Black Clouds & Silver Linings cover

Released 17 years ago this June

Black Clouds & Silver Linings

Dream Theater · 2009

196 min · 18 tracks · progressive metal · progressive rock

A complex tapestry of soaring melodies and intricate rhythms that define progressive metal's emotional depth.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like dynamics with peaks
  • long-form narrative exploration
  • soaring melodies and intricacies
  • cathartic emotional peaks
  • thoughtful late-night listening

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer quick, catchy songs
  • avoid lengthy instrumental sections

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on June 23, 2009, 'Black Clouds & Silver Linings' is Dream Theater's tenth studio album and comes after their acclaimed 'Systematic Chaos' (2007). At this point, the band was solidifying their reputation as leaders in progressive metal while experimenting with more personal themes and showcasing a blend of heavy instrumentation and lyrical introspection.
Stylistic neighbors
Symphony X· Opeth· Fates Warning

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 A Nightmare to Remember 16:10
  • 2 A Rite of Passage 8:36
  • 3 Wither 5:25
  • 4 The Shattered Fortress 12:49
  • 5 The Best of Times 13:09
  • 6 The Count of Tuscany 19:16

Disc 2

  • 1 Stargazer 8:11
  • 2 Tenement Funster / Flick of the Wrist / Lily of the Valley 8:18
  • 3 Odyssey 8:00
  • 4 Take Your Fingers From My Hair 8:18
  • 5 Larks Tongues in Aspic, Part 2 6:32
  • 6 To Tame a Land 7:15

Disc 3

  • 1 A Nightmare to Remember (instrumental) 15:39
  • 2 A Rite of Passage (instrumental) 8:36
  • 3 Wither (instrumental) 5:28
  • 4 The Shattered Fortress (instrumental) 12:47
  • 5 The Best of Times (instrumental) 13:20
  • 6 The Count of Tuscany (instrumental) 18:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata