dream theater

MIKE PORTNOY On Leaving DREAM THEATER: ‘It Was Liberating, But It Was Also Scary’

Mark Diggins of The Rock Pit recently conducted an interview with drummer Mike Portnoy (ADRENALINE MOB, FLYING COLORS, THE WINERY DOGS, DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below. The Rock Pit: There is a great chemistry between [all the members ofTHE WINERY DOGS]. Was that there from the start and do you think you managed to bring out the best performances in each other? Mike: It was all very natural, but granted, there was already a built-in chemistry between Billy [Sheehan, bass] and Richie [Kotzen, guitar/vocals], from working together in MR. BIG. There was also the built-in chemistry between me and Billy, as we had already done various things through the years. I had to ease in to the relationship, but realistically, it all came together very naturally. I don't know the reason for that, as there's only the three of us. I've been in many bands with four or five people in them, and

DREAM THEATER: New Album Release Date, Cover Artwork, Track Listing Revealed

Progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER will release their new, self-titled album — the band's 12th studio release overall, and fourth withRoadrunner Records — on September 24. Says guitarist John Petrucci about "Dream Theater": "I see every new album as an opportunity to start over. To either build or improve upon a direction that has been evolving over time or to completely break new ground. "This is the first self-titled album of our career and there is nothing I can think of that makes a statement of musical and creative identity stronger than that. We've fully explored all of the elements that make us unique, from the epic and intense to the atmospheric and cinematic. "We're incredibly excited about 'Dream Theater' and can't wait for everyone to hear it."

DREAM THEATER: Revised Edition Of Authorized Biography To Cover MIKE PORTNOY’s Departure

Out of print for four years, the new release of "Lifting Shadows: The Authorized Biography Of Dream Theater" is now available to order. Publication will be in September but pre-ordered books will ship as soon as they are available. This paperback edition is fully updated by author Rich Wilson, featuring all-new interviews with the bandmembers and others. It covers the departure of drummer Mike Portnoy, the search for his successor and the group's subsequent return to recording and touring success.

DREAM THEATER: Photos From The Studio Posted Online

The new self-titled album from progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER will be released on September 24 via Roadrunner Records. An 18-shot photo gallery from the making of the CD can be found atRoadrunnerRecords.com. "Dream Theater" was recorded at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove, New York, with founding guitarist John Petrucci producing and studio luminary Richard Chycki (AEROSMITH, RUSH) engineering and mixing. The album marks a brilliant new chapter for the always adventurous band, their first to have been written and recorded with drummer Mike Mangini wholly integrated into the creative process from the start.

DREAM THEATER Singer JAMES LABRIE: New Solo Track ‘Agony’ Available For Streaming

"Agony", a brand new solo track from DREAM THEATER frontman James LaBrie, can be streamed below. The song comes off LaBrie's new solo album, "Impermanent Resonance", which will be released on August 6 in North America and July 29 in Europe via InsideOut Music. The follow-up to 2010's "Static Impulse", "Impermanent Resonance"was once again conceived with LaBrie's songwriting partner for over a dozen years, Matt Guillory. Guillory not only took the leading role in composing the material, he also handled all of the keyboards and background vocals. The album's lineup is intact from the previous recording, featuring Marco Sfogli from Italy on guitar, Ray Riendeau (HALFORD, MACHINES OF LOVING GRACE) on bass and Swedish drummer Peter Wildoer(DARKANE, MAJESTIC), who was a finalist in the DREAM THEATER drum auditions. Additionally, former SOILWORK guitarist Peter Wichers came into the fold to contribute songwriting and studio guitars. "To me, this album incorporates and continues with the styles and musical direction that we have created with the previous releases," says James LaBrie. "The difference being that the music on this disc is to me a true telling of the songs evolving and taking on a sense of identity that is every band's ultimate goal. It is powerful, memorable, hook-driven and above all extremely musical. It shows how the writing and the band itself have matured. I truly feel that this is our quintessential album."

DREAM THEATER Singer JAMES LABRIE: New Solo Track To Premiere This Wednesday

"Agony", a brand new solo track from DREAM THEATER frontman James LaBrie, will make its online debut this coming Wednesday, June 19. The song comes off LaBrie's new solo album, "Impermanent Resonance", which will be released on August 6 in North America and July 29 in Europe via InsideOut Music. The follow-up to 2010's "Static Impulse", "Impermanent Resonance"was once again conceived with LaBrie's songwriting partner for over a dozen years, Matt Guillory. Guillory not only took the leading role in composing the material, he also handled all of the keyboards and background vocals. The album's lineup is intact from the previous recording, featuring Marco Sfogli from Italy on guitar, Ray Riendeau (HALFORD, MACHINES OF LOVING GRACE) on bass and Swedish drummer Peter Wildoer(DARKANE, MAJESTIC), who was a finalist in the DREAM THEATER drum auditions. Additionally, former SOILWORK guitarist Peter Wichers came into the fold to contribute songwriting and studio guitars.