Written by Daniell on 26.10.2023 at 16:00

Written by Vellichor on 26.10.2023 at 13:40

When I say fix I just mean make interesting music again, they seem to be completely out of ideas. Each new album feels like you’ve heard it before and I don’t think Portnoy will change that. I’m not a big DT fan though so my expectations aren’t that high.

I knew precisely what you meant and I was referring to it. I don't think it's realistic to expect a band this old to come up with fresh ideas. I personally enjoy an occasional song from them, but my expectations never rise above sea level.

As time goes on, there seem to be more and more examples of bands putting out a surprisingly solid late-career album that shows hitherto undetected sparks of life and inspiration (which I would say Distance Over Time is not that far away from being, considering how bad the preceding record was). I don't expect it to happen with Dream Theater (I doubt they can do better than Distance Over Time, and pretty much everything Portnoy's done since leaving the band has been very forgettable), but it's as likely to happen after a major songwriter rejoins the band after a decade-plus away than it is at any other point this late in their career, and particularly for fans who enjoyed their 2000s material but not 2010s material. I doubt more than a few realistically expect an album of the standard of their 90s greats, but if someone's threshold for success is another Train Of Thought or Octavarium-level album instead of another Astonishing or self-titled, then I don't think it's unrealistic for them to hope for this change to 'fix' their trajectory

Written by musclassia on 26.10.2023 at 17:31

As time goes on, there seem to be more and more examples of bands putting out a surprisingly solid late-career album that shows hitherto undetected sparks of life and inspiration (which I would say Distance Over Time is not that far away from being, considering how bad the preceding record was). I don't expect it to happen with Dream Theater (I doubt they can do better than Distance Over Time, and pretty much everything Portnoy's done since leaving the band has been very forgettable), but it's as likely to happen after a major songwriter rejoins the band after a decade-plus away than it is at any other point this late in their career, and particularly for fans who enjoyed their 2000s material but not 2010s material. I doubt more than a few realistically expect an album of the standard of their 90s greats, but if someone's threshold for success is another Train Of Thought or Octavarium-level album instead of another Astonishing or self-titled, then I don't think it's unrealistic for them to hope for this change to 'fix' their trajectory

I couldn't agree more. And I do hope they come up with something more than decent this time.

Written by JoHn Doe on 26.10.2023 at 14:44

He's not that old, what about the guys of Deep Purple or Uriah Heep then? Both released new music in recent times.

Yes, you're right. Magnum also soon coming with a new one, both Tony and Bob are 76.

I would not be suprised to see a new Fates Warning or Arch/Matheos in 2025.

Wait they won a Grammy and then they fired him (MM)? Lol. Portnoy's songwriting with the band is just way too good for him to ever leave the band in the first place.

Written by (o> . <o> ) on 26.10.2023 at 05:52

The band is almost full original line up again, so what say you guys, are we kicking Jordan out and and handcuffing Moore to the keys for the line-up memes?

Absolutely, but to complete the original lineup we also need Dominici back! Then we may finally get the most long-awaited sequel in prog metal history...

When Dream and Day Unite, Pt. 2: Unite Harder

Written by Azarath on 26.10.2023 at 21:25

Written by (o> . <o> ) on 26.10.2023 at 05:52

The band is almost full original line up again, so what say you guys, are we kicking Jordan out and and handcuffing Moore to the keys for the line-up memes?

Absolutely, but to complete the original lineup we also need Dominici back! Then we may finally get the most long-awaited sequel in prog metal history...

When Dream and Day Unite, Pt. 2: Unite Harder

LOL

Written by Azarath on 26.10.2023 at 21:25

Written by (o> . <o> ) on 26.10.2023 at 05:52

The band is almost full original line up again, so what say you guys, are we kicking Jordan out and and handcuffing Moore to the keys for the line-up memes?

Absolutely, but to complete the original lineup we also need Dominici back! Then we may finally get the most long-awaited sequel in prog metal history...

When Dream and Day Unite, Pt. 2: Unite Harder

Trust me, I didn't forget about Dominici, and I like the record he did with them. I used to listen to it a lot!

But I just wasn't sure if I should include him, perhaps I was wrong to doubt

I'll be holding my expectations in check waiting for that new album, most of what they wrote with Mangini felt a tad uninspired (not his fault) so I hope Portnoy's presence can trigger some unexpected songwriting changes.

I'm not particularly excited, but definitely curious. I feel like a new album under these circumstances will either be:

1- a "simple" album like Distance Over Time; no nonsense, just songs. Perhaps even going for a heavier sound (think Train Of Thought) because Portnoy wants to do some double kicks or even blast beats.

2a- a concept album, something like Metropolis. A more grandiose work to signal their late-career "return to form".
2b- a concept album, but more like Octavarium. All songs are conceptually linked but not in the way that they tell a story like Metropolis. Obligatory 20+ minute closing track, so still grandiose.

Or, of course, a combination of all three.

Very curious to find out if this change will bring something new and exciting to the band.

If anyone is wondering what Mike Mangini will do now, he was already doing it because he has just released his first solo album, Invisible Signs. As for now it's only available for streaming through Apple Music (which you have to pay for) and on Youtube Music where you can listen to it for free. All songs are also available on regular Youtube but separately. Sounds pretty good and it's not a cheap copy of Dream Theater.

Written by Zap on 28.10.2023 at 11:23

I'm not particularly excited, but definitely curious. I feel like a new album under these circumstances will either be:

1- a "simple" album like Distance Over Time; no nonsense, just songs. Perhaps even going for a heavier sound (think Train Of Thought) because Portnoy wants to do some double kicks or even blast beats.

2a- a concept album, something like Metropolis. A more grandiose work to signal their late-career "return to form".
2b- a concept album, but more like Octavarium. All songs are conceptually linked but not in the way that they tell a story like Metropolis. Obligatory 20+ minute closing track, so still grandiose.

Or, of course, a combination of all three.

You've just described 95% of their albums.

Written by Daniell on 14.11.2023 at 20:36

You've just described 95% of their albums.

Yeah, fair enough. I didn't think this through.