The List of Dream Theater Albums in Order of Release

All Dream Theater Albums Available on: Apple Music  

 

How many albums does Dream Theater have?

The discography of Dream Theater, an American progressive metal band, consists of fifteen studio albums, one extended play, nine live albums, one compilation album, eight video albums, nine singles, and twenty-one music videos.

 

All Dream Theater Albums in Order: Check Out The List of  Dream Theater Albums in Order of Release Here!

Here is the list of Dream Theater Album in Order of Release Date

1. When Dream and Day Unite — March 6, 1989
2. Images and Words — July 7, 1992
3. Awake — October 4, 1994
4. Falling into Infinity — September 23, 1997
5. Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory — October 26, 1999
6. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence — January 29, 2002
7. Train of Thought — November 11, 2003
8. Octavarium — June 7, 2005
9. Systematic Chaos — June 4, 2007
10. Black Clouds & Silver Linings — June 23, 2009
11. A Dramatic Turn of Events — September 13, 2011
12. Dream Theater — September 24, 2013
13. The Astonishing — January 29, 2016
14. Distance over Time — February 22, 2019
15. A View from the Top of the World — October 22, 2021

 

All Dream Theater Albums List in Order

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1. When Dream and Day Unite (1989)

Tracks

1. A Fortune in Lies
2. Status Seeker
3. The Ytse Jam
4. Light Fuse and Get Away
5. Afterlife
6. The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun
7. Only a Matter of Time
8. The Killing Hand

•  The Observance

•  Ancient Renewal

•  The Stray Seed

•  Thorns

•  Exodus

“When Dream and Day Unite,” Dream Theater’s debut studio album, unveiled on March 6, 1989, under Mechanic/MCA Records, features material originating from their Majesty era. It marks the sole album recorded with the band’s original lineup. Notably, James LaBrie stepped in as the permanent lead vocalist post this release, succeeding Charlie Dominici. This album represents a pivotal moment in the band’s history, capturing their early sound and serving as a foundation for subsequent musical evolution with LaBrie’s introduction as the enduring voice of Dream Theater.

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2. Images and Words (1992)

 

Tracks

1. Pull Me Under
2. Another Day
3. Take the Time
4. Surrounded
5. Metropolis—Part I: ‘The Miracle and the Sleeper’ 
6. Under a Glass Moon
7. Wait for Sleep
8. Learning to Live

“Images and Words,” Dream Theater’s second studio album, debuted on July 7, 1992, under Atco Records, marking James LaBrie’s inaugural vocal appearance with the band. This album remains their pinnacle of commercial success, notably housing the track “Pull Me Under,” their sole Top 10 hit to date. The song’s ongoing popularity saw a resurgence in the 2008 video game Guitar Hero World Tour. Revered for its musical prowess and enduring appeal, “Images and Words” stands as a landmark in the band’s discography, solidifying Dream Theater’s status in the progressive metal realm.

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3. Awake (1994)

Tracks

1. 6:00
2. Caught in a Web
3. Innocence Faded
4. Erotomania
5. Voices
6. The Silent Man
7. The Mirror
8. Lie
9. Lifting Shadows Off a Dream
10. Scarred
11. Space-Dye Vest

“Awake,” Dream Theater’s third studio album, debuted on October 4, 1994, via East West Records, marking the departure of original keyboardist Kevin Moore. Crafted between February and April ’94, it was a response to label pressure following the success of “Images and Words,” seeking a metal-oriented hit akin to “Pull Me Under.” Produced by John Purdell and Duane Baron, its cover, designed by Larry Freemantle, intertwined with lyrical themes. Despite mixed initial reception amidst grunge’s heyday, it’s now revered as a standout in the band’s repertoire. Peaking at No. 32 on the US Billboard 200, it preceded a label-driven shift toward more radio-friendly tracks in subsequent albums.

