Once in a LIVEtime cover

Released 28 years ago this October

Once in a LIVEtime

Dream Theater · 1998

154 min · 23 tracks · progressive metal

A sprawling live showcase of intricate musicianship, emotional depth, and theatrical intensity that defines progressive metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    A Change of Seasons: I. The Crimson Sunrise Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Pull Me Under — As one of Dream Theater's most recognizable songs, this track exemplifies their blend of heavy metal riffs and intricate melodies, capturing the crowd's full engagement during the live performance.
  • →
    Voices — This track features powerful lyrical themes about internal struggles, making it a cornerstone of the band's narrative style while highlighting their dynamic range during live execution.
  • →
    A Change of Seasons: IV. The Darkest of Winters — This segment from a multi-part suite showcases the band’s ability to transition between soft introspection and explosive instrumental sections, embodying their artistic ethos.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album highlights complex compositions and musicianship but lacks a cohesive narrative flow typical of studio albums.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks are medleys or multi-part compositions, such as 'A Change of Seasons,' which spans multiple tracks and showcases thematic development.
  • The live setting captures audience interaction, with moments of crowd engagement interspersed throughout the performance.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • emotive storytelling through music
  • dynamic progression across tracks
  • immersive experience in two halves
  • intricate musicianship for detail lovers

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, standalone songs
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Dream Theater's status in progressive metal after commercial success.
Themes
live performance intensity· internal struggle narratives· musical complexity showcase
Moods
Uplifting
Career context
Released on October 27, 1998, 'Once in a LIVEtime' captures Dream Theater at a pivotal moment following their commercial success with 'Falling Into Infinity.' This double live album not only highlights their complex compositions but also serves as a testament to their dedicated fan base and the high stakes of performing live after a period of lineup changes, particularly the addition of keyboardist Derek Sherinian.
Stylistic neighbors
Symphony X· Opeth· Fates Warning
New to Dream Theater? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 A Change of Seasons: I. The Crimson Sunrise Start here 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 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 8:15
  • 9 Metropolis 6:16
  • 10 Learning to Live 4:13
  • 11 A Change of Seasons: VII. The Crimson Sunset 3:49

What to play next

Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory
Listen next

Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory

1999

It continues the theatrical intensity and complex musicianship found in the live album.
Falling into Infinity
Go back to

Falling into Infinity

1997

This album sets the stage with its emotional depth before the live showcase experience.
Full Dream Theater discography Where to start with Dream Theater Artists like Dream Theater
progressive metal progressive rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

The Divine Wings of Tragedy

The Divine Wings of Tragedy

Symphony X

Shares intricate compositions and emotional storytelling, with a theatrical flair in performance.

Deliverance

Deliverance

Opeth

Explores complex structures and deep emotional narratives, blending metal with progressive rock elements.

Aquarius

Aquarius

Haken

Features elaborate musicianship and thematic depth, resonating with live performance intensity and complexity.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata