Dream Theater share ‘Midnight Messiah’ with first Mike Portnoy lyrics in 16 years

Dream Theater have released their new song ‘Midnight Messiah’ from their upcoming album ‘Parasomnia’.

“Midnight messiah / Darkness descends / Eternally wired / The dream never ends / Twilight desires / Midnight messiah,” sings frontman James LaBrie over pulsing and thrashing drums and chugging guitars.

The track features a lyrical contribution from drummer Mike Portnoy, marking the first time that he has contributed to the lyrics since 2009. Portnoy returned to the band in 2023 following a 13-year absence from the group.

Speaking about ‘Midnight Messiah’ in a press release, Portnoy said: “It was great writing lyrics again and contributing this chapter to the Parasomnia story. DT fans may get a kick out of discovering some of the hidden nuggets I planted in the song referencing many of my past DT lyrics… and the music video is a great representation of the excitement of the first two tour legs we recently completed throughout Europe and South America. Just in time to prepare for our next leg throughout North America which we are so excited to embark on.”

The track is featured in Dream Theater’s upcoming 16th album ‘Parasomnia’ which is set for release on February 7 via InsideOut. You can pre-order it here. ‘Parasomnia’ marks the first LP to feature the band’s iconic line-up of Portnoty, LaBrie, John Petrucci, John Myung and Jordan Rudess.

The LP was produced by Petrucci, engineered by James ‘Jimmy T’ Meslin, and mixed by Andy Sneap. ‘Parasomnia’ will be available as a limited-edition deluxe box set, a 2xLP 180g gatefold vinyl pressing with a 12-page booklet a special edition CD Digipak and a digital album which includes Dolby Atmos – mixed by Mark Gittins.

Dream Theater are set to embark on their 2025 North American 40th-anniversary tour next month. Check out a full list of tour dates below and visit here to purchase tickets.

Dream Theater’s ‘An Evening With Dream Theater 40th Anniversary Tour 2025’ North American dates are: 

FEBRUARY 

7 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met

8 – Raleigh, NC – Martin Marietta Center

10 – Nashville, TN – Opry House

11 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy

12 – Biloxi, MS – Hard Rock Café

14 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall

15 – Dallas, TX – Texas Trust CU

16 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic

18 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Center

19 – Highland, CA – Yaamava Theater

21 – Las Vegas, NV – The Chelsea

22 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater

24 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic

25 – Sacramento, CA – Safe Credit Union Performing

27 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theater

28 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium

MARCH

2 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra

4 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center

6 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom

8 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre

9 – Cleveland, OH – MGM Northfield Park

11 – Toronto, ON – Coca-Cola Coliseum

12 – Montreal, QC – Place des Arts

14 – Wallingford, CT – Oakdale Theater

15 – Boston. MA – Boch Center

17 – Rochester, NY – Kodak

18 – Wheeling, WV – Capitol Theater

19 – Cincinnati, OH – Brady Music Center

21 – Washington, DC – The Anthem

22 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall

In other news, Portnoy recently created his own drum parts for Taylor Swift‘s ‘Shake It Off’ after listening to it for the first time.