Artist: DREAM THEATER
Album: AWAKE (CD)

Year: 1994
EAN/UPS: 0075679012623
Media type: CD

Without doubt the most important Progressive Rock acts to have emerged in recent years. DREAM THEATER have combined heady acclaim within the genre matched by hard album sales and status. As the first of a second wave of progressively inclined acts, DREAM THEATER were signed to MCA subsidiary Mechanic Records at a time when music of their ilk was totally overshadowed by a myriad of other genres. The group swiftly fostered an enthusiastic degree of support, regularly cracking the charts then novelly keeping pace with demand for product by releasing a series of fan club exclusive releases that has only increased in profusion.

Previously known as MAJESTY, in September 1985 bass player John Myung and guitarist John Petrucci were childhood friends who met drummer Mike Portnoy at the famous Berklee School Of Music in Boston Kevin Moore was engaged on keyboards, having known Petrucci from elementary school once the trio had settled back home in Long Island. At this juncture the teenage Portnoy was also recording tracks with guitarist S.A. ADAMS.

Having initially worked with vocalist Chris Collins, the fledgling band soon replaced him with Charlie Dominici, a former member of Pop-Rockers FRANKE AND THE KNOCKOUTS, and recorded a four track demo that despite its poorly produced frame sold out rather quickly. Further promotional sessions throughout 1985 and 1986 followed before the band was forced to change its name due to MAJESTY already being owned by another party. The new moniker of DREAM THEATER was adopted after a suggestion from Mike Portnoy's father who had recently seen a movie in a cinema of that name.

Releasing a new selection of, better produced, demos, DREAM THEATER was offered a deal by the MCA affiliated Mechanic Records label and, once signed, the group found themselves working with producer Terry Date on what would become the 'When Dream And Day Unite' album. The record was reportedly completed with a three and a half week deadline hanging over their heads. Producer Terry Brown was drafted in to remix the album's tracks for promotional copies. Interestingly the album track 'The Ytse Jam' made reference to their former guise, 'Ytse Jam' being 'Majesty' backwards. 'When Dream And Day Unite' was offered up to the world in June 1989. Reviews would be positive but sales less than buoyant due to the dominating prevalence of hair bands and Thrash.

Wanting to be released from Mechanic Records who, the band claimed, offered no promotion for the first album, DREAM THEATER eventually had to buy themselves out of their contract. Searching for a replacement for Charlie Dominici in 1989, DREAM THEATER had begun to tentatively work with another singer when they received a tape from Penetanguishene, Ontario native James LaBrie, who was about to sign a solo deal with Aquarius Records. LaBrie had previously had tenures with WINTER ROSE, replacing previous vocalist SEBASTIAN BACH, and CONEY HATCH. The singer was invited down to New York to try out for the group and, after one jam session, the Canadian had got the job.

Having been virtually guaranteed a deal with Atco if they found the right singer, DREAM THEATER signed to the label in 1991 and entered Beartracks studios in Suffern, New York in October of that year to record their second album, 'Images And Words'. . Instrumental in securing the band for Atco was Derek Oliver, one time music journalist and noted passionate fan of quality music.

Produced by David Prater, DDREAM THEATER finally found the creative space in which to purvey their art. Upon arrival in March 1992 'Images And Words' turned the curiosity engendered by the debut into hard sales, the record striking home at number 61 on the US charts. These newly acquired fans, relishing the band’s lavish use of over expression and musical prowess, would remain resolutely loyal for many years to come. Appeasing demand for live product, the group taped their April 23rd 1993 London Marquee show for an EP release. A later show, on August 26th at the Nakano Sun Plaza in Tokyo produced film footage for the video 'Images And Words: Live In Tokyo'. European shows in November saw Damn The Machine as support. European shows in November 1993 saw DAMN THE MACHINE as support.

For their next full-length record, 'Awake' produced by Duane Baron and John Purdell, the musicians took an unexpected diversion into darker, more introspective realms to produce their heaviest work to date. Moore quit without warning prior to the final mix down, subsequently resurfacing in 1998 with CHROMA KEY, and was replaced temporarily for live work with Jordan Rudess of SPEEDWAY BOULEVARD before eventually being replaced by ex-KISS associate Derek Sherinian for a full tour. Rudess joined DIXIE DREGS.

TRACKLIST:

1. 6.00
2. Caught In The Web
3. Innocence Faded
4. Erotomania
5. Voices
6. The Silent Man
7. The Mirror
8. Lie
9. Lifting Shadows Off A Dream
10. Scarred
11. Space-Dye Vest

LINE-UP:

James LaBrie (vocals)
John Petrucci (guitar)
John Myung (bass)
Jordan Rudess (keyboards)
Mike Portnoy (drums)