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4. Falling into Infinity (1997)

Tracks

1. New Millennium
2. You Not Me
3. Peruvian Skies
4. Hollow Years
5. Burning My Soul
6. Hell’s Kitchen
7. Lines in the Sand
8. Take Away My Pain
9. Just Let Me Breathe
10. Anna Lee
11. Trial of Tears

• It’s Raining

• Deep in Heaven

• The Wasteland

“Falling into Infinity,” Dream Theater’s fourth studio album, debuted on September 23, 1997, under EastWest Records. It marked a unique chapter as the sole album showcasing keyboardist Derek Sherinian, succeeding Kevin Moore’s 1994 departure. Produced by Kevin Shirley, its creation faced intense pressure from the label for a radio-friendly tone, causing strain during writing and pre-production. Recorded at Manhattan’s Avatar Studios (formerly Power Station Studios) in June 1997, the album reflected the band’s endeavor to navigate commercial demands while maintaining their progressive metal essence, encapsulating a pivotal period of artistic tension within Dream Theater’s musical evolution.

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5. Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory (1999)

Tracks

1. Scene One: Regression
2. Scene Two: I. Overture 1928
3. Scene Two: II. Strange Deja Vu
4. Scene Three: I. Through My Words
5. Scene Three: II. Fatal Tragedy
6. Scene Four: Beyond This Life
7. Scene Five: Through Her Eyes
8. Scene Six: Home
9. Scene Seven: I. The Dance of Eternity
10. Scene Seven: II. One Last Time
11. Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On
12. Scene Nine: Finally Free

“Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory” marks Dream Theater’s fifth studio album, a groundbreaking concept release in progressive metal. Unveiled on October 26, 1999, via Elektra Records, it was crafted at BearTracks Studios in Suffern, New York, the same site where their earlier works like “Images and Words” (1992) and EP “A Change of Seasons” (1995) were recorded. Serving as a sequel to “Metropolis—Part I: ‘The Miracle and the Sleeper'” from their ’92 album, this release introduced keyboardist Jordan Rudess. Celebrating its twentieth anniversary, the band commemorated the album by performing it live on the Distance over Time Tour, immortalized in “Distant Memories – Live in London.”

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6. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (2002)

Tracks

1. Blind Faith
2. Misunderstood
3. The Great Debate
4. Disappear
5. The Glass Prison

•  Reflection

•  Restoration

•  Revelation

“Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence,” Dream Theater’s sixth studio album, debuted as a double-disc masterpiece on January 29, 2002, via Elektra Records. Distinguished as their inaugural full-length album to embrace a title track, it stands as their second lengthiest studio release, following “The Astonishing” (2016). Notably, every track from this album has graced the band’s live performances, marking a testament to its enduring popularity and impact within Dream Theater’s repertoire.

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7. Train of Thought (2003)

Tracks

1. As I Am
2. Endless Sacrifice
3. Honor Thy Father
4. Vacant
5. Stream of Consciousness
6. In the Name of God
7. This Dying Soul

•  Reflections of Reality (Revisited)

•  Release

Train of Thought, Dream Theater’s seventh studio album, unleashed on November 11, 2003 via Elektra Records, was a response to fan reception of their heavier live performances. Documented in ‘Chaos in Progress,’ Mike Portnoy expressed a desire for a ‘balls to the wall’ approach, cultivating a darker, heavier sound that attracted new metal enthusiasts. Crafted in just three weeks, engineered by Doug Oberkircher, and mixed by Kevin Shirley, the album became a staple in their live sets, featured extensively in the ‘Live at Budokan’ DVD. Notably, all tracks have been performed live, marking its enduring impact on the band’s repertoire.

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8. Octavarium (2005)

Tracks

1. The Root of All Evil                                                                                                                        • Ready                                                                                                                                                                    • Remove
2. The Answer Lies Within
3. These Walls
4. I Walk Beside You
5. Panic Attack
6. Never Enough
7. Sacrificed Sons
8. Octavarium

        • Someone Like Him

        • Medicate (Awakening)

        • Full Circle

        • Intervals

        • Razor’s Edge

“Octavarium,” Dream Theater’s eighth studio album, debuted on June 7, 2005, marking their final release under Atlantic Records. Recorded at The Hit Factory in New York City between September 2004 and February 2005, it aimed to encapsulate a quintessential band sound, drawing from diverse influences while streamlining complexity. Centered around the musical octave, the album achieved top-five positions in Finnish, Italian, and Swedish charts and top-ten spots in Dutch, Japanese, and Norwegian charts.

Critical reception praised its musical variety but noted occasional inconsistencies in songwriting. The band embarked on an extensive global tour, culminating in a monumental Radio City Music Hall performance captured as the live album and video, “Score,” and co-headlined the 2005 North American Gigantour with Megadeth.

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9. Systematic Chaos (2007)

Tracks

1. In the Presence of Enemies – Part I                                                                                                • Prelude                                                                                                                                                                  • Resurrection
2. Forsaken
3. Constant Motion
4. The Dark Eternal Night
5. Repentance                                                                                                                                    • Regret                                                                                                                                                                    • Restitution
6. Prophets of War
7. The Ministry of Lost Souls
8. In the Presence of Enemies – Part II

         • Heretic

         • The Slaughter of the Damned

         • The Reckoning

         • Salvation

“Systematic Chaos,” Dream Theater’s ninth studio album, debuted on June 4, 2007 (UK) and June 5, 2007 (US) via Roadrunner Records, marking their transition from Atlantic Records. Recorded at Avatar Studios, New York City, between September 2006 and February 2007, it followed the band’s first hiatus from summer touring in a decade. Lyrically diverse, it featured contributions from John Petrucci, James LaBrie, and Mike Portnoy on fictional, political, and personal themes respectively.

Peaking within the top twenty in eight countries and hitting 19th on the Billboard 200, it marked their highest US chart position until “Black Clouds & Silver Linings” in 2009. Critically acclaimed for consistency, it fueled Dream Theater’s year-long Chaos in Motion global tour, offered in regular and special editions featuring a 5.1 surround sound mix and a documentary.

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10. Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009)

Tracks

1. A Nightmare to Remember
2. A Rite of Passage
3. Wither
4. The Shattered Fortress                                                                                                                   • Restraint                                                                                                                                                               • Receive                                                                                                                                                                 • Responsible
5. The Best of Times
6. The Count of Tuscany

“Black Clouds & Silver Linings,” Dream Theater’s tenth studio album, dropped on June 23, 2009, via Roadrunner Records. Marking the final appearance of founding drummer Mike Portnoy before his thirteen-year hiatus from the band (2010-2023), it was recorded at Avatar Studios in New York City between October 2008 and March 2009. Produced by John Petrucci and Portnoy, engineered by Paul Northfield, it soared as their highest-charting record on the Billboard 200, peaking at number six. Notably, this album showcased their mastery, echoing their prior successful recordings at Avatar Studios for “Falling into Infinity” (1997) and “Systematic Chaos” (2007).

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11. A Dramatic Turn of Events (2011)

Tracks

1. On the Backs of Angels
2. Build Me Up, Break Me Down
3. Lost Not Forgotten
4. This Is the Life
5. Bridges in the Sky
6. Outcry
7. Far from Heaven
8. Breaking All Illusions
9. Beneath the Surface

“A Dramatic Turn of Events,” Dream Theater’s eleventh studio album, debuted worldwide in September 2011 via Roadrunner Records. Marking the arrival of drummer Mike Mangini after the departure of founding member Mike Portnoy, the album was a transformative process, recorded and produced by guitarist John Petrucci at Long Island’s Cove City Sound Studios. Singles “On the Backs of Angels” and “Build Me Up, Break Me Down” preceded its release.

Drawing comparisons to previous works like “Images and Words” and “Metropolis Pt. 2,” its themes centered on historical upheavals like the Libyan Civil War. The album achieved commercial success, charting at number eight on the US Billboard 200 and earning Dream Theater their first Grammy nomination. The subsequent A Dramatic Turn of Events Tour spanned from July 2011 to September 2012.

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12. Dream Theater (2013)

Tracks

1. The Enemy Inside
2. The Looking Glass
3. Enigma Machine
4. The Bigger Picture
5. Behind the Veil
6. Surrender to Reason
7. Along for the Ride
8. False Awakening Suite                                                                                                                    • Sleep Paralysis                                                                                                                                                      • Night Terrors                                                                                                                                                          • Lucid Dream
9. Illumination Theory

• Paradoxe de la Lumière Noire

• Live, Die, Kill

• The Embracing Circle

• The Pursuit of Truth

• Surrender, Trust & Passion

Dream Theater, the twelfth studio album by the eponymous American progressive metal band, debuted globally in September 2013 under Roadrunner Records. Recorded at Cove City Sound Studios in Long Island, New York, between January and May 2013, it marked the first album involving drummer Mike Mangini in the songwriting process. The self-titled release, signifying a forward trajectory, featured comparatively shorter tracks, with exceptions like the epic 22-minute closure, “Illumination Theory.”

Noteworthy were organic string arrangements by Berklee College of Music’s Eren Başbuğ. The album, inspired by real-life events like the Boston Marathon bombings, debuted at number seven in the US, selling 34,000 units in its opening week. Its lead single, “The Enemy Inside,” secured a Grammy nomination, prompting a 2014 European and American tour culminating in a live recording at the Boston Opera House.

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13. The Astonishing (2016)

Tracks

1. Descent of the NOMACS
2. Dystopian Overture
3. The Gift of Music
4. The Answer
5. A Better Life
6. Lord Nafaryus
7. A Savior in the Square
8. When Your Time Has Come
9. Act of Faythe
10. Three Days
11. The Hovering Sojourn
12. Brother, Can You Hear Me?
13. A Life Left Behind
14. Ravenskill
15. Chosen
16. A Tempting Offer
17. Digital Discord
18. The X Aspect
19. A New Beginning
20. The Road to Revolution
21. 2285 Entr’acte
22. Moment of Betrayal
23. Heaven’s Cove
24. Begin Again
25. The Path That Divides
26. Machine Chatter
27. The Walking Shadow
28. My Last Farewell
29. Losing Faythe
30. Whispers on the Wind
31. Hymn of a Thousand Voices
32. Our New World
33. Power Down
34. Astonishing

Dream Theater’s “The Astonishing,” their thirteenth studio album, debuted January 29, 2016, via Roadrunner Records. Crafted as a conceptual marvel, guitarist John Petrucci and keyboardist Jordan Rudess conceived the storyline, enriched by composer David Campbell’s orchestration. Recorded at Cove City Sound Studios, New York, the album’s vocals were captured in Canada.

Petrucci helmed production, while Richard Chycki handled mixing. Set in a dystopian future, the narrative follows rebels battling a dominating empire with the mystical force of music. Influenced by modern epics like Game of Thrones, it explores technology’s omnipresence. The album’s diverse sonic landscape ranges from ballads to progressive metal, culminating in its chart-topping success and critical acclaim.

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14. Distance over Time (2019)

Tracks

1. Untethered Angel
2. Paralyzed
3. Fall into the Light
4. Barstool Warrior
5. Room 137
6. S2N
7. At Wit’s End
8. Out of Reach
9. Pale Blue Dot

“Distance Over Time,” Dream Theater’s 14th studio album, debuted on February 22, 2019, marking their inaugural release with Inside Out Music. The album coincided with a North American tour commemorating the 20th anniversary of their acclaimed “Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory.” Preceded by singles like “Untethered Angel,” “Fall into the Light,” and “Paralyzed,” accompanied by respective music videos, the album enjoyed remarkable chart success, reaching the top 10 in 19 countries. Notably, it secured the number one spot in Germany and Switzerland, cementing its status as the band’s most triumphant chart performer to date.

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15. A View from the Top of the World (2021)

Tracks

1. The Alien
2. Answering the Call
3. Invisible Monster
4. Sleeping Giant
5. Transcending Time
6. Awaken the Master
7. A View from the Top of the World

• The Crowning Glory

• Rapture of the Deep

• The Driving Force

A View from the Top of the World, Dream Theater’s fifteenth studio album, marked a milestone upon its October 22, 2021 release. Recorded at their personal studio, DTHQ, it deviated from tradition by housing fewer than nine tracks, reminiscent of ‘Black Clouds & Silver Linings’ (2009). Breaking ground, it reintroduced extended tracks, a ten-minute opus, and culminated with their longest piece. Notably, it serves as the swansong for drummer Mike Mangini, departing in October 2023 with the return of original drummer Mike Portnoy. This album stands as a pivotal transition in the band’s evolution and recording approach.

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