‘Dream Theater’ Is A Joy

I was at their show two days before their first album came out. Just watching them perform the first number, I was totally blown away. Dream Theater, then an unknown adventurous-metal outfit, stood about two feet away. For just an opening slot-throw away, these five guys literally set new standards for myself and some peers.

Two days later, where was I? Where else? Behind some cranky old lady in Strawberries. I stood in anticipation to hear that flavorful outfit called Dream Theater. I gripped the case and read, When Day And Dream Unite. But how was I to know that this would uncover a newfound love – the thrashy yet versatile and emotional music scene.

Since that memorable day I have picked up much of this “progressive thrash,” but to tell you the truth, Dream Theater, after a frontman change and a second release, is still played more than any other band I own. With that in mind, I sincerely jumped at the chance to interview Mike Portnoy, their drummer, when offered.

This was not a usual interview, nor was it an impersonal chit-chat. This was not a frugal and tacky conversation. Not one bit. With a pen and a piece of paper in tow, I engaged myself into a very intimate and casual discussion with him.

With the sudden success of ‘Pull Me Under’, Dream Theater is now getting some notoriety, but was it worth it?

“Oh yea, ‘Pull Me Under’ was an amazing shock to us. The response has been great. Being played on radio and being on MTV is far beyond any of our expectations,” he said.

Portnoy also continues on how it wasn’t meant to be the first single, but merely a college-radio track. “But things catch on and,” he said, “before you know it, it is on MTV.”

“The track was far too long to air as a single, so edits had to be done. It was insulting. We had to cut it down. But when you come to the show, you will hear the full length version.”

Aside from anything of the usual, Mike persists into describing Dream Theater’s unique and inventive style.

“Well, it is very diverse, yet dynamically complex. It is a very accessible combination of incorporating styles that we have grown up on.”

Of the such open-minded and creative pieces, he chooses ‘Learning To Live’, their flamboyant epic, as the one that best represents the band.

“It features everything Dream Theater is about: the heaviness, dynamics and complexity, as well as the vocal aspect, some jazz and syncopation.

“We just finished our next video. It is ‘Take The Time.’ We’ll be on Headbangers Ball, which we just finished our segment, in which we host and we’ll debut it then. Sometime in the next few weeks,” he said.

Working on such a scheduled and kinetic atmosphere, Dream Theater has a bond many bands can’t seem to find, “Our greatest strength would have to be the serious musicianship and dedication each of the five members give. Although this may seem quite impressive, it does have its pitfalls,” he said.

As Dream Theater pushes the confines ‘til they blow with insanity, they have mustered together the secret of breaking all the rules, yet remaining very consistent.

“Whenever we write, wherever a song may go, we will venture with it. Take the song ‘Metropolis’, for instance. ‘Metropolis’ is an all-out blow of chops,” he said.

But for the Dream Team out there, don’t worry – a Part II will be on the way.

“Oh, definitely. Probably not on the next one, but who knows, whenever we feel like blowing off some chops. But yes, there will be a ‘Metropolis Part II’.”

The future seems very... very, very bright for Dream Theater.

“It is great doing headlining shows. This is where you’ll see the Dream Theater fans,” he said.

But hang on people, Dream Theater will be around once again. “We are looking around and talking to some major bands for a possible arena tour later in the year,” Mike said.

After all is said and done, I would like to extend my gratitude to Mike and Dream Theater. Thank you for everything, and could you please play ‘The Death Of Spock’ next time you’re around?