Music Legends Strawbs To Release 'Magic From the Moon' On Blu-ray June 9, 2025

British music legends Strawbs will be releasing “Magic From the Moon” on Blu-ray on June 9, 2025. A spectacular acoustic and symphonic concert from the Strawbs 40th Anniversary Show, this release showcases the acoustic talents of the Strawbs. The set list covers many milestones over their long career with the Strawbs performing songs from their 1969 self-titled debut album to the Dancing to the Devil's Beat album from 2009.

Special guest Sonja Kristina joins the Strawbs for four of the songs, singing Sandy Denny’s parts. This unique concert also features the closing extravaganza with the legendary Robert Kirby, along with members of the Royal Artillery Orchestra. The full contingent of Electric Strawbs (Dave Cousins, Rod Coombes, Dave Lambert, Chas Cronk, John Ford and Oliver Wakeman) faithfully recreate some of the great classics in the Strawbs vast repertoire.

The Blu-ray also features an interview with Robert Kirby. Kirby discusses “David’s brilliant attitude towards music”, his time in the Strawbs, and working for the band. Rehearsal footage of the conductor and the orchestra is also included.

This unique show, including the performances which feature Sonja Kristina, has never been released on home video since the concert was performed in 2009. Having only been seen by those in attendance at the show, this release promises to be of great interest among Strawbs fans across the globe.

Set List:
1. Simple Visions (Deep Cuts, 1976)
2. Josephine for Better or for Worse (Dragonfly, 1970)
3. Copenhagen (Dancing to the Devil's Beat, 2009)
4. Cold Steel (Deja Fou, 2004)
5. Sail Away to the Sea (Strawberry Music Sampler, 1969)
6. On My Way (All Our Own Work, 1973)
7. All I Need is You (Strawberry Music Sampler, 1969)
8. Tell Me What You See in Me (The Strawbs, 1969)
9. Evergreen (Baroque and Roll, 2001)
10. The River (Bursting at the Seams, 1973)
11. Down By the Sea (Bursting at the Seams, 1973)
12. Heavy Disguise (Grave New World, 1972)
13. Where Silent Shadows Fall (Dancing to the Devil's Beat, 2009)

Strawbs official website: https://strawbsweb.co.uk/

Press inquiries: Keith James, Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

The Moody Blues’ John Lodge to Launch New Tour – Dates Announced for July 2025!

‘Singer in a Rock and Roll Band’ Tour – Featuring Moody Blues Songs from the Classic Albums

John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, has announced he will be back on the road with an electrifying new show titled ‘Singer in a Rock and Roll Band’!

Following the phenomenal success of his ‘Days of Future Passed’ show over the last two years, John wanted to now go back to basics… what are the songs that he loved performing in the Moody Blues? How could he bring these enduring songs to audiences, staying true to the original sound, yet breathing new life into them? These songs might have been discovered by listeners on release, or by newer generations later, but whenever they first heard them, they made an indelible impression on them. John’s task was clear, he wanted to recreate the sound and the feel of a Moody Blues show of the past, but at the same time bring in the incredible musicianship of his band, and his experience of performing these songs for over 50 years, to give these classic songs that extra dash of magic.

When John wrote the hit single ‘Singer’ in 1972 it was because people were looking to him to change the world… this composition replied that he’s just a singer in a rock and roll band! But his message went on - John wanted everyone to be part of the music, and if you’ve ever experienced one of John’s shows you will know how true this is. The music and camaraderie will lift you up, it may not change the world, but it might make it a little brighter…

This incredible new show will feature songs from ‘the core seven albums’ including ‘Days of Future Passed’, Seventh Sojourn, and more, plus ‘Octave’ and the triple platinum selling album ‘Long Distance Voyager.  It will bring together some of the captivating moments of his ‘Days of Future Passed’ show, all of John’s hits with the Moodies, and, of course, tributes to all his bandmates. This truly will be a show of Moodies Magic and ‘a trip worth taking and remembering’! (Tony Violanti review of John’s show March 24, 2025)

Together with Jon Davison of YES and his 10,000 Light Years Band, John will lovingly recreate ‘I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)’, ‘Nights in White Satin’, ‘Ride my See-Saw’, ‘Gemini Dream’, ‘Tuesday Afternoon’, ‘The Voice’, ‘Steppin’ in Slide Zone’, ‘Isn’t Life Strange’ and much more. Also, experience deep cuts from these classic albums, and, together with the electrifying video and lights, be taken on a journey through time.

