Tag: Dream Theater
0 DREAM THEATER Launches Its First 360° Interactive App (iOS), Out Today, January 9
DREAM THEATER
LAUNCHES ITS FIRST 360° INTERACTIVE APP (iOS)
Dream Theater are proud to announce their first 360° App (iOS). The DreamTheater360° App will offer fans a unique 360° interactive experience into the Grammy-nominated progressive metal titans’ performance as captured onstage by Mativision® multi-camera 360° video technology at Luna Park in Buenos Aires. (App Promo video: http://youtu.be/NthrisVjOC0). The DreamTheater360° App is released on January 9, 2014 and it promises to be a thrilling way for fans to interactively experience the band’s onstage world.
The DreamTheater360° App in its first release will include five interactive songs filmed and produced using the Mativision technology, which virtually transports fans directly onto the Luna Park stage right next to the band members and completely immerses them in a unique experience that they can control in real time. Each fan can direct the show by manipulating Mativision’s multi-camera iOS player, and enjoy the concert in any way they want. They can seamlessly choose to switch from among six different cameras while also being able to rotate camera angles by taping and dragging, or by using the device’s built-in gyroscope. Fans can even zoom in and out or simply switch to “auto pilot” mode and enjoy the show without interaction.
With this groundbreaking app, Dream Theater aim to share with fans all the intense moments of a live performance from right beside them on stage, and provide fans with true interactivity to experience the onstage moments with complete freedom.
Along with the unique interactive 360° content, the DreamTheater360° App will also include enriched up-to-date band-related content such as a biography, discography, photos, and continuously updated tour information, news, and social media.
The first release will be just the start: Mativision will constantly surprise fans with frequent updates, adding more and more amazing and exclusive band content. The DreamTheater360° App is available from the iOS AppStore on the 9th of January, priced at $9.99.
About DREAM THEATER:
With total sales exceeding 10 million albums and DVDs worldwide, Dream Theater have long stood among the upper echelon of hard rock giants. Albums such as 1992’s RIAA gold-certified classic Images & Words (featuring the breakthrough top 10 single, “Pull Me Under”) have earned the Long Island, NY-based band countless accolades for their visionary synthesis of melodic power and virtuosic experimentation, including being named as one of Rolling Stone’s top 10 “Best Prog Rock Bands of All time.” They formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy. Though a number of lineup changes followed, the three original members remained together, along with James LaBrie and Jordan Rudess, until September 2010, when Mike Portnoy exited the band. In October 2010, Dream Theater held auditions for a new drummer, and added drummer extraordinaire Mike Mangini to its roster. DREAM THEATER’s spirit of adventure and fearless musical virtuosity continues to reap dividends for the progressive metal titans who’ve just earned their second Grammy nomination, this time for “Best Metal Performance” for their single “The Enemy Inside” from their current self-titled worldwide smash album on Roadrunner Records. The band received its first-ever Grammy nomination in 2012 for “On The Backs Of Angels” (from their A Dramatic Turn Of Events album) in the “Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance” category.
Mativision® delivers THE ultimate interactive “I Was There” Experience (Live Streamed or VOD). Mativision technology captures live performances/events by using multiple special 360° Mativision cameras. The multi-camera Mativision Player© then allows the performance to be viewed from almost every angle in full 360°. Users can choose between multiple synchronized cameras, rotate their view (look around), zoom in and out, switch to “auto pilot”, with access to lyrics, photos, videos, links to Artist related sites and full social networking connectivity. Mativision Players are available for embedding on any web site, including YouTube, Facebook etc), standalone desktop and/or Apple mobile platforms (iPad, iPhone and selected iPods). Find out more about Mativision at: www.mativision.com or facebook.com/mativisioncom and follow @Mativision on Twitter.
0 Dream Theater – Album Art And Track Listing Revealed!
Dream Theater’s self-titled album – the band’s 12th studio release overall, and fourth with Roadrunner Records – will be released September 24, and now you can check out the cover art and see the track listing below!
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.”
The nine-track disc was recorded at Cove City Studio in Glen Cove, Long Island, with guitarist Petrucci producing and Richard Chycki engineering and mixing. It’s the band’s second album with drummer Mike Mangini, and the first one on which he was a part of the writing process from day one.
In January, Petrucci said of Mangini’s work, “When people hear the drumming on this album, they’re gonna be pretty freaked out. On the last album, he did a great job, but he wasn’t there for the writing process and he was interpreting drum parts that I had programmed. Even though he used his creativity, of course, to change them up and do his thing, I feel like now he’s just Mike Mangini unleashed. It’s all him. It’s all his creativity, all his decisions and ideas and man, the guy’s an animal.”
The track listing for Dream Theater is as follows:
1. False Awakening Suite
i. Sleep Paralysis
ii. Night Terrors
iii. Lucid Dream
2. The Enemy Inside
3. The Looking Glass
4. Enigma Machine
5. The Bigger Picture
6. Behind the Veil
7. Surrender to Reason
8. Along for the Ride
9. Illumination Theory
i. Paradoxe de la Lumière Noire
ii. Live, Die, Kill
iii. The Embracing Circle
iv. The Pursuit of Truth
v. Surrender, Trust & Passion
Dream Theater will be available in a wide range of distinctive versions, including standard and special edition CDs, 180 gram double LP, and a limited edition boxed set. Pre-orders are scheduled to launch in July at the Roadrunner Webstore.
Dream Theater will be on tour in Europe in January and February 2014, and in North America in March 2014.
1 DREAM THEATER Re-Signs With Roadrunner Records
Grammy-nominated band DREAM THEATER, one of rock’s most musically fearless and adventurous bands, has re-signed with Roadrunner Records. The group first signed with Roadrunner Records in January 2007 and has released three critically acclaimed albums with the label. The label first issued DREAM THEATER’s ninth studio album Systematic Chaos in 2007 and went on to release Black Clouds & Silver Linings in 2009 as well as their most recent album, A Dramatic Turn of Events in September 2011. The band will soon begin recording a new album as part of the new agreement with Roadrunner Records.
In 2012 and while with Roadrunner Records, the band received their first-ever Grammy nomination for “On The Backs Of Angels” in the Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance category. The song was the first single from their eleventh studio album A Dramatic Turn Of Events (Roadrunner Records), which had 14 Top 10 debuts around the world including the U.S. where it entered at #8 on theBillboard Top 200 album chart. 2009’s Black Clouds & Silver Linings (Roadrunner Records) also charted strongly, debuting at #6 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart, the highest charting record of the band’s career. They have also won several awards while at Roadrunner Records including Rollingstone.com’s readers’ poll for “Your Favorite Prog Rock Albums of All Time” (2012), several awards from the leading Japanese rock magazine BURRN! (2012)and the “Spirit Of Prog” achievement award at the 2009 Classic Rock Awards. Overall, the legendary progressive metal masters have sold in excess of 10 million records and DVDs worldwide. A powerhouse live act, they’ve headlined and sold out shows all over the globe.
The band commented, “We are all very excited to be re-signing with Roadrunner Records! Over the past 5 years from the release of Systematic Chaos to our latest A Dramatic Turn of Events, we’ve developed strong creative and professional bonds with everyone at Roadrunner as well as many great friendships along the way.”
The band adds: “Roadrunner’s dedication and commitment to Dream Theater has been evident to all of us from the very beginning, and is consistent in all departments and on all levels, right on through to the top. Roadrunner is a record label that is not only great at what they do but who truly understand what Dream Theater is all about as well as the amazing people who support us all around the world whom we proudly call our fans. They are a record company we relate to as an organization firmly rooted in its ideals and mission, while always pushing the envelope in an effort to keep things moving ever forward. We’ve reached many career defining milestones while at Roadrunner and are all incredibly pumped in anticipation of our continued future together!”
DREAM THEATER formed in 1985 under the name Majesty. The lineup has evolved to become John Petrucci (guitar, founding member), John Myung (bass, founding member), James LaBrie (vocals), Jordan Rudess (keyboards and continuum) and drummer Mike Mangini.
DREAM THEATER recently wrapped up a massive worldwide headline tour in support of A Dramatic Turn of Eventsand are heading back into the studio to record their next album. The next chapter in DREAM THEATER’S storied career begins in 2013.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dream-Theater/7677942180
0 DREAM THEATER Announces North American Summer Tour Dates
DREAM THEATER
ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN
SUMMER TOUR DATES
LAUNCHING JUNE 15 AND WRAPPING JULY 21 IN SUPPORT OF THEIR GLOBALLY SUCCESSFUL ALBUM
‘A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS’
WITH SPECIAL GUEST CRIMSON PROJEKCT
DREAM THEATER have annouced a second North American leg of a world tour in support of their acclaimed and globally successful album A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS (Roadrunner). The progressive hard rock icons who’ve sold in excess of 10 million records and DVDs worldwide will launch their summer dates June 15 in Rochester, NY and wrap July 21 in Chester, PA. The tour includes stops at the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles and the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ plus a two-night engagement at the Paramount Theater on Long Island, NY.
Joining DREAM THEATER, starting June 16 in Columbus, Ohio and for the rest of the tour, is special guest Crimson Projekct featuring Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, Markus Reuter, Julie Slick and Tobias Ralph. They’ll be performing the songs of progressive rock legends King Crimson.
For the past few months DREAM THEATER has been touring around the world including visits to Europe and Mexico and are set to begin an Asian tour on April 19 in Seoul. The tour will bring the group to Japan, China, Indonesia, Singapore and Taiwan and will conclude May 8 in Bangkok Thailand.
The band—James LaBrie (Vocals), John Myung (Bass), John Petrucci (Guitar and Vocals), Jordan Rudess (Keyboards and Continuum) and Mike Mangini (Drums)—recently received their first-ever Grammy nomination for “On The Backs Of Angels” in the Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance category. The song is the first single from their 11th studio album A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS (Roadrunner), which had 14 Top 10 debuts around the world including the U.S. where it entered at #8. The album also features the single, “Build Me Up, Break Me Down.” You can watch the lyric video here:
http://www.dreamtheater.net/media/youtube?youtube_id=UgBfdIpunVE.
Meanwhile, A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS is now available on HD Tracks, a digital retailer that offers high resolution downloads. Systematic Chaos and Black Clouds & Silver Linings will soon be available on the platform as well.
Here are DREAM THEATER’s complete tour dates. DREAM THEATER meet & greet and VIP packages are available for all dates. Please visit http://vipnation.com for details.
| Date | City | Venue | |
| Thu | 4/19 | Seoul, KR | Olympic Hall |
| Sat | 4/21 | Jakarta, ID | Mata Elang Indoor Stadium |
| Mon | 4/23 | Osaka, JP | Orix Theater |
| Thu | 4/26 | Fukuoka, JP | Civic Hall |
| Sat | 4/28 | Aichi, JP | Prefectural Art Theater |
| Mon | 4/30 | Yokohama, JP | Arena |
| Wed | 5/2 | Singapore, SG | Kallang Theatre |
| Fri | 5/4 | Beijing, CN | Century Theatre |
| Sun | 5/6 | Taipei, TW | Taipei University Auditorium |
| Tues | 5/8 | Bangkok, TH | Thunder Dome |
| Fri | 6/15 | Rochester, NY | Main Street Armory |
| Sat | 6/16 | Montebello, QC | D-TOX Rockfest |
| Sun | 6/17 | Lewiston, NY | Artpark |
| Tues | 6/19 | Columbus, OH | The LC Pavilion |
| Thu | 6/21 | Cleveland, OH | Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica |
| Fri | 6/22 | Detroit, MI | The Fillmore |
| Sun | 6/24 | Cincinnati, OH | Taft Theater |
| Tues | 6/26 | Minneapolis, MN | State Theater |
| Wed | 6/27 | Chicago, IL | Chicago Theatre |
| Thu | 6/28 | Kansas City, MO | Starlight Theater |
| Sun | 7/1 | San Francisco, CA | Warfield Theatre |
| Mon | 7/2 | Los Angeles, CA | Gibson Amphitheater |
| Tues | 7/3 | Anaheim, CA | The Grove of Anaheim |
| Thu | 7/5 | El Paso, TX | Abraham Chavez Theatre |
| Fri | 7/6 | San Antonio, TX | Majestic Theater |
| Sat | 7/7 | Austin, TX | ACL Live |
| Mon | 7/9 | Grand Prairie, TX | Verizon Theatre |
| Thu | 7/12 | Richmond, VA | The National |
| Fri | 7/13 | Washington, DC | Warner Theatre |
| Sat | 7/14 | Holmdel, NJ | PNC Bank Arts Center |
| Tues | 7/17 | Boston, MA | Bank of America Pavilion |
| Wed | 7/18 | Huntington, NY | Paramount Theater |
| Thu | 7/19 | Huntington, NY | Paramount Theater |
| Sat | 7/21 | Chester, PA | Harrah’s Chester Downs |
Here are some critical soundbites from the media about A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS, the band’s 11th studio album.
“The group’s members are clearly enjoying a rediscovered melodicism and experimentation in their songwriting. Dream Theater digs in with impressive might into hook-heavy twisting journeys like ‘Bridges In The Sky,’ ‘Breaking All Illusions’ and ‘Outcry,’ yet also softens into a vulnerability never heard before on songs like ‘Far From Heaven’ and ‘Beneath The Surface’…Fans, rejoice: The spirit carries on, every much intact.”
–Chuck Taylor, BILLBOARD, October 15, 2011
“’Spine-tingling’ is a term that can be applied to the whole of the album… Dream Theater’s stunning new masterpiece, which sees the band – Petrucci, LaBrie, bassist John Myung, keyboardist Jordan Rudess and new drummer Mike Mangini – performing at the top of their game. Mixed by Grammy Award winner Andy Wallace (Nirvana, Rage Against The Machine), it’s a sonic wonder that keeps revealing surprises even after multiple spins.”
–Joe Bosso, MUSICRADAR.COM, August 17, 2011
“Dream Theater have done exactly what they needed to do with this album. John Petrucci’s production is fantastic … This is classic Dream Theater, and it’s their best for many years. ”
— ALTSOUNDS.COM, September 16, 2011
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dream-Theater/7677942180
For an interview with DREAM THEATER, go here:
http://raisethequestion.com/2007/12/dream-theater/
(MSO Q+A site)
2 New Dream Theater “On The Backs of Angels” Track Online Now!
Dream Theater’s new song “On The Backs of Angels” from their up and coming CD, A Dramatic Turn of Events is now online on the band’s youtube channel. Go here to check it out!
0 A Dramatic Turn of Events: Dream Theater Release New Album
Progressive titans Dream Theater have announced the title/release date of their new album.
The recent announcement that Mike Mangini would be joining Dream Theater, replacing departed drummer Mike Portnoy caused such fanfare that Mangini was a trending topic on Twitter, second only to England’s Royal Wedding. Now, the band is revealing more information about their upcoming album. The new album is titled A Dramatic Turn of Events. The much-anticipated platter, which marks Mangini’s recorded debut, will be released via Roadrunner Records on September 13th and will be supported by a massive world tour.
“I’m incredibly psyched with the way this album came out and can’t wait to share it with everybody,” guitarist John Petrucci, who also serves as the producer for A Dramatic Turn of Events, said. “We are currently in the mix stage with the great Andy Wallace and it’s all sounding amazing!”
“We have poured our hearts and minds into the creation of this album,” keyboardist Jordan Rudess offered. “All the life changing events that surrounded us before, as well as during the whole process, fueled our desire to dig deep within ourselves and create the best music we possibly could.”
Vocalist James LaBrie said, “In the grand scheme of Dream Theater’s career, the last several months have been such an incredibly positive, fulfilling and rewarding experience. The new songs and sound has never been so spirited or rejuvenating. I cannot wait for every one of our fans to sink their audio senses into this batch of tunes.”
The track listing for A Dramatic Turn of Events is as follows:
On the Backs of Angels
Build Me Up, Break Me Down
Lost Not Forgotten
This is the Life
The Shaman’s Trance
Outcry
Far From Heaven
Breaking All Illusions
Beneath The Surface
About DREAM THEATER:
Progressive metal band Dream Theater formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung and Mike Portnoy. Though a number of lineup changes followed, the three original members remained together along with James LaBrie and Jordan Rudess until September 8, 2010, when Mike Portnoy left the band. In October 2010, the band held auditions for a new drummer, and added Mike Mangini to its roster.
