Artist: DREAM THEATER
Album: WHEN DREAM AND DAY UNITE (CD)

Release date: 1989
EAN/UPS: 0076742225926
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.

TRACKLIST:

1. A Fortune In Lies
2. Status Seeker
3. The Ytse Jam
4. The Killing Hand
5. Light Fuse And Get Away
6. Afterlife
7. The Ones Who Help Set The Sun
8. Only A Matter Of Time

LINE-UP:

Charlie Dominici (vocals)
John Petrucci (guitar)
John Myung (bass)
Derek Sherinian (keyboards)
Mike Portnoy (drums)