Dream Theater Albums in Order: Having sold over two million records and DVDs in the United States and over 12 million records and DVDs throughout the world, Dream Theater has been referred to as one of the “big three” of the progressive metal genre. The discography of Dream Theater, an American progressive metal band, consists of fifteen studio albums, one extended play, nine live albums, one compilation album, eight video albums, nine singles, and twenty-one music videos.
Progressive metal band Dream Theater evolved out of the rock group Majesty, which was founded by a trio of Rush-loving Berklee College of Music students. ∙ In 1992, Dream Theater released their breakthrough song and biggest hit to date, the Shakespeare-quoting “Pull Me Under.” ∙ Their fifth album, 1999’s Metropolis, Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory, was named among the 100 Greatest Guitar Albums of All Time by Guitar World magazine. ∙ In 2007, Utah governor Jon Huntsman—an avowed prog-rock fan—declared July 30 Dream Theater Day in celebration of the band’s first show in the state in seven years.
Beginning with 2009’s Black Clouds & Silver Linings, they had three consecutive albums reach the Top 10 of Billboard’s Pop chart. ∙ A 2011 Rolling Stone readers poll named Dream Theater among the best prog-rock bands of all time. ∙ They’ve been nominated for two Grammy Awards, including Best Metal Performance for the 2013 single “The Enemy Inside.” So, if you are a die heart fan of Dream Theater Albums then check out here we have list of Dream Theater albums in order of release so far.
All Dream Theater Albums Available on: Apple Music
All Dream Theater Studio Albums in Order of Release Date
1. When Dream and Day Unite (1989)
“When Dream and Day Unite,” Dream Theater’s inaugural studio release in 1989, marked a promising beginning for the progressive metal giants. Comprising eight tracks, the album showcases their early sound and lineup, featuring Charlie Dominici on vocals. Highlights include the intricate “A Fortune in Lies” and the dynamic “The Killing Hand,” which unfolds in five distinct movements, exhibiting the band’s compositional complexity. “Light Fuse and Get Away” displays a fusion of technical prowess with melodic sensibilities, while “The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun” captivates with its expansive, multi-layered arrangements. The album’s ambitious nature is evident in the instrumental “The Ytse Jam.” Though not as polished as their later works, “When Dream and Day Unite” laid the foundation for Dream Theater’s illustrious career in progressive metal.
2. Images and Words (1992)
“Images and Words,” released in 1992, stands as a magnum opus in Dream Theater’s discography. The album is a seamless blend of virtuosic musicianship and emotive storytelling. “Pull Me Under,” an epic opener, showcases Kevin Moore’s lyrical prowess and sets the stage for the album’s progressive journey. Tracks like “Take the Time” and “Metropolis—Part I: ‘The Miracle and the Sleeper'” exemplify the band’s technical prowess and compositional depth. John Petrucci’s guitar work on “Under a Glass Moon” is a highlight, displaying his mastery of the instrument. The album’s emotional core lies in “Wait for Sleep” and the sprawling finale “Learning to Live,” where John Myung’s bass lines anchor the poignant narrative. “Images and Words” is a landmark release that solidified Dream Theater’s status as progressive metal icons. With a total runtime of 57:04, it remains a testament to the band’s enduring artistry.
3. Awake (1994)
“Awake,” released in 1994, marks Dream Theater’s third studio album, showcasing a darker, more introspective side of their progressive metal sound. The album is a dynamic exploration of complex musical structures and emotive lyricism. Tracks like “6:00” and “Caught in a Web” demonstrate the band’s technical proficiency, while “Voices” delves into intricate storytelling with a nearly ten-minute runtime. “The Mirror” and “Lie” are powerful compositions, driven by Mike Portnoy’s commanding drumwork and Kevin Moore’s evocative lyrics. “Scarred” stands as a sprawling epic, exhibiting John Petrucci’s guitar mastery. The album’s emotional centerpiece, “Space-Dye Vest,” penned by Moore, provides a poignant conclusion. “Awake” is a profound chapter in Dream Theater’s discography, clocking in at a substantial 74:56 minutes. The Japanese release includes the bonus track “Eve,” adding an extra layer of instrumental depth to this exceptional album.
