DREAM THEATER – A View From The Top Of The World

Masters of Prog Metal Return

Before Prog Metal was even a thing, Dream Theater was hard at work creating their own style of music, and with the release of their 15th studio album A View From The Top of The World, they have more than cemented themselves as the kings of the genre. The ever-consistent lineup of Dream Theater continues with guitarist John Petrucci, bassist John Myung, Vocalist James LaBrie, Keyboardist Jordan Rudess and drummer Mike Mangini all performing to their always high standard, while delivering another excellent selection of songs that will satisfy even the toughest critics.

A Tour Ends – A New Album Begins

When the global pandemic struck in 2020, Dream Theater were in the middle of a sold-out world tour in support of their last release Distance Over Time and the 20th anniversary of Scenes From A Memory. As the tour was cancelled, the band found themselves back at home in the states, with James LaBrie in Canada and a new album in the works. Four of the five members wrote together in the recently finished DTHQ (Dream Theater Headquarters) studio space, while LaBrie contributed via Zoom meetings. In March of 2021, LaBrie was able to travel to New York and finally record vocals with John Petrucci. With Andy Sneap (Judas Priest) producing, the band came together to create an album that has everything musically that Dream Theater fans could ask for with catchy vocal hooks combined with stunning technical performances.

Final Notes

A View from the Top of the World shows us the maturity and continued growth of Dream Theater as the premiere Prog Metal act that fans know and love. With 7 songs coming in at a monster of 70 minutes, the band certainly lives up to their reputation of producing longer compositions that captivate, and keep us coming back for more. Top tracks for this reviewer include “Invisible Monster” and the epic 20 minute long “A View from the Top of the World”. If you are already a fan, then you know what to expect from Dream Theater, and you won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended to all fans of Prog Metal, and any melodic based metal. Add this to your collection, you’ll be glad you did.

Lineup

James LaBrie – vocals
John Petrucci – guitars, production
John Myung – bass
Jordan Rudess – keyboards
Mike Mangini – drums

A View from the Top of the World – Tracklist

1. The Alien
2. Answering the Call
3. Invisible Monster
4. Sleeping Giant
5. Transcending Time
6. Awaken the Master
7. A View from the Top of the World
   1. The Crowning Glory
   2. Rapture Of The Deep
   3. The Driving Force