Distance Over Time
Distance Over Time is the fourteenth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released on February 22, 2019, and the band's first release on Inside Out Music. Distance Over Time was announced alongside a tour of North America during which Dream Theater would support the new album and celebrate the 20th anniversary of its fifth studio album, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory (1999). On December 7, 2018, the lead single "Untethered Angel" and its music video were released. The second single, "Fall into the Light", was released on January 11, 2019. The third single, "Paralyzed", and its accompanying video were released on February 8, 2019. It is the band's most successful album chart-wise to date, taking top 10 positions in 19 countries (including going to number one in Germany and Switzerland).
| Distance Over Time | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | February 22, 2019 | |||
| Recorded | June–September 2018 | |||
| Studio | Yonderbarn Studios in Monticello, New York and Mixland Studios, Midhurst, Canada (vocals only) | |||
| Genre | Progressive metal | |||
| Length | 56:51 | |||
| Label | Inside Out | |||
| Producer | John Petrucci | |||
| Dream Theater chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Distance Over Time | ||||
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Distance Over Time is the fourteenth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released on February 22, 2019, and the band's first release on Inside Out Music.[1][2] Distance Over Time was announced alongside a tour of North America during which Dream Theater would support the new album and celebrate the 20th anniversary of its fifth studio album, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory (1999).[3][4][5] On December 7, 2018, the lead single "Untethered Angel" and its music video were released.[6] The second single, "Fall into the Light", was released on January 11, 2019.[7] The third single, "Paralyzed", and its accompanying video were released on February 8, 2019.[8] It is the band's most successful album chart-wise to date, taking top 10 positions in 19 countries (including going to number one in Germany and Switzerland).
Background and composition
[edit]Musically, Dream Theater decided to create a "tight and focused" album with a heavier sound than its previous album, The Astonishing (2016).[9] "At Wit's End" was the first piece that was written[10] and the writing process for the whole album took 18 days, making Distance Over Time their fastest written album to date.[11] The band compared the speed and style of Distance Over Time's writing process to that of its 2003 album, Train of Thought.[12]
Dream Theater recorded the album in a cabin in Monticello, New York.
At just under 57 minutes long, not including a bonus track, Distance Over Time is Dream Theater's first studio album with a run time under one hour in length since 1992's Images and Words, and their shortest since the band's 1989 debut, When Dream and Day Unite. It is Dream Theater's third studio album to not feature any songs longer than ten minutes, after When Dream and Day Unite and 2016's The Astonishing.
"Room 137" is Dream Theater's only song with lyrics written by Mike Mangini.
Critical reception
[edit]| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 82/100[13] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [14] |
| Blabbermouth.net | 8/10[15] |
| Classic Rock | [16] |
| Consequence of Sound | A−[17] |
| Distorted Sound | [18] |
| Exclaim! | 8/10[19] |
| Metal Hammer | Positive[20] |
| New Noise (magazine) | [21] |
| RockNLoad | [22] |
| Wall of Sound | 7.5/10[23] |
Distance Over Time was met with critical acclaim; it received an average score of 82/100 from 6 reviews on Metacritic, indicating "universal acclaim".[13] Writing for AllMusic, Thom Jurek praised the album as a reaffirmation of Dream Theater's identity and appreciated its degree of freshness and energy.[14] Consequence of Sound reviewed Distance Over Time positively, stating that "Calling an hourlong album streamlined might seem strange, but that's exactly what Distance Over Time is compared to Dream Theater's last release, 2016's 34-song, two hour and ten minute opus The Astonishing. Though the length is certainly shorter this time around, Dream Theater's expansive arrangements and complex songwriting haven't been scaled back on their 14th studio album.”[17] Kerrang! said, "Sacrificing none of that trademark musicianship, this is Dream Theater at their most accessible, and they lose nothing for it".[13]
On the day of its release, Distance Over Time reached the top spot on iTunes' Top 100 Albums list.[24] Loudwire named it one of the 50 best metal albums of 2019.[25]
Artwork controversy
[edit]Similar to his previous Dream Theater album artwork,[26] art director Hugh Syme was once again criticized for his use of stock imagery for the Distance Over Time artwork. Fans quickly pointed out the artwork was literally just two stock pictures put together.[27]
The stock imagery usage in conjuncture with the artwork's simple concept has led to many sightings of similar looking designs in various media. Just 12 days after Dream Theater revealed the Distance Over Time artwork, The New York Times Magazine used a nearly identical image of a robot arm holding a human skull for a cover story titled What Will Become of Us?[28]
Track listing
[edit]All music is composed by John Petrucci, John Myung, Jordan Rudess and Mike Mangini[29]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Untethered Angel" | Petrucci | 6:14 |
| 2. | "Paralyzed" | Petrucci | 4:17 |
| 3. | "Fall into the Light" | Myung, Petrucci | 7:04 |
| 4. | "Barstool Warrior" | Petrucci | 6:43 |
| 5. | "Room 137" | Mangini | 4:23 |
| 6. | "S2N" | Myung, Petrucci | 6:21 |
| 7. | "At Wit's End" | James LaBrie | 9:20 |
| 8. | "Out of Reach" | LaBrie | 4:04 |
| 9. | "Pale Blue Dot" | Petrucci | 8:25 |
| Total length: | 56:51 | ||
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10. | "Viper King" | LaBrie | 4:00 |
| Total length: | 60:57[30] | ||
Personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from Distance Over Time liner notes[29]
Dream Theater
- James LaBrie – lead vocals
- John Petrucci – guitars, production
- John Myung – bass, Moog Taurus pedals
- Jordan Rudess – keyboards
- Mike Mangini – drums
Production
- James "Jimmy T" Meslin – recording
- Richard Chycki – vocal recording, additional vocal production
- Ben Grosse – mixing
- Paul Pavao – mixing assistant
- Tom Baker – mastering
- Hugh Syme – art direction, illustration and design
- Mark Maryanovich – photography
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
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References
[edit]- ^ Munro, Scott (November 6, 2018). "Dream Theater Reveal New Album Distance over Time". Louder Sound. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
- ^ Bienstock, Richard (November 5, 2018). "Dream Theater Announce New Album, 'Distance over Time'". Guitar World. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
- ^ Ham, Robert (November 6, 2018). "Dream Theater Reveal Release Date for New Album, Unveil Venues for 2018 North America Tour". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
- ^ Chapstick, Kelsey (November 6, 2018). "Dream Theater Announce New Album 'Distance over Time', North American Tour". Revolver. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
- ^ DiVita, Joe (November 3, 2018). "Dream Theater Announce New Album + 2019 Tour, Share First Teaser Clip [Update]". Loudwire. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
- ^ "Hear Dream Theater Face Down Fear on Epic New Song 'Untethered Angel'". Revolver. December 7, 2018. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
- ^ DiVita, Joe (January 11, 2019). "Dream Theater Release New Song 'Fall into the Light'". Loudwire. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
- ^ DiVita, Joe (February 7, 2019). "Dream Theater Unveil 'Paralyzed' Music Video". Loudwire. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
- ^ Bienstock, Richard. "Dream Theater Talk Recording in the Catskills and Their Heavy New LP". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
- ^ Avin, Roie (November 21, 2018). "Dream Theater – Interview at the Studio Pt. 1". Inside Out Music. Event occurs at 4:45. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
- ^ Altaf, Rodrigo (November 21, 2018). "Dream Theater's James LaBrie: 'With 'Distance over Time' We Tried to Encompass Our Musical Roots'". Sonic Perspectives. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
- ^ Avin, Roie. "Dream Theater – Interview at the Studio Pt. 2". Inside Out Music. Event occurs at 1:03. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
- ^ a b c "Distance over Time by Dream Theater: Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
- ^ a b Jurek, Thom. "Dream Theater – Distance over Time". AllMusic. Retrieved February 21, 2019.
- ^ Roche, Jason (February 25, 2019). "Reviews - Distance Over Time - BLABBERMOUTH.NET". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
- ^ Miller, William (February 22, 2019). "Review: Dream Theater – Distance over Time". Classic Rock. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
- ^ a b Bowar, Chad (February 19, 2019). "Dream Theater Capture Old Magic on Distance over Time". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
- ^ McHugh, Dan (February 20, 2019). "Dream Theater – Distance over Time". Distorted Sound. Retrieved February 21, 2019.
- ^ Wojcicki, Lukas. "Dream Theater – Distance over Time". Exclaim!. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
- ^ Mills, Matt (February 20, 2019). "Dream Theater's Distance over Time Album Is the Return to Form They Needed". Metal Hammer. Retrieved February 20, 2019.
- ^ Newton, Caleb R. (March 5, 2019). "Album Review: Dream Theater - Distance Over Time". New Noise (magazine). Retrieved May 5, 2022.
- ^ RockNLoad, Mark. "Dream Theater – Distance over Time". RockNLoad!. Archived from the original on February 15, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
- ^ Boldy, Kurt (February 17, 2019). "Dream Theater – Distance over Time (Album Review)". Wall of Sound. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
- ^ "iTunes Top 100 Albums 2019". PopVortex. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
- ^ "The 50 Best Metal Albums of 2019". Loudwire. Townsquare Media. December 3, 2019. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
- ^ Neilstein, Vince (August 8, 2011). "DREAM THEATER USED CLIP ART FOR THEIR NEW ALBUM COVER". MetalSucks. Retrieved November 2, 2025.
- ^ "Dream Theater Reacts to NY Times 'Ripping Off' Their New Album Artwork, Fans Say Artwork Sucks Anyway". www.ultimate-guitar.com. Retrieved November 2, 2025.
- ^ "Did 'NY Times Magazine' Rip Off Dream Theater's New Album Cover?". Loudwire. November 25, 2018. Retrieved November 2, 2025.
- ^ a b c Distance over Time (CD liner notes). Dream Theater. Inside Out Music. 2019. 19075925442.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Jomatami. "Dream Theater Reveal Length & Track Listing of New Album 'Distance over Time'". Ultimate Guitar. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
- ^ "Australiancharts.com – Dream Theater – Distance over Time". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
- ^ "Austriancharts.at – Dream Theater – Distance over Time" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Dream Theater – Distance over Time" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Dream Theater – Distance over Time" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI – CZ Albums – Top 100 – 10. týden 2019" (in Czech). ČNS IFPI. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
- ^ "Dream Theater Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
- ^ "Danishcharts.dk – Dream Theater – Distance over Time". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
- ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Dream Theater – Distance over Time" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
- ^ "Dream Theater: Distance over Time" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
- ^ "Lescharts.com – Dream Theater – Distance over Time". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
- ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Dream Theater – Distance over Time" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
- ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2019. 9. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
- ^ "Italiancharts.com – Dream Theater – Distance over Time". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
- ^ "Oricon Top 50 Albums: 2019-03-04" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
- ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Dream Theater – Distance over Time". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
- ^ "Oficjalna lista sprzedaży :: OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart". OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
- ^ "Portuguesecharts.com – Dream Theater – Distance Over Time". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
- ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart on 1/3/2019 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
- ^ "Slovak Albums – Top 100". ČNS IFPI. Retrieved January 3, 2021. Note: On the chart page, select SK - Albums - Top 100 under the left field and "201909" on the field besides the word "Zobrazit", and then click over the word to retrieve the correct chart data.
- ^ "Spanishcharts.com – Dream Theater – Distance over Time". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
- ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Dream Theater – Distance over Time". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – Dream Theater – Distance over Time". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart on 1/3/2019 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
- ^ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart on 7/3/2019 – Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
- ^ "Dream Theater Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
- ^ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2019". hitparade.ch. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
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