Originally published in Hard Report magazine 94, 105, 121, 139, 274, 277, 281, 284, 304, 326, 369, 426 · 1988
various announcements
News4 min read
In other Mechanic news, the band has signed Majesty to the label. The band are hard at work at Philadelphia’s Kajem Studios. This is the same studio that has been used by Cinderella and Queensrÿche. The producer will be Terry Date (Metal Church, Liege Lord and Sanctuary). Their debut album will be entitled “When Dreams And Day Unite”. It is slated for a January 1989 release. Majesty features: John Petrucci (guitar), John Myung (bass), Mike Portnoy (drums) and Charlie Dominici (vocals). Majesty’s music is described as Yes meets Pink Floyd meets Rush meets Iron Maiden.
(from 1988/11/18 issue #105)
The wonderful Derek Simon gave us a call to say that it’s now official that Majesty have changed their name to Dream Theater.
(from 1989/03/24 issue #121)
There are apparently a lot of you out there who appreciate a good thing when you hear it, eh? We’re heading into the second week of this album’s release and already it’s bringing in impressive chart action. Last week they solidly commanded the #1 Most Added Metal slot and this week they hammer in at #2, while leaping from 39-20* on Hard Hitters. For some of you, the first listen was a magical experience.., well at least for WPSU’s Alison Matochak. She says, “God, I cried, I mean it, I cried when I listened to the Dream Theater. I don’t care what these guys call themselves, they remind me of old Rush and I love them for it.” Hmm.... Similar – but Rush they are not. They are the new age in progressive rock and as another listener put it, their music is almost too pretty to be called “metal”. Complex, delicate, deep, yet accessible – spells success don’t you think? Geez, I forgot to mention Derek Simon in here somewhere....
(from 1989/07/28 issue #139)
Tour of the year kids: though the dates have yet to be confirmed, it looks like Dream Theater, Crimson Glory and Heir Apparent will be hitting the road together. The tentative start date is August 25th and it is a definite must see...
(from 1992/05/01 issue #274)
Dream Theater (Atlantic) have their LP “Images And Words” just over the horizon but their first single, the 8 and 1/2 minute “Pull Me Under”, will arrive on your desk June 1st...
(from 1992/05/22 issue #277)
For your information, Dream Theater (Atco) have landed the opening slot for the Iron Maiden (Epic) gig June 9th at The Ritz in NYC...
(from 1992/06/19 issue #281)
Dream Theater have a new album coming out called “Images And Words.” The LP is described as “a cross between Metallica and Yes,” and features the band’s new vocalist, James LaBrie. “We go way beyond progressive rock,” says drummer Mike Portnoy. “We have Yes and Genesis influences but we also have Metallica and other thrash bands as influences.”
(from 1992/07/10 issue #284)
Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater insists that his group is more than just a “progressive metal” band. “We’re not a throwback,” Portnoy says. “We’ve incorporated all the elements of modern metal into what we do. Although we did grow up listening to Rush, Genesis, Yes and the Dregs, we’re not going to deny that our sound is reminiscent of those bands, but we also listened to bands like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Metallica and today’s music is potentially just as influential on what we do.” The band’s new album, “Images And Words” (on Atco Records), includes almost an hour’s worth of music.
(from 1992/11/27 issue #304)
Cyndee Maxwell, KQLZ, Los Angeles
A couple of weeks ago I saw an impressive show by Dream Theater at The Troubador. Why was it impressive? First, this “unknown” act was sold out in advance. Second, the L.A. audience was very “into” everything DT did. They ALL clapped and cheered throughout the night. And third, the band lived up to their record in their live performance. Anyone who appreciates the art of making music will be captivated by Dream Theater.
(from 1993/05/21 issue #326)
Sharon Schitino, WHJY, Providence
The first ever 94 ‘HJY live concert broadcast was a major success!! Dream Theater played to over 2,000 enthusiastic fans and the broadcast sounded great! 94’s Dr. Metal has supported these guys since their first album (you can find his name credited on Images And Words). Between Dr. Metal and the street vibe here in Providence on this band I became an early fan of this album and was able to get members of the 94 staff to get fully behind this band from the start. So, basically, Bill had and army of supporters tormenting him with to actually be early on a developing artist!! This live broadcast was our way of celebrating Dream Theater’s success and 94’s commitment to this band. Many thanks to East West’s Matt Pollack and Mark Snider for all their help!! If you haven’t yet added “Another Day”, you’re late!! This track is for Dream Theater what “Silent Lucidity” was for Queensryche. A groundbreaking AOR smash!!
(from 1994/04/08 issue #369)
Dream Theater (EastWest) begin recording their Images & Words follow-up LP May 1st in One On One studios. Producers Duane Baron and John Purdell will join the band in Los Angeles. Ten tunes have already been penned for the album, which is expected to be released in September of ‘94. You can also expect a world tour to follow the album’s release.
(from 1995/06/02 issue #426)
Dream Theater (EastWest/EEG) recently went into the studio with producer David Prater to record a new record, titled A Change Of Seasons. The record will contain the band’s 22 minute “magnum opus”, that has only been performed live twice (once in NYC and the other in Germany), as well as cover material that was recorded live in London. Tracks covered range from Pink Floyd to Elton John and Genesis. The cover album is slated for arrival in September, and should hold Dream Theater fans over until a new album is released (tentatively in the spring/summer of 1996).