Exciting news for Dream Theater fans: the band’s latest album, Parasomnia, has officially been released today, February 7, 2025. This date holds special significance, marking exactly one year since the original members reunited in the studio after more than a decade apart. Drummer Mike Portnoy, who rejoined the band in October 2023 after a 15-year hiatus, shared his heartfelt reflections on this journey.
Portnoy expressed, “Exactly one year ago (to the day!), Feb 7th 2024, the five of us stood in the same room together for the first time in well over a decade… we then spent the majority of the year creating our first album together in 15 years. Today, we can finally share it with all of you…” He emphasized the band’s inspiration and pride in their work, stating, “We could not be prouder or more excited about what we created. We were so inspired being together again and feel we really rose to the occasion to create something special. Parasomnia represents everything that is classic Dream Theater… mixing tastes of the past with visions of the future…” He also encouraged fans to experience the album in its entirety, suggesting, “It is best enjoyed in your optimum listening environment… (preferably from start to finish like watching a film). But however you take it in, we hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we did making it…”
Portnoy’s return to Dream Theater was a momentous occasion for both the band and its fans. After departing in 2010 to explore other musical opportunities, including collaborations with The Neal Morse Band, Flying Colors, Adrenaline Mob, Metal Allegiance, Sons of Apollo, and The Winery Dogs, Portnoy and his former bandmates reconnected over time. In 2022, he attended a Dream Theater show, mending fences with vocalist James LaBrie. By October 2023, Portnoy officially rejoined the band, expressing his joy: “I am overwhelmed with joy to be returning home and reuniting with my brothers! There is so much shared history between us all… so many memories, so much music… to think we’re coming up on 40 years since this journey began! The idea of creating new music together is so exciting and I absolutely cannot wait to hit the road and get to play live for a whole new generation of fans that weren’t ever able to see this lineup before… There’s no place like home!!”
Following his return, Dream Theater embarked on a tour in 2024, celebrating their 40th anniversary and working on Parasomnia. Now, with the album’s release, fans can immerse themselves in the latest chapter of the band’s storied career. Parasomnia is available for purchase and streaming through the band’s official website, where you can also find information on upcoming tour dates as they continue their North American tour.
