From Blabbermouth.net:

Roadrunner Records has announced the signing of progressive metal pioneers DREAM THEATER. A new studio album, "Systematic Chaos", is due in June. DREAM THEATER will hit the road in support of the album for a world tour, including major festival appearances in Europe.

Since their first studio release in 1989, this U.S.-based five-piece has notched up record and DVD sales in excess of six million and headlined to audiences of 20,000. Having undertaken seven 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 and public alike for their advanced musical expertise, the band (Mike Portnoy, drums; John Petrucci, guitar; John Myung, bass; James LaBrie, vocals; 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 Portnoy. "The focus 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."

"DREAM THEATER and Roadrunner Records have led parallel careers on the cutting edge of metal for many years," say A&R men, Derek Oliver and Dante Bonutto, "We're thrilled to be working with a genuine market-leader, and when you add everything the guys bring to the table to the independent spirit and work ethic of the label, the results can only be exciting in the extreme!"

Prior to teaming up with Roadrunner, DREAM THEATER was signed to a seven-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 last year the band issued "Score", a live album/DVD (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 from the top!

By the following month, the five were holed up at Avatar Studios in New York, working on the new album with veteran engineer/ mixer Paul Northfield (RUSH, QUEENSRŸCHE, PORCUPINE TREE). As usual, Portnoy and Petrucci chose to co-produce the project, which features seven compositions (one a 25-minute epic), and word on the grapevine is that the DREAM THEATER/Roadrunner alliance looks all set to kick off with a classic.

"Systematic Chaos", DREAM THEATER's ninth studio release, arrives at a time when the band is casting a longer-than-ever shadow across the rock and metal landscape. Their influence is being acknowledged by an increasing number of contemporary, cutting-edge acts such as STONE SOUR, TRIVIUM, SHADOWS FALL, OPETH as their fan base continues to grow.

Touring plans will be announced shortly.

Since nobody cares, here's an update anyway on the new Dream Theater album...

Progressive metal pioneers DREAM THEATER have revealed the cover artwork for their new album, "Systematic Chaos", due in June via Roadrunner Records. Check it out at this location.

"This album's got all of the elements we've become known for," reveals drummer Mike Portnoy, who co-produced the CD with guitarist John Petrucci (Paul Northfield engineered and mixed the effort). "The focus 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." The disc sports seven new songs, one of which runs 25 minutes.

"Systematic Chaos" track listing:

01. In The Presence of Enemies Pt. 1 (9:00)
02. Forsaken (5:36)
03. Constant Motion (6:55)
04. The Dark Eternal Night (8:51)
05. Repentance (10:43)
06. Prophets of War (6:01)
07. The Ministry of Lost Souls (14:57)
08. In The Presence of Enemies Pt. 2 (16:38)

DREAM THEATER had spent its entire career on Elektra and Atlantic, an arrangement that ended with the 2005 studio album "Octavarium". According to Billboard.com, The group has sold 2.1 million CDs in the United States since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking data in 1991.

I care!! Thanks for the update!! I can't wait for this new release! Portnoy is one of the best drummers in the biz and the band is very tight. I hope they tour far and wide!!



The press release goes a bit over the edge here as that one 25 minute song is actually split into two separate pieces beginning and ending the album. I guess we can splice it together.

Neal

I'll buy it!:)

Wish they would get into 5.1 like Porcupine Tree has ( Steve Wilson has said that Dream Theater is an influence). Their live DVDs are great.

Here we go, guys ~ coming out on Tuesday ...

STANDARD EDITION:



>> Progressive rock masters Dream Theater return in full force with their ninth studio album Systematic Chaos. The album features heavy riffs, soaring melodies, and intricate arrangements. Dream Theater appeases its loyal fans but also reaches out to all rock fans with hook-laden hits like "Constant Motion," "Forsaken," and "The Dark Eternal Night." <<

Tracklisting as noted above in IP's post. Audio samples are available at Amazon's listing page:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PFUAO6/?tag=imwan-20

__________________________________________


SPECIAL EDITION:
*** 2-disc package, with 5.1 mixes to make John happy ***



Disc: 1
1. In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 1
2. Forsaken
3. Constant Motion
4. Dark Eternal Night
5. Repentance
6. Prophets of War
7. Ministry of Lost Souls
8. In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 2

Disc: 2
1. In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 1 [5.1 Mix]
2. Forsaken [5.1 Mix]
3. Constant Motion [5.1 Mix]
4. Dark Eternal Night [5.1 Mix]
5. Repentance [5.1 Mix]
6. Prophets of War [5.1 Mix]
7. Ministry of Lost Souls [5.1 Mix]
8. In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 2 [5.1 Mix]
9. Making of Documentary [DVD]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PTYP5C/?tag=imwan-20

Thanks for the covers, Linda. Both are really nice.

I'm looking forward to this album. These guys can flat out play. I wish their tour was coming down to the Sunshine State.

Thanks Linda! I ordered a copy of that Deluxe Edition at Amazon (since BB probably won't have it in stock).

John:
What do you think of the album? I think it is mind-blowing. I cannot believe the level of musicianship, especially The Dark Eternal Night. I almost crashed playing every air instrument in my car last night! Absolutely amazing-and intense.