Editing Dream Theater (section)

== History ==
=== Formation (1985–1987) ===
Dream Theater (then-Majesty) was formed in Massachusetts in 1985 when guitarist [[John Petrucci]], bassist [[John Myung]], and drummer [[Mike Portnoy]] decided to form a band while attending [[Berklee College of Music]] in [[Boston]]. Petrucci and Myung were childhood friends from [[Kings Park, New York]], and met Portnoy of [[Long Beach, New York]] while at Berklee. The trio started by covering [[Rush (band)|Rush]] and [[Iron Maiden]] songs in the rehearsal rooms at Berklee.

Myung, Petrucci, and Portnoy joined on the name Majesty for their newly formed group. According to ''[[Score (Dream Theater album)|The Score So Far...]]'' documentary, they were waiting in line for tickets to a Rush concert at the [[Berklee Performance Center]] while listening to the band on a boom box. Portnoy commented that the ending of the song "[[Bastille Day (song)|Bastille Day]]" (from the album ''[[Caress of Steel]]'') sounded "majestic". It was then decided that Majesty would be the band's name.<ref name="score so far">This was referenced in the documentary "The Score so Far", on the second disc of the ''[[Score (Dream Theater album)|Score]]'' DVD.</ref>

The trio then set out to fill the remaining positions in the group. Petrucci asked his high school bandmate [[Kevin Moore]] to play the keyboard. After he accepted the position, another friend from home, Chris Collins, was recruited as lead vocalist after band members heard him sing a cover of "[[Queen of the Reich]]" by [[Queensrÿche]].<ref>Portnoy, Mike (2003). "The Majesty Demos 1985-1986" [CD Liner Notes]. New York: YtseJam Records.</ref> During this time, Portnoy, Petrucci, and Myung's hectic schedules forced them to abandon their studies to concentrate on their music, as they did not feel they could learn more in college. Moore also left his college, [[State University of New York at Fredonia|SUNY Fredonia]], to concentrate on the band.

{{listen|filename=Dream Theater - Another Won.ogg|title="Another Won"|description="Another Won" from ''[[The Majesty Demos]]''}}
The beginning months of 1986 were filled with various concert dates in and around the New York City area. During this time, the band recorded a collection of demos, titled ''[[The Majesty Demos]]''. The initial run of 1,000 sold out within six months, and dubbed copies of the cassette became popular within the progressive metal scene. The ''Majesty Demos'' are still available in their original tape format today, despite being released officially on CD, through Portnoy's YtseJam Records (and on InsideOut in 2022, after YtseJam Records was shut down).

In November 1986, Chris Collins left the band after a few months of writing and performing together. After a year of trying to find a replacement, [[Charlie Dominici]], who was far older and more experienced than anyone else in the band, successfully auditioned for the group.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prog-sphere.com/interviews/charlie-dominici |title=Charlie Dominici – A Trilogy Concluded, a Career to be Continued |last=Savić |first=Nikola |date=June 16, 2010 |website=Prog-sphere.com |access-date=August 29, 2018}}</ref> With the stability that Dominici's appointment brought to Majesty, they began to increase the number of shows played in the New York City area, gaining a considerable amount of exposure.{{Citation needed|date=August 2018}}

Shortly after hiring Dominici, a Las Vegas group also named Majesty<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gabbo.net/dt/faq/ |title=The Dream Theater FAQ – Graphic Version |publisher=Gabbo.net |access-date=January 2, 2009}}</ref> threatened legal action for [[intellectual property infringement]] related to the use of their name, so the band was forced to come up with a new one. Various possibilities were proposed and tested, among them Glasser, Magus, and M1, which were all rejected, though the band did go as Glasser for about a week, with poor reactions from fans. Eventually, Portnoy's father suggested the name Dream Theater, the name of a small theater in [[Monterey, California]], and the name stuck.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/aLRo9RT539k Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20150429000823/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLRo9RT539k Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLRo9RT539k |title=Mike Portnoy – Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction? |publisher=YouTube |date=April 1, 2015 |access-date=January 30, 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=== ''When Dream and Day Unite'' (1988–1990) ===
With their new name and band stability, Dream Theater concentrated on writing more material while playing more concerts in New York and in neighboring states. This eventually attracted the attention of Mechanic Records, a division of [[MCA Inc.|MCA]]. Dream Theater signed their first record contract with Mechanic on June 23, 1988,<ref name="WDADU Demos">Portnoy, Mike (2004). Nathan Edmonds help produce "When Dream and Day Unite Demos" 1987–1989 [CD Liner Notes]. New York: YtseJam Records.</ref> and set out to record its debut album. The band recorded the album at Kajem Victory Studios in [[Gladwyne, Pennsylvania]]. Recording the basic tracks took about ten days, and the entire album was completed in about three weeks.<ref name="Charlie Dominici">Dominici, Charlie. When Dream And Day Unite liner notes (2004 re-release).</ref>

''[[When Dream and Day Unite]]'' was released in 1989 to far less fanfare than the band had anticipated. Mechanic ended up breaking the majority of the financial promises they had made to Dream Theater before signing their contract, so the band was restricted to playing around New York City. The promotional tour for the album consisted of just five concerts, all of which were relatively local. The first show was at Sundance in [[Bay Shore, New York]] opening for the classic rock power trio [[Zebra (American band)|Zebra]].<ref name="topography">{{cite web|url=http://www.mikeportnoy.com/dates/tourography/?tour=4 |title=Mike Portnoy.com The Official Website |website=Mikeportnoy.com |access-date=January 30, 2016}}</ref>

After the fourth show, [[Charlie Dominici]] was let go because the band was starting to feel the limitations of his voice based upon the vocal style they wanted. The band was looking for a singer with a style more like [[Bruce Dickinson]] or [[Geoff Tate]], and Dominici's stage presence was not what they wanted for a frontman. Shortly after, however, the band [[Marillion]] asked Dream Theater to open for them at a gig at [[The Ritz (rock club)|the Ritz]] in New York, so Dominici was allowed to perform one last time.<ref name="topography" /> It would be nearly two years before Dream Theater had a replacement vocalist.

=== Addition of James LaBrie and ''Images and Words'' (1991–1993) ===
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[[File:James LaBrie 2.jpg|thumb|James LaBrie has been the vocalist since January 1991.]]
Following Dominici's departure, Dream Theater fought successfully to be released from their contract with Mechanic and set about auditioning singers and writing material for their next album. In their search for a new singer, they auditioned over 200 people, among them former [[Fates Warning]] frontman [[John Arch]]. Arch ultimately decided that his commitments were more important and he opted not to join the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fateswarning.com/Media/Interviews/1995/19950101.aspx |title=John Arch Interview by Jeff Wagner (1995) |publisher=Fateswarning.com |access-date=February 9, 2012}}</ref> On June 9, 1990, at a gig at Sundance in Bay Shore, New York, Dream Theater introduced Steve Stone as their new singer after playing half the set as an instrumental band. Stone had successfully recorded demos with Dream Theater, but he was fired following a single, ill-fated live performance. According to Mike Portnoy, Stone moved around the stage in a rather odd manner, seemingly doing a bad impression of [[Bruce Dickinson]]. Additionally, he shouted "Scream for me Long Beach!" several times throughout the show (Dickinson can be heard saying this on Iron Maiden's live album ''[[Live After Death]]''), although they were performing in Bay Shore.<ref name="steve stone">{{cite web |url=http://www.mikeportnoy.com/dates/MPTourography/ShowInfo.aspx?showId=29 |title=Mike Portnoy.com The Official Website |website=Mikeportnoy.com |access-date=January 30, 2016 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304022550/http://www.mikeportnoy.com/dates/MPTourography/ShowInfo.aspx?showId=29 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The audience was immediately turned off by the new singer.  It was five months before Dream Theater played another show, this time all-instrumental (under the name YtseJam). Until 1991, the band remained focused in an attempt to hire another singer and writing additional music.<ref name="topography" /> It was during this period that they wrote the majority of what would become ''Images and Words'' (1992).

In January 1991, the band received a demo tape from [[James LaBrie|Kevin James LaBrie]], of [[glam metal]] band Winter Rose.<ref name="Larkin2011">{{cite book|author=Colin Larkin|title=The Encyclopedia of Popular Music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_NNmFiUnSmUC&pg=PA2006-IA1908|date=May 27, 2011|publisher=Omnibus Press|isbn=978-0-85712-595-8|pages=2006–}}</ref> The band had received the tape just before they were about to commit to another singer. The band was so impressed by his demo that he was flown from Canada to New York for an audition. LaBrie jammed on three songs with the band and was immediately hired to fill the vocalist position. Once recruited, LaBrie decided to drop his first name to avoid confusion with the other Kevin in the band. For the next few months, the band returned to playing live shows (still mostly around New York City), while working on vocal parts for the music written before acquiring LaBrie. [[Derek Shulman]] and [[Atco Records|ATCO Records]] (now [[East West Records|East West]]), a division of [[Elektra Records]], signed Dream Theater to a seven-album contract based on a three-song demo (later made available as "The Atco Demos" through the Dream Theater [[fan club]]).

The first album to be recorded under their new record contract was ''[[Images and Words]]'' (1992). For promotion, the label released a CD single and [[music video|video clip]] for the song "[[Another Day (Dream Theater song)|Another Day]]", but neither made significant commercial impact. The song "[[Pull Me Under]]", however, managed to garner a high level of radio airplay without any organized promotion from the band or their label. In response, ATCO produced a video clip for "Pull Me Under", which saw heavy rotation on [[MTV]]. A third video clip was produced for "[[Take the Time]]", but it was not nearly as successful as "Pull Me Under".

The success of "Pull Me Under", combined with relentless touring throughout the U.S. and [[Japan]], caused ''Images and Words'' to achieve gold record certification in the States and platinum status in Japan. A tour of [[Europe]] followed in 1993, which included a show at [[London]]'s famed [[Marquee Club]]. This show was recorded and released as ''[[Live at the Marquee (Dream Theater album)|Live at the Marquee]]'', Dream Theater's first official live album. Additionally, a video compilation of their Japanese concerts (mixed in with documentary-style footage of the off-stage portion of the tour) was released as ''Images and Words: Live in Tokyo''.

=== ''Awake'' and Kevin Moore's departure (1994–1995) ===
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|{{listen|filename=A Mind Beside Itself - II - Voices (Dream Theater song - sample).ogg|title="A Mind Beside Itself: II – Voices"|description="Voices" from ''[[Awake (Dream Theater album)|Awake]]''.}}
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Eager to work on fresh material, Dream Theater retreated to the studio in May 1994. ''[[Awake (Dream Theater album)|Awake]]'', Dream Theater's third studio album, was released on October 4, 1994. Shortly before the album was mixed, Moore had announced to the rest of the band that he would be quitting Dream Theater to concentrate on his musical interests, since he was no longer interested in touring or the style of music which Dream Theater performed.<ref>EastWest Records Press Release.</ref> As a result, the band had to scramble to find a replacement keyboardist before a tour could be considered.

Former [[Yngwie Malmsteen]] and [[Dio (band)|Dio]] keyboardist [[Jens Johansson]], who would go on to become a member of [[Stratovarius]], was among the biggest names to audition, but the band members were eager to fill the position with keyboardist [[Jordan Rudess]]. Portnoy and Petrucci had come across Rudess in Keyboard Magazine, where he was recognized as "best new talent" in the readers' poll. The two invited him to play a trial gig with the band at the [[Concrete Marketing|Concrete]] [[Foundations Forum]] in [[Burbank, California]].<ref name="topography" /> Although the show was a success, and Rudess was asked to fill the keyboardist position permanently, he opted to tour with The [[Dixie Dregs]] instead, since it granted him more personal latitude. Dream Theater hired fellow Berklee alumnus [[Derek Sherinian]], who had previously toured and recorded with [[Alice Cooper]] and [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], to fill in for the ''Waking Up the World Tour''. By the conclusion of the tour, the band decided to take Sherinian on as Moore's full-time replacement.<ref name="score so far" />

=== ''A Change of Seasons'', ''Falling into Infinity'' (1995–1998) ===
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|{{listen|filename=Dream Theater - ACOS.ogg|title="A Change of Seasons"|description="Carpe Diem/The Darkest of Winters" bridge from ''[[A Change of Seasons]]''.}}
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Once again finding themselves with a new member, the band did not immediately start working on new material. Fans around the world, united on the YtseJam [[Electronic mailing list|Mailing List]] (the most popular form of communication between Dream Theater fans at that point), had begun to put pressure on the band to officially release the song "[[A Change of Seasons]]". This had been written in 1989 and was intended to be a part of ''Images and Words'', but at almost 17 minutes, it was deemed too long for studio placement. It had nevertheless been performed live by the band, who continued to revise it in the years leading up to 1995.

The petition was successful, and the group entered [[BearTracks Studios]] in New York in May 1995 to rewrite and record the now 23-minute-long song with Sherinian contributing significantly to the final product. The band released ''[[A Change of Seasons]]'' as an [[Extended play|EP]] along with a collection of cover songs from a live show recorded at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London earlier that year.

After a brief run of small concerts and a short break, the band released a special Christmas CD through their official fan club, consisting of rare live tracks recorded during the band's early years. They continued releasing a new CD each Christmas until 2005.<ref>Nine Christmas CDs were released through Dream Theater's fan club before it was closed down in 2005. See [http://www.dreamtheater.net/dtifc.php?p=annualcd DTIFC on Dream Theater.net]. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090102141152/http://www.dreamtheater.net/dtifc.php?p=annualcd |date=January 2, 2009 }}</ref>

Meanwhile, there were several changes at East West, and Dream Theater's main contact within the label was fired. As a result, the new team at the company were unaccustomed to the relationship Dream Theater had with former East West personnel, and they pressured them to write an album that was more accessible. In mid-1997, they entered the studio to write their next album. In addition to pressuring the band to adopt a more mainstream sound, East West recruited writer/producer [[Desmond Child]] to work with Petrucci on polishing the lyrics to his song "You or Me". The whole band substantially reworked the song, and it appeared on the album as "You Not Me" with a chorus that bore little resemblance to the original. Child also had a noticeable impact on the album, with a shift towards less complex and more radio-friendly compositions.

The band wrote almost two [[CD]]s worth of material, including a 20-minute-long follow-up to the ''Images and Words'' song "Metropolis–Part I: The Miracle and the Sleeper". The label, however, did not allow the release of a double album because it felt that a 140-minute record would not be well received by the general public. James LaBrie also felt that the CD should be a single disc.<ref>LaBrie, James. (Summer '97) ''Images & Words No.&nbsp;14'',  pg. 5</ref> The unused songs were later released in the YtseJam Records release ''The Falling into Infinity Demos''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ytsejamrecords.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=6&idproduct=26 |title=Falling into Infinity Demos |publisher=Ytsejamrecords.com |access-date=July 18, 2011 |archive-date=April 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401233512/http://www.ytsejamrecords.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=6&idproduct=26 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The material that made it onto the album proper was released as ''[[Falling into Infinity]]'', which received a mixed reception from fans who were more familiar with the band's earlier sound. While the album was moderately progressive-sounding, tracks such as "[[Hollow Years]]" and "You Not Me" prompted some to believe it was the dawn of a new, mainstream-sounding Dream Theater. Overall, the album was both a critical and commercial disappointment. Although Portnoy did not speak out publicly at the time, he later revealed in the 2004 DVD commentary for ''[[5 Years in a Livetime]]'' that he had been so discouraged during this period that he had considered disbanding Dream Theater altogether.

During the European leg of the Touring Into Infinity world tour, two shows were recorded for a live album titled ''[[Once in a LIVEtime]]'', in [[France]] and The [[Netherlands]]. The album was released at around the same time as the video ''[[5 Years in a Livetime]]'', which covered the years from Kevin Moore's departure to the ''Falling into Infinity'' promotional tour.

=== Derek Sherinian's departure, addition of Jordan Rudess, and ''Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory'' (1999–2000) ===
In 1997, [[Magna Carta Records]]' Mike Varney invited Portnoy to assemble a progressive "[[supergroup (bands)|supergroup]]" to work on an album, which would become the first in a long string of side-projects for the members of Dream Theater.<ref>Portnoy, Mike (1998). "Liquid Tension Experiment" [CD Liner Notes]. New York: Magna Carta Records.</ref>  The lineup consisted of Portnoy on drums, Petrucci on guitar, [[Tony Levin]] on bass, and keyboardist Jordan Rudess, who had finished with the Dixie Dregs. The band assumed the name [[Liquid Tension Experiment]], and would act as a medium through which Portnoy and Petrucci could once again court Rudess to join Dream Theater. In 1999, he accepted an offer to become the third full-time Dream Theater keyboardist, replacing Sherinian.<ref name="score so far"/>

With yet another new member, Dream Theater entered BearTracks Studio once again to write and record their next album. As a result of an ultimatum from Portnoy, the label gave the band complete creative control. The band began by revisiting the follow-up to "Metropolis–Part I", which had been partially written during the ''Falling into Infinity'' sessions but which had not been completed or used on that album. They decided to expand the 21-minute song into a complete [[concept album]], with a story revolving around themes such as reincarnation, murder and betrayal. To avoid stirring up the fan base, a tight veil of secrecy enveloped the writing and recording process. The only things fans were privy to before its release were a track list that had been leaked against the band's wishes, and a release date. In 1999, ''[[Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory]]'' was released to high critical acclaim, being lauded as the band's magnum opus, despite only reaching No.&nbsp;73 on the US album chart.<ref name="charts" />

The album was mixed by David Bottrill, but only a few of his mixes made it on the final album. The bulk was remixed by [[Kevin Shirley]], who had produced ''Falling into Infinity''. The rest of the mixes can be heard in the band's official bootleg ''The Making of Scenes from a Memory''.

The subsequent [[Metropolis 2000 (Dream Theater Tour)|Metropolis 2000]] world tour was by far their largest to date, and took over a year to complete. The concerts reflected the theatrical aspect of the album, with the first half of each show comprising the entire ''Scenes From a Memory'' album accompanied by a film showing dramatized portions of the story projected onto a video screen behind the stage. For the last date of the North American leg, at the [[Roseland Ballroom]] in New York City, actors were hired to play characters in the story, and a gospel choir was enlisted to perform in some sections of the performance. The show was filmed and eventually released in early 2001 as the band's first DVD release, ''[[Metropolis 2000: Scenes from New York]]'', which was certified Gold in the US on November 8, 2002.<ref name="riaa.com">{{cite web|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?content_selector=gold-platinum-searchable-database |title=Gold & Platinum Searchable Database – August 09, 2014 |publisher=RIAA |access-date=August 9, 2014}}</ref>

Since several songs from the second half of the four-hour show had to be cut from the DVD to save space, the band also released the full show on the live CD ''[[Live Scenes from New York]]''. The original cover depicted one of Dream Theater's early logos (the ''Images and Words''-era burning heart, modeled on the [[Sacred Heart]] of Christ) modified to show an apple (as in "[[Big Apple]]") instead of the heart, and the New York skyline, including the twin towers of the [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]], in the flame above it. In an unfortunate coincidence, the album was released on the same date as the [[September 11 attacks]]. The album was quickly recalled by the band and was re-released with revised artwork later,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mikeportnoy.com/aboutmike/faq/answers/12.aspx#213 | title=Mike Portnoy FAQ | website=Mikeportnoy.com | access-date=June 26, 2009 | archive-date=July 17, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717234222/http://www.mikeportnoy.com/aboutmike/faq/answers/12.aspx#213 | url-status=dead }}</ref> although the few copies which were sold with the original artwork have since become rare collector's items.

