I halfway through. Just finished track #4. I'm enjoying it. I admit, DT has become a bit of a formulative since Train of Thought, but it's a formula I like. The mix itself - I've yet to hear a mix from a metal band that breaks the mold and blows me away. I would describe it as "fine". I think it's just a limitation of the genre. I think there's only so much you can do with music with heavy guitars.
Dream Theater - Parasomnia (Atmos Blu-Ray!) - Feb 7, 2025
- Thread starter alansanchez86
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I like the music too, but the mix could have been so much more. The heights and surround backs are almost silent for long periods of time, but som songs are better than others, an uneven mix to me. 
The latest Opeth has a better mix for a heavy guitars band, I think.
The latest Opeth has a better mix for a heavy guitars band, I think.
stoopid
is as nasty does
Someone needs to get a Hirez poll going.
JulesRules
701 Club - QQ All-Star
Apparently one piece of artwork was also used by Syme for another recent release. Lazy.
Some of his more recent art is just slightly altered stock imagery (I've noticed this when I randomly came across the black hole visualization that's on the 12" of "Cygnus X-1", just without the added cork).
stoopid
is as nasty does
The atmos folded down to 5.1 is very respectable. Like when they use the rears for the toms (AFtK SW's mix also does this with Pearts drums). The visuals are a bit of a mixed bag, but more than what most artists bother to include.
On a whole I'm enjoying this album more than I have any DT releases in a long time. I can always find things in the recent albums to justify a listen, but this really does feel like as much a return to form than I've heard in a while (since maybe Black Clouds). Bend the Clock is a sleeper track.
On a whole I'm enjoying this album more than I have any DT releases in a long time. I can always find things in the recent albums to justify a listen, but this really does feel like as much a return to form than I've heard in a while (since maybe Black Clouds). Bend the Clock is a sleeper track.
SharpKnight
Active Member
Yes, the original artist Orion has come forth with this allegation and has received an apology from the artist Hugh Syme as well as Mike Portnoy. Lots of backlash for cancelling Syme for future works.
But hey, was I right or was I right when I wrote about the artwork here previously? Perhaps Syme should have asked the AI, "and don't recycle my previous art stupid!".
All in all, I am sticking to my guns, this artwork is uncalled for. You flip through such a booklet once and never look at it again. Unless it has a hidden message in all the witchcraft and sorcery that spell out "Eat my balls and shit" (DT fans will get the reference) hidden for the teenage fans to figure out on a night with a Ouija board app, its become a tasteless product and a cliché for metal albums. .
I take the artwork thing a step further - box sets are a huge waste. But it's the economics of it. They feel in order to charge say $75 for an Atmos re-issue, that need to include a bunch of crap and limit the production to create a false high demand - and they probably actually do in order for people to feel they got their monies worth and make them feel like they have something special. Part of the stupid human condition. I would be happy to pay $60 or whatever for the disc alone and/or digital download.
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Just got mine dropped off by DHL about 2 hours ago. Not quite understanding the packaging complaints. It's standard European "earbook" sized packaging that has been used for a few decades now. Slides right on a shelf along side vinyl. Maybe those in the U.S. are unfamiliar with the format?
stoopid
is as nasty does
No, we get the same sets here. People need to complain (or "vent", which isn't a term I hear much anymore).
stoopid
is as nasty does
In this particular case, the bluray visuals cycle through all the artbook images at least once, some of them several times. It does make the artbook a bit moot and an oversize lyrics sheet. However, as a standalone product it's fine and does what it sets out to -- add some quality printed images that (supposedly) overlap with some of the meaning/intent of the songs.
For the relatively lowish price of the set, the artbook's value is standard fare. It's been this way for several years now.
Not being into dark magic, witchcraft, etc I withhold judgment on how pertinent the images are in amplifying those concepts of the album. It's a spooky album with spooky art. It's at the very least consistent.
I didn't notice a poll yet.
30% SURROUND MIX (1.5)
Yeah DT has never understand surround and that remains true here. 5/10 so 1.5
30% AUDIO FIDELITY (1.8)
It sounds good, I like the darker music and it is slightly more varied than in recent years. 6/10 so 1.8
30% CONTENT (1.8)
Media book, CD, instrumentals and no bonus materials on the BR. 6/10 so 1.8
10% OVERALL PACKAGE (.8)
I like the mediabook format and the price was acceptable compared to some artists. 8/10 (.8)
That takes this to 5.9 rounding to 6.
I think that is a fair rating. I like the music, will use the BR more than the CD but the mix was a downer .. especially following EJ's Diamonds in ATMOS
30% SURROUND MIX (1.5)
Yeah DT has never understand surround and that remains true here. 5/10 so 1.5
30% AUDIO FIDELITY (1.8)
It sounds good, I like the darker music and it is slightly more varied than in recent years. 6/10 so 1.8
30% CONTENT (1.8)
Media book, CD, instrumentals and no bonus materials on the BR. 6/10 so 1.8
10% OVERALL PACKAGE (.8)
I like the mediabook format and the price was acceptable compared to some artists. 8/10 (.8)
That takes this to 5.9 rounding to 6.
I think that is a fair rating. I like the music, will use the BR more than the CD but the mix was a downer .. especially following EJ's Diamonds in ATMOS
SharpKnight
Active Member
Really? I thought the self-titled from 2013 had an exciting and stimulating 5.1 mix on the DVD-A, done by Chycki.
I am in currently in the process of listening to the Distance Over Time mix, but then came Systematic Chaos off eBay so I'm back like a few records with this assessment.
But all in all, it's wishing too much from that department. I myself felt Portnoy being a home theater enthusiast would have pushed for a great surround mix in these times of ubiquitous Atmos music. The man can only do so much, and perhaps wanted held himself back given his age and return to DT. He's already written about fans sucking his blood in "Never Enough".
perhaps it would have been better worded like 'as with recent releases, their use of surround remains pedestrian at best' or something like that.
I'll have to spin DT/DT again, it has been awhile.
I'll have to spin DT/DT again, it has been awhile.
Hmm. These kinds of comments/lyrical references from artists can be frustrating. I can think of others too, such as Roger Waters and Peter Hammill. They are speaking from the privileged position of being successful artists in their fields. I'm sure they mean well, generally speaking, and some fans may be unreasonable in their expectations, but, hey, don't forget without fans you are nothing. You might as well just be a plumber or bank clerk or something...
LIstening to Parasomnia right now. It's pretty much to me formulaic Scandinavian type metal, but they do it well.
The video is cool.
IDK. This type of metal always seems like trying to cram 10 lbs in a 5 lb box. The breaks between the heavier passages don't really change much in the content. There are no passages that beckon to be remembered: progressive riffs and drums don't a good title make.
I realize they have a faithful following, that's cool. Support those that make music you like.
JMHO.
The video is cool.
IDK. This type of metal always seems like trying to cram 10 lbs in a 5 lb box. The breaks between the heavier passages don't really change much in the content. There are no passages that beckon to be remembered: progressive riffs and drums don't a good title make.
I realize they have a faithful following, that's cool. Support those that make music you like.
JMHO.
I'm surprised that this album is getting such a drubbing on this thread. The mix is not as great as one might hope, but on my few listens so far (on Tidal), this seems a grower, as often DT's music is, and quite a solid album. The last song -- at nearly 20 mins I think it is? -- may even be regarded down the track as a bit of a latter day DT prog classic.
The mix is not as great as one might hope, but on my few listens so far (on Tidal), this seems a grower, as often DT's music is, and quite a solid album. The last song -- at nearly 20 mins I think it is? -- may even be regarded down the track as a bit of a latter day DT prog classic.
Still waiting for mine to arrive. Supposedly sometime around Feb 21st.I'm surprised that this album is getting such a drubbing on this thread.
We like what we like. I'll never criticize anyone for their choice of music!I'm surprised that this album is getting such a drubbing on this thread.
I'm about 58 minutes into Parasomnia, and the current track was going good...until it wasn't.
Way it is. I just tell it the way I see it, no harm intended or implied.
Well I had very low expectations by comments on here and had my first listen yesterday and I really enjoyed it and have had a up and down relationship with Dream Theater.
I first listened to them around 2005-2008 and got all their albums and music concerts and did a deep dive, liked much of what they had done.
First concert,Progressive Nation-2008 and 4 bands:3,Buried and the Dead,Opeth and then Dream Theater a first for me for all 4 bands, was really impressed with band "3" Dream Theater was very good.
I saw DT open for Iron Maiden so thats 2 concerts with Mike Portnoy and then saw them a 3rd time with Mike Mangini behind the kit.
The last 3-4 albums did not do much for me and I got hooked by instrumental starting this album,Night Terror is ok but like the second half of album.
You can crank this Atmos mix so that's a big plus and I think for a hard rock album this is not bad at all.
I have a 7.2.4 setup and I feel very much in the middle of the mix.
I think this Atmos mix is pretty good and nothing earth shattering new by DT musically but I think they have done pretty well and there are cool sounds coming from all around from spoken word to sound effect, the keyboards are cool and are some very cool moments of drum kit all around you and guitar playing has some great riffs.
Will be doing my second listen after typing this.
peter
I am curious what my good friend(Rob) who I first met when he bought my second ticket in 2008 as my 16 year old son rather went to his basketball practice instead of seeing his first concert with his Dad. We ended up going to our first concert together seeing Rush 40 so that was really special and it was special to make a new friend(Rob) going to see DT and saw DT with him the other 2 times. My friend Rob had to move to ALTA as his wife got fired as being a nurse in BC in 2001 because of all the stupid covid stuff so they had to sell and moved to ALTA and it will be nice to see Rob at the end of this month as he is going to see DT in Seattle end of Feb. but I can't do late concerts when it's another 2-3 hour drive home after so will skip seeing DT this time as that's the closest they are playing near me.
This Atmos mix will make up for it and will see Rob a day or 2 after the Seattle show as he is coming my way,
I first listened to them around 2005-2008 and got all their albums and music concerts and did a deep dive, liked much of what they had done.
First concert,Progressive Nation-2008 and 4 bands:3,Buried and the Dead,Opeth and then Dream Theater a first for me for all 4 bands, was really impressed with band "3" Dream Theater was very good.
I saw DT open for Iron Maiden so thats 2 concerts with Mike Portnoy and then saw them a 3rd time with Mike Mangini behind the kit.
The last 3-4 albums did not do much for me and I got hooked by instrumental starting this album,Night Terror is ok but like the second half of album.
You can crank this Atmos mix so that's a big plus and I think for a hard rock album this is not bad at all.
I have a 7.2.4 setup and I feel very much in the middle of the mix.
I think this Atmos mix is pretty good and nothing earth shattering new by DT musically but I think they have done pretty well and there are cool sounds coming from all around from spoken word to sound effect, the keyboards are cool and are some very cool moments of drum kit all around you and guitar playing has some great riffs.
Will be doing my second listen after typing this.
peter
I am curious what my good friend(Rob) who I first met when he bought my second ticket in 2008 as my 16 year old son rather went to his basketball practice instead of seeing his first concert with his Dad. We ended up going to our first concert together seeing Rush 40 so that was really special and it was special to make a new friend(Rob) going to see DT and saw DT with him the other 2 times. My friend Rob had to move to ALTA as his wife got fired as being a nurse in BC in 2001 because of all the stupid covid stuff so they had to sell and moved to ALTA and it will be nice to see Rob at the end of this month as he is going to see DT in Seattle end of Feb. but I can't do late concerts when it's another 2-3 hour drive home after so will skip seeing DT this time as that's the closest they are playing near me.
This Atmos mix will make up for it and will see Rob a day or 2 after the Seattle show as he is coming my way,
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