Distance over Time
Dream Theater · 2019
60 min · 10 tracks · progressive metal
A bold fusion of intricate musicianship and emotive storytelling, blending progressive metal with introspective themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Untethered Angel Start here — This opening track sets the stage for the album with its soaring melodies and dynamic shifts, encapsulating the band’s signature sound while addressing themes of self-discovery and resilience.
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Fall Into the Light — With its driving rhythm and catchy chorus, this track represents the band's ability to blend complexity with accessibility, making it a standout among fans and showcasing their evolution.
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At Wit’s End — This track features an emotional narrative arc that explores vulnerability and existential reflection, displaying both lyrical depth and musical intricacy that characterize Dream Theater's artistry.
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Pale Blue Dot — Inspired by Carl Sagan's reflections on humanity, this piece combines ethereal soundscapes with profound lyrics, emphasizing the band's philosophical influences and progressive ambitions.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate musicianship and strong songwriting, appealing to both progressive metal fans and newcomers.
What we noticed
- Each track typically includes multiple sections, often transitioning between heavy riffs and melodic passages.
- Vocals are layered with harmonies, and instrumental solos frequently showcase the band's technical proficiency, especially in guitar and keyboard parts.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic progression with emotional peaks
- wave-like pacing for deep listening
- intricate musicianship for detail hunters
- cathartic moments of musical release
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid lengthy, complex compositions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality after decades, blending heavy sound with introspective themes.
- Themes
- self-discovery journey· Carl Sagan's reflections
- Career context
- Upon releasing Distance Over Time, Dream Theater was celebrating over thirty years in the industry, following their acclaimed 2016 album, The Astonishing. This album marked a return to their heavier roots and showcased a renewed focus on songwriting after a period of experimental orchestration. The band aimed to create a more accessible sound while still pushing the boundaries of progressive metal.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Symphony X· Opeth· Fates Warning
Tracklist
- 1 Untethered Angel Start here 6:15
- 2 Paralyzed 4:18
- 3 Fall Into the Light 7:05
- 4 Barstool Warrior 6:43
- 5 Room 137 4:24
- 6 S2N 6:21
- 7 At Wit’s End 9:21
- 8 Out of Reach 4:05
- 9 Pale Blue Dot 8:26
- 10 Viper King 4:01
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Ghost Reveries
Opeth
Merges progressive elements with heavy instrumentation while exploring existential themes.
Fear of a Blank Planet
Porcupine Tree
Shares intricate arrangements and introspective lyrics reflecting modern life's complexities.
Iconoclast
Symphony X
Combines technical prowess with narrative depth, focusing on personal and philosophical journeys.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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