=== ''Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence'' (2001–2002) ===
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Putting the whole ordeal behind them, Dream Theater once again entered BearTracks Studios to record their sixth studio album. Four years after they first petitioned East West to allow them to release a double album, they finally got their chance with ''[[Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence]]''. The first disc consisted of five tracks of 7–13 minutes in length, and the second disc was devoted entirely to the 42-minute title track, which remains to date the longest song Dream Theater has written. Many of the song's melodies and musical themes originated in an instrumental piece, written by Rudess, which would eventually become the song's "Overture". Those themes were then expanded by the rest of the band to form individual chapters in a complete story.<ref name="score so far" />

''Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence'' was very well received by critics and the press. It was the most publicized of Dream Theater's albums since ''Awake'', debuting on the Billboard charts at No.&nbsp;46<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web| url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=dream theater|chart=all}}| title=Billboard Chart history for Dream Theater }}</ref> and the Billboard Internet charts at No.&nbsp;1.<ref>[http://www.dreamtheater.net/archive_dreamtheater.php?y=2002#billboard DreamTheater.net] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725011754/http://www.dreamtheater.net/archive_dreamtheater.php?y=2002#billboard |date=July 25, 2011 }} reported that ''Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence'' had reached No.&nbsp;1 on the Billboard Internet Charts.</ref> The subsequent world tour included a select few special "album cover" gigs (see [[#Cover songs|Cover songs]] section, below), in which they played Metallica's ''[[Master of Puppets]]'' and Iron Maiden's ''[[The Number of the Beast (album)|The Number of the Beast]]'' in their entirety.

=== ''Train of Thought'' (2003–2004) ===
In 2003, Dream Theater entered the studio to write and record another album. Unlike ''Scenes from a Memory'', which had been written and recorded simultaneously in the studio, the band took a different approach by setting aside three weeks for writing prior to recording. In the middle of the recording sessions for the album, a special tour with two other progressive metal bands, Queensrÿche and Fates Warning, was undertaken in North America. Referred to in the band's promotional material as the "Escape from the Studio American tour", the tour featured Queensrÿche and Dream Theater as co-headlining acts with Fates Warning performing supporting act duties. As a finale for each concert there was an extended encore in which both Dream Theater and Queensrÿche performed together on stage simultaneously, often playing cover songs.

After the tour, Dream Theater returned to the studio to finish the recording of their seventh album, ''[[Train of Thought (Dream Theater album)|Train of Thought]]''. In contrast to the extended songs of their previous album, the band aimed to write a more song-oriented album, inspired in part by covering the ''Master of Puppets'' and ''Number of the Beast'' albums on their previous concert tour.<ref>Mike Portnoy (2007) "In Constant Motion" Instructional [[DVD]], ''Train of Thought'' album analysis.</ref> Although the album was a critical success, its more straightforward metal sound alienated many of the band's existing fans, who had been attracted by the band's roots in [[progressive rock]].<ref name="score so far" /> During this time they also re-released their first two live videos for the first time on DVD, titled "Images and Words: Live in Tokyo/5 Years in a Livetime" on June 29, 2004, through Rhino Records. This release was certified Platinum on March 22, 2006.<ref name="riaa.com" />

Another world tour followed, named the Train of Thought Tour. A modest North American tour was completed by the two bands, which Dream Theater supported Yes, a band that had been a major influence on their own musical style. After this Dream Theater continued to tour the world with their so-called "An Evening With Dream Theater" shows. The latter were captured in another live CD/DVD release, recorded at the famous [[Nippon Budokan Hall]] in [[Tokyo]], Japan on their [[Train of Thought Tour]]. ''[[Live at Budokan (Dream Theater)|Live at Budokan]]'' was released on October 5, 2004, and was certified Platinum in the US on January 26, 2005.<ref name="riaa.com" />

=== ''Octavarium'' (2005–2006) ===
[[File:Dream theater live in Parigi 2005.jpg|thumb|Dream Theater after a concert in Paris during the first European leg of their tour (2005). [[Mike Portnoy]], [[John Petrucci]], [[James LaBrie]], [[John Myung]] and [[Jordan Rudess]]|alt=The five members of Dream Theater standing together in front of a drum kit and some amplifiers on a stage.]]
After their ''Train of Thought'' promotional tour, Dream Theater entered [[the Hit Factory]] studios in NYC to record their eighth album. They would become the final group to use the famous studio, which closed on April 1, 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://digitalprosound.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=45690|last=Moldstad|first=Frank|publisher=Digital Pro Sound|title=New York's Hit Factory Gets a New Identity|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220093309/http://digitalprosound.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=45690|archive-date=December 20, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

''[[Octavarium (album)|Octavarium]]'' was released on June 7, 2005, and took the band's sound in yet another new direction. Its eight songs included a continuation of Portnoy's "[[AA Suite|Twelve-step]]" saga ("The Root of All Evil", steps 6–7 in the 12-step plan), as well as the [[Octavarium (song)|title track]], a musically versatile 24-minute epic rivaling "A Change of Seasons". ''Octavarium'' received mixed reviews from fans and has been the subject of spirited debate. ''Octavarium'' was the last album under their seven-album deal with [[Elektra Records]], which had inherited the contract upon its absorption of [[EastWest Records]].

Dream Theater started the [[Octavarium Tour]] extensively throughout 2005 and 2006 to celebrate their 20th Anniversary as a band, including a headlining spot on [[Gigantour]] alongside [[Megadeth]] and put together by frontman [[Dave Mustaine]], also featuring [[Fear Factory]], [[Nevermore]] and [[Symphony X]]. During a show on August 2, 2005, in Dallas, the band paid tribute to [[Pantera]]'s late guitarist [[Dimebag Darrell]] by performing the song "[[Cemetery Gates (Pantera song)|Cemetery Gates]]" as an encore. In addition, was the unexpected appearance of fellow musicians [[Russell Allen]] (Symphony X vocalist), [[Burton C. Bell]] (Fear Factory vocalist) and [[Dave Mustaine]] (Megadeth vocalist/guitarist), who joined the band on stage to perform parts of the song.

Dream Theater later departed from Gigantour 2005 a few dates before it ended and continued on with their own series of concerts, several of which were recorded and released for the band's fanclubs. The 20th anniversary tour concluded with a show at [[Radio City Music Hall]] in New York City on April 1, 2006. Though the show had minimal promotion, it was sold out days after tickets were made available. This show, which was recorded for a CD/DVD called ''[[Score (Dream Theater album)|Score]]'' released on August 29, 2006, through [[Rhino Records]], featured songs from the band's entire history, as well a second half accompanied by a full symphony orchestra (the "Octavarium Orchestra"). This release was the band's third Live DVD release to be certified Platinum in the US on October 11, 2006.<ref name="riaa.com" />

=== ''Systematic Chaos'' and ''Greatest Hit (...And 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs)'' (2006–2008) ===
[[File:Dream Theater 2326994259 c689a5f104 o.jpg|thumb|Dream Theater playing live March 8, 2008]]
For the first time in their career, the band took the summer off after their show at Radio City Music Hall. In September 2006, Dream Theater entered Avatar Studios to record their follow-up to ''[[Octavarium]]'' with studio engineer [[Paul Northfield]]. Dream Theater's ninth studio album, ''[[Systematic Chaos]]'', was released on June 5, 2007. The record marked their first with new label [[Roadrunner Records]], which in 2010 became a wholly owned subsidiary of the band's previous label [[Atlantic Records]]. Roadrunner implemented increased promotion for the album and ''Systematic Chaos'' reached number 19 on the ''Billboard'' 200. It also oversaw the release of a video for "[[Constant Motion]]" on July 14, the band's first music video since Hollow Years in 1997. The album was bookended by the two parts of "In the Presence of Enemies", written and conceived as a single piece but split into two halves for the purposes of the album. The other six tracks included the most recent part of Portnoy's continuing [[Twelve-step Suite]] with the song "[[Repentance (song)|Repentance]]".

In 2007, the first version of Rich Wilson's ''Lifting Shadows'', an authorized history of the band's first twenty years, was released.<ref name="LSbook">{{cite book|url=http://www.dreamtheaterbook.com/ |title=Lifting Shadows: The Authorized Biography of Dream Theater |first=Rich | last=Wilson | publisher=Rocket 88 | isbn=9781906615581 | oclc=857966438 | date=2013 | access-date=March 17, 2025}}</ref>

The 2007–08 [[Chaos in Motion Tour]] started off in Italy. Dream Theater played in the [[Gods of Metal]] concert on June 3, 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.godsofmetal.it/ |title=Gods of Metal official website |publisher=Godsofmetal.it |access-date=July 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719202238/http://www.godsofmetal.it/ |archive-date=July 19, 2011 }}</ref> as well as various other European festivals including the Netherlands' Fields of Rock Festival, UK's [[Download Festival]], the French festival [[Hellfest Summer Open Air]] alongside [[Megadeth]], [[Korn]], [[Mastodon (band)|Mastodon]] and [[Slayer]]. The North American leg of the tour began on July 24 in [[San Diego]], [[California]] and wrapped up on August 26 in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]]. They played with opening acts [[Redemption (band)|Redemption]] and [[Into Eternity (band)|Into Eternity]]. The Chaos In Motion Tour continued for the rest of the year and into 2008, playing shows in Asia, [[South America]] and, for the first time, [[Australia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=81636 |title=Opeth To Support Dream Theater In North America – Blabbermouth.net |website=Roadrunnerrecords.com |date=September 27, 2007 |access-date=January 30, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410012728/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=81636 |archive-date=April 10, 2009 }}</ref>

On April 1, 2008, a two-disc [[compilation album]] titled ''[[Greatest Hit (...and 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs)]]'' was released by the band. The title jokingly references the song "[[Pull Me Under]]", the band's only significant [[Hit single|radio hit]]. It also includes three song re-mixes from their second album, ''Images and Words'', five edited versions of previously released songs, and a track from a single [[A-side and B-side|B-side]]. Unlike most [[greatest hits]] compilations, Dream Theater was actively involved with the album, coming up with the track listing that they felt best represented their musical careers.

After the release of ''Greatest Hit'', drummer Mike Portnoy organized a new tour called [[Progressive Nation 2008]]. Unlike previous Dream Theater tours, performances were held in cities that they had not visited before (such as [[Vancouver]], British Columbia, Canada) or cities they had not played in for several years. This tour also marked the first time, since the release of Images and Words, where the group performed in small venues and performance halls.

In September 2008, the band released a DVD set called ''[[Chaos in Motion 2007–2008]]'', featuring songs recorded at several shows during the ''Chaos in Motion'' tour.

=== ''Black Clouds & Silver Linings'' (2008–2010) ===
On October 7, 2008, Dream Theater returned to Avatar Studios to begin work on their tenth album, resuming their relationship with [[Paul Northfield]] to engineer and mix the record. The album, titled ''[[Black Clouds & Silver Linings]]'', was released on June 23, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/m2268614.aspx |title=Dream Theater – Black Clouds & Silver Linings |publisher=Mikeportnoy.com |access-date=July 18, 2011 |archive-date=March 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317065638/http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/m2268614.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> In addition to the standard CD, the album was made available on vinyl LP, as well as a 3-disc Special Edition CD that includes the full album, a CD of instrumental mixes of the album and a CD of six cover songs from artists such as [[Queen (band)|Queen]] and [[Rainbow (rock band)|Rainbow]]. On July 1, 2009, the album debuted at No.&nbsp;6 on Billboard's Top 200 album chart, with first week sales totalling 40,285, making their highest entry on the chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thegauntlet.com/article/1124/16276/Holy-Shit-Dream-Theater-debuts-at-6-on-Billboard-Top-200.html |title=Dream Theater debut's at 6 on Billboard Top 200, The Gauntlet |publisher=Thegauntlet.com |access-date=July 18, 2011}}</ref> The album featured "The Shattered Fortress", the last in Mike Portnoy's [[Twelve-step Suite|series of songs]] about his 12-step recovery from alcoholism, as well as the song "The Best of Times", described by Portnoy as "a real heavy personal subject about my dad who passed away during the making of the album ... He was battling cancer throughout its making."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/dream-theater%e2%80%99s-mike-portnoy-pens-tribute-to-late-father/ |title=Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy Pens Tribute To Late Father |publisher=Metalhammer.co.uk |date=May 1, 2009 |access-date=July 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629081851/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/dream-theater%E2%80%99s-mike-portnoy-pens-tribute-to-late-father/ |archive-date=June 29, 2011 }}</ref>

The band also embarked on a second Progressive Nation tour, including the tour's first performances in Europe. [[Opeth]], [[Unexpect]] and [[Bigelf]] supported Dream Theater in Europe, while [[Zappa Plays Zappa]], [[Pain of Salvation]], and [[Beardfish (band)|Beardfish]] were slated to perform on the North American leg. However, Pain of Salvation and Beardfish were unable to tour with Dream Theater and Zappa Plays Zappa because of financial troubles within their respective record labels. The two new bands that filled the vacated slots for the [[Progressive Nation 2009]] tour in North America were [[Bigelf]] and [[Scale the Summit]] with Bigelf performing on both European and North American legs.

After the Progressive Nation Tour, Dream Theater re-entered the studio to write and record a brand new instrumental track for inclusion on the ''[[God of War III]]'' soundtrack EP ''[[God of War: Blood & Metal]]''. The track, titled "Raw Dog" (''God (of) War'' reversed), marked the first time that the band has written and recorded an exclusive track for an outside project.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/m2443312.aspx|last=Portnoy|first=Mike|title=MP's Forecast for 2010|publisher=mikeportnoy.com|access-date=November 12, 2009|archive-date=February 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210043603/http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/m2443312.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>  "Raw Dog" includes the first ever commercially recorded [[harpejji]] track, performed by [[Jordan Rudess]], as well as Dream Theater's final recorded performance with [[Mike Portnoy]] on drums prior to his departure from the band in 2010. In December 2009, during their ''[[Black Clouds & Silver Linings]]'' tour whilst visiting Australia, Dream Theater appeared with one support act, Pain of Salvation.<ref>{{cite web|first=Mark|last=Bredius |url=http://www.dreamtheater.net/tourdates.php#dtnzaustralia |title=tour dates for Australia, December 1–12, 2009 |publisher=Dreamtheater.net |date=June 14, 2011 |access-date=July 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716150258/http://www.dreamtheater.net/tourdates.php |archive-date=July 16, 2011 }}</ref> In March 2010, they toured South America with [[Bigelf]]. Afterwards, during the summer of 2010, Dream Theater supported [[Iron Maiden]] on the US and Canadian legs of their [[The Final Frontier World Tour|summer tour]] which were the last shows DT played during 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/Dream-Theater-To-Tour-With-Iron-Maiden-This-Summer-21029.aspx |title=Dream Theater to tour with Iron Maiden this summer 2010 |publisher=Road Runner Records |access-date=July 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312075747/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/Dream-Theater-To-Tour-With-Iron-Maiden-This-Summer-21029.aspx |archive-date=March 12, 2011 }}</ref>

=== Mike Portnoy's departure and arrival of Mike Mangini (2010–2011) ===
{{multiple image |perrow = 3
|total_width = 320 
| image1 = Mike Portnoy (2010) (cropped).jpg
| image2 = Mike Mangini at Moscow 12 Jul 2011 (cropped).jpg
| footer = Drummer [[Mike Portnoy]] announced his departure on September 8, 2010, and was superseded by [[Mike Mangini]], who remained until Portnoy rejoined in 2023.
}}
On September 8, 2010, drummer [[Mike Portnoy]] announced that he would be leaving Dream Theater, citing better relationships in other projects, burnout, and his desire for a break as reasons.<ref name=MP>{{cite web|last=Portnoy|first=Mike|title=Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater|url=https://www.facebook.com/notes/mike-portnoy/mike-portnoy-leaves-dream-theater/137362372974878|publisher=Facebook|access-date=July 6, 2012}}</ref> Elaborating on the situation for [[MusicRadar]], [[John Petrucci]] revealed that originally, Portnoy did not want to leave the band; he only wanted to take a five-year break.<ref name=MR>{{cite web|last=Bosso|first=Joe|title=Interview: Dream Theater's John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess on the band's future|date=May 11, 2011 |url=http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/interview-dream-theaters-john-petrucci-jordan-rudess-on-the-bands-future-442741|publisher=MusicRadar|access-date=December 3, 2012}}</ref> He eventually dropped this number to around one year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=145872 |title=Mike Portnoy: 'It Would Be A Tragedy If I Never Got To Be On Stage With Dream Theater Again' |access-date=July 24, 2012}}</ref> Only after the rest of the band rejected his proposal did Portnoy decide to quit.

