Dream Theater - Distance Over Time (2019)
Overview
Distance Over Time is the 14th studio album by the American progressive metal giants Dream Theater, released on February 22, 2019 through Inside Out Music. This album marks a return to a heavier and more straightforward sound, balancing technical prowess with memorable songwriting. It showcases the band’s ability to blend complex musicianship with accessibility, making it one of their most acclaimed recent works.
Release Date: February 22, 2019
Label: Inside Out Music
Genre: Progressive Metal, Hard Rock
Album Type: Studio Album
Tracklist:
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. Panic Attack
Why You Should Listen
Distance Over Time offers a tighter, more energetic sound compared to previous Dream Theater albums, emphasizing groove and melodic hooks without sacrificing the band’s signature technical complexity. The album features intricate riffs, explosive solos, and dynamic rhythms, making it both a fan favorite and an accessible entry point for new listeners. Lyrically, it explores themes of reflection, struggle, and perseverance.
Fun Facts & Trivia
🎸 This album was written and recorded in just six weeks, the shortest Dream Theater has ever taken to create a full album.
🎤 Vocalist James LaBrie delivers some of his most powerful and emotionally charged performances here.
🎹 Keyboardist Jordan Rudess experimented with vintage synth sounds, adding new textures to the band’s sound palette.
🎵 The track “Room 137” is an instrumental named after the hotel room where guitarist John Petrucci wrote part of the music.
📈 Distance Over Time debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, making it one of Dream Theater’s highest-charting albums.
Legacy
Celebrated for its blend of technicality and catchiness, Distance Over Time reaffirms Dream Theater’s position as progressive metal innovators who still know how to craft memorable songs. It’s praised for its balance of complexity and accessibility, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers.
