Review by Paddy Gallagher for MPM
I don’t think anyone was really surprised that Mike Portnoy returned to the drum stool in Dream Theater; it was always a case of when. While the change was unexpected at the time it occurred, it was in fact perfectly timed to celebrate the band’s 40th Anniversary with a tour of Europe and North America. The Paris, France date, was recorded for this release in both audio and visual formats in front of a capacity crowd at the Adidas Arena.
The studio album “Parasomnia” was recorded and released prior to this tour and is the first release with Mike back in the fold, tracks from that album were included in this career spanning setlist, with the Parasomnia Tour only hitting the USA in the latter half of 2025; a different tour, a different setlist.
This live release is Mike’s second album with the band and he’s only (relatively) back in the door, a testament indeed to his phenomenal work rate; as I type a new album from The Neal Morse Band has been announced with a release date of February 2026, with Mike on his usual perch behind the kit. Quarantième: Live à Paris is also a celebration of the re-united iconic DT line up of James LaBrie (vocals), John Pertrucci (guitars), John Myung (bass), Jordan Rudess (keyboards) and Mike Portnoy (drums).
The thing about a Dream Theater gig is the sheer privilege of being in the same space as, and witnessing, the absolute virtuosity on the stage. While the band never strays off into jamming territory, there is plenty of sections throughout the songs for the musicians to flex their fingers and display their talents.
There’s no unnecessary showboating though, every note is precisely where it should be within the context of the music. While the long instrumental passages are well documented to annoy the non-believers out there, Dream Theater fans attend Dream Theater shows to witness this musical dexterity and escape the outside world for the 3-hour show into their own parallel universe.
With every nuance produced by Jordan’s plethora of technology, note from both John Petrucci’s guitar and bass run on John Myung’s 6 string, beat of Mike’s drums, the initiated know exactly what comes next.
The voice of Dream Theater is undisputedly James LaBrie. Dream Theater would not be Dream Theater without his instantly recognisable voice.
The vocal damage he risked by continuing to sing on tour after that serious food poisoning incident in Cuba in 1994 illustrates his dedication to the band; a break wasn’t financially viable to the band with tours booked, had they cancelled there might not be a DT now.
While we have the undisputed talents operating the non-human instruments, the vocalist’s instrument is the voice which naturally can change as the voice box ages. It’s great to hear James still perfectly capable to perform after all he’s been through. Add to that the charismatic frontman role! A 5 piece of consummate talent on display.
We are immersed in the many epics; a masterpiece of composition is included here, title track off the band’s 8th album, “Octavarium”. We can become emotional realising the lyrics of tracks such as “The Spirit Carries On” can be applied to loss in our own lives.
And let’s not forget the band’s dalliance with singles success, “Pull Me Under” which closes out the show. This is also great driving music if not in a 4/4, 3-minute radio friendly way.
https://dream-theater.lnk.to/Quarantieme-Albu
This is a release that any DT fan should own. Any DT curious would do well to add it to their collection. Now, as I said earlier this release is also on Blu-ray. So, if no one minds I’m away to put on the disc and open a wee (?) bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.
DREAM THEATER ONLINE:
