Systematic Chaos

'Systematic Chaos' is the ninth studio album for these progressive metal pioneers, and their first for Roadrunner Records.

Since their initial outing in 1989, this U.S. based 5-piece has notched up CD and DVD sales in excess of 6 million units and headlined to audiences of over 20,000. Having undertaken 7 world tours across 42 different countries, Dream Theater has established a live reputation that has swept them to arena-status around the globe. They have appeared alongside acts such as Deep Purple, Iron Maiden and Yes.

Recognized by peers & public alike for their advanced musical expertise, the band (Mike Portnoy, drums; John Petrucci, guitar; John Myung, bass; James LaBrie, vocals; and Jordan Rudess, keyboards) has long held the ability to combine complex arrangements with unadulterated songwriting skills, the material often underpinned by riffs as heavy as anything in the Metallica repertoire.

"This album's got all of the elements we've become known for", reveals Mike. "The focus is on musicianship; the skull-crushing riffs, the big progressive epics and the heart-wrenching melodies. We've got one of the strongest and most devoted fan bases in the world, and they should certainly be happy with the new material. By working closely with the label we hope to turn a great many new heads too."

Prior to teaming up with Roadrunner, Dream Theater was signed to a 7-album deal with Warner Music Group worldwide. The deal commenced with the critically acclaimed and commercially successful 'Images And Words' (1992), a Gold-certified U.S. release, and concluded, in equal style, with 'Octavarium' (2005), a Top 40 Billboard outing. In August of 2006 the band issued 'Score', a live CD / DVD set (recorded at Radio City Music Hall in New York), which went straight to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard DVD charts, knocking Pink Floyd's 'Pulse' from the top spot!

By the following month, the 5 band members were holed up at Avatar Studios in New York, working on the 'Systematic Chaos' with veteran engineer / mixer Paul Northfield (Rush, Queensryche, & Porcupine Tree). As usual, Mike and John chose to co-produce the project, which features the astounding 7 compositions listed below.

'Systematic Chaos' arrives at a time when the band is casting a longer-than-ever shadow across the rock & metal landscape. Their influence is being acknowledged by an increasing number of contemporary, cutting-edge acts.