Dream Theater’s tenth studio album, Black Clouds & Silver Linings (Roadrunner Records), was released on June 23, 2009. It entered the U.S. Billboard 200 at #6 and Eurochart Hot 100 at #1, marking their highest entry on either chart. Black Clouds & Silver Linings – a highlight of their 25-year career – was praised by Mojo magazine’s Paul Elliott: “…their lofty ideals remain intact. By modern criteria, Black Clouds & Silver Linings is as highbrow as The Mars Volta, as grandiose as Muse and as heavy as Metallica.”
The legendary progressive metal masters have sold in excess of 10,000,000 records and DVDs worldwide.
0 Dream Theater Names New Drummer
4 Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater posted the following on the DT blog tonight:
I am about to write something I never imagined I’d ever write:
After 25 years, I have decided to leave Dream Theater….the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century.
To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision…it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so….
After having had such amazing experiences playing with Hail, Transatlantic and Avenged Sevenfold this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater…
Please don’t misinterpret me, I love the DT guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them…it’s just that I think we are in serious need of a little break…
Dream Theater was always my baby…and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985…24/7, 365…never taking time off from DT’s never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was “off” between cycles)…working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band…
But I’ve come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me out…and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DT spirit hungry and inspired.
We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here & there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a “hiatus” to recharge our batteries and “save me from ourselves”…
Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather…I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be…
While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!!), I do not want to stand in their way…so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes….
Strangely enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about the future of DT and I talked about “always following your heart and being true to yourself”…sadly I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with Dream Theater…and I would simply be “going through the motions”, and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I felt I needed.
I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come…I am proud of every album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played….
I’m sorry to all the disappointed DT fans around the world…I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work…I honestly just wanted a break (not a split)…but happiness cannot be forced, it needs to come from within….
You DT fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you all know, I have always busted my ass for you guys and I hope that you will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead me….(and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no shortage of future MP projects!)
Sadly…
Your fearless ex-leader and drummer,
MP
“Move on be brave, don’t weep at my grave, because I am no longer here…
But please never let your memory of me disappear….”
— The Spirit Carries On
2 New Video – Avenged Sevenfold – Nightmare
Check out Avenged Sevenfold’s latest video, “Nightmare” below! Avenged Sevenfold’s new album, Nightmare, featuring Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy on drums, will be released, and in stores tomorrow (July 27th, 2010).
0 New Video – Dream Theater – A Rite of Passage
Check out Dream Theater’s new video, “A Rite of Passage” below. “A Rite of Passage” is the first single that was released off of the new Dream Theater album, Black Clouds & Silver Linings.
4 Free Download From Dream Theater Today Only!!
“A Rite Of Passage” FREE MP3 on RoadrunnerRecords.com – 24-hour promotion!
Starting on May 6th at 12AM EST you can follow the link below to download a free MP3 of “A Rite Of Passage”, the first track from Dream Theater’s upcoming album Black Clouds & Silver Linings, in stores 06.23.09.
The FREE MP3 will be available for 24 hours. After that, the track will stream on RoadrunnerRecords.com.
1 Dream Theater’s Progressive Nation Tour to Start in July
Dream Theater’s Progressive Nation 2009 Tour featuring Zappa Plays Zappa, Pain of Salvation and Beardfish kicks off in July. Check below for tour dates.
Fri July 24th – Fillmore @ Jackie Gleason Theater – Miami, FL
Sat July 25th – Rock Hard Live – Orlando, FL
Tues July 28th – The Tabernacle – Atlanta, GA
Wed July 29th – Thomas Wolfe Auditorium – Ashville, NC
Sat Aug 1st – Merriweather Post – Washington DC *
Sun Aug 2nd – Bank Of America Pavillion – Boston, MA
Tues Aug 4th – The Palace Theater – Albany, NY
Tues Aug 11th – The Agora – Quebec City, QUE
Wed Aug 12th – Bell Center – Montreal, QUE
Fri Aug 14th – Molson Amphitheater – Toronto, ONT
Sun Aug 16th – The Burton Cummings Theater – Winnipeg, MAN
Tues Aug 18th – MacEwan Hall – Calgary, AB
Wed Aug 19th – Shaw Conference Center – Edmonton, AB
Fri Aug 21st – The Orpheum Theater – Minneapolis, MN
Sat Aug 22nd – Riverside Theater – Milwaukee, WI
Sun Aug 23rd – Chicago Theater – Chicago, IL
Tues Aug 25th – Temple Hoyne Buell Theater – Denver, CO
Sat Aug 29th – The Greek Theater – Los Angeles, CA
* – Additional Special Guests on the 8/1 Washington DC show will be Queensryche
(a special one-off 5 band Progressive Nation bill for 1 night only!)
0 BIGELF ADDED TO PROGRESSIVE NATION TOUR THIS FALL!!!
DREAM THEATER TO TAKE THEIR “PROGRESSIVE NATION 2009” TOUR TO EUROPE / UK IN THE FALL WITH SPECIAL GUESTS: OPETH, BIGELF AND UNEXPECT
New York progressive metal veterans DREAM THEATER will take their PROGRESSIVE NATION tour overseas for the first time with a run through Europe and the UK throughout Sept, Oct and Nov 2009.
PROGRESSIVE NATION founder and mastermind, DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy, once again hand-picked the bands based on musicianship, originality and diversity…not necessarily by popularity and marquee value. He comments: “After the excitement of putting together two very cool PROGRESSIVE NATION packages for North America, I knew it was time to bring the concept overseas and share some of these other great bands with our amazing fans throughout Europe and the UK”.
Joining the tour will be DT’s tourmates from PN08 (and Roadrunner Records labelmates), the legendary OPETH from Stockholm Sweden. Vocalist/Guitarist Mikael Akerfeldt was excited to partake in another PROGRESSIVE NATION experience: “Once my man “The Port” suggested they’re going to bring PROGRESSIVE NATION over to Europe, I more or less begged him to get us on it, haha! We had such a great time doing it in North America and it did many great things for us as a band. It’s fair to say that I can’t wait to get going with this one. It will be a blast, believe me!!”
Los Angeles band BIGELF will bring their unique brand of psychedelic, progressive hard rock to PN09. Vocalist/Keyboardist Damon Fox adds: “When I first met Mike Portnoy, I felt like we were cut from the same cloth, a brother from another mother. We could talk rock & roll for eons (we probably will on tour, hell yeah!). Being added to the PROGRESSIVE NATION tour feels like the planets have aligned for us and the elves have finally come home to Rivendell. The mentality of Dream Theater and PROGRESSIVE NATION reminds me of a quote from the great Willy Wonka, “There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination. Living there, you’ll be free if you truly wish to be…” We eagerly await our return to Northern Europe and on a special note, we have never performed in England. This has driven us completely mad over the years. We are just brimming with passion and excitement to be able to bring our music back to the homeland which has inspired us so deeply.”
6 New Dream Theater Album “Black Clouds & Silver Lining” June 23rd
Dream Theater will release their new album, “Black Clouds & Silver Lining” on June 23rd, 2009 via Roadrunner Records.
Track Listing:
1. A Nightmare to Remember
2. A Rite of Passage
3. Wither
4. The Shattered Fortress
5. The Best of Times
6. The Count of Tuscany
3 Sweden Rock Festival Confirms First 22 Bands, 50 More To Be Named
Sweden Rock Festival – Solvesborg 3-4-5-6 June 2009
22 of 75 bands confirmed – tickets on sale now at www.swedenrock.com!
Saturday evening, during the Sweden Rock Kick Off party in Stockholm, the first 22 bands confirmed for the 2009 edition of the Sweden Rock Festival were announced. At the same time, limited edition 4-day tickets were released. These tickets will only be available until January 31st and the price is the same as last year: 1990 SEK plus advance fee. 1-day, 3-day and regular 4-day tickets will be on sale from February 1st.
In other news for next years festival, is that the Rock Stage sound system will be upgraded to Festival Stage standards, the number of water closets on the festival ground will be increased by 50 percent, and an extended collaboration with Visit Blekinge will provide visitors better service for booking accommodation and ground travel.
Bands confirmed so far:
In Flames (S) – Will bring the biggest stage production in the bands history and perform a “special” setlist. Additional surprises are to be expected. This will be the bands only show in Sweden next summer.
Heaven & Hell (UK/US) – Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio on vocals. The first Black Sabbath studio album in 14 years will be released in March – under the name Heaven & Hell to avoid confusion with the still active Ozzy Osbourne fronted version of the band. This will be their only show in Sweden.
Dream Theater (US) – The prog metal masters have decided to start the European tour at Sweden Rock Festival. This will be their only show in Scandinavia in 2009.
Europe (S) – The most successful rock band in Swedish history. Headlined SRF 2004. Will release a new album in May.
Foreigner (US) – Have sold more than 50 million records but only played in Sweden once before, in 1991. This will be their only show in Sweden in 2009.
Hammerfall (S) – The new line-up featuring original bass player Fredrik Larsson and Poodles/Talisman/Great King Rat axeman Pontus Norgren will bring a super sized stage show, exclusive to Sweden Rock Festival!
Motorhead (UK/S) – The Sweden Rock Festival “house band” are once again bringing their full stage show including the “Bomber” plane ligting rig.
Lita Ford (USA) – She put her career on ice in 1997, but now she is back! This will be her only show in Scandinavia.
Uriah Heep (UK) – Recently released their first studio album in ten years.
Marillion (UK) – The only show in Scandinavia in 2009.
Amon Amarth (S)
Riot (USA) – The “Thundersteel” and “Privilige of Power” line-up reunited, exclusively for Sweden Rock Festival!
Blackfoot (USA) – The only show in Sweden this summer.
Soilwork (S)
Forbidden (US) – The only show in Sweden.
The Outlaws (USA) – The only show in Scandinavia.
The Tubes (USA) – The only show in Scandinavia.
Bullet (S)
Seventh Wonder (S)
Stormzone (Irl)
Torch (S)
Enforcer (S)
Another 50 bands will be added to the line-up!
More information about all bands confirmed so far, about our tickets and the festival in general can be found on our website, www.swedenrock.com.
Source: swedenrock.com
6 2008 New Rock Releases and Reissues (Updated)
I started compiling the following list of New releases for 2008. This may not be a complete list, but so much great new music has arrived in 2008, so far, I though it would be a good idea to keep a running tab of what has come out, and what is on the way. The releases through August have been confirmed. Releases with a question mark have not been confirmed yet. This list will be updated as more news arrives.
Updated July 9, 2008
January
Drive By Truckers – Brigher Than Creation’s Dark
Airbourne – Running Wild (U.S. Release)
Bullet For My Valentine – Scream Aim Fire
Gamma Ray – Land of the Free, Part 2
Ayreon – 01011001
American Speedway – Ship of Fools
Lillian Axe – Love and War (Reissue)
Lillian Axe – S/T (Reissue)
Sleeze Beez – Screwed Blued & Tattooed (Reissue)
Sleeze Beez – Powertool (Reissue)
Stonerider – Three Legs of Trouble
Thieves & Liars – When Dreams Become Reality
Tiles – Fly Paper
Saint Daemon – In Shadows Lost From the Brave
Pagan’s Mind – God’s Equation
February
DVD – Iron Maiden – Live After Death
DVD – Scorpions – Live at Wacken Open Air 2006
DVD – Overkill – Live at Wacken Open Air 2007
DVD – Thin Lizzy – Live and Dangerous
Three – End is Begun
Pillar – For the Love of the Game
Avantasia – The Scarecrow
UFO – Phenomenon (Reissue)
UFO – No Heavy Pettin (Reissue)
UFO – Force It (Reissue)
Type O Negative – Dead Again (Red Version)
Hurricane – Over the Edge (Reissue)
Hurricane – Take What You Want (Reissue)
Hurricane – Slave To the Thrill (Reissue)
Hericane Alice – Tear the House Down (Reissue)
Baton Rouge – Shake Your Soul (Reissue)
Baton Rouge – Lights Out on The Playground (Reissue)
Wrathchild America – Climbing the Walls (Reissue)
Tangier – Four Winds (Reissue)
Tangier – Stranded (Reissue)
Danko Jones – Never Too Loud
King’s Call – No Alibi
March
Benedictum – Seasons of Tragedy
Inflikted – Cavalera Conspiracy
Saving Abel – S/T
Steve Stevens – Memory Crash
Firewind – The Premonition
DVD – Zebra
King Kobra – Ready to Strike (Reissue)
King Kobra – Thrill of a Lifetime (Reissue)
Icon – Right Between the Eyes (Reissue)
Black Tide – Light From Above
House of Lords – Come To My Kingdom
Warrior – Fighting For The Earth (Reissue)
Shannon – Angel in Disguise
Whitecross – 1987
Black Crowes – Warpaint
Diamond Head – Borrowed Time (Reissue)
Diamond Head – Canterbury (Reissue)
April
Fatal Smile – World Domination
Saints of the Underground – Love the Sin, Hate the Sinner
Theory of a Deadman – Scars & Souvenirs
Whitesnake – Good To Be Bad
Dominici – 03 A Trilogy Part 3
Asia – Phoenix
Testament – The Formation of Damnation
The Sword – Gods of The Earth
Dream Theater – Greatest Hit (And 21 other pretty cool songs)
P.O.D. – When Angels and Serpents Dance
Sevendust – Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow
In Flames – Sense of Purpose
Kamelot – Ghost Opera: The Second Coming
Ministry – Cover Up
DVD – Axel Rudi Pell – Live Over Europe
Keel – Lay Down the Law (Reissue)
White Lion – Return of the Pride
Circle II Circle – Delusions of Grandeur
Crimson Glory – S/T (Reissue)
Crimson Glory – Transcendence (Reissue)
Tantric – The End Begins
Nine Inch Nails – Ghosts I – IV
May
Iron Maiden – Somewhere Back In Time: The Best Of 1980-1989
MSG – In the Midst of Beauty
3 Doors Down – S/T
Bombay Black – Psycho Magnet
Def Leppard – Songs From The Sparkle Lounge
Kip Winger – From the Moon To the Sun
Eden – Oblivion
King’s X – XV
M.ILL.ION – Thrill Of The Chase
Dokken – Lightning Strikes Again
10 Years – Division
Jon Oliva’s Pain – Global Warning
Flotsam and Jetsam – Cuatro (Reissue)
Gun Barrel – Outlaw invasion
Brother Firetribe – Heart Full of Fire
Circle II Circle – Delusions of Grandeur
Southern Gentleman – Valley of Fire
10 Years – Division
Glenn Hughes – First Underground Nuclear Kitchen
Souls of We – Let The Truth Be Known (Featuring George Lynch and London LeGrand)
June
Disturbed – Indestructible
Bret Michaels – Rock My World
Man Raze – Surreal
Motley Crue – Saints of Los Angeles
Judas Priest – Nostradamus (2 CD Set)
JORN – Lonely Are the Brave
Flotsam & Jetsam – When The Storm Comes Down (Reissue)
Clusterhead – Times of No Trust
Shinedown – The Sound of Madness
Harem Scarem – Hope
Valient Thorr – Immortalizer
July
The Dogs Divine – Way of Life
Stephen Pearcy – Under My Skin
Tesla – Comin Atcha Live – DVD
Hydrogyn – Deadly Passions
Gypsy Rose – S/T (Featuring David Reece)
Harem Scarem – Hope
Ritchie Kotzen – Live in San Paolo
Silent Rage – Four Letter World
Night Ranger – Hole in the Sun
Jet Black Stare – In This Life
Jesse James Dupree and Dixie Inc – Rev It Up and Go Go
Alice Cooper – Along Came a Spider
Black Sabbath – The Rules of Hell CD Boxset
August
Black Stone Cherry – Folklore & Superstition
Slipknot – All Hope is Gone
Trapt – Only Through The Pain (Aug 5th)
The Showdown – Back Breaker
Dragonforce – Ultra Beatdown
Extreme – Saudades De Rock (Aug 15th)
Asphalt Valentine?
September
Tesla?
Papa Roach – Metamorphisis
Evergrey – Torn
Bullet – Bite the Bullet
Buckcherry – Black Butterfly
Metallica – Death Magnetic
Iced Earth – The Crucible Of Man (Something Wicked Part II)
October
Anthrax?
November
Starbreaker – Love’s Dying Wish
December
AC/DC?
Aerosmith?
7 New Iron Maiden Tribute CD from Kerrang!
“Iron Maiden are 10% cooler than every other band!” Lars Ulrich, Metallica.
Kerrang! team up with Metallica, Machine Head, Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold and more for an a world exclusive, all star Iron Maiden tribute album!