The tour kicks off on July 19th at the Vogel in New Jersey, and continues through to Des Plaines, IL on August 7th.

Limited VIP merch packages will also be available, go to: https://www.johnlodge.com/tour.

photo by Dana Grubb

Following a stroke at the end of 2023, John has gone from strength to strength, driven by his love for this music, and his deeply held desire to continue to share it with the fans. The critically acclaimed shows in July and November 2024 are testament to his passion and commitment, and as John says, his hope is that people leave with a little bit of joy around them.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure performing Days in its entirety over the last couple of years, but I’m so excited about our new show… there are a few songs I’ve not performed before that I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and many of our classic songs seem to have taken on a new meaning following health challenges, so I hope everyone will enjoy continuing on this journey with me. I’m doing great, and I just love to share this music with the fans. I look out and see familiar faces, and occasionally some new ones, and I love what we’ve shared over so many decades. Thank you for keeping the faith.”

Check out the tour video here: https://youtu.be/l_32O8687sw

This incredible new show will also be in support of John’s new EP ‘Love Conquers All’ out now. Signed copies are also available including limited edition vinyl.

For USA (including the limited edition 180g violet vinyl, handsigned by John): https://shop.johnlodge.com

For UK (including the limited edition 180g blue vinyl with a special handsigned insert): https://burningshed.com/store/john-lodge_store

Check out the video for ‘Whispering Angels’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XErh5-eeoIU

‘If you love The Moody Blues music, then you really need to checkout John live. He and the band put on a great show!’

John Lodge is bass guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the iconic Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2018 inductees, The Moody Blues. Songwriter of such mega Moody Blues hits from “Ride My See-Saw,” to “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band),” “Isn’t Life Strange” and many more.  Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for more than five decades, selling in excess of 70 million albums, as well as releasing his three solo albums ‘Natural Avenue’,’10,000 Light Years Ago’ and ‘B Yond’, plus his new EP ‘Love Conquers All’.  Lodge has been voted one of the “10 most influential bass players on the planet,” and has been the recipient of many awards, including ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers), an Ivor Novello Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Prog Magazine, to name just a few.

USA Dates
July 19 The Vogel, Red Bank, NJ
July 20 Newton Theatre, Newton, NJ
July 23 Scottish Rite Auditorium, Collingswood, NJ
July 24 Wind Creek Casino, Bethlehem, PA (on Sale May 2nd)
July 26 Lynn Auditorium, Lynn, MA
July 27 Infinity Hall, Hartford, CT
July 29 Flying Monkey, Plymouth, NH
July 30 JPT Film & Event Center, Newport, RI
Aug 1 MCL Pavilion, Newport, KY
Aug 2 Agora, Cleveland, OH
Aug 6 Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, IL
Aug 7 Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines, IL

All dates at www.johnlodge.com/tour

For further information:
https://www.johnlodge.com/
https://www.facebook.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://twitter.com/johnlodgemusic
https://www.instagram.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://www.youtube.com/c/johnlodgemusic

Press inquiries: Keith James, Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Brass Camel Strikes Back with Genre-Bending Sophomore Album “Camel”

Vancouver, BC - After successfully criss-crossing Canada three times on the strength of a word-of-mouth reputation and a hard-earned live following, Vancouver-based Brass Camel return with their second full-length record: Camel. Clocking in at 40 minutes across just six tracks, the album is an unapologetic artistic statement from a band whose sound resists easy classification—equal parts progressive rock ambition and deep-pocket groove, with no shortage of swagger, surprises, and soul.

Their self-styled “prog-funk” sound may raise eyebrows on paper, but as multiple Grammy-winner Fantastic Negrito put it: “They sound like a funky Rush.” Or, as Big Sugar frontman Gordie Johnson (who also guests on the record as the group’s Zappa-tinged “cat whisperer”) once declared, “Brass Camel…man, they’re good worldwide.”

