Dream Theater Latest News

Dream Theater's John Petrucci Featured In Guitar Player Magazine

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:02:00 GMT

Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci is featured on the cover of the February 2012 issue of Guitar Player magazine. The lengthy feature includes an extended interview with Petrucci about technique, the band's new album A Dramatic Turn of Events, production, and much more. It's also accompanied by a transcription of a section of the song "Outcry," from the new album, and a sidebar in which Petrucci answers questions posed by students from the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles.

Here's another recent interview with John, recorded by GuitarTV back in September:

Roadrunner Artists Kick Ass In Guitar World's Readers Poll!

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:05:00 GMT

The March 2012 issue of Guitar World includes the results of their 2011 Readers Poll, and Roadrunner artists were extremely well represented. Here's the rundown:

Megadeth's Dave Mustaine and Chris Broderick won Best Metal Guitarists, with Opeth's Mikael Åkerfeldt and Fredrik Åkesson coming in third;

Dream Theater's John Petrucci came in second in the Best Shredder category, with Rob Zombie's guitarist, John 5, coming in fifth;

Megadeth's TH1RT3EN won Best Metal Album, and Dream Theater's A Dramatic Turn of Events came in third;

John Petrucci also took second in the Most Valuable Player category, with Dave Mustaine right behind him;

Kenny Wayne Shepherd was voted the #3 Best Blues Guitarist;

Rush's Alex Lifeson was the #5 vote-getter for the Guitar World Hall of Fame;

and the magazine's November 2011 "Big Four" issue, which featured Dave Mustaine alongside members of Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax, was voted Favorite Guitar World Cover!

Congratulations to all!

Dream Theater - Build Me Up, Break Me Down Lyric Video

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Dream Theater have released a lyric video for "Build Me Up, Break Me Down," from their latest album, A Dramatic Turn of Events, and it's every bit as awesome and epic as the song itself. So when you've got seven minutes to spare, check it out!

Dream Theater's John Petrucci Interviewed By Pollstar

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:46:00 GMT

Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci was interviewed by Pollstar recently, and discussed a variety of subjects, from the band's first-ever Grammy nomination (for "On the Backs of Angels," from A Dramatic Turn of Events) to their overseas popularity and more.

Says Petrucci about the Grammy nomination, "We’ve been doing this for 26 years or so...If you continue doing something that you know is right in your heart and what you want to do as a musician and an artist, and you don’t compromise that – that’s the best thing. You get the respect and the loyalty of listeners and fans around the world because it’s kind of a back-and-forth-type of relationship, and that’s probably the most important thing to us, the thing we value the most. At the same time, to get recognized in this capacity with the Grammys and Recording Academy is also another nice kind of validation, just another way of saying that what we’re doing is special and meaningful and important and relevant on a different level."

Regarding the band's upcoming tour, he says, "I certainly hope that people enjoy the new songs and, based on the reactions that we got here in the U.S. and Canada and Mexico, I have a positive feeling about it. I’m looking forward to the tour. Europe is always great because it’s so diverse. The different areas we go to, the people react different, and you know you’re kind of really quickly experiencing all these different cultures while playing in those different environments. It’s pretty amazing."

Read the whole thing!

Exclusive: Matt Heafy And John Petrucci Talk Guitar, Part 4

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Last year, when Trivium and Dream Theater toured North America together, we sat Matt Heafy and John Petrucci down in our New York offices for an extended conversation about guitar technique, playing style, and much more. We showed you the first three parts on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and now here's the fourth and final part.

Trivium are on the road in the US and Canada again right now, supporting their latest album, In Waves; stop by our tour page to find a show near you! And if you haven't picked up In Waves yet, click here to get your copy!

Exclusive: Matt Heafy And John Petrucci Talk Guitar, Part 3

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Last year, when Trivium and Dream Theater toured North America together, we sat Matt Heafy and John Petrucci down in our New York offices for an extended conversation about guitar technique, playing style, and much more. We showed you the first two parts on Monday and Tuesday, and now here's Part 3.

Trivium are on the road in the US and Canada again right now, supporting their latest album, In Waves; stop by our tour page to find a show near you! And if you haven't picked up In Waves yet, click here to get your copy!

13 Of Roadrunner's Wildest Covers

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:30:00 GMT

At their worst, cover songs are lazy album filler. At their best, they can eclipse even the best original material. Covers are a chance for bands to cut loose and have fun by digging into the catalogs of their idols and influences, and once in a while, they result in something so awesomely unexpected or incongruous that the cover song becomes a staple of their catalog. Everyone with an iPod and an idea has put together a playlist of favorite cover songs; we here at Roadrunner have saved you the time and effort of making one for our stable of artists by doing the work for you. Here, in chronological order, are Roadrunner’s wildest cover songs: enjoy our bands slipping into someone else’s clothes.

Wanna listen as you read? Check these tracks out on Spotify!

Sepultura, Motörhead’s “Orgasmatron”, 1991
Now a stone classic, “Orgasmatron” was only six years old when Max Cavalera picked it as the only cover on Sepultura's Arise. But he knew a perfect fit when he heard one: the band maintains the original’s punishing strut, while Max’s vocals replace Lemmy’s cruel snarl with a cutting, martial bark.

Type O Negative, Seals & Crofts’ “Summer Breeze”, 1993
Cover songs—both deranged and sincere—were part of the Type O Negative experience, both live and on record. This swirling, gothed-up version of Seals & Crofts' mellow soft-rock staple from 1972, with front man Peter Steele laying on his thickest undead croon, might be the best of the lot.

Fear Factory, Gary Numan’s “Cars”, 1998
Entering the realms of the truly odd, we find Fear Factory taking a stab at Gary Numan’s New Wave synth-pop classic (as a bonus track on Obsolete)—and somehow roping Numan into participating as well. Odder still is how faithful it is to the original. Oddest of all? It works.

Coal Chamber, Peter Gabriel’s “Shock the Monkey”, 1999
Coal Chamber didn’t share much with art-rock pioneer Peter Gabriel besides a morbid sense of theatricality, but with “Shock the Monkey”, they had a ringer on their hands. Still, they took no chances: they brought in Ozzy Osbourne to handle backing vocals, and the result was their mainstream breakthrough.

Opeth, Deep Purple’s “Soldier of Fortune”, 2005
Given Mikael Åkerfeldt’s idolization of Deep Purple, you might think the only problem with this cover (from the deluxe edition of Opeth's Ghost Reveries) is that it might be too on the nose. But it avoids that pitfall, remaining a faithful cover while adding a new element: Åkerfeldt’s unexpectedly soulful vocals. Indeed, this cover is a strong signpost pointing to the '70s-influenced prog direction the band explored on their latest album, Heritage.

Trivium, Metallica’s “Master of Puppets”, 2006
When Kerrang! asked eight bands to cover a song from Metallica’s Master of Puppets album for its 20th anniversary, Trivium got the best—and hardest—of the lot. They acquitted themselves honorably, with Matt Heafy’s already Hetfield-esque vocals complemented by sharper, rougher guitars that make the song even more sinister.

Stone Sour, Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game”, 2006
Here’s a real curiosity: Corey Taylor takes on Chris Isaak’s smooth, sexed-up ballad of regret and desire, in an all-acoustic arrangement. In a bonus track for Stone Sour’s Come What(ever) May, Taylor manages to strip the song to its barest bones, but loses none of the intensity he’s known for.

Killswitch Engage, Dio’s “Holy Diver”, 2006
Taking on a legendary song requires stones big enough to seal a tomb, and metal songs don’t come much more legendary than “Holy Diver”. Whatever else you can say about Killswitch Engage, though, they never lack for brass, and they throw themselves into the deathless Dio classic with total commitment.

