- Country: USA
- Style: Progressive metal
- Relase date: 7 February 2025
Parasomnia is a bold and atmospheric concept album that not only marks the long-awaited return of Mike Portnoy behind the drum kit, but also shows Dream Theater reconnecting with the darker, heavier side of their sound. Built around the theme of parasomnias—sleep disorders and the strange worlds between dreams and reality—the record guides the listener through fear, trauma, hallucinations, and restless energy while still retaining the band’s trademark technical mastery. Each track is carefully layered, from crushing riffs and labyrinthine instrumental passages to moments of vulnerability and melodic beauty, giving the album both dramatic weight and emotional resonance. The flow of the record, framed by the sounds of falling asleep and awakening, makes it feel like a complete journey rather than a collection of songs. Fans and critics alike have hailed it as one of Dream Theater’s strongest works in years: accessible without losing complexity, emotionally charged yet virtuosic, and above all, a triumphant creative rebirth that bridges the band’s past legacy with a revitalized future.