The List of Dream Theater Albums in Order of Release Date

All Dream Theater Albums Available on: Apple Music

Also See: Opeth Albums in Order

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.

The List of  Dream Theater Albums in Order of Release Date

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
16. Parasomnia — February 7, 2025

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

A. The Observance

B. Ancient Renewal

C. The Stray Seed

D. Thorns

E. Exodus

“When Dream and Day Unite,” released on March 6, 1989, marked the ambitious debut of Dream Theater, then an emerging progressive metal band. Formed in 1985 by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy at Berklee College of Music, the band—initially called Majesty—crafted intricate compositions blending technical prowess and melodic sophistication. Featuring Charlie Dominici on vocals, this album was a product of their formative years and showcased their evolving style through complex time signatures, soaring guitar solos, and atmospheric keyboards. Despite a lukewarm reception and poor commercial performance, it laid the foundation for their future success, influencing progressive metal’s evolution.

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

Dream Theater’s Images and Words (1992) is a landmark progressive metal album, marking the debut of vocalist James LaBrie and setting the foundation for the band’s signature sound. Featuring intricate musicianship, dynamic compositions, and emotional lyricism, the album blends metal intensity with progressive complexity. The lead single, “Pull Me Under,” propelled the band into mainstream recognition, becoming their only Top 10 radio hit. Despite tensions during production, the album’s success solidified Dream Theater’s reputation. Tracks like “Metropolis—Part I” and “Under a Glass Moon” showcase virtuosic instrumentation, while “Another Day” adds a melodic touch. The album remains a fan favorite and a genre-defining masterpiece.

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, was released on October 4, 1994, marking a pivotal moment in the band’s career. It was the final album to feature original keyboardist Kevin Moore, who left during the mixing process. Facing pressure from East West Records to replicate the success of Images and Words, the band embraced a heavier, darker sound, with John Petrucci incorporating seven-string guitars for the first time. The album’s complex compositions and introspective lyrics earned mixed reviews upon release but later gained recognition as a progressive metal landmark. Despite commercial struggles, Awake remains a fan-favorite for its intensity and musicianship.

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

A. It’s Raining

B. Deep in Heaven

C. The Wasteland

Falling into Infinity is the fourth studio album by Dream Theater, released on September 23, 1997, through EastWest Records. It marked the band’s only studio album featuring keyboardist Derek Sherinian and was shaped by intense label pressure for a more commercial sound. Despite creative conflicts—most notably between John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy—the album blends progressive complexity with radio-friendly elements. Produced by Kevin Shirley and recorded at Avatar Studios in New York, the album includes fan favorites like “Hollow Years” and “Lines in the Sand.” Although initially met with mixed reviews, it remains a significant chapter in the band’s evolution.

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” is Dream Theater’s landmark fifth studio album and first full-length concept album, released on October 26, 1999. Expanding on “Metropolis—Part I” from Images and Words (1992), the album follows Nicholas, a man uncovering his past life through regression therapy, unraveling a murder mystery involving love, betrayal, and reincarnation. Marking Jordan Rudess’ debut on keyboards, the album showcases intricate compositions, theatrical storytelling, and virtuosic performances. A fan-favorite, it received critical acclaim, inspiring live adaptations and a novelization set for release in 2024. Its legacy cements it as one of progressive metal’s defining works.

6. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (2002)

Tracks

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

A. Reflection

B. Restoration

C. Revelation

“Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence,” Dream Theater’s sixth studio album, showcases the band’s progressive metal mastery through intricate compositions and deep thematic storytelling. Released on January 29, 2002, as a double-disc album via Elektra Records, it is notable for featuring the band’s first-ever title track, which spans the entire second disc. The album opens with “The Glass Prison,” the first part of Mike Portnoy’s Twelve-step Suite, chronicling his battle with alcoholism. Songs like “Blind Faith” and “The Great Debate” tackle philosophical and ethical dilemmas, while “Misunderstood” exhibits John Petrucci’s experimental guitar techniques. The album’s magnum opus, the 42-minute “Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence,” delves into mental illness, blending orchestral arrangements with Dream Theater’s signature technical precision. Influenced by bands like Metallica, Tool, and Radiohead, the album received critical acclaim, charting worldwide.

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

A. Reflections of Reality (Revisited)

B. Release

Train of Thought, Dream Theater’s seventh studio album, released on November 11, 2003, is a bold exploration into heavier, darker sounds, influenced by fan reactions to the band’s more intense material during their tours. Recorded in just three weeks, the album features aggressive riffing and complex structures, reflecting the band’s desire to break new ground in the metal scene. The tracks, like “As I Am” and “This Dying Soul,” showcase intricate instrumentation and personal lyricism, with themes ranging from frustration with the music industry to deep introspection. Notably, “Stream of Consciousness” is an all-instrumental piece, marking a highlight in the band’s expansive musicality.

8. Octavarium (2005)

Tracks

1. The Root of All Evil [A. Ready, B. 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

A. Someone Like Him

B. Medicate (Awakening)

C. Full Circle

D. Intervals

E. Razor’s Edge

Octavarium, released on June 7, 2005, is the eighth studio album by Dream Theater and marks their final release with Atlantic Records. Crafted between September 2004 and February 2005 at New York’s The Hit Factory, the album blends progressive metal with accessible melodies, reducing complexity compared to previous works. Drawing on the concept of the musical octave, each song is composed in a different key, and the album culminates with the 24-minute epic “Octavarium,” a multi-part track influenced by progressive rock legends like Genesis and Pink Floyd. The album’s critical reception was generally positive, with praise for its diversity, though some found the songwriting inconsistent. The album peaked highly on several international charts and was followed by an extensive world tour.

9. Systematic Chaos (2007)

Tracks

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

A. Heretic

B. The Slaughter of the Damned

C. The Reckoning

D. Salvation

Systematic Chaos is Dream Theater’s ninth studio album, released in 2007 through Roadrunner Records. A blend of progressive metal and personal themes, it stands out for its bold approach to songwriting and production. Recorded over six months at Avatar Studios, the album delves into fictional, political, and personal narratives, with lyrics penned by John Petrucci, James LaBrie, and Mike Portnoy. The album’s highlights include the epic “In the Presence of Enemies” and the aggressive “Constant Motion.” The band’s dedication to creating a dynamic, powerful sound is evident, and the album’s success on global charts reflects its broad appeal. The accompanying Chaos in Motion tour spanned 35 countries, further solidifying the album’s impact.

10. Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009)

Tracks

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

Black Clouds & Silver Linings is Dream Theater’s tenth studio album, released on June 23, 2009, marking their highest charting album to date, peaking at #6 on the Billboard 200. The album features a mix of intricate musical compositions and deeply personal lyrics, written primarily by John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy. It includes thematic explorations of personal experiences, such as “A Nightmare to Remember,” based on a childhood car accident, and “The Best of Times,” written as a tribute to Portnoy’s father. Produced by Petrucci and Portnoy, this was the band’s last album with Portnoy until his 2023 return. Black Clouds & Silver Linings is celebrated for its emotional depth and musical complexity, earning widespread acclaim and a 2009 Metal Storm Award for Best Progressive Metal Album.

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,” released in September 2011, marks Dream Theater’s eleventh studio album and their first without founding drummer Mike Portnoy, following his departure in 2010. This album introduced Mike Mangini as the new drummer after an extensive audition process. The band, under the production guidance of guitarist John Petrucci, underwent a musical re-evaluation, blending progressive rock elements reminiscent of their past works like Images and Words and Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory. The album’s title reflects themes of dramatic historical changes, influenced by contemporary events like the Libyan Civil War. “On the Backs of Angels” and “Build Me Up, Break Me Down” served as singles, with the album debuting at number eight on the US Billboard 200. Despite mixed reviews, it earned Dream Theater their first Grammy nomination.

