When the video for "Night Terror" was released, I did myself the injustice of reading a ton of related social media posts prior to listening to the track out right. I saw everything from 'Best Song Ever' to 'Total Disappointment' and everything in between. Who would have thought a new release from one of my all-time favorite bands could be so polarizing? I get it, Portnoy is back after a 13+ year hiatus and Dream Theater as a whole is reportedly back to its chiseled pre-2009 form. There are many (and I mean many) opinions on Portnoy's departure and even more on his return. Regardless of your stance, its important to just sit back, take in the new track, and judge it for yourself based on the entire puzzle presented and not the individual puzzle pieces scatted across the table.
As the video begins, listeners are greeted with an all too familiar intro that seems to span decades of their most important work. Petrucci, Myung, Rudess, LaBrie, and Portnoy are each featured individually as the song takes flight, gaining in tempo and fervor until the 1:30 mark where this track literally goes ballistic. From that point forward, fans are treated to a barrage of interwoven sounds and stories that I would consider classic Dream Theater. And I wouldn't make the mistake of trying to say this track is supposed to be a continuation of X or the next chapter in Y. Take it as a reunion of brothers, doing what they were born to do right now in 2024. From start to finish, "Night Terror" is fresh, thoughtful, and edgy. It's a song that grabs ahold of you with its sonic mastery, ties you down, and won't let go.
Now for those who believe that "Night Terror" might be just another collection of madness from really talented musicians trying to out do one another, that couldn't be further from the truth. While each virtuosos in their own right, there is never any one instrument that overpowers another throughout this 10 minute rollercoaster. Instead, Petrucci, Myung, Rudess, and Portnoy masterfully glide along in unison, exploring the state we all encounter between sleep and wakefulness. LaBrie then weaves in some ultra haunting vocals that tie together the all the unique threads and concepts the song conjures up.
After a few spins around the block, I literally fell in love with this song and never looked back. To me, it transports me back in time to Dream Theater's roots while at the same time crossing new boundaries that highlight why this band is so special to so many, all around the world. "Night Terror" kicks some major ass, is a perfect precursor to their upcoming release, Parasomnia. It will provide new and old fans alike some critical insight into the Dream Theater's current state and where their March 22nd release may be taking you. And based on on this track, I'm all strapped in and ready to go for what will surely be one wild ride!
- Matthew Belter