After Portnoy left Dream Theater, relationships between him and his former bandmates became strained. In February 2011, Portnoy complained that no one from the band was returning his calls and e-mails.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mike Portnoy: Dream Theater Members Are Refusing To Answer My E-Mails And Calls – Feb. 25, 2011|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=154516|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=July 8, 2012}}</ref> However, later Portnoy commented that both Petrucci and Rudess were the only members that stayed in touch with him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tntradiorock.com/mike-portnoy-shattered-fortress-be-prog-my-friend-2017-entrevista-tnt/|title=Mike Portnoy – Shattered Fortress – Be Prog My Friend 2017|last=TNT Radio Rock|date=April 23, 2017|website=TNTRadioRock.com|access-date=January 9, 2020}}</ref> Tensions became especially high when Portnoy called James LaBrie "disrespectful" for comments LaBrie made during an interview,<ref>{{cite web|last=Harris |first=Chris |title=Mike Portnoy Fires Back At James LaBrie |url=http://gunshyassassin.com/news/mike-portnoy-fires-back-at-james-labrie/ |publisher=Gun Shy Assassin |access-date=July 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313154614/http://gunshyassassin.com/news/mike-portnoy-fires-back-at-james-labrie/ |archive-date=March 13, 2012 }}</ref> stating that Dream Theater were "not sad at all" that Portnoy was no longer a band member. By July 2011, LaBrie had not remained in touch with Portnoy.<ref>{{cite web|last=Harris |first=Chris |title=Dream Theater's James LaBrie Talks Mike Portnoy |url=http://gunshyassassin.com/news/dream-theater%E2%80%99s-james-labrie-talks-mike-portnoy/ |publisher=Gun Shy Assassin |access-date=July 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607155549/http://gunshyassassin.com/news/dream-theater%E2%80%99s-james-labrie-talks-mike-portnoy/ |archive-date=June 7, 2012 }}</ref>  Portnoy later stated that he would rejoin the band in a heartbeat, stating: "They are the ones that have closed the door on it. I've only needed a break, and I've had that break. So I'm ready, willing and able. But I honestly don't think they ever will; they've closed their door on it and I think they're too headstrong in having to prove themselves without me. So I wouldn't count on it. But my door is always open."<ref>{{cite web |last=Hartmann|first=Graham|title=Drummer Mike Portnoy on Rejoining Dream Theater: 'I Would Do It in a Heartbeat' |website=[[Loudwire]]|date=August 2, 2013 | url=http://loudwire.com/mike-portnoy-rejoining-dream-theater-would-do-it-in-a-heartbeat/?trackback=tsmclip|access-date=January 26, 2014}}</ref>

A little more than a month after Portnoy's departure, Dream Theater began auditioning for a new drummer in New York City. The drummers who auditioned were [[Mike Mangini]], [[Derek Roddy]], [[Thomas Lang]], [[Virgil Donati]], [[Marco Minnemann]], [[Aquiles Priester]], and [[Peter Wildoer]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Dream Theater: 'The Spirit Carries On' Drummer-Search Web Series To Be Released On DVD – Apr. 28, 2011|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=157437|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=July 6, 2012}}</ref> [[Fates Warning]] drummer [[Bobby Jarzombek]] was also invited to audition, but had to turn down the offer due to scheduling conflicts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bobby-jarzombek-why-i-turned-down-dream-theater-drummer-audition/|title=BOBBY JARZOMBEK: Why I Turned Down DREAM THEATER Drummer Audition|date=November 16, 2013|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=May 12, 2019}}</ref> The candidates were notified whether they had been chosen on November 5;<ref>{{cite web|last=Wildoer|first=Peter|title=Re: An Exclusive Look into The Band's Search for a New Drummer|url=http://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=22228.msg865423#msg865423|publisher=Dream Theater Forums|access-date=July 6, 2012}}</ref> however, the results of the audition were not made public until April 2011 via a three-part [[YouTube]] documentary series called ''The Spirit Carries On''.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/2QHMQjH17aw Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20110502133950/http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=2QHMQjH17aw Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|title=Dream Theater – The Spirit Carries On Episode 3| date=April 27, 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QHMQjH17aw |publisher=YouTube|access-date=July 6, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>  In the last episode of the series, it was revealed that Mangini was the drummer selected. Petrucci later explained that Portnoy approached them to rejoin after they had selected Mangini; Mangini however, by this time had left his job as a professor at Berklee and committed to Dream Theater full-time, so Portnoy's offer was rebuffed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/dream_theater_explain_why_mike_portnoy_cant_rejoin.html |title=Dream Theater Explain Why Mike Portnoy Can't Rejoin &#124; Music News @ |publisher=Ultimate-guitar.com |access-date=August 9, 2014}}</ref>

=== ''A Dramatic Turn of Events'' (2011–2012) ===
Dream Theater entered Cove City Sound Studios to begin working on a new album on January 3, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last=Petrucci|first=John|title=First day in the studio and the dawn of a new era for DT. Can't wait to get the music flowing.|url=https://twitter.com/#!/JPetrucci/status/21907283457867776|publisher=Twitter|access-date=July 6, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Wenner |first=Rick |title=Dream Theater @ Cove City Studios |url=http://blog.rickwenner.com/dream-theater-cove-city-studios/ |publisher=Rick Wenner Official Website |access-date=July 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724154235/http://blog.rickwenner.com/dream-theater-cove-city-studios/ |archive-date=July 24, 2012 }}</ref> Writing was completed on March 2 and done without Mangini.<ref>{{cite web|last=Petrucci|first=John|title=So psyched...we finished writing the DT album last night! On to tracking...|url=https://twitter.com/#!/JPetrucci/status/43193979453444096|publisher=Twitter|access-date=July 6, 2012}}</ref> On April 14, LaBrie began tracking vocals and by June 28, the album's mixing and mastering by [[Andy Wallace (producer)|Andy Wallace]] were finished.<ref>{{cite web|last=LaBrie|first=James|title=Hey Everyone, Finished the first track yesterday. It oozes with emotion. Movin on to the next. Raaaaaaaaaawk.|url=https://twitter.com/#!/Piratecjs/status/60374555499315200|publisher=Twitter|access-date=July 6, 2012}}</ref><ref name="M&M">{{cite web|last=Petrucci|first=John|title=New DT album is all mixed and mastered as of today. First show of the tour in Rome in less than a week! Looking forward to seeing everyone.|url=https://twitter.com/#!/JPetrucci/status/85735011151650816|publisher=Twitter|access-date=July 6, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Dream Theater Taps Andy Wallace For New Album Mix – May 24, 2011 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=158572 |work=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=July 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823145122/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=158572 |archive-date=August 23, 2011 }}</ref> Released worldwide on September 12 and in the United States on September 13, ''[[A Dramatic Turn of Events]]'' debuted at number one in some countries and attained the eighth position on the ''Billboard'' 200,<ref name=BB>{{cite news|title=Dream Theater's 'A Dramatic Turn Of Events' Lands In U.S. Top 10 – Sep. 21, 2011|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=163574|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=July 6, 2012}}</ref> the band's second ever top ten debut position on that chart after ''Black Clouds & Silver Linings''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|title=Lady Antebellum 'Own' the Billboard 200 With Second No. 1 Album|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/467358/lady-antebellum-own-the-billboard-200-with-second-no-1-album|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 17, 2012}}</ref> Although the album received mixed reviews,<ref name=MC>{{cite web|title=Critic Reviews for A Dramatic Turn of Events|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/a-dramatic-turn-of-events/critic-reviews|website=Metacritic.com|access-date=July 7, 2012}}</ref> it won numerous awards from music publications and its lead single, "[[On the Backs of Angels]]", was nominated for [[Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance]] at the [[2012 Grammy Awards]],<ref name="Grammy" /> representing the band's first ever Grammy nomination.

Dream Theater kicked off their tour in support of ''A Dramatic Turn of Events'' on July 4, 2011, in Rome, Italy.<ref name="M&M" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Dream Theater announce more summer tour dates|url=http://www.licklibrary.com/news/2011/3/952-dream_theater_announce_more_summer_tour_dates|publisher=Lick Library|access-date=July 6, 2012|archive-date=February 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213065126/http://www.licklibrary.com/news/2011/3/952-dream_theater_announce_more_summer_tour_dates|url-status=dead}}</ref> The second leg of the tour took place in North America, where the band headlined with [[Trivium (band)|Trivium]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Dream Theater Announces North American Tour Dates – Aug. 1, 2011 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=161416 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201085925/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=161416 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |work=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=July 6, 2012 }}</ref> After a short break to conclude 2011, the band returned to Europe with [[Periphery (band)|Periphery]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Dream Theater Announce UK Tour for February 2012, Periphery To Support|date=September 8, 2011 |url=http://www.rocksins.com/2011/09/dream-theater-announce-uk-tour-for-february-2012-periphery-to-support-11281/|newspaper=Rock Sins|access-date=July 6, 2012|last1=Giberti |first1=Jamie }}</ref> to Asia with [[Andy McKee]], to North America with Crimson Projekct and then to South America for the final leg of the tour.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dream Theater And Crimson ProjeKct To Tour Together This Summer|date=April 13, 2012 |url=http://www.theprp.com/2012/04/13/news/dream-theater-and-king-crimson-projekct-to-tour-together-this-summer/|publisher=The PRP|access-date=July 4, 2012}}</ref> On August 19 and 20, two shows were recorded at [[Luna Park, Buenos Aires|Luna Park]] in [[Buenos Aires]], [[Argentina]] for a live [[Blu-ray Disc|Blu-ray]] release by Over the Edge Productions.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dream Theater: Buenos Aires Concerts To Be Filmed For DVD Release – July 5, 2012|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=176386|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=July 6, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=A video update on the future of Ytsejam Records (Bootlegs) and a DVD.|url=https://www.facebook.com/DreamTheaterADTOE/posts/439511829414846|publisher=Facebook|access-date=July 6, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=James Labrie (Of Dream Theater) Interview 06/24/2012 (preview)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs637NXMaJw| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721131755/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs637NXMaJw| archive-date=2013-07-21 | url-status=dead|publisher=YouTube|access-date=July 6, 2012}}</ref> After a six-month delay, ''[[Live at Luna Park]]'' was released on November 5, 2013, by Eagle Rock Entertainment.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dream Theater|title=Live at Luna Park DVD Press Release|url=http://www.dreamtheater.net/news/live-luna-park-dvd-press-release-41791|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140501013133/http://www.dreamtheater.net/news/live-luna-park-dvd-press-release-41791|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 1, 2014|work=Dream Theater Official Blog|access-date=May 17, 2014}}</ref> The tour concluded on September 1, 2012, in [[Brasília]], [[Brazil]].

On December 25, 2013, at 06:00:00 EST, as a holiday gift to the fans, Dream Theater released a free electronic 2-CD set of live tracks that were not recorded for ''Live at Luna Park'' from their 2011–2012 tour in [[FLAC]] format via [[BitTorrent]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Dream Theater|title=Happy Holidays From Dream Theater|url=http://www.dreamtheater.net/news/happy-holidays-dream-theater-88331|work=Dream Theater Official Blog|access-date=May 17, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502081225/http://www.dreamtheater.net/news/happy-holidays-dream-theater-88331|archive-date=May 2, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The release date and time were an allusion to their 1994 song "6:00", the intro of which contains a repeated sample of the line "Six o'clock on a Christmas morning" as spoken by Helena Carroll in ''[[The Dead (1987 film)|The Dead]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Beardsley|first=Rai "Weymolith"|title=Happy Holidays From Dream Theater! (6:00 On A Christmas Morning!)|url=http://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=40260.0|work=DreamTheaterForums.org|access-date=May 17, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Dead (1987)|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092843/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2|work=IMDb (IMDb)|access-date=May 17, 2014}}</ref>

=== ''Dream Theater'' (2013–2014) ===
Writing for Dream Theater's twelfth studio album commenced on A Dramatic Tour of Events.<ref>{{cite web|last=Petrucci|first=John|title=Writing for the next DT album officially commenced while in Osaka the other day. Jet lag seems to open up one's creative channels.|url=https://www.facebook.com/johnpetrucciFB/posts/372291789489506 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/126844294034258/372291789489506 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|publisher=Facebook|access-date=July 10, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> During soundchecks, the band would jam and record their ideas, and John Petrucci would bring in material he wrote independently. Following the conclusion of the tour, the band took a break but continued writing. They reconvened in early 2013 to enter the studio.<ref>{{cite news|last=Grubbs|first=Eric|title=Dream Theater's John Petrucci On Obsessing Over Rush, Playing "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and More|url=http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2012/07/dream_theaters_john_petrucci_p.php|newspaper=Dallas Observer|access-date=July 10, 2012|archive-date=November 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123172518/http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2012/07/dream_theaters_john_petrucci_p.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In December 2012, Dream Theater re-signed with Roadrunner Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dreamtheater.net/board_posts/dream-theater-re-signs-with-roadrunner-records?1354550390 |title=Dream Theater re-signs with Roadrunner Records |publisher=Dream Theater |access-date=December 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207103954/http://www.dreamtheater.net/board_posts/dream-theater-re-signs-with-roadrunner-records?1354550390 |archive-date=December 7, 2012 }}</ref> The band's [[Dream Theater (album)|self-titled twelfth album]] was released on September 23, 2013, as part of the new agreement with Roadrunner. The album sold more than 34,000 copies in its first week and landed on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart at No. 7, the band's third consecutive top 10 album. In addition, the album cracked the top 10 in 24 countries including Japan, Germany, Argentina, The Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Austria, Australia and United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theaters-new-album-cracks-u-s-top-10/ |title=Dream Theater's New Album Cracks U.S. Top 10 |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=October 2, 2013 |access-date=January 30, 2016}}</ref> Dream Theater's seventh live album, ''[[Live at Luna Park]]'', was released on November 5, 2013.

On July 8, 2014, Dream Theater released ''[[The Studio Albums 1992–2011]]'', a box set spanning all albums from ''[[Images and Words]]'' to ''[[A Dramatic Turn of Events]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-unveils-career-spanning-box-set-the-studio-albums-1992-2011/ |title=Dream Theater Unveils Career-Spanning Box Set: 'The Studio Albums 1992–2011' |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=May 16, 2014 |access-date=May 25, 2014}}</ref>

On September 30, 2014, Dream Theater released their eighth live album and film, ''[[Breaking the Fourth Wall (album)|Breaking the Fourth Wall]]'', which was recorded live from [[Boston Opera House (1980)|The Boston Opera House]] on March 25, 2014. During this concert, the band were joined by the Berklee World Strings and the Berklee Concert Choir, directed by Eren Başbuğ, for the second half of the set.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bredius |first=Mark |url=http://www.dreamtheater.net/news/one-kind-show-berklee-college-music-90811 |title=One-of-a-kind show with Berklee College of Music! - Dream Theater Official Blog |publisher=Dreamtheater.net |date=January 13, 2014 |access-date=August 9, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805231139/http://www.dreamtheater.net/news/one-kind-show-berklee-college-music-90811 |archive-date=August 5, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The set list for the tour featured the entire second half of ''Awake'', in celebration of the album's 20th anniversary, including the song "[[Space-Dye Vest]]", which had never been performed live. The set list closed with a performance of four songs from ''Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory'', in celebration of the album's 15th anniversary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dreamtheater.net/preorder |title=The Astonishing |publisher=Dream Theater |access-date=January 30, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129145202/http://www.dreamtheater.net/preorder |archive-date=January 29, 2016 }}</ref> The Along for the Ride Tour concluded on October 30, 2014.

=== ''The Astonishing'' and ''Images and Words'' anniversary tour (2015–2017) ===
On January 6, 2014, John Petrucci said that Dream Theater were already "planting seeds for album No. 13". He commented: "There are some song ideas and little things like that -- nothing really official, but the seeds just start to get planted. One of the great things about this career is that you have the opportunity every time to go in and start again with a blank slate and think, 'What can we do differently? How can we make this better? Where can we go from here?' Every album has a story, and to constantly have a fresh opportunity to do it is really satisfying."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Gary|last=Graff |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5862286/dream-theater-planting-seeds-for-album-no-13 |title=Dream Theater Planting Seeds for Album No. 13 |magazine=Billboard |date=January 6, 2014 |access-date=January 30, 2016}}</ref>

The band headed into the studio in February 2015 to record its thirteenth album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/james-labrie-dream-theater-will-launch-its-next-world-tour-in-early-2016/ |title=James Labrie: Dream Theater Will Launch Its Next World Tour In Early 2016 |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=January 11, 2015 |access-date=January 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.simcoe.com/whatson-story/5246821-dream-theater-s-james-labrie-coming-home/ |title=Dream Theater's James LaBrie coming home to Midland |website=Simcoe.com |date=January 7, 2015 |access-date=January 30, 2016}}</ref> The album, titled ''[[The Astonishing]]'' was released on January 29, 2016. It is a concept album set in a [[dystopia]]n future society devoid of real music, centering on a conflict between a group of rebels and an oppressive empire.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishingtracks |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131232732/http://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishingtracks |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 31, 2016 |title=Track Description |work=dreamtheater.net |access-date=January 31, 2016 }}</ref> Two singles, "The Gift of Music" and "Moment of Betrayal" were released on December 3, 2015, and January 22, 2016, respectively.

Throughout 2016, Dream Theater went on a tour titled The Astonishing Live to support the album. They played the album in its entirety, with an intermission between the two acts, only playing songs from earlier albums on occasions later in the tour. Their performance was accompanied by a visual representation of the story on background screens. The band also made it a point to play at indoor theater halls such as [[Radio City Music Hall]]. In 2017, Dream Theater went on another tour, titled Images, Words & Beyond, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of ''Images and Words''. Each night they performed the album in its entirety, as well as "A Change of Seasons", which was originally written during the ''Images and Words'' sessions, and other selections from their catalogue.

=== ''Distance Over Time'' and ''Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory'' anniversary tour (2017–2019) ===
[[File:Hellfest2019DreamTheater 01.jpg|thumb|Dream Theater performed at [[Hellfest]] in 2019.]]
In a May 2017 interview with ''Rockbook'', frontman [[James LaBrie]] talked about the style of the band's fourteenth studio album: "It's really important for us that the new album will be our best effort. It should be who we are at that particular moment. [...] But if along the way we feel that there is another album we should recognize once again, then we'll do it."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/dream-theater-wants-to-put-out-a-non-conceptual-album-in-2018/|title=Dream Theater Wants To Put Out A Non-Conceptual Album In 2018|first=Greg|last=Kennelty|work=Metal Injection|date=May 31, 2017|access-date=June 16, 2017}}</ref> In December 2017, Dream Theater announced that they had signed a worldwide longterm deal with [[Sony Music]] via Sony's progressive music label imprint [[Inside Out Music|Inside Out]], for the release of the album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dreamtheater.net/sony-music-signs-dream-theater-to-a-long-term-deal-via-its-insideoutmusic-imprint |title=Sony Music Signs Dream Theater to a Long-Term Deal via its InsideOutMusic Imprint – Dream Theater |date=December 11, 2017 |website=Dreamtheater.net |access-date=December 11, 2017}}</ref>

