Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer
r.m.music84@gmail.com
Dreamsonic, Dream Theater’s very own prog-metal festival has its inaugural run this Summer, and it’s one you’re not going to want to miss! For its first run, this Summer Dream Theater is touring North America with Devin Townsend and Animals as Leaders. Dreamsonic made a stop at Bridgeport Connecticut’s Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater, and the show completely blew away my expectations.
Opening the show was Animals as Leaders. As they took the stage, I wasn’t sure what to expect, as I hadn’t heard of this band until just about a month ago. Some of their songs I had checked out prior, so I was really looking forward to hearing their set. This instrumental threesome ended up delivering a mind-blowing performance that pushed the boundaries of instrumental/prog music and left the audience, myself included, in a state of awe. Animals as Leaders effortlessly showcased their unparalleled talent and artistic vision.
From the moment the first note rang out, it was clear that the audience was in for an extraordinary musical experience. Guitarists Tosin Abasi and Javier Reyes masterfully displayed their incredible dexterity and effortlessly displayed a strong sense of incredible technique.
Drummer Matt Garstka formed the backbone, providing a thunderous and precise rhythm section. Garstka’s polyrhythmic drumming added depth and complexity to the compositions.
One of the most remarkable aspects of their set was the sheer energy and passion emanating from the stage. Animals as Leaders poured their hearts and souls into each song, and their love of music was evident in every note. The crowd responded in kind, feeding off the band’s infectious energy and becoming immersed in the sonic journey unfolding before them.
Watching their set has left me eagerly anticipating the next chapter of their journey.
Setlist:
Ectogenesis
Gordian Naught
Red Miso
Micro-Aggressions
Thoughts and Prayers
The Brain Dance
Physical Education
The Woven Web
CAFO
📸 – Ryan Murray Photography
Next to hit the stage was Devin Townsend. Having known a few of his songs prior to seeing the show, I knew I was going to enjoy the set, but I wasn’t expecting it to have such an impact on me.
Townsend is a musical visionary who defies categorization with his unique blend of genres and boundless creativity. From the moment Townsend took the stage, it was clear that the crowd was in for a wild ride.
Townsend’s vocal range is awe-inspiring, shifting effortlessly from gentle melodies to guttural screams, highlighting his versatility as a singer. His vocal performance was nothing short of captivating, evoking a wide range of emotions and leaving the audience mesmerized.
Accompanied by the talented ensemble of Mike Keneally, James Leach and Darby Todd, Townsend’s compositions came to life with precision and power. The intricate layers of guitars, keyboards, and drums weaved together seamlessly, creating a sonic tapestry that was both complex, yet accessible.
What sets Townsend apart is his ability to blend heavy, aggressive elements with moments of introspection and beauty. The dynamics of his music kept the audience on their toes, as they were taken on a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the set.
One of the highlights of the set was Townsend’s genuine and humorous banter with the audience, which created a sense of intimacy, making everyone feel like they were part of something special. The audience responded with enthusiastic cheers and applause, forming an even deeper connection with Townsend.
In a world where conformity often reigns, Townsend is a shining beacon of artistic authenticity. His music pushes boundaries, defies expectations, and invites listeners to explore the depths of their own imagination. Devin Townsend is not just a musician; he is an artist who fearlessly embraces his unique vision.
Setlist:
Lightworker
Kingdom
Dimensions
Deadhead
By Your Command
Deep Peace
Truth
Bad Devil
📸 – Ryan Murray Photography
The moment we’d all been waiting for was when Dream Theater took the stage, and they didn’t disappoint! They successfully delivered an electrifying and unforgettable performance that left the audience in blown away. As one of the most renowned progressive metal bands of our time, Dream Theater not only lived up to their reputation, they surpassed all of my expectations. With this being my first time seeing them live, it’s clear why this band is considered one of the best of all time.
From the moment the lights dimmed and the band members emerged, the crowd erupted with anticipation and excitement. After an incredible visual was done playing on the backdrop, the band wasted no time and kicked off their set with an explosive opening, instantly captivating everyone in attendance with their incredibly virtuosic musicianship and powerful stage presence.
John Petrucci’s fingers danced effortlessly across the fretboard, showcasing his technical prowess and soulful melodies. Jordan Rudess added layers of complexity and beauty, dazzling the crowd with his lightning-fast solos. His atmospheric textures were even more satisfying. John Myung and Mike Mangini laid down a rock-solid foundation, flawlessly keeping the intricate rhythms and grooves in perfect synchrony, which is not easy when you play poly-metered music.
The concert was a well-crafted journey through much of their discography, with a mix of fan favorites and deep cuts that pleased both the die-hard fans and newcomers alike. Opening with “The Alien”, the band flawlessly executed complex compositions with an unmatched level of precision and tightness, displaying their exceptional musicianship and chemistry built over decades of playing together.
James LaBrie’s soaring vocals simply captivated the crowd, effortlessly hitting high notes and delivering an emotional performance. His stage presence and connection with the audience elevated the experience, making every song resonate on a deeply personal level.
But it wasn’t just the individual talents these guys put forward that shone that night; it was the collective synergy and seamless interplay that made their performance truly special. Each member had their moments to shine, trading solos and engaging in breathtaking musical dialogues that showcased their technical mastery and deep musical understanding as some of the best musicians in the game.
The visual production was equally impressive, with stunning lighting effects and a backdrop that enhanced the mood and atmosphere of each song. The combination of lights, visuals, and the band’s energy created a sensory overload that heightened the overall experience.
For me, this concert wasn’t just a musical performance; it was an immersive journey that transported the audience to new sonic landscapes. The setlist was carefully curated, providing a perfect balance between heavy, intricate compositions and more melodic, introspective moments.
As the night was ready to come to a close, I wasn’t ready for what the encore would bring. “Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On” was an absolutely perfect ending to this amazing show. If this beautiful song isn’t enough, let’s add Tosin Abasi of Animals as Leaders, Devin Townsend, Mike Keneally and Darby Todd to the mix, and you have a recipe for a breathtaking close to an amazing night. As the song came to an end, the audience erupted in thunderous applause and roars of appreciation. Dream Theater had once again proven why they are considered legends of progressive metal.
Leaving the concert, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and inspiration. Dream Theater’s performance was a reminder of the power of music to transcend boundaries and touch the deepest parts of our souls.
Setlist:
The Alien
Sleeping Giant
Caught in a Web
Answering the Call
Solitary Shell
About to Crash (Reprise)
Losing Time/Grand Finale
Pull Me Under
The Count of Tuscany
Encore:
Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On (With Tosin Abasi, Devin Townsend, Mike Keneally and Darby Todd)
📸 Ryan Murray Photography
Ethereal Metal 
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