Megadeth, Led Zeppelin’s “Out on the Tiles”, 2007
On Megadeth's terrific United Abominations album, Dave Mustaine accessed his bluesier side by covering a heavy deep cut from Led Zeppelin III. The tremendously filthy guitar playing (including a "Kashmir" outro!) transforms the song into almost a Megadeth original. (Note: This song is not currently on Spotify, but we're working on it.)

3 Inches of Blood, Lucifer’s Friend’s “In the Time of Job When Mammon Was a Yippie”, 2007
In addition to having the greatest title, this cut from the Trial of Champions EP may just be the most fun cover song on this list. Reworking a song by the nearly-forgotten German prog-metal outfit Lucifer’s Friend, 3 Inches of Blood goes absolutely gonzo, and the result is a cover impossible not to love.

Dream Theater, King Crimson’s “Lark’s Tongues in Aspic Part II”, 2009
Speaking of prog... Cover songs are fundamental to the Dream Theater live experience; the band is never afraid to break out a cover, be it goofy or ambitious. The special edition of Black Clouds & Silver Linings came with an entire EP of covers, including this go-for-broke version of a daunting prog masterpiece.

DevilDriver, Iron Maiden’s “Wasted Years”, 2009
DevilDriver normally doesn’t traffic in cover songs, so it’s all the more surprising that they took on a band as iconic as Iron Maiden for another Kerrang! compilation. It’s somewhat jarring, given the two bands' radically different guitar and vocal styles, but in the end, it’s a solid modernization of a great original.

Machine Head, Judas Priest’s “The Sentinel”, 2011
Covering Judas Priest is the metal equivalent of running a marathon: you better be in good shape before you even try it. After training for almost two decades, Machine Head was finally ready, releasing a razor-sharp cover of this monster-of-the-week deep cut as a bonus track on Unto the Locust.

Want to hear these covers for yourself? Check 'em out on Spotify!

Exclusive: Matt Heafy And John Petrucci Talk Guitar, Part 2

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Last year, when Trivium and Dream Theater toured North America together, we sat Matt Heafy and John Petrucci down in our New York offices for an extended conversation about guitar technique, playing style, and much more. We showed you the first part yesterday, and now here's Part 2.

Trivium are on the road in the US and Canada again right now, supporting their latest album, In Waves; stop by our tour page to find a show near you! And if you haven't picked up In Waves yet, click here to get your copy!

Exclusive: Trivium's Matt Heafy And Dream Theater's John Petrucci Talk Guitar

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Last year, when Trivium toured North America with Dream Theater, we sat Matt Heafy down with John Petrucci for an extended conversation about guitar - playing technique, exercises, and much more - which we're presenting now, in four segments.

Here's the first one:

Trivium are on tour in North America again right now, with In Flames, Veil of Maya and Kyng; click here to find a show near you!

To get your copy of their latest album, In Waves, stop by our webstore!

Best Metal Album Of 2011: Vote In Hails And Horns' Poll!

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Hails and Horns Magazine is hosting a readers' poll to determine the best metal albums of 2011 - and among the nominees are Dream Theater's A Dramatic Turn of Events, Machine Head's Unto the Locust, Opeth's Heritage and Trivium's In Waves! You can vote once a day, and vote for up to three bands each time, so head over there and make your voice heard! The vote closes January 26 at midnight (though we're not sure what time zone Hails and Horns resides in).

Dream Theater's James LaBrie Talks Grammy Nomination, Life In Canada

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Dream Theater frontman James LaBrie was recently interviewed by the Canadian website Simcoe.com; in the piece, he talks about living in Canada, learning about the band's first-ever Grammy nomination (for "On the Backs of Angels," from their latest album A Dramatic Turn of Events) and more.

Says LaBrie of the nomination, "It will be an educational process for a lot of people who are going to ask, 'Who are these guys?' We’ve sold 12 million albums, but there are still a lot of people who don’t know we exist because we’re not the typical band that’s on radio, MTV or MuchMusic."

