it/katanew/musica/interviste/james_la_brie_250k.wmv
[11] "LaBrie In Religion - DPRP Specials: James LaBrie : Interview 2005" (http:/ / www. dprp. net/ specials/ labrie0405/ index. php). .
[12] "dtfaq.com" (http:/ / www. dtfaq. com/ question/ 114). .
[13] "Frameshift, a new progressive super group is born" (http:/ / www. dprp. net/ specials/ labrie0304/ ). Dutch Progressive Rock Page.
Retrieved July 26, 2010.
[14] "LaBrie on how he almost once lost his voice - DPRP Specials: James LaBrie : Interview 2005" (http:/ / www. dprp. net/ specials/
labrie0405/ index. php). .
[15] http:/ / www. musicradar. com/ news/ guitars/ the-30-greatest-lead-singers-of-all-time-315448/ 16
[16] http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ news_labrie. php#roswellsix
External links
• James LaBrie official web site (http://www.jameslabrie.com/)
• 2011 interview with James LaBrie on Prog Sphere (http://www.prog-sphere.com/2011/07/11/
resurfacing-an-interview-with-james-labrie/)
38
Jordan Rudess
39
Jordan Rudess
Jordan Rudess
Jordan Rudess with Dream Theater 2007
Birth name
Jordan Charles Rudes
Also known as
The Keyboard Wizard
Born
November 4, 1956
Origin
Great Neck, New York, USA
Genres
Progressive rock, progressive metal, instrumental rock, jazz fusion, New Age, electronic music
Occupations
Musician, songwriter
Instruments
Keyboards, lap steel guitar, electric guitar, vocals, continuum, keytar, Bassoon Tablet PC
Years active
1981–present
Associated acts
Dream Theater, Dixie Dregs, Liquid Tension Experiment, John Petrucci, Rod Morgenstein, David Bowie, Vinnie Moore, Tom
Coster, Kip Winger, Nóirín Ní Riain, Rhonda Larson, Paul Winter, Scott McGill, Steven Wilson, Prefab Sprout, Jupiter, Neal
Morse, Daniel J, Neil Zaza, Annie Haslam, John-Luke Addison, Behold... The Arctopus, Liquid Trio Experiment, Mr.
Fastfinger, Ricky Garcia, Frost*
Website
http:/ / www. jordanrudess. com
Jordan Rudess (born Jordan Charles[1] [2] Rudess on November 4, 1956) is an American keyboardist best known
as a member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater and the progressive rock supergroup Liquid Tension
Experiment.
Biography
Rudess was born in 1956 into a Jewish family. He was recognized by his 2nd grade teacher for his piano playing and
was immediately given professional tuition. At nine, he entered the Juilliard School of Music Pre-College Division
for classical piano training, but by his late teens he had grown increasingly interested in synthesizers and progressive
rock music. Against the counsel of his parents and tutors, he turned away from classical piano and tried his hand as a
solo progressive rock keyboardist.[3]
After performing in various projects during the 1980s, he gained international attention in 1994 when he was voted
"Best New Talent" in the Keyboard Magazine readers' poll after the release of his Listen solo album. Two of the
bands who took notice of Rudess were The Dixie Dregs and Dream Theater, both of whom invited him to join.
Rudess chose the Dregs, primarily as being a part time member of the band would have less of an impact on his
young family, a choice he was not given with Dream Theater.
Jordan Rudess
During his time with the Dregs, Rudess formed a "power duo" with drummer Rod Morgenstein. The genesis of this
pairing occurred when a power outage caused all of the Dregs' instruments to fail except Rudess', so he and
Morgenstein improvised with each other until power was restored and the concert could continue. The chemistry
between the two was so strong during this jam that they decided to perform together on a regular basis (under the
name Rudess/Morgenstein Project or later RMP) and have since released a studio and a live record.
Rudess encountered Dream Theater once again when he and Morgenstein secured the support slot on one of Dream
Theater's North American tours.
In 1997, when Mike Portnoy was asked to form a supergroup by Magna Carta Records, Rudess was chosen to fill the
keyboardist spot in the band, which also consisted of Tony Levin and Portnoy's Dream Theater colleague John
Petrucci. During the recording of Liquid Tension Experiment's two albums, it became evident to Portnoy and
Petrucci that Rudess was what Dream Theater needed. They asked Rudess to join the band, and when he accepted
they released their then-keyboardist Derek Sherinian to make way for him.
Rudess has been the full-time keyboardist in Dream Theater since the recording of 1999's Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes
from a Memory. He has recorded six other studio albums with the group: 2002's Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence,
2003's Train of Thought, 2005's Octavarium, 2007's Systematic Chaos, 2009's Black Clouds & Silver Linings and
2011's A Dramatic Turn of Events. In addition, he has appeared on the live albums Live Scenes From New York, Live
at Budokan, Score and Chaos in Motion.
In addition to working with Dream Theater he occasionally records and performs in other contexts, such as a 2001
one-off duo performance with Petrucci (released as the CD An Evening With John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess), as
well as backing up Blackfield on their first short US tour in 2005 and playing a solo opening slot for them on their
second in 2007.
In 2010, Rudess composed "Explorations for Keyboard and Orchestra," his first classical composition. It was
premiered in Venezuela on November 19, 2010 by the Chacao Youth Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor Eren
Başbuğ. Rudess played all of the keyboard and synthesizer parts.
On July 28, 2011, in a poll conducted by MusicRadar, Rudess was voted the best keyboardist of all time. [4]
Rudess says his influences as a keyboardist are Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman and Patrick Moraz.[5] His favorite
musical artists and groups include Gentle Giant, Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, King Crimson,
Jimi Hendrix, Autechre, and Aphex Twin.[6]
Use of technology
While many keyboard players in progressive rock tend towards bringing numerous keyboards on stage, creating
large racks of keyboards, Rudess took full advantage of the possibilities offered by the Kurzweil K2600xs during his
live usage of the keyboard from the 1990s to 2004. Often sampling sounds from other keyboards he owned, Rudess
creates a series of "setups", each of which maps different sounds to different layers and key ranges of the keyboard
controller; these setups are then arranged in the order they will be required for a gig, and cycled through one at a
time with a footswitch (a control pedal placed on the floor underneath his keyboard). He often maps sounds to exact
notes on the keyboard to avoid playing chords on sounds that are meant to be monophonic and to create realistic
percussion sounds under the pitched sounds he is playing.
While Rudess' physical method of changing live setups will more than likely remain the same, his choice of
hardware to implement this changed as of 2005. Citing a need for better tour support and more current technologies
(his Kurzweil K2600XS's maximum sample memory of 128 MB had become insufficient for his touring needs),
Rudess switched keyboard endorsements from Kurzweil to Korg's new flagship Korg Oasys workstation (which can
support up to 2 GB of sample memory[7] ), which he first used on Dream Theater's 2005-2006 20th Anniversary tour,
along with a Muse Receptor hardware VST and a Haken Continuum X/Y/Z-plane MIDI Instrument triggering a
Roland V-Synth XT and a Synthesizers.com Modular. Rudess is the first well known keyboardist to bring a Haken
40
Jordan Rudess
Continuum on to a live stage. Rudess still uses the Kurzweil for studio recordings and some of his most well known
sounds, such as "the pig", one of his signature sounds which is often played in unison with the guitar or bass guitar,
were sounds from the K2600xs.
Since 2001, Rudess uses custom made rotating keyboardstands on stage for both Dream Theater and his solo career,
which are built by Patrick Slaats from the Netherlands. On Dream Theater's 2007-2008 "Chaos in Motion" world
tour, Rudess expanded his live setup with the addition of a Korg RADIAS, a Manikin Memotron,[8] and a Zen Riffer
keytar. Rudess stopped using his Synthesizers.com modular after the European leg of the tour due to its size and
weight. Rudess still owns the synthesizer and keeps it inactive in his home studio. During the Progressive Nation
2008 tour, he introduced on the stage a Kaoss Pad 3 for the closing medley.
For the 2009-2010 tour, in support of Black Clouds & Silver Linings, Jordan introduced the Apple iPod Touch on
stage, running an application called Bebot Robot Synth.[9] He plays it during A Rite of Passage - both studio album
and live versions of the song - and frequently uses it for improvised solos, like in Hollow Years' intro and during a
new instrumental section on Solitary Shell.
On September 24, 2010, Rudess released the song "Krump," which was an electronica "single" released on iTunes. It
featured the use of the new Roland Gaia, Roland's more recent keyboard.
Equipment
Studio equipment
•
•
•
•
•
Korg Kronos (88 keys)
Korg OASYS (88 keys)
Korg Triton Extreme (88 keys)
Korg RADIAS
Haken Audio Continuum FingerboardRudess uses the upgraded half size model, which comes with inbuilt sounds as well as being
used as a MIDI controller keyboard
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Eigenharp Alpha
Muse Research Receptor
Kurzweil K2600X/S (88 keys)
Kurzweil K2000VP
Kurzweil K2600R
Kurzweil PC2R
Kurzweil K2661
Roland Fantom-X8
Roland Fantom G8
Manikin Memotron
Minimoog Voyager
Roland V-Synth XT
Roland V-Synth GT
Roland VP-550
Roland SH-01 GAIA
Roland SH-201
Synthesizers.com [10] Modular synthesizer
Dave Smith Instruments Evolver Keyboard
A custom built lap steel guitar
• Harpejji by Marcodi Musical Products, LLC
• Clavia Nord Wave
41
Jordan Rudess
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08
Novation Supernova
Moog Little Phatty
Moogfooger Freq Box
Stylophone 350S
Yamaha Tenori-On
Apple Inc. iPod Touch
Apple Inc. iPad
PRS 6 string guitar
A bass guitar (manufacturer unknown)
A Music Man John Petrucci 6 string guitar (this particular guitar being the original prototype of Petrucci's
signature model)
• Steinway & Sons model D Grand Piano
Virtual instruments
• MOTU MachFive
• MOTU MX4 Soft Synth
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Korg Legacy Collection
Spectrasonics Omnisphere
Spectrasonics Atmosphere
Spectrasonics Trilogy
Spectrasonics Stylus
Native Instruments Komplete 2
Native Instruments Absynth
Native Instruments B4 Organ
Native Instruments Guitar Rig
Native Instruments FM7
Native Instruments Pro 53
Synthogy Ivory
Bebot Robot Synth for iPhone
Korg iElectribe for iPad
Looptastic for iPad
Magic Piano for iPad
JR Hexatone Pro for iPhone/iPod Touch
ThumbJam for iPhone/iPod Touch
Sampletoy for iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad
MorphWiz for iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad
SampleWiz for iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad
42
Jordan Rudess
Live Rig
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Korg KRONOS (88 keys) Dream Theater
Manikin Memotron Dream Theater
Korg Triton Extreme (88 keys) solo project
Korg KARMA solo project
Steinway grand piano solo project
Roland Fantom-G8 Liquid Tension Experiment and occasionally for Dream Theater's studio work
Freehand Systems Music Pad Pro Often known to fans as the "scratch pad", as he uses it to write down musical ideas. The sheet music
for the entire live set is displayed on the pad for Rudess to refer to as he plays.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
3x Roland V-Synth XT
Custom made rotating keyboardstands, by Patrick Slaats
Lap steel guitar
Haken Continuum Fingerboard controls one Roland V-Synth XT and also controlled his modular synth.
Zen Riffer ZR2 keytar, which controls a Roland V-Synth XT like his continuum.
Apple Inc. iPod Touch
Apple Inc. iPad
Mackie 1604VLZ Pro Mixer
•
•
•
•
•
APS Power backup
Glyph and Iomega Hard drives
Korg Kaoss Pad 3
Muse Research Receptor
Synthesizers.com Custom Modular Synth currently retired, was used to play "On the run" and was also controlled by his continuum
Discography
Rudess has participated in 59 albums.
Solo albums
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Arrival (Cassette) (1988)
Listen (CD) (1993)
Secrets of the Muse (CD) (1997)
Resonance (CD) (1999)
Unplugged (CD) (2000)
Feeding the Wheel (CD) (2001)
4NYC (CD) (2002)
Christmas Sky (CD) (2002)
Rhythm of Time (CD) (2004)
Prime Cuts (CD) (2006, compilation)
The Road Home (CD) (2007, covers album)
Notes On a Dream (CD) (2009)
43
Jordan Rudess
Dream Theater
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory (CD) (1999)
Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York (VHS/DVD) (2001)
Live Scenes from New York (3CD) (2001)
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (2CD) (2002)
Train of Thought (CD) (2003)
Live at Budokan (2DVD/3CD) (2004)
Octavarium (CD) (2005)
Score (2DVD/3CD) (2006)
Systematic Chaos (CD) (2007)
Chaos in Motion (2DVD/3CD) (2008)
Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009)
A Dramatic Turn Of Events (2011)
Project albums
• Rudess/Morgenstein Project (CD) (1997)
• An Evening with John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess (CD) (2000)
• Rudess/Morgenstein Project - The Official Bootleg (CD) (2001)
•
•
•
•
•
Liquid Tension Experiment (CD) (1998)
Liquid Tension Experiment 2 (CD) (1999)
Spontaneous Combustion (CD) (2007, as Liquid Trio Experiment)
When the Keyboard Breaks: Live in Chicago (CD) (2009, as Liquid Trio Experiment 2)
Liquid Tension Experiment Live 2008 - Limited Edition Boxset (6CD/2DVD/1 Blu-ray) (2009)
Guest appearances
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Vinnie Moore - Time Odyssey (1988)
Tom Coster - Did Jah Miss Me? (1989)
Annie Haslam - Blessing in Disguise (1994)
Nóirín Ní Riain - Celtic Soul (1996)
Kip Winger - This Conversation Seems Like A Dream (1997)
Rhonda Larson - Free as a Bird (1999)
Jupiter - Jupiter Project (1999)
Paul Winter and The Earth Band - Journey With The Sun (2000)
Scott McGill - Addition by Subtraction (2001)
Prefab Sprout - The Gunman And Other Stories (2001)
David Bowie - Heathen (2002)
Jupiter - Echo and Art (2003)
Neal Morse - ? (2005)
Daniel J - Losing Time (2005)
Neil Zaza - When Gravity Fails (2006)
John-Luke Addison - Multiple Valences
Behold... the Arctopus - Skullgrid (2007)
• K3 - Under A Spell (2007)
• Ricky Garcia - Let Sleeping Dogs Lie (2008)
44
Jordan Rudess
•
•
•
•
•
Steven Wilson - Insurgentes (2008–2009)
Mr. Fastfinger - The Way of the Exploding Guitar (2009)
Michel Lazaro - Vision (2010)
Project RnL - Another One (2011)
Project RnL - The Avenger (2011)
Other
• Speedway Boulevard - Speedway Boulevard (CD) (1981)
• Various Artists - Romscape (1995)
• Steinway to Heaven - Chopin's "Revolutionary Etude (Op. 10, No. 12)" (1996)
References
[1] Nancy Kornfeld Becomes a Bride (http:/ / www. nytimes. com/ 1989/ 06/ 26/ style/ nancy-kornfeld-becomes-a-bride. html?sec=& spon=)
[2] http:/ / www. ascap. com/ ace/ search. cfm?requesttimeout=300& mode=results& searchstr=502354670& search_in=i& search_type=exact&
search_det=t,s,w,p,b,v& results_pp=30& start=1
[3] Stefanis, J. "Interview with Jordan Rudess" (http:/ / www. getreadytorock. com/ rock_stars/ jordan_rudess. htm), Get Ready to ROCK!, 2004
[4] http:/ / www. musicradar. com/ news/ tech/ the-27-greatest-keyboard-players-of-all-time-484228/ 28]
[5] faq.dtnorway.com | Who are Jordan's influences? (http:/ / faq. dtnorway. com/ question/ 41)
[6] Jordan Rudess.com (http:/ / www. jordanrudess. com/ jr/ )
[7] Sonic State - News (Video Item) Korg Expand and Update OASYS for Free, New STR-1 EXi instrument and OS 1.10 (http:/ / www.
sonicstate. com/ news/ shownews. cfm?newsid=2432)
[8] manikin electronic - elektronische Musikmaschinen aus Berlin (http:/ / www. manikin-electronic. com/ en/ products_memotron. html)
[9] Rudess Meets Bebot (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=KFG7-Q0WI7Q)
[10] http:/ / www. synthesizers. com
External links
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Jordan's website (http://www.jordanrudess.com)
Dream Theater's website (http://www.dreamtheater.net)
Accent Magazine (Jordan's Online Magazine) (http://accent.jordanrudess.com)
Jordan's Online Conservatory (http://www.jroc.us)
Jordan Rudess performing on continuum live (http://www.hakenaudio.com/Continuum/html/examples/
ex232.html)
Jordan Rudess Liquid T Lead emulation tutorial on Progsounds.com (http://www.progsounds.com/forum/
showthread.php?t=303)
Jordan Rudess emulated patches for various synths on Progsounds.com (http://www.progsounds.com/forum/
search.php?searchid=2499)
Wiki about Jordan and his equipment (French & English) (http://wikeyboardwizard.pbwiki.com/FrontPage)
Biography, pics, reviews and bonuses (http://flabonde.free.fr/rudess.htm)
Jordan Rudess Youtube page (http://www.youtube.com/user/JCRUDESS)
45
Mike Mangini
46
Mike Mangini
Mike Mangini
Mike Mangini during a clinic at the Percussive Arts Centre, Singapore, November 2004
Birth name
Michael Mangini
Born
April 18, 1963
Origin
Newton, Massachusetts, United States
Genres
Progressive metal, instrumental rock, thrash metal, funk metal
Instruments
Drums
Years active
1987–present
Associated acts Dream Theater, Steve Vai, Extreme, Annihilator, James LaBrie, Tribe of Judah, Shredding The Envelope, Dave Reffett
Website
Official Website
[1]
Mike Mangini (born April 18, 1963 in Newton, Massachusetts) is an American drummer, and the current drummer
for the progressive metal band Dream Theater. He has played for Annihilator, Extreme, James LaBrie, and Steve
Vai, among others. He lectured at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and is also known for his work as a
session musician.[2] At his height from 2002–2005, Mangini was notorious for setting five World's Fastest Drummer
(WFD) records. He also has written two books titled Rhythm Knowledge about his drumming techniques, a practice
method for deconstructing and simplifying complex polyrhythms and time signatures. Mangini appeared on the
Discovery Channel show Time Warp, displaying his drum skills for high speed cameras.[3] In 2010 Mangini joined
Dream Theater, replacing the founding drummer Mike Portnoy.
Early life
Mike Mangini started playing the drums when he was five years old. He would practice six to ten hours a day and by
the time he was nine he was already mimicking Buddy Rich performances. By high school, he was performing in
school bands and participating in the prestigious All-County, All-State, and all Eastern United States ensembles.
After graduating from Waltham Senior High School in 1981, Mangini put aside his music studies to pursue a
Computer Science major at Bentley College. After graduating Mike started programming software for the Patriot
Missile program.[4] At the same time, he was working on a program that studied the links between the human brain
and body.
In 1987, Mangini scored one of his first 'high-profile' gigs - playing drums for the Rick Berlin Band in Boston, where
he worked with bassist Philip Bynoe (who would later go on to work with Mike in sessions for Journey's Steve Perry
and more notably during Mike's time in the Steve Vai band). He also taught drums privately in Boston during this
time.
Mike Mangini
Recording career
In 1991, Mangini began working for the thrash metal band Annihilator. Mike performed on the drums on several
tracks for the studio album, Set the World on Fire. He went on to tour with the band in support of this album up until
1994. In 1994 he was asked to play with the band Extreme, replacing original drummer Paul Geary. Mike Mangini
had been friends with noted Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt since the 1980s. His time in Extreme included
recording several tracks for their 1995 album, Waiting For The Punchline. During this time, he also made an
appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. While on tour with Extreme in 1995, Mike recorded songs for
Nuno on his 4-track tape machine. Those songs ended up on Schizophonic after Nuno left Extreme to pursue a solo
career.
After Extreme dissolved in 1996, Mike was informed through drummer Jonathan Mover that guitarist Steve Vai was
auditioning drummers for his live band. Mike successfully auditioned for Steve Vai's band and relocated to Los
Angeles. From late 1996 to early 2000, Mangini was the highly regarded drummer of Vai's live ensemble, which also
included bassist Philip Bynoe, guitar wizard Mike Keneally and (in 2000) guitarist Dave Weiner. Mike recorded
several drum tracks for Steve's Fire Garden and The Ultra Zone albums. He also rehearsed and recorded Alive in an
Ultra World while on tour with Steve Vai in 2000.
Following the initial suspension of the South American leg of the Ultrazone Tour in 2000, Mangini moved back
home to Boston and began teaching at Berklee College as an associate professor. He began working with former
Extreme frontman Gary Cherone and bassist Pat Badger in the short-lived band, Tribe of Judah. He also continued to
work with Dale Bozzio (formerly of the new wave band, Missing Persons), and recorded several more records.
Among these records was a Rush tribute record (entitled Subdivisions) and a second full-length album with
Annihilator titled All for You. He also recorded tracks for artists Sal DiFusco, Bill Lonero and Chris Emerson.
In 2005, he accepted a full-time teaching position at the Berklee College of Music in Percussion Department, but
resigned in 2010 after he joined Dream Theater.
In 2007, he recorded drums on the album Metal by Annihilator.
At the end of 2010, Mike, along with Marco Minnemann, Peter Wildoer, Virgil Donati, Aquiles Priester, Derek
Roddy and Thomas Lang, auditioned to replace Mike Portnoy as the drummer for Dream Theater.[5] On Friday April
29, 2011, Dream Theater officially announced that Mike Mangini was to be their new drummer.[6] He has since
recorded A Dramatic Turn of Events with the group.
WFD Records [7]
• Bare Hands (no sticks) in 60 seconds, which he earned by executing 1,138 single stroke notes in 2002, until Glen
Caruba broke it with 1,140 notes in 2006.
• Matched Grip single strokes in 60 seconds, executing 1,247 notes at the 2005 Summer NAMM in Indianapolis,
IN. Mike already was the 1st person in history to break 1,200 notes when he played 1,203 single notes at the 2005
Winter NAMM Session.
• Traditional Grip which he earned by executing 1,126 single strokes in 60 seconds in 2003, stood for five years
before falling to Matt Smith (1,132) in 2008.
• Single Stroke Foot record playing 13,222 hits in 15 minutes and 4,555 hits in five minutes, records that stood for
two years before falling to Mike "Machine" Mallais (13,309/4,595) in 2007.
47
Mike Mangini
Discography
Selected Album Appearances
With Annihilator
• Set the World on Fire (1993)
• All for You (2004)
• Metal (2007)
With Extreme
• Waiting for the Punchline (1995) - tracks "Hip Today", "Leave Me Alone" and "No Respect"
With Steve Vai
• Fire Garden (1996) - tracks "Bangkok" and "The Fire Garden Suite"
• The Ultra Zone (1999) - tracks "Jibboom", "Windows to the Soul" and "Here I am"
With MullMuzzler/James LaBrie
• Keep It to Yourself (1999)
• James LaBrie's MullMuzzler 2 (2001)
• Elements of Persuasion (2005)
With Tribe of Judah
• Exit Elvis (2002)
With Dream Theater
• A Dramatic Turn of Events (2011)
References
[1] http:/ / www. mikemangini. com
[2] Dixon, Guy (5 November 2010). "A Drummer’s Dream: Playing to the beat of the heart" (http:/ / www. theglobeandmail. com/ news/ arts/
movies/ a-drummers-dream-playing-to-the-beat-of-the-heart/ article1785925/ ). The Globe and Mail. . Retrieved 5 April 2011.
[3] "Error: no |title= specified when using {{[[Template:Cite web|Cite web (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=w8Gxut0odyc)]}}"].
Mike Mangini on Discovery's Time Warp. . Retrieved 8 July 2011.
[4] Omar, Aref (8 November 2008). "Man-genie drummer" (http:/ / findarticles. com/ p/ news-articles/ new-straits-times/ mi_8016/ is_20081109/
genie-drummer/ ai_n44421014/ ). New Sunday Times. . Retrieved 30 June 2011.
[5] "The spirit Carries On" (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ roadrunnerrecords#p/ search/ 0/ L609JsPFmmI). Roadrunner Records. . Retrieved 30
June 2011.
[6] "AND THE NEW DRUMMER IS..... MIKE MANGINI" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ news_dreamtheater. php#episode3). . Retrieved 30
June 2011.
[7] "World's Fastest Drummer" (http:/ / www. worldsfastestdrummer. com/ mikemangini. htm). . Retrieved 30 June 2011.
External links
•
•
•
•
Official website (http://http://www.mikemangini.com)
Official Myspace Website (http://www.myspace.com/mikemanginimusic/music/)
Official Rhythm Knowledge Website (http://www.rhythmknowledge.com/)
Chix n' Stix Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/chixnstix/)
48
Mike Portnoy
49
Mike Portnoy
Mike Portnoy
Birth name
Michael Stephen Portnoy
Born
April 20, 1967
Chicago, Illinois, US
Genres
Progressive metal, progressive rock, thrash metal
Instruments
Drums, vocals, bass, guitar, keyboards
Years active
1985–present
Labels
Roadrunner
Associated acts Dream Theater, Transatlantic, Liquid Tension Experiment, Neal Morse, OSI, Avenged Sevenfold, Adrenaline Mob
Website
MikePortnoy.com
[1]
Michael Stephen "Mike" Portnoy (born April 20, 1967) is an American drummer primarily known as the former
drummer, backing vocalist, and a co-founder of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. Known for his
drumming prowess and technical skill, Portnoy has won 23 awards from the Modern Drummer magazine. He
co-produced six Dream Theater albums with guitarist John Petrucci, starting from Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a
Memory to Black Clouds and Silver Linings. From A Change of Seasons onwards, Portnoy had been writing a
substantial amount of Dream Theater's lyrics. He is the second youngest person (after Neil Peart) to be inducted into
the Modern Drummer's Hall of Fame (at 37 years of age).
On September 8, 2010, it was announced that Portnoy had left Dream Theater. He was replaced by Mike Mangini.
On February 3, 2011, Portnoy announced, that he has started a new project with Symphony X singer Russell Allen
and guitarist Mike Orlando, called Adrenaline Mob. It is also featuring bassist Paul DiLeo and guitarist Rich Ward
(Stuck Mojo, Fozzy) and has an album to be released in 2012.[2]
Portnoy is also involved in multiple projects with Neal Morse.
Dream Theater history
Portnoy was born April 20, 1967 into a Jewish family and raised on Long Island in Long Beach, New York.[3]
According to a post made by Jordan Rudess on his forum, Portnoy is ethnically Jewish but does not practice. His
father worked as a DJ at a local radio station, helping Portnoy gain an appreciation for music at an early age
particularly, as Portnoy has pointed out, because he had access to his father's collection of LPs. He developed a
preference for bands including Rush, Queen, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Iron Maiden, and The Beatles, among many
others. Portnoy claims to be self-taught as a drummer, though he did take music theory classes in high school.
Mike Portnoy
During that period he began playing in local bands, two of which (Rising Power and Inner Sanctum) recorded and
released independent albums. He left Inner Sanctum (his last high school band) after being awarded a scholarship to
attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston. There, he met John Petrucci and John Myung. They formed a band,
initially taking the name "Majesty" before changing their name to Dream Theater. They left Berklee soon after.
Influences
In the April 2001 edition of Modern Drummer & Portnoy's website, he names Neil Peart, Vinnie Paul, Carl Palmer,
Bill Bruford, Terry Bozzio, Nicko McBrain, Billy Cobham, Alan White, Nick Mason, Stewart Copeland, Phil
Collins, Chester Thompson, Simon Phillips, Nick D'Virgilio, Andy Sturmer, Dave Lombardo, Jon Fishman, Vinnie
Colaiuta, Ringo Starr, Peter Criss, John Bonham, Keith Moon and Lars Ulrich as influences.[4]
Awards and recognition
Modern Drummer
Mike Portnoy won the following Modern Drummer magazine Reader's Poll awards:
1. Best Up & Coming Talent (1994)
2. Best Progressive Rock Drummer (1995–2006)
3. Best Recorded Performance (1995 for Awake, 1996 for A Change of Seasons, 1998 for Falling Into Infinity, 2000
for Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory, 2002 for Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, 2007 for Score) and
2011 for Nightmare (Avenged Sevenfold).[5]
4. Best Clinician (2000, 2002)
5. Best Educational Video/DVD (2000, 2002)
6. Hall of Fame Inductee (2004)
He has co-founded with Mathias Boyar several progressive rock groups and projects, including Transatlantic and
Liquid Tension Experiment.
He has released three instructional videos, "Progressive Drum Concepts", "Liquid Drum Theater", which has won
awards from Modern Drummer Magazine, and his latest "In Constant Motion". He has released many "Official
Bootlegs" on his website, including footage of the studio sessions for the Dream Theater albums Six Degrees of
Inner Turbulence, Train of Thought, Octavarium and the Transatlantic release Bridge Across Forever. He has
released bootlegs of his tribute bands Hammer of the Gods (a Led Zeppelin tribute), Yellow Matter Custard (The
Beatles), Cygnus and the Sea Monsters (Rush), and Amazing Journey (The Who).
On September 18, 2006 within his website's forum Portnoy cagily stated that he had finally met one of his drummer
heroes from youth from the band Rush;[6] drummer Neil Peart (one of the few heroes from his youth Portnoy had
never met, owing to Peart's legendary privacy), that "Neil and I have finally met and we spent some time together
this week and had a great time...",[7] and that a possible collaboration was underway/had been discussed with the
teasing statement of "Patience everybody... all will soon be revealed!" It has now been revealed that this meeting was
for an interview Portnoy did for his stint as guest editor of Rhythm Magazine.[8] Portnoy had previously written the
liner notes for the Japanese pressing of Rush's 2002 release Vapor Trails,[9] but publicly denounced Peart in 2000
after Peart called the people involved in the Rush tribute "bar bands" .[10]
In the October 2009 issue of Rhythm Magazine, Portnoy was listed as #5 in their list of the Top 50 Drummers of All
Time.[11]
He was featured on Fuse TV's Talking Metal where he joined with Bobby Ellsworth and the show's hosts in covering
Motörhead's "Overkill."
In June 14, 2010, Mike Portnoy won the Metal Hammer Golden God Award for Best Drummer.[12]
50
Mike Portnoy
As voted on by 6,500 drummers worldwide, Portnoy won the Drummies Award for Best Progressive Rock drummer
in 2010, while Joey Jordison of Slipknot/Rob Zombie/Murderdolls won the award for Best Metal drummer.[13]
At the Revolver Golden God Awards in April 20, he won the "Best Drummer Award" for his work with Avenged
Sevenfold.[14]
In June 7, 2011, Portnoy posted on his Facebook, that he had won DRUM! Magazine's "Drummer of the Year
Award" and the "Metal Drummer Award".[15] [16]
Drum kits and percussive equipment
• When Dream and Day Unite/Images & Words Kit - This Tama Imperialstar kit (the previous model of the
Imperialstar, unlike the 2007 Imperialstar, which is an entry level kit)and Zildjian cymbals which was bought
originally by Portnoy himself through working three jobs. It was used until the end of the Images and Words tour
when Portnoy was signed by Sabian and Mapex.
• Awake/A Change Of Seasons kit - This Mapex USA Maple kit was used on the world tour supporting the album
Awake. It had two bass drums, one snare, six toms, two small timbales, a section of various percussion
instruments, and four Octoban-sized drums in a 2x2 formation. This marked Portnoy's first use of Octobans on a
record, which were custom-made by Mapex using maple as opposed to Tama's more traditional acrylic, giving
them a slightly different, more "natural" tone.
• The Purple/Green/Red Monsters - These were Tama Starclassic kits which marked Portnoy's signing with
Tama in the late '90s after his endorsement deal with Mapex fell through (they took the kit he was using off the
market, meaning that he was endorsing a product the public could not buy.) Used for the recording of Falling Into
Infinity" and "Scenes from a Memory and the North, South American, and Asian tours for said albums, they are so
named because of their striking color/white/color fade finishes. Each version of the kit was kept in a different part
of the world to avoid overseas shipping costs; the "Green Monster" was used for European tours and the "Red
Monster" was used for Asian-market touring. It is similar to the "Awake" kit but features many more cymbals, the
left-side octobans in a four-inline configuration (as opposed to his last kit which held them in a 2x2 pattern) and
two more "low"-tuned octobans on the right side of the kit held overhead of the floor toms. This kit featured a
snare drum with a foot-operated snare strainer mechanism which allowed for different snare drum sounds without
having to use his hands to adjust it. On the Purple Monster Portnoy used DW 5000 Pedals, instead of the Iron
Cobra Pedals. He uses this kit in his 1999 Instructional DVD "Liquid Drum Theater".
• Liquid Tension Experiment kit - A comparatively modest kit used in his supergroup project Liquid Tension
Experiment. The bass drum and toms of this kit (not the snare, timbales, and cymbals) were the first Portnoy ever
purchased used according to an interview where he gave a tour of his basement and this kit showed up. This kit
was unique in that it used a pair of small timbales where the two smallest toms would normally be. It was
otherwise a normal "seven piece" rock kit with three toms (five if you count the timbales), and a single bass drum
with a double kick pedal. It marks the first time Portnoy uses a floor tom on either side of the kit for a recording
(during footage from their Fan Club Show in 1998 featured on 5 Years in a LIVEtime, Portnoy's "Unplugged" kit
contained a left-hand floor tom used heavily during that performance) with a 14" floor tom on the left and an 18"
floor tom on the right. It is the first time Portnoy used his MaxStax cymbal line in the studio. Portnoy notes in his
Liquid Drum Theater instructional video that the reason behind the smaller kit is that when Liquid Tension
Experiment went into the studio to record the first album, The Purple Monster kit was still being shipped back
from some shows they had played immediately prior in Brazil.
• Transatlantic kit - The kit used to record and tour behind the first Transatlantic album was the same as the
Liquid Tension Experiment kit, but with five regular toms. When recording and touring behind the second
Transatlantic album, Portnoy added his new Melody Master snare drums for the first time and some different
cymbals including a set of custom made 15" hi-hats. The smaller Melody Master displaced the 14" floor tom,
which was moved back to the right of the kit for the Transatlantic recordings. For the filming of Portnoy's 2007
51
Mike Portnoy
"In Constant Motion" instructional DVD set, the Transatlantic kit was reproduced in Tama drums' new line of
acrylic shells named Starclassic Mirage [17] in the "Black Ice" finish. The original recording was done with more
traditional Starclassic wood drums.
• The Siamese Monster - This kit was an amalgamation of two individual kits. The left side of the kit is laid out
similarly to the Liquid Tension Experiment kit, with a floor tom on his left side, a modified tymp-tom on his right
side, and three rack toms. The right side is laid out as a normal five piece kit but with the two rack toms reversed,
a gong bass drum in place of a floor tom (with modified floor tom legs), and the ride cymbal in front of the hi
hats, which allows him to share some of the cymbals and toms between the two kits. It has two stools, and while
is not capable of being played in its entirety by one person, Portnoy often invites other drummers to sit in on the
unplayed half during shows. It is a predominantly black kit with Majesty symbols around each individual drum.
Much like the Colored Monsters, there were three identical versions of this kit for use when touring different
continents, the North American kit being the "featured" kit with purple markings as was the case with the Colored
Monsters. It was built by Tama for the recording of the Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence album and tour as well as
the Train of Thought album and tour.
• The OSI kit - Portnoy used the small (right) side of his Red Siamese Monster kit for the recording of the first
Office of Strategic Influence album. For the second he downsized even more to a four-piece consisting of his
signature snare, one timbale as a tom as previously used on his Liquid Tension Experiment kit, one floor tom, and
a single 18" kick drum with a double pedal.
• Yellow Matter Custard kit - A specially designed set for use in Portnoy's Beatles tribute band, Yellow Matter
Custard. It is modelled on Ringo Starr's kit, and is quite simple compared with his Dream Theater kits. Its in the
sizes: 12"x8", 14"x14" & 20"x14". The cymbals are an 14" AA HiHat, an AA Crash on the left and a HH
Crash/Ride on the right.
• Hammer Of The Gods kit - A John Bonham-replica kit that was used in Portnoy's Led Zeppelin tribute band.
Custom-made acrylic shells were used (transparent amber), and the kit is always played while wearing the
obligatory bowler hat.
• The Albino Monster - The previous kit used by Portnoy is similar to the Siamese Monster. Aesthetically, it is
white with silver sparkle Majesty logos instead of the black/colored logos of the Siamese Monster. In layout it is
almost exactly the same, the only differences being the right side of the kit mimics his earlier Hammer of the
Gods kit; two of the timbales were removed, the 10" tymp-tom was changed to a 14", and the gong bass drum was
replaced with a floor tom. He kept some of the cymbals from the right side of the Siamese Monster, including the
13" HHX Groove Hats, and the 19" Hand Hammered Fierce Crash, so there's more distance between the two sides
in the Albino Monster, than there were in the Siamese Monster. So far it has been used for the Gigantour (a tour
that Dream Theater participated in alongside Megadeth, Symphony X and several other bands) and throughout the
Octavarium 2005-06 World Tour. The modification to the right side stemmed from sessions for Dream Theater's
Octavarium album, where what began as an experiment became the inspiration behind most of Octavarium. When
recording of Octavarium began, Portnoy brought along the Hammer of the Gods kit, resulting in the kit being
used for part of the album: he ended up using it on five of the album's eight tracks. The kit utilizes larger "Rock"
sizes, with a 14" rack tom, a 16" floor tom, an 18" floor tom, and a meaty 6.5" x 14" snare drum, much reminding
of the drum sizes used by John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. Additionally, Portnoy only used a few crash cymbals,
and used a splash and china sparingly. When touring began, Tama had the shells changed to traditional Starclassic
Maple shells, because they didn't want Portnoy touring with a kit featuring shells that Tama didn't mass-produce
for public acquisition. The touring kit includes two new limited-edition Mike Portnoy signature snare drums with
the same matching finish used on the rest of the kit. On Tama's official website, Portnoy released details about
changes to the kit for his upcoming tours, beginning with G3 in March. He says the left side will stay the same,
but the right side will change. The sizes will change to more conventional sizes-22" kick etc. and will have three
rack toms as opposed to the 'Bonham'-size, one rack tom kit of before. The shells would be Starclassic Mirage
52
Mike Portnoy
acrylic shells instead of the Starclassic Maple he has always used. He used this kit in his DVD In Constant
Motion.
• The Mirage Monster- Revealed at Gods Of Metal 2007, this kit is made up of two kits once again, except built
out of Tama's new Tama Starclassic Mirage [17] acrylic drums in clear "Crystal Ice" finish. The left side is
virtually identical to his previous kit, except made with clear acrylic shells. The new configuration of the right
side of his kit has replaced the "Bonzo Kit" of "The Albino Monster." His new right side of the kit includes: a 22"
kick and 3 rack toms (8", 10", and 12") "so it's going to be a little more of a conventional, small kit." (Click on
"Interview" link button [18]) The snares used are his Signature Melody Master snares. He uses 2 12x5" steel
snares (one on the right side of the kit as a main snare and one on the left as a side snare) and uses one 14x5.5"
maple shell snare. These snares are the same snares used in the last 2 kits (Albino Monster and Siamese Monster)
and they are in the original black color. This kit has been scaled down to a relatively small double-bass kit for
several shows taking place in smaller venues.
• Black & Silver Monster[19] - Similar to the Mirage Monster, this kit is made up of two different kits, this time
with the new Bubinga wood drums with a black and silver finish. This kit was used for the Black Clouds & Silver
Linings album and tour.
Several of Portnoy's drum kits make use of Roland electronic drum pads. Portnoy uses these as what he calls the
"secret cowbell", to count off the songs in a way that only his fellow band members and the technicians can hear it.
An example of this can be seen on the Score DVD, where it can be seen in the background that Portnoy counts off
the song "Under A Glass Moon" on the pad. Portnoy explains the use of these pads in the commentary track of the
"Drum Cam Only" version of the Live At Budokan DVD, as well as the "Mike's Stage Tour" featurette on the Chaos
in Motion 2007–2008 DVD.
Tama has marketed two different sized Mike Portnoy signature snare drums, known as "Melody Masters" (named
after Melody, his daughter), since the late 1990s. The smaller of the two has a 12x5" steel shell and the larger has a
14x5.5" maple shell. Both snare models have a unique three way snare strainer mechanism.[20] Portnoy and Tama
have custom-made versions in various colors to match the color schemes of the kit he was using at the time (i.e. The
"Purple/Red/Green Monsters", "Siamese Monster" "Albino Monster", etc.). For 2006, in recognition of his 'Albino
Monster' kit, he released only 250 of these snares worldwide in a white, gloss finish. The older colour (black) is not
limited edition.
Sabian has marketed three different sized signature cymbal stacks, known as "Max Stax" (named after his son, Max).
They consist of a hand hammered china kang-style cymbal on top of a splash (or crash) cymbal that can be played
much more like a drum than a cymbal, used much more in traditional drum fills than most quickly decaying cymbal
tones. Their sizes are 8/8", 10/10" and 12/14". Sabian has marketed odd-sized 7, 9, and 11" "Max Splash" cymbals
which have a fast decay and can be used in fills and drum patterns that have the same namesake.[21]
Portnoy has endorsed Promark sticks since the early 1990s. His signature stick is the TX420N.[22] It is .531 inches in
diameter, 16 1/8 in length, and has a 747 taper and nylon tip. The color of the ink and the design of the logo has
changed several times. When Mike was in Dream Theater, it had purple ink and had the Dream Theater logo on it.
When he toured with Avenged Sevenfold, the Pro-Mark logo was replaced with the Deathbat and used regular black
ink. The "420" in the model number, which is printed on the sticks, is a reference to his birthday (and not a
marijuana reference, as has been suggested). He is known for gripping his left stick on the reverse side to attain a
different sound on the snare drum.
53
Mike Portnoy
54
Other instruments played
Portnoy played John Myung's bass when Dream Theater performed as the fictitious band Nightmare Cinema. Before
live performances of "Trial of Tears", he would sometimes switch instruments with John Petrucci and play
"Eruption" by Van Halen. In Nightmare Cinema he got the "alternate stage name" Max Del Fuvio. He was seen
playing Pink Floyd's Sheep, in a sunburst 4-string Music Man Stingray belonging to Myung on The making of
Systematic Chaos. He plays bass guitar during a jam by Liquid Trio Experiment 2.
Avenged Sevenfold, Departure from Dream Theater and Future
In spring 2010, Portnoy filled in for Avenged Sevenfold's former drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, who died
during production of the band's latest album Nightmare.
On the May 5th, 2010, Portnoy released a statement on his status with Avenged Sevenfold on their official website
saying: "Although I wish I could stay on board with A7X in a more permanent capacity, the reality is that I am
committed to Dream Theater as my main priority and I will need to resume work with DT to start a new album at
some point in 2011.....However, I will be able to join my brothers in Avenged Sevenfold for at least the duration of
their touring throughout 2010.....You can look at me like the band's "rebound drummer" to buy them some time until
they are comfortable and ready to make a commitment to somebody new for full-time relationship in their
future!"[23]
On Wednesday, September 8, 2010, Mike Portnoy announced he would be leaving Dream Theater. In his official
statement[24] he said:
“
Dream Theater was always my baby...and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985...24/7, 365...never
taking time off from DT's never-ending responsibilities (even when the band was "off" between cycles)...working overtime and way beyond
the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band....But I've come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me
out...and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DT spirit hungry and
inspired.
We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and
while a few months apart from each other here & there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could
simply agree with me to taking a bit of a 'hiatus' to recharge our batteries and 'save me from ourselves'...
”
Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than
take a breather...I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be...
The rest of the band did not agree and decided to continue on without him. Because of this decision, Portnoy decided
to leave Dream Theater. After auditioning seven world-class drummers, Dream Theater selected Mike Mangini to
replace Portnoy.[25]
On December 16, 2010, Portnoy announced via Facebook that although he would have liked to continue working
with the band, Avenged Sevenfold had decided to stop using him as their drummer.[26] He later announced that he
had asked to rejoin Dream Theater, but had been rejected,[27] as Dream Theater had already chosen their new
drummer, Mike Mangini.
Fairly recently, I reached out to the guys to try and make amends and offered to reconcile for the sake of having peace back in our lives...(plus
I know how much it meant to a lot of the fans...)
“
I figured it was still possible to try and save us because they hadn't made any announcements yet or begun any public activity with another
drummer...but sadly, they declined my offer (well, actually their lawyer did...they didn't even tell me themselves....) [...] I tried, and the door is
now shut...the ball is now in their court, not mine...
”
Portnoy announced, that he has started 2 musical projects; one project with Russell Allen, Mike Orlando, Rich Ward
and Paul DiLeo, titled Adrenaline Mob, and another with Neal Morse, Steve Morse, Dave LaRue and Casey
McPherson (so far untitled). He recently stated on Facebook, that both band's drum tracks are done.
Mike Portnoy
On June 10, 2011, Portnoy announced on his website, that he would be playing a show in New York City on June
24, 2011 with Adrenaline Mob.[28]
On August 5, 2011, one of Adrenaline Mob's new songs, titled "Hit the Wall," debuted on the Q104.3 radio station
following a live interview with Portnoy about Adrenaline Mob, as well as his hopes for the future and his feelings
towards Dream Theater.
Personal life
Portnoy and his wife Marlene (née Apuzzo) live in Lehigh County|Pennsylvania in the Lehigh Valley region of
Pennsylvania with their children, Melody Ruthandrea and Max John. Marlene used to be a guitarist in the all-female
band Meanstreak, and two of the other members, guitarist Rena Sands and bassist Lisa Martens, are married to
Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci and bassist John Myung, respectively.
Discography
With Majesty
• 1986 - Majesty (Demos)
With Dream Theater
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1989 - When Dream and Day Unite
1992 - Images and Words
1994 - Awake
1995 - A Change of Seasons (EP)
1997 - Falling into Infinity
1999 - Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory
2002 - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
2003 - Train of Thought
2005 - Octavarium
2007 - Systematic Chaos
2009 - Black Clouds & Silver Linings
With Avenged Sevenfold
• 2010 - Nightmare
• 2010 - Welcome to the Family (EP)
With Adrenaline Mob
• 2011 - Adrenaline Mob (EP)
With Transatlantic
• 2000 - SMPT:e
• 2001 - Bridge Across Forever
• 2009 - The Whirlwind
55
Mike Portnoy
With Neal Morse
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2003 - Testimony
2004 - One
2005 - ?
2006 - Cover to Cover
2007 - Sola Scriptura
2008 - Lifeline
2011 - Testimony 2
With OSI
• 2003 - Office of Strategic Influence
• 2006 - Free
• 2006 - re:free (EP)
With Liquid Tension Experiment
• 1998 - Liquid Tension Experiment
• 1999 - Liquid Tension Experiment 2
• 2007 - Spontaneous Combustion (As Liquid Trio Experiment)
Tribute Shows (CD and DVD)
• One Night in New York City - Yellow Matter Custard (2003) (The Beatles) with Paul Gilbert, Neal Morse and
Matt Bissonette
• Two Nights In North America - Hammer of the Gods (2006) (Led Zeppelin) with Paul Gilbert, Daniel Gildenlöw,
and Dave LaRue
• One Night in Chicago - Cygnus and the Sea Monsters (2006) (Rush) with Paul Gilbert, Sean Malone, and Jason
McMaster
• One Night in New York City - Amazing Journey (2007) (The Who) with Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan and Gary
Cherone
• One More Night in New York City - Yellow Matter Custard (2011) (The Beatles) with Paul Gilbert, Neal Morse
and Kasim Sulton.
With selected musicians
•
•
•
•
1984 - Rising Power: Power for the People (out of print)
1986 - Inner Sanctum: 12 A.M. (out of print)
1986/2010 - S.A. Adams: Unearthed. FnA Records (www.fnarecords.net [29])
2001 - Andy West with Rama: Rama 1
Instructional DVD Releases
Portnoy has released several instructional drumming videos/DVDs. These include:
• "Progressive Drum Concepts" (Rittor Music 1995 1 VHS/DVD)
• "Liquid Drum Theater" (Hudson Music 2000 2 DVDs)
• "In Constant Motion" (Hudson Music 2007, 3 DVDs)
56
Mike Portnoy
Portnoy's self filmed performances
Portnoy has self-released "drum-cam" DVDs of the last several Dream Theater and side project recording sessions
through his own "MP4" production company. These are "in-studio" recordings typically consisting of Full Band,
Isolated Drums tracks, and an Audio Commentary.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
"Asian Clinic Tour" (MP4 Productions 2001, 1 DVD) (out of print)
"Ten Degrees of Turbulent Drumming" (MP4 Productions 2002, 1 DVD)
"Drums Across Forever" (MP4 Productions 2002, 1 DVD)
"Drums of Thought" (MP4 Productions 2004, 1 DVD)
"Live at Budokan" (MP4 Production 2005, 1 DVD)
"Mike Portnoy - Drumavarium" (MP4 Productions 2005, 1 DVD)
"sysDRUMatic chaos" (MP4 Productions 2007, 1 DVD)
"SCORE" (MP4 Productions 2008, 1 DVD)
"Black Clouds & Silver Drumming" (MP4 Productions 2009, 1 DVD)
"Whirlwind Drumming" (MP4 Productions 2010, 1 DVD)
References
[1] http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com
[2] "MIKE PORTNOY, RUSSELL ALLEN, RICH WARD, MIKE ORLANDO Join Forces In ADRENALINE MOB" (http:/ / www.
roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/ news. aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=159475& utm_source=feedburner&
utm_medium=feed& utm_campaign=Feed:+ blabbermouth+ (Blabbermouth. net's+ Daily+ Headlines)). .
[3] Portnoy, Mike (2009). "The Mike Portnoy Official Website/biography" (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ credits. aspx). Portnoy Official
Website. . Retrieved 2009-10-13.
[4] http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ aboutmike/ faq/ answers/ 20. aspx#167
[5] http:/ / www. tama. com/ md2011
[6] http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ forum/ fb. aspx?m=1402101
[7] http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ forum/ fb. aspx?m=1402158
[8] http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/ news. aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=59931
[9] http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ about/ mpfaq/ showquestion. asp?menu=about& faq=1& fldAuto=317
[10] http:/ / www. metalsludge. tv/ home/ index. php?option=com_content& task=view& id=202& Itemid=52
[11] http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ news/ Mike-Portnoy-Named-in-Top-50-Drummers-of-All-Time-20590. aspx
[12] http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ news/ Machine-Head-Mike-Portnoy-Win-Metal-Hammer-Golden-Gods-Awards-21556. aspx Mike
Portnoy won as the Best Drummer at the Metal Hammer Golden God Awards 2010!
[13] "MIKE PORTNOY, JOEY JORDISON WIN 2010 DRUMMIES AWARDS" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ news/
Mike-Portnoy-Joey-Jordison-Win-2010-Drummies-Awards-21803. aspx). Roadrunner Records. 2010-07-22. . Retrieved 2010-08-04.
[14] http:/ / www. revolvermag. com/ news/ revolver-golden-gods-winners-from-last-night-announced. html
[15] Mike Portnoy wins several great awards from DRUM! Magazine!! http:/ / www. facebook. com/ notes/ mike-portnoy/
mp-wins-drum-magazines-drummer-of-the-year/ 214638211913960
[16] http:/ / www. drummagazine. com/ drummies/ post/ awards-2011/
[17] http:/ / www. tama. com/ mirage
[18] http:/ / www. tama. com/ artists/ default. asp
[19] http:/ / www. tama. com/ bsm
[20] http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ about/ tama/ ?menu=about
[21] http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ about/ sabian/ ?menu=about
[22] http:/ / www. promark. com/ products/ view/ tx420n/
[23] http:/ / www. avengedsevenfold. com/ news/ mike-portnoy-will-be-drumming-a7x
[24] Metal Insider: Mike Portnoy Quits Dream Theater (September 8, 2010) (http:/ / www. metalinsider. net/ splits/
mike-portnoy-quits-dream-theater)
[25] http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/ news. aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=157462
[26] Mike Portnoy. "Mike Portnoy Confirms, "My Time With Avenged Sevenfold Has Come To An End."" (http:/ / deathbatnews. wordpress.
com/ 2010/ 12/ 16/ mike-portnoy-confirms-my-time-with-avenged-sevenfold-has-come-to-an-end/ ). Deathbat News. .
[27] http:/ / www. metalhammer. co. uk/ news/ mike-portnoy-told-he-cant-come-back-to-dream-theater/
[28] Portnoy, Mike. "COMING TO NYC ON FRI JUNE 24TH" (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ forum/ m2678822-p2. aspx). . Retrieved 12
June 2011.
[29] http:/ / www. fnarecords. net
57
Mike Portnoy
External links
• MikePortnoy.com (http://www.mikeportnoy.com)
• VIDEO Interview with Portnoy on BackstageMusician.Com (http://www.backstagemusician.com/
mikeportnoy.htm)
• Interview with Portnoy in Drummer's Digest web magazine (http://www.drummersdigest.com/en/index.
php?option=com_content&task=view&id=87&Itemid=28)
• (http://jacksonnewsnow.com/radio/1023-the-rocket/1023-the-rocket-latest/
mike-portnoy-joins-avenged-sevenfold)
• VIDEO interview with Portnoy at DrummersDigest.com (http://www.drummersdigest.com/live/index.
php?option=com_content&task=view&id=356&Itemid=1)
• Metal Sludge 20 Questions with Portnoy (http://www.metalsludge.tv/home/index.php?option=com_content&
task=view&id=202&Itemid=52)
• Progressive Nation 2008 (http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1945850)
• Portnoy discusses his memories of the now-defunct New York record store, Slipped Disc (http://www.
roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=95266)
• Mike Portnoy named the 5th best drummer of all time (http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/
Mike-Portnoy-Named-in-Top-50-Drummers-of-All-Time-20590.aspx)
58
Derek Sherinian
59
Derek Sherinian
Derek Sherinian
Sherinian performing with Billy Idol in 2006
Born
August 25, 1966
Laguna Beach, California
United States
Genres
hard rock, Progressive metal, progressive rock, neo-classical metal, metal fusion, classic rock
Occupations
Musician, songwriter, producer
Instruments
Keyboards, Guitar, backing vocals
Years active
1982–present
Labels
Mascot Label Group, InsideOut Music.
Associated acts Dream Theater, Planet X, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Yngwie Malmsteen, Eddie Van Halen,Billy Idol, Black Country Communion
Website
http:/ / www. dereksherinian. com
Derek Sherinian (born August 25, 1966) is a rock keyboardist who has toured and recorded for Alice Cooper, Billy
Idol, Yngwie Malmsteen, Kiss, and Alice In Chains.[1] He was also a member of Dream Theater and is the founder
of the instrumental metal-fusion band Planet X. His solo albums feature several prominent artists, including Slash,
Yngwie Malmsteen, Allan Holdsworth, Steve Lukather, John Sykes, Billy Sheehan, Zakk Wylde and Al Di Meola.
Sherinian is a founding member of the supergroup Black Country Communion.[2]
Sherinian has distinguished himself by his aggressive "guitaristic" approach to his keyboard style. He has been called
the "King of the Keys" by Guitar World magazine and the "Caligula of Keyboards" by Alice Cooper. His influences
include Elton John, Keith Emerson, Jan Hammer, and a variety of guitarists.
Biography
1966–1999
Sherinian was born in Laguna Beach, California of Greek-Armenian descent. He began taking piano lessons at age
five in Santa Cruz, California.[3] [4] After his junior year at Soquel High School, he received a scholarship to the
Berklee College of Music in Boston where he was the roommate of the later Megadeth guitarist Al Pitrelli.[3] [5] He
has since studied with other keyboard players, including Mitchel Forman, T Lavitz and Russell Ferrante. His first
professional gig after leaving Boston was with ex-Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsies drummer Buddy Miles. Sherinian
got his first big break with Alice Cooper in 1989 to tour in support of the platinum selling "Trash" album.[3] After
touring with Alice Cooper, Sherinian played offstage keyboards on the 1992 KISS Revenge tour.[3]
Derek Sherinian
In 1994, Derek replaced Kevin Moore in the progressive metal band Dream Theater, originally just for the band's
promotional tour for Awake. On February 1995, however, he was made a full-time member of the band. He recorded
the albums A Change of Seasons (1995), Falling Into Infinity (1997), and Once In A LIVEtime (1998) with Dream
Theater before being replaced in January 1999 by Jordan Rudess because of creative differences.[5] [6] [7] [8]
Sherinian remained on good terms with the band, and reunited with Dream Theater for a one-off concert in 2004,
which was recorded and released on When Day and Dream Reunite (2004). The band's performance of "Metropolis
Pt. 1" featured an extended improvisation between Sherinian, Rudess, and guitarist John Petrucci.
During the late 1990s, Sherinian released two albums with the progressive rock supergroup Platypus, which also
featured Dream Theater bassist John Myung, Dregs drummer Rod Morgenstein, and King's X guitarist Ty Tabor.
The group released two albums, When Pus Comes to Shove (1998) and Ice Cycles (2000), before disbanding in
2000.[9]
1999 – present
Since 1999, Sherinian has recorded seven solo albums, featuring performances by numerous highly acclaimed
musicians.
Sherinian's first solo album, Planet X (1999), written and recorded with Australian drummer Virgil Donati, led to the
formation of a band of the same name (Planet X). Guitar virtuoso Tony MacAlpine was recruited to complete the
band. Sherinian has stated that his intention when forming Planet X was to create a group of musicians that "played
their instruments so fiercely, that they would strike fear in the hearts of all musicians".
In 2001, Derek teamed with drummer Simon Phillips and guitarists Steve Lukather and Zakk Wylde to record
Inertia,[10] followed by Black Utopia (2003). For Black Utopia, three new faces joined Sherinian’s group: bassist
Billy Sheehan, rock guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, and jazz fusion guitarist Al Di Meola.[11] [12] With respect to this
fusion-influenced lineup, Sherinian stated:
I have always been a fan of jazz fusion, but from the perspective of a rock player crossing over to jazz, not
vice versa. I think that is how Jeff Beck (who Sherinian stated he hopes to play with in a recent interview)
approached his classic instrumental records and I like to follow in that path.[3]
Sherinian also calls the album "a lot darker and heavier than [Inertia]".[13] In Japan, the cover of Black Utopia was
altered to remove the cross in the title without Sherinian's consent; Sherinian has commented that the cross "meant
nothing" and was added for aesthetic purposes.[13]
Sherinian extended further into the fusion realm by collaborating with guitarist Allan Holdsworth and violinist Jerry
Goodman (formerly of the Mahavishnu Orchestra) on Mythology (2004).[14] In addition to another appearance by
Phillips, other musicians appearing on this recording were Zakk Wylde, John Sykes, Steve Stevens, and Tony
Franklin.[3] [14]
Since 2002, Sherinian has toured with several well-known artists, including Billy Idol and Yngwie Malmsteen.[15]
Derek's fifth solo album, Blood of the Snake (2006), features contributions from Idol, as well as former Guns N'
Roses guitarist Slash, John Petrucci of Dream Theater, and Brian Tichy; Phillips, Franklin and Lukather make return
appearances.[16] [17] A video for a cover version of Mungo Jerry's "In the Summertime" was released along with the
album.[18] Sherinian also worked with duduk master Djivan Gasparyan on the song "Prelude To Battle" on the
release, written for his great grandmother who survived the Armenian genocide. In 2009, Sherinian released his sixth
solo album, Molecular Heinosity, again featuring Zakk Wylde, Tony Franklin and Brian Tichy. Later that year,
Sherinian also performed a one-off acoustic gig with Alice In Chains to launch their Black Gives Way To Blue
album.
In 2010, Sherinian became a founding member of supergroup Black Country Communion with Glenn Hughes, Jason
Bonham, and Joe Bonamassa.[2] Sherinian has completed his seventh solo album titled "Oceana" which will be
released worldwide September 5th, 2011 on Mascot Records.
60
Derek Sherinian
61
Influences and collaborations
In a 2000 interview, Sherinian cited his early influences as being Jan Hammer (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Keith
Emerson (Emerson, Lake & Palmer and The Nice), Rick Wakeman (Yes), and Elton John.[4] Other influences
include guitarists Allan Holdsworth, Jeff Beck, and Eddie Van Halen. Sherinian enjoys co-writing material with
fellow musicians, and often finds that he writes better material with drummers.[19] Sherinian cites Van Halen's guitar
playing as having a direct influence on his aggressive unique approach to keyboards in terms of technique as well as
tone; his unique signature lead patch contains numerous elements of guitar sounds such as distortion, harmonics, and
palm-muting, eventually leading to playing a gig with Eddie for a party at Van Halen's home in 2006, of which
Sherinian said "It was the highlight of my career, it was completely surreal." Sherinian's work with noted Toto
guitarist Steve Lukather on the 2001 solo CD Inertia was cited by Lukather as "probably my best recorded work in
my whole career. Great record! I'm very proud of it!".[3]
Sherinian's collaborations with top musicians were featured in a 2007 article in Guitar World magazine, where
guitarist Zakk Wylde offered "People want to play with him because he’s that good. He can play everything from the
easiest licks on a piano to the most complex Beethoven sonatas with ease." Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci
added "...Derek -considering the fact that he’s heavily into guitarists and rock music, his history, and the range of all
the great guitarists he’s worked with —plays with a fire unheard of from most keyboardists.”[20] Sherinian explains
that he enlists a variety of guitarists because he "[does not] think there is one guitarist who can cover all the styles
featured on [the] albums." Sherinian often tailors songs for specific guitarists, such as Holdsworth and Wylde for
"Day of the Dead" (off Mythology);[20] in this respect, he seeks to take certain aspects of genres and make them
"collide in an eloquent way".[13]
Equipment
Derek Sherinian currently uses and endorses Clavia,
Korg, Moog and Roland keyboards.[21] [22] Sherinian
was presented the G2 Modular synth serial number 001
by Clavia representative Bengt Lilja in January
2004.[23] As an KORG endorsee, Sherinian was one of
the first artists to adopt the Korg Trinity keyboard
series in 1996. In collaboration with KORG sound
designer Jack Hotop, they created Sherinian's signature
"guitaristic" lead sound (the "Monster Lead", made
famous on the Dream Theater album "Falling Into
Infinity") on the Trinity, as well as other, more
"modern" and "aggressive" keyboard patches, owing to
his fondness of guitar tones and technique. Derek is
currently using the KORG Kronos in the studio and
live. Derek also uses the Hammond B3 organ; he thinks
that "every rock keyboardist should have a distorted
Leslie and a Hammond as part of their sound."[24]
A Clavia Nord Modular
The original KORG Triton, released in 1999
Derek is also known for being one of the first
keyboardists to use vertical keyboard stands, influencing a new generation of keyboardists. A more detailed list of
equipment can be found at Sherinian's Web site ([25]).
Sherinian currently uses the following gear: Korg Kronos 61, Moog Voyager XL, Clavia Nord Lead 3, Clavia Nord
Elerctro 3. Yamaha C9 Conservatory Series Grand Piano. His vintage gear includes: 1977 Yamaha C9 Conservatory
Series Grand Piano.Moog Taurus Pedals, 1962 fruitwoodHammond B3, two Leslie 147, modified by Ken Rich
Derek Sherinian
62
Sound Services. Sherinian also owns Beachwood Manor Studios, located in Burbank, California.In the studio, Derek
also has a Muse Research Receptor 2 ProMax loaded with Omnisphere,Trillian, M Tron 2, B4 2, Ivory 2, Predator,
Massive, and many other soft synths.
Selected discography
Information courtesy of Allmusic.com.[26] [27] [28]
Solo albums
Date of release
Title
Label
Type
1999
Planet X
Magna Carta
Studio
N/A
2001
Inertia
InsideOut
Studio
N/A
April 22, 2003
Black Utopia
InsideOut
Studio
N/A
November 9, 2004
Mythology
InsideOut
Studio N/A
N/A
August 1, 2006
Blood of the Snake
InsideOut
Studio
N/A
March 24, 2009
Molecular Heinosity InsideOut
Studio
N/A
September 5th, 2011 Oceana
Allmusic rating US Sales
Mascot Label Group Studio
With Dream Theater
Date of release
Title
Label
Type
September 19, 1995 A Change of Seasons
EastWest Studio/Live EP
188,000+
September 23, 1997 Falling into Infinity
EastWest Studio
160,000+
October 27, 1998
Once in a LIVEtime
EastWest Live
75,000+
1998
5 Years in a LIVEtime EastWest VHS/DVD
N/A
With Planet X
Date of release Title
Label
Type
June 6, 2000
Universe
InsideOut Studio
April 3, 2002
Live from Oz InsideOut Live
N/A
July 29, 2002
MoonBabies InsideOut Studio
N/A
May 18, 2007
Quantum
N/A
InsideOut Studio
N/A
With other musicians
A complete list of projects is at Sherinian's website [29] and the Allmusic credits page [30].
Derek Sherinian
63
Date of release Artist
Title
Label
Type
May 18, 1993
Kiss
Alive III
Mercury
Live
N/A
1994
Alice Cooper
The Last Temptation
Epic
Studio
N/A
August 22,
1995
Alice Cooper
Classicks
Epic
Compilation
N/A
August 25,
1998
Platypus
When Pus Comes to Shove
Velvel
Studio
N/A
March 14, 2000 Platypus
Ice Cycles
InsideOut
Music
Studio
N/A
October 15,
2002
Attack!!
Import
Studio
N/A
March 22, 2005 Billy Idol
Devil's Playground
Sanctuary
Studio
N/A
June 24, 2008
Billy Idol
The Very Best of Billy Idol:
Idolize Yourself
Capitol
Records
Compilation
N/A
October 14,
2008
Yngwie Malmsteen
Perpetual Flame
Koch
Studio
N/A
September 10,
2010
Black Country
Communion
Black Country
Mascot
Studio
N/A
June 14, 2011
Black Country
Communion
2
Mascot
Studio
N/A
Yngwie Malmsteen
Allmusic
rating
US
Sales
Movie appearances
• 1992 - Wayne's World, as himself as part of the Alice Cooper Band
References
[1] "Bravewords.com > News > ALICE IN CHAINS - Keyboardist Derek Sherinian Reports From Hollywood LIstening Party" (http:/ / www.
bravewords. com/ news/ 117965). bravewords.com. . Retrieved 2009-11-27.
[2] "Producer Says BLACK COUNTRY Debut Is 'Promising To Be Phenomenal'" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/
news. aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=133444). Blabbermouth.net. . Retrieved 3 February 2010.
[3] "Derek Sherinian - Bio" (http:/ / www. dereksherinian. com/ bio. htm). DerekSherinian.com. . Retrieved 2007-06-12.
[4] "Derek Sherinian Interview" (http:/ / progsheet1. hypermart. net/ sherinian. html). ProgSheet.com. . Retrieved 2007-07-02.
[5] "Derek Sherinian - Overview" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ artist/ p192320). Allmusic.com. . Retrieved 2007-06-12.
[6] "Mike Portnoy FAQ" (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20061213022345/ http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ about/ mpfaq/ showquestion.
asp?menu=about& faq=1& fldAuto=460). Mikeportnoy.com. Archived from the original (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ about/ mpfaq/
showquestion. asp?menu=about& faq=1& fldAuto=460) on 2006-12-13. . Retrieved 2007-06-10.
[7] "Dream Theater FAQ" (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20060524124912/ http:/ / www. dtfaq. com/ question/ 46). Archived from the original
(http:/ / www. dtfaq. com/ question/ 46) on 2006-05-24. . Retrieved 2007-06-10.
[8] "Dream Theater returns to roots" (http:/ / findarticles. com/ p/ articles/ mi_qn4188/ is_20060310/ ai_n16144393). Deseret Morning News and
FindArticles.com. 2006-03-10. . Retrieved 2007-06-12.
[9] "2001 Archives" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/ news. aspx?Mode=Archive& Date=9/ 18/ 2001).
Blabbermouth.net. . Retrieved 2007-07-02.
[10] Wildran, Jonathan. "Inertia - Overview" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r533008). AllMusic.com. . Retrieved 2007-07-02.
[11] Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Black Utopia - Overview" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r638319). AllMusic.com. . Retrieved 2007-07-02.
[12] "Former DREAM THEATER Keyboardist Completes Work On New Solo CD" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/
news. aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=9673). BlabberMouth.net. 2003-02-13. . Retrieved 2007-07-02.
[13] "Interview - Derek Sherinian" (http:/ / www. revelationz. net/ index. asp?ID=721). RevelationZ Magazine. . Retrieved 2007-08-26.
Derek Sherinian
[14] "New DEREK SHERINIAN Solo Album To Feature Guest Appearances By ZAKK WYLDE, JOHN SYKES" (http:/ / www.
roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/ news. aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=27368). Blabbermouth.net. 2004-09-28. . Retrieved
2007-07-02.
[15] "Billy Idol to Release First CD Featuring New Music in More Than 10 Years; Rebel Rocker Offers DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND on March
22; `Scream' Goes to Radio Early January" (http:/ / findarticles. com/ p/ articles/ mi_m0EIN/ is_2004_Dec_6/ ai_n7637352). Business Wire
and FindArticles.com. 2004-12-06. . Retrieved 2007-06-12.
[16] Prato, Greg. "Blood of the Snake - Overview" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r848760). Allmusic.com. . Retrieved 2007-06-12.
[17] "DEREK SHERINIAN: More Solo Album Details Revealed" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/ news.
aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=51903). Blabbermouth.net. 2006-05-06. . Retrieved 2007-06-12.
[18] "DEREK SHERINIAN's Video Featuring Slash Posted Online" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/ news.
aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=55688). Blabbermouth.net. 2006-07-27. . Retrieved 2007-06-12.
[19] Jan van der Vorst. "Derek Sherinian: Interview 2004" (http:/ / www. dprp. net/ specials/ sherinian1204/ index. php). Dutch Progressive Rock
Page. . Retrieved 2007-10-01.
[20] Lalaina, Joe. "King of the Keys: Derek Sherinian" (http:/ / www. guitarworld. com/ derek_sherinian). Guitar World. . Retrieved 2007-09-30.
[21] "Clavia instrument users: Derek Sherinian" (http:/ / www. clavia. se/ misc/ users/ dereksherinian. htm). Clavia.se. . Retrieved 2007-07-02.
[22] "Korg.com: Derek Sherinian" (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20070927234204/ http:/ / www. korg. com/ sbytes/ article.
asp?ArtistID=239). Korg.com. Archived from the original (http:/ / www. korg. com/ sbytes/ article. asp?ArtistID=239) on 2007-09-27. .
[23] "Derek Sherinian receives Nord Modular G2 #001!" (http:/ / www. clavia. se/ pressreleases/ G2Sherinian. htm). Clavia.se. 2004-01-20. .
[24] "Chat with Rod Morgenstein and Derek Sherinian of Platypus" (http:/ / www. artist-shop. com/ irc/ platypus. htm). Artist-shop.com. .