Following their 2022 debut Brass, the band doubled down—both on the road and in the studio. Camel is the result of that momentum: two 11-minute bookends, four shapeshifting shorter tracks, and zero interest in playing it safe.

The album opens with “Zealot,” a tense, swinging epic about the inquisition inspired by The Pit and the Pendulum, and closes with “Another Day”—a three-part reflection on life, death and the promise of peace in eternal rest, written after the suicide of Sveinson’s sibling. The track climaxes in an explosive Minimoog solo by keyboardist Aubrey Ellefson, which sees the guitars step out of the picture as the trio of Ellefson, bassist Curtis Arsenault and drummer Wyatt Gilson put their respective instruments through the paces, not unlike a hard-rock “The Cinema Show”.

Lightening the tone, bassist Arsenault’s cat Lionel gets his own theme song in “Pick of the Litter,” which melts seamlessly into the riff-heavy “Chain Reaction.” Side B brings the slinky, Little Feat-tinged drug-running tale “On the Other Side,” followed by the strutting “Borrowed Time,” praised by LouderSound in their “Tracks of the Week” feature as a stomping, riff-driven anthem about burnout and the grind with no shortage of swagger and subtle weirdness.

Recorded at Vancouver’s iconic Hipposonic Studios (formerly Little Mountain Sound which saw the likes of AC/DC, Metallica and Aerosmith roll through) and co-produced/mixed by multi-Juno-winner Ben Kaplan (Biffy Clyro, Rise Against, Mother Mother), Camel captures a band at a turning point—gritty, gutsy, weird enough to stand out, yet fun enough to make people move. They’ve played over 120 shows together in the past two years. They’ve got the chops, the chemistry, and the catalog. All they need now is the world to catch up. As Crown Lands’ Kevin Comeau put it after seeing the group live for the first time in 2024, “I have seen the future of prog rock…and it is Brass Camel”.

Track list:
1. Zealot
2. Pick of the Litter
3. Chain Reaction
4. On the Other Side
5. Borrowed Time
6. Another Day

Brass Camel is:
Daniel Sveinson – vocals/lead guitar
Curtis Arsenault – bass/vocals
Wyatt Gilson – drums/percussion
Aubrey Ellefson – keyboards/vocals
Dylan Lammie – lead guitar

For more information:
Official Website: http://www.brasscamel.ca/epk
Bandcamp: https://brasscamelband.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1eroFWwChPKA70w8LIDY3y?si=4J1P70GcR5arvc_2w6EHnQ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrassCamel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brasscamel

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF BRUCE SOORD’S EPONYMOUS DEBUT ALBUM SET FOR RELEASE ON 30th MAY

REMASTERED AT HALF-SPEED AT ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS AND PRESENTED ON PEARL BLUE VINYL

A decade ago, Bruce Soord—the creative force behind The Pineapple Thief—released his eponymous debut solo album, a deeply personal exploration of memory, place, and identity. Now, ten years on, it is revisited in a newly remastered edition, mastered at half speed at Abbey Road Studios and presented on pearl blue vinyl, set for release on 30^th May on Kscope.

‘He’s created something remarkable' - CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE

‘Soord has genuinely created something truly outstanding’ – PROG MAGAZINE

In contrast to the expansive, cinematic soundscapes of his band, Bruce Soord revealed a more introspective and organic side to his songwriting. Since its original release in 2015, Soord’s career has continued to evolve. As The Pineapple Thief’s principal songwriter and producer, he has guided the band through a series of acclaimed albums, including Your Wilderness (2016), Dissolution (2018), Versions of the Truth (2020), and 2024’s chart-topping It Leads to This, each refining and expanding the band’s distinctive fusion of progressive and alternative rock. Beyond his work with The Pineapple Thief, Soord has established himself as a sought-after producer and mix engineer, lending his expertise to artists such as TesseracT, Opeth, and Jethro Tull, while also continuing his solo work with All This Will Be Yours (2019) and Luminescence (2023).

