Rudess Imagines

Dream Theater’s legendary pianist, Jordan Rudess, pays his tributes to the legendary John Lennon with his cover of the hit song, “Imagine“. If you are a fan of either artist, this is definitely something to check out. I don’t know what else to say about this, except enjoy!

Dreaming On Without Mike

Heard the news? Mike Portnoy, founding member and legendary drummer of the progressive metal icons Dream Theater, has decided to leave the band. After 25 years, the project has exhausted him of his energy and inspiration. This will come as a shock to most of you; it surely did to me. Here is the full transcript.

(L-R) John Petrucci, John Myung, James LaBrie, Mike Portnoy, Jordan Rudess

Fortunately, he is on good terms with the band, so there really isn’t any reason to harbor any resentment towards either party. Sadness is the appropriate emotion, but acceptance is a necessity. Think about it: how does 00’s Dream theater compare to 90’s? Not well. Perhaps it is time for a change; a break. And when the time is right, maybe we can live the dream again. Best of luck to Mike and Dream Theater, may their futures be blessed.

Iron Maiden: Live in Edmonton

June 26 is the long-awaited date for the Edmonton Iron Maiden concert. This is twice as special for me, because I happen to also be a huge fan of the opening band, Dream Theater. Two of my favorite concerts in one; my expectations were extremely high. Though neither of them completely fulfilled my hopes, the concert was far from a disappointment.

Iron Maiden

The Mirror [Did You Know?]

So I was listening to Dream Theater’s “The Mirror” from the album Awake. Did you know that the first minute or so has guitarist John Petrucci playing the same note and the same progression over and over again? One whole minute straight! Don’t feel bad if you didn’t, most people probably need that pointed out for them. But that’s progressive for you; thinking man’s music. It’s quite neat, check it out:

Prepare for The Final Frontier (Pt. 2 – Iron Maiden)

I said this yesterday, but I’ll say it again. Iron Maiden is touring with Dream Theater for their upcoming album, The Final Frontier. It could very well be the best concert I will ever see, and it is not one for anyone to miss. Having Dream Theater as an opener is a clear enough statement as to how big the show will be. But I don’t expect any less from the second part of the show: Iron Maiden.

 

Part 2 - Iron Maiden

Prepare for The Final Frontier (Pt. 1 – Dream Theater)

It’s been just over a week since I (as well as tens of thousands of others) ordered tickets to the legendary Iron Maiden‘s upcoming “Final Frontier” tour. As you all should know, they have the progressive metal icons Dream Theater opening for them. If you can still get tickets, do so! In reality this is two concerts packed into one night. Part one of this double deal is Dream Theater.

Part 1 - Dream Theater

God of War: Blood and Metal: Review

On March 2, Roadrunner released a collaborative album called God of War: Blood and Metal for the upcoming video game. The album includes Killswitch Engage, Trivium, Dream Theater, Taking Dawn, Opeth, and Mutiny Within. I formerly expressed my concern for the quality of this album due to the fact that the transfer from video games to other media often results in failure. Though that is not the case here, it is not quite a success.

One BEAST of a concert!

My two favourite live performances have been by Iron Maiden and Dream Theater. In June, they are coming to Edmonton… together! This is an opportunity one cannot afford to miss!

Dream Theater

Iron Maiden