2013 saw a double release for Dream Theater: a self-titled studio album and Live at Luna Park, an album that features material taken from the band's A Dramatic Turn of Events tour in 2012. This latter release is a treat, featuring two DVDs and three CDs of material that highlights the prog metal theatrics delighting ticket buyers for over 25 years. These theatrics revolve around the band's consummate artistry. Dream Theater's prog roots compel them to focus on musical craftsmanship as the driving force of their performance. However, serious musicianship is not without its spark of playfulness. A love of quirky humor often pops up when the band performs in concert. It's not uncommon for ticket buyers to be pleasantly surprised by alternating set lists, musical quotes and spontaneous bursts of improvisation. Members of the band have even swapped instruments mid-set just to keep things fresh.
Dream Theater's newest, self-titled album contains all the elements that make the band stand out among their peers. The opening, "False Awakening Suite," sets a cinematic tone for the rest of the tracks. The hard-driving "The Enemy Inside" invokes shades of classic Iron Maiden, yet with Dream Theater's own unique twist. The band has been going hard and strong since 1985, when three music school graduates started the band as a tribute to their heroes. Armed with a stack of potent demos, they hit the NYC circuit, shopping tapes and strengthening their live act. Each new album chronicles their steady artistic progression, as constant touring helps to keep things fresh and their musicianship alive. Dream Theater's music is a lively blend of heavy metal and prog rock, with jazz and classical elements thrown in for a healthy amount of spice.
