Dream Theater

Hammersmith Apollo, London

Progressive metal overlords embark on a three-hour odyssey

Dream Theater are the kings of progressive metal for very good reason. For more than three decades the US/Canadians have forged the power of old-school metal with prog rock’s intricacy and sense of the overblown, and tonight, via the first of two sold-out London dates, the quintet remind us why they are peerless at what they do.

With no support band necessary, proceedings begin at 8pm prompt, wrapping three hours later in a standing ovation and, honestly, a fair degree of exhaustion. This is not a show for those with an attention deficit disorder. Based upon the band’s 14th studio album, Distance Over Time, a first segment delivers an hour of intensity and pure, unapologetic instrumental overload. Introducing the new song ‘Paralyzed’, we are 35 minutes into proceedings before James LaBrie speaks for the first time to ask John Petrucci, “Are the air guitarists distracting you?” John simply shakes his head, smiling.

The first half of the set is intense, with James often stood in the wings or backstage as his bandmates let rip. Juxtaposed by an intro from keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess, the staccato riffing of ‘Pale Blue Dot’ adds a splash of light and shade, but, compared to the delicacies that follow after the break, Act One lacks a little of the colour and drama that make Dream Theater so special.

Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From A Memory was DT’s first full-length conceptual piece and, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, this tour sees them revisit it in its entirety. The album’s grisly, spellbinding tale of past regression therapy, reincarnation, jealousy and murder is acted out accompanied by superhuman levels of musicianship and an improved back-screen presentation. Crucially, though, lighter, more solemn moments such as ‘Through Her Eyes’ and ‘The Spirit Carries On’ pierce the unrelenting blizzard of notes as the audience light up the Apollo with their phones, looking like an invasion of 3,487 beautiful fireflies.

Some will try to tell you that DT have become sterile since the 2010 exit of Mike Portnoy. They forget that the past decade has produced a string of successful and ambitious records, and the group’s first Grammy nominations. And on triumphant occasions such as this, they’re among the most entertaining acts on the planet.

—Dave Ling