Once in a LIVEtime cover

Once in a LIVEtime

Dream Theater · 1998

154 min · 23 tracks · progressive metal · progressive rock

A dynamic blend of intricate musicianship and emotive storytelling that captures the essence of progressive metal.

Why this album works

'Once in a LIVEtime' showcases Dream Theater's mastery of live performance and features tracks that span their discography. The album received positive reviews from critics and reached notable chart positions, including #59 on the Billboard 200, further establishing their influence in the progressive rock scene during the late 1990s.
Best for
wave-like pacing with peaks emotive storytelling through music dynamic progression across tracks
Context
Released on October 27, 1998, 'Once in a LIVEtime' is Dream Theater's first live album, following their critically acclaimed studio album 'Falling Into Infinity'. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their status as leaders in the progressive metal genre after years of both commercial success and artistic evolution.
Stylistic neighbors
Tool· Opeth· Porcupine Tree

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 A Change of Seasons: I. The Crimson Sunrise Standout 3:56
  • 2 A Change of Seasons: II. Innocence 3:05
  • 3 Puppies on Acid 1:24
  • 4 Just Let Me Breathe 5:53
  • 5 Voices 10:34
  • 6 Take the Time Standout 12:20
  • 7 Derek Sherinian Piano Solo 1:54
  • 8 Lines in the Sand 13:13
  • 9 Scarred 9:27
  • 10 A Change of Seasons: IV. The Darkest of Winters 3:17
  • 11 Ytse Jam 4:09
  • 12 Mike Portnoy Drum Solo 6:59

Disc 2

  • 1 Trial of Tears 14:11
  • 2 Hollow Years 7:01
  • 3 Take Away My Pain 6:16
  • 4 Caught in a Web 5:16
  • 5 Lie 6:45
  • 6 Peruvian Skies 7:50
  • 7 John Petrucci Guitar Solo 8:06
  • 8 Pull Me Under Standout 8:15
  • 9 Metropolis 6:16
  • 10 Learning to Live 4:13
  • 11 A Change of Seasons: VII. The Crimson Sunset 3:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata