Dream Theater are the quintessential progressive metal band. When it’s released, Quarantieme: Live à Paris will mark 11 live albums! It would be irresponsible not to acknowledge the 16 studio albums DT have recorded (just wow!). DT are widely recognized as the most talented and interesting progressive band still today.

The song selection is solid. While not on par with Chaos in Motion (the ‘gold standard’ in my eyes), Dream Theater cover a wide variety of their catalog. It spans from Images and Words to their latest release Parasomnia. “Home,” “Barstool Warrior,” “Under a Glass Moon,” and “This Is the Life” show the band taking chances and playing some tunes they haven’t unearthed in quite some time! It’s worth noting the production is arguably the best of any of their live recordings (it won me over using my headphones).

The rawness of “The Mirror” and “As I Am” are actually superior to the studio songs in my humble opinion. While it’s not new, this version of “The Mirror” incorporates the solo section of “Lie,” which offers one of Petrucci’s finest solos of his career. His legato chops, tapping, and use of wah-wah are on dazzling display. Rudess shows his virtuosity while the band vamp in B minor \m/. Over the years, “As I Am” has been a popular opener for the band. This version (maybe it’s the timing or where it’s placed) ramps up the overall heaviness of the song without sacrificing the subtleties and melodic moments. “Strange Déjà Vu” brought back memories of their epic Scenes From a Memory album and tour. “Metropolis Pt. 1,” “Panic Attack,” “Home,” and “Stream of Consciousness” are highlights. First you have an epic statement, then an intense bass intro and song, next an exotic piece, and lastly possibly Dream Theater’s strongest instrumental since “Erotomania.” I thought it was cool that DT chose to include “Parasomnia,” a track off their 2025 album Parasomnia. It seems like a lost track from Black Clouds and Silver Linings. It fits perfectly with their previous material.

The only negative that I could find besides the band not playing some other songs (Systematic Chaos, more Awake), is their choice to play “Under a Glass Moon” as the twelfth track. It’s not fair to expect LaBrie to hit those soaring high notes like he did in the early to mid ’90s. However, he sounds a bit stretched during moments of the song. This is one of my favorites off of Images and Words. The music is energized, precise, and melodic as always. Maybe if they chose to play this within the first four to five songs, James might’ve sounded fresher?

I respected what the skilled drummer Mike Mangini brought to DT. However, something has always been off since Mike Portnoy left. Portnoy has his own style which was sorely missed. Listening to this release, his monumental presence and drumming style are key ingredients. Also, his background vocals are a difference-maker (yet sometimes get glossed over). I for one am thrilled he’s back and performed on their brand-new live album.

If you saw last year’s tour like me, you got to enjoy this performance. They did not disappoint whatsoever!

This live album will receive plenty of rotation over the holidays and beyond.