Dream Theater Releases “Midnight Messiah” Featuring Lyrics by Mike Portnoy for the First Time in 16 Years

New Dream Theater Single Released

Dream Theater have launched a fresh track, “Midnight Messiah,” from their forthcoming album, “Parasomnia.”

“Midnight messiah/Darkness comes/Eternally wired/The dream never ends/Twilight desires/Midnight messiah,” frontman James Labrie sings over dynamic and heavy drums alongside driving guitars.

This song includes lyrical input from drummer Mike Portnoy, who hasn’t contributed since 2009. Portnoy made his return to the band in 2023 following a 13-year hiatus.

Commenting on “Midnight Messiah,” Portnoy shared in a press release: “It was fantastic to write again and contribute to this chapter in the Parasomnia story. DT fans might enjoy uncovering some hidden elements I incorporated into the song, referencing much of my past DT lyrics… and the music video beautifully showcases the excitement from the first two legs of the recent tour we completed in South America and Europe. We’re eager to begin our next North American leg.”

This track will be featured on Dream Theater’s upcoming 16th album, Parasomnia, scheduled for release on February 7 via InsideOut. You can pre-order it here. “Parasomnia” will be the first album to feature the band’s classic lineup of Portnoy, Labrie, John Petrucci, John Myung, and Jordan Rudess.

The album was produced by Petrucci, engineered by James “Jimmy T” Meslin, and mixed by Andy Sneap. “Parasomnia” will be available as a limited edition deluxe box, two 180g gatefold LPs with a 12-page booklet, a special digipak CD edition, and a digital album featuring Dolby Atmos mixed by Mark Gittins.

Upcoming North American Tour

Dream Theater is set to commence their North American 40th anniversary tour next month in 2025. Check out the complete list of tour dates below and visit here to buy tickets.

Dream Theater 2025 North American Tour Dates:

FEBRUARY
7 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Metropolitan
8 – Raleigh, NC – Martin Marietta Center
10 – Nashville, Tennessee – Opry House
11 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
12 – Biloxi, MA – Hard Rock Café
14 – Houston, Texas – 713 Music Hall
15 – Dallas, TX – Texas Trust CU
16 – San Antonio, Texas – Majestic
18 – Phoenix, Arizona – Arizona Financial Center
19 – Highland, California – Yaamawa Theater
21 – Las Vegas, Nevada – Chelsea
22 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater
24 – San Jose, California – San Jose Civic
25 – Sacramento, California – Safe Credit Union Jobs
27 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theater
28 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium

MARCH
2 – Reno, Nevada – Grand Sierra
4 – Salt Lake City, Utah – Maverick Center
6 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
8 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theater
9 – Cleveland, Ohio – MGM Northfield Park
11 – Toronto, Ontario – Coca-Cola Coliseum
12 – Montreal, Quebec – Place des Arts
14 – Wallingford, CT – Oakdale Theater
15 – Boston, Massachusetts – Boch Center
17 – Rochester, New York – Kodak
18 – Wheeling, WV – Capitol Theater
19 – Cincinnati, Ohio – Brady Music Center
21 – Washington, DC – Anthem
22 – New York, New York – Radio City Music Hall

In other news, Portnoy recently created his own drum parts for Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” after listening to it for the first time.