Perhaps in direct response to this sentiment, Dream Theater are treating us to something a bit more “back to basics:” the fifteenth studio offering appropriately entitled Distance Over Time. However, few can argue that it was not a brave and daring effort to do something boldly, a noteworthy attempt to steer away from the beaten path. Though there were a great many things to like about The Astonishing, it was highly divisive among the fans and received mixed critical reception. Today, the band is working on patching some leaks leftover from The Astonishing, 2016’s controversial double-disc concept album. A Mangini retrofit was installed in record time, and definitely saved the band, but not without a permanent stigma with some of the most hardcore fans. Things were soaring quite well until the Portnoy rocket section became detached without warning, almost bringing down the whole craft. For others, it may have been losing Derek Sherinian, however, one can also argue that for every fan dismayed at the loss of Kevin or Derek, the acquisition of Liquid Tension Wunderkind Jordan Rudess breathed new fan enthusiasm into the band. For the most hardcore DT hipsters, the loss of the Kevin Moore engine at low atmosphere was all it took to write off the band. In speaking with most Dream Theater fans, past or present, many allude to some stage of the rocket where they got left behind.

However, much like a rising rocket, Dream Theater has jettisoned sections in stages, and unfortunately fan support along the way.

It could only perhaps be compared to Rush, in that despite never quite breaking into the platinum and radio stratosphere, the band enjoys a rabid and devoted fan following.

After thirty years and thirteen albums (now fourteen), and huge tour attendance, this is no passing fad. Since 1989’s impressively ambitious debut, and 1992’s landmark Images and Words, Dream Theater’s rise to prog and metal stardom has been not only meteoric, but permanent as well. If there is one artist near to the Sonic Perspectives readership wheelhouse, requiring little if any introduction, it would be prog-metal reigning monarchs Dream Theater, complete with Majesty.

Leaked dropkick murphys albums