[25]
[26]
[27]
[28]
[29]
[30]
http:/ / www. dereksherinian. com/ gear. htm
"Derek Sherinian Discography" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ artist/ p192320). Allmusic.com. . Retrieved 2007-10-01.
"Dream Theater Discography" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ artist/ p17134). Allmusic.com. . Retrieved 2007-10-01.
"Planet X Discography" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ artist/ p425161). Allmusic.com. . Retrieved 2007-10-01.
http:/ / www. dereksherinian. com/ discography. htm
http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r783641
Multimedia
• Video for Dream Theater - "Hollow Years" (http://us.video.aol.com/video.index.adp?mode=1&
pmmsid=1366499)
• Live version of "Atlantis : Apocalypse 1470 BC" (http://www.xplanetx.com/sounds/lfo/px-lfo-atlantisFULL.
mp3)
• Clavia Nord sample 1 from [[Planet X (band)|Planet X (http://www.clavia.se/MP3s/MP3 files/MoonBabies1.
mp3)] "MoonBabies"]
• Clavia Nord sample 2 from [[Planet X (band)|Planet X (http://www.clavia.se/MP3s/MP3 files/MoonBabies2.
mp3)] "MoonBabies"]
External links
• Derek Sherinian official website (http://www.dereksherinian.com)
• Derek Sherinian official MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/dereksherinian2008)
• Derek Sherinian Interview on Rockpages.gr (http://www.rockpages.gr/detailspage.aspx?id=4649&type=1&
lang=EN)
64
Kevin Moore
65
Kevin Moore
Kevin Moore
Kevin Moore at Balo Stage-Istanbul
Also known as
Chroma Key
Born
May 26, 1967
Long Island, New York, U.S.
Genres
Electronica, ambient, psychedelic, progressive metal, Industrial metal
Occupations
Musician, songwriter
Instruments
Keyboards, vocals, bass
Years active
1985–present
[1]
Associated acts O.S.I., Chroma Key, Dream Theater, Fates Warning
Kevin Moore (born May 26, 1967) is a keyboardist, vocalist and composer and founder of the Chroma Key music
project. He is also a former member of the American progressive metal band Dream Theater, co-founder of the
progressive rock supergroup O.S.I. and has composed film soundtracks. Throughout his career, he has become
known for his emotional music and lyrics, nomadic tendencies, and unique use of spoken-word samples.
Moore started his music career in progressive metal band Dream Theater. He contributed music and lyrics to the
band's first three studio albums, but left the band during the recording of Awake to pursue his own musical interests.
Starting with 1998's Dead Air for Radios, he has released electronica, ambient music through his solo project
Chroma Key. Moore has guested on several albums, including three Fates Warning albums. This led Moore to form
OSI with Fates Warning guitarist Jim Matheos in 2002, a band which combines progressive metal with electronica.
Matheos and Moore are currently working on the fourth OSI album.
Moore has worked on other solo projects since leaving Dream Theater. While living in Costa Rica, he produced a
bi-weekly radio program for Radio for Peace International; a compilation of this work was released as Memory Hole
1. While living in Turkey, Moore produced the debut album of Turkish band Makine and wrote soundtracks for two
Turkish films. The soundtrack for the first film, Okul, was released in 2004 as Ghost Book. The soundtrack for the
second film, Küçük Kiyamet, entitled Shine, was released in 2010.
Kevin Moore
Biography
Early days
Moore, who was born on Long Island, New York, began his music career in Kings Park, Long Island, learning piano
at the age of six and writing his first song at the age of 12. After graduating from high school in 1985, Moore briefly
attended SUNY Fredonia, where he studied classical music, before returning home to form the band Majesty with
childhood friends guitarist John Petrucci and bassist John Myung, who had recruited drummer Mike Portnoy (a
fellow Long Islander) during their short enrollment at Berklee College of Music. Singer Chris Collins handled vocal
duties for Majesty, but he was subsequently replaced by Charlie Dominici (and eventually James LaBrie) and the
band was renamed Dream Theater.
Dream Theater
Dream Theater's debut studio album was 1989's When Dream and Day Unite, which earned the group comparisons
to well-known progressive rock bands such as Rush and Queensrÿche. Their big breakthrough, however, came in
1992 with the album Images and Words, featuring the band's highest charting single to date, "Pull Me Under". The
song, which included lyrics by Moore, reached #10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Following their
relentless touring in support of the second album, the band also went on to release a live album, Live at the Marquee,
and a video, Images and Words: Live In Tokyo. The video's extensive documentary footage would subsequently
introduce many fans to Moore's sarcastic sense of humor.
In 1994, the band released its third studio album, Awake, which was the band's highest charting album to date with
Moore, reaching #32. (2009's Black Clouds & Silver Linings debuted at #6 on the US Billboards). The album
featured Moore's signature song, a haunting piano-driven ballad called "Space-Dye Vest", which describes a
heartbroken man flipping through a magazine and falling in love with a stranger modeling a vest. But shortly before
the album was mixed, Moore announced to the rest of the band that he wished to concentrate on his own musical
interests and would be quitting Dream Theater. According to Portnoy, Moore had grown distant with the other
members and was more interested in the independence of working on his own as opposed to the compromise of a
band environment. Although Dream Theater has since invited him to play reunion shows, Moore has said he prefers
to move forward as opposed to looking back. He also declined to take part in the official Dream Theater biography
titled Lifting Shadows.
During his time in Dream Theater, Moore wrote the lyrics to songs on each of the band's albums and also to some of
the band's demos and b-sides. On When Dream and Day Unite, he wrote "Light Fuse and Get Away" and "Only a
Matter of Time." On Images and Words, he penned "Pull Me Under", "Surrounded", "Wait for Sleep", and parts of
"Take the Time." On Awake, the songs "6:00", "Lie", and "Space-Dye Vest" all featured his lyrics. Demos with his
lyrics include "Don't Look Past Me," the final verse of "To Live Forever '94," "A Vision," "Vital Star," and "Two
Far."
Chroma Key
After leaving Dream Theater, Moore moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico and started writing material for his solo
album. Moore's first solo project was a demo tape called Music Meant to Be Heard, and the songs included many
spoken-word samples from interviews Moore recorded with strangers during his cross-country travels. Most of these
songs were later released in 1999 on a limited-edition CD called This is a Recording.
In 1998, Moore released his first solo album, Dead Air For Radios, under the name Chroma Key on his self-created
record label, Fight Evil Records. Mark Zonder and Joey Vera of Fates Warning served as his support musicians for
that record. The album featured a dark, ambient sound, closer to Peter Gabriel and Tori Amos than the complex and
intricate Dream Theater style. In hindsight, Dream Theater fans noticed that Moore had subtly explored this style of
composition in "Space-Dye Vest."
66
Kevin Moore
In 2000, Moore moved to Los Angeles, California, where he recorded the digitally-themed You Go Now. The line-up
for that record was Moore, David Iscove (guitars) and Steve Tushar (loops, programming). During his westcoast
stay, Moore briefly attended California Institute of the Arts, where he created a little-known documentary called
Octember Revolution, which depicted a Southern California gated community intervention. He then moved to Costa
Rica, where he worked for Radio For Peace International, producing a bi-weekly activist radio program. In fact,
some of Moore's work on Radio for Peace International was later released in an internet-only album called Memory
Hole 1.
In 2004, Moore scoured public domain films looking for one that exuded a certain mood, intending to write a
pseudo-soundtrack to it. The film he chose was Age 13, an educational film from the 1950s, originally for use in
schools. He took the existing film, slowed it to half speed, and let it dictate the moods, textures, and even running
times of the songs he wrote to it. The resulting album is titled Graveyard Mountain Home, which included a DVD
containing the movie set to Moore's music.
OSI
In 2003, Fates Warning guitarist Jim Matheos invited Moore to work with him on a new musical project. Moore had
worked with Matheos before, appearing as guest keyboardist on Fates Warning's 1989 album Perfect Symmetry,
1997 album A Pleasant Shade of Gray and 2000 album Disconnected. The new project involved Dream Theater
drummer Mike Portnoy and Cynic bassist/Chapman Stick player Sean Malone. This would be the first time Moore
had worked with Portnoy since leaving Dream Theater nearly 10 years earlier. The band that was formed was named
OSI, and they released the album Office of Strategic Influence. Musically, it can be described as a mixture of
Chroma Key's dark, melodic focus with the guitars and heaviness of Fates Warning and Dream Theater. Moore
assumed vocal duties.
In April 2006, Moore and Matheos released a second OSI album called Free, a collaboration made easier by Moore's
temporary relocation to Montreal, Canada. The album once again featured Portnoy on drums. Unlike the first OSI
album, which was based on an information-spinning faction of the U.S. government, Free was about the personal
relationships in Moore's life. Shortly following the album's release, OSI also released an EP that included remixes of
three Free songs and a video of the title track. In the spring of 2006, Moore and Matheos alluded to possible
tourdates in the support of the album, but nothing ever materialized.
In September 2008, Moore announced on his website that he had been working for several months with Jim Matheos
and drummer Gavin Harrison (of the band Porcupine Tree) on the third OSI album. Blood was released in April
2009.[2]
Currently a fourth album is in the makings.[3]
Film soundtracks
In 2004, Moore relocated to Istanbul, Turkey, and composed the soundtrack to the horror film Okul (The School)
which was subsequently released as a solo record titled Ghost Book. The music contained many traditional
instruments stemming from Moore's stays in Costa Rica and Turkey. In 2006, Moore once again teamed up with
Turkish producers for another soundtrack project. The film, Küçük Kiyamet (The Little Apocalypse), tells the horrific
tale of a family who decides to rent a summer house by the seaside. Both films, Okul and Küçük Kiyamet, were based
on books written by Turkish author Dogu Yucel.
The soundtrack to Küçük Kiyamet, titled Shine, has been announced for late November 2010. On September 6, 2010,
Moore launched a Kickstarter page to fund the design and manufacture of a physical release of the soundtrack, which
he plans to self-release.[4]
67
Kevin Moore
68
Other
While in Turkey, he also produced a radio show along with Theron Patterson and Pınar Türen in Açık Radyo.
In March 2007, Moore played an hour-long concert, which was held at Turkey's Balo Stage on March 23. It was
described as a try-out to "play some songs for a local crowd...with longer, more elaborate shows planned for the
future." In April 2007, Moore announced plans to pre-produce the debut album of Turkish industrial rock band
Makine [5] which was released in April 2010.
Influence
In an April 2007 interview, Sonata Arctica keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg revealed that he was really influenced by
Moore when he (Klingenberg) began playing rock music.[6] To earn extra income during his Dream Theater days,
Moore worked as private music teacher out of his parent's home in Smithtown, Long Island. One of his students at
the time included television and film composer Roy Harter.
Discography
With Dream Theater
As Chroma Key
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Majesty Demos (1986)
When Dream and Day Unite (1989)
Images and Words (1992)
Live at the Marquee (1993)
Images and Words: Live in Tokyo (1993)
Awake (1994)
With OSI
•
•
•
•
Office of Strategic Influence (2003)
Free (2006)
re:free (EP) (2006)
Blood (2009)
Dead Air for Radios (1998)
Colorblind - single (1999)
You Go Now (2000)
Graveyard Mountain Home (2004)
As Kevin Moore
•
•
•
•
•
Music Meant to Be Heard (1995)
This is a Recording (1999)
Memory Hole 1 (2004)
Ghost Book (2004)
Shine (2010)
Involvement on other albums
Year
Album
Artist
Credit(s)
1989
Perfect Symmetry
Fates Warning Keyboards
1997
A Pleasant Shade of Gray Fates Warning Keyboards
2000
Disconnected
Fates Warning Keyboards
2002
Make Believe
On
Keyboards
2007
Makine
Makine
Pre-production
2008
Oscillate
Steve Tushar
Vocals on "Periscope"
Kevin Moore
Gear
• Images and Words
• Roland JD-800 - used for piano, distorted organ, synth pads and chimes
• Korg DW-8000- used for solo sounds for songs such as Take the Time and Pull Me Under
• Korg DSS-1 - used for samples
• Roland D-50 - used mainly for string and bell sounds
• Roland D-70
• A grand piano was likely used on the album, replaced with JD-800 piano live.
• Music In Progress Tour
• Roland JD-800 on the bottom tier of the Apex two tier stand
• Korg DW-8000 on the top tier of the Apex stand
• Korg DSS-1 on the stand on Kevin's right
• Awake
• Roland JD-800 - used for piano, synth pads and most notably the "Wailing Guitar" solo sound used on 6:00,
Erotomania and Scarred
• Korg DW-8000- used for solo sounds for songs such as 6:00 and The Mirror and for pipe organ sounds.
• Kurzweil K2000- presumably used for string sounds
• Acoustic Piano- used on Space Dye Vest
• A rack sampler was also used during this album, most likely an Akai
• OSI/Chroma Key/Solo
Kevin switched to using mainly soft synths. He still used his Kurzweil K2000 and a Yamaha CP-70 piano. On "You
Go Now", in addition to this, an Access Virus, Moog Memorymoog Plus and a Nord Lead rack. On the OSI album
Free, he used an OpenLabs Neko workstation.
References
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
http:/ / www. ytsejam. com/ modules. php?name=News& file=article& sid=636
"OSI "Blood"" (http:/ / www. chromakey. com/ ). Chroma Key. 4 September 2008. . Retrieved 3 August 2010.
"OSI: Press Release by Metal Blade Records" (http:/ / www. metalblade. com/ news/ 05-13-10-02. html). .
Moore, Kevin (2010-09-06). ""Shine": soundtrack to a Turkish film" (http:/ / www. kickstarter. com/ projects/ kmo/
shine-soundtrack-to-a-turkish-film-0). Kickstarter. . Retrieved 2010-09-07.
[5] http:/ / www. chromakey. com/ video/ kmmtv. mp4
[6] Morgan, Anthony (2007-04). ""Paid In Full" - Sonata Arctica keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg dreams success for fifth studio album Unia"
(http:/ / www. lucemfero. com/ sonataarctica042007. php). Lucem Fero. . Retrieved 2008-05-06.
External links
• Chroma Key official site (http://www.chromakey.com)
• Japanese Kevin Moore site (http://www.kevinmoore.jp/)
• Shine (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kmo/shine-soundtrack-to-a-turkish-film-0) project page on
Kickstarter
Related bands:
• OSI official site (http://www.osiband.com)
• Dream Theater official site (http://www.dreamtheater.net)
• Fates Warning official site (http://www.fateswarning.com)
69
Charlie Dominici
70
Charlie Dominici
Charlie Dominici
Born
June 16, 1951
Origin
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Genres
Progressive metal, hard rock
Occupations
Singer, musician
Instruments
Vocals, guitar, harmonica, keyboard
Years active
1960s–1990
2005–present
Labels
InsideOut Music
Associated acts Dominici
Dream Theater
Franke and the Knockouts
Website
www.dominici.com
[1]
Charlie Dominici (born June 16, 1951 in Brooklyn, New York) is a singer for progressive metal band Dominici.[2]
Perhaps he is best known as the second vocalist for the progressive metal band Dream Theater, having replaced
Chris Collins (while the band was called Majesty) and later being replaced by James LaBrie.[3]
Biography
Dominici originally came into prominence as a member of Franke and the Knockouts, in which he played guitar and
sang backing vocals. He auditioned for Dream Theater in 1987 and was hired for the job in November of that year.
Dominici performed on the band's debut album, 1989's When Dream and Day Unite. However, Dominici was older
than the rest of the band and there were personal and creative differences at work. It was felt that, despite being a
very talented singer, his decidedly "pop" vocal style did not fit in with the distinctive progressive direction that the
band's compositions were taking. According to Dream Theater ex-drummer Mike Portnoy, "It was like having Billy
Joel singing in Queensrÿche." A good singer in the wrong band, they amicably parted ways shortly thereafter.
Dominici remained in contact with Dream Theater throughout their career, despite lapsing out of the music business
and obtaining a job as a finance manager in the automobile business. Dominici was hired by Mike Portnoy to sing at
his wedding to Marlene Apuzzo. He started working on an album with his brother, guitarist Kane Daily, that never
saw the light of day. In 2003 he released a song on his website entitled "Now The Time Has Come" but it was taken
down after a few months, and the track did not feature any guitars, only piano.
Dominici's voice was also heard on the YtseJam Records release "When Dream And Day Unite Demos" which
featured pre-production and vocal demos of several songs, as well as Dominici singing Beatles Covers and the
traditional Christmas song O Holy Night.
On March 6, 2004, Dominici joined his former bandmates onstage in Los Angeles for the first time in 15 years for a
special performance celebrating the 15th anniversary of the band's first album. After the band performed the entire
album, they began playing "To Live Forever" a non-album track that was written in the same time period, and singer
James LaBrie announced Dominici, who sang most of the song. The band then launched into "Metropolis" which
was also written in that time period, with Dominici and LaBrie singing a duet, and also being joined by former
keyboardist Derek Sherinian. This performance was later released by YtseJam Records on CD and DVD versions
entitled "When Dream And Day Reunite". The DVD version also features footage from the band's 1989 tour with
Charlie Dominici
Dominici of each song, as well as documentary footage. Despite having not actively sung since leaving Dream
Theater in 1989, this performance gave him the itch to make music again and in 2005, he released a solo album
entitled O3: A Trilogy, Part 1, the first album of a three-album concept piece.
Dominici subsequently signed a deal with InsideOut Music for a worldwide release of the second installment of the
trilogy, O3: A Trilogy, Part 2, which was released in February 2007. This album was recorded with a full band under
the band name Dominici and showed a heavier, more metal progressive style than the former. The final part, O3: A
Trilogy, Part Three, was released in April 2008. Dominici opened for Dream Theater at three shows at their Chaos in
Motion World Tour in June 2007.
In November 2010, Charlie Dominici posted on his FaceBook page that he was considering auditioning for
DragonForce, after the lead vocalist, ZP Theart, left.[4]
Discography
With Billy and Charles
• Billy and Charles (1969)
With Franke and the Knockouts
• Franke and the Knockouts (1981)
With Dream Theater
• When Dream and Day Unite (1989)
• When Dream and Day Unite Demos (2004)
• When Dream And Day Reunite (CD and DVD) (2005)
With Dominici
• O3: A Trilogy, Part One (2005)
• O3: A Trilogy, Part Two (2007)
• O3: A Trilogy, Part Three (2008)
References
[1] http:/ / www. dominici. com/
[2] "Dominici: Another New Song Posted Online" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/ news. aspx?mode=Article&
newsitemID=93499). Blabbermouth. 24 March 2008. . Retrieved 16 March 2010.
[3] Harris, Craig. "Biography: Dream Theater" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ artist/ p17134/ biography). Allmusic. . Retrieved 16 March 2010.
[4] "Charlie Dominici on FaceBook" (http:/ / www. facebook. com/ charlie. dominici/ posts/ 143536965697805). FaceBook. 27 November 2010.
. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
External links
• Official website (http://www.dominici.com/)
• 2010 interview with Charlie Dominici on Prog Sphere (http://www.prog-sphere.com/2010/06/16/
charlie-dominici/)
71
72
Chris Collins
Genres
Progressive metal, instrumental rock, progressive rock, blackened death metal
Instruments
Guitar, vocals
Years active
1986–present
Labels
Roadrunner
Associated acts Dream Theater, Winterspell
Website
[1]
Chris Collins is an American guitarist and songwriter best known as the first vocalist of the progressive metal band
"Majesty" that later became Dream Theater.[2] He was known for his ability to hit high notes.
The Majesty Days
Together with his fellow future Dream Theater members John Petrucci, John Myung and Kevin Moore, Collins grew
up in Long Island. Those three entered the college to study music but on the other hand, Collins decided to join The
United States Marine Corps due to his interest and abilities in target shooting.He was not enlisted in the USMC but
however, he received a phone call from Petrucci about their planned recording for an album and the offered audition
for the band while he was supposed to go to boot camp. This was contrary to the popular belief that Collins was
never in a Queensryche tribute band and the tape of him singing a Queensryche song that was recorded with the
Majesty. This stuff attracted a lot of attention and there was a buzz going around that created enough notoriety for
Collins to obtain the position in the band during the early days of Majesty. Collins performed without a PA system
during the audition that Petrucci, Myung and Moore were impressed with his ability to hit high notes and sing louder
than amplified instruments and drums. However, during that time, Collins was not a trained vocalist but soon
realized his abilities and decided to give it a shot. It wasn't until many years as Collins matured that he had
developed his skills as a writer and a classically trained performer. During the time where the band was looking for a
vocalist, Collins was invited to join the band, then called Majesty, and accepted writing and recording songs for
them. The Majesty Demos were the first demo tape of the band wherein Collins recorded vocals for six tracks. His
later contributions included writing lyrics for two songs, Afterlife and Cry for Freedom though neither were ever
recorded with his lyrics and Afterlife was later given new lyrics by his replacement, Charlie Dominici.
Musical style
Collins was not a trained vocalist but dared to join the band. As his career progresses, he's gradually developing his
musical skills as a writer and a singer until he became a classically trained singer. His usual musical styles differ
from progressive rock, progressive metal, and blackened death metal.
Later career
In 1994,Collins set forth to create a metal band he would call Winterspell. It was derived from a poem that he had
written in the early 90's that he had set to acoustic music of the album Supercalafragilistic Extreoverdosus. But most
of that album was lost due to a house fire, but a raw version of "Winterspell" still exists and he also recreated two of
the songs that he now calls the "Mourning Star" Project. Amidst the difficult situation of cover bands and
unoriginality, the local scene finally persuaded him to join forces with some local tributes such as
"Snowblind","Never Enough","Scorched Earth","Speak of the Devil",and "Live After Death". While continuing to
write songs,he thought of being a cover band artist but always the his heart was not prepared to follow the trend of
recreating other peoples music and so he approached Guitarist Tommy Conforti from Snowblind about some of his
original metal. Chris was always confident about Tommy's sound and demanded ask for a disk of his material so that
he could prepare some vocals for it and he did. Needing to establish a full band, he pieced together remnants of
already dissolving band called "Guardians of the Flame" adding Tony Mattassa and Joey Lycon to the line up and so
Winterspell was born. Following his passion for unusual and different sounding music Tommy was definitely the
man for the job at the time, with his unusual beats. Collins latched on to that energy and made it his own with songs
like "Well of souls", "The Eucharist", "Seriokill" and " Dust Becomes my Home". Some definite progress was made
but soon after the band deteriorated due to personal differences. Collins and drummer Tony Mattassa forged on to
many and several line up changes. Things went complicated, but due to their persistence they stuck it out together
and plugged the life support back in with guitarist Pete Maglia of "Savior" and bass player Chris Kelly. Pete was a
definite team player and true brother and initiated by learning some of Collins's music and they seemed to have a
definite kick start and a new revival to the band. Pete literally was the savior at the time in the spring of 2005. But it
wasn't until Dennis Sadlo joined that "Winterspell" truly became a fully dynamic and progressive band that
transcended into something very significant.That line up gave us a little flavor of what we could become but towards
the end of that season just after our first show and just as the band was truly kicking it off we ran into some problems
that no one could foresee. so we had to wait another two years to recover, and it wasn't until the spring of "08" that
we could continue where we left off .So in the spring of "08" with the same line up from "05" we continued with a
new and stronger determination to make up for the lost time.Pumping out a new breed of "Winterspell" with power
metal roots and a touch of Death. Thus the title "Touch of Death" the new "Winterspell" album being released in
"2011".
References
[1] http:/ / www. myspace. com/ winterspell
[2] Harris, Craig. "Biography: Dream Theater" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ artist/ dream-theater-p17134/ biography). Allmusic. . Retrieved 3
August 2011.
73
74
Studio album by Dream Theater
Released
March 6, 1989
Recorded
July 18–August 12, 1988
Kajem/Victory Studios (Gladwyne, PA)
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
50:11
Label
Mechanic/MCA Records
Producer
Terry Date and Dream Theater
Dream Theater chronology
The Majesty
Demos
(1986)
When Dream and Day
Unite
(1989)
Images and
Words
(1992)
Professional ratings
Review scores
Source
Allmusic
Metal Storm
Rating
[1]
[2]
When Dream and Day Unite is the debut studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater. The
album is composed mainly of material that originally surfaced during the band's early years as Majesty. It was
recorded during the summer of 1988 at Victory Studios in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, and is the only Dream Theater
album to feature Charlie Dominici on vocals, as James LaBrie replaced Dominici as the lead vocalist on subsequent
albums. It is also one of only two Dream Theater albums not to display their iconic font on the cover along with their
1997 album Falling Into Infinity. It is the only Dream Theater album not to feature a track lasting longer than 10
minutes.
75
History
The band originally formed in 1985 by founding members John
Myung, Mike Portnoy, and John Petrucci under the name Majesty,
which was inspired by Portnoy's commentary on the ending of
"Bastille Day" by Rush. After the band found a keyboardist in
schoolmate Kevin Moore, the band hosted auditions and settled on
Chris Collins as the lead vocalist. While touring around New York,
Collins left the band, and the band went through many lead singers
before settling on the experienced lead vocalist Charlie Dominici.
Dream Theater in 1989.
The band, still titled Majesty, recorded The Majesty Demos between
1985 and 1986, and shortly after was forced to change their name after another band threatened legal action if they
did not change their name. Unable to come up with a replacement name for their band, Portnoy's father suggested the
name Dream Theater, which was the title of a nearby movie theater for the name of the band. They adopted the
name, and eventually signed their first contract to Mechanic Records.
With the relatively warm reception of their original demos, the band expected their debut album to be received with
much fanfare and buzz, but the album went largely unnoticed by the music scene, and eventually led to Mechanic
Records cutting their contract ties with the band, resulting in a small, club tour for the album only in the New York
area. Due to tensions within the band and creative differences, Dominici was fired from the band and they were
without a lead singer for the next few years.
15th Anniversary Performance
On the 15th anniversary of the album, Dream Theater, with at the time-current drummer Mike Portnoy, performed
the album in its entirety in Los Angeles, California, and during two additional songs in the encore special guests
Charlie Dominici and Derek Sherinian (both now former Dream Theater members) performed. However, original
keyboardist Kevin Moore did not appear. The entire performance was recorded live and later released on CD and
DVD under the title When Dream and Day Reunite through Mike Portnoy's independent label YtseJam Records. The
album also featured a live version of "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper", which was originally from the
album Images and Words, and a performance of a b-side called "To Live Forever".
Critical reception
The album did not receive much attention upon release, but due to Images and Words' commercial success, the
album received critical reviews and criticism from many resources. Allmusic attacked the band's ability to actually
write songs, despite them agreeing that some of their melodies are quite enjoyable.
The album also produced two singles, "Status Seeker" and "Afterlife."
Track listing
No. Title
76
Lyrics
Music
1. "A Fortune in Lies"
John Petrucci
Dream Theater
5:13
2. "Status Seeker"
Charlie Dominici, Petrucci Dream Theater
4:18
3. "Ytse Jam"
(instrumental)
Petrucci, John Myung, Kevin Moore, Mike Portnoy
5:46
4. "The Killing Hand"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
8:42
5. "Light Fuse and Get Away"
Moore
Dream Theater
7:24
6. "Afterlife"
Dominici
Dream Theater
5:27
7. "The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun" Petrucci
Dream Theater
8:05
8. "Only a Matter of Time"
Dream Theater
6:36
•
•
•
•
•
Length
I. "The Observance"
II. "Ancient Renewal"
III. "The Stray Seed"
IV. "Thorns"
V. "Exodus"
Moore
The Killing Hand
The lyrics of the song describe a man who wakes up unaware of where he is. He looks around to see walls covered in
names of people who have died. He wants to find out why, and travels back in time to find out. This time travel is
represented by travelling to the bottom of the sea.
When he arrives, he sees that a tyrant is killing all of the people, referred to as "The Killing Hand". In an effort to
stop The Killing Hand from continuing this, he destroys him. Shortly after, he gets called back into the present.
When he arrives however, he is overcome by a strange feeling. He rushes back to the wall and sees that his name has
been added to the list - in an example of something similar to a predestination paradox. He was The Killing Hand,
and when he went back through time he killed himself.
The story of the song's lyrics is explained by John Petrucci on the "When Dream and Day Reunite" DVD.
The story is itself loosely based on a story about the writing on the wall from the biblical Book of Daniel in which a
hand appears and writes something on the wall of the palace of the king of Babylon. Daniel, summoned to interpret
the text, says that the message is from God and means that he intended the king and his kingdom to fall. According
to the story, the king was slain that night.
Personnel
•
•
•
•
•
Charlie Dominici – vocals
John Myung – bass
John Petrucci – guitars
Mike Portnoy – drums
77
References
[1] Taylor, Robert (2011 [last update]). "When Dream and Day Unite - Dream Theater | AllMusic" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r78995).
allmusic.com. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[2] "Dream Theater - When Dream And Day Unite - Metal Storm" (http:/ / www. metalstorm. net/ bands/ album. php?album_id=600&
band_id=92& bandname=Dream+ Theater). metalstorm.net. 2011 [last update]. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
Images and Words
Images and Words
Released
July 7, 1992
Recorded October 14–December, 1991 BearTracks Studios, New York (additional recordings at The Hit Factory, NY)
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
57:05
Label
Atco
Producer David Prater
When Dream and Day
Unite
(1989)
Images and
Words
(1992)
Awake
(1994)
Singles from Images and Words
1.
"Pull Me Under"
Released: 1992
2.
"Take the Time"
Released: 1993
3.
"Another Day"
Released: 1993
Images and Words is the second studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released in
1992. It was recorded in late 1991 at BearTracks Studios in Suffern, New York. The album is the first Dream
Theater release to feature James LaBrie on vocals. The album maintains its position as the band's most commercially
Images and Words
78
successful studio album to date, and the song "Pull Me Under"'s status as the only Top 10 (radio or otherwise) hit the
band has ever had. This particular song has also had more recent success as it has appeared in the video game Guitar
Hero World Tour. On release the album was met with universal acclaim and many critics and fans cite this album as
a landmark release for the progressive metal genre. Although there is no title track on this album, the phrase images
and words appears in the song "Wait for Sleep".
History
After Charlie Dominici's departure from the band, the band auditioned nearly 200 people across the nation before
James LaBrie sent the band an audition tape. LaBrie was formerly in the Canadian glam metal band Winter Rose, but
saw potential in the band, and thus decided to audition. After a short jam session, the band chose him as their lead
singer, and he has been the band's lead singer ever since.
With LaBrie on board, the band was signed to a seven album contract by Atco Records, and shortly after began
recording their new album. The lead single, "Pull Me Under", gained the band considerable commercial success with
its airplay on MTV and radio, garnering them a Top 10 hit on the radio charts. When the album was released, it sold
at a steady pace, helped by their relentless touring across the world.
Images and Words was played in its entirety, on several occasions, during the European leg of the "Chaos in Motion"
tour, in celebration of its 15th anniversary.[1]
Reception
Review scores
Source
Rating
[2]
Allmusic
The Dwarf
(Positive)
[3]
[4]
Metal Storm
Metally
Revelationz
[5]
[6]
Images and Words is currently ranked #2 on Digital Dream Door's list of the top 100 progressive metal albums of all
time.[7] Music critic Piero Scaruffi includes the album at number 8, just after Fear Factory's Demanufacture and
before Sepultura's Roots, in his classification of the best metal albums of all time.[8] The song "Under a Glass Moon"
was awarded the 98th best guitar solo by Guitar World magazine.[9]
Images and Words
79
Trivia
• Before the players take the field before the start of every Kansas City Royals home game in 2011, the song
Metropolis, Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper is played.
Track listing
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
1. "Pull Me Under"
Kevin Moore
Dream Theater
8:11
2. "Another Day"
John Petrucci
Dream Theater
4:24
3. "Take the Time"
Dream Theater Dream Theater
8:21
4. "Surrounded"
Moore
Dream Theater
5:30
5. "Metropolis, Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper" Petrucci
Dream Theater
9:32
6. "Under a Glass Moon"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
7:04
7. "Wait for Sleep"
Moore
Moore
2:32
8. "Learning to Live"
John Myung
Dream Theater
Personnel
Dream Theater
•
•
•
•
•
James LaBrie – vocals
John Petrucci – guitars and backing vocals
John Myung – bass
Mike Portnoy – drums, percussion and backing vocals
Additional musician
• Jay Beckenstein – Soprano saxophone on "Another Day"
Production
•
•
•
•
Produced by David Prater
Recorded and engineered by Doug Oberkircher; assistant engineer: Steve Regina
Mixed by Doug Oberkircher and David Prater
Mastered by Ted Jensen
Length
11:31
Images and Words
80
RIAA certifications
These statistics were compiled from the RIAA certification online database.[10]
• Gold – February 2, 1995
Chart performance
Singles
Year
1992
1993
Single
Mainstream Rock Tracks
"Pull Me Under"
10
"Another Day"
29
"Take the Time"
22
Billboard 200:
• Images and Words – #61
Top Heatseekers:
• Images and Words – #2
References
[1] Dream Theater kick off 2007/2008 World Tour with I&W anniversary performance (http:/ / dreamtheater. net/ news_dreamtheater.
php#iaw2007)
[2] Images and Words (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r55187) at Allmusic
[3] The Dwarf review (http:/ / www. thedwarf. com. au/ nd/ albumreviews/ dream_theater_images_and_words_the_dwarf_classic_albums)
[4] Metal Storm Review (http:/ / www. metalstorm. ee/ bands/ album. php?album_id=601& band_id=92& bandname=Dream+ Theater)
[5] Metally review (http:/ / metally. net/ albums/ images-and-words/ )
[6] Revelationz review (http:/ / www. revelationz. net/ index. asp?ID=1239)
[7] Digitaldreamdoor.com (http:/ / www. digitaldreamdoor. com/ pages/ best_metal-prog-alb. html)
[8] Scaruffi, Piero. "Best heavy-metal albums of all time" (http:/ / www. scaruffi. com/ music/ metal. html). . Retrieved March 20th, 2011.
[9] 100 Greatest Guitar Solos (http:/ / guitar. about. com/ library/ bl100greatesti. htm)
[10] "Gold and Platinum database" (http:/ / www. riaa. com/ goldandplatinumdata. php?table=SEARCH). Recording Industry Association of
America. . Retrieved 2008-01-31.
81
Live at the Marquee
Live album by Dream Theater
Released
September 3, 1993
Recorded The Marquee Club in London on April 23, 1993
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
51:33
Label
Atco
Images and
Words
(1992)
Live at the
Marquee
(1993)
Awake
(1994)
Professional
ratings
Review scores
Source
Allmusic
Rating
[1]
Live at the Marquee is a live album recorded at London's Marquee Club by progressive metal band Dream Theater.
The cover image is inspired by the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The song "Bombay Vindaloo" was an improvised
track that was not supposed to be on the setlist.
82
Track listing
European release
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
Length
1. "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper" John Petrucci
Dream Theater
9:36
Petrucci
Dream Theater
5:10
3. "Bombay Vindaloo"
(instrumental) Dream Theater
6:48
4. "Surrounded"
Kevin Moore
Dream Theater
6:00
5. "Another Hand"
"The Killing Hand"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
10:30
6. "Pull Me Under"
Moore
Dream Theater
8:42
Lyrics
Music
Japanese release
No. Title
Length
1. "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper" Petrucci
Dream Theater
9:36
Petrucci
Dream Theater
5:10
3. "Bombay Vindaloo"
6:48
4. "Another Day"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
4:37
5. "Another Hand"
"The Killing Hand"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
10:30
6. "Pull Me Under"
Moore
Dream Theater
8:42
Personnel
•
•
•
•
•
James LaBrie - vocals
Kevin Moore - keyboards
John Myung - bass
John Petrucci - guitars
Mike Portnoy - drums
References
[1] Taylor, Robert (2011 [last update]). "Live at the Marquee - Dream Theater | AllMusic" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r203558).