15 of Kerrang!’s favourite bands have come together to pay tribute to the planet’s greatest metal band – Iron Maiden!
Following on from our 2006 Kerrang! Remastered CD in honour of Metallica’s Master Of Puppets, this latest collection – Maiden Heaven – features bands covering tracks from Iron Maiden’s legendary career, and will be given away free in Kerrang! issue 1219 on sale July 16.
The CD includes world exclusive performances from Metallica, Machine Head, Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, Coheed And Cambria, Gallows and more!
Chatting exclusively to Kerrang!, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich tells the readers how much respect the Bay Area thrashers have for the Brit metal legends.
“Iron Maiden are 10% cooler than every other band,” says Ulrich. “From their relationship with their fans, to their album covers to their stages, to their live presentation, to their photos – whatever they did was always cooler than what everyone else did! I have always had an incredible amount of respect and admiration for them and obviously getting a chance to be part of this CD feels that that has come a full circle. We played Remember Tomorrow as it was basically the blueprint for songs like Fade To Black and Welcome Home (Sanitarium), and some of the more epic ballady type of songs that Metallica had done later. We had so much fun with this!”
Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn is equally excited to be a part of this project.
“When I was a kid Iron Maiden were a very big deal to me and the influence they had on Machine Head has been huge,” he reveals. “We decided to cover Hallowed Be Thy Name for this CD because it’s just such a great song, in fact it’s a classic. I just love the way the vocal line goes up and down, so dramatic. If someone who’d never heard them wanted to know what Iron Maiden sounded like I’d point them in the direction of Hallowed Be Thy Name.”
Metal heroes Trivium are happy to admit their own brand of heavy tunes could never have existed without Maiden’s worldwide influence.
“Iron Maiden helped create what we know as heavy metal,” states frontman Matt Heafy. “Their influence can be heard on classic and contemporary bands alike; their fan base spans across the youngest and newest of heavy music recruits all the way to the diehard, life-long metal elite. We chose to play the track Iron Maiden, as the song that screamed out our love for them musically, and we knew it would be a really fun song to jam out in the studio. It was an honour to be able to play one of Iron Maiden’s tracks and have the opportunity to contribute to this amazing CD. We hope everyone has as much fun listening to it as we did making it!”
Meanwhile, Avenged Sevenfold – who have been picked to support Maiden at their upcoming Twickenham Stadium show on July 5 – say they are “honoured” to be part of this Kerrang! tribute. “Maiden are by far the best live band in the world and their music is timeless,” says vocalist M Shadows. “This also gives us a chance to expose this great song to some of our younger fans who maybe aren’t as familiar with Iron Maiden.”
UK hardcore punk rockers Gallows chose to contribute a version of Wrathchild to the collection.
“We’re actually all huge Maiden fans and while learning Wrathchild we discovered a new found respect for the band as musicians,” says guitarist Laurent Barnard. “Some of their riffs are pretty fast and Steve Harris has definitely earned his place as a bass legend! We’re so happy we were asked to be included!”
This Kerrang! Maiden Heaven CD’s arrival coincides with the band’s European leg of their Somewhere Back In Time World Tour – and follows on from the release of their own collection Somewhere Back In Time: The Best Of 80-89.
“Maiden much appreciate and are very flattered by all the time spent on this by a lot of great bands,” says Iron Maiden’s manager Rod Smallwood, “and would like to thank them, and also Kerrang!, for the honour. Thanks everyone!”
Pick up your copy of Kerrang! issue 1219 on sale July 16 for your own copy of Maiden Heaven.
MAIDEN HEAVEN tracklisting
Black Tide – Prowler
Metallica – Remember Tomorrow
Avenged Sevenfold – Flash Of The Blade
Glamour Of The Kill – 2 Minutes To Midnight
Coheed and Cambria – The Trooper
DevilDriver – Wasted Years
Sign – Run To The Hills
Dream Theater – To Tame A Land
Madina Lake – Caught Somewhere In Time
Gallows – Wrathchild
Fightstar – Fear Of The Dark
Machine Head – Hallowed Be Thy Name
Trivium – Iron Maiden
Year Long Disaster – Running Free
Ghostlines – Brave New World
1 Watch Tower – Energetic Disassembly (Release Year – 1985)
Quite a few bands have mentioned Watch Tower as one of their influences. Watch Tower’s impact on progressive rock and metal can be heard on their debut record, Energetic Disassembly.
This CD is a fairly short listen, clocking in at under forty minutes, but it is definitely worth the time spent.
Not only did Energetic Disassembly launch the careers of Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys/Broken Teeth) and Billy White., it also influenced the sound of many future progressive metal acts, including Dream Theater.
This Texas quartet’s music is best described as technical thrash. Think early Metallica style thrash with a bunch of progressive style time changes. Those of you who are familiar with Jason McMaster’s work in Dangerous Toys, have never heard him sing like
this. Most of his vocals are sung at a higher, ear splitting register. His vocal approach was a lot more common by the speed metal acts of the 80’s.
The musicianship is nothing short of stellar on this disc. Not only does Billy White’s guitar work shine on this disc, but Doug Keyser’s bass work really stands out. Watch Tower’s sound may be a little on the experimental side, but fans of early 80’s thrash, will most certainly like this. If there are any downfalls with this disc, it would be with the production. The production quality is a little on the thin side, but this doesn’t hurt your listening experience.
