2020 being the roughest year that most of us have experienced, it’s always welcome when one of our favorite bands announces a new release. And Dream Theater have stepped up to the plate with the upcoming release of their new live album ‘Distant Memories, Live in London.’ As well as dropping a track from the show. A blistering rendition of ‘Pale Blue Dot.’ Since it’s been about six years since the last DT live album. It’s about high time that there’s a new one.
If there’s a tour to document on Dream Theater’s last three tours, it’s this one. Not only was the tour in support of the band’s best album since ‘A Dramatic Turn of Events,’ it’s also out celebrating the 20th anniversary of the breakthrough ‘Scenes From A Memory.’ And the album gets played in its entirety on ‘Distant Memories.’ Yes, it’s happened before with ‘Live Scenes From New York.’ But this time around the production is totally different. Much less muddy and crisper. Petrucci’s guitar tone slams the speakers with its ten ton mega heaviness. And Mike Mangini’s drums sound larger than life. John Myung’s bass is mixed perfectly. Labrie’s voice sounds right on as usual. And Jordan Rudess is conjuring his usual wizardry. ‘Pale Blue Dot’ is a perfect first song to release: heavy, catchy and relevant. Of course, the precision is spot on. While also playing with passion.
What’s also interesting is the timing of recording. This was done in February, right before the pandemic hit hard. It’s a glimpse into a world that will never truly return. Making the release all the more important. My only real criticism of the album is not even on the band. It’s on the audience. I mean, what the hell? They’re just sitting there. Like, Dream Theater is killing it. Blasting through one of their heaviest tracks in their catalog and the audience is literally just sitting there. It’s the most lame audience I’ve ever seen. Why are you guys not jumping and screaming? Yes, Dream Theater is a prog band. But they’re also a kick as heavy metal band. And ‘Pale Blue Dot’ is a heavy fucking metal song. Part of the experience of the live album is an audience that’s loud, excited and passionate. And I feel like we’re going to be missing some of that with this live release.
But, that’s not going to detract from the set list and the quality of the recording. It’s a thick, full sound that’s really hard to capture in the studio. Hence the main reason to buy a live album. In that regard, ‘Distant Memories’ should hit on all cylinders. Looking forward to the November release.