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 [A. Sleep Paralysis B. Night Terrors  C. Lucid Dream]
9. Illumination Theory

A. Paradoxe de la Lumière Noire

B. Live, Die, Kill

C. The Embracing Circle

D. The Pursuit of Truth

E. Surrender, Trust & Passion

Dream Theater, released in September 2013, is the self-titled twelfth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater. Marking the first album with drummer Mike Mangini contributing to the songwriting process, the record was crafted at Cove City Sound Studios in New York. Known for its more concise songs, the album blends heavy riffs, intricate time signatures, and emotional depth, with highlights including the 22-minute epic Illumination Theory. The album explores themes like PTSD in The Enemy Inside, inspired by the Boston Marathon bombings. Upon release, it debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 and received critical acclaim for its ambitious, yet accessible sound.

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

The Astonishing is Dream Theater’s ambitious thirteenth studio album, released on January 29, 2016. It stands as the band’s second concept album, telling a dystopian tale set in a future where music is replaced by mechanical Noise Machines. The story, crafted by guitarist John Petrucci, follows the Ravenskill Rebel Militia’s efforts to resist the Great Northern Empire through the power of music. With a grandiose orchestral arrangement led by composer David Campbell, the album blends a variety of musical styles, ranging from acoustic ballads to progressive metal. Clocking in at over two hours, it showcases the band’s dedication to immersive storytelling, drawing inspiration from science fiction and fantasy genres. The Astonishing debuted strongly on global charts, including topping the US Rock Chart, and was supported by a tour throughout 2016.

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 is the fourteenth studio album by Dream Theater, released on February 22, 2019, through Inside Out Music. Marking a shift from their previous grandiose work The Astonishing, the band aimed for a tighter, more focused sound with heavier tones. Written in just 18 days, it reflects a rapid creative process, similar to their 2003 album Train of Thought. The album features standout tracks like “Untethered Angel” and “Paralyzed,” and achieved commercial success, reaching the top 10 in 19 countries, including number one in Germany and Switzerland. Distance Over Time was praised for its energy and accessibility while maintaining Dream Theater’s complex musicality.

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

A. The Crowning Glory

B. Rapture of the Deep

C. The Driving Force

“A View from the Top of the World” is Dream Theater’s fifteenth studio album, released on October 22, 2021. Recorded at their own DTHQ (Dream Theater Headquarters), the album marks a departure from their previous releases with fewer tracks, but still features their signature progressive metal style. Notably, it includes the 20-minute epic closing track and the Grammy-winning single “The Alien.” The album showcases Dream Theater’s collaboration with Andy Sneap, who mixed and mastered the album. With a mix of intricate compositions and powerful performances, it received critical acclaim and charted highly in various countries, solidifying Dream Theater’s legacy in progressive metal.

16. Parasomnia (2025)

Tracks

1. In the Arms of Morpheus
2. Night Terror
3. A Broken Man
4. Dead Asleep
5. Midnight Messiah
6. Are We Dreaming?
7. Bend the Clock
8. The Shadow Man Incident

“Parasomnia” is the sixteenth studio album by Dream Theater, released on February 7, 2025. This marks the return of original drummer Mike Portnoy, who rejoined the band after 13 years, bringing a fresh energy to the album. Unlike typical concept albums, “Parasomnia” explores the theme of disruptive sleep disorders, delving into experiences like sleepwalking, nightmares, and night terrors. The album blends technical brilliance with accessibility, maintaining Dream Theater’s signature progressive metal sound while introducing darker, more guitar-driven elements. With tracks like the epic “The Shadow Man Incident,” “Parasomnia” has been hailed as a triumphant return to form for the band.

Conclusion:

Dream Theater’s extensive discography showcases their evolution as pioneers of progressive metal, blending technical mastery with intricate storytelling. With sixteen studio albums, including landmark releases like Images and Words, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory, and their latest, Parasomnia, the band’s ability to innovate remains unmatched. Over the years, their lineup shifts—most notably Mike Portnoy’s return—have only strengthened their legacy. Fans exploring Dream Theater albums in order will witness a journey of musical complexity and lyrical depth that has cemented their status among progressive metal’s elite, selling millions of records worldwide and earning well-deserved critical acclaim.

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