The return of Mike Portnoy to Dream Theater had generated enormous expectations, but Parasomnia ultimately feels like the band chose to play it safe rather than take risks. Marketed as a concept album about sleep disorders, the narrative comes across as vague, and the songs—despite their length and supposed epic scope—often feel unnecessarily stretched.
James LaBrie’s vocals don’t do much to elevate things either. While there are moments where he fits the music, his range now feels increasingly limited, draining drama from a concept that demanded greater intensity. Even Portnoy, though energetic behind the kit, seems confined to an overly rigid script.
In the end, Parasomnia is a professional and well-executed record, but one lacking the creative spark that many fans hoped for from Portnoy’s much-hyped return. Dream Theater deliver the basics, but fail to excite or innovate. For some fans that may be enough, but for those expecting a work that would mark a bold new chapter in the band’s career, the result will likely feel disappointing.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
El regreso de Mike Portnoy a Dream Theater había generado enormes expectativas, pero Parasomnia deja la sensación de que la banda ha preferido apostar por la seguridad antes que arriesgar. Aunque se presenta como un álbum conceptual sobre los trastornos del sueño, la narrativa resulta algo vaga y las canciones, pese a su duración y pretensión épica, en ocasiones parecen estiradas más de lo necesario.
Las voces de James LaBrie tampoco ayudan: aunque hay momentos correctos, su registro se percibe cada vez más limitado, lo que resta dramatismo a un concepto que pedía una interpretación más intensa. Incluso Portnoy, pese a aportar energía en la batería, parece atrapado en un guion demasiado rígido.
Temas:
1. In The Arms Of Morpheus [5:22]
2. Night Terror [9:53]
3. A Broken Man [8:30]
4. Dead Asleep [11:05]
5. Midnight Messiah [8:01]
6. Are We Dreaming? [1:25]
7. Bend The Clock [7:26]
8. The Shadow Man Incident [19:35]
