Review DREAM THEATER “Quarantième: Live in Paris”

When it comes to progressive metal, Dream Theater is one of the most impressive bands. They are icons of the genre, having been around for a while under the name Majesty in the second half of the ’80s, which put them on the metalheads’ radar.

Their big breakthrough came with the debut album “When Dream and Day Unite”, which I think is still one of the top three releases by this iconic band. This was followed by 15 additional studio releases. Including their time as Majesty, the New York-based band is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and what better way to celebrate than with a nearly three-hour live show featuring a comprehensive setlist? Songs such as “Night Terror” and the captivating “Barstool Warrior” represent the band’s later era, while the thrilling “Pull Me Under”, undoubtedly one of Dream Theater’s most iconic songs, takes us back to 1992 and the legendary “Images and Words” release.

One of the “40th Anniversary Tour” shows took place at the Adidas Arena in Paris, and this one has been recorded and will be released as a live album and live DVD/Blu-ray. The three-part show started with Act I, a massive retrospective on the ‘Metropolis’ theme. A ten-minute version of “Metropolis Pt. I” opens the album and the show, followed by “Overture 1928” and “Strange Déjà Vu”.

Photo: Wolfe Eliot

I will stop here to focus on individual songs, as each of the tracks played belongs to the progressive metal hall of fame. The band’s confidence, passion and technical skill in performing the setlist showcases their expertise, and the five musicians dedicate themselves to layered heavy metal with twists and turns.

The “Metropolis” theme framed the set, with two songs forming the encore together with the majestic closer, “Pull Me Under”; a rock monument to end the set.

“Quarantième: Live in Paris” is an exciting live album by a band that has been delivering quality and surprises for four decades. I have been fortunate enough to follow their musical journey from the very beginning, and the band has always delivered. Their albums have never been dull or boring, and with this live album, the band presents some of their finest work. We can all assume that it wasn’t easy for them to decide which songs to include in the setlist. Their back catalogue is bursting with great material. In any case, the selection is brilliant, and I would simply recommend leaning back and enjoying nearly three hours of stellar progressive metal on major league level. Fantastique.