83
Video by Dream Theater
Released
November 16, 1993
Recorded
August 26, 1993 - Tokyo, Japan (concert
footage)
October–December, 1991 (album sessions)
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
91:51
Label
ATCO Records
Dream Theater video chronology
Images and Words: Live in
Tokyo
(1993)
5 Years in a
Livetime
(1998)
84
Images and Words: Live in Tokyo is the first home video release from
American progressive metal band Dream Theater. It contains most of
the band's performance from their August 26, 1993 show at Nakano
Sun Plaza in Tokyo, Japan. Also included are the music videos for the
songs "Pull Me Under", "Take the Time", and "Another Day", from
their 1992 album Images and Words, as well as interview footage and
candid, behind-the-scenes footage.
Track listing
1. "Intro"
3. "The Making of Images and Words"
4. "Pull Me Under" (Video Clip)
5. "Take the Time" (Video Clip)
6. "Kimonos & Condoms"
7. "Wait for Sleep"
Double DVD Release: "Images and Words: Live
in Tokyo" and 5 Years in a Livetime
8. "Surrounded"
9. "Ytse Jam/Drum Solo"
10. "Another Day" (Video Clip)
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
"To Live Forever"
"A Fortune in Lies"
"Abbey Road medley"
"Puppies on Acid/Take the Time"
"On the Road '93"
"Pull Me Under"
Trivia
• In 2004, Live in Tokyo was released as Disc 1 of the Images and Words: Live in Tokyo / 5 Years in a LIVEtime
DVD re-release. A commentary track by the band members was included on the DVD.
• In the middle of Mike Portnoy's drum solo, "By Demons Be Driven", by Pantera is quoted.
• Under John Petrucci's guitar solo in "To Live Forever", he plays the main riff from The Beatles' classic Within
You Without You.
85
Awake
Released
October 4, 1994
Recorded May – July 1994 at One On One Studios and Devonshire Studios in North Hollywood, Los Angeles
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
75:00
Label
East West
Producer John Purdell and Duane Baron
Images and
Words
(1992)
Awake
(1994)
A Change of
Seasons
(1995)
Singles from Awake
1.
"Lie"
Released: September 1994
2.
"Caught in a Web"
Released: 1994 (Promo)
3.
"The Silent Man"
Released: 1995
Awake is the third studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released on October 4, 1994
by East West Records. It was the last Dream Theater album to feature keyboardist Kevin Moore, who announced his
decision to leave the band during the recording of the album.
Much of the material for Awake was written in writing sessions between February and April 1994, during which
Dream Theater were under pressure from their record label to produce an album as successful as Images and Words
with a single similar to "Pull Me Under". The label wanted the band to produce a more metal-oriented album, hoping
it would be easier to market. John Purdell and Duane Baron produced, engineered and mixed the album. The album's
cover, designed by the band, features numerous references to the album's lyrics.
Dream Theater auditioned for keyboardists to replace Moore for the upcoming world tour and eventually hired
Derek Sherinian. He had just two weeks to learn two hours of complex music before the tour started. Sherinian
initially took up the position on a trial basis and was asked to become a full member during the tour. After the first
leg of the tour, vocalist James LaBrie suffered a violent case of food poisoning, severely damaging his vocal cords.
His singing became unpredictable, leading LaBrie to become depressed for much of the tour. His voice only started
recovering on the tour for Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence in 2002. The band were touring in Japan when the Great
Hanshin earthquake hit.
Released at the height of the popularity of grunge music, Awake received mixed reviews; more recent reviews regard
the album as one of the band's finest. The album peaked at 32 on the US Billboard 200, the highest position a Dream
Theater album would reach on that chart until 2007's Systematic Chaos.[1] "Lie", "Caught in a Web" and "The Silent
Man" were released as singles but failed to be as successful as "Pull Me Under" had been. The band's record label
considered the album a commercial failure, which would lead to the band being pressured to write more
radio-friendly songs on their next studio album, Falling into Infinity.
Background
After a month-long break, Dream Theater started working on their third studio album in February 1994. The band's
two-month writing sessions were located at Prince Studios, New York City. The lack of a leader within the band
increased tensions in what were already tense sessions. Keyboardist Kevin Moore noted at the time that "there are
arguments that last forever because there's nobody to come in and draw the line".[2] "When it came to the music, you
had [guitarist] John Petrucci and I playing the roles we still kind of play, and Kevin was also a forceful element,"
drummer Mike Portnoy said. "In those days, [bassist] John Myung was a little bit more out of his shell, so the bass
was a bit more predominant in the band. The fighting never came to blows, but there was a lot of bickering over
every single element, like the fine details of what the third note on the sixty-fourth bar should be."[3]
The success of Dream Theater's previous album, Images and Words, particularly the single "Pull Me Under", put
pressure on the band to produce a similarly successful follow-up album. "Somebody once said that you have your
whole life to prepare for your first album and have about two months to prepare the follow-up, and that was very
much the situation we faced in early 1994," Portnoy noted.[2] The popularity of grunge and heavy metal meant that
the band's record label, East West Records, were keen for the band to create a heavier, darker album.[3] Awake saw
Petrucci use a seven-string guitar for the first time, establishing a more riff-based writing style. "This style would
further cement the fusion of metal and progressive music, which is what Dream Theater are known for," Petrucci
said. "I think it paved the way for many of our strongest and heaviest later songs like 'A Change of Seasons', 'The
Glass Prison' and 'The Dark Eternal Night'."[4] Vocalist James LaBrie described his vocals on Awake as "more varied
and a lot more aggressive"[5] than on Images and Words to the extent that people may think the band had a new
singer for the album.[5]
Recording
The recording sessions for the album began in May 1994 at One On One Studios in North Hollywood, Los Angeles,
with overdub work done at Devonshire Studios in Los Angeles.[6] [7] John Purdell and Duane Baron, whose credits
included Ozzy Osbourne's No More Tears, were hired to produce the album.[6] The band - who had a difficult
relationship with David Prater, the producer on Images and Words - enjoyed working with Purdell and Baron. "I
think everyone felt we were able to express ourselves a lot more genuinely," Petrucci said. "The experience from the
road, learning more about our sound and what we like and don't like enabled us to be more prepared. The producers
were totally into capturing that and being patient with us. So everybody walked away being completely satisfied with
their performances and their sounds."[7]
86
The departure of Moore
Towards the end of the recording sessions, Kevin Moore announced to his bandmates that he was leaving the band.[8]
Petrucci, who was childhood friends with the keyboardist, found the news particularly hard to take.[9] [10] Myung
noted that the announcement "didn't come out of the blue".[11] LaBrie noticed changes in Moore at the end of the
Images and Words tour. "He seemed to be more distant and wrapped up in himself... It wasn't that he was rude or
unpleasant with anyone," he said. "But when Mike, John Petrucci and John Myung were in the rehearsal studio
putting together the music for Awake, he wasn't there as he had been in the past. And when he was there, the guys
told me he'd be sitting reading a magazine when they were trying to work out riffs."[11] "After the record was
recorded in Los Angeles, he returned to New York, sold his belongings, packed everything into his station wagon
and said 'I'm moving away from Long Island,'" Dream Theater's co-manager Jim Pitulski recalled. "So I asked him
where he was moving to, and he said, 'I'll let you know when I get there.' He really had no idea what he was doing
and he just started driving across the country. I kind of admired that."[10]
Moore stated that he decided to leave because his approach to writing music had changed. He had become more
interested in writing and recording his own material.[8] Myung said that Moore left the band out of "peace of mind
and what he wanted to do musically that he couldn't do in the band".[11] The band's business manager, Rob Shore,
suggested that the idea of prolonged touring was a contributing factor in Moore's decision.[12] Describing Moore as
"a very private person",[12] Portnoy thought that he might have left because "the whole machine of the music
business just wasn't his cup of tea".[12] When Moore announced his decision to leave, he was single, while LaBrie
was married, Portnoy and Petrucci had girlfriends and Myung, according to Portnoy, "was kind of in his own
world".[12] Portnoy speculated that any resentment or jealousy Moore felt because of this may have influenced his
decision. After leaving Dream Theater, Moore continued to release music, musically far-removed from his work
with the band.[12]
Mixing
Awake was mixed at Unique Studios, New York City. When mixing, Purdell and Baron were initially joined by the
remaining members of the band. "We were all in the studio when it first started and it was just unfair to the
producers," vocalist James LaBrie said. "Obviously each guy was focusing on his instrument, so it was like 'Wait, I
want me up more!' So they were trying to please everyone and you just can't do that."[7] The band had to be banned
from the mixing sessions to allow Purdell and Baron to mix the album to a high enough standard.[7] "The one great
thing, though - even though we were out of the studio - was that they were aware of what we wanted and didn't
want," LaBrie said. "When David Prater mixed Images and Words it was really unfortunate because he forgot to
bring some sections out and he really didn't understand what we wanted from the final music. When Duane and John
went in, they knew everything that needed to be there and how we wanted it to be represented."[7]
Songs
The album's opening track, "6:00", features lyrics written by Moore, hinting at the growing distance between him
and the rest of the band. Petrucci wrote the lyrics of "Innocence Faded", inspired by his deteriorating friendship with
Moore. "The way I wrote lyrics a lot of the time is that I'll take an initial spark of an idea... But then I'll kind of
generalize and add in other situations," Petrucci said. "So I couldn't say it was solely about that, but it was definitely
inspired by that. There was a feeling of it not being the same way it had been, and the realization that things were not
always going to remain the same."[13]
"Erotomania", "Voices" and "The Silent Man" form a three-part suite titled "A Mind Beside Itself". Portnoy stated
that the instrumental "Erotomania" was written "off the cuff"[13] as "a bit of a joke and parody".[13] Petrucci penned
the lyrics to "Voices", dealing with the subject of mental illness. He researched schizophrenia and similar disorders
and used religious terms "to make things more vivid".[14] "When I was writing it, I saw these terms and medical
things that were just brilliant," he said. "Like there was a guy who felt that his skin was inside out. I read that and
87
was like 'Oh my God! That's unbelievable; I've got to write about that.'"[14] Petrucci wrote the music and lyrics to the
acoustic "The Silent Man". LaBrie described the lyrics as dealing with "communication breakdown, for instance
between a father and a son. We feel that we have to play certain roles when around one of our parents, and we never
really get to know the real person. I'm lucky that I behave with my own father like I would a friend. We can joke
around and go for a beer."[13]
Portnoy wrote the lyrics to "The Mirror", describing his battle with alcoholism. He would return to the subject on
later Dream Theater albums with his Twelve-step Suite.[15] "Lie" was originally part of "The Mirror", but LaBrie
thought it was strong enough to be a song in itself. "I remember one of the first tapes [the band] sent me to start
jamming with up in Canada was 'The Mirror'," LaBrie said. "We used to jam instrumentally to it on the last tour and
then we built it into a song, with the lyrics and melodies but also within the song was 'Lie'. I heard this groove and I
was going 'Oh my God, that's a song in itself!' So I called up the guys and said 'Man, I really feel strong about this
song. Can't we take that groove and build a song?'"[5]
"Lifting Shadows off a Dream" began as a poem and two chords brought to the band by Myung. "We worked on it,
racked our brains, recorded the jam and by the end of the night we were like 'Ahh fuck it. This sucks,'" Petrucci
recalled. "We came by the next day, listened to the recording and thought it could be really cool. All of a sudden it
evolved into this song."[13]
"Space-Dye Vest" was written by Moore, who brought the piece into the studio as a completed song. "Kevin Moore
saw this photograph in a fashion magazine of a beautiful model wearing a space-dye vest and he fell in love with
her," LaBrie said. "He carried that magazine around with him for ages, but he realized that the only way the
innocence could be kept, so that he could retain that love for her, was if she stayed on the page. If he'd met her, all
that would have been lost."[] Portnoy recalled that when the rest of the band first heard the song "we thought it was
so very, very different we didn't think we even wanted to fuck with it."[14] He said that if they had known Moore was
going to leave the band, they would not have included it on the album. Portnoy considered "Space-Dye Vest" "totally
100% [Moore's] song",[16] and for that reason the band would never play the song live without Moore.[16]
Awake is to date, the only Dream Theater album to have lyrical contributions from all five then-current members.
Artwork
Larry Freemantle, who had designed the cover of Images and Words, provided the artwork for Awake. As with
Images and Words, the band instructed Freemantle to include several lyrical references in the cover, such as a clock
showing the time 6:00, a mirror and a spider in the middle of a web. "The band were very definite about what they
wanted, and where they wanted it," Freemantle said. "The mirror was to be buried in the sand with a factory in the
background, so it was just a case of putting it together."[17] Access Images, the company Freemantle had used for
Images and Words, had broken up, meaning that he had to put the cover together using stock images himself. "It was
done really quickly and I always felt frustrated with that sleeve as I lost too much time on it," Freemantle said. "I was
always up against deadlines on certain things and it got away from me."[17]
Release and promotion
Awake was released on October 4, 1994 by East West Records.[3] [5] LaBrie considered the album's title to be "the
perfect word to describe the album's lyrics. What we're basically talking about is the awareness of your existence becoming closer and more in touch with yourself and ultimately discovering what works best for you as an
individual as you try to get through life."[17] Portnoy dedicated the album to his biggest inspiration, Frank Zappa,
who died in 1993.[18]
The album sold 36.160 copies the first week it was released.[19] "Lie", the album's lead single, was released in late
September. The accompanying music video featured the band, then a four-piece, playing the track at various
locations in New York City, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Tribeca and a tunnel in Manhattan (which had to be
88
89
temporarily closed in order to complete the shoot). It was hoped that "Lie" would be as successful as "Pull Me
Under" had been, but the single failed to make an impact on the charts.[5] "Caught in a Web" and "The Silent Man"
were the album's second and third singles respectively. Portnoy was keen to direct the music video for "The Silent
Man", but East West only offered him a co-directing credit with Pamela Birkhead. On the day of the shoot, Portnoy
became violently ill, and when not needed to perform rested in his tour bus bunk.[20]
Touring
With Moore no longer a member of Dream Theater, the band
needed to find a replacement keyboardist for the forthcoming
world tour in support of Awake. Before the tour started, the band
had a headlining concert on September 9, 1994 at the Foundations
Forum in Burbank, California. The album was to be unveiled in a
live setting for the first time.[21] Jordan Rudess' audition impressed
the band, with Portnoy claiming that it had "blown his mind"[22]
and that Rudess was the "best keyboard player we'd ever seen".[22]
Rudess accepted the band's offer to perform with them at the
Burbank show, but decided against joining the band for the entire
tour. At the same time, he had received an offer to perform with
the Dixie Dregs for shorter runs of shows and had a job with
Kurzweil. Rudess also had a young family and was unsure if
Dream Theater "was just going to be a flash in the pan".[23] "I
decided I would be better off going with the Dregs, continuing
with Kurzweil and being around for my family as much as
possible," Rudess said.[23] The show was not a success: the band
were nervous of playing without Moore and were out of practise
from not having played live for some time.[23] Rudess eventually
joined Dream Theater as a full band member in 1999.[24]
Derek Sherinian was hired to play keyboards on the
Waking Up the World tour in October 1994, but was
not made a full member of the band until February
1995.
The band held another round of auditions and were impressed with
Derek Sherinian. Sherinian, who studied at Berklee College of
Music the year before Petrucci, Portnoy and Myung did, had previously played with Alice Cooper and Kiss and
enjoyed similar music to the other members of Dream Theater.[25] He was offered the position on a trial basis at the
beginning of October 1994, giving him just two weeks to learn two hours of highly complex music.[26] "It's one thing
going in to play for an artist with hit songs that you've heard since you were a kid, and the songs are ingrained in
your mind," Sherinian said. "It was another thing altogether going in with music you've never heard before that is
totally off the charts as far as technical prowess... But it is amazing what one will do to ascend... when I was in New
York at the rehearsals, I would play the songs at night over and over on a loop so that I would be subliminally
programmed and it would ingrain it in my head."[27] Sherinian was officially asked to join the band as a full member
in February 1995.[28]
The US leg of the Waking Up The World tour began on October 20, 1994 and finished on December 9.[27] Over
Christmas, LaBrie went on holiday to Cuba with his wife, where he had violent food poisoning.[27] Upon his return
home he consulted an ears, nose and throat specialist, who told LaBrie that he had ruptured his vocal chords,
advising him not to sing for six months to a year. "I was in total shock and devastated," LaBrie said. "On the US leg I
had been so psyched and couldn't wait to blow everyone away around the rest of the world. We weren't in a position
for me to take a six-month break so I had to keep touring."[29] LaBrie was able to continue performing, but his voice
became unpredictable. "It was absolutely miserable, and it was an extremely dark and depressing period for me," he
90
recalled. "Literally every fucking night on the European leg, I wouldn't know if my voice would be there or if it
would cooperate... I didn't feel that my voice really started to come back until maybe the Six Degrees of Inner
Turbulence tour in 2002. That's when I started to feel my range and strength coming back."[30]
The Great Hanshin earthquake struck Japan while Dream Theater were touring there.[31] Although none of the band
was injured, they seriously considered calling off the tour, but only ended up canceling one show. The band held a
minute's silence at every show in Japan in memory of those who had died.[32] During the soundchecks for the
Japanese shows, the band rehearsed a series of cover songs. These were performed at a special covers-only show in
Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, London. The show, performed to an invitation-only audience of three hundred, featured
guest musicians such as Barney Greenway, Steve Hogarth, Steve Rothery and Steve Howe.[33] A selection of covers
and medleys performed by Dream Theater at this show were released on A Change of Seasons.[34]
Reception
Review scores
Source
Rating
[35]
Allmusic
Guitar World
(favorable)
Metal Hammer
(negative)
[25]
[17]
[36]
Metal Storm
Metally
Q
)
(favorable)
[37]
[17]
Awake peaked at 32 on the Billboard 200, remaining in the charts for six weeks. This would remain the band's
highest-charting release in the US until 2007's Systematic Chaos.[1] The album peaked in the top 20 in four
countries.[38] [39] [40] [41] Derek Oliver, Dream Theater's label representative, considered the album to be a
commercial failure. This led to the band once again working with David Prater on A Change of Seasons and to the
record label putting increasing pressure on the band to make songs on their next studio album, Falling into Infinity,
more commercial and radio-friendly.[42] [43]
“In spite of the plentiful redeeming features on Awake, press reviews were generally subdued. It must of course be remembered that
it was released just as the shoegazing, miserable purveyors of the fad known as grunge were taking hold. The British press in
particular seemed dazzled by the work of Kurt Cobain and his cohorts, and anything that wasn't based around three chords or packed
with lyrics championing depression as a lifestyle choice was in for a hard ride.”
[17]
–Rich Wilson, Lifting Shadows
Upon release, Awake received mixed reviews. Q wrote that "fans of Marillion may well love this, and even the
sceptical listener can enjoy the crunching, radio-friendly choruses of 'Scarred' and 'Caught in a Web'."[17] Guitar
World ranked the album as one of the top ten releases of the year, stating that "this shred party left me punch drunk
and, for once in my life, fully Awake."[25] Metal Hammer dismissed Awake as "musical masturbation":[17]
"Progressive rock is basically a very adolescent notion of what 'grown up' music might sound like - more notes,
longer solos and, best/worst of all, convulated concepts... Their propensity for pomposity extends to the ballad 'Silent
Man', which would probably like to be Queensrÿche's 'Silent Lucidity' but in fact sounds like Stryper on a
particularly pious day".[17] The album has since sold nearly 400,000.
91
More recent reviews have been more favorable. Reviewers praised the album's production, noting the album is
darker and heavier than previous Dream Theater releases.[36] [44] [35] The musicianship of the band has been praised.
Phil Carter of Allmusic highlighted Petrucci and Portnoy's performances;[35] Metal Storm praised LaBrie and
Portnoy;[36] Batmaz praised all the performances, but singled out Moore's contribution as "immense".[44] Carter
ranked "Lie", "Scarred", "Caught in a Web" and "Space-Dye Vest" as the best tracks.[35] Metal Storm praised "6:00"
and the "A Mind Beside Itself" suite.[36]
In a 1995 Guitar World interview, Chuck Schuldiner praised Awake and the band Dream Theater in general,
claiming that "their music is very complex, but they definitely have hooks, which is crucial to making music
listenable", citing them as an influence on the more progressive nature of his band Death's later material as opposed
to the stagnant death metal scene at the time [45].
Track listing
All music composed by Dream Theater, except where noted.
No. Title
Lyrics
Length
1. "6:00"
Kevin Moore
5:31
2. "Caught in a Web"
James LaBrie, John Petrucci
5:28
3. "Innocence Faded"
Petrucci
5:43
4. "A Mind Beside Itself: I. Erotomania"
(instrumental)
6:45
5. "A Mind Beside Itself: II. Voices"
Petrucci
9:53
6. "A Mind Beside Itself: III. The Silent Man" (Music: Petrucci) Petrucci
3:48
7. "The Mirror"
Mike Portnoy
6:45
8. "Lie"
Moore
6:34
9. "Lifting Shadows Off a Dream"
John Myung
6:05
10. "Scarred"
Petrucci
11. "Space-Dye Vest" (Music: Moore)
Moore
11:00
7:29
Chart positions
Chart (1994)
Position
[38]
German Albums Chart
[39]
Japanese Albums Chart
[46]
Dutch Albums Chart
[40]
Swedish Albums Chart
[41]
Swiss Albums Chart
"Lie"
1994
33
5
12
65
[1]
32
US Billboard 200
Year
7
[47]
UK Albums Chart
Single
15
Chart
Position
[48]
Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks
38
92
Personnel
Dream Theater
Production
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
John Petrucci – guitar
John Myung – bass
Mike Portnoy – drums, percussion
John Purdell and Duane Baron – producers, engineers, mixers
Ted Jensen – mastering
Rick Kern – programming on "Space-Dye Vest"
Larry Freemantle and Donald May – art direction
Dream Theater and Dan Muro – cover concept
Dennis Keeley – photography
References
• Wilson, Rich (2009). Lifting Shadows: The Authorized Biography of Dream Theater (Classic ed.). London:
Essential Works. ISBN 978-1-906615-02-4.
[1] "Dream Theater Album & Song Chart History" (http:/ / www. billboard. com/ #/ artist/ dream-theater/ chart-history/ 14435). Billboard.
Nielsen Business Media. . Retrieved 2010-08-05.
[2] Wilson 2009, pp. 145
[3] Wilson 2009, pp. 146
[4] Wilson 2009, pp. 147
[5] Wilson 2009, pp. 159–60
[6] Wilson 2009, pp. 148
[7] Wilson 2009, pp. 149
[8] Wilson 2009, pp. 150
[9] Wilson 2009, pp. 16
[10] Wilson 2009, pp. 151
[11] Wilson 2009, pp. 152
[12] Wilson 2009, pp. 153
[13] Wilson 2009, pp. 160
[14] Wilson 2009, pp. 161
[15] Wilson 2009, pp. 371
[16] Portnoy, Mike. "mp.faq: Dream Theater - Awake" (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ aboutmike/ faq/ answers/ 29. aspx). Mike Portnoy.com.
. Retrieved 2010-08-04.
[17] Wilson 2009, pp. 162
[18] (1994) Album notes for Awake by Dream Theater. East West Records.
[19] http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ forum/ m2357900. aspx Awake sales
[20] Wilson 2009, pp. 172–3
[21] Wilson 2009, pp. 155–6
[22] Wilson 2009, pp. 157
[23] Wilson 2009, pp. 158
[24] Wilson 2009, pp. 230
[25] Wilson 2009, pp. 163–4
[26] Wilson 2009, pp. 165
[27] Wilson 2009, pp. 166
[28] Wilson 2009, pp. 173
[29] Wilson 2009, pp. 167
[30] Wilson 2009, pp. 174
[31] Wilson 2009, pp. 168
[32] Wilson 2009, pp. 169
[33] Wilson 2009, pp. 170
[34] Wilson 2009, pp. 186
[35] Carter, Phil. "((( Awake > Overview )))" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r204335). Allmusic. . Retrieved 2010-08-05.
[36] "Dream Theater - Awake review" (http:/ / www. metalstorm. net/ pub/ review. php?review_id=843& page=& message_id=). Metal Storm.
2005-01-21. . Retrieved 2010-08-05.
[37] http:/ / metally. net/ albums/ awake/
[38] "Dream Theater > Longplay-Chartverfolgung" (http:/ / www. musicline. de/ de/ chartverfolgung_summary/ artist/ Dream+ Theater/
longplay) (in German). Musicline.de. PhonoNet. . Retrieved 2010-08-05.
93
[39] "Oricon Ranking: Dream Theater - Octavarium" (http:/ / ranking. oricon. co. jp/ free_contents/ search/ ranking_list. asp?itemcd=39620&
samecd=1& chart_kbn=11A& linkcd=30027302) (in Japanese). Oricon Style. Oricon. . Retrieved 2010-08-05.
[40] "Discography Dream Theater" (http:/ / swedishcharts. com/ showinterpret. asp?interpret=Dream+ Theater). swedishcharts.com. . Retrieved
2010-08-05.
[41] "Discography Dream Theater" (http:/ / swisscharts. com/ showinterpret. asp?interpret=Dream+ Theater). swisscharts.com. . Retrieved
2010-08-05.
[42] Wilson 2009, pp. 178
[43] Wilson 2009, pp. 188
[44] Batmaz, Murat (2005-05-08). "Review: "Dream Theater: Awake"" (http:/ / www. seaoftranquility. org/ reviews. php?op=showcontent&
id=2354). Sea of Tranquility. . Retrieved 2010-03-06.
[45] http:/ / www. emptywords. org/ GuitarWorld04-95Profile. htm
[46] "Discografie Dream Theater" (http:/ / www. dutchcharts. nl/ showinterpret. asp?interpret=Dream+ Theater) (in Dutch). dutchcharts.nl. .
[47] "Chart Log UK" (http:/ / www. zobbel. de/ cluk/ CLUK_D. HTM). Zobbel. . Retrieved 2010-08-05.
[48] "Charts & awards - Billboard singles" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r204335/ charts-awards/ billboard-single). Allmusic. . Retrieved
2010-08-05.
A Change of Seasons
For the 1980 film of the same name, see A Change of Seasons (film).
For the Hall & Oates album, see Change of Season.
A Change of Seasons
EP by Dream Theater
Released
September 19, 1995
Recorded May 1995 – BearTracks Studios (studio track)
January 31, 1995 – Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, London, England (live tracks)
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
57:31
Label
EastWest
Producer David Prater and Dream Theater
A Change of Seasons
94
Awake
(1994)
A Change of
Seasons
(1995)
Falling into
Infinity
(1997)
Professional
ratings
Review scores
Source
Rating
[1]
Allmusic
A Change of Seasons is an EP by progressive metal band Dream Theater, released in 1995. It comprises the
23-minute title track and a collection of bonus live covers performed at a fan club concert at Ronnie Scott's Jazz
Club in London, England. The title track, which was recorded at BearTracks Studios in New York, includes samples
from the film Dead Poets Society. The lyrics were written by Mike Portnoy, about the death of his mother. A Change
of Seasons was also the first Dream Theater release featuring Derek Sherinian on keyboards.
An edited version of the title track was used in a downhill skiing feature during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.[2]
Note that this is considered an EP only in name—at 57:31, it is much longer than a standard EP, or, indeed, many
LPs. In fact, it is longer than Dream Theater's first two albums. Mike Portnoy has said "It was important for us and
the label for it not to be perceived as the latest studio record. That's why we tagged it an EP."[3]
Track listing
No. Title
1. "A Change of Seasons
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lyrics
Music
Portnoy
Dream Theater
I. "The Crimson Sunrise"
II. "Innocence"
III. "Carpe Diem"
IV. "The Darkest of Winters"
V. "Another World"
VI. "The Inevitable Summer"
VII. "The Crimson Sunset"" Length
23:06
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
3:50
3:04
3:14
2:53
3:58
3:13
2:54
2. "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" (Elton John cover) Bernie Taupin
Elton John
3. "Perfect Strangers" (Deep Purple cover)
Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover
5:33
Jimmy Page
7:28
Ian Gillan
4. "The Rover/Achilles Last Stand/The Song Remains The Same Robert Plant
•
•
•
"The Rover" (Led Zeppelin cover)
"Achilles Last Stand" (Led Zeppelin cover)
"The Song Remains the Same" (Led Zeppelin cover)" 5. "The Big Medley
•
•
•
•
•
•
10:49
"In the Flesh?" (Pink Floyd cover)
"Carry On Wayward Son" (Kansas cover)
"Bohemian Rhapsody" (Queen cover)
"Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" (Journey cover)
"Cruise Control" (Dixie Dregs cover)
"Turn It on Again" (Genesis cover)" •
•
•
•
•
•
Roger Waters
Kerry Livgren
Freddie Mercury
Steve Perry
(instrumental)
Mike Rutherford
•
•
•
•
•
•
Waters
Livgren
Mercury
Perry
Steve Morse
Rutherford, Banks, Phil Collins
10:34
•
•
•
•
•
•
2:25
2:10
1:25
2:07
1:03
1:23
A Change of Seasons
95
Credits
•
•
•
•
•
James LaBrie – Vocals
John Myung – bass
John Petrucci – guitars
Mike Portnoy – drums
Derek Sherinian – keyboards
Chart performance
Billboard 200:
• A Change of Seasons – #58
UK Albums Chart
• A Change of Seasons – #88
References
[1] Allmusic review (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r229320)
[2] (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=vgKWDwRw_DE)
[3] http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ aboutmike/ faq/ answers/ 30. aspx
Falling Into Infinity
Cover art by Storm Thorgerson
Released
September 23, 1997
Recorded
June 2–July 30, 1997
Avatar Studios, New York
Genre
Progressive metal, progressive rock
Length
78:12
Label
EastWest
Producer
Kevin Shirley
96
A Change of
Seasons
(1995)
Falling Into
Infinity
(1997)
Once in a
LIVEtime
(1998)
Review scores
Source
Allmusic
Rating
[1]
[2]
Metal Storm
Metally
[3]
Falling Into Infinity is the fourth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released in
1997. It was recorded in 1997 at Avatar Studios in New York. The album continued the more progressive metal
sound of Awake, but to much less critical and commercial acclaim. It is also the only studio album to feature
keyboardist Derek Sherinian, aside from his collaboration on the previous EP A Change of Seasons (1995).[4]
One of the first pieces of music Sherinian brought to the band during the writing sessions were the opening solo and
main riff to "Lines in the Sand". Sherinian still plays it during his live shows with Planet X and for his solo career to
this day. James LaBrie's limited vocal range after rupturing his vocal cords is shown on the album, with most of the
vocals being in the lower range, in contrast to earlier releases which were often high-pitched.
History
Despite Awake's relative success, the band was not quite happy with its darker sound, which resulted in the band
going back to New York to record Falling Into Infinity. Their record label pressured the band to write a more
commercial album, much to the band's dismay. The album was originally intended to be a 140-minute double album,
containing a 21-minute sequel to "Metropolis, Pt. 1" from Images and Words, but the record label refused to release
such an album and even recruited Desmond Child to help the band re-write "You Or Me," which became "You Not
Me" with edited lyrics and chorus, and an abridged guitar solo. "You Not Me" does however retain a musical
reference to the song "Raise the Knife" which was originally intended to be on the album. This is found in the
melody line played by the keyboard in the latter half of the song.
The band was unhappy with record label interference, and Falling Into Infinity would be their last album to feature a
traditional producer. Later albums would be produced by the partnership of Mike Portnoy and John Petrucci, due to
the band's experience with Falling Into Infinity. Despite the album's lukewarm reception, Portnoy liked a few songs
on the album, namely "Just Let Me Breathe," "Lines in the Sand" and "New Millennium".[5]
This is also one of three Dream Theater albums not to use the band's iconic font on the cover (the other two being
When Dream and Day Unite and Once In A LIVEtime), because of graphic artist Storm Thorgeson's refusal to work
with fonts created by other artists.[6]
97
Track listing
All music composed by Dream Theater.
No. Title
Lyrics
1. "New Millennium"
Mike Portnoy
8:20
2. "You Not Me"
John Petrucci, Desmond Child
4:58
3. "Peruvian Skies"
Petrucci
6:43
4. "Hollow Years"
Petrucci
5:53
5. "Burning My Soul"
Portnoy
5:29
6. "Hell's Kitchen"
(instrumental)
4:16
7. "Lines in the Sand"
Petrucci
12:05
8. "Take Away My Pain"
Petrucci
6:03
9. "Just Let Me Breathe"
Portnoy
5:28
10. "Anna Lee"
James LaBrie
5:51
11. "Trial of Tears"
John Myung
13:07
•
•
•
I. "It's Raining"
II. "Deep in Heaven"
III. "The Wasteland"
Personnel
•
•
•
•
•
John Myung – bass, Chapman Stick
John Petrucci – guitars, backing vocals
Mike Portnoy – drums, backing vocals
Derek Sherinian – keyboards, backing vocals
Additional Personnel
• Doug Pinnick - backing vocals on "Lines in the Sand"
Chart performance
Billboard 200:
• Falling Into Infinity - #52
UK Album Chart:
• Falling Into Infinity - #163
Billboard Mainstream Rock Singles:
• Burning My Soul - 33
• You Not Me - 40
Length
Demo version
As the band were unhappy with the record label's influence over the original production, in 2007, Mike Portnoy
released Falling Into Infinity Demos 1996-1997 through his own label, YtseJam Records[7]. In the liner notes
Portnoy states: "these demos show our true artistic representation of these songs".
Track listing
Disc 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
"Raise the Knife" – 11:40
"Where Are You Now?" – 7:27
"Take Away My Pain" – 6:49
"You or Me" – 6:24
"Anna Lee" – 6:36
"Burning My Soul" – 8:57
"The Way It Used To Be" – 7:47
"Lines in the Sand" – 13:32
Disc 2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
"Just Let Me Breathe" – 5:24
"Peruvian Skies" – 6:47
"Trial of Tears" – 12:54
"Cover My Eyes" – 3:23
"Hollow Years" – 6:26
"New Millennium" – 8:19
"Speak to Me" – 6:25
"Metropolis, Part 2 (Live Rehearsal Version)" (Bonus Track) – 21:25
References
[1] Ulrey, Jeremy (2011 [last update]). "Falling into Infinity - Dream Theater | AllMusic" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r312929).
[2] "Dream Theater - Falling Into Infinity - Metal Storm" (http:/ / www. metalstorm. net/ bands/ album. php?album_id=606& band_id=92&
bandname=Dream+ Theater). metalstorm.net. 2011 [last update]. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[3] "Heavy Metal Bands, Reviews, Videos and Albums | Albums | Falling Into Infinity | Description" (http:/ / metally. net/ albums/
falling-into-infinity/ ). metally.net. 2011 [last update]. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[4] Portnoy, Mike. "FAQ: Dream Theater – A Change of Seasons" (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ aboutmike/ faq/ answers/ 30. aspx#306).
Dream Theater. . Retrieved October 5, 2009.
[5] Portnoy, Mike. "FAQ: Dream Theater – Falling Into Infinity" (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ aboutmike/ faq/ answers/ 31. aspx#339).
Dream Theater. . Retrieved October 5, 2009.
[6] Portnoy, Mike. "FAQ: Dream Theater – General/Other" (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ aboutmike/ faq/ answers/ 15. aspx#415). Dream
Theater. . Retrieved October 5, 2009.
