In a recent interview with the Australian podcast Everblack , drummer Mike Portnoy shared his thoughts after returning to Dream Theater in October 2023, following 14 years away from the group.
Asked about his current relationship with his bandmates, Portnoy stated (transcription via BLABBERMOUTH.NET ):
“Our relationships are definitely stronger today than ever before. We are older, more mature, and more at peace. When I left in 2010, I was in my forties, and today I'm nearing sixty. Our children have grown up, left home, and we've had many individual experiences during this time apart. I myself participated in several other musical projects while my colleagues also had their own journeys. Now, as we reunite, I feel we are better, more experienced, and wiser people.”
Portnoy also highlighted that this strong emotional connection between the members of Dream Theater was essential during the creative process of the band's new album, Parasomnia , released on February 7th by InsideOut Music.
“It’s possible to feel a similar energy to what we experienced on landmark albums like Images And Word and Scenes From A Memory . Both of those albums were created after significant lineup changes. With Parasomnia , we have that renewed energy again, fueled by our reunion. This really inspired us to do something special.”
Regarding his experience touring recently with Dream Theater, Portnoy described the thrill of seeing old fans again and winning over new audiences:
“It’s been simply incredible. We’ve done full tours of Europe and South America, and the atmosphere at every show has been magical. Many fans hadn’t seen this lineup together in years, and some weren’t even born when we were last together. That brought a very special energy. In addition, we’re celebrating 40 years of our career, with an incredible discography, allowing us to put together very diverse setlists, including big hits as well as less obvious tracks, which has been very pleasing to the audience.”
About Parasomnia
Parasomnia marks the first release with Portnoy since Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009). Produced by guitarist John Petrucci , the album was engineered by James “Jimmy T” Meslin and mixed by Andy Sneap. Hugh Syme once again handled the cover art.
With a total duration of 71 minutes, Parasomnia explores various sleep-related disorders, such as sleepwalking and sleep paralysis. Highlights include songs like “A Broken Man”, “Dead Asleep”, “Midnight Messiah” and “Bend The Clock”. The first single, “Night Terror”, promises an intense musical experience lasting almost ten minutes.
About Mike Portnoy
Mike Portnoy was one of the founders of Dream Theater, alongside guitarist John Petrucci and bassist John Myung in 1985. He participated in 10 of the band's albums before leaving the group in 2010. His successor at the time was Mike Mangini , who joined the group after winning a public audition documented in the film "The Spirit Carries On".
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