2015 feels like yesterday, although a very different yesterday. My twin boys were 7 years old. My daughter, who is now 6, yet to be. I had just taken the jump to become a professional musician. And like many 'professionals' in the music industry, I was broke. Listening to this record takes me right back, the 'familiar patterns' of everyday life, 'the odds' of making any kind of real success out of my music, while languishing in my studio in my home town of Yeovil. Buried here. But there is one song on this record that probably says everything I ever wanted to say.  'Field Day Part 2' will forever have a special place in my heart. – Bruce Soord

PRE-ORDER BRUCE SOORD’S DEBUT ALBUM BRUCE SOORD ON PEARL BLUE VINYL (HALF-SPEED REMASTER), RELEASED ON 30^th MAY

Bruce Soord – Bruce Soord tracklist
Black Smoke [03:27]
Buried Here [04:20]
The Odds [03:34]
A Thousand Daggers [04:46]
Born In Delusion [04:10]
Willow Tree [05:14]
Field Day Part 1 [03:15]
Field Day Part [01:44]
Familiar Patterns [04:14]
Leaves Leave Me [05:17]

The 10^th anniversary edition of Bruce Soord will be released on 30^th May on pearl blue vinyl and is remastered at half-speed at Abbey Road Studios. Pre-order here.

Bruce Soord online:
Facebook, twitter & Instagram: @bsoord

The Pineapple Thief online:
Website: www.thepineapplethief.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepineapplethief
Twitter: www.twitter.com/pineapplethief
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thepineapplethief
Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/artist/4lrBMUSk8PiNnCEZfsmPAk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE6401DB011BD837E
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/the-pineapple-thief/id278648772

Hi-res images available here: www.kscopemusic.com/media/brucesoord

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

EXPERIENCE THE ENDURING LEGACY OF HORSLIPS WITH MADFISH’S NEW 5 DISC SET 'HORSLIPS – AT THE BBC'

4CD + DVD SET COMPRISING LIVE PERFORMANCES, BBC TV FOOTAGE AND RARE ARCHIVAL MATERIAL

Few bands have left as distinct a mark on the musical landscape as Horslips. Emerging in the early 1970s, they more or less created ‘Celtic Rock’, drawing from Irish traditional music and British/American rock, crafting a sound that was both timeless and radical.

The BBC captured the band in the 1970s and again during their unexpected Indian summer return in the 2010s. At The BBC gathers these vital recordings – spanning nearly 50 years – into one definitive collection.

WATCH THE HORSLIPS AT THE BBC TRAILER

PRE-ORDER HORSLIPS - AT THE BBC (30th May 2025)

Disc 1 (1973–74) – Live BBC performances from Radio 1 In Concert, Old Grey Whistle Test, and John Peel Show, capturing Horslips' early energy and innovation.

Disc 2 (1979–2019) – A 1979 Radio 1 In Concert set, a 2010 unplugged session, and their final 2019 recording, Sideways to the Sun.

Disc 3 (2011) – The BBC Radio Ulster mix of their orchestral concert with the Ulster Orchestra, featuring The Táin, The Book of Invasions, and I’ll Be Waiting.

Disc 4 (1979 Bonus Disc) – Unreleased Short Stories, Tall Tales studio mixes from Windmill Lane.

Disc 5 (DVD) – Old Grey Whistle Test clips, 1974 documentary footage & 2011 fan-shot concert videos.

Disc 1 begins the journey in 1973–74, landmark years in which Horslips took their fusion of mythology and musicianship to the airwaves and concert halls of Britain. Included are performances from Radio 1’s In Concert, The Old Grey Whistle Test, Radio 1’s Sounds of the 70s, 2nd House (BBC 2) and Radio 1’s John Peel Show, showcasing the group in full flight, brimming with invention and zeal.

By 1979, fresh from the inevitable hard slog of trying to conquer America, Horslips returned to Radio 1’s In Concert with a set that captured their ability to fit in with the times and the power of their live performances. Disc 2 continues with an unplugged ‘comeback’ session from 2010 and a BBC NI performance in 2019 of ‘Sideways to the Sun’ – written about magical Irish beings disappearing from mortal sight – which would, perhaps fittingly, prove to be their last official recording.

Disc 3 presents Horslips’ unique 2011 performance with the Ulster Orchestra at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, in its previously unreleased BBC Radio Ulster broadcast mix. Including epic suites from classic albums The Táin and The Book of Invasions and fan favourites like the eight-minute ‘I’ll Be Waiting’, a showcase for late guitarist Johnny Fean (d. 2023), many – including band members – view this concert as Horslips’ finest hour (and a quarter).