[7] http:/ / www. ytsejamrecords. com/ ProductCart/ pc/ viewPrd. asp?idcategory=6& idproduct=26
98
Once in a LIVEtime
99
Once in a LIVEtime
Once in a LIVEtime
Cover art by Storm Thorgerson
Released
October 27, 1998
Recorded
June 25, 1998 - Le Bataclan, Paris, France
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
2:34:09
Label
EastWest
Producer
Kevin Shirley
Falling Into
Infinity
(1997)
Once in a
LIVEtime
(1998)
Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a
Memory
(1999)
Professional
ratings
Review scores
Source
Allmusic
Rating
[1]
Once in a LIVEtime is a 2CD live album by progressive metal band Dream Theater, and their second live release,
which featured most of the songs from the 1997 album Falling Into Infinity recorded at the Bataclan, France and
released in 1998.
The album cover, designed by Storm Thorgerson, shows an over head view of the ancient Roman theatre in Orange,
France set into a man's head.
Once in a LIVEtime
100
Track listing
Disc one
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
Length
1. "The Crimson Sunrise"
(instrumental)
Dream Theater
3:56
2. "Innocence"
Mike Portnoy
Dream Theater
3:05
3. "Puppies on Acid"
(instrumental)
Dream Theater
1:24
Portnoy
Dream Theater
5:53
5. "Voices"
John Petrucci
Dream Theater
10:34
6. "Take the Time"
12:20
7. "Derek Sherinian Piano Solo" (instrumental)
Derek Sherinian
1:54
Petrucci
Dream Theater
13:13
9. "Scarred"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
9:27
10. "The Darkest of Winters"
(instrumental)
Dream Theater
3:17
11. "Ytse Jam"
(instrumental)
Petrucci, John Myung, Kevin Moore, Portnoy
4:09
12. "Mike Portnoy Drum Solo"
(instrumental)
Portnoy
6:59
Disc two
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
1. "Trial of Tears"
Myung
Dream Theater
14:11
2. "Hollow Years"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
7:01
3. "Take Away My Pain"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
6:16
4. "Caught in a Web"
James LaBrie, Petrucci Dream Theater
5:16
5. "Lie"
Moore
Dream Theater
6:45
6. "Peruvian Skies"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
7:50
7. "John Petrucci Guitar Solo"
(instrumental)
Petrucci
8:06
8. "Pull Me Under"
Moore
Dream Theater
8:15
Dream Theater
6:16
Length
Myung
Dream Theater
4:13
11. "The Crimson Sunset"
Portnoy
Dream Theater
3:49
Once in a LIVEtime
Covers and tributes
Dream Theater have often placed riffs or parts of other band's songs into their songs when playing live. On this
album, there are several examples of this.
• Before the beginning of "Trial of Tears", John Petrucci plays the famous five tone motif from the movie Close
Encounters of the Third Kind.
• The opening of "Trial of Tears" also contains portions of the Rush songs "Xanadu" and "The Trees".
• "Peruvian Skies" contains portions of Pink Floyd's "Have a Cigar" and Metallica's "Enter Sandman".
• The end of "Take the Time" contains the outro solo from Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Freebird" and the guitar riff from
Led Zeppelin's "Moby Dick".
• John Petrucci's guitar solo is composed almost entirely of Liquid Tension Experiment's "Acid Rain" and parts of
"Paradigm Shift". It also contains a portion of "Solar System Race Song", Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of
the Bumblebee" and The Godfather's Tarantella.
• The segue from "Just Let Me Breathe" into "Voices" features John Petrucci playing the first half of the Force
Theme from "Star Wars".
• At the end of "The Crimson Sunset", the intro of "A Fortune in Lies" is played right before ending the show.
Personnel
•
•
•
•
•
James LaBrie - vocals
John Myung - bass
John Petrucci - guitars, backing vocals
Mike Portnoy - drums, backing vocals
Derek Sherinian - keyboards
• Jay Beckenstein - alto saxophone on "Take Away My Pain"
Chart performance
Billboard 200:
• Once in a LIVEtime - #157
Germany:
• Once in a LIVEtime - #59
References
[1] Prato, Greg (2011 [last update]). "Once in a LIVEtime - Dream Theater | AllMusic" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r376833).
101
102
Scenes from a Memory
Cover art by Dave McKean
Released
October 26, 1999
Recorded
February 8–June, 1999
BearTracks Studios, New York
Genre
Progressive metal, progressive rock, heavy metal
Length
77:06
Label
Elektra
Producer
Mike Portnoy
John Petrucci
Terry Brown
Once in a
LIVEtime
(1998)
Memory
(1999)
Live Scenes from New
York
(2001)
Singles from Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory
1.
"Home"
Released: October 11, 1999
2.
"Through Her Eyes"
Released: May 30, 2000
Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory is the fifth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream
Theater, released in 1999. It is a concept album that deals with the story of a man named Nicholas and the discovery
of his past life, which involves love, murder, and infidelity as Victoria Page. It was recorded at BearTracks Studios
in New York, where the band had previously recorded their second studio album Images and Words (1992) and the
EP A Change of Seasons (1995).
The album is the sequel to "Metropolis, Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper", a song previously featured on Images
and Words. It was also the first album to feature Jordan Rudess on keyboards, and was the last album for which John
103
Myung wrote lyrics until their 2011 album A Dramatic Turn of Events. It was also the first featuring the line-up
which did not change until Mike Portnoy left the band on September 8, 2010 making the 2009 release Black Clouds
& Silver Linings the last album featuring him on drums.
Track listing
Act I
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
Length
1. "Scene One: Regression"
John Petrucci
Petrucci
2. "Scene Two: I. Overture 1928"
3:37
3. "Scene Two: II. Strange Déjà Vu"
Mike Portnoy Dream Theater
5:12
2:06
4. "Scene Three: I. Through My Words" Petrucci
Petrucci
1:02
5. "Scene Three: II. Fatal Tragedy"
John Myung
Dream Theater
6:49
6. "Scene Four: Beyond This Life"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
11:22
7. "Scene Five: Through Her Eyes"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
5:29
Act II
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
Portnoy
Dream Theater
12:53
9. "Scene Seven: I. The Dance of Eternity" (instrumental) Dream Theater
6:13
8. "Scene Six: Home"
Length
10. "Scene Seven: II. One Last Time"
James LaBrie Dream Theater
3:46
11. "Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
6:38
12. "Scene Nine: Finally Free"
Portnoy
Dream Theater
11:59
History
After participating with keyboardist Jordan Rudess in Liquid Tension Experiment, a supergroup composed of
various members of famous progressive rock bands, Mike Portnoy and John Petrucci found themselves writing
music and working together with Rudess quite easily. They convinced the rest of the band to offer Rudess the
position of full-time keyboardist for the band's upcoming album. He accepted, and current keyboardist Derek
Sherinian was fired from the band via a conference call between the four members in New York and him in Los
Angeles (Portnoy and Petrucci have stated that while it was an uncomfortable and unattractive situation, they didn't
want to ask Derek to fly out from L.A. to New York only to be fired). After his departure, the band went back to
BearTracks Studios in Suffern, NY to record their new album, previously the site of recording for Images and
Words. (A photograph of Beartracks Studios is featured on the album's back cover, meant to represent the house in
the album.) After the commercial failure of Falling Into Infinity, their record label gave the band free rein over their
new album's direction, which led the band to finally finish the story begun with "Metropolis, Pt. 1" from Images and
Words.
The album's recording was kept secret, to keep fans from meddling with the band's recording, and to surprise them.
Fans had previously requested the band to make the sequel to the first part, but they had not yet been able (nor had
they originally intended one to be made). However, shortly before the album's release, the track list and release date
were leaked onto the internet against the band's wishes.
104
Following the album's release, the band embarked on an extensive world tour, and at a show in New York City the
band actually hired actors to "perform" the narrative elements of the album whilst they played. The performance was
recorded and was released in 2001 as the Metropolis 2000 Live DVD.
Reception
Professional
ratings
Review scores
Source
Allmusic
Rating
[1]
Critical reaction to the album was very favorable, and it reached #73 on the Billboard 200 album chart, #2 on the
Billboard Top Internet Albums, #6 on the Finnish Albums Chart and #8 on the German Albums Chart.[2] The album
was ranked number 95 on the October 2006 issue of Guitar World magazine's list of The greatest 100 guitar albums
of all time[3] . It is ranked as the 7th Greatest Progressive Metal Album of all time right after Dream Theater's
sophomore album Images and Words, which was ranked nr. 2 on the list,[4] and it's also ranked as the 15th Greatest
Concept Album (as of March, 2003) by the Classic Rock Magazine. [5] As of 2010, the album were awarded a gold
certification from the RIAA, being their second album awarded gold. The first was Images and Words.
Roughly half of the songs on the album were used for the soundtrack of the American version of The History of
Trunks, a Dragon Ball Z TV Special.
Story
Characters
Present Time
• Nicholas
• The Hypnotherapist
• The Old Man
1928
• Victoria Page - "Metropolis/Love"
• Sen. Edward Baynes - "The Miracle"
• Julian Baynes - "The Sleeper"
Act 1
Scene One
Regression
The album opens with Nicholas relaxing to the sounds of the Hypnotherapist's voice and entering a hypnotic state in
the pursuit of regression therapy. A part of "The Spirit Carries On" and "Home" can be faintly heard in the
background at one point. The track ends with Nicholas greeting a girl named Victoria.
Scene Two
I. Overture 1928
Nicholas is in a hypnotic trance and marvelling at the surreal peace and comfort. As he settles into his trance, he
begins to focus on the subject of his regression therapy, a girl named Victoria and a life that feels strangely similar to
his own. In this song, there are many parts included from other songs from the album. At the beginning of "Overture
1928" (00:05-00:11) and at the guitar solo (01:35-01:51) there are riffs from Metropolis Pt. 1. The intro riff is later
used in "The Dance of Eternity" The "Strange Déjà Vu" chorus appears from 00:44 to 01:01 and from 02:08 to
02:25. The main theme from "One Last Time" is used from 02:26 to 02:42. A part from "The Dance Of Eternity" is
sampled from 02:45 to 03:08. This song is also a slight nod towards The Who's Tommy. The idea of an instrumental
song describing an over-arching experience was the concept of the song "Overture" on that album.
II. Strange Déjà Vu
We hear a little more about previous dreams that have led Nicholas to his therapy, and also continue deeper in the
current trance. We learn that every time he closes his eyes, he is taken to this very vivid, recurring dream of another
(yet just out of reach of conscious understanding) life. We understand that it is what he's been dreaming previously
that has led him to his regression therapy.
The dream is as follows: there is a pathway to a house. Inside the house and upstairs is a room where a girl appears
in a mirror. All of this seems very familiar to him, but it logically shouldn't. In this dream, probably because this is
actually a hypnotic trance and not just a regular dream, some things seem clearer than ever before. He can see the
face of a young girl and poses the question, "Young child, won't you tell me why I'm here?" He sees that she has
something to share with him, that there is a reason she is leading him here, a story to be told, and this story is of
something terrible that is "tearing at her soul".
Victoria now expresses her first hint at why she is haunting Nicholas. She has been searching for a way to reveal the
truth about her murder. She also expresses great lament, "tears my heart into two". This along with the next line, "I'm
not the one the Sleeper thought he knew", is her guilt that Julian Baynes never knew about her relationship with his
brother, Senator Edward Baynes, which we learn about much later. She feels guilty for what she did to Julian.
Now Nicholas is out of his therapy and back in real life. Even though he is awake, the thoughts and events of this
other life are beginning to permeate every second of his day, and this is the beginning of his obsession with resolving
this whole thing. He desperately wants to know why this is happening and would cross over to this other world
consciously if he knew how. Nothing in the current day matters to him, only learning more about his new obsession.
It is here that he has his first inclination that he may have actually lived in the world of which he dreams. He knows
that this dreamland holds the key to his peace, and he will not rest until he unlocks that door.
105
Scene Three
I. Through My Words
Nicholas realizes that he was Victoria in a past life. He now knows why he feels so drawn to her and her world as
they share the same soul.
II. Fatal Tragedy
It starts with Nicholas 'alone at night.' He knows who Victoria is now, but not why she is so torn or how he is
involved. Sometime later he goes to visit an older man, who the story makes a point to tell us is 'alone.' Whose house
this is, and who the old man is, are things that are never made clear. The importance of the older man is that he
knows a little about a murder that happened a long time ago and shares what he knows with Nicholas. We learn that
a girl was murdered. Nicholas sits and listens to the older man's tale and finds that exactly what happened still
remains a mystery.
Nicholas then realizes that until he unveils the truth about what happened to Victoria, he cannot live his current life.
He is stuck in this obsession and cannot turn back. We learn then that Nicholas understands that without faith and
hope, 'there can be no peace of mind,' therefore Nicholas encourages himself to be strong and have faith that he will
find the truth, because without the truth he will never rest. This song ends with the Hypnotherapist speaking. The
next session starts with taking Nicholas back to the point of Victoria's murder. When he finds out about Victoria's
death he feels that he must learn more.
Scene Four
Beyond This Life
We learn the newspaper account of what happened in 1928. The story is that an anonymous witness heard a
horrifying sound and upon reaching the scene of the sound discovered a woman who'd been shot dead, and the
shooter standing over her. The witness tried to help, but the man shot himself next. The newspaper account talks of a
sad close to a broken love affair. This indicates that the victim and the murderer are identified as previous or maybe
even current lovers.
The paper goes on to explain that Victoria and her lover had recently broken up over his decadent lifestyle; it's later
suggested that gambling and/or drug addiction might be of significance. Julian later drops a liquor bottle in scene 9,
so it's possible his habit was drinking. It's also indicated that Victoria would have taken him back if he'd straighten
up his lifestyle. The article speculates that the murder may have been premeditated.
Next we read an account of the physical evidence at the scene. There is evidence of a 'violent struggle' and a
switchblade is found. The switchblade causes some confusion, because the victim is a young girl and typically you
wouldn't expect a young girl in 1928 to be carrying a switchblade, unless she was anticipating a need to defend
herself. Also found, in the killer's pocket, is a written note. It clearly reads that Victoria's lover would rather take his
own life than live without Victoria, but it mentions nothing of harming her.
Lastly, there is the repetition at the end of "Beyond This Life." These lines are deepening Nicholas's belief that he
and Victoria share the same soul. They also indicate that not only souls reincarnate, but they also carry the same
personality traits with them, and deeds will follow each soul throughout eternity.
Scene Five
Through Her Eyes
Nicholas is awake again. He has learned that Victoria was brutally murdered in 1928. He feels compelled to visit
Victoria's grave. He expresses the sorrow he feels for her, and how helpless and innocent she was. Not only that, but
since he's learning about his life by looking through her eyes, he realizes that this happened to him also and the
unfairness of it begins to nag him.
106
Upon reaching her grave, he is overcome with sadness. Even the words on her stone indicate that she was a sweet
innocent girl who had her life brutally taken from her at a very young age. He is startled by how much her death
feels like his own. He compares it to losing someone you love. He continues to let images of her wander through his
mind as he just wallows in his sadness for a while. He thinks of how much more he's lived and again is stricken by
the injustice of her young death. As the song ends, Nicholas begins to regain his composure and is comforted by the
realization that by facing this tragedy and mourning the loss, he can now move on. This time of pain was necessary
to accept his death in a previous life and fully comprehend why this other life has beckoned him.
Act 2
Scene Six
Home
We hear Julian talk of his obsession with decadence and how he is only living a charade. Victoria (as we learned
earlier) ultimately leaves him because of his addiction, considered by some to be a combination of cocaine and
alcohol (possibly hinted at by the lyrics "Lines take me higher") and gambling. Next we hear Edward, giving his
account of Victoria crying on his shoulder over her breakup with Julian. He finds himself falling for her, and at first
even feels guilt over deceiving his own brother. But his obsession for her becomes stronger than his guilt and he
seduces her in her vulnerable state. He soon becomes violently possessive as well.
Lastly we hear from Nicholas again, back in present day, and awake. So far he only knows what the older man told
him, and what he learned about the newspaper article in his last therapy session. He knows there must be more to the
story and he is obsessed with solving this mystery. He yearns for regression and cannot wait for his next therapy
session so that he can get back to solving the mystery.
There are several lyrical similarities between "Home" and "Metropolis Pt. 1," such as references to "the city's cold
blood" and a "lake of fire," the lines "I was told there's a new love that's born for each one that has died." Also,
"Home" contains the lines, "Victoria watches and thoughtfully smiles/She's taken me to my home," while
"Metropolis" features, "Metropolis watches and thoughtfully smiles/She's taken you to your home." Also, in the last
several seconds of the song, the beginning of Metropolis Pt. 1 is sampled.
Also mid-way into the song, a woman's orgasmic moaning can be heard, alongside the sounds of a slot machine and
a man encouraging the player to continue playing craps (from 07:45 to 08:40). This illustrates the affair between
Edward and Victoria happening while Julian is indulging in his addictions.
Scene Seven
I. The Dance of Eternity
As the last line of "Metropolis Pt. 1" says, "Love is the Dance of Eternity". This can possibly represent when
Victoria and Edward make love, the dance because of the movements and eternity as the endless memory of that
moment. Or the theme of Spiritualist, that love is the path to happiness for all eternity (Spiritualist's vision). At the
beginning of the song a backwards sample of the instrumental section of Part 1 can be heard, as well as a sample
from the instrumental break. The song includes a keyboard riff used in "Metropolis: Pt. 1."
II. One Last Time
This song begins with Nicholas going over it in his head. He is not convinced, from the evidence given so far, that
the newspaper account is the truth. He also appears to have heard some rumors, most likely rumors of Victoria's
affair with Edward. Did Victoria wound Edward's soul and bid him farewell? Then we see Victoria, in the past again,
saying "One last time, we'll lay down today." This may be Nicholas hearing Victoria telling Edward goodbye, that
this will be their last meeting.
Nicholas visits Edward's house, where Victoria and Edward had their affair. The house seems to hold many clues
and he feels that he is finally shown some confirmation of what he's been thinking. Though he is now awake, as he
107
enters the bedroom, he experiences a sort of revelation, almost as though he's slipped right out of consciousness. The
cold returns, as he felt in his recurring dreams before, and he's suddenly outside and hears a woman screaming and a
man pleading forgiveness. It is possible that Nicholas at this point suspects Edward and Victoria were having an
affair. That is the suspicion to which the home holds many clues. In his current state of dual consciousness, he is
seeing Victoria's memories of the fatal meeting, but he doesn't get enough info yet and the scene fades to black.
Scene Eight
The Spirit Carries On
Nicholas is awake again, and for the last time, under hypnosis and reiterating his belief that his soul will transcend,
and that he need not fear death. He believes now that Edward was involved in the murder. He plans to expose the
truth behind a crime that happened over 70 years ago. Victoria pipes up, in the present this time, and tells Nicholas
that he should move on now, she has revealed the truth to him, but he should never forget her. At this point he basks
in the peace that he feels as he has appeased Victoria's nagging and his own obsession. Nicholas now feels that the
reason all of this happened, the ultimate message, is that death is not the end, but only a transition, as the
Hypnotherapist has already pointed out.
Scene Nine
Finally Free
The last scene holds information Nicholas is not aware of, because the Hypnotherapist brings him out of his last
hypnotic trance and we hear him get in his car and leave. What we learn is that Victoria and Julian meet by chance
and decide to meet up later in secret so they can talk. She is obviously excited because Julian is the one she has
always loved, and she's going to break it off with Edward. She is no longer torn between Edward and Julian, who she
would rather have been with. But she knows Julian would "kill his brother if he only knew" of her affair with him.
They meet without anyone knowing, or so they think. Edward shows up and begins struggling with Julian, who
drops a bottle of liquor out of his coat pocket and pulls out the knife. Edward shoots Julian. Victoria screams.
Edward tells her "Open your eyes, Victoria," and shoots her also. Julian crawls over to her, collapses on top of her
and utters his last lines ("One last time..."). Edward writes the suicide note, leaves it in Julian's pocket and then runs
for help to play his part as the witness.
We then are transferred back to Nicholas. He's driving home and thinking about how he is free of the haunting that
has plagued him. Also he has learned about his life, that it will carry on after death, through Victoria's presence in his
life. Nicholas arrives home, begins playing a record and pours himself a drink to relax. Soon another car pulls up.
The Hypnotherapist enters the room and startles him by saying "open your eyes, Nicholas." The phonograph gets
bumped as Nicholas is startled by the Hypnotherapist. Then we hear static noise, which fades to black. The album
recording leaves things unclear as to what happens, but it's revealed on the live DVD that the Hypnotherapist,
Edward's reincarnation, has killed Nicholas and has completed the cycle yet again. This could be further interpreted
in relation to Victoria, whose goal might've been to forewarn Nicholas of a murderous cycle, rather than to ease his
uncertainty about the afterlife.
The static from the phonograph marks the beginning of what fans have called a meta-album (also known as an album
cycle) where the last note or noise of one album is the same or similar to the beginning of the next, The Glass Prison
opens Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence with the same static sound, also being the beginning and end to the
Twelve-step Suite. The Dream Theater meta-album spans 4 albums, from Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory to
Octavarium. Octavarium ends the meta-album by having the same piano note at the beginning and end of the same
album, with the last lyrics stating "This story ends where it began."
108
Chart performance
Billboard 200:
• Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From a Memory - #73 Batur Togay
Billboard Top Internet Albums:
• Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From a Memory - #2
UK Album Chart:
• Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From a Memory - #131
Personnel
Band
•
•
•
•
James LaBrie – Lead vocals
John Petrucci – Guitar, backing vocals, programming on Through Her Eyes
John Myung – Bass guitar
Jordan Rudess – Keyboards
• Mike Portnoy - Drums, backing vocals
Guests
• Theresa Thomason - Additional vocals on "Through Her Eyes" and "The Spirit Carries On".
• Theresa Thomason, Mary Canty, Shelia Slappy, Mary Smith, Jeanette Smith, Clarence Burke Jr., Carol Cyrus,
Dale Scott - additional backing vocals on "The Spirit Carries On".
• Choir arranged and conducted by Jordan Rudess
• Terry Brown - the voice of the hypnotherapist (uncredited)
• David Bottrill - the voice of Edward (uncredited)
Production
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Doug Oberkircher - Sound engineer
Brian Quackenbush - Assistant engineer
Michael Bates - Assistant engineer
Terry Brown - Vocals co-producer
Kevin Shirley - Mixing engineer on tracks 2-8 and 11
Rory Romano - Assistant mixing engineer on tracks 2-8 and 11
David Bottrill - Mixing engineer on tracks 1, 9, 10 and 12
Shinobu Mitsuoka - Assistant mixing engineer on tracks 1, 9, 10 and 12
George Marino - Mastering engineer
Eugene Nastasi - Assistant mastering engineer
Lili Picou - Art direction and design
Dave McKean - Cover illustration
Ken Schles - Still life photography
Andrew Lepley - House photography
109
110
References
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
Allmusic review (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r432859)
http:/ / en. wikipedia. org/ wiki/ Dream_Theater_discography#Studio_albums
(http:/ / www. chud. com/ forum/ showthread. php?t=91743) Greatest 100 Guitar Albums Of All Time.
Digitaldreamdoor.com (http:/ / www. digitaldreamdoor. com/ pages/ best_metal-prog-alb. html)
http:/ / www. rocklistmusic. co. uk/ steveparker/ classicrock. htm Classic Rock's Greatest Concept Albums
External links
• Very detailed analysis of SFAM music and lyrics by Fabien Labonde (http://flabonde.free.fr/DTSFAM.htm)
• Analysis of Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory at DTFAQ (http://faq.dtnorway.com/question/1032)
Released
September 11, 2001
Recorded
August 30, 2000 - Roseland Ballroom, New York
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
3:07:31
Label
Elektra
Producer
Kevin Shirley
[1]
Memory
(1999)
York
(2001)
Alternative cover
Six Degrees of Inner
Turbulence
(2002)
111
Original album artwork
Professional
ratings
Review scores
Source
Rating
[2]
Allmusic
Live Scenes from New York is a 3 disc live album by progressive metal band Dream Theater, recorded on August
30, 2000, at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. Live Scenes from New York is the audio counterpart to the
Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York DVD, released in early 2001. Two videos of the concert, not released with
the DVD, were included in the 3-CD pack as a bonus: Jordan Rudess Solo and Another Day. This album marks
Dream Theater's first live release with current keyboardist Jordan Rudess.
Coincidentally, it was originally released on September 11, 2001, but when it was noticed that the cover artwork
depicted the skyline of New York, including the twin towers of the World Trade Center in flames, it was recalled
and re-released a short time later. Some copies with the original artwork still exist, and are now a rare collectors
item. The logo was based on a previous album cover, that had depicted a heart in flames. Since the concert was
recorded in the band's hometown of the Big Apple, the logo was changed to a flaming apple.
Track listing
Disc one
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
1. "Regression"
John Petrucci
Petrucci
2. "Overture 1928"
3:32
3. "Strange Déjà Vu"
5:02
4. "Through My Words"
Petrucci
Petrucci
1:42
5. "Fatal Tragedy"
John Myung
Dream Theater
6:21
6. "Beyond This Life"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
11:16
7. "John & Theresa Solo Spot" (instrumental) Dream Theater
3:17
8. "Through Her Eyes"
6:17
Petrucci
Dream Theater
Length
2:46
112
9. "Home"
10. "The Dance of Eternity"
Portnoy
Dream Theater
13:21
6:24
Disc two
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
1. "One Last Time"
James LaBrie
Dream Theater
4:11
2. "The Spirit Carries On"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
7:40
3. "Finally Free"
Portnoy
Dream Theater
10:59
Dream Theater
10:36
5. "The Mirror" (contains an excerpt from "Lie")
Portnoy
Dream Theater
8:15
Portnoy
Dream Theater
4:02
7. "Acid Rain"
(instrumental)
2:34
8. "Caught in a New Millennium"
LaBrie, Petrucci, Portnoy Dream Theater
6:21
9. "Another Day"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
5:13
(instrumental)
Jordan Rudess
6:40
10. "Jordan Rudess Keyboard Solo"
Length
Disc three
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
Length
1. "Erotomania"
7:22
2. "Voices"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
9:45
3. "The Silent Man"
Petrucci
Petrucci
5:09
Myung
Dream Theater
14:02
5. "A Change of Seasons" Portnoy
Dream Theater
24:35
Personnel
• James LaBrie – vocals and percussion
• John Myung – bass guitars
• John Petrucci – guitars and backing vocals
• Mike Portnoy – drums and backing vocals
• Jordan Rudess – keyboards
113
•
•
•
•
•
Theresa Thomason - Guest Vocals on "Through Her Eyes" and "The Spirit Carries On"
Gospel Choir - on "The Spirit Carries On"
Jo Marno - Choir Coordinator
Jay Beckenstein - Soprano Sax on "Another Day"
Kent Broadhurst - The Hypnotherapist
Chart performance
Billboard 200:
• Live Scenes from New York - #120
• Live Scenes from New York - #7
References
[1] http:/ / www. cavemanproductions. com/ REVS/ DREAMTHEATER. html
[2] Taylor, Robert (2011 [last update]). "Live Metropolis, Pt. 2 - Dream Theater | AllMusic" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r547799).
Cover art by Dung Hoang
Released
January 29, 2002
Recorded
March 12–August 2001 at BearTracks Studios, New York
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
96:13
Label
Elektra
Producer
Mike Portnoy and John Petrucci
York
(2001)
114
Turbulence
(2002)
Train of
Thought
(2003)
Review scores
Source
Rating
[1]
Allmusic
[2]
Rolling Stone
(Favorable)
Entertainment Weekly
(B)
411mania.com
(8.5/10)
[3]
[4]
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence is the sixth full-length studio album by progressive metal band Dream Theater. It
was released as a double-disc album on January 29, 2002 by Elektra Records. Excluding the A Change of Seasons
EP, this is the first Dream Theater album to feature a title track.
Concept
The recording is a type of concept album wherein the five songs which comprise the first disc explore different
themes of lifetime struggle, such as Alcoholism, Loss of Faith, Self-Isolation, and Death. The sixth song — that is,
the 42-minute song occupying the entire second disc, separated into eight parts — explores the stories of six
individuals suffering from various mental illnesses. Particularly represented are bipolar, post-traumatic stress
disorder, schizophrenia, post-partum depression, autism, and dissociative personality disorder. Furthermore, the title
of the album may also allude to the fact that each song on the album could be seen as a different form of inner
turbulence, with the six tracks making another reference to the six degrees, along with the apparent reference to the
Six degrees of separation. The musical styles of each section of the title track are direct reflections of the band's large
variety of influences. Classical, folk, jazz and metal styles are present within the track.
Songs
• The first track of the album, "The Glass Prison," is the beginning of the Twelve-step Suite, dealing with Mike
Portnoy's story of rehabilitation from alcoholism, continued in tracks on the next albums ("This Dying Soul" on
Train of Thought, "The Root of All Evil" on Octavarium, "Repentance" on Systematic Chaos and "The Shattered
Fortress" on Black Clouds & Silver Linings). "The Glass Prison" is composed of three parts, mirroring the first
three of the twelve steps of the AA program by Bill W. for rehabilitation of alcoholics. Furthermore, it begins
with the white noise that ended Scenes from a Memory, while the last track, Losing Time/Grand Finale ends with
a long chord played by (synthesized) strings, which was also used as the intro to their next studio album, Train of
Thought.
• "The Great Debate" is a non-partisan song dealing with the topic of stem-cell research. It was originally titled
"Conflict at Ground Zero" based on the lyrics in the chorus but changed at the last minute to "The Great Debate"
due to the 9/11 terrorist attack on New York City[5] (as Producers John Petrucci & Mike Portnoy were actually in
a Manhattan studio conducting final mixes of the album on the day in question and made the change when all of
the news reports started to refer to the site as "Ground Zero"), and "Disappear" was originally titled "Move On".[5]
• In the song "Misunderstood," John Petrucci wrote and played the guitar solo, and then reversed it. He then learned
how to play this reversed version, and after recording it reversed it once more. This resulted in a solo that sounded
115
like his original solo but with a unique twist to the way the notes played.[6] His use of such a technique was
predated by George Harrison, on the Beatles song "I'm Only Sleeping".
Influences
Influences for the album's writing and recording, according to the authors, include Metallica's Master of Puppets,
Radiohead's The Bends (and also a Radiohead bootleg Mike brought in), Pantera's Far Beyond Driven and song
Mouth for War,[7] Megadeth's Rust in Peace,[7] U2's Achtung Baby, Tool's Ænima, Nine Inch Nails' The Downward
Spiral, Soundgarden's Superunknown, Alice in Chains' Dirt, Kevin Gilbert's Thud, King's X's Faith Hope Love and
Galactic Cowboys' Space in Your Face, Béla Bartók, Rage Against the Machine's The Battle of Los Angeles, and
Maria Tipo's Chopin Nocturnes.[8]
Track listing
Disc one
All music composed by John Petrucci, John Myung, Jordan Rudess and Mike Portnoy.
No. Title
1. "The Glass Prison
Lyrics
Length
Portnoy
13:52
2. "Blind Faith"
LaBrie
10:21
3. "Misunderstood"
Petrucci
9:34
4. "The Great Debate" Petrucci
13:43
•
•
•
I. "Reflection"
II. "Restoration"
III. "Revelation"
5. "Disappear"
LaBrie
6:46
Disc two
No. Title
1. "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence"
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
I. "Overture"
II. "About to Crash"
III. "War Inside My Head"
IV. "The Test That Stumped Them All"
V. "Goodnight Kiss"
VI. "Solitary Shell"
VII. "About to Crash (Reprise)"
VIII. "Losing Time"/"Grand Finale"
Lyrics
Length
Petrucci, Portnoy
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
(instrumental)
Petrucci
Portnoy
Portnoy
Portnoy
Petrucci
Petrucci
Petrucci
42:04
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
6:50
5:51
2:08
5:03
6:17
5:48
4:05
6:01
Chart performance
Billboard 200:
• Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - #46
• Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - #1
Personnel
•
•
•
•
•
James LaBrie – lead vocals
John Myung – bass
Mike Portnoy – drums, backing vocals (co. lead vocals on "The Glass Prison")
Jordan Rudess – keyboards
References
[1] Taylor, Robert (2011 [last update]). "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - Dream Theater | AllMusic" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/
r568211). allmusic.com. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[2] Worley, Gail (2011 [last update]). "Dream Theater: Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone" (http:/ / web. archive.
org/ web/ 20090303223020/ http:/ / www. rollingstone. com/ artists/ dreamtheater/ albums/ album/ 132342/ review/ 5945686/
six_degrees_of_inner_turbulence). web.archive.org. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[3] Browne, David (2011 [last update]). "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence Review | Music Reviews and News | EW.com" (http:/ / www. ew.
com/ ew/ article/ 0,,198712,00. html). ew.com. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[4] Walker, Rhett (2011 [last update]). "411mania.com: Music - Dream Theater – Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence Review" (http:/ / www.
411mania. com/ music/ album_reviews/ 68/ Dream-Theater-â-Six-Degrees-Of-Inner-Turbulence-Review. htm). 411mania.com. . Retrieved 3
August 2011.
[5] http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ aboutmike/ faq/ answers/ 13. aspx#216
[6] The Official John Petrucci Web Site (http:/ / www. johnpetrucci. com/ )
[7] What was Dream Theater thinking about when they wrote the music to The Glass Prison? (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ aboutmike/ faq/
answers/ 13. aspx#356)
[8] What did Dream Theater use for inspiration during the writing and recording of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence? (http:/ / www.
mikeportnoy. com/ aboutmike/ faq/ answers/ 13. aspx#215)
External links
• The Making of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence Part I (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXTp2pFj9dg)
• The Making of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence Part II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFw6INV6xmo)
• The Making of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence Part III (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrgpgfWy-fw)
116
117
Train of Thought
Cover art by Jerry Uelsmann
Released
November 11, 2003
Recorded March 10–September, 2003
Cove City Sound Studios, Pie Studios, and Beat Street Studios (all New York City)
Genre
Progressive metal, heavy metal
Length
69:24
Label
Elektra
Producer Mike Portnoy and John Petrucci
Turbulence
(2002)
Train of
Thought
(2003)
Live at
Budokan
(2004)
Singles from Train of Thought
1.
"As I Am"
Released: October 29, 2003
118
Review scores
Source
Rating
[1]
Allmusic
[2]
IGN
(8/10)
Metal Review
(7.9/10)
[3]
Train of Thought is the seventh full-length studio album by progressive metal band Dream Theater.
History
Inspired by the audience response to Dream Theater's heavier songs while on tour,[4] Train of Thought is widely
considered their heaviest album to date. The album was written in three weeks.[5] It was engineered by Doug
Oberkircher and mixed by Kevin Shirley.[6] The album has seven songs, while its predecessors (Six Degrees of Inner
Turbulence and Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory) have six and nine tracks respectively. In the case of the
latter, the nine tracks are really nine "scenes" - three of these are made up of two tracks - but on the album cover, the
track lengths displayed are those of the scenes, so in a sense, the band regarded the scenes as the true tracks. Its
successor (Octavarium) has eight. The song pattern then reverses for the next three albums; Systematic Chaos has
seven songs (if counting both parts of "In the Presence of Enemies" as one) , Black Clouds & Silver Linings has six,
and A Dramatic Turn Of Events has been confirmed to have nine tracks. This carries out the theme of Octavarium,
which states that everything ends where it began.
Songs
• The first song "As I Am" starts with the ending synth/orchestral chord of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence.
