Mike Portnoy is back behind the kit, but musically not much has changed for these progressive metal titans. On first listen this is clearly a Dream Theater record with new album Parasomnia. Maybe a slightly groovier and stompier approach, thanks to Portnoy’s return.

That means if you are a fan of the band, you are in for a treat here. Virtuoso musicianship across the board. Don’t expect any short songs, even the instrumental intro to the album is over 5 minutes (In the Arms of Morpheus) and the short intro track later in the album (Are We Dreaming?). Most people’s main draw with Dream Theater is masterclass musicianship. The crisp and clear production means you can sonically pick out each element – be that blistering guitar work, delicate keyboard, thumping drums, or chunky bass. The vocals are good too; there are no complaints from me – vocalist James LaBrie sounds fine here.

The album isn’t a concept album, but it does have the ever-present theme revolving around sleep cropping up on tracks more obviously on – Night Terror, Dead Asleep, and Midnight Messiah.

It’s a solid enjoyable album that follows the rule book that Dream Theater have been using for many of their albums, rather than throwing it out of the window. This may seem the antithesis for the genre of “progressive” metal. However, there isn’t a weak or boring song here – if you are a fan of the band. What this album won’t do is convert you if the band hasn’t wowed you with prior releases.

Hopefully from here with the band finding their feet with Portnoy again they’ll do something a bit more outside of their comfort zone and push the boundaries again like classic Metropolis Part II.

Overall a solid release that fans will find a lot to enjoy.

Top tracks: Midnight Messiah, Bend the Clock, The Shadow Man Incident