"After taking this one for several spins around the block, I can honestly say that Dream Theater has hit a home run with this release.   Pound for pound,  Distance Over Time is one of the best sounding albums they have ever recorded, period."

When I first heard that Dream Theater was about to drop a new album on us, I quickly reflected back on 2016’s The Astonishing.   The build-up for this release was incredible, and although solid on many levels, it fell far short of my expectations right out of the gate.  It just seemed a bit forced and frankly felt it lacked an overall chemistry that I have come to expect from this immensely talented band.  That said, I had the privilege of previewing 2019’s Distance Over Time over the weekend and kept an open mind as I listened to their latest in its entirety.  After taking this one for several spins around the block, I can honestly say that Dream Theater has hit a home run with this release.   

From the first notes of “Untethered Angel” to the final crescendo of “Pale Blue Dot”, it was clear that James LaBrie (Vocals), John Petrucci (Guitars), Jordan Rudess (Keyboards), John Myung (Bass), and Mike Mangini (Drums) were all dialed in for this one.  The chemistry that The Astonishing lacked was on full display on this album and believe it may have been taken to a whole new level throughout this masterpiece.  Distance Over Time takes fans on a magical journey that challenges the mind and inspires the soul in ways that most bands could only dream of, and they do it in a fashion that is fresh and relevant.

What stood out the most about Distance Over Time was the albums cinematic brilliance.  Throughout the release, there was a noticeable tension that ebbed and flowed within each song.  One moment you are pushing the boundaries of what musical instruments are capable of, the next moment you are free-floating in a dreamlike state.  And this one isn’t a ‘one-trick’ pony by any means.  It’s replicated over and over in unique and innovative ways that keeps listeners engaged throughout the entire album.  I found myself going back to the well many times and each time walked away with a new favorite.  I’m current fascinated with the messaging of “At Wit’s End” but could easily make an argument for “Fall Into The Light” or “Paralyzed”.  Each speak to me personally and I think you’ll feel the same way with many of these tracks when you hear them.

At the end of the day, I believe the brothers of Dream Theater are sitting on a progressive goldmine with their latest release, Distance Over Time.  It has everything fans would want in an album, and so much more.  The amazing chemistry that LaBrie, Petrucci, Rudess, Myung, and Mangini have harnessed in this opus sets it apart from others in their legendary discography (and that’s no small feat).  Pound for pound, Distance Over Time is one of the best sounding albums they have ever recorded, period.  

As always, rock on my friends!     Hunnypot Approved!     Overall Rating:  9.9 out of 10

Artist:  Dream Theater,  Album: Distance Over Time,   Release Date: February 22nd, 2019,  Label:  InsideOutMusic / Sony Music