The album was written in June and July 2018,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj4808mBooZ/  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/johnpetrucciofficial/1799455572400441881 |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription|title=First day of DT writing sessions! |work=Instagram |date=11 June 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/dreamtheater/photos/a.487625947180.264700.7677942180/10155408828607181/?type=3&theater  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/7677942180/10155408828607181 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=From John Petrucci: "Nothing says 'we finished writing the music to the new Dream Theater album' better than burgers and beers!" |work=Facebook |date=11 July 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and features pieces written collectively and lyrics written by Petrucci, Labrie, Myung and, for the first time ever, Mangini.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/dreamtheater/videos/532840363804427/ |title=DT14 – Bass Tracking Done! |website=Facebook.com |date=24 August 2018}}</ref> In anticipation of the album, the band launched a "treasure hunt" in the form of an [[alternate reality game]], where participants would search for various clues across the internet. The game ultimately led to a site revealing the title of the album to be ''[[Distance Over Time]]''. The site also revealed the cover art for the album, its scheduled release date in February 2019, as well as dates for a tour in North America celebrating the 20th anniversary of the band's fifth album ''[[Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-new-album-distance-over-time-to-arrive-in-february-first-tour-dates-announced/ |title=DREAM THEATER: New Album 'Distance Over Time' To Arrive In February; First Tour Dates Announced |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=2 November 2018 |access-date=3 November 2018}}</ref> On November 6, 2018, a press release from Inside Out officially announced ''Distance Over Time'', with a release date of February 22, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutMusic/posts/10156909567980439 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/289541335438/10156909567980439 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Inside Out Music|website=Facebook.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Upon release, the album received widespread critical acclaim.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/distance-over-time/dream-theater|title=Distance Over Time by Dream Theater|access-date=May 12, 2019|website=Metacritic.com}}</ref>

=== ''A View from the Top of the World'' and ''Lost Not Forgotten Archives'' (2020–2023) ===
In April 2020, Metal Addicts reported that Dream Theater was expected to begin working on their fifteenth studio album in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metaladdicts.com/site/dream-theater-reschedule-australian-tour-to-november/|title=DREAM THEATER Reschedule Australian Tour To November|publisher=metaladdicts.com|date=April 25, 2020|access-date=April 26, 2020}}</ref> About the direction of the album, guitarist [[John Petrucci]] stated in an August 2020 interview with [[Ultimate Guitar]]: "The eight-string project with Ernie Ball Music Man is something we are working on and hoping to have developed as this year goes on. I'm hoping that on the next Dream Theater record I'll be able to explore that."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/john_petrucci_explains_why_he_left_ibanez_announces_plan_to_use_8-string_guitar_on_new_dream_theater.html|title=John Petrucci Explains Why He Left Ibanez, Announces Plan to Use 8-String Guitar on New Dream Theater|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|date=August 3, 2020|access-date=August 3, 2020}}</ref> This would later be confirmed in an interview with Ultimate Guitar in February 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Stolzer-Gary|first=Isaac|date=2021-02-26|title=JOHN PETRUCCI Has Confirmed The Use of 8-String Guitar On The New DREAM THEATER Album|url=https://geargods.net/news/john-petrucci-has-confirmed-the-use-of-8-string-guitar-on-the-new-dream-theater-album/|access-date=2021-05-19|website=GearGods|language=en-US}}</ref> Also in August 2020, Petrucci also told Spain's ''[[Metal Hammer]]'' that the band would begin working on their new album in the fall.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-to-begin-work-on-new-studio-album-in-the-fall/|title=DREAM THEATER To Begin Work On New Studio Album In The Fall|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=August 7, 2020|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref> Recording sessions started at DTHQ (the band's own studio) in October 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dream Theater on New Live Album, Onstage Mishaps, Rehearsing in Meat Shops |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/dream-theater-new-live-album-onstage-mishaps-rehearsing-meat-shops |website=Revolver |access-date=November 27, 2020 |language=en |date=2 October 2020}}</ref> The band was confirmed on November 27, 2020, to be writing the songs, while LaBrie was writing his parts back home in Canada. When asked in an interview, Petrucci said that the writing sessions were "off to a great start".<ref>{{cite web |title=DREAM THEATER Is 'Off To A Great Start' With Writing Sessions For New Album |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-is-off-to-a-great-start-with-writing-sessions-for-new-album/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=November 27, 2020 |date=November 27, 2020}}</ref>

Petrucci released his first solo album in fifteen years, ''[[Terminal Velocity (album)|Terminal Velocity]]'', on August 28, 2020. The album was recorded at DTHQ earlier the same year. Its recording sessions marked the first time in ten years that Petrucci worked with his former Dream Theater bandmate [[Mike Portnoy]], who played drums on all tracks from the album.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Munro |first1=Scott |title=Dream Theater's John Petrucci announces new solo album Terminal Velocity |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/dream-theaters-john-petrucci-announces-new-solo-album-terminal-velocity |website=[[Prog (magazine)|Prog]]  |access-date=20 June 2020 |date=19 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bienstock |first1=Richard |title=Guitar World premiere: Hear John Petrucci reunite with Mike Portnoy on Terminal Velocity |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/guitar-world-premiere-hear-john-petrucci-reunite-with-mike-portnoy-on-terminal-velocity |website=[[Guitar World]]  |access-date=30 August 2020 |date=7 August 2020}}</ref> This collaboration led to speculation of a Dream Theater reunion with Portnoy, which was denied by Petrucci, who told ''Metal Hammer'': "I understand where people are coming from with that. One of the concerns I had, a little bit – not musically at all – but about Mike, is I didn't want people to get the wrong idea."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/john_petrucci_addresses_speculation_that_mike_portnoy_is_rejoining_dream_theater_stresses_what_fans_need_to_understand.html|title=John Petrucci Addresses Speculation That Mike Portnoy Is Rejoining Dream Theater, Stresses What Fans Need to Understand|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|date=August 10, 2020|access-date=August 30, 2020}}</ref>

On November 27, 2020, Dream Theater released their ninth live album, ''[[Distant Memories – Live in London]]'', recorded at [[Hammersmith Apollo]] prior to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/dream-theater-live-album-distant-memories-metropolis-pt-2/|title=Dream Theater Perform 'Metropolis Pt 2' in Full on New Live Album|publisher=[[Loudwire]]|date=September 30, 2020}}</ref> On December 1, 2020, the band released the single "The Holiday Spirit Carries On", a medley of holiday songs played in a progressive metal style, exclusively through [[Bandcamp]]. The title references the fan-favorite song "The Spirit Carries On" from ''Scenes from a Memory''. The proceeds from sales of the single benefited the band's road crew.<ref>{{cite web|title=DREAM THEATER Records Medley Of Holiday Classics, 'The Holiday Spirit Carries On'|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-records-medley-of-holiday-classics-the-holiday-spirit-carries-on/|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=December 13, 2020|date=December 1, 2020}}</ref> On January 30, 2021, Dream Theater held a special streaming event titled ''Images, Words & Beyond Live in Japan'', an online broadcast of a concert from the band's 2017 tour, which was originally recorded for Japanese television.<ref>{{cite web |title=DREAM THEATER Announce Images, Words & Beyond Live in Japan 2017 Streaming Event; Video Trailer |url=https://bravewords.com/news/dream-theater-announce-images-words-beyond-live-in-japan-2017-streaming-event-video-trailer |website=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]] |date=December 23, 2020 |access-date=June 14, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

On May 5, 2021, Dream Theater announced a series of albums titled the ''Lost Not Forgotten Archives'', the first release of which is the second set of the ''Images, Words & Beyond Live in Japan'' concert. The band added that the ''Lost Not Forgotten Archives'' will eventually include every YtseJam Records release on CD, vinyl and digital formats, along with previously unreleased archival material.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-announces-lost-not-forgotten-archives-ytsejam-records-catalog-to-be-reissued/|title=DREAM THEATER Announces 'Lost Not Forgotten Archives'; YTSEJAM RECORDS Catalog To Be Reissued|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 5, 2020|access-date=May 6, 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Dream Theater - Live at Gran Teatro Morato, Brescia (6400).jpg|thumb|right|Dream Theater performs live in 2023.]]
Dream Theater teased the new album on July 26, 2021, revealing that it would have seven songs, with more details to be released on July 28, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=DREAM THEATER Teases New Album |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-teases-new-album/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=July 26, 2021 |date=July 26, 2021}}</ref> On July 28, it was announced that the album was titled ''[[A View from the Top of the World]]'', and it was released on October 22, 2021. The album was supported by five singles, "The Alien", "Invisible Monster", "Awaken the Master", "Transcending Time" and "Answering the Call", and music videos were released for each of them.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brown|first=Paul 'Browny'|date=2021-08-13|title=Dream Theater's 'The Alien' Is A Fast Paced Prog-Metal Fantasy!|url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2021/08/13/dream-theaters-the-alien-is-a-fast-paced-prog-metal-fantasy/|access-date=2021-08-13|website=Wall Of Sound|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="invisiblemonstersingle">{{cite web |last1=Lewry |first1=Fraser |title=Dream Theater launch video for epic Invisible Monsters single |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/dream-theater-launch-video-for-epic-invisible-monsters-single |website=Louder Sound |access-date=28 September 2021 |language=en |date=22 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=See Dream Theater's Stunning Video for "Awaken the Master" |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/see-dream-theaters-stunning-video-awaken-master |website=Revolver |access-date=25 October 2021 |language=en |date=25 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=DREAM THEATER Releases 'Transcending Time' Music Video |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-releases-transcending-time-music-video/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=January 26, 2022 |date=January 26, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-shares-music-video-for-answering-the-call|title=DREAM THEATER Shares Music Video For 'Answering The Call'|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 16, 2023|date=June 15, 2023}}</ref> The band promoted the album with a concert tour of Europe from April 20 to June 1, 2022.<ref name="invisiblemonstersingle" /> They had previously announced a tour of North America from late October to mid-December 2021 on the same day as the album,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lewry |first1=Fraser |title=Dream Theater announce new album A View From The Top Of The World |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/dream-theater-announce-new-album-a-view-from-the-top-of-the-world |website=Louder Sound |access-date=July 28, 2021 |language=en |date=July 28, 2021}}</ref> but announced on September 27 that it had been rescheduled to early 2022, due to safety concerns related to the COVID pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-postpones-north-american-tour-due-to-covid-19-concerns/|title=DREAM THEATER Postpones North American Tour Due To COVID-19 Concerns|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=September 27, 2021|access-date=September 27, 2021}}</ref> The rescheduled tour began on February 2, 2022, in [[Mesa, Arizona]].

On April 3, 2022, "The Alien" won a [[Grammy Awards|Grammy Award]] for [[Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance|Best Metal Performance]], giving Dream Theater their first Grammy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/news/2022-grammys-complete-winners-nominees-nominations-list|title=2022 GRAMMYs Awards Show: Complete Winners & Nominations List|website=Grammy.com}}</ref>

On June 16, 2023, they started the Dreamsonic Tour, a travelling progressive metal festival which also featured [[Devin Townsend]] and [[Animals as Leaders]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/john_myung_suffers_head_injury_performs_with_dream_theater_while_seated.html|title=John Myung Suffers Head Injury, Performs With Dream Theater While Seated|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|access-date=July 25, 2023|date=July 25, 2023}}</ref> The tour ended on July 26.

=== Departure of Mike Mangini, return of Mike Portnoy and ''Parasomnia'' (2023–present) ===
[[File:MIke Portnoy playing the drums (Rio de Janeiro, 2006).jpg|thumb|Original drummer [[Mike Portnoy]] rejoined Dream Theater in October 2023 after thirteen years out of the band.]]
In August 2023, John Petrucci mentioned that studio time for their sixteenth album was slated to begin in late 2023, though James LaBrie later stated it would be more likely the beginning of 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/dream-theater-is-plotting-studio-time-for-a-new-album |title=Dream Theater Is Plotting Studio Time For A New Album |last=Kennelty |first=Greg |work=Metal Injection |date=August 1, 2023 |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/james-labrie-doesnt-think-dream-theater-will-begin-recording-next-album-before-early-2024|title= James LaBrie Doesn't Think Dream Theater Will Begin Recording Next Album Before Early 2024|date=December 19, 2022|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=October 10, 2024}}</ref> On October 25, 2023, Dream Theater announced the departure of [[Mike Mangini]] as they were reuniting with [[Mike Portnoy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theprp.com/2023/10/25/news/dream-theater-officially-reunite-with-drummer-mike-portnoy/|title=Dream Theater Officially Reunite With Drummer Mike Portnoy|date=October 25, 2023|website=Theprp.com|access-date=October 26, 2024}}</ref> The reunion resulted from years of gradual reconciliation between Portnoy and individual members of the band, as he disclosed in an interview with Drumeo:

<blockquote>"Starting with John Petrucci maybe five, six, seven years ago or so, we just reconnected—John decided he wanted to do a solo album and he asked me to play on it—So I played on John's solo album. And then a few months later, we did a [[Liquid Tension Experiment]] album with John and Jordan. So that brought the three of us back together—And then I think the final piece was me reconnecting with James LaBrie, 'cause James and I hadn't spoken for over a decade. I went to see Dream Theater play [at the [[Beacon Theatre (New York City)|Beacon Theatre]]] in New York, I guess around 2022, and that was my first time seeing James in over a decade. And literally, I'm not exaggerating, within five seconds of seeing each other, it was hugs, kisses and it was like any of the drama and bullshit that happened during all of those years of the split, it just melted away immediately."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/news/mike-portnoy-talks-return-to-dream-theater-future-plans|title=MIKE PORTNOY Talks Return To DREAM THEATER & Future Plans|first=Joel|last=Barrios|date=January 1, 2024|website=Metalinjection.net|access-date=October 26, 2024}}</ref></blockquote>

In a group interview with ''[[Rolling Stone]]'', James LaBrie addressed his and Portnoy's reconciliation at the 2022 show, stating: "Mike and I are both very emotional and passionate people. And I think that led to the reason for us not coming together until we did. But as soon as I saw him, like he said, I came out of my dressing room, I saw him, and I was like, 'Come here.' And I gave him a fucking hug. And that was it." Petrucci added in the interview that "When Mike left the band, it was traumatic for all of us. We had to figure out how we were going to move our career forward. And those years that went by, they were also healing years because you don’t just have something like that happen, and all of a sudden, you're all best buddies a week later. There's some trauma there that had to heal. Thirteen years was enough time for that to happen and be like, 'Hey, you know what, man? We love each other like we're brothers.'"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/dream-theater-album-tour-interview-1234998171/|title=Dream Theater on Emotional Mike Portnoy Reunion, First 40th Anniversary Tour Dates|first=Kory|last=Grow|website=Rollingstone.com|date=April 8, 2024|access-date=October 26, 2024}}</ref>

Mangini was amicable about his departure, stating "As was said from day 1, my place was not to fill all the roles that Mike held in the band. I was to play the drums in order to help the band carry on. My main role of keeping our live show working tightly on a nightly basis was an intense and rewarding experience. Thankfully, I got to experience playing music with these iconic musicians, as well as some fun times laced with humor."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.moderndrummer.com/2023/10/dream-theaters-founding-drummer-mike-portnoy-rejoins-the-band-after-a-13-year-hiatus/|title=Dream Theater's Founding Drummer Mike Portnoy Rejoins the Band After a 13-Year Hiatus|first=Danny|last=Laverde|website=Moderndrummer.com|date=October 25, 2023|access-date=October 26, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/mike-portnoy-opens-about-his-return-to-dream-theater-it-just-felt-like-the-time-was-right-to-do-it|title=MIKE PORTNOY Opens Up About His Return To DREAM THEATER: 'It Just Felt Like The Time Was Right To Do It'|date=November 24, 2023|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=October 26, 2024}}</ref> With Portnoy's return the band announced plans to record its first studio album with him in fifteen years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-announces-return-of-drummer-mike-portnoy|title=DREAM THEATER Announces Return Of Drummer MIKE PORTNOY|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=October 25, 2023|access-date=October 25, 2023}}</ref>

On November 17, 2023, the band announced former lead vocalist [[Charlie Dominici]]'s death at the age of 72 that month from unspecified causes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Former Dream Theater Singer Charlie Dominici Dies |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/former-dream-theater-singer-charlie-dominici-dies |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=November 17, 2023 |language=en |date=November 17, 2023}}</ref>

In February 2024, Mike Portnoy posted pictures from DTHQ on his Instagram account, confirming that the new Dream Theater album was "officially underway".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/in-the-studio/dream-theater-in-the-studio-mike-portnoy-shows-off-his-drum-kit |title=DREAM THEATER In The Studio, MIKE PORTNOY Shows Off His Drum Kit |last=Kennelty |first=Greg |work=Metal Injection |date=February 7, 2024 |access-date=February 10, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Dream Theater Officially Begins Work On First Studio Album With Mike Portnoy In 15 Years |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-officially-begins-work-on-first-studio-album-with-mike-portnoy-in-15-years |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=February 10, 2024 |language=en |date=February 9, 2024}}</ref>

On April 2, 2024, John Petrucci and Portnoy announced that all of the writing and the drum tracks were completed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-completes-writing-first-album-with-mike-portnoy-in-15-years-it-came-out-so-amazing|title=DREAM THEATER Completes Writing First Album With MIKE PORTNOY In 15 Years: It 'Came Out So Amazing'|date=April 2, 2024|website=Blabbermouth.net}}</ref> John Petrucci later posted a video on YouTube on May 1, 2024, confirming that the guitar tracks were completed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BmR2MIUQ60|title=Guitar tracking officially completed for the new DREAM THEATER album!|date=May 1, 2024|via=YouTube}}</ref> On June 26, 2024, Jordan Rudess announced on his Instagram that all the keyboards had been recorded.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/jcrudess/reel/C8rdXLxpop6/?hl=en|title=Instagram|website=Instagram.com}}</ref> On July 30, 2024, James LaBrie posted on his Instagram, a photo of himself in the studio with the caption "Vocals" with a green check mark, and the hashtag "DT16", signifying the vocals had been completed for the new album.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/jameslabrie.dt/p/C-EAkk4u9Nh/ | title=Instagram }}</ref>

On October 10, 2024, Dream Theater released "Night Terror" as the first single for their sixteenth studio album ''[[Parasomnia (album)|Parasomnia]]'', which was released on February 7, 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/dream-theater-to-release-parasomnia-album-in-february-night-terror-single-and-music-video-out-now|title=DREAM THEATER To Release Parasomnia Album In February; "Night Terror" Single And Music Video Out Now|magazine=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]]|access-date=October 10, 2024|date=October 10, 2024}}</ref> The album was highly anticipated, with several publications (including ''[[Loudwire]]'', ''[[Stereogum]]'' and ''[[Ultimate Guitar]]'') naming it in their lists of the most anticipated albums of 2025.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Most Anticipated Rock + Metal Albums of 2025 |url=https://loudwire.com/most-anticipated-albums-2025/ |access-date=December 21, 2024 |work=[[Loudwire]] |date=December 17, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=UG Awards: Top 20 Most Anticipated Albums of 2025 |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/ug-awards-top-20-most-anticipated-albums-of-2025-173766 |access-date=December 21, 2024 |work=[[Ultimate Guitar]] |date=December 21, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The Most Anticipated Albums Of 2025 |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2291610/albums-coming-in-2025/lists/ |access-date=December 31, 2024 |work=[[Stereogum]] |date=December 30, 2024}}</ref>