Since their 1992 breakthrough ‘Images and Words,’ Dream Theater have been on a fast track to forever legendary status. Of course, there’s been some ups and downs over the years. Mike Portnoy leaving in 2011. And the abysmal ‘The Astonishing’ in 2016. But overall Dream Theater has been on an upswing for the past 25 plus years. Providing one great album after another. And staying busy touring in between. And now, after one of their longest haitus’ ever, Dream Theater is back with their first album in three years; entitled ‘Distance Over Time.’
They’ve been in the studio, providing short video updates on how the new album is coming. But yesterday, they dropped the big tease. A short excerpt from the new album, plus the artwork, plus tour dates. And it’s about freakin’ time. I’ve basically been waiting five years for some new, quality Dream Theater. The self titled was fine, but it didn’t capture me like ‘Black Clouds’ and ‘A Dramatic Turn’ did. And I’m really hoping this time around that the Theater can recapture the magic that made them an international sensation.
As far as the art work goes, it’s fairly typical. Showing a robot hand holding a human skull. Certainly metal as fuck, but also in the same vein as ‘The Astonishing’ which makes me just a little skeptical. The short excerpt that goes along with it sounds great however. And hopefully it represents the entire album. They really need to do another heavy one. It’s their sheer heavy, progressive brutality mixed with James LaBrie’s clean vocals that makes them so unique. And it was a shame that it went by the wayside on the last album. The best part of the teaser though are the announced tour dates. Giving fans plenty of time to grab their ticket and plan ahead. So get ready Dream Theater fans and fans of progressive, or really any, kind of metal. They’re back and hopefully better than ever.
Dream Theater 2019 North American Tour Dates
Mar. 20 – San Diego, Calif.
Mar. 21 – Los Angeles, Calif.
Mar. 22 – Los Angeles, Calif.
Mar. 24 – San Francisco, Calif.
Mar. 26 – Denver, Colo.
Mar. 28 – St. Paul, Minn.
Mar. 29 – Chicago, Ill.
Mar. 31 – Milwaukee, Wis.
Apr. 02 – Detroit, Mich.
Apr. 04 – Toronto, Ontario
Apr. 05 – Montreal, Quebec
Apr. 06 – Quebec City, Quebec
Apr. 08 – Boston, Mass.
Apr. 09 – Oakdale, Conn.
Apr. 10 – Red Bank, N.J.
Apr. 12 – New York, N.Y.
Apr. 13 – Upper Darby, Penn.
Apr. 15 – Washington, D.C.
Apr. 17 – Nashville, Tenn.
Apr. 22 – Charlotte, N.C.
Apr. 23 – Atlanta, Ga.
Apr. 25 – Orlando, Fla.
Apr. 26 – St. Petersburg, Fla.
Apr. 27 – Jacksonville, Fla.
Apr. 29 – Dallas, Texas
Apr. 30 – Houston, Texas
May 01 – Austin, Texas
May 04 – Mexico City, Mexico
