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EXPLAINED: Dream theater | Rare Historical Photos

“I would go by John’s room and he’d be working on alternate picking to a metronome. I’d never seen anyone do that before”: He arrived on the shred scene with Paul Gilbert, Jason Becker and John Petrucci… then he vanished

After starting a family and his own company, Darren Housholder's priorities changed – but he’s gradually brought music-making back into his world

Guitar World

“He wanted to do something heavy. My mindset at the time was, I’d rather not”: Opeth’s Mikael Åkerfeldt reveals why collaboration with Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy hasn’t happened yet

Dream Theater’s drummer has said multiple times that he wants to make music with Opeth’s frontman. So, we asked Åkerfeldt what’s taking so long.

Metal Hammer

"I made my bed by leaving the band in 2010." The prog metal master who links Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold and The Beatles (but not Rush)

Mike Portnoy is one of metal's most revered drummers - and now he's back home in Dream Theater

Metal Hammer

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“Mike got back with Dream Theater and I started praying about what I should do”: Neal Morse Band’s L.I.F.T. is steeped in mystery – as he says all concept albums should be

Despite concerns their drummer wouldn’t find time to take part, fifth album has been compared to their 2016 virtuosic victory, and they’re planning to tour it with the complete studio line-up

Louder

“It was amazing to hear keyboards with that kind of power. He really changed my life”: Jordan Rudess would have been a classical pianist if he hadn’t discovered this prog icon

Dream Theater genius’ musical world includes Steven Wilson, Van der Graaf Generator, Gentle Giant, Leprous, Rick Rubin and Neil Young

Louder

"If they ever approached me, of course I would have done it...but I'm kind of relieved they didn't." Mike Portnoy responds to rumours he was in the frame to join Rush following the death of Neil Peart

As much as the idea of Mike Portnoy drumming with Rush would be a prog fan's dream, Portnoy had a very respectful attitude to the idea

Metal Hammer

New issue of Prog is on sale now! The essential end-of-year issue!

Featuring Steven Wilson, Genesis, Marillion, Yes, David Gilmour, Rush, EBB, Martin Barre, Steeleye Span and more...

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The 10 best progressive metal albums of 2025

Epic space operas, anticapitalist jazz odysseys, the return of Mike Portnoy – 2025 has been a brilliant year for progressive metal

Metal Hammer

Debate: “They were never the same after…” What’s the most seismic line-up change in prog history?

From Yes and Pink Floyd to Dream Theater and Queensryche, most bands have experienced personnel issues over the years. Which change was the best, and which was the worst?

Louder

“A fitting monument to a band who, quite remarkably, remain at the peak of their powers”: Dream Theater mark their 40th year with Quarantième: Live À Paris

A set of classics is ideal for an anniversary release, which also celebrates the return of Mike Portnoy

Louder

The story of Porcupine Tree's Deadwing is on the cover of the new gift-packed issue of Prog, which is on sale now

Prog 165 also features Peter Hammill, John Lodge, Cardiacs, Gazpacho, Steve Morse, Solstice, Atomic Rooster, Crown Lands, The Utopia Strong, Barry Palmer, Cate Le Bon, Amorphis and loads more...

Louder

“You simply can’t point to anybody and say they’re better than this guy”: Hear John Petrucci add lightning to new Steve Morse Band song Triangulation

Dream Theater guitarist guests on instrumental title track to the Flying Colors and Kansas counterpart’s latest record, which also features Eric Johnson and Kevin Morse

Metal Hammer

Yungblud, Dream Theater, Wet Leg, Turnstile among guitar’s heavy hitters at the 2026 Grammy nominations

There are no guitar-led artists in the AOTY shortlist but there's no shortage of guitar talent here, including Joe Bonamassa, Billy Strings, Buddy Guy, Larkin Poe, and Deftones

Guitar World

Sleep Token, Deftones, Linkin Park, Ghost, Spiritbox, Nine Inch Nails and more among 2026 rock and metal Grammy Award nominees

The 66th Annual Grammy Awards will take place in Los Angeles on February 1

Metal Hammer

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Louder

“It’s the moment the cracks appeared and their decline into preposterousness began. It sinks under the weight of its own self-importance”: What members of Marillion, Dream Theater, Asia and more think of Yes’ Tales From Topographic Oceans

It was the double-album that split critics, fans and the line-up who recorded it. We asked a range of prog stars for their thoughts on the 1973 release

Metal Hammer

“They lock in and deliver really interesting riffs in a way that makes them sound simple, when they’re not simple at all” TesseracT’s James Monteith on the guitarist and band who changed his approach to music in the 90s

The djent pioneer found inspiration in a player who ignored standard time lengths, came up with unique sounds and played the wrong parts of his instrument – but always managed to groove

Metal Hammer

“It’s a toxic environment. Somebody is going to tell us what we’re not doing right”: American prog metal giants blasted back at being trolled for sounding like themselves

Singer and guitarist shared their frustrations over being called out for their vocals, drum sound and production values as their 15th album arrived

Metal Hammer

Watch Gene Simmons officiate at 2025's most rock'n'roll wedding

The Kiss man presided over the wedding of Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante and former Butcher Babies singer Carla Harvey

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Guitar World

“He will just sit down and do a warm-up, no matter what. Even if you’re talking to him, he’s going to keep on”: Steve Morse on why warming up before a show is crucial – and the one guitarist who does it right

Morse names the prog maestro with a fool-proof warm-up routine...

Metal Hammer

"There’s still time to come to the States to catch this show..." Dream Theater cancel 2026 UK and European Parasomnia tour plans

Dream Theater are currently on tour in the US performing the whole of new album, Parasomnia

MusicRadar

“I think every serious fan of hard rock music would love Stargazer. It’s one of those all-time epic masterpieces. It’s Ritchie Blackmore in his most experimental mode”: How guitar hero Blackmore created his magnum opus with Rainbow

The legendary track that inspired Metallica, Opeth, Dream Theater and Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson

Metal Hammer

Dream Theater announce new 40th anniversary live album

Dream Theater will release their new live album, Quarantième: Live à Paris, on vinyl, Blu-ray and CD in November

Metal Hammer

“It’s pretty progressive, but it’s not Rush, is it? It’s not Dream Theater. The virtuosity comes in the details and subtlety”: When TesseracT introduced themselves and explained the djent movement

At a time when online musicianship was still regarded as a bit geeky, the quintet were preparing to launch debut album One and embark on their first US tour – and they had plenty to say about filesharing, stats and haircuts

Metal Hammer

Dream Theater hook up with Z2 Comics for special Parasomnia graphic novel release

Reunited US prog metallers Dream Theater have released their new Parasomnia: The Graphic Album in various formats

Metal Hammer

“He transcends metal, he transcends rock, he transcends music”: Iconic metal drummer says Ozzy Osbourne’s death has made just as big an impact as John Lennon’s

Mike Portnoy of progressive metal luminaries Dream Theater weighs in on the widespread mourning following the Prince Of Darkness’ death last month

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