Dream Theater might be the last band to reach the status of superstars in metal. Their peculiar rise to success came in the early 90s, an era that favored simpler arrangements, artists playing in pajamas, looking down, and singing about being depressed.
Instead, they opted for the complete opposite: pigging back from what Queensryche and Fates Warning did a few years before, they blended the atmospheric and melodic side of Pink Floyd and Marillion, with the aggression of Iron Maiden and Metallica. Lyrically, they told intricate stories and addressed deep philosophical questions about life, destiny, and human nature. The following years after their initial break would see a few lineup changes, but an unrelenting trajectory, establishing themselves as some of the most influential and technically proficient bands in the scene.
Fast forward to 2024, and they decided to bring back to the fold their founding member, and arguably one of the key elements for their success, drummer Mike Portnoy. Having left in 2010 and being replaced by Mike Mangini, Portnoy explored a wide range of styles in outfits like The Winery Dogs, Neal Morse Band, Sons of Apollo, and more. But as he usually said at the end of Dream Theater’s shows in New York, “There’s no place like home”, and fans rejoiced when the news of his return broke out.
Funny enough the announcement of Mike’s return came at a time when he was still touring with The Winery Dogs, so it would be months until more substantial news was shared. The band reconvened to record a new album and to plan their 40th anniversary tour, which finally kicked off in October, after the reveal of the new album title, Parasomnia, and the new single, “Night Terror”.
The current tour actually serves multiple purposes: it’s a celebration of the return to the classic lineup – their most successful, without a doubt – the 40th anniversary, and the introduction of a few songs from Parasomnia. After an initial run in Europe and South America, it’s now time for the U.S. and Canada to experience the mix of nostalgia and forward-looking attitude brought by the current setlist.
Booking a show for the Coca-Cola Coliseum gives an indication of the success of this tour: in previous years their Toronto date was held at the Meridian Hall, with a capacity of just over 3,000, but the venue this time around can fit more than 8,000. Granted, the show was not sold old like many other dates on this tour, but it was nicely filled. The return to the “An Evening With” format meant there was no opening band, which was quite a relief on a weekday. The proceedings started in bombastic style, with a curtain drop that reminded a kabuki-style show, and the group kicking in with fan favorites “Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper”, “Overture 1928” and “Strange Déjà Vu”. The excitement of having Portnoy back on the throne was palpable, both in the audience and in the musician’s faces.
The start of the show didn’t come without challenges though, as singer James LaBrie extended his microphone stand for the crowd to sing, and the mike fell into a fan’s head…poor guy, but he took things in stride. James did struggle with the older material at the start, but as he warmed up, things got better. There’s something to be said about his courage to tackle such challenging material whilst pushing 60, but perhaps he should consider adapting some of the melodies here and there as Ray Alder did with the Fates Warning material of the mid-90s.
If you follow Jordan Rudess on social media, you know he’s been practicing guitar for a long time now, but if you have any hope of him playing guitar on a Dream Theater show, you might want to rethink your expectations. With that said, we did get a taste of what it would look like when he left his riser with a keytar to play the ending solo of “The Mirror”/”Lie”. “Panic Attack” came next, and surprisingly, John Myung’s bass could be heard loud and clear, with a surprisingly gnarly tone.
John Petrucci might be known for his shredding abilities, but he also shines on soulful moments like “Barstool Warrior” and “Hollow Years”. The latter was preceded by an improv moment with Jordan and Petrucci, and during his solo, John played a few bars of “The Godfather”’s soundtrack, like he did in the old days. The first set was closed with “Under a Glass Moon” and “Dark Eternal Night”, and with that, it was suggested that we all “go to the lobby” to check the usual overpriced junk food, crowded toilets, but amazing merch.
During the intermission, The second set started with two songs off “Parasomnia”, “Night Terror” and “Midnight Messiah”, which were very well received. James mentioned they intend to return in the fall to play Parasomnia in full, and based on the reception to this statement, chances are they will play at the same venue.
One of the songs that were forgotten and somewhat hidden in their recent history, the soulful “This is the Life” came up next, and with it being followed by “Vacant”, there was a much-needed breathing room for Mike Portnoy. What came after was an incredible display of dexterity, power, precision, and chemistry, with the double punch of “Stream of Consciousness” and “Octavarium”. All of a sudden, it felt like this lineup had never been broken, and one could easily close eyes and be transported right back to 2006. “Octavarium” in particular, had been requested by fans for a long time, and with Mike being the man behind the idea for the song and the album of the same name, it seemed fitting that they played it in his return.
The encore was a blistering version of “Home”, with Portnoy rising from his kit and summoning the crowd to clap at one point and playing an abridged drum solo at the end, the emotional “The Spirit Carries On” and their one radio hit, “Pull Me Under”. Overall, this was the most spontaneous the band sounded in ages. The fact that they’re no longer using a click track meant they sped up a few parts and slowed down others, and that made it all more organic, impulsive, and dangerous. Like a metal show is supposed to be!
Dream Theater will continue their victory lap across North America, with the last date being on March 22nd at the iconic Radio City Music Hall. Then they’re off to Europe for a few festivals, and will probably announce the proper Parasomnia tour.