4. Falling into Infinity (1997)
“Falling into Infinity,” released in 1997, represents a pivotal moment in Dream Theater’s discography. The album is a departure from their earlier works, exploring a more streamlined and accessible sound without sacrificing their progressive essence. “New Millennium” kicks off with a powerful, intricate arrangement, followed by the melodic “You Not Me.” “Lines in the Sand” stands as a sprawling epic, showcasing the band’s instrumental prowess and John Petrucci’s emotive guitar work. “Trial of Tears” serves as a multifaceted conclusion, divided into three movements and driven by John Myung’s evocative bass lines. Clocking in at a substantial 78:12 minutes, “Falling into Infinity” is a testament to Dream Theater’s ability to evolve while retaining their signature complexity. The Japanese edition bonus disc offers a unique glimpse into the album’s development with demo versions of select tracks.
5. Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory (1999)
“Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory,” released in 1999, stands as Dream Theater’s monumental concept album. A masterwork of progressive metal, it weaves a complex narrative through intricate compositions. The album is divided into acts, each delving into different aspects of the story. “Scene Two: I. Overture 1928” and “Scene Two: II. Strange Deja Vu” introduce listeners to a gripping tale, while “Scene Four: Beyond This Life” showcases the band’s instrumental virtuosity. “Scene Six: Home” and “Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On” offer emotional peaks, driven by poignant lyrics and John Petrucci’s evocative guitar work. The epic conclusion, “Scene Nine: Finally Free,” ties the narrative together with a crescendo of intensity. With a total runtime of 77:06, this album is a testament to Dream Theater’s storytelling prowess and musical mastery.
6. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (2002)
“Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence,” a double-disc opus released in 2002, showcases Dream Theater’s prowess in progressive metal. The first disc features individual tracks, including the intense journey of “The Glass Prison” and the emotionally charged “Blind Faith.” “Misunderstood” and “The Great Debate” delve into complex themes with multifaceted musical arrangements. The poignant “Disappear” offers a moment of reflection. The Japanese edition includes the bonus track “Solitary Shell” (radio edit). The second disc, titled “Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence,” is a conceptual tour de force, divided into eight movements. From the haunting “About to Crash” to the powerful “Losing Time/Grand Finale,” it weaves a compelling narrative. With a total runtime of 96:20, this album is a testament to Dream Theater’s ability to craft intricate, thought-provoking music.
7. Train of Thought (2003)
“Train of Thought,” unleashed in 2003, is Dream Theater’s seventh studio album, a sonic powerhouse in the realm of progressive metal. “As I Am” kicks off with thundering intensity, showcasing John Petrucci’s virtuosic guitar work. “This Dying Soul” is a multifaceted journey through Portnoy’s lyrical exploration. The emotionally charged “Endless Sacrifice” and the fierce “Honor Thy Father” delve into complex themes with relentless energy. “Vacant” provides a brief respite before the instrumental epic “Stream of Consciousness” dazzles with its intricate arrangements. The magnum opus, “In the Name of God,” clocks in at an expansive 14:16, a testament to the band’s musical prowess and lyrical depth. The Korean Special Edition bonus disc offers a selection of tracks from “Live Scenes from New York,” providing a taste of Dream Theater’s mesmerizing live performances. With a total runtime of 111:52, “Train of Thought” is a tour de force, cementing Dream Theater’s status as progressive metal maestros.
8. Octavarium (2005)
“Octavarium,” unveiled in 2005, is Dream Theater’s eighth studio album, a tour de force in progressive metal. “The Root of All Evil” launches the album with a relentless energy, delving into Mike Portnoy’s lyrical exploration. John Petrucci’s introspective “The Answer Lies Within” and the emotionally charged “These Walls” showcase the band’s lyrical depth. “I Walk Beside You” offers a more melodic, radio-friendly sound, while “Panic Attack” returns with unbridled intensity. “Never Enough” and “Sacrificed Sons” delve into complex themes with searing musicality. The title track, “Octavarium,” is a magnum opus divided into five movements, displaying Dream Theater’s musical prowess and compositional mastery. With a total runtime of 75:44, “Octavarium” is a sonic journey that cements Dream Theater’s status as progressive metal pioneers.
