Dream Theater’s JAMES LABRIE is easily one of the defining, elite and naturally talented vocalists the world has to offer and after selling over a million albums worldwide he further challenges himself with an aggressive and dynamic new solo effort. Go to http://www.insideoutmusic.com/specials/jameslabrie/ to get a FREE MP3 of the song “Mislead” from JAMES LABRIE’s new album, Static Impulse. All you have to do is spread the word via Facebook or Twitter and the song is yours! The album comes out on September 27th in the UK/EU and September 28th in North America.

LABRIE states: “The track ‘Mislead’ was a sleeping giant for Matt Guillory (keyboards) and I. Most of the parts came quickly, but seemed to be missing the key elements or ingredients that would keep you in its grip the entire ride. We kept playing with the interaction of the instruments and vocal melodies. Matt kept working his magic with the interplay of the keys, bass, guitar and drums. It wasn’t until I was almost ready to lay my vocals that Matt and I felt it had all that it needed, but we wouldn’t see the proof in the pudding until after both mine and Peter’s vocals were laid.

“Peter’s vocals were done before mine which enabled me to feed off his energy and really nail the attitude and personality needed for this song. What began as one of the maybe, maybe not tunes for this disc. It ultimately ended up being one of our favorites. The lyrics I wrote deal with the ever present corruption and oppression in far too many governments. I know lighten up right, I’m light; it’s them who need to chill out. Enjoy.”

Guillory further comments: “In the writing process, ‘Mislead’ ended up being more of a challenge than the other songs. It’s got all the right ingredients though; dense syncopated riffing, atmospheric keyboards, melodic hooks, and over-the-top vocals. In the end, we’re really pleased with the way it turned out. I absolutely love the contrast between James’ crystal-clear lead vocal delivery and Peter’s melo-death screams.”

The much anticipated new full-length offering, Static Impulse, also marks LABRIE’s first solo effort in over five years and is sure to please his legion of diehard fans, as well as win over many new devotees in the process. A special pre-order package is now available exclusively through CMDistro.com where fans can pre-order the album along with an exclusive t-shirt. Click on the link below to purchase now.
http://www.cmdistro.com/Item/James_LaBrie_-_-Static_Impulse-_CD_+_Shirt_-PRE-ORDER-/PKG000453

Static Impulse also features the immensely talented longtime songwriting partner and keyboardist Matt Guillory. Another notable performance is Peter Wildoer from metal titans DARKANE on drums and screaming vocals. The group is rounded out by Marco Sfogli on guitars and Ray Riendeau on bass. Static Impulse is set for a September 28^th release on InsideOut Music and was mixed and mastered by the renowned Jens Bogren (Opeth, Katatonia).
For additional information feel free to visit
www.jameslabrie.com

www.insideout.de

DREAM THEATER

DREAM THEATER have issued the following statement in the wake of the earth-shattering news that drummer Mike Portnoy has elected to leave the band:

“To all of our loyal fans and friends: It is with profound sadness – regret – we announce that Mike Portnoy, our lifelong drummer and friend, has decided to leave Dream Theater. Mike’s stature in the band has meant the world to all of us professionally, musically, and personally over the years. There is no dispute: Mike has been a major force within this band.

While it is true that Mike is choosing to pursue other ventures and challenges, we can assure you that Dream Theater will continue to move forward with the same intensity, and in the same musical tradition, that you have all helped make so successful, and which is truly gratifying to us. Fans and friends: File this episode under ‘Black Clouds and Silver Linings.’

As planned, we begin recording our newest album in January 2011, and we’ll follow that with a full-on world tour. ‘The Spirit Carries On.’

All of us in Dream Theater wholeheartedly wish Mike the best on his musical journey. We have had a long and meaningful career together. It is our true hope that he finds all he is looking for, and that he achieves the happiness he deserves. He will be missed.” Read the rest of this entry »

Mike Portnoy

DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy has posted on Facebook that he has left the band.

His post reads as follows:

“I am about to write something I never imagined I’d ever write:

After 25 years, I have decided to leave Dream Theater….the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century.

To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision…it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so.

After having had such amazing experiences playing with HAIL!, TRANSATLANTIC AND AVENGED SEVENFOLD this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater.

Please don’t misinterpret me, I love the DT guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them, it’s just that I think we are in serious need of a little break.

Dream Theater was always my baby and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985 24/7, 365, never taking time off from DT’s never-ending responsibilities (even when the band was “off” between cycles), working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band.

But I’ve come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me out and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DT spirit hungry and inspired.

We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here and there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a “hiatus” to recharge our batteries and “save me from ourselves.”

Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather. I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be.

While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!!), I do not want to stand in their way, so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes.

Strangely enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about the future of DT and I talked about ‘always following your heart and being true to yourself’ – sadly I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with Dream Theater and I would simply be ‘going through the motions’, and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I felt I needed.

I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come. I am proud of every album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played.

I’m sorry to all the disappointed DT fans around the world. I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work. I honestly just wanted a break (not a split) but happiness cannot be forced, it needs to come from within.

You DT fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you all know, I have always busted my ass for you guys and I hope that you will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead me….(and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no shortage of future MP projects!)

Sadly, your fearless ex-leader and drummer.”

Dream Theater’s JAMES LABRIE Unveils His New Static Impulse Solo Release; Announces Players and Release Info

Dream Theater’s JAMES LABRIE is easily one of the defining, elite and naturally talented vocalists the world has to offer and after selling over a million albums worldwide he further challenges himself with an aggressive and dynamic new solo effort. The much anticipated new full-length offering, Static Impulse, also marks LABRIE’s first solo effort in over five years and is sure to please his legion of diehard fans, as well as win over many new devotees in the process. Be sure to stay tuned to www.jameslabrie.com for new information.

Static Impulse also features the immensely talented longtime songwriting partner and keyboardist Matt Guillory. Another notable performance is Peter Wildoer from metal titans DARKANE on drums and screaming vocals. The group is rounded out by Marco Sfogli on guitars and Ray Riendeau on bass. Static Impulse is set for a September 28^th release on InsideOut Music and was mixed and mastered by the renowned Jens Borgen (Opeth, Katatonia).

LABRIE states: “Hi everyone. The release of Static Impulse is one that the whole band is psyched about. This is modern Metal and as heavy and relevant as any other band out there going in a similar musical direction. There are riffs that will blow your head off and melodies both musically and vocally that are hypnotic. Get in the driver’s seat and let the ears bleed. Enjoy and see you out there with a tour to follow up and support this release.”

Guillory further comments: “One year and two months in the making and we’re finally done. I’m really pleased with the way this record came out. James sounds fantastic, as well as the rest of the guys. Without a doubt, it’s our heaviest record thus far yet at the same time, it’s also our most melodic. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

In addition to Dream Theater’s numerous studio and live releases, LABRIE has also appeared on releases by Fates Warning, Redemption, Trent Gardner’s Explorer’s Club, Leonardo The Absolute Man, Frameshift, Ayreon’s The Human Equation, as well as tribute albums to Rush, Emerson Lake & Palmer and Queen.

For additional information feel free to visit
www.jameslabrie.com

www.insideout.de

DREAM THEATER

23.09 2009

Live at Ice Hall, HELSINKI

FINLAND

American progressive metal masters Dream Theater arrived once again Finland to please its constantly crowing fan base. Although band has recently released new album BLACK CLOUDS AND SILVER LININGS this current tour was advertised under banner  Progressive Nation 2009.

REVIEW AND PICTURES BY MARKO SYRJÄLÄ

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Dream Theater
Saturday, April 1, 2006
Radio City Music Hall
New York City

*** Live Review By Shaq ***

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Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater
and Liquid Tension Experiment
Intervied  Jan. 1999 by David Lee.

The term “Supergroup” is one that has its origin in the seventies when groups like EMERSON, LAKE and PALMER and BLIND FAITH ruled both the airwaves and concert stages. Since that time the concept and term have been used endlessly with less and less justification to do so. Finally, with the release of LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT, the progressive rock world has put together a group which is justifiably and demonstrably a “Supergroup.”

Mike Portnoy and John Petrucci of DREAM THEATER, Jordan Rudess of THE DREGS and Tony Levin who has played with everyone from PETER GABRIEL to YES came together for five days to hammer out an extemporaneous recording that only professionals of their ability and experience could have even attempted. The record has been called a “stroke-fest” by some but if what is contained in these 70 minutes is pure pomp the circumstance for it are perfect. Every number on the disc is pure adrenaline just this side of extreme. There are no singers and no ballads, just straight ahead virtuosity and passion. It is just what the music scene needs right now.

I spoke with LTE’s motivating force, Mike Portnoy about this project and about the state of progressive rock in general.

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BILLY IDOL
Tuesday, July 12th, 2005
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Vancouver, BC  Canada

***Live Review & All Photos By Lord of The Wasteland

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