• Some lyrics of "As I Am" were inspired by Dream Theater's 2003 summer tour with Queensryche, described by
Mike Portnoy as an "irksome series of shows." According to Portnoy, Queensryche guitarist Mike Stone tried
giving John Petrucci tips on playing guitar, leading Petrucci to write the lyrics: "Don't tell me what's in, tell me
how to write".
• "This Dying Soul" continues Mike Portnoy's Twelve-step Suite, started with "The Glass Prison" on Six Degrees of
Inner Turbulence and later continued with "The Root of All Evil" on Octavarium, "Repentance" on Systematic
Chaos, and ending with "The Shattered Fortress" on Black Clouds & Silver Linings. These songs share some of
the lyrics and melodies. For example, this song features a riff from "The Glass Prison" is heard at the start of this
song's step "Release".
• "Honor Thy Father" was written about Mike Portnoy's stepfather. When asked about what inspired him to write
that song, he stated in an IRC chat: "I'm not very good at writing love songs, so I decided to write a HATE
song!!!"[7]
• Some of the mumbles during "Honor Thy Father" are taken from Paul Thomas Anderson's film Magnolia, in the
scene when Jason Robards' character is talking to Philip Seymour Hoffman's character about his regrets in life.
There are also parts taken from the film At Close Range in which a scene of Sean Penn and Christopher Walken's
characters can be heard arguing.
• The lyrics to "Vacant" were inspired by James LaBrie's daughter, who fell into a short coma after suffering a
sudden, unexplained seizure three days before her seventh birthday.[8]
• "Stream of Consciousness" is the longest Dream Theater instrumental to date (not counting live mash-ups such as
"Instrumedley" and "When the Water Breaks" from Liquid Tension Experiment II).
119
• In the Train of Thought instrumental bootleg release, you can hear at the end of "Stream of Consciousness" that
there is a baseball game on the TV in the background behind Mike Portnoy and John Petrucci delibrating whether
that take was better than the previous one.
• Between 5:51 and 6:07 of the song "In the Name of God", there was a hidden composition buried beneath the far
louder sounds of the song itself which lay undiscovered for over a year and a half. The band did not tell anyone
that a hidden "nugget" (as it became known amongst Dream Theater fans) was present in the song, and only when
Mike Portnoy mentioned it in his Mike Portnoy: Live at Budokan Drum-Cam DVD over a year later did someone
find it. The Mike Portnoy message board was rife with fans scouring the song looking for what it might be, until a
fan going by the pseudonymous name "DarrylRevok" mentioned that from 5:51 to 6:07 there appeared to be
morse code audible, which Nick Bogovich (user handle "Bogie") isolated and discovered that when translated to
English, the phrase "eat my ass and balls" (a Mike Portnoy catchphrase) was the result.[9]
• From 12:56 onwards of "In the Name of God", the American civil war hymn "The Battle Hymn of the Republic"
can be heard in the right channel.
• Jordan Rudess played the final note in the album (heard at 14:06 of "In the Name of God") with his nose as shown
in the "Making Train of Thought" documentary. Mike Portnoy approved the take while he was filming. This is
also the first note of Octavarium's first song, "The Root of All Evil" and the last note of the last song,
"Octavarium" (heard at 23:29).
Confusion with Superior's Younique
Around 2003, when Train of Thought was released, in many file sharing networks Superior's album Younique was
released as Train of Thought. Train of Thought has only seven tracks. Younique was cut between tracks 7 and 8,
resulting in a release with 7 tracks as well.[10]
Track listing
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
1. "As I Am"
John Petrucci
Petrucci, John Myung, Jordan Rudess, Mike Portnoy
2. "This Dying Soul"
Portnoy
Petrucci, Myung, Rudess, Portnoy
11:28
3. "Endless Sacrifice"
Petrucci
11:23
4. "Honor Thy Father"
Portnoy
10:14
5. "Vacant"
James LaBrie Myung, Rudess
6. "Stream of Consciousness"
(instrumental) Petrucci, Myung, Rudess, Portnoy
11:16
7. "In the Name of God"
Petrucci
14:14
•
•
Length
7:47
"IV. Reflections of Reality (Revisited)"
"V. Release"
2:57
[11]
Chart performance
•
•
•
•
Billboard 200: Train of Thought - #53
Billboard Top Internet Albums: Train of Thought - #53
UK Album Charts: Train of Thought - #146
Norwegian Album Charts: Train of Thought - #9
Personnel
•
•
•
•
•
John Petrucci – guitar, backing vocals
John Myung – bass
Additional personnel
• Eugene Friesen – cello on "Vacant"
References
[1] Jurek, Thom (2011 [last update]). "Train of Thought - Dream Theater | AllMusic" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r661488).
[2] Patrizio, Andy (2011 [last update]). "Train of Thought - Music Review at IGN" (http:/ / music. ign. com/ articles/ 498/ 498313p1. html).
music.ign.com. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[3] Dreilinger, Ian (2011 [last update]). "Review of Dream Theater - Train of Thought | Metal Review" (http:/ / metalreview. com/ reviews/ 640/
dream-theater-train-of-thought). metalreview.com. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[4] As discussed by John Petrucci in the 20th Anniversary Documentary "The Score So Far", found on the Score DVD
[5] The writing of Train of Thought (http:/ / video. google. com/ videoplay?docid=8332205832617972911)
[6] For immediate release: Dream Theater - Train Of Thought (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ archive_dreamtheater. php?y=2003#dttot)
[7] You can read the chat log excerpt at DTFAQ.com (http:/ / faq. dtnorway. com/ category/ 22#1054).
[8] (http:/ / www. jameslabrie. com/ forum/ index. php?topic=430. msg5969#msg5969)
[9] DTFAQ.com (http:/ / faq. dtnorway. com/ category/ 22#1075)
[10] Younique at www.last.fm (http:/ / www. last. fm/ user/ id552/ journal/ 2005/ 10/ 31/ 28698/ )
[11] http:/ / www. amazon. com/ Train-Thought-Dream-Theater/ dp/ B0000CDLA7
External links
• The writing of Train of Thought (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8332205832617972911)
• The recording of Train of Thought (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=570140507258701872)
120
121
Live at Budokan
Released
October 5, 2004
Recorded
April 26, 2004 - Budokan Hall, Tokyo, Japan
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
2:49:29
Label
Atlantic
Producer
John Petrucci & Mike Portnoy
Train of
Thought
(2003)
Live at
Budokan
(2004)
Octavarium
(2005)
Live at Budokan
122
Released
October 5, 2004
Recorded
April 26, 2004 - Budokan Hall, Tokyo, Japan
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
2:52:34 (Disc 1)
1:12:50 (Disc 2)
Label
Atlantic
Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New
York
(2001)
Live at
Budokan
(2004)
Score
(2006)
Live at Budokan is a live recording released by progressive metal band Dream Theater on October 5, 2004, available
on either 3 CDs or 2 DVDs. It was recorded at the Nippon Budokan Hall on April 26, 2004 in Tokyo, Japan.
Due to time constraints, the songs "The Great Debate", "Under a Glass Moon" and "Caught in a Web", which
included an extended drum solo, were removed from the setlist at the last minute. On the DVD, during the credits,
the song "Vacant" is played in the background, without Labrie's vocals.
According to the Commentary Track on their "When Dream And Day Reunite" Official Bootleg Live DVD during
the first few minutes of the live concert Jordan Rudess had a equipment malfunction that played either the incorrect
sound, no sound at all, or random notes 1/2-step upward in pitch. Nevertheless, Rudess mimed playing the correct
parts as he realized they would have to be re-recorded in during Post-Production.
Track listing
CD
Disc one
No. Title
Disc two
Lyrics
Music
Length
1. "As I Am"
John Petrucci Petrucci, John Myung, Jordan Rudess, Mike Portnoy
7:25
2. "This Dying Soul"
Portnoy
11:44
3. "Beyond This Life"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
19:37
4. "Hollow Years"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
9:18
5. "War Inside My Head"
Portnoy
2:22
6. "The Test That Stumped Them All" Portnoy
5:00
No. Title
123
Lyrics
Music
Petrucci
2. "Instrumedley"
12:15
3. "Trial of Tears"
Myung
Dream Theater
13:49
4. "New Millennium"
Portnoy
Dream Theater
8:01
5. "Keyboard Solo"
(instrumental) Rudess
6. "Only a Matter of Time" Kevin Moore
Dream Theater
Length
11:18
3:58
7:21
Disc three
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
Length
1. "Goodnight Kiss"
Portnoy
6:16
2. "Solitary Shell"
Petrucci
5:58
3. "Stream of Consciousness" (instrumental) Petrucci, Myung, Rudess, Portnoy
10:54
4. "Disappear"
James LaBrie Petrucci, Myung, Rudess, Portnoy
5:56
5. "Pull Me Under"
Moore
Dream Theater
8:38
6. "In the Name of God"
Petrucci
DVD
Disc one The entire Budokan concert:
1. "As I Am" – 8:34
2. "This Dying Soul" – 12:12
3. "Beyond This Life" – 19:34
4. "Hollow Years" – 9:19
5. "War Inside My Head" – 2:30
6. "The Test That Stumped Them All" – 4:53
7. "Endless Sacrifice" – 11:20
8. "Instrumedley" – 12:09
9. "Trial of Tears" – 13:58
10. "New Millennium" – 7:59
11. "Keyboard solo" – 3:59
12. "Only a Matter of Time" – 7:25
13. "Goodnight Kiss" – 6:14
14. "Solitary Shell" – 5:51
15. "Stream of Consciousness" – 10:55
16. "Disappear" – 5:55
17. "Pull Me Under" – 9:00
18. "In the Name of God" – 17:36
19. Credits – 3:11
Disc two Documentary and Extra Features:
• "Riding The Train Of Thought": Japanese Tour Documentary – 29:46
• John Petrucci "Guitar World" – 6:27
• Jordan Rudess "Keyboard World" – 6:43
• Mike Portnoy Drum Solo – 12:08
15:49
• "The Dream Theater Chronicles": 2004 Tour Opening Video – 5:43
• "Instrumedley" Multiangle Bonus – 12:03
Personnel
•
•
•
•
•
James LaBrie – Lead vocals, percussion
John Petrucci – Guitar, backing vocals
Jordan Rudess – Keyboards
John Myung – Bass Guitar, Chapman Stick
Mike Portnoy – Drums, backing vocals
Production
•
•
•
•
•
Produced By John Petrucci & Mike Portnoy
Recorded & Engineered By Nigel Paul
Assistant Engineer: Jon Belec
Mixed By Kevin Shirley
Digital Editing: Patrick Woodward
• Mastered By Howie Weinberg
RIAA Certifications
These statistics were compiled from the RIAA certification online database.[1] They only apply to the DVD.
• Gold - January 26, 2005
• Platinum - January 26, 2005
References
124
Octavarium (album)
125
Octavarium (album)
Octavarium
Released
June 7, 2005
Recorded November 2004 – February 2005 at The Hit Factory, New York City
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
75:45
Label
Atlantic
Producer John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy
Live at
Budokan
(2004)
Octavarium Gigantour
(2005)
(2006)
Octavarium is the eighth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater. Released on June 7,
2005, it was the band's final release with Atlantic Records. Recorded between September 2004 and February 2005,
the album holds the distinction of being the last album ever recorded at The Hit Factory in New York City. With
Octavarium, the band decided to create "a classic Dream Theater album",[1] drawing upon their various stylistic
influences while trying to make the music less complex. It was the first Dream Theater album to feature an orchestra
on their tracks. The album's structure was based around the concept of the musical octave.
Octavarium peaked in the top five in the Finnish,[2] Italian,[3] and Swedish charts,[4] and in the top ten in the
Dutch,[5] Japanese,[6] and Norwegian charts.[7] Critical reception of the album was generally positive; the diversity
of the music was praised, although critics found some of the songwriting to be inconsistent. Dream Theater promoted
the album on a year-long world tour, with the majority of concerts lasting almost three hours and featuring a
different setlist each night. The tour finished at Radio City Music Hall accompanied by an orchestra; this
performance was recorded and released as a live album and concert video entitled Score. They co-headlined the 2005
North American Gigantour with Megadeth.
Octavarium (album)
Background
After completing a North American tour supporting one of their main influences, Yes, in summer 2004, Dream
Theater took a two-month break.[8] The band reconvened at The Hit Factory in New York City in November 2004 to
begin work on their eighth studio album. The Hit Factory, a studio in which artists such as Michael Jackson,
Madonna, U2 and John Lennon had recorded, was earmarked for closure. Dream Theater was the last band to record
there before it was permanently closed.[1]
After writing the concept album Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory, the double album Six Degrees of Inner
Turbulence and the metal-focused Train of Thought, the band decided to create "a classic Dream Theater album".[1]
Keyboardist Jordan Rudess described it as "really going back to creating a real band effort, as well as drawing upon
all our various stylistic influences."[1] On Octavarium, the band wanted to make the music less complex, featuring
songs which Rudess regards as "quicker to appreciate",[1] although noted that the twenty-four-minute "Octavarium"
was not as accessible.[1] Guitarist John Petrucci noted that they wanted to focus on writing strong songs.[9] To
achieve this, the band stripped the sound down to piano, guitar and vocals when writing, focusing on the melodies
and song structures.[9]
Drummer Mike Portnoy dismissed claims that Octavarium was an attempt to write a more commercial album, stating
that the band simply "[has] that side to [them]. We love bands like U2 or Coldplay, as well as liking shorter songs as
well."[9] Portnoy noted that, after writing Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence and Train of Thought, they had not
written an album of shorter songs for some time. He said that the band had found writing longer songs easier than
writing shorter ones, and that the band was not trying to write a radio hit as "the label wouldn't have done crap with it
anyway."[9]
The band had previously written an orchestral-style piece in the form of "Overture" on Six Degrees of Inner
Turbulence, but recorded it using keyboards. The tracks "The Answer Lies Within", "Sacrificed Sons" and
"Octavarium" marked the first time Dream Theater worked with an orchestra, conducted by Jamshied Sharifi (who
studied at Berklee College of Music at the same time as Portnoy, Petrucci and bassist John Myung). The orchestra
was selected based on their sight reading ability, allowing all their parts to be recorded in a maximum of two takes,
even though they had never seen or played the music before.[10]
Sharifi would later go on to conduct the Octavarium Orchestra on Dream Theater's Score album.
Concept
When starting to work on what would become Octavarium, Portnoy noted that it would be their eighth studio album
and that they had recently released their fifth live album, Live at Budokan. This sequence mirrored the octave on a
musical keyboard: each octave contains eight naturals and five accidentals. Portnoy suggested that they write the
entire album based around the concept.[11] When writing, the band delegated each song a different key. Sound
effects were placed between songs to connect them: for example, "The Root of All Evil", written in F, and the
following track, "The Answer Lies Within", written in G, were connected by a sound effect in the key of F#. The
album's lyrics and song titles featured references to this concept. Portnoy cited the titles "The Root of all Evil"
(referring to the musical term "root") and "Octavarium" ("the octave of the octave") as two examples of this.[11]
Octavarium begins "The Root of All Evil" with the final note of the band's previous album, Train of Thought with
"In the Name of God". Train of Thought started "As I Am" with the last note from Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
with the title track, which in turn started with the noise that ended Scenes from a Memory at the end of "Finally
Free". Portnoy was inspired to do this thanks to the Van Halen album Women and Children First; the outro of the
album's final song ended with a new riff being played which faded out.[11] Portnoy recalled that he expected Van
Halen's next album to start with that ending riff, but was disappointed when it did not. He later realized he had "dug
a hole where we're expected to do it every time".[11] He solved this problem on Octavarium, where the final track
ends with the beginning of the first one. This made the album a cycle in itself, allowing the band to have a clean start
126
Octavarium (album)
with their next album.[11]
Content
"The Root of All Evil" is the third part of Portnoy's Twelve-step Suite, a set of songs from various Dream Theater
albums which describe his journey through Alcoholics Anonymous. The song contains parts six and seven of the
suite: "Ready" and "Remove".[12] "The Answer Lies Within" and "I Walk Beside You" are the two shortest tracks on
the album. Rudess regards them as radio-friendly songs which still maintain Dream Theater's style.[1]
Portnoy wrote the lyrics to "Never Enough", attacking the small portion of Dream Theater's fanbase who Portnoy
perceived to complain about every thing they did. Portnoy stated that while he appreciated the devotion of Dream
Theater's fans, he was frustrated because he was "constantly tearing [himself] away from [his] family"[12] to give
more to the fans. He found it discouraging that, even though he spent "countless nights"[12] writing special setlists
and the band spent days rehearsing, some fans would still complain that they went to a show and did not hear "Pull
Me Under". "It's discouraging and makes me crazy sometimes," he said.[12]
"Sacrificed Sons", at just over ten minutes long, is the second-longest song on the album. Its lyrics, written by
vocalist James LaBrie, deal with the September 11 attacks.[12] Rudess noted that the band enjoyed writing about
more serious topics instead of love songs. When working on the lyrics, Rudess said that there was "a lot of
discussion"[13] about the song's wording and how direct it should be.[13]
The title track "Octavarium" is the longest track on the album, at twenty-four minutes. Petrucci stated that the band
wanted to write an epic song that thematically developed and would use an orchestra. The band was heavily
influenced by the progressive rock sound of Genesis, Yes and Pink Floyd. The instrumental introduction, heavily
influenced by Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond", was performed by Rudess using a lap steel guitar and
Continuum. Additionally, there are many references to other progressive rock songs in the lyrics.[14]
Artwork
Hugh Syme provided the artwork for Octavarium. The idea of depicting a giant Newton's cradle was born out of
discussions between Syme and Portnoy. The two talked about how "for everything you do in music you create either
a cluster or triad," according to Syme. "And then it became evident that for every action there is an opposite reaction.
So I thought we could do something based on the Newton's cradle."[15] There are numerous references to the
numbers five and eight throughout the artwork, alluding to the album's concept. For example, the Newton's cradle
has eight suspended balls, and there are five birds on the cover. The album booklet features an octagonal maze,
spider and octopus, among other references. The landscape on the cover is made up of a sky and grass from Indiana,
and a background from the Lake District.[15]
Release
A week before the scheduled release of Octavarium, Portnoy shut down the official Dream Theater and Mike
Portnoy forums. Blabbermouth.net reported that this was in response to the album being leaked.[13] Portnoy stated
that "[he] chose to do this mainly [emphasis removed] to build anticipation for the big 'official' unveiling next week",
although noted that "the repeated requests to refrain from spoilers and links for the new album against the band's
wishes were frustrating".[16]
Octavarium was released on June 7, 2005. It was their final album with Atlantic Records, ending a contract which
had lasted fourteen years. Although in recent years the band had been allowed creative freedom, they were
dissatisfied by the lack of promotion the label offered them.[17] Portnoy released a DVD entitled Drumavarium in
2005, containing footage of his drum performance from the Octavarium recording sessions.[13] Rudess released a
solo piano version of "The Answer Lies Within" on his 2009 album Notes on a Dream.[18] "Panic Attack" is also
featured as a playable song in Rock Band 2 as the Hardest Song In the Game for drum and bass.[19]
127
Octavarium (album)
128
Reception
Review scores
Source
Rating
[20]
Allmusic
[21]
Billboard
(favorable)
Blistering
(favorable)
Exclaim!
(negative)
[22]
[23]
MetalReview.com
[24]
The Metal Forge
[25]
[26]
Metally
musicOMH
[27]
(favorable)
Octavarium reached the top five in the Finnish,[2] Italian,[3] and Swedish charts,[4] as well as the top ten in the
Dutch,[5] Japanese,[6] and Norwegian charts.[7] Critical reception of the album was generally positive. Writing for
Blistering, Justin Donnelly praised the album as "diverse, melodic and hard hitting all at the same time",[22] ranking
it as one of Dream Theater's best releases. He particularly praised the title track, considering it to be "another Dream
Theater classic".[22] Billboard considered the results of the band's attempt to write shorter songs and use warmer
instrumental textures to be "excellent",[21] particularly praising "The Root of All Evil", "These Walls" and "I Walk
Beside You".[21]
Harley Carlson of MetalReview.com regarded Octavarium as "successfully [showcasing] the band's ability to craft
emotive music,"[24] although noted that it is "unquestionably Dream Theater, yet there is something missing."[24] Vik
Bansal of musicOMH praised "Never Enough", "Panic Attack" and "Sacrificed Sons", but dismissed "The Root of
All Evil" as "Dream Theater by the numbers".[27] He criticized "Octavarium" as "bloated",[27] although noted that
fans of the band's A Change of Seasons would enjoy it. He said that "there's enough on the remainder of Octavarium
to keep the rest of us interested and the prog rock haters whining dismissively".[27] Writing for Exclaim!, Greg Pratt
praised the album's artwork and production, but said that "there’s nothing that blows any minds here, or even gives a
mild bend; hell, a good chunk of this disc feels like basic radio rock from the local old-guy bar band".[23] He noted
that although there were some longer songs on the album, "this just feels like 76 minutes of overdramatic rock, too
heavy on the light and weak, and not enough time spent on just showing off".[23]
Donnelly considered Octavarium to be "somewhere between Images and Words, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
and Train of Thought".[22] Carlson stated that the album "draws closest comparison to Falling Into Infinity and
Metropolis II: Scenes From A Memory, but with far less complexity and edge."[24] Tammy La Gorce of Allmusic
noted that "a post-hardcore edge - call it a leap into 2005 - has invaded [the band's] pledge of allegiance to theatrical
heavy rock... What's changed is Dream Theater's commitment to carrying on their reputation as underground
progressive rock's classicists, and it seems well-timed."[20] Critics noted a strong Muse influence on some tracks.[22]
[27]
Octavarium (album)
129
Touring
Dream Theater began touring in support of Octavarium
in Europe on June 10, 2005, beginning at the Sweden
Rock Festival in Sölvesborg. The band co-headlined
the Gigantour with Megadeth across North America
from July 21 to September 3.[28] The Montreal concert
was recorded and released as a live album and concert
video on August 22, 2006 and September 5, 2006
respectively, titled Gigantour.[13] [13] The main
Octavarium world tour began in September in Finland,
and saw the band continue with their "An Evening
Dream Theater after a concert in Paris during the first European leg
With Dream Theater" concert format. This meant the
of their tour (2005). From left to right: Mike Portnoy (Former
band would play for almost three hours, with a different
Member), John Petrucci, James LaBrie, John Myung and Jordan
setlist each evening. Combined with interviews,
Rudess
rehearsals during soundcheck and meet-and-greet
sessions with fans, the band became physically and mentally drained.[28]
Dream Theater performed two shows on consecutive nights both in Amsterdam and London. On the second night in
both cities, the band covered the entirety of Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon album.[28] Theresa Thomason,
who had previously performed on Scenes From a Memory, was flown in to perform vocals on "The Great Gig in the
Sky".[29] The London performance was released as a live album and concert video in 2006 by Portnoy's YtseJam
Records.[30] [31] The band covered all of Deep Purple's Made in Japan at concerts in Tokyo and Osaka; a recording
of which was also released as a live album by YtseJam Records in 2007.[30] [32] [33]
To celebrate the band's twentieth anniversary, the final concert on the tour was performed at Radio City Music Hall
in New York on April 1, 2006. For the second half of the concert, the band was accompanied by a thirty-piece
orchestra conducted by Jamshied Sharifi. The concert was filmed and released as a live album and concert video
named Score on August 29, 2006 by Rhino Records.[32] [34]
Track listing
No. Title
1. "The Root of All Evil"
Lyrics
Length
Mike Portnoy
8:25
2. "The Answer Lies Within"
John Petrucci
5:33
3. "These Walls"
Petrucci
7:36
4. "I Walk Beside You"
Petrucci
4:29
5. "Panic Attack"
Petrucci
8:13
6. "Never Enough"
Portnoy
6:46
7. "Sacrificed Sons"
James LaBrie
•
•
VI. "Ready"
VII. "Remove"
10:42
Octavarium (album)
130
8. "Octavarium"
•
•
•
•
•
LaBrie, Petrucci, Portnoy
I. "Someone Like Him"
II. "Medicate (Awakening)"
III. "Full Circle"
IV. "Intervals"
V. "Razor's Edge"
•
•
•
•
•
24:00
Petrucci
LaBrie
Portnoy
Portnoy
Petrucci
Total length:
73:32
Chart positions
Chart (2005)
Peak
position
Canadian Albums Chart
[13]
[5]
9
Dutch Albums Chart
[2]
2
Finnish Albums Chart
[3]
2
Italian Albums Chart
[6]
Norwegian Albums Chart
15
[7]
[35]
Polish Albums Chart
[4]
10
9
8
4
[13]
72
[36]
36
UK Albums Chart
US Billboard 200
Personnel
Dream Theater
Production
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
John Myung – bass
Mike Portnoy – drums, percussion and backing vocals
Jordan Rudess – keyboards, Continuum and lap steel guitar
Additional personnel
John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy - producers
Doug Oberkircher - engineer
Colleen Culhane, Kaori Kinoshita, Ryan Simms - assistant engineers
Bert Baldwin - additional studio assistance
Michael H. Brauer - mixing
Keith Gary - assistant and Pro Tools engineer
Will Hensley - second assistant
Pyr Osh - mastering
Hugh Syme - art direction, design and photography
Octavarium (album)
•
131
Orchestra on "Sacrificed Sons" and "Octavarium" •
String quartet on "The Answer Lies Within"
•
Concert Master
•
Violins
•
• Elena Barere
Violins
•
•
• Vincent Lionti
Cello
•
• Katharine Fong
• Ann Lehmann
• Katherine Livolsi-Stern
• Laura McGinniss
• Catherine Ro
• Ricky Sortomme
• Yuri Vodovoz
Violas
• Elena Barere
• Carol Webb
Violas
•
• Vincent Lionti
• Karen Dreyfus
Cellos
•
• Richard Locker
• Jeanne LeBlanc
Flutes
•
• Pamela Sklar
French Horns
•
•
•
•
Richard Locker
Others
•
•
Strings arranged and conducted by Jamshied Sharifi
Jill Dell'Abate - Orchestral Contractor
Joe Anderer
Stewart Rose
References
• Wilson, Rich (2009). Lifting Shadows: The Authorized Biography of Dream Theater (Classic ed.). London:
Essential Works. ISBN 978-1-906615-02-4.
[1] Wilson 2009, pp. 307
[2] "Discography Dream Theater" (http:/ / finnishcharts. com/ search. asp?search=Dream+ Theater& cat=a) (in Finnish). Finnish charts. .
[3] "Dream Theater - Octavarium" (http:/ / italiancharts. com/ showitem. asp?interpret=Dream+ Theater& titel=Octavarium& cat=a). Italian
charts. . Retrieved 2010-07-10.
[4] "Discography Dream Theater" (http:/ / swedishcharts. com/ search. asp?search=Dream+ Theater& cat=a) (in Swedish). Swedish charts. .
[5] "Discography Dream Theater" (http:/ / dutchcharts. nl/ search. asp?search=Dream+ Theater& cat=a) (in Dutch). Dutch charts. . Retrieved
2010-07-10.
[6] "Oricon Ranking: Dream Theater - Octavarium" (http:/ / ranking. oricon. co. jp/ free_contents/ search/ ranking_list. asp?itemcd=596808&
samecd=1& chart_kbn=11A& linkcd=31307084) (in Japanese). Oricon. . Retrieved 2010-07-10.
[7] "Discography Dream Theater" (http:/ / norwegiancharts. com/ search. asp?search=Dream+ Theater& cat=a) (in Norwegian). Norwegian
[8] Wilson 2009, pp. 304–6
[9] Wilson 2009, pp. 308
[10] Wilson 2009, pp. 310–1
[11] Wilson 2009, pp. 313–4
[12] Wilson 2009, pp. 311–2
[13] "DREAM THEATER Keyboardist: 'We Want To Maintain The Integrity Of Who We've Been'" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/
blabbermouth. net/ news. aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=40414). Blabbermouth.net. 2005-08-13. . Retrieved 2010-07-09.
[14] Wilson 2009, pp. 312–3
[15] Wilson 2009, pp. 315–6
[16] "MIKE PORTNOY Clarifies Reasons For Shutting Down DREAM THEATER Message Board" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/
blabbermouth. net/ news. aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=37641). Blabbermouth.net. 2005-06-04. . Retrieved 2010-07-09.
[17] Wilson 2009, pp. 316–7
[18] Wilson 2009, pp. 447
[19] Goldstein, Maarten (2008-07-14). "Full Rock Band 2 Tracklist Revealed, RB1 Songs Included Separately, 500 Songs by Year's End" (http:/
/ www. shacknews. com/ onearticle. x/ 53595). Shacknews. . Retrieved 2008-07-14.
Octavarium (album)
[20] La Gorce, Tammy. "Octavarium" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r741869). Allmusic. . Retrieved 2010-07-10.
[21] "Dream Theater - Octavarium" (http:/ / books. google. com/ books?id=fRQEAAAAMBAJ& pg=PA50& dq=dream+ theater+ octavarium&
hl=en& ei=0XxoTODdMoGC8ga__ZS3BA& sa=X& oi=book_result& ct=result& resnum=4& ved=0CDYQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&
q=dream theater octavarium& f=false), Billboard: 50, 11 June 2005, , retrieved 2010-08-26
[22] Donnelly, Justin. "Review: Dream Theater - Octavarium" (http:/ / www. blistering. com/ fastpage/ fpengine. php/ link/ 1/ templateid/ 9718/
tempidx/ 4/ menuid/ 2). Blistering. . Retrieved 2010-07-10.
[23] Pratt, Greg (August 2005). "Dream Theater - Octavarium" (http:/ / exclaim. ca/ musicreviews/ generalreview. aspx?csid1=72& csid2=846&
fid1=18655). Exclaim!. . Retrieved 2010-08-26.
[24] Carlson, Harley. "Review of Dream Theater - Octavarium" (http:/ / metalreview. com/ Reviews/ 1767/ Dream-Theater-Octavarium. aspx).
MetalReview.com. . Retrieved 2010-07-10.
[25] Donnelly, Justin. "Dream Theater - Octavarium review" (http:/ / www. themetalforge. com/ modules. php?name=Reviews&
rop=showcontent& id=302). The Metal Forge. . Retrieved 2011-05-13.
[26] Beaudoin, Jedd. "Dream Theater - Octavarium review from metally" (http:/ / metally. net/ albums/ octavarium/ ). Metally. . Retrieved
2011-05-13.
[27] Bansal, Vik. "Dream Theater - Octavarium (Atlantic)" (http:/ / www. musicomh. com/ albums/ dream-theater-2. htm). musicOMH. .
[28] Wilson 2009, pp. 317–8
[29] Wilson 2009, pp. 319
[30] "Cover Series" (http:/ / www. ytsejamrecords. com/ ProductCart/ pc/ viewCategories. asp?pageStyle=h& idCategory=7). YtseJam Records. .
[31] "The latest titles from Ytsejam Records" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ archive_dreamtheater. php?y=2006#ytsejam). Dream Theater The Official Site. 2006-04-23. . Retrieved 2010-08-26.
[32] Wilson 2009, pp. 321
[33] "New Ytsejam Records titles now available to order!" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ archive_dreamtheater. php?y=2007#yr092007).
Dream Theater - The Official Site. 2007-09-09. . Retrieved 2010-08-26.
[34] "Dream Theater's new live CD and DVD "SCORE"" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ archive_dreamtheater. php?y=2006#score). Dream
Theater - The Official Site. 2006-06-10. . Retrieved 2010-08-26.
[35] "OLIS - Official Retail Sales Chart" (http:/ / olis. onyx. pl/ listy/ index. asp?idlisty=262& lang=en) (in Polish). OLIS. 2005-06-20. .
[36] "Dream Theater Album & Song Chart History" (http:/ / www. billboard. com/ #/ artist/ dream-theater/ chart-history/ 14435). Billboard. .
132
Score (album)
133
Score (album)
Score
Released
August 29, 2006
Recorded April 1, 2006 - Radio City Music Hall, New York City, New York
Genre
Progressive metal, Symphonic metal
Length
2:37:08
Label
Rhino Entertainment
Director
Mike Portnoy
Producer Ethan Mesmer
Gigantour Score
(2006) (2006)
Systematic
Chaos
(2007)
Review scores
Source
Allmusic
Rating
[1]
Rock Reviews
[2]
Ultimate Guitar
[3]
Score (album)
134
Score
Released
August 29, 2006
Recorded April 1, 2006 - Radio City Music Hall, New York City, New York
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
2:44:20 (Disc 1)
1:27:42 (Disc 2)
Label
Rhino Entertainment
Gigantour Score
(2006) (2006)
Chaos In Motion
2007/2008
(2008)
Review scores
Source
About.com
Rating
[4]
Metal Review
[5]
PopMatters
[6]
Ultimate Guitar
[7]
Score is a 3 CD/2 DVD combination by progressive metal band Dream Theater. It is a live album, recorded on April
1, 2006 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. This is the final concert of their 20th Anniversary Tour, labeled
"A Very Special Evening with Dream Theater". The entire second half of the concert features a complete symphonic
orchestra, dubbed "The Octavarium Orchestra", conducted by Jamshied Sharifi.
The album was released on August 29, 2006 and contains the entire concert setlist, including the encore. A
condensed version of the concert was aired on VH1 Classic on August 25, 2006, 4 days before the release of the
album and DVD.
Score (album)
135
The name of the album comes from the word "score", meaning the number twenty. It was chosen in order to
celebrate the 20th anniversary of Dream Theater. "Score" could also mean a conductor's musical score, parts of
which are used on the packaging imagery. Given Octavarium's references to the numbers five and eight, it is
interesting to note that at the time of Score's release, Dream Theater had, in their discography, five live albums and
eight studio albums.
Two of the songs recorded on this album were previously unreleased: "Another Won", a song written by the band
when they were still named Majesty, and "Raise The Knife", a song omitted from Falling Into Infinity.
In Australia, the 3 CD boxset was released on September 2, 2006.
On October 15, 2006, Score was certified platinum by the RIAA.
Track listing
CD
Disc one
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
Performer(s)
Length
1. "The Root of All Evil"
Mike Portnoy
8:22
John Petrucci
4:11
3. "Another Won"
John Petrucci
5:22
4. "Afterlife"
Charlie Dominici Dream Theater Dream Theater
5:56
John Petrucci
7:29
6. "Innocence Faded"
John Petrucci
5:36
7. "Raise the Knife"
Mike Portnoy
11:43
8. "The Spirit Carries On" John Petrucci
9:46
Disc two
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
Performer(s)
1. "Six Degrees of Inner
Turbulence"
John Petrucci, Mike
Portnoy
John Petrucci, John Myung, Jordan
Rudess, Mike Portnoy
Dream Theater & The Octavarium
Orchestra
41:33
2. "Vacant"
James LaBrie
John Myung, Jordan Rudess
Orchestra
3:01
3. "The Answer Lies Within"
John Petrucci
Dream Theater
Orchestra
5:36
4. "Sacrificed Sons"
James LaBrie
Dream Theater
Orchestra
10:38
Disc three
Length
Score (album)
No. Title
136
Lyrics
Music
Performer(s)
Length
1. "Octavarium"
James LaBrie, John Petrucci, Mike
Portnoy
Dream
Theater
Dream Theater & the Octavarium
Orchestra
27:16
2. "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the
Sleeper"
John Petrucci
Dream
Theater
Dream Theater & the Octavarium
Orchestra
10:39
DVD
Tracks 1 through 8 feature Dream Theater alone. Tracks 9 through 14 feature Dream Theater and The Octavarium
Orchestra.