Those wanting to hear one of the early pioneers of thrash metal music need to seek out Energetic Disassembly. This disc was out of print for quite some time, and was recently reissued by Rockadrome. It can be purchased from CD Baby.com. Check it out!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Violent Change
2. Asylum
3. Tyrants in distress
4. Social Fears
5. Energetic Disassembly
6. Argonne Forest
7. Cimmerian Shadows
8. Meltdown
Watchtower is:
Jason McMaster / vocals
Billy White / guitar
Doug Keyser / bass
Rick Colaluca / drums
3 Dream Theater – Images and Words (Release Year – 1992)
I still remember the day when I heard Pull Me Under on the radio for the first time. I was out of town for business in Detroit. The DJ didn’t say who it was, but I was immediately blown away. I had to know who this was, and quickly.
Images and Words was the release that opened up the world of progressive metal for this listener. At the time of this album’s release, glam metal was on the decline. Progressive metal offered listeners something new, and Images and Words, quickly put Dream Theater on top of the progressive metal scene.
Images and Words is Dream Theater’s second release, and the first for singer James Labrie. The first CD, When Dream and Day Unite, didn’t take off, and the band’s singer Charlie Dominici was fired. The band didn’t start gaining success until James Labrie joined the group.
I did not start paying attention to this genre of metal until I heard this album. Images
and Words offers a somewhat unique style that was certainly ground breaking to me, and many others. The musicianship on this record is nothing short of stellar. John Petrucci showcases his awesome guitar skills, and Mike Portnoy proves to be one of the best drummers out there. James Labrie’s great voice ties it all together for one nice package.
There are a few songs that blend well with mainstream metal including Pull Me Under, Another Day, and Take the Time. It isn’t until later in the album where you find gems like Metropolis Part 1, a nine minute monster of a song that seems to fly by. Dream Theater can craft heavy tunes, and turn on a dime, and create music that is AOR quality. They back up their tunes with incredible live performances. For this listener, Images and Words is still an extraordinary listening experience. This release is essential for all progressive rock and metal fans.
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Pull Me Under
2. Another Day
3. Take The Time
4. Surrounded
5. Metropolis – Part 1 “The Miracle And The Sleeper”
6. Under A Glass Moon
7. Wait For Sleep
8. Learning To Live
Dream Theater is:
James LaBrie – vocals
John Myung – bass
John Petrucci – guitars, vocals
Mike Portnoy – drums, percussion, vocals
Kevin Moore – keyboards
1 New Video – Dream Theater – Forsaken
0 Dream Theater on XBOX 360 Live!
How many of you are gamers? How many of you own an Xbox 360 Live? How many of you like Dream Theater? If you own an Xbox 360 Live and like Dream Theater, the band has been featured as the Xbox Live Artist of the Month for December.
If you’re cool and own one of these kickass game systems, you can download all sorts of exclusive shit such as behind the scenes tour footage, and a handful of live concert video recorded during the band’s recent European tour, as well as the video for “Constant Motion”.
On top of that, all five members of Dream Theater are participating in the Game with Fame portion of the promotion this Wednesday, December 5th from 5 – 8 PM EST. They will be playing several video games through Xbox Live with fans, including “Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge.” Head here for more details.
1 3 Joins Progressive Nation Tour
3 to tour with Dream Theater, Opeth, and Between the Buried and Me on the Progressive Nation tour!!!
Just off the heals of completing two very successful tours, one
with the Scorpions and the other with Porcupine Tree, Woodstock NY’s 3 have now just confirmed a spot on Progressive Nation’s inaugural tour! 3 will be joining Dream Theater, Opeth, and Between the Buried and Me on the first ever run of the Progressive Nation tour and are sure to turn heads with their unique blend of pop, funk and hard rock.
The tour is the brainchild of DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy who explains: “I’ve been wanting to assemble a package tour like this for many years now. With all of the festivals and package tours that go through America, I’ve been talking with our manager and agent for over 10 years now about doing something that focuses on the more progressive, musician-oriented side of hard rock and metal. I decided it was time to stop talking the talk, lace up and finally walk the walk”
Here’s what 3 had to say about being one of the bands on this prestigious tour: “3 is very pleased to announce its participation in the PROGRESSIVE NATION tour. For well over a decade DREAM THEATER has been the vanguard of progressive rock and we are completely psyched to flex with these heavyweights, playing much of our new record “The End is Begun”. This package will rock and awe fans everywhere as one of the most important tours of the year. It’s a progressive way of music, a progressive way of life….welcome to the PROGRESSIVE NATION tour.”
ON FEBRUARY 19, METAL BLADE RECORDING ARTISTS 3 ARE SET TO RELEASE THEIR SOPHOMORE MASTERPIECE “THE END IS BEGUN” WITH BONUS TRACK AND BONUS DVD
Woodstock, NY’s progressive rock geniuses 3, proudly announce their highly acclaimed sophomore release, The End is Begun, will be re-released as a digipak on February 19, 2008. The audio CD will feature the 13 previously released explosive, mind boggling tracks as well as a bonus track; 3’s spin on the classic Pink Floyd song, “See Emily Play”…which will be track #14 on the audio disc. The bonus DVD will feature live performances of the songs: ‘Monster’, ‘Bramfatura’ and ‘Amaze Disgrace’ (all songs from the band’s previous Metal Blade records release, Wake Pig) from the Metal Blade 25th Anniversary show from Worcester, Massachusetts. Production videos of the songs, ‘All that Remains’ and ‘Alien Angel’ will also be included on the bonus DVD.
3 will partake in the ‘Progressive Nation’ tour featuring progressive rock legends, Dream Theater; Sweden’s finest death metallers in Opeth; as well as acclaimed metal act Between the Buried and Me. Dates for the tour will be announced shortly and will be just in time after the February 19, 2008 release of The End is Begun digipak.
Hard Rock Hideout 