Disc 4 is a bonus disc, comprising recently discovered 1979 ‘working mixes’ of the album Short Stories, Tall Tales, recorded at Dublin’s Windmill Lane. They offer an intimate glimpse into a band in transition, shifting from the US FM rock that had influenced recent albums towards the spikier, sharper British New Wave sound.

At The BBC is completed by a DVD bringing together clips from The Old Grey Whistle Test, 1974 documentary material and magical fan footage of two songs from the 2011 Waterfront Hall concert, synced to sparkling BBC audio.

Presented in a deluxe hardback book package with rare photographs and extensive liner notes by band biographer Mark Cunningham, legendary BBC producer Jeff Griffin and curator Colin Harper, At The BBC is a celebration of a band whose influence still echoes through the decades. The mastering is shared by Eroc in Germany and band associate Cormac O’Kane who mastered the acclaimed 2023 Horslips box set More Than You Can Chew.

Horslips – At The BBC will be released on Madfish on 30^th May 2025. Pre-order here.

www.horslips.com
facebook.com/horslips

www.madfishmusic.com
facebook.com/madfishlabel

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

JON ANDERSON AND THE BAND GEEKS ANNOUNCE LEG TWO OF THEIR 2025 TOUR

ROUNDABOUT VIDEO PREMIERES TODAY

To celebrate today’s release of their live album, Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks announce the second leg of their 2025 U.S tour. The 11-show tour commences June 15^th at the Warner Theater in Washington D.C and ends July 13^th at The Factory in St. Louis, Missouri. These shows follow the previously announced 18 show leg that starts April 1^st in Tucson, Arizona.  Both legs of the tour will feature an evening of YES classics as well as tracks from their critically acclaimed debut album TRUE released August 2024.

Premiering today is a video for the YES classic Roundabout, taken from the CD/DVD/Blu-ray “Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks Live- Perpetual Change”. The video can be seen here: https://youtu.be/vQNKdGzuGMI

Dates for the 2025 tour are below:

April 1-Tucson AZ –The Rialto Theater
April 3-Anaheim CA-The Grove of Anaheim
April 5-Las Vegas NV-The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
April 8-Oakland CA-Fox Theater
April 11-Sacramento CA- SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center
April 14-Seattle WA- Moore Theater
April 19-Rockford IL-Coronado Pac
April 23-Milwaukee WI-Pabst Theater
April 25-Des Plaines IL-Des Plaines Theater
April 27-St. Charles IL-The Arcada Theater
April 30-North Tonawanda NY-Riviera Theater
May 2-Cleveland OH-The Agora
May 4-Lancaster PA-American Music Theater
May 7-Wilmington DE-The Grand Opera House
May 10-Ridgefield CT –The Ridgefield Playhouse
May 12-Ridgefield CT-The Ridgefield Playhouse
May 16-Westbury NY-Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair
May 18-Carteret NJ- Carteret Performing Arts Center

June 15-Washington DC-Warner Theatre
June 18-Ocala FL-Circle Square Cultural Center
June 20-Clearwater FL-Ruth Eckerd Hall
June 23-Dallas TX-Moody Performance Hall
June 25-Austin TX-Paramount
June 27-San Antonio TX-Tobin Center
July 01-Macon GA-Auditorium
July 05-Farmington PA-Timber Rock Amphitheatre
July 07-Ocean City NJ-Ocean City Music Pier
July 11-Nashville IN-Brown County Music Center
July 13-St. Louis MO-The Factory

For more information:
Jon Anderson’s official website: www.JonAnderson.com
Band Geek official website: https://richiecastellano.com/bandgeek/
Jon Anderson YES Epics and Classics:
Website – http://jonandersonyesepicsandclassics.com/
Facebook – Jon Anderson YES Epics & Classics – https://www.facebook.com/jonandersonyesepicsandclassics/
Twitter – @JonYesEpic
Instagram – @jonandersonyesepicsandclassics
TikTok – @JonAndersonYESEpic
YouTube – Jon Anderson YES Epics & Classics – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIvSkw_3SAs1Yy2Ro68GzLw

Management:
Larry Mazer
Entertainment Services Unlimited
One Echelon Plaza, 227 Laurel Road, Suite 106
Voorhees, NJ 08043
P – 856.751.2223
C- 856-816-2820

Agent:
Steve Schenck | TKO
141 Halstead Avenue | 4th Fl.  Mamaroneck, NY 10543
PH: 914-346-8938
email: steveschenck@tkoco.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Progressive Metal Vinyl Review: Dream Theater-Parasomnia

Release Date: February 7, 2025

Label: Inside Out Music

Website

Parasomnias are a category of sleep disorders involving abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions, and dreams that occur while falling asleep, sleeping, between sleep stages, or during arousal from sleep. They are dissociated sleep states that are partial arousals during the transitions between wakefulness, NREM sleep, and REM sleep and their combinations.

John Petrucci (Guitar), Mike Portnoy (drums), John Myung (Bass), James LaBrie (vocals), and Jordan Rudess (keyboards) are not just a supergroup but a tightly knit unit. Their other projects have also left a significant mark, but their collective synergy truly shines.

 

When Dream Theater announced their latest release, Parasomnia, centered around the concept of dreams, and with the return of founding member and drummer Mike Portnoy, the excitement was palpable. Fans and critics alike were buzzing with anticipation.

 

Parasomnia will quickly bring thoughts of the heaviness of Train of Thought, making many fans smile and enjoy this record as much as I did.

 

I decided to pre-order the ultra-clear 2LP set, a special edition that offers a unique visual and auditory experience, and the box set, which includes exclusive bonus content. However, I will focus only on the 2LP set for this review.

 

Reflecting on the illustrious careers of these incredibly talented men, it's not just their music that boggles the mind but also their influence on the genre. From their documented covers of influences such as Iron Maiden, Metallica, Pink Floyd, and more, they've managed to carve a unique progressive metal sound that they alone command.

 

Parasomnia is a progressive metal classic, and Dream Theater has gone above and beyond to satisfy its fans again. They always do; however, in this case, they have recorded one of their finest albums to date. The album's dark subject matter, which delves into the complexities of the human mind and the experience of parasomnias, is reflected in the associated artwork and videos, creating a multimedia journey that will be remembered as some of their best work.

 

Dream One begins the dream state with the clock ticking on "In The Arms Of Morpheus," which is appropriate in many ways. Soft keys play as the guitar starts slowly and then goes into a full-on explosion of powerful riffs. Then, it all kicks in as you are listening. It grabs you, and then you never let go. You are part of the story now.

 

Things are now moving along at full speed when the keyboards make their grand entrance. The tempo changes suddenly (which happens frequently in every track) with sharp lead guitar licks, the classic Petrucci sound we all love and recognize. You can hear Portnoy's prolific playing behind the drum kit (welcome back, Mike!). Then, it all comes to a halt, some quiet, then another change. As you are listening carefully, all these tracks segue into each other.  

 

The first track is a 5:22 blockbuster before "Night Terror" kicks in, and the instrumental intro is as impressive as the first track, which is a commonality in nearly every track. A strong flow of powerful riffing continues through this track as well. The bass and drums follow with that intensity as the keys lend a bit of horror atmosphere to accentuate the words and make them realistic as you continue to live with the characters being created.

 

Dream Two starts with "A Broken Man" melting into "Dead Asleep" as the jarring instrumental intro gets things going in the right direction, setting it up for a frenetic pace of tempo changes. The guitar licks sound raw and edgy as the words are spoken, running for a quick minute. As the changes begin, James comes in with his vocals, which are as strong as ever.  There is some good rhythmic playing on the drums and bass and a nice touch from the keys for extra atmosphere. Their pace is incredibly rapid but works well with the lyrical content. A lovely solo on keys goes on for a while, then a switch over to the classic Hammond B3 sound and yet another change in sound. Within minutes, Jordan takes the listener through three keyboard sounds and styles. Then, a tasteful solo from Petrucci and back to the more brutal sound as things come full circle. The ending is excellent, with a whooshing sound, and then on to the next track.

 

A quiet start with soft guitar and violin sounds begins, and then boom! The hammer falls, and the audio jumps up several notches with a wailing guitar, pounding bass, and drums. An incredible sound from the guitar is happening (use of a flange, I would think), then a cutting lead, back to the primary chords, and a rolling keyboard to create more excitement. The vocals begin after the extensive instrumental blowout, and the drums come through well. The mix has been excellent, and nobody's instrument gets put on the backburner. The speedy, machine gun-like drum rolls just blew me away consistently throughout. The keys form a layer that floats over all the electricity being generated from the other instruments. James continues exceptionally as the powerful riffing on guitar and keys takes shape. The story continues to build and become cemented in your mind with the outright power and picturesque musical display.

 

Dream Three includes "Midnight Messiah," "Are We Dreaming?" and "Bend the Clock" in succession. You must pay close attention when one track moves on to the next; it's seamless and natural.

 

A soft introduction begins on this side of the vinyl as the dialogue enters and leaves quickly. Then, of course, there is a dramatic change in the tempo of the sound, which consistently provides the shock value and keeps the storyline moving in the right direction. This is one of the best tracks, with some melodic yet hard rocking to stay in the prog metal lane. The vocals, again, are superb. It is hard-driving music, at times moving at the speed of light. Some cool synth sounds arrive, and the rhythm section is chugging along like a well-oiled machine.  

 

Prog metal is on fire, moving from track to track with everything you would come to expect from this band. Jordan cuts loose, backed by Petrucci's rapid-fire licks. At the same time, Portnoy and Myung stay with the pace and simultaneously create the drive to this relentless musical machine—excellent work from all positions. The recipe for madness is completed as another sequence comes your way.

 

A whispering is going on as the track begins with some sweet notes on the guitar as the vocals start. James is skilled in singing a ballad or bringing his range up several notches when called upon to drive home the lyrics. There is some melodicism, and kicking it down a few levels allows listeners to hear the tasteful music they can provide. Some nice guitar work follows as all the moving parts are synced up and merging beautifully. The extended guitar solo takes the spotlight towards the end. It is flawless and precise, then a fade out to end the side.

 

Dream Four is the entire side of the vinyl, with the epic "The Shadow Man Incident" clocking in at 19:32. Dream Theater is firing on all cylinders like a sleek, aerodynamic racing car crossing the finish line. And what a way to finish.

 

The music box plays the lullaby, but don't be fooled. All hell breaks loose, which you anticipate. A dark and demonic guitar sound arrives for this grand finale as the epic drums and keys begin to play, setting the stage for all the drama and fear. Directly after a sudden shift into a faster tempo, all instruments are like loaded guns firing off as the following change comes to a more defined guitar sound in between some keystrokes. Then, there is another complete slowdown as the vocals begin.

 

The music lures the character to a frozen, terrified state. The shadow man is 7 feet tall, staring at you. You hear the disguised devilish voice say, "Embrace the shadow."  It becomes more than a terrifying dream. The music goes to the next level of speed as the storyline develops. The pace continues as James sings, "Endless nights."  The easy-to-understand words are helpful as the music moves and changes, like the second hand on a watch. With that, everything becomes more lifelike. The musical transitions to the lyrics are both terrifying and beautiful simultaneously.

 

The final session is extraordinary, as the keys sound like a classical drama unfolding, and the rest of the band pushes their way through with determination and absolute authority. Between all of that, you have some tremendous solo guitar work followed by every instrument in excellent form from start to finish. As it winds down with a classic keyboard run to end the show, James finishes the story in his way, making it another Dream Theater classic that will become a live performance favorite.

 

There are so many moving parts; how this band gets better with time is impressive. When you think they have completed their best work, they take it all to the next level. And that is precisely what has made them successful and the best at their craft.

 

Parasomnia gets an A+ as a highly inspired and creative recording that the progressive metal community will appreciate.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-PMR Reviews Founder

March 1, 2025

Tracks

Dream One:

A1. In The Arms Of Morpheus-5:22

A2. Night Terror-9:55

Dream Two:

B1. A Broken Man-8:30

B2. Dead Asleep-11:06

Dream Three:

C1. Midnight Messiah-7:58

C2. Are We Dreaming?-1:28

C3. Bend the Clock-7:24

Dream Four:

D1-The Shadow Man Incident-19:32