Disc one
1. "The Root of All Evil" – 9:32
2. "I Walk Beside You" – 4:10
3. "Another Won" – 5:40
4. "Afterlife" – 7:28
5. "Under a Glass Moon" – 7:27
6. "Innocence Faded" – 6:16
7. "Raise the Knife" – 11:51
8. "The Spirit Carries On" – 9:37
9. "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" – 41:26
10. "Vacant" – 3:03
11. "The Answer Lies Within" – 5:36
12. "Sacrificed Sons" – 10:36
13. "Octavarium" – 27:29
14. "Metropolis" – 11:16
15. Credits – 2:53
Disc two
•
•
•
•
•
"The Score So Far..." 20th Anniversary Documentary – 56:25
Octavarium Animation – 3:06
"Another Day" (Live in Tokyo – August 26, 1993) – 4:47
"The Great Debate" (Live in Bucharest – July 4, 2002) – 13:37
"Honor Thy Father" (Live in Chicago – August 12, 2005) – 9:47
Personnel
•
•
•
•
•
James LaBrie – Vocals
John Myung – Bass
John Petrucci – Guitar, backing vocals
Jordan Rudess – Keyboards, Continuum, and Lap Steel Guitar
Score (album)
Octavarium Orchestra
Conductor
• Jamshied Sharifi
Violins
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Elena Barere - (Concertmistress)
Yuri Vodovos
Belinda Whitney
Avril Brown
Katherine Livolsi
Abe Appleman
Joyce Hammann
Karen Karlsrud
Ann Leathers
Ricky Sortomme
Jan Mullen
Carol Pool
•
•
•
•
•
Vincent Lionti
Adria Benjamin
Judy Witmer
Crystal Garner
Jonathan Dinklage
•
•
•
•
Richard Locker
Eugene Moye
David Heiss
Caryl Paisner
French Horn
• Bob Carlisle
• Dan Culpepper
• Larry DiBello
• George Flynn
• Pamela Sklar
B Flat Clarinet
• Ole Mathisen
• Jeff Kievit
• Jim Hynes
Percussion
• Gordon Gottlieb
137
Score (album)
RIAA Certifications
These statistics were compiled from the RIAA certification online database.[8] They only apply to the DVD.
• Gold - October 11, 2006
• Platinum - October 11, 2006
Trivia
• The first and second setlists contain 8 and 5 songs respectively ("Metropolis" was played as an encore, instead of
being part of the setlist), which fits the common uses of 8 and 5 in the band's album Octavarium.
• The second set has another occurrence of 8 and 5 - the epic "Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence" has 8 parts, and
then 5 more songs (counting the encore) are played with the orchestra, making 13 total.
• Also, 5 of the 8 songs from Octavarium appear in the entire setlist.
• There are various numbers on Mike Portnoy's kit throughout the DVD. These refer to a mysterious number
system found in the TV show Lost.
• Train of Thought ends with the song "In the Name of God," and the next studio album, Octavarium, starts with
"The Root of All Evil". This is the same with Dream Theater's albums Live at Budokan and Score - Live at
Budokan ends with "In the Name of God" and Score starts with "The Root of All Evil". (On the CD version of
Score, a clip from "In the Name of God" is heard playing over the PA system before the band starts playing)
• During the performance of "Under a Glass Moon", John Petrucci's guitar rig mysteriously shut down leaving the
song to continue with no guitar until around the end of the first chorus. It was later discovered that the rig failure
was due to a camera-man being on stage and accidentally stepping on a switch that immediately silences
Petrucci's entire guitar rig. In the Live DVD you can see Petrucci fiddle with his Pedalboard and then walk to the
back of his cabinets. At this time the video focuses on the remaining 4 members of DT until Petrucci gets his rig
working again. Subsequently, before the release of the CD and DVD, Petrucci recorded the missing guitar parts in
a studio as to keep the flow of the show and song moving.
• During "Under a Glass Moon," the band plays the first part of the circus march.
• Before the show actually started, the title theme from "A Clockwork Orange" played over the sound system. For
the most part, this happened at every tour stop in the Octavarium Tour. The theme would play and it would segue
into the ending of "In the Name of God". The theme does not appear in the CD or DVD in any way, most likely
so the band could avoid paying royalty fees to the theme's composer Wendy Carlos.
• Starting at track 3 and continuing to track 12 (track 4 of CD 2), Dream Theater play a song from each of their
studio albums chronologically from The Majesty Demos to Octavarium, with the exception of "Raise The Knife",
which was omitted from Falling Into Infinity and never released.
• "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper" is listed as "Metropolis" on both the CD and DVD covers.
References
[1] Jurek, Thom (2011 [last update]). "Score: XOX - 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium Orchestra - Dream Theater |
AllMusic" (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r849261). allmusic.com. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[2] "Music review of Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour - Live with the Octavarium Orchestra CD by Dream Theater (2006) [RockReviews]"
(http:/ / www. rockreviews. org/ reviewpage. php?ID=548). rockreviews.org. 2011 [last update]. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[3] "Score Review | Dream Theater | Compact Discs | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com" (http:/ / www. ultimate-guitar. com/ reviews/
compact_discs/ dream_theater/ score/ index. html). ultimate-guitar.com. 2011 [last update]. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[4] Hanson, Eric (2011 [last update]). "Dream Theater – Score – 20th Anniversary World Tour DVD Review" (http:/ / heavymetal. about. com/
od/ dvdreviews/ fr/ scoredvd. htm). heavymetal.about.com. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[5] Eardley, Jon (2011 [last update]). "Review of Dream Theater - Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium Orchestra (2
DVDs) | Metal Review" (http:/ / metalreview. com/ reviews/ 2941/
dream-theater-score--20th-anniversary-world-tour-live-with-the-octavarium-orchestra-(2-dvds)). metalreview.com. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[6] Berman, Jarrett (2011 [last update]). "Dream Theater: Dream Theater - Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium
Orchestra < PopMatters" (http:/ / www. popmatters. com/ pm/ review/
138
Score (album)
139
dream-theater-dream-theater-score-20th-anniversary-world-tour-live-with-the). popmatters.com. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[7] "Score Review | Dream Theater | DVD | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com" (http:/ / www. ultimate-guitar. com/ reviews/ dvd/ dream_theater/
score/ index. html). ultimate-guitar.com. 2011 [last update]. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
External links
• Official site news update regarding the album (http://www.dreamtheater.net/news_dreamtheater.php#score)
Systematic Chaos
Systematic Chaos
Released
June 4, 2007
Recorded
September 2006 – February 2007 at Avatar Studios in New York City
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
78:39
Label
Roadrunner
Producer
John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy
Score
(2006)
Systematic
Chaos
(2007)
Greatest Hit (...and 21 Other Pretty Cool
Songs)
(2008)
Singles from Systematic Chaos
1.
"Constant Motion"
Released: April 27, 2007
2.
"Forsaken"
Released: March 31, 2008
Systematic Chaos is the ninth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater. Released on June
4, 2007 in the United Kingdom and June 5, 2007 in the United States, Systematic Chaos was the band's first release
Systematic Chaos
through Roadrunner Records, which was sold to their previous label Atlantic Records, through which the band had
released their previous studio album Octavarium (2005). The album was recorded from September 2006 to February
2007 at Avatar Studios in New York City, after the band's first break from summer touring in ten years. The lyrics of
the album were written by John Petrucci, James LaBrie, and Mike Portnoy about fictional, political, and personal
topics, respectively.[1]
The album peaked in the top twenty in eight countries' sales charts; in addition, the album peaked at the nineteenth
position on the Billboard 200, making it the highest peaking Dream Theater album in the United States[2] until the
release of Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009), which debuted at the sixth position.[3] Critical reception of the
album was generally positive; Jon Eardley from MetalReview.com called the band, "arguably the most consistent
band throughout the entire progressive rock/metal industry".[4]
Dream Theater promoted the album on their Chaos in Motion world tour, which lasted a year and spanned thirty-five
countries. The album was released in regular and special edition formats; the special edition included a 5.1 surround
sound mix of the album, in addition to a ninety-minute "making of" documentary about the album.
Background
After recording their twentieth anniversary concert, Score, on April 1, 2006, Dream Theater rested for its first
summer in ten years.[5] The band would reconvene at Avatar Studios, in New York City, in September 2006.[6] Mike
Portnoy stated that the relationship between band members was "the best it's ever been".[7] The band hired Paul
Northfield, who had previously worked with bands that had inspired Dream Theater, including Rush and
Queensrÿche, to engineer the album.[8] As with previous albums, Dream Theater simultaneously wrote and recorded
Systematic Chaos.[9] Mike Portnoy and John Petrucci co-produced the album; Portnoy said that the band hires an
engineer and a mixer to act as an "objective outside ear", but the members ultimately "call their own shots".[10]
Previous Dream Theater albums shared planned themes throughout, such as Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory
(1999) as a concept album or Train of Thought (2003) as a heavy, "balls to the wall" album.[11] Though Portnoy had
some preconceived ideas for Systematic Chaos, he decided not to tell the rest of the band; leaving them to start with
a "completely open palate".[11] However, Portnoy did want to retain a "cutting, aggressive, modern" mood
throughout, "It had to have balls," he added, "it had to be cool".[12]
The album was titled Systematic Chaos after Portnoy and Petrucci picked phrases from song lyrics that they felt
would be a fitting title,[13] in similar fashion to previous albums like Images and Words (1992) or Awake (1994).[14]
The pair selected the word "chaos", which appears in "The Dark Eternal Night".[13] Petrucci and Portnoy were also
attracted to the phrase "Random thoughts of neat disorder" which appears in "Constant Motion". Inspired by the
"duality" of the phrase,[14] opposites of the word "chaos" were discussed, resulting in the word "systematic".[13]
Portnoy said that in addition to the album, "systematic chaos" is also a "fitting description of the band in general".[15]
Songs
John Petrucci wrote the lyrics for five of the eight songs on the album,[16] telling a fictional story through each
one.[17]
In the Presence of Enemies
The first song recorded, the twenty-five-minute epic "In the Presence of Enemies", was described by Petrucci as the
"epitome of a Dream Theater creation".[18] He went on to describe the track as "very progressive, very long"; also
noting that it set a good tone for writing and recording the rest of the album.[18] The song was split into two parts for
the album, due to its being a good open and close to the album. According to Portnoy, the band felt it was too long to
open the album, but did not want to close the album with a long song, as they had with the twenty-four-minute title
track of their last album Octavarium (2005).[19] The song is normally played in its entirety in live shows.[20]
140
Systematic Chaos
The story of this song was inspired by a Korean manga named Priest, as Petrucci explains that not being a manga
fan, precisely, "[...] I like it though. This one, I just stumbled upon and I really liked the content. It inspired me to
take a different approach lyrically. You have to keep things interesting for yourself when writing new material so I
just took this and ran with it. [...] Those types of lyrics are fun to write, you know? The dark subject matter, the dark
master stuff. It's another way of writing, a fresh one to me."[21]
Forsaken
Petrucci said "Forsaken" is a story told through a "short song structure".[22] The song tells of a person who is visited
at night by a vampiress. While the man thinks he is being shown "beautiful things", in reality he is having his blood
sucked by the vampiress.[23] An anime music video of "Forsaken", produced by Gonzo and directed by Yasufumi
Soejima, was released on January 26, 2008.[24] [25] The band allowed Soejima artistic freedom with the design of the
video,[26] which was set in a science fiction future instead of the present day.[24] During the production of the album,
the working title for this song was "Jet Lag", and it was the sixth song to be written.[27]
Constant Motion
"Constant Motion" was released as the first single from the album on April 27, 2007. It was first made available as a
free download the same day by Roadrunner Records; it could be found at Roadrunner Records' Dream Theater
sub-website for a limited time.[28] This song was also made available to download for the music video game Rock
Band.[29] Its working title was "Korma Chameleon", and was the second piece written.[30]
The song was also accompanied by a music video, with which the band produced its first music video in over a
decade.[31] The video clip premiered on July 13, 2007 and was released as a free download, in two different formats,
also for a limited time.[32] The band hadn't produced a music video since "Hollow Years" from Falling into Infinity
(1997), citing lack of interest and lack of rotation on music channels for the latter. The video received considerable
airplay on MTV2's Headbangers Ball and was voted as the second best music video of 2007 by the same;[33] it is
arguably Dream Theater's most popular video since "Pull Me Under" in 1992.
The Dark Eternal Night
Petrucci wrote the lyrics to "The Dark Eternal Night" about a pharaoh who has returned after dormancy as a monster
to haunt a town.[34] The lyrics are heavily influenced by the short story Nyarlathotep by American horror fiction
writer H.P. Lovecraft, even borrowing a lot of specific phrases from this story. The song contains an improvised
continuum solo, performed by Rudess while the drum tracks were being recorded; the band members liked the solo
enough to keep in the final recording.[35] In the October 2010 issue of Total Guitar Magazine, its readers voted the
main riff of "The Dark Eternal Night" as the fourth greatest riff of the decade.[36]
The sprawling, progressive mid-section was not featured in the song's original edit, but is based around a riff that
Rudess came up with in the control room, when listening to the original, more conservative instrumental section. "I
was debating whether or not I should even bring it up, but then I got brave and said 'You know, I've got this weird
idea.'"[37]
The Dark Eternal Night was the second of two songs released to the general public in advance of the album's release,
with an in-studio video being released to YouTube in May 2007.
141
Systematic Chaos
Repentance
Portnoy wrote "Repentance" as the fourth part of his Twelve-step Suite,[38] a collection of songs from various Dream
Theater albums which revolve around his journey through Alcoholics Anonymous. The song discusses steps eight
and nine of the process, which deal with making a list of people whom one has wronged and, if possible, making
direct amends with them.[39] Portnoy, who as of 2007 had been sober for 7½ years,[40] invited friends and fellow
musicians Mikael Åkerfeldt, Jon Anderson, David Ellefson, Daniel Gildenlöw, Steve Hogarth, Chris Jericho, Neal
Morse, Joe Satriani, Corey Taylor, Steve Vai, and Steven Wilson to record spoken apologies, regrets, and sorrows of
their own,[41] which were featured throughout the song.[42] Portnoy dedicated "Repentance", "to Bill W. and all of
his friends".[42] This saga is concluded in the band's tenth studio album Black Clouds & Silver Linings.
Prophets of War
"Prophets of War" was written by James LaBrie, who based the lyrics loosely on Joseph C. Wilson's book The
Politics of Truth.[43] The lyrics talk about possible ulterior motives behind the Iraq War, while remaining "middle of
the road".[43] The title is a play on words, where the "prophets" of the war, could also be gaining a "profit" from the
War.[43] During the recording of the song, Portnoy suggested fans could voice certain lyrical chants.[44] [45] In
response to a message posted on the band's website[46] four hundred fans gathered outside the recording studio to
record the chanting,[45] however only sixty could fit into the studio.[45]
The Ministry of Lost Souls
At just under fifteen minutes in length, "The Ministry of Lost Souls" is the album's second longest track. Throughout
the song's lyrics, Petrucci tells of a person who dies in the process of saving a woman from drowning. However, the
woman who is saved is filled with "regret and sorrow" until she is able to re-unite with her rescuer.[17]
Release and promotion
Both the regular and special editions of Systematic Chaos were released on June 4, 2007 in the UK and June 5, 2007
in the US. Over their seven album relationship with Warner Music Group, Dream Theater became disappointed at
the lack of coverage they gave the band. "[...] Our previous label basically relied on our fanbase to do everything.
[They would] put the money up for the record and put the CD in the shops," said Portnoy.[47] On February 8, 2007,
Dream Theater reached an agreement with Roadrunner Records to release their new album.[48] Systematic Chaos had
nearly been written and recorded at the time of the signing.[47] Ironically, Warner purchased Roadrunner Records a
week after the band signed with them.[31] According to LaBrie, Roadrunner followed through on all of its promises
to the band concerning the promotion of the album.[49]
Portnoy spent a month directing and editing a documentary titled Chaos in Progress: The Making of Systematic
Chaos, which was released on the two disc special edition of the album.[50] The bonus disc of the special edition also
included 5.1 surround sound mix of the entire album. Dream Theater supported the album by touring on the Chaos In
Motion tour from June 3, 2007 to June 4, 2008. The world tour comprised 115 shows throughout thirty-five
countries.[51] Multiple concerts were filmed for the band's fifth DVD, titled Chaos in Motion 2007–2008. The
compilation of concerts was released on September 30, 2008.[52]
142
Systematic Chaos
143
Reception
Review scores
Source
Rating
About.com
[53]
Allmusic
[54]
Dangerdog
[55]
The Metal Forge
[56]
Metal Review
[57]
Metal Storm
[58]
Metally
[59]
Ultimate Guitar
[60]
411mania.com
[61]
Critical reception for Systematic Chaos was generally positive. Writing for MetalReview.com, Jon Eardley called the
album, "another solid outing".[4] He complimented Petrucci for "Constant Motion", writing that it contains "some of
the best riffs Petrucci has brought to the table".[4] In addition, he called the latter part of "The Dark Eternal Night"
"the most brutal part in any [Dream Theater] song to date".[4] Reviewing for Metal Invader, Nikos Patelis called the
album, "energetic, sharp – edged, full of beautiful melodies and heavy riffs, long epic compositions".[62] He called
Dream Theater's instrumentalists "four masters of music that use their instruments as if they were their limbs", in
addition to stating, "James LaBrie sounds more mature than ever".[62] In conclusion, Patelis called Systematic Chaos,
"an excellent album that needs many times to be listened in order to be digested".[62] Greg Prato, of Allmusic, wrote
"[...] 'Forsaken' proves wrong those who say that Dream Theater is all about instrumental gymnastics and not
songwriting". He also compared riffs in "The Dark Eternal Night" to the band Pantera. Overall, he states "[...] the
quintet sticks to the prog metal game plan that they've followed since their inception".[54] Reviewer Chad Bowar of
About.com, wrote that "In the Presence of Enemies - Part I" is "an effective way to set the tone for the rest of the
songs".[53] Overall, Bowar gave the album four out of five stars, calling it, "one of the best Dream Theater releases in
quite a while".[53]
The album peaked in the top twenty-five in the United Kingdom and Australia, where the band had never previously
charted.[63] [64] In the United States, the album peaked at the nineteenth position on the Billboard 200, making it the
highest peaking Dream Theater album in the United States at the time of its release.[2] Overall, Systematic Chaos
peaked in the top twenty for album sales in eight countries. In the US, the album sold 35,689 copies the first week it
was released.[65]
Systematic Chaos
144
Track listing
No. Title
Lyrics
1. "In the Presence of Enemies - Part I"
•
•
Length
John Petrucci
I. "Prelude"
II. "Resurrection" 9:00
•
•
4:15
4:45
2. "Forsaken"
Petrucci
5:35
3. "Constant Motion"
Mike Portnoy
6:55
4. "The Dark Eternal Night"
Petrucci
8:51
5. "Repentance"
Portnoy
10:43
•
•
VIII. "Regret"
IX. "Restitution" •
•
5:43
5:00
6. "Prophets of War"
James LaBrie
7. "The Ministry of Lost Souls"
Petrucci
14:57
8. "In the Presence of Enemies - Part II"
Petrucci
16:38
•
•
•
•
III. "Heretic"
IV. "The Slaughter of the Damned"
V. "The Reckoning"
VI. "Salvation" 6:00
•
•
•
•
Total length:
6:10
3:07
3:27
3:54
78:39
Chart positions
Chart (2007)
Peak Position
[2]
Billboard 200
19
15
ARIA Charts
23
UK Albums Chart
25
Dutch charts
2
Finnish charts
3
Norwegian charts
3
Swedish charts
5
French charts
14
Swiss charts
14
Austrian charts
20
Belgian charts
44
[66]
[63]
[64]
[67]
[68]
[69]
[70]
[71]
[72]
[73]
[74]
Systematic Chaos
145
Personnel
Dream Theater
Production
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
John Myung – bass
John Petrucci – guitars and backing
vocals
Mike Portnoy – drums, percussion and
backing vocals (co. lead vocals on
"Constant Motion, and The Dark
Eternal Night")
Jordan Rudess – keyboards and
continuum
•
•
John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy – producers
Paul Northfield – engineer, mixing, vocal track co-producer
Chad Lupo – assistant engineer
Hugh Syme – art direction, design, illustration
Daragh McDonagh – photography
Guest spoken words on "Repentance"
•
•
•
•
•
Corey Taylor
Steve Vai
Chris Jericho
David Ellefson
Steve Hogarth
•
•
•
•
•
Joe Satriani
Mikael Åkerfeldt
Steven Wilson
Jon Anderson
Neal Morse
References
[1] Mike Portnoy. (2007-10-31). Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) - Interview '07, Part 1 (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=0bdMqpKbUv4&
feature=related). Event occurs at 2:48. . Retrieved 2008-07-06.
[2] "Systematic Chaos – Dream Theater" (http:/ / www. billboard. com/ #/ album/ dream-theater/ systematic-chaos/ 942029). Billboard.com. .
[3] "Black Clouds & Silver Linings – Dream Theater" (http:/ / www. billboard. com/ #/ album/ dream-theater/ black-clouds-silver-linings/
1256176). Billboard.com. . Retrieved 2009-07-01.
[4] Jon Eardley (2007-06-05). "Systematic Chaos" (http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20080623200731/ http:/ / metalreview. com/ 3572/
Dream-Theater-Systematic-Chaos. aspx). MetalReview.com. Archived from the original (http:/ / www. metalreview. com/ 3572/
Dream-Theater-Systematic-Chaos. aspx) on June 23, 2008. . Retrieved 2008-07-04.
[5] Mike Portnoy, Chaos in Progress. Event occurs at 3:58.
[7] Mike Portnoy. Mike Portnoy Interview (Dream Theater) - Part 2 (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=XiFNm2eOOpQ& feature=related).
TheCrookedStep.com. Event occurs at 0:23. . Retrieved 2008-06-30.
[10] Mike Portnoy. Mike Portnoy Interview (Dream Theater) - Part 2 (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=XiFNm2eOOpQ& feature=related).
Event occurs at 1:38. . Retrieved 2008-06-30.
[13] John Petrucci, Chaos in Progress. Event occurs at 37:08.
[14] Mike Portnoy. (2007-10-31). Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) - Interview '07, Part 1 (http:/ / www. youtube. com/
watch?v=0bdMqpKbUv4& feature=related). Event occurs at 2:05. . Retrieved 2008-07-06.
[16] (2007) Album notes for Systematic Chaos by Dream Theater. Roadrunner.
[19] Mike Portnoy, The Mirror. Event occurs at 4:07.
[21] Bort (2007-10-05). "Interview with John Petrucci" (http:/ / www. fiveeightforums. com/
for-those-interested-heres-my-interview-with-john-petrucci-t38398/ index. html). FiveEight.com. . Retrieved 2010-09-18.
Systematic Chaos
[24] "Gonzo Animates Dream Theater's 'Forsaken' Music Video" (http:/ / www. animenewsnetwork. com/ news/ 2008-01-26/
gonzo-animates-dream-theaters-forsaken-music-video). Anime News Network. 2008-01-26. . Retrieved 2008-07-01.
[25] "'Forsaken' video premiere on Saturday, January 26th" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ archive_dreamtheater. php?y=2007#forsakenmtv2).
DreamTheater.net. 2008-01-25. . Retrieved 2008-07-01.
[26] "New Anime Video for Dream Theater's 'Forsaken'" (http:/ / www. animenewsnetwork. com/ press-release/ 2008-01-25/
new-anime-video-for-dream-theaters-forsaken). Anime News Network. 2008-01-25. . Retrieved 2008-07-01.
[27] John Petrucci, Chaos in Progress. Event occurs at 10:42—46.
[28] DreamTheater.net (2007-04-27). "'Constant Motion' MP3 Giveaway at Roadrunner Records" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/
archive_dreamtheater. php?y=2007#mp3giveaway). Press release. . Retrieved 2007-04-27.
[29] DreamTheater.net (2008-08-09). "'Constant Motion' available for Rock Band download!" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/
news_dreamtheater. php#rockband). Press release. . Retrieved 2008-09-18.
[30] John Petrucci, Chaos in Progress. Event occurs at 22:18—27.
[31] "Dream Theater Causing 'Chaos' with New Album" (http:/ / www. billboard. com/ #/ features/
dream-theater-causing-chaos-with-new-album-1003604046. story). Billboard.com. . Retrieved 2009-10-13.
[32] DreamTheater.net (2007-07-13). "'Constant Motion' Video Premiere - Download it now!" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/
archive_dreamtheater. php?y=2007#cmvideo). Press release. . Retrieved 2007-07-13.
[33] DreamTheater.net (2008-10-20). "Dream Theater's 'Forsaken' Nominated for Headbanger's Ball Best of 2008!" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater.
net/ archive_dreamtheater. php?y=2007#cmmtv2). Press release. . Retrieved 2009-05-20.
[35] Chaos in Progress. Event occurs at 43:00.
[36] Parker, Matthew (2010-10-08). "The 50 Greatest Riffs of the Decade (Fourth: Dream Theater — 'The Dark Eternal Night')" (http:/ / www.
musicradar. com/ totalguitar/ the-50-greatest-riffs-of-the-decade-277092/ 47#content). . Retrieved 2011-03-02.
[37] "Episode Three" (http:/ / www. dtnorway. com/ EP3. m4a). Jordan Rudess Interview. DTNorway.com. 2009-04-07. . Retrieved 2009-04-09.
[39] "A.A.'s Twelve Steps" (http:/ / www. alcoholics-anonymous. org/ en_information_aa. cfm?PageID=17& SubPage=68). Alcoholics
Anonymous World Services, Inc.. . Retrieved 2008-06-30.
[40] Mike Portnoy. Mike Portnoy Interview (Dream Theater) - Part 1 (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=7DIaFsB2TIQ& feature=related).
TheCrookedStep.com. Event occurs at 3:05. . Retrieved 2008-06-30.
[42] (2007) "Repentance", p. 10. Album notes for Systematic Chaos by Dream Theater. Roadrunner Records.
[43] James LaBrie. (2007-06-25). The Mirror Interviews James LaBrie (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=ss5CI7tasyQ& feature=related).
TheMirror.de. Event occurs at 4:34. . Retrieved 2008-07-02.
[44] James Labrie, Chaos in Progress. Event occurs at 66:26.
[45] James LaBrie. (2007-06-10). James LaBrie Interview Part 1 (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=6baRRlFstcM& feature=user).
Roadrunner Records. Event occurs at 2:15. . Retrieved 2008-07-01.
[46] "Live near NYC? Want to be on the new DT?" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ archive_dreamtheater. php?y=2007#chants). 2007 Archives.
DreamTheater.net. 2007-01-24. . Retrieved 2008-07-06.
[47] Mike Portnoy. (2007-06-11). Mike Portnoy Italian Interview (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=NCu_YqCBfro). Roadrunner Records
Italy. Event occurs at 4:03. . Retrieved 2008-07-01.
[48] "When Dream Theater & Roadrunner Records Unite!" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ news/
WHEN-DREAM-THEATER--ROADRUNNER-RECORDS-UNITE-14998. aspx). Roadrunner. . Retrieved 2009-10-13.
[49] James LaBrie. (2007-06-10). James LaBrie Interview, Part 1 (http:/ / www. youtube. com/ watch?v=6baRRlFstcM& feature=user).
Roadrunner Records. Event occurs at 4:18. . Retrieved 2008-07-01.
[51] "A Must Have for Dream Theater Fans!" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ artists/ DreamTheater/ index. aspx?newsitemID=19350).
Roadrunner Records. 2008-07-10. . Retrieved 2008-07-10.
[52] "Dream Theater Chaos In Progress 2007/2008 Live DVD Sets to be Released in September" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/
blabbermouth. Net/ news. aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=100638). Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 2008-07-10. . Retrieved
2008-07-10.
[53] Bowar, Chad. "Dream Theater - Systematic Chaos" (http:/ / heavymetal. about. com/ od/ cdreviews/ fr/ dreamtheatersys. htm). About.com. .
[54] Prato, Gregg. "Review: Systematic Chaos - Dream Theater" (http:/ / allmusic. com/ album/ systematic-chaos-r1067639/ review). Allmusic. .
[55] http:/ / www. dangerdog. com/ 0807. php#Dream%20Theater%20-%20Systematic%20Chaos
[56] http:/ / www. themetalforge. com/ modules. php?name=Reviews& rop=showcontent& id=1315
[57] http:/ / www. metalreview. com/ reviews/ 3572/ dream-theater-systematic-chaos
[58] http:/ / www. metalstorm. net/ bands/ album. php?album_id=16095& band_id=92& bandname=Dream+ Theater
[59] http:/ / metally. net/ albums/ systematic-chaos/
[60] http:/ / www. ultimate-guitar. com/ reviews/ compact_discs/ dream_theater/ systematic_chaos/ index. html
146
Systematic Chaos
[61] http:/ / www. 411mania. com/ music/ album_reviews/ 55292
[62] Nikos Patelis (2007-05-25). "Dream Theater — Systematic Chaos" (http:/ / www. metal-invader. com/ db/ reviews-3880. html). Metal
Invader. . Retrieved 2008-07-04.
[63] "Australian charts portal" (http:/ / www. australian-charts. com/ search. asp?search=Dream+ Theater& cat=a). Australian charts. . Retrieved
2008-06-13.
[64] "UK Top 40 Hit Database" (http:/ / www. everyhit. com/ ). Every hit. . Retrieved 2008-06-13.
[65] http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ forum/ m2357900. aspx Awake sales
[66] Williams, John. "Red-hot Rihanna hits No. 1" (http:/ / jam. canoe. ca/ Music/ Artists/ R/ Rihanna/ 2007/ 06/ 13/ 4257509-ca. html).
Canadian Online Explorer. . Retrieved 12 January 2009.
[67] "Discography Dream Theater" (http:/ / dutchcharts. nl/ search. asp?search=Dream+ Theater& cat=a) (in Dutch). Dutch charts. . Retrieved
2008-06-13.
[68] "Discography Dream Theater" (http:/ / finnishcharts. com/ search. asp?search=Dream+ Theater& cat=a) (in Finnish). Finnish charts. .
[69] "Discography Dream Theater" (http:/ / norwegiancharts. com/ search. asp?search=Dream+ Theater& cat=a) (in Norwegian). Norwegian
[70] "Discography Dream Theater" (http:/ / swedishcharts. com/ search. asp?search=Dream+ Theater& cat=a) (in Swedish). Swedish charts. .
[71] "Discography Dream Theater" (http:/ / lescharts. com/ search. asp?search=Dream+ Theater& cat=a) (in French). Les charts. . Retrieved
2008-06-13.
[72] "Discography Dream Theater" (http:/ / hitparade. ch/ search. asp?search=Dream+ Theater& cat=a) (in German). Hit parade. . Retrieved
2008-06-13.
[73] "Discography Dream Theater" (http:/ / austriancharts. at/ search. asp?search=Dream+ Theater& cat=a) (in German). Austrian charts. .
[74] "Discography Dream Theater" (http:/ / www. ultratop. be/ nl/ search. asp?search=Dream+ Theater& cat=a) (in Dutch). Ultra top. . Retrieved
2008-06-13.
Notes
• James LaBrie, John Myung, John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy, Jordan Rudess. (2007). Chaos in Progress: The Making
of Systematic Chaos (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5400182680960464163). [Documentary].
Avatar Studios: The All Blacks. Retrieved 2008-06-30.
• Mike Portnoy. (2007-05-04). The Mirror Interviews Mike Portnoy (http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=uj_iwNlMZ0I). TheMirror.de. Retrieved 2008-07-02.
147
148
Greatest Hit (...and 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs)
Greatest hits album by Dream Theater
Released
March 29, 2008
April 1, 2008
Recorded
October 14, 1991–February 25, 2005 at various studios
Genre
Progressive metal, progressive rock
Length
138:16
Label
Rhino
Producer
David Prater, Duane Baron, John Petrucci, John Purdell, Kevin Shirley, Mike Portnoy
Systematic
Chaos
(2007)
Songs)
(2008)
Chaos in Motion
2007–2008
(2008)
Review scores
Source
Rating
Allmusic
[1]
Sputnikmusic
[2]
Ultimate Guitar
[3]
Greatest Hit (...and 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs) is a compilation album by progressive metal band Dream Theater
released by Rhino Records on April 1, 2008.[4] The title alludes to their only top 10 radio hit, "Pull Me Under". It
features three songs from their breakthrough album Images and Words remixed by Kevin Shirley: "Pull Me Under",
"Take the Time", and "Another Day". It also features the song "To Live Forever", an Awake-era re-recording of the
song from the Images and Words sessions (featured as a B-side of the "Lie" single), which was previously
unreleased on a full length album. Several single edits of popular Dream Theater songs are also featured on this
compilation.
149
The songs have been divided in two discs: the first one, dubbed "The Dark Side", features heavy, metal-influenced
songs, while the second one, entitled "The Light Side", spotlights the band's melodic side. The set spans the years
from 1991 to 2005, therefore it doesn't include any songs from Dream Theater's debut album, When Dream and Day
Unite, their A Change of Seasons EP (although it was released in 1995), their 2007 release Systematic Chaos, or their
2009 release, Black Clouds & Silver Linings as that album had not yet been released.
Former drummer Mike Portnoy explained in the album's booklet that the selection of songs were carefully made in
order to appease both the newcomer and the already existing fan by offering up different versions of songs on other
albums to "make the newcomer want to buy the albums from whence they came" and to "give different versions of
songs already on other albums" to the current fan. He also suggests that a third disc should've been included called
"The Epic Side", showcasing their progressive side.
Track listing
Disc one ("The Dark Side")
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
Original album
Length
1. "Pull Me Under" (2007 remix)
Kevin Moore Dream Theater
Images and Words
8:13
2. "Take the Time" (2007 remix)
Dream
Theater
Dream Theater
Images and Words
8:22
3. "Lie" (single edit)
Moore
Dream Theater
Awake
5:02
4. "Peruvian Skies"
John Petrucci Dream Theater
6:42
5. "Home" (single edit)
Mike
Portnoy
Dream Theater
Memory
5:38
6. "Misunderstood" (single edit)
Petrucci
Petrucci, John Myung, Jordan Rudess, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
Portnoy
5:14
7. "The Test That Stumped Them All"
(single edit)
Portnoy
5:00
8. "As I Am" (clean single edit)
Petrucci
Train of Thought
7:14
Petrucci
Train of Thought
11:23
10. "The Root of All Evil" (edit)
Portnoy
Dream Theater
Octavarium
7:16
11. "Sacrificed Sons" (edit)
James
LaBrie
Dream Theater
Octavarium
9:41
Disc two ("The Light Side")
No. Title
150
Lyrics
Music
Original album
Length
1. "Another Day" (2007 remix)
Petrucci
Dream Theater
Images and Words
4:25
2. "To Live Forever"
Moore,
Petrucci
Dream Theater
B-Side to Lie single
4:56
3. "Lifting Shadows off a Dream"
John Myung
Dream Theater
Awake
6:09
4. "The Silent Man"
Petrucci
Petrucci
Awake
3:47
5. "Hollow Years"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
5:55
6. "Through Her Eyes" (alternate album
mix)
Petrucci
Dream Theater
Memory
6:03
7. "The Spirit Carries On"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
Memory
6:40
8. "Solitary Shell" (single edit)
Petrucci
Petrucci, Myung, Rudess,
Portnoy
4:10
Petrucci
Dream Theater
Octavarium
4:28
10. "The Answer Lies Within" (edit)
Petrucci
Dream Theater
Octavarium
5:15
11. "Disappear"
LaBrie
Petrucci, Myung, Rudess,
Portnoy
6:45
Personnel
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
John Petrucci – guitar, backing vocals
John Myung – bass
Jordan Rudess – keyboard (tracks 5–11 on disc one and tracks 6–11 on disc two)
Kevin Moore – keyboard (tracks 1–3 on disc one and tracks 1-4 on disc two)
Derek Sherinian – keyboard, backing vocals on "Peruvian Skies" and "Hollow Years"
Jay Beckenstein – saxophone on "Another Day" and "Through Her Eyes"
Theresa Thomason – additional vocals on "Through Her Eyes" and "The Spirit Carries On"
Misconceptions
• The album's booklet is missing credits of "As I Am" and the songs from Octavarium as edited versions; those
tracks are actually shorter than the ones from that album as secondary versions for "As I Am" (also a clean edit),
"The Root of All Evil" and "Sacrificed Sons" with the first minute intro taken out, "The Answer Lies Within" has
the first 15 seconds of bells ringing taken out, "I Walk Beside You" has the same length as its original album but
with the clock ticking sound taken out of the first riff.