LaBrie still lives in the town of Midland, where he grew up; he talks about small-town life in the interview, saying, "For the longest time, I could walk around here and nobody would even know I was in a rock ’n’ roll band. It definitely is something that keeps life a little more simple."

Read the whole thing!

Special Editions Of Roadrunner Releases Available For Holiday Gift-Giving!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:28:00 GMT

If you haven't finished your holiday shopping, allow us to recommend picking up some of the best-reviewed albums of 2011! We've got special deals on the deluxe editions of multiple Roadrunner titles available now - and we'll even gift wrap them if you want!

Click here to pick up the CD/DVD deluxe editions of Dream Theater's A Dramatic Turn of Events; Trivium's In Waves; Lenny Kravitz's Black and White America; Black Stone Cherry's Between the Devil & The Deep Blue Sea; and/or a special bundle, including the CD/DVD special edition of Machine Head's Unto the Locust and a T-shirt!

A Top Ten From Matt Heafy Of Trivium

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:09:00 GMT

Trivium's Matt Heafy sent us the following in response to our request for a top ten list; here it is, in full.

Top Ten Turmoil, Twenty Twelve

My bandmates and I typically prefer to opt out of "top tens." The "top ten albums list" is usually a subject of heavy criticism (and justifiably so) from all angles. One argument against the creation of "a list" is that all contents contained will be subjected to intense scrutiny from multiple parties from multiple stances who will be reading the top ten list.

Colorful, classic reactions from the punters will include commentary like: "This list isn't metal enough! I fuckin' hate this dude and his band and his stupid guts now! Their next album is going to be (insert current year's most-hated-genre) bullshit!" Or the ever popular, "This dude doesn't deserve to like (insert culty-illegible-obscure band name here)! That's my favorite band."

On the other hand, with the authors, it can be all about who can "out-weird" everyone else's list in an almost ill-spirited, elitism-off of who can reference bands that will earn brownie points from the most jaded of magazine and webzine journalists.

I say, when it comes to things in life - music, art, movies, fashion, food - don't succumb to being stuck into one thing, one mindset, one genre; don't be afraid to admit to liking things that you're "not supposed to" like due to what kind of band you're in. Instead, be open of the fact that… hey - maybe you are in a Satanic black metal band, but maybe you really dug Bieber's Christmas album - I think that would show some color in your character. (Alright - maybe that was a terrible example, but you get the point.)

So I guess there are some things that "have to be done," like a list containing 10 albums of the year, when you're in a band. So for me, these are not in any specific order, these aren't using numerals (instead, 10 lower-case letters), these aren't subscribing to what I need to list in the adherence of genre or consistency, nor does this tiny list encapsulate all the amazing music that has come out this year. Nowadays, with tools like Spotify, I feel people have incredible music spanning all genres at their fingertips. Dare to try something random and new - get outside of your comfort zone and allow yourself to be immersed in all the great musical goo that is out there.

Here it is. My random selection of my preferred "a-h"s of this year" that I feel were worth jamming out to.

c. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Deluxe Edition)
Although The Suburbs was released in 2010, the Deluxe came out this year. The Suburbs (and Mumford And Sons' Sigh No More) were the albums I listened to each day on the drive to the studio while tracking In Waves. The songwriting is impeccable, the lyrics are heartfelt and gripping. I didn't "get" this band until I saw an international live performance of theirs - to put it in the terms I described it exactly to a friend after seeing it: "It was like the energy of Slipknot… and the amount of people (roughly)… but of a completely different musical universe." The bandmembers are all multi-instrumentalists, trading off on specific-instrumental duties, but utilize instrumentation differently than the typical musical sense. They'll use violin "noise" as textures - it feels like they just do what they feel like doing, when they feel like it. It doesn't stick to rules or genres or anything - it's uniquely a sound of their own.

h. Machine Head - Unto the Locust
The world was definitely anxiously holding their breaths in anticipation for what would follow The Blackening. I've had a long listening history with Machine Head (and a long-time friendship): MH was the first metal band I ever saw live; the third band I've ever toured with; a band with whom we toured together, drawing upwards of 6-8,000 people in the UK. The Burning Red and Through The Ashes Of Empires are without a doubt two albums that helped make me the musician I am today, and with Unto the Locust, Machine Head has again changed the game.

With the new album, MH does things that I didn't expect would happen: a whole new melodic sensibility and level of catchiness I haven't heard yet, utilizing different playing approaches (like Black Metal/tremolo-picking), and the song "Darkness Within" in general. The first time Robb played that song for me, my jaw actually dropped. Locust still feels incredibly Machine Head, but delves into uncharted territory previously unheard in their music.

a. Times Of Grace - The Hymn of a Broken Man
See here

f. Rise to Remain - City of Vultures
It is still hard to grasp the fact that there are bands out there that are influenced by the band I am in. I've known the Rise guys for years, and have had the honor to be able to watch them grow as people, musicians, a band - they're truly coming into their own. Austin's voice live gives me chills - his vocals have come such a long way since his early demo days that it's an insane rate of growth. Their new album isn't quite out yet in the USA (it is in Europe), but let me tell you - it is an amazing preview as to what this band will become in the years to come.
The musicality is fantastic, Ben should have existed in an '80s shred band like Racer X (Hell, he can keep up with those dudes easy, I'm sure), Pat is a drummer capable of anything technically - but hearing him lay back into simplicity when it calls for it really creates an impact. The songs are really something special - heavy, catchy; very now.

These guys are the future of metal - and City is a fantastic promise of great things to come.

g. Rammstein - Made in Germany (Special Edition)
Rammstein is one of my top favorite bands in the world. This band is the entire package. Their creativity does not stop at music; it delves into heavy visual art: intense, performance-art style live shows; music videos that break all boundaries of what a music video is supposed to look like; the only massively internationally popular band that sings almost completely in German. Rammstein does it the way they want. They are creativity defined.

I feel bad using a greatest hits… but hey - if you haven't gotten into this masterpiece of a band, this may be the perfect start. Their songs and style are uniquely their own; unmistakably - when you hear a Rammstein track - you know it's them. Just get into 'em.

b. Mercenary - Metamorphosis
See here

f. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
If I had to describe this album in one word, it would be: beautiful. Musically, it's its own thing. Instruments are used musically and texturally alike; at times, the song structure is its own style of structure - not traditional at all; I judge a good album on whether or not it makes me see a visual setting while listening to it. This is like an auditory soundtrack to a nature scene. A mixture of all sorts of genres and instruments and textures - this album is breathtaking. It feels heavy, sad and uplifting all at once. It can feel hopeful and woeful simultaneously. Truly beautiful.

d. In Flames - Sounds Of A Playground Fading
See here

In Flames is a band, without whom I would not exist in Trivium. In Flames has always been an impossibly vital band to the inspiration to be creative for me. Throughout their existence, they have created different sounds and genres within themselves - with Sounds, they've again paved way for something new for them. The catchiness of the songs, the feeling you get from the lyrics, the utilization of a mixture of their old Gothenburg roots and their layered-electronic-dimensional soundscapes really make something unique on this album. Watching 8,000-plus people in Gothenburg, Sweden singing their hearts out to every song from this album gave me goosebumps.

e. Dream Theater - A Dramatic Turn of Events
Dream Theater is the only band in the world like itself. They've created their legacy by consisting of some of the greatest musicians in the world, who all can actually write incredible songs. When one strives to hit the level of playing that DT is capable of, typically songwriting takes a distant back seat. Dream Theater does not settle for this fate: from their inception, they've been not only capable of some of the most mind-blowing musical ability seen in an actual band, but they do it tastefully and within some really amazing songs.

With their new album, Dream Theater has captured (and topped) the magic of Images, with a spin of what they've been doing in the later albums. I spent my school years coming home and watching Metropolis Pt.2 daily; I have John Petrucci's Rock Discipline memorized and use it every single show as my warm up before performing with Trivium. I was privileged enough to be able to tour with the band, and I learned more musically on that tour than any tour I've done in my almost 13 years of being in Trivium.

The new album has everything anyone who has ever loved Dream Theater could ever want. It is one of their finest works with some of the greatest songs they've ever composed (and the musicality… well - it's so damn good, it makes you wanna quit guitar/keys/singing/drums/bass).

h. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
Fleet Foxes has opened my brain and heart up to a new love for a new sound of music. Before Fleet Foxes, I never really knew this style of music (I'll spare them from me trying to "label" the style), but lemme tell you - it's something really uniquely their own. It pulls from things of the past, present and future. The song are incredible, the music really puts you somewhere nature-y.

Every album by this band is fantastic - their musicality and ability in their instruments is intense. This style of playing isn't easy - this level of harmonic-intelligence of how to blend so many vocals, so many instruments into the fantastic arrangements that they do is something special.

This album makes me feel good, it's an album worth living and loving during.

*****

Matt Heafy will be a guest on Full Metal Jackie Radio this weekend (12/16-12/18). To find a rock station near you airing the show, go to fullmetaljackieradio.com.

Deluxe Opeth, Dream Theater, Murderdolls And Airbourne Boxes On Sale!

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:35:00 GMT

It's the holiday season, and we're offering some exclusive deluxe editions at ridiculously low prices! Got an Airbourne, Dream Theater, Murderdolls or Opeth fan on your shopping list? Then you can't really afford to pass this sale up!

The deluxe vinyl/DVD box set version of Opeth's In Live Concert at the Royal Albert Hall is now available for just $49.99 (regular price $123.49).

The deluxe box set version of Dream Theater's Black Clouds & Silver Linings is also on sale for $49.99 (originally $132).

The Overdrive Edition of Airbourne's No Guts, No Glory is now available for $19.99 (regular price $59.99).

Finally, the First Aid Kit version of the Murderdolls' Women & Children Last is now just $29.99 (regular price $66.66).

Hurry - there's a limited number of these packages, and when they're gone, they're gone!

3 Members of Dream Theater Offer Their Top 10 Albums Of 2011!

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:27:00 GMT

Our annual roundup of Top 10 lists has been posted, and as usual, it's a mixture of picks from staffers and artists. Three members of Dream Theater offered lists this year, and in case you don't want to dig through the site looking for them, here are some handy links.

Guitarist John Petrucci gave the nod to a wide variety of bands and artists, including labelmates Opeth, Trivium and Young the Giant, but also Adele, Bon Iver and comedy glam-rockers Steel Panther. See his list here.

Keyboardist Jordan Rudess favored Opeth's Heritage, as well, and also ranked discs by Devin Townsend, Beardfish and Black Country Communion. His list is here.

And finally, bassist John Myung gave the thumbs up to Opeth and Trivium as well, but also enjoyed the latest records by Megadeth, Radiohead and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Check out his list here.

Dream Theater's Mike Mangini Talks About Playing While Sick, Grammy Nomination

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:53:00 GMT

Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini posted a message on the band's Facebook page yesterday regarding his health at recent shows.