9. Systematic Chaos (2007)
“Systematic Chaos,” unleashed in 2007, is Dream Theater’s ninth studio album, showcasing their mastery of progressive metal. “In the Presence of Enemies – Part I” sets the stage with a dynamic, multi-movement composition by John Petrucci. “Forsaken” and “Constant Motion” exhibit the band’s technical prowess, while “The Dark Eternal Night” delves into darker themes with thundering intensity. “Repentance” is a poignant journey of introspection, narrated by Mike Portnoy. “Prophets of War” and “The Ministry of Lost Souls” expand the album’s sonic landscape, displaying the band’s ability to craft epic compositions. The grand finale, “In the Presence of Enemies – Part II,” is a sprawling epic that culminates in an explosive crescendo. With a total runtime of 78:41, “Systematic Chaos” is a testament to Dream Theater’s ability to push the boundaries of progressive metal.
10. Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009)
“Black Clouds & Silver Linings,” released in 2009, is Dream Theater’s tenth studio album, a grandiose testament to their prowess in progressive metal. “A Nightmare to Remember” opens with a cinematic scope, clocking in at an epic 16:10. “A Rite of Passage” and “Wither” showcase John Petrucci’s songwriting finesse and the band’s instrumental mastery. “The Shattered Fortress” is a multi-part opus, serving as a culmination of Mike Portnoy’s Twelve-step Suite. “The Best of Times” is an emotional tour de force, penned by Portnoy. The album concludes with the sprawling narrative of “The Count of Tuscany,” encapsulating Dream Theater’s storytelling prowess. The special edition includes a bonus disc of cover songs, exhibiting the band’s diverse influences. With a total runtime of 75:25, “Black Clouds & Silver Linings” is an exemplar of Dream Theater’s musical virtuosity and compositional depth.
11. A Dramatic Turn of Events (2011)
“A Dramatic Turn of Events,” released in 2011, marked a pivotal moment for Dream Theater. This eleventh studio album, the first without founding member Mike Portnoy, showcases their resilience and evolution. “On the Backs of Angels” sets the stage with complex rhythms and soaring melodies. “Build Me Up, Break Me Down” and “Lost Not Forgotten” delve into intricate song structures, showcasing the band’s instrumental prowess. “This Is the Life” brings a more introspective, melodic tone, while “Bridges in the Sky” exhibits a fusion of progressive elements with atmospheric textures. “Breaking All Illusions” stands as an epic climax, driven by John Petrucci’s emotive guitar work. The album concludes with the introspective “Beneath the Surface.” With a total runtime of 77:01, “A Dramatic Turn of Events” solidifies Dream Theater’s ability to craft intricate, emotionally charged compositions.
12. Dream Theater (2013)
“Dream Theater,” the band’s twelfth studio album released in 2013, showcases their enduring musical prowess. The album kicks off with the dynamic “False Awakening Suite,” a three-part instrumental that sets a vivid tone. “The Enemy Inside” dives into the complexities of inner conflict, while “The Looking Glass” brings a more introspective tone, reflecting on self-discovery. “Enigma Machine” is a showcase of instrumental virtuosity, highlighting the band’s technical finesse. “The Bigger Picture” and “Behind the Veil” offer a combination of intricate composition and emotive storytelling. The album also explores themes of surrender and illumination in tracks like “Surrender to Reason” and “Illumination Theory,” a sprawling epic divided into five movements. With a total runtime of 68:51, “Dream Theater” reaffirms the band’s mastery in the realm of progressive metal.
13. The Astonishing (2016)
“The Astonishing,” released in 2016, is Dream Theater’s thirteenth studio album, an ambitious concept work that unfolds like a musical theater production. Spanning two acts, the album paints a vivid dystopian narrative. From the instrumental “Descent of the NOMACS” to the intricate “Dystopian Overture,” the album is a symphonic tapestry. “The Gift of Music” and “A Better Life” introduce key characters, while tracks like “A Savior in the Square” and “Ravenskill” evoke a wide range of emotions. Act Two delves deeper into the story with standout tracks like “Moment of Betrayal” and “The Walking Shadow.” The album culminates with the epic “Astonishing,” a breathtaking finale. With a total runtime of 130:23, “The Astonishing” stands as a testament to Dream Theater’s storytelling prowess and musical virtuosity.
14. Distance over Time (2019)
“Distance Over Time,” Dream Theater’s fourteenth studio album released in 2019, is a masterclass in progressive metal. The album exudes a sense of energy and purpose, evident in tracks like “Untethered Angel” and “Paralyzed,” showcasing John Petrucci’s signature guitar work. “Fall into the Light” and “Barstool Warrior” introduce complex melodies and rich lyrical themes, while “S2N” is a testament to the band’s technical prowess. “At Wit’s End” stands as an epic centerpiece, featuring poignant vocals from James LaBrie. The album concludes with the atmospheric “Pale Blue Dot,” displaying Dream Theater’s ability to craft emotionally charged compositions. The limited edition includes the bonus track “Viper King,” a fitting conclusion to this remarkable album. With a total runtime of 60:57, “Distance Over Time” solidifies Dream Theater’s status as progressive metal titans.
15. A View from the Top of the World (2021)
“A View from the Top of the World,” Dream Theater’s fifteenth studio album, released in 2021, is a testament to the band’s enduring creativity and musical prowess. The album is a journey through intricate compositions and emotive storytelling. “The Alien” kicks things off with a dynamic flair, showcasing James LaBrie’s powerful vocals. “Answering the Call” and “Invisible Monster” delve into complex melodies and rich lyrical themes, while “Sleeping Giant” takes the listener on an epic sonic journey. “Transcending Time” and “Awaken the Master” exhibit the band’s instrumental finesse and technical prowess. The album culminates in the monumental title track, a multi-part epic that showcases Dream Theater’s mastery of progressive metal. With a total runtime of 70:19, “A View from the Top of the World” stands as a testament to the band’s continued evolution and musical excellence.
How many albums does Dream Theater have?
The discography of Dream Theater, an American progressive metal band, consists of FIFTEEN studio albums, ONE extended play, NINE live albums, ONE compilation album, EIGHT video albums, NINE singles, and TWENTY-ONE music videos.
List of Dream Theater Albums in Order of Release Date
The List of List of Dream Theater Albums in Order of Release Here!
Studio albums:
1. When Dream and Day Unite — March 6, 1989
2. Images and Words — July 7, 1992
3. Awake — October 4, 1994
4. Falling into Infinity — September 23, 1997
5. Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory — October 26, 1999
6. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence — January 29, 2002
7. Train of Thought — November 11, 2003
8. Octavarium — June 7, 2005
9. Systematic Chaos — June 4, 2007 (UK), June 5, 2007 (US)
10. Black Clouds & Silver Linings — June 23, 2009
11. A Dramatic Turn of Events — September 13, 2011
12. Dream Theater — September 24, 2013
13. The Astonishing — January 29, 2016
14. Distance over Time — February 22, 2019
15. A View from the Top of the World — October 22, 2021
Live albums:
1. Live at the Marquee — September 1993
2. Once in a LIVEtime — October 27, 1998
3. Live Scenes from New York — September 11, 2001
4. Live at Budokan — October 5, 2004
5. Score — August 29, 2006
6. Chaos in Motion: 2007–2008 — September 30, 2008
7. Live at Luna Park — November 5, 2013
8. Breaking the Fourth Wall — September 29, 2014
9. Distant Memories – Live in London — November 27, 2020
Compilation albums:
1. Greatest Hit (…And 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs) — April 1, 2008
Extended plays:
1. A Change of Seasons — September 19, 1995
Video albums:
1. Images and Words: Live in Tokyo — November 16, 1993
2. 5 Years in a Livetime — October 27, 1998
3. Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York — March 20, 2001
4. Live at Budokan — October 5, 2004
5. Images And Words: Live In Tokyo / 5 Years in A Livetime — June 1, 2004
6. Score — August 29, 2006
7. Chaos in Motion: 2007–2008 — September 30, 2008
8. Live at Luna Park — November 5, 2013
9. Breaking the Fourth Wall — September 30, 2014
10. Distant Memories – Live in London — November 27, 2020
Conclusion:
Dream Theater, formed in 1985, is an influential American progressive metal band. Their discography spans from “When Dream and Day Unite” (1989) to “A View from the Top of the World” (2021). Known for intricate compositions and technical prowess, standout albums include “Images and Words” (1992), “Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory” (1999), and “Black Clouds & Silver Linings” (2009). Their diverse sound, characterized by virtuosic musicianship and complex song structures, solidifies Dream Theater’s legacy as a pioneering force in the progressive metal genre.
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