Chart positions
151
Year
Chart
Position
2008
27
2008
UK Albums Chart
113
2008
Billboard 200
122
References
[1] Jurek, Thom (2011 [last update]). "Greatest Hit (....And 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs) - Dream Theater | AllMusic" (http:/ / www. allmusic.
com/ album/ r1340789). allmusic.com. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[2] "Dream Theater - Greatest Hit (... and 21 Other...) (staff review) | Sputnikmusic" (http:/ / www. sputnikmusic. com/ review/ 15693/
Dream-Theater-Greatest-Hit-(. . . -and-21-Other. . . )/ ). sputnikmusic.com. 2011 [last update]. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[3] "Greatest Hit (...And 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs) Review | Dream Theater | Compact Discs | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com" (http:/ /
www. ultimate-guitar. com/ reviews/ compact_discs/ dream_theater/ greatest_hit_and_21_other_pretty_cool_songs/ index. html).
ultimate-guitar.com. 2011 [last update]. . Retrieved 3 August 2011.
[4] "DREAM THEATER'S GreateSt HIT (...and 21 other pretty cool songs) - due April 1st" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/
archive_dreamtheater. php?y=2008#dtgh). Dream Theater/Mark Bredius. . Retrieved 2008-02-05.
Released
September 30, 2008
Recorded
June 2007 - June 2008
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
187:15
Label
Roadrunner
Chaos in Motion 20072008
152
Songs)
(2008)
Chaos in Motion
2007–2008
(2008)
Black Clouds & Silver
Linings
(2009)
Review scores
Source
About.com
Rating
[1]
Blistering
[2]
The Metal Forge
[3]
Chaos in Motion 2007–2008 is a DVD from the progressive metal band Dream Theater. Released on September 30,
2008, the DVD contains a compilation of live concerts from the band's Chaos in Motion world tour, in support of
their 9th studio album Systematic Chaos.[4] [5] The tour, which lasted from June 3, 2007 to June 4, 2008, contained
115 shows throughout 35 countries.[6] Two forms of the DVD were released, a 2-disc set and a 5-disc (2 DVD, 3
CD) special edition.[7] The special edition was limited to 5,000 copies.[8]
Recordings
• August 18, 2007 at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto: "Blind Faith", "Surrounded"
• August 21, 2007 at Bank of America Pavilion in Boston: "Jordan Rudess Keyboard Solo", "Lines in the Sand",
"Scarred"
• October 9, 2007 at Ahoy Rotterdam in The Netherlands: "Intro/Also Sprach Zarathustra", "Constant Motion",
"The Dark Eternal Night", "In the Presence of Enemies"
• January 18, 2008 at Bangkok Hall in Bangkok: "Take the Time"
• March 4, 2008 at Luna Park in Buenos Aires: "Panic Attack"
• May 6, 2008 at Orpheum Theater in Vancouver: "Forsaken", "The Ministry of Lost Souls", "Schmedley Wilcox"
153
Track listing
DVD
Disc one
Disc two
1. Intro/Also sprach Zarathustra
2. Constant Motion
3. Panic Attack
4. Blind Faith
5. Surrounded
6. The Dark Eternal Night
7. Keyboard Solo
8. Lines in the Sand
9. Scarred
10. Forsaken
11. The Ministry of Lost Souls
12. Take the Time
13. In the Presence of Enemies
14. Schmedley Wilcox:
•
•
"Behind the Chaos on the Road" (90-minute Documentary)
Promo videos
1.
2.
3.
4.
Constant Motion
Forsaken
Forsaken (Studio Footage)
The Dark Eternal Night (Studio Footage)
•
Live Screen Projection Films:
•
•
•
•
•
1. The Dark Eternal Night (N.A.D.S.)
2. The Ministry of Lost Souls
3. In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 2
•
•
•
"Mike Portnoy Stage Tour"
"Mike Portnoy Backstage Tour"
Photo Gallery
I. Trial of Tears
II. Finally Free
III. Learning to Live
IV. In the Name of God
V. Razor's Edge
Special edition CD
The Special Edition 5-disc set includes the 2 DVDs as specified above as well as the audio tracks on a 3-disc set with
the track listings:
Disc one
No. Title
Disc two
Lyrics
Music
Length
1. "Intro/Also sprach Zarathustra" (instrumental) Richard Strauss
3:04
2. "Constant Motion"
7:06
3. "Panic Attack"
John Petrucci
Dream Theater
7:22
4. "Blind Faith"
James LaBrie Dream Theater
10:29
5. "Surrounded"
Kevin Moore
15:21
Dream Theater
154
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
Petrucci
Dream Theater
9:44
2. "Jordan Rudess Keyboard Solo" (instrumental) Jordan Rudess
4:53
1. "The Dark Eternal Night"
Length
Petrucci
Dream Theater
11:56
4. "Scarred"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
13:31
5. "Forsaken"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
5:41
6. "The Ministry of Lost Souls"
Petrucci
Dream Theater
15:22
Disc three
No. Title
1. "Take the Time"
Lyrics
Music
Dream Theater
Dream Theater
11:37
Dream Theater
26:00
LaBrie, Petrucci, John Myung, Portnoy Dream Theater
21:18
2. "In the Presence of Enemies" Petrucci
3. "Schmedley Wilcox"
•
•
•
•
•
I. "Trial of Tears"
II. "Finally Free"
III. "Learning to Live"
IV. "In the Name of God"
V. "Razor's Edge" •
•
•
•
•
Myung
Portnoy
Myung
Petrucci
Petrucci
Personnel
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sebastian Beloch – director, editing, filmmaker
Andrew Bennett – director
Lasse Hoile – director
Jared Kvitka – engineer
Randy Lane – engineer, mixing
John Myung – bass
John Petrucci – guitar, vocals, producer
Mike Portnoy – drums, vocals, producer, creative director
Kevin Shirley – mixing
Ryan Smith – mastering
Yasufumi Soejima – director
Hugh Syme – artwork, design
Mika Tyyskä – director
Length
155
External links
• Official trailer [9] at Roadrunner Records
References
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
About.com review (http:/ / heavymetal. about. com/ od/ dvdreviews/ fr/ dreamtheatercha. htm)
Blistering review (http:/ / www. blistering. com/ fastpage/ fpengine. php/ templateid/ 14416/ menuid/ 2/ tempidx/ 4/ link/ 1)
The Metal Forge review (http:/ / www. themetalforge. com/ modules. php?name=Reviews& rop=showcontent& id=2017)
Mike Portnoy. Dream Theater on the new live DVD and their longevity (http:/ / www. mtv. com/ overdrive/ ?vid=231281). MTV. . Retrieved
2008-05-14.
John Petrucci (Interview). Buckshots Bonanza, Dream Theater (http:/ / www. woozyfly. com/ music-videos/ 16823). Woozyfly.com. .
"A Must Have for Dream Theater Fans!" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ artists/ DreamTheater/ index. aspx?newsitemID=19350).
Roadrunner. 2008-07-10. . Retrieved 2008-07-10.
"DREAM THEATER 'Chaos In Motion 2007/2008' Live DVD Sets to be Released in September" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/
blabbermouth. Net/ news. aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=100638). Blabbermouth.net. 2008-07-10. . Retrieved 2008-07-10.
"Get the newest Dream Theater release early" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ artists/ DreamTheater/ index.
aspx?newsitemID=19493). Roadrunner. 2008-09-09. . Retrieved 2008-09-18.
http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ artists/ DreamTheater/ index. aspx?newsitemID=19358
Cover art by Hugh Syme
Released
June 23, 2009
Recorded
October 2008 – March 2009 at Avatar Studios in New York City
Genre
Progressive metal, progressive rock, heavy metal
Length
75:25
Label
Roadrunner
Producer
John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy
Chaos in Motion
2007–2008
(2008)
156
Linings
(2009)
A Dramatic Turn of
Events
(2011)
Singles from Black Clouds & Silver Linings
1.
"A Rite of Passage"
Released: May 11th, 2009
2.
"Wither"
[1]
Released: September 15th, 2009
Black Clouds & Silver Linings is the tenth studio album of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. It was
released on June 23, 2009 under Roadrunner Records.[2] [3] The album was produced by guitarist John Petrucci and
drummer Mike Portnoy, and mixed by Paul Northfield. There are several release versions: a single CD; a 3-disc
Special Edition with instrumental mixes and cover songs; a double vinyl LP; and a Deluxe Collector's Edition Box
Set. The cover songs were revealed one per week during the six week period prior to the album's release, beginning
on May 19, 2009.[3] On September 8, 2010, Mike Portnoy left Dream Theater, making this the band's final studio
album to feature him on drums.[4]
History
Dream Theater began to work on the album in October 2008.[3] Mike Portnoy described Black Clouds & Silver
Linings as, "a Dream Theater album with 'A Change of Seasons', 'Octavarium', 'Learning to Live', 'Pull Me Under'
and 'The Glass Prison' all on one album."[5] Jordan Rudess later explained during a demonstration at the NAMM
Show for Spectrasonics software (which he used heavily on the album), "We've been entering into the Gothic
domain quite a bit on this album."[6]
Lyrical themes
The album's lyrics were written by John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy, and all except one concern personal experiences
about disturbing or difficult moments of their lives. Petrucci wrote "A Nightmare to Remember" about a car accident
he was involved in as a child, "The Count of Tuscany", about an actual encounter he had in Tuscany, and "Wither"
about the process of songwriting for him.[7] "The Best of Times" was written by Mike Portnoy about his father, who
died from cancer. "I just wanted to write something that was a tribute to our life together," said Portnoy, who played
the song for his father prior to his death.[8] "The Shattered Fortress" is the final part of Portnoy's Twelve-step Suite,
reprising and concluding themes and motifs from the suite that began on 2002's Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
album. The remaining song, "A Rite of Passage", concerns Freemasonry; a video of the edited single was released on
May 8, 2009.
"Wither" was released as a single on September 15, 2009. In addition to the album version of the song, the single
contained an alternate version featuring only a piano and vocals, a demo version with John Petrucci on vocals, and a
demo version of "The Best of Times” with Mike Portnoy on vocals. There was also a video to follow it which was
released on November 18, 2009.
157
Reception
Review scores
Source
Rating
[9]
Allmusic
Blistering
[10]
The Metal Forge
[11]
Metal Hammer
[12]
(positive)
Metal Review
[13]
Metal Storm
[14]
PopMatters
[15]
Record Collector
[16]
Sputnikmusic
[17]
411mania.com
[18]
Initial critical response to Black Clouds & Silver Linings was generally favorable. At Metacritic, which assigns a
normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album has received an average score of 68,
based on five reviews.[19] Rich Wilson, author of Lifting Shadows, previewed the album for Metal Hammer, calling
the album "Dream Theater’s finest and most balanced album in a decade."[20] Eduardo Rivadavia of Allmusic gave
the album four out of five stars writing, "Black Clouds & Silver Linings is still an archetypal Dream Theater album;
one that's unlikely to broaden their audience all that much, but is conversely guaranteed to thrill their hardcore
converts with its renewed devotion to the most exigent and stimulating facets of the band's chosen musical
domain."[9] Similarly David Buchanan of Consequence of Sound, an online music magazine, said: "that this release
will not necessarily bring in new fans but will also not disappoint the current flock, and this is very true. There are no
improvements, but no sheer letdowns, either." He gave the album four and a half stars out of five.[21] The album was
named as one of Classic Rock‘s 10 essential progressive rock albums of the decade.[22]
The album debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 selling 40,285 copies.[23] It was the first time in the band's history that
they have cracked the Top 10 on that chart, and is currently the band's highest single week sales of an album. The
album also debuted at #1 on Billboard Top Internet Albums, and #2 on Billboard Top Rock Albums.[24] The album
also marked the first time that the band came at the number one spot in Finland.
Track listing
158
No. Title
Lyrics
Music
Length
1. "A Nightmare to Remember" John Petrucci Petrucci, Mike Portnoy, John Myung, Jordan Rudess
16:10
2. "A Rite of Passage"
Petrucci
Petrucci, Portnoy, Myung, Rudess
8:35
3. "Wither"
Petrucci
Petrucci
5:25
4. "The Shattered Fortress"
Portnoy
12:49
5. "The Best of Times"
Portnoy
13:07
6. "The Count of Tuscany"
Petrucci
19:16
•
•
•
X. "Restraint"
XI. "Receive"
XII. "Responsible"
Special edition tracks
The 3-disc Special Edition also included a bonus disc of six cover tracks, entitled "Uncovered 2008/2009". These
tracks were originally released separately, one per week, in the weeks leading up to the album's release.
No. Title
Writer(s)
1. "Stargazer"
Original artist Length
Ronnie James Dio, Ritchie Blackmore Rainbow
8:10
2. "Tenement Funster"/"Flick of the Wrist"/"Lily of the Valley" Roger Taylor
Freddie Mercury
Queen
8:17
3. "Odyssey"
Dixie Dregs
Dixie Dregs
7:59
4. "Take Your Fingers from My Hair"
Randy Jackson
Zebra
8:18
5. "Larks' Tongues in Aspic - Part II"
Robert Fripp
King Crimson
6:30
6. "To Tame a Land"
Steve Harris
Iron Maiden
7:15
Also included in the three disc special edition are instrumental tracks of the songs. All tracks have been altered from
their original versions.[25]
No. Title
1. "A Nightmare to Remember"
Length
15:39
2. "A Rite of Passage"
8:36
3. "Wither"
5:29
4. "The Shattered Fortress"
12:47
5. "The Best of Times"
13:20
6. "The Count of Tuscany"
18:48
Deluxe collector's edition box set
A deluxe collectors’-edition boxed set of the album was also released. Packaged in a silver foil embossed black
velvet box the set includes the 3 Special Edition CDs, a 180-Gram Double LP, a DVD with isolated audio tracks for
each instrument, a lithograph of the album cover, with only 100 being signed by Hugh Syme, and a mouse pad.
Those who pre-ordered were able to download a newly recorded cover song each week beginning on May 19, 2009
until the album's release. 100 box sets contained a "silver ticket" entitling the purchaser and one guest to a
meet-and-greet with the band.[26] This version was also a Limited Edition release, only 14,000 were made.[27]
159
Charts
Chart (2009)
Peak
position
[28]
Australian Albums Chart
[29]
16
18
Austrian Albums Chart
[30]
Belgian Albums Chart (Vl)
[30]
Belgian Albums Chart (Wa)
[23]
36
34
6
Billboard 200
[31]
[32]
26
Danish Albums Chart
Dutch Albums Chart
6
[33]
3
[34]
European Top 100 Albums
1
[35]
1
[36]
9
Finnish Albums Chart
French Albums Chart
German Albums Chart
[37]
[38]
3
Hungarian Albums Chart
1
[39]
5
2
Mexican Albums Chart
7
[40]
Norwegian Albums Chart
7
[41]
4
Polish Albums Chart
[42]
Portuguese Albums Chart
[43]
14
Spanish Albums Chart
13
3
Swiss Albums Chart
UK Albums Chart
[44]
[45]
9
23
160
Personnel
Dream Theater
Production
•
•
•
•
•
•
John Myung – bass
Mike Portnoy – drums, percussion, backing vocals, co-lead vocals on "A Nightmare to Remember"
Jordan Rudess – keyboards, continuum on "A Nightmare To Remember" and "The Shattered
Fortress", iPhone on "A Rite of Passage", Lap Steel Guitar on "A Nightmare to Remember"
•
Jerry Goodman - violin on "The Best of Times", "Odyssey" and "Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part Two"
•
•
•
•
John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy –
producers
Paul Northfield – engineer, mixing,
vocal track co-producer
Hugh Syme – art direction, design,
illustrations
Dr Rick Kwan - assistant engineer
Dan Mandell - photography
References
[1] Wither by Dream Theater (http:/ / www. amazon. com/ dp/ B002NZZE24) amazon.com. Retrieved on 2009-09-15.
[2] "Dream Theater: New Album Title, Track Listing, Artwork Revealed" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/ news.
aspx?mode=Article& newsitemID=116045). Blabbermouth.net (Roadrunner Records). March 12, 2009. . Retrieved March 13, 2009.
[3] "DREAM THEATER - BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS - Coming June 23rd!" (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ forum/ m2268614.
aspx). MikePortnoy.com. 2009-03-13. . Retrieved 2009-03-13.
[4] Mike Portnoy Quits Dream Theater (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ blabbermouth. net/ news. aspx?mode=Article&
newsitemID=145749) blabbermouth.net. 2010-09-08. Retrieved on 2010-09-09.
[5] "The Drums Are Done!!!!" (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ forum/ tm. aspx?m=2190508& mpage=1& key=& #2190508).
Mikeportnoy.com. 2008-11-27. . Retrieved 2009-01-02.
[6] "Episode Nine: Jordan Rudess Demo" (http:/ / www. spectrasonics. net/ omnisphere_teaser/ episode_09_index. html). Omnisphere. .
[7] "Dream Theater: Portnoy interview" (http:/ / www. themetalcircus. com/ audioentrevista. php?id=747). The Metal Circus. 2009-05-16. .
[8] Gill, James (May 2, 2009). "Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy Pens Tribute To Late Father" (http:/ / www. metalhammer. co. uk/ news/
dream-theaterâs-mike-portnoy-pens-tribute-to-late-father/ ). Metal Hammer. . Retrieved May 2, 2009.
[9] Rivadavid, Eduardo. Black Clouds & Silver Linings (http:/ / www. allmusic. com/ album/ r1567153/ review) allmusic.com. Retrieved on
2011-05-05.
[10] Gehlke, David. link (http:/ / www. blistering. com/ fastpage/ fpengine. php/ templateid/ 16508/ menuid/ 2/ tempidx/ 4/ link/ 1) 2009-06-19.
Retrieved on 2011-05-13.
[11] Donnelly, Justin. link (http:/ / www. themetalforge. com/ modules. php?name=Reviews& rop=showcontent& id=2407) 2009-06-19.
Retrieved on 2011-05-13.
[12] terrybezer. Dream Theater Album Review: ‘Black Clouds And Silver Linings’ Track-By-Track (http:/ / www. metalhammer. co. uk/ news/
dream-theater-album-review-black-clouds-and-silver-linings-track-by-track/ ) metalhammer.co.uk. 2009-04-24. Retrieved on 2011-05-05.
[13] Ray, John. link (http:/ / metalreview. com/ reviews/ 5143/ dream-theater-black-clouds---silver-linings) 2009-06-19. Retrieved on
2011-05-13.
[14] Demonic Tutor. link (http:/ / www. metalstorm. net/ bands/ album. php?album_id=29021& band_id=92& bandname=Dream+ Theater)
2009-06-19. Retrieved on 2011-05-13.
[15] Conaton, Chris. Dream Theater: Black Clouds and Silver Linings (http:/ / www. popmatters. com/ pm/ review/
107617-dream-theater-black-clouds-and-silver-linings/ ) popmatters.com. 2009-07-17. Retrieved on 2011-05-05.
[16] Jones, Tim (August 2009). "Superb 10th studio set from the prog-metal kings". Record Collector (365): p. 80. ISSN 0261-250X.
[17] Spencer, Trey. Dream Theater Black Clouds and Silver Linings (http:/ / www. sputnikmusic. com/ album. php?reviewid=31021)
2009-06-19. Retrieved on 2011-05-05.
[18] Lealos, Shawn. link (http:/ / www. 411mania. com/ music/ album_reviews/ 108440) 2009-06-19. Retrieved on 2011-06-01.
[19] "Dream Theater:Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009): Reviews" (http:/ / www. metacritic. com/ music/ artists/ dreamtheater/
blackcloudsandsilverlinings). Metacritic. CNET Networks, Inc. . Retrieved July 22, 2009.
[20] Rich Wilson (2009-04-24). "Dream Theater Album Review: ‘Black Clouds And Silver Linings’ Track-By-Track" (http:/ / www.
metalhammer. co. uk/ news/ dream-theater-album-review-black-clouds-and-silver-linings-track-by-track/ ). Metal Hammer. . Retrieved
2009-04-26.
[21] Buchanan, David (July 21, 2009). "Album Review: Dream Theater - Black Clouds & Silver Linings" (http:/ / consequenceofsound. net/
2009/ 07/ 21/ album-review-dream-theater-black-clouds-silver-linings/ ). Consequence of Sound. . Retrieved January 4, 2010.
[22] Classic Rock, February 2010, Issue 141. http:/ / newmusicexcess. wordpress. com/ 2010/ 02/ 27/ classic-rock-10-essential-00s-prog-albums/
[23] "DT cracks the US Top 10!!!!" (http:/ / www. mikeportnoy. com/ forum/ m2357900. aspx). Mike Portnoy. . Retrieved 2009-07-01.
[24] Billboard Top Rock Albums (http:/ / www. billboard. com/ bbcom/ charts#/ charts/ rock-albums?chartDate=2009-07-11) billboard.com.
2009-07. Retrieved on 2009-07-22.
[25] "Episode Three" (http:/ / www. dtnorway. com/ EP3. m4a). Jordan Rudess Interview. DTNorway.com. 2009-04-07. . Retrieved 2009-04-09.
[26] "Dream Theater - Black Clouds & Silver Linings Producers Edition Box Set" (http:/ / www. roadrunnerrecords. com/ blackclouds/ ).
Roadrunner Records. . Retrieved 2009-05-05.
[27] "Dream Theater - Mike Portnoy explains the deluxe edition" (http:/ / www. dreamtheater. net/ archive_dreamtheater.
php?y=2009#mpdeluxe). Dream Theater The Offical Site. . Retrieved 2011-07-10.
[28] Australia Albums Top 50 (http:/ / acharts. us/ australia_albums_top_50) acharts.us. 2009-06-29. Retrieved on 2009-07-01
[29] http:/ / austriancharts. at/ showitem. asp?interpret=Dream+ Theater& titel=Black+ Clouds+ %26+ Silver+ Linings& cat=a
[30] http:/ / www. ultratop. be/ nl/ showitem. asp?interpret=Dream+ Theater& titel=Black+ Clouds+ %26+ Silver+ Linings& cat=a
[31] Albums: Canadian Top 100 (http:/ / jam. canoe. ca/ Music/ Charts/ ALBUMS. html) jam.canoe.ca 2009-07-02. Retrieved on 2009-07-02.
[32] http:/ / danishcharts. com/ showitem. asp?interpret=Dream+ Theater& titel=Black+ Clouds+ %26+ Silver+ Linings& cat=a
[33] GFK Dutch Album Top 100 (http:/ / www. dutchcharts. nl/ weekchart. asp?cat=a) dutchcharts.nl. 2009-06-27. Retrieved on 2009-07-01.
[34] European Top 100 Albums (http:/ / www. billboard. com/ #/ charts/ european-albums?chartDate=2009-07-11) billboard.com. 2009-07.
Retrieved on 2010-03-28
[35] Suomen virallinen lista (http:/ / pop. yle. fi/ lista/ tuote?id=9443)
[36] Le classement album nouveautés (http:/ / www. disqueenfrance. com/ fr/ page-256595. xml?cid=293286) disqueenfrance.com. 2009-06-28.
Retrieved on 2009-07-23. (French)
[37] Die offiziellen Albumcharts Ermittelt von media control GfK International GmbH (http:/ / www. mix1. de/ charts/ longplaycharts. htm)
2009-07-03. Retrieved on 2009-07-07
[38] MAHASZ charts (http:/ / www. mahasz. hu/ m/ ?menu=slagerlistak& menu2=top_40_album_es_valogataslemez_lista) mahasz.hu
2009-07-01. Retrieved on 2009-07-01.
[39] Official FIMI Charts (http:/ / www. fimi. it/ classifiche_result_artisti. php?anno=2009& mese=06& id=250) fimi.it 2009-06-28. Retrieved
on 2009-07-01.
[40] Norway Albums Top 40 (http:/ / acharts. us/ norway_albums_top_40) achart.us. 2009-06-30. Retrieved on 2009-07-01.
[41] Oficjalna lista sprzedaży (http:/ / olis. onyx. pl/ listy/ index. asp?idlisty=518& lang=) olis.onyx.pl 2009-07-03. Retrieved on 2009-07-04.
[42] Top nacional: Rodrigo Leão rouba liderança a Amália Hoje, Michael Jackson em terceiro (http:/ / blitz. aeiou. pt/ gen. pl?p=stories&
op=view& fokey=bz. stories/ 48104) achart.us. 2009-07-05. Retrieved on 2009-07-01.
[43] http:/ / spanishcharts. com/ showitem. asp?interpret=Dream+ Theater& titel=Black+ Clouds+ %26+ Silver+ Linings& cat=a
[44] Swiss Albums Top 100 (http:/ / acharts. us/ swiss_albums_top_100) achart.us. 2009-07-05. Retrieved on 2009-07-01.
[45] Top 40 Albums : 29.06.2009 (http:/ / www. bbc. co. uk/ radio1/ chart/ albums. shtml) bbc.co.uk. 2009-06-29. Retrieved on 2009-07-01.
161
162
Cover art by Hugh Syme
Released
[1]
September 13, 2011
Recorded January – May 2011 at Cove City Sound Studios in Long Island
Genre
Progressive metal
Length
77:05
Label
Roadrunner
[2]
Producer John Petrucci
Linings
(2009)
A Dramatic Turn of
Events
(2011)
Singles from A Dramatic Turn of Events
1.
"On the Backs of Angels"
Released: June 29th, 2011
A Dramatic Turn of Events is an upcoming studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater,
scheduled for a September 13, 2011 release on Roadrunner Records. It will be the band's 11th studio album and first
to feature drummer Mike Mangini following the departure of founding member Mike Portnoy in September, 2010.
The album was written, recorded, mixed and mastered between January and June, 2011 at Cove City Sound Studios
in Long Island, New York. It was produced by John Petrucci and mixed by Andy Wallace. Its first single, "On the
Backs of Angels", was released via YouTube on June 28. Currently, the band have just finished touring Europe in
support of the album.
Background
Departure of Mike Portnoy
On September 8, 2010, Mike Portnoy announced that he would be leaving Dream Theater, citing better relationships
in other projects, burnout, and his desire for a break as reasons.[3] Elaborating on the situation for MusicRadar, John
Petrucci revealed that originally, Portnoy did not want to leave the band; he only wanted to take a five-year break.[4]
Only after the rest of the band rejected his proposal did Portnoy decide to quit.
Petrucci has called Portnoy's departure one of the hardest things Dream Theater have had to face.[4] Speaking of
when he first heard the news, Jordan Rudess recounts, "You know, just to give you an idea of how deep this was to
lose him, how difficult it was... after we got off the phone with him... I literally sat on the steps of my studio and
cried. This is a guy who's a friend of mine, who we all love and admire. We didn't want to see it come crashing
down."
Search for a new drummer
A little more than a month after Portnoy's departure, Dream Theater began auditioning for a new drummer in New
York City. The drummers invited to audition were Mike Mangini, Derek Roddy, Thomas Lang, Virgil Donati,
Marco Minnemann, Aquiles Priester and Peter Wildoer.[5] Each candidate was given three songs to learn for the
audition - "A Nightmare to Remember," "The Dance of Eternity" and "The Spirit Carries On" - and was given only a
few weeks to prepare.
Each audition lasted for around three hours and included a jam session, song test, and riff test where drummers were
asked to play along with a selection of pre-written riffs, written specifically for the auditions.[6] The candidates were
notified whether they had been chosen on November 5;[7] however, the results of the audition were not made public
until April, 2011 via a three part YouTube documentary series called "The Spirit Carries On". In the last episode of
the series, it was revealed that Mike Mangini was the drummer selected.[8]
Writing, recording and release
On January 3, 2011, Dream Theater entered Cove City Sound Studios to begin working on a new album.[9] [10]
Writing was completed on March 2 and done without Mike Mangini.[4] [11] The band made demos for all the songs
with drums already programmed, then sent them to Mangini who learned the parts and "added his own stuff".
On April 14, James LaBrie began tracking vocals and by June 28, the album's mixing and mastering by Andy
Wallace were finished.[12] [13] [14] LaBrie recorded all the album's vocals in Canada with Richard Chycki.[15]
Originally, LaBrie planned to only record the album's first two songs away from New York City, but after flying
there to finish the remainder of the vocals, decided to go back to Canada because "it just didn't feel right".
On June 8, 2011, the album's title - A Dramatic Turn of Events -, track listing and United States release date were
revealed.[16] Its cover art was shown several days later, done once again by longtime collaborator Hugh Syme. On
June 29, "On the Backs of Angels" was released as the album's first single.[17] On August 5, 2011, Roadrunner
Records released a minute-long snippet of "Bridges in the Sky" on Dream Theater's YouTube channel.[18] One week
later, another minute-long snippet for "Breaking All Illusions" was released.[19] More snippets will be released in the
coming weeks. On August 17, 2011, a minute-long snippet was released from the song "Beneath the Surface."[20] On
August 22, 2011, a minute-long snippet was released from the song "This Is The Life."[21] On August 25, 2011, a
minute-long snippet was released from the song "Lost Not Forgotten."[22]
163
Musical style
A Dramatic Turn of Events will be roughly 80 minutes long, filling the entire disc as many of Dream Theater's past
albums have.[23] Amidst speculation that the album's title was a vague reference to the departure of Mike Portnoy,
Jordan Rudess stressed that it is in no way a reference to anyone; rather, the title references the album's recurring
themes of dramatic changes such as mental, physical and religious/spiritual.[24]
Rudess has described the album's music as "heavy, proggy and melodic" with a wide variety of sounds.[24] He has
also mentioned that it will have a fair amount of piano. Speaking in an interview for The Mirror and Roadrunner
Germany, John Petrucci mentioned that the album "tells a story... not literally but emotionally" and likened the
experience to a "roller coaster ride".[25] In that same interview, James LaBrie emphasized that the album was
melodically driven.
In his review of A Dramatic Turn of Events, Rich Wilson (author of the official Dream Theater biography Lifting
Shadows) described the album's material as veering toward progressive rock and being "spiritually reminiscent" of
past albums like Images and Words and Scenes from a Memory.[26]
Release
A Dramatic Turn of Events is a highly anticipated album. In July, 2011, it was voted Roadrunner Records' most
anticipated album of Q4 2011, receiving 67% of the vote and beating such artists as Megadeth, Trivium, Opeth and
Machine Head.[27]
Reception
Writing one of the first reviews for A Dramatic Turn of Events, Rich Wilson called the album "fresh and frankly
stunning"; however, he warned that the album was not immediately gratifying and that it "requires several listens in
order to fully grasp what the band have achieved here."[26] Dave Roberts from The AU Review gave the album a
10/10 claiming it was a "masterpiece".[28]
Supporting tour
Dream Theater have recently finished touring Europe in support of A Dramatic Turn of Events. Their first show took
place in Rome, Italy on July 4, 2011 and their last show took place in Székesfehérvár, Hungary on August 4. In
September, the band will embark on a United States headlining tour with Trivium.[29] Exact cities and dates were
announced on August 1. They are also set to play 'An Evening With..' at the J.B's club in Dudley on the 7th
November.
Track listing
All music composed by John Petrucci, John Myung, Jordan Rudess, and James LaBrie.
164
165
No. Title
Lyrics
Length
[30]
8:45
2. "Build Me Up, Break Me Down" Petrucci[23]
6:59
[31]
10:11
[31]
6:57
[32]
11:03
[31]
11:24
1. "On The Backs of Angels"
Petrucci
3. "Lost Not Forgotten"
Petrucci
4. "This Is The Life"
Petrucci
5. "Bridges In The Sky"
Petrucci
6. "Outcry"
Petrucci
7. "Far From Heaven"
LaBrie
8. "Breaking All Illusions"
Myung
9. "Beneath The Surface"
Petrucci
[33]
3:56
[23]
12:25
[23]
5:26
Notes
• "Bridges in the Sky" was originally titled "The Shaman's Trance".[34] Its title was changed once lyrics were
written.[35]
• A Dramatic Turn of Events will be the first Dream Theater album to feature lyrics by bassist John Myung since
"Fatal Tragedy" from Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory.
• A Dramatic Turn of Events will be the fifth longest album (77:05) following Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a
Memory by just one second (77:06).
Personnel
Dream Theater
•
•
•
•
•
John Myung – bass
Jordan Rudess – keyboards, continuum
Mike Mangini – drums, percussion
Production
•
•
•
•
John Petrucci – production
Paul Northfield – engineering
Andy Wallace – mixing
Hugh Syme – cover art
References
Dream Theater Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=446449802 Contributors: 10careyi, 11tas, 1david1, 1qzxqzx1, 29raider, 2help, 3gg3nman90, A Powerful Weakness, A8UDI,
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Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=445481172 Contributors: ABarnes94, Adam Schloss, Aec is away, Aeternus, Aja-Oki, Ak85lp,
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Live Scenes from New York Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=445710125 Contributors: 11tas, Adamravenscroft, Alfio, AllySDude, Beardo, Benjaburns, Benrick, Cdl obelix,
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Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=445336147 Contributors: 11tas, Aeternus, AllySDude, Andrew VWXYZ, Aspinwallx, Bangadrian,
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Train of Thought (Dream Theater album) Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=446143079 Contributors: Aceofspades344, Adamravenscroft, Aeternus, Alai, Antti29, Ary29,
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Live at Budokan (Dream Theater album) Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=439238064 Contributors: Aeternus, Antti29, Aranel, Ary29, Backtable, Blackngold29, Chairman
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Octavarium (album) Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=444034232 Contributors: Adam Schloss, Aenarion477, Aeternus, AllySDude, Andyman1125, Anticipation of a New
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Score (album) Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=444575035 Contributors: Aeternus, Aneurysm1995, Backtable, Blackngold29, Bockop, BoldEnglishman, Causa sui, Cdl
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Systematic Chaos Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=445124557 Contributors: 1pillmakesUlarger, Adamravenscroft, AdultSwim, Aeoris, Aeternus, Ahkond, Aka042, Alex 101,
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Greatest Hit (...And 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs) Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=446211957 Contributors: 10careyi, Adamravenscroft, Aeternus, BaconLover,
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Chaos in Motion 2007–2008 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=445924479 Contributors: Aeternus, Antti29, Backtable, Blackngold29, Cassandraleo, Cgyflames89,
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Black Clouds & Silver Linings Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=445856400 Contributors: A Magical Me, ACDCGAMER, Aeternus, AkiShinji, Andrzejbanas, Antti29,
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A Dramatic Turn of Events Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=446781917 Contributors: AHDistefano, Aeternus, Alasdairhurst, Antechamber, Antti29, Arkatox, Backtable,
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16:05, 11 May 2007 (UTC)
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170
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171

Dream Theater - A Walk Through the Band

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