He wrote, "Hi All, I seriously played my two best shows/solos while being the sickest I've been in 20-30 years. But not enough to jeopardize me too much or affect the show negatively. I don't know how that happens. My apologies for not being able to speak much, or for coughing at the paid pre-show pic taking. Now you know why. I didn't and couldn't call friends, my family, my wife, nobody...it was weird to try so hard to speak. All of you that play must've experienced this before. How can we be so sick, then play like not too much is wrong? It must be a love of overcoming challenges and helping the team. I guess that's how athletes do it. I honestly curled up in a ball after the show and didn't think I'd make it out of there. I'm happy to say that I'm feeling better and better and that I'm about to sleep on and off for 14 hours pumping the herbs and meds and water. I think I will have the best show of my whole life in Mesa...because of all the practicing I did on the break. I love this!!!! Can't wait till tmw!! DID I MENTION HOW GOOD IT FEELS TO BE 1 FOR 1 WITH DREAM THEATER FOR A GRAMMY NOMINATION!!!! 2 for 2 with VAI, 1 FOR 1 WITH DT... OH YEAH!!!!!!! THAT'LL FIX MY FLU!!!!"

Dream Theater recently received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance for their song "On the Backs of Angels," from A Dramatic Turn of Events. It's the band's first Grammy nomination.

Dream Theater, Megadeth Nominated For 2011 Grammy Awards!

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:08:00 GMT

Dream Theater's "On the Backs of Angels," from their latest album A Dramatic Turn of Events, and Megadeth's "Public Enemy No. 1," from their new album TH1RT3EN, were nominated for Grammy Awards in the Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance category. Congratulations and best of luck to both bands! The Grammy Awards will be broadcast on CBS on February 12 at 8 PM EST.

Dream Theater, "On the Backs of Angels":

Megadeth, "Public Enemy No. 1":

Rock Out Loud Compilation Now Available Exclusively At FYE!

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:18:00 GMT

Roadrunner Records presents the brand-new compilation Rock Out Loud, jammed with new and classic tracks by 10 of our heaviest artists. The CD is available for just $7.99, exclusively at FYE stores.

Here's the track listing:

Stone Sour – "The Pessimist"
Megadeth – "Public Enemy No. 1"
Korn featuring Skrillex – "Get Up!"
Trivium – "In Waves"
Dream Theater – "On the Backs of Angels"
Machine Head – "Locust"
Opeth – "The Devil’s Orchard"
Type O Negative – "Christian Woman"
Times Of Grace – "Willing"
DevilDriver – "You Make Me Sick"

To find your local FYE store, click here.

Dream Theater's Jordan Rudess Names Five Albums That Changed His Life

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:44:00 GMT

In a new interview for Noisecreep, Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess has named five albums that changed his life. Among the descriptions of his five choices (which we're not going to reveal here):

"The combination of the energy, the harmonies and intricate chord changes, opened up my mind to the possibilities of what I could do with a keyboard."

"It literally sounded like his guitar was talking. I still haven't heard anyone make a wah-wah pedal sound like that."

"I used to follow the band around whenever they played anywhere near me. They all played multiple instruments and put on a great show."

"[A] lot of Dream Theater fans might think I would be more into something more technical and with more chops, but I'm also really attracted to gentle music too."

"They are a band filled with really amazing players. The way their parts intertwined with other each other was so...The word 'glorious' comes to mind when I think about that album."

Click here to read the whole thing.

EXCLUSIVE - Dream Theater Lyric Video Contest Winners!

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:30:00 GMT

Back in September, we announced a contest: Create a lyric video for a song from Dream Theater's latest album, A Dramatic Turn of Events, and you'd win a copy of the CD signed by all five members of the band. We got a lot of entries, and we've finally sat down and chosen the five that truly impressed us.

Now, the five prizes are identical, so these clips aren't in order from #5 to #1. They're the five best, all equally awesome. And here they are:

First up, "Far From Heaven," by adriaticturnofevents:

Next up, we've got "This is the Life," by Pyroflick:

Here's a second interpretation of "This is the Life," by jflozanot:

Here's one for "Build Me Up, Break Me Down," by juggler3142:

And finally, here's one for "Breaking All Illusions," courtesy of SherryZProductions:

Congratulations to our five winners (who we'll be contacting via YouTube), and thanks to everyone who entered! These were terrific!