On an ordinary Wednesday, October 6th, 2024, progressive metal titans DREAM THEATER brought their highly anticipated 40th-anniversary tour to Espoo Metro Arena. The event was massively anticipated due to the sheer size of the endeavor and also marked the return of founding drummer Mike Portnoy, back on stage with the band for the first time in 15 years. It was nothing short of a historic moment for thousands of fans in attendance, a mix of longtime supporters and new followers.
The excitement in the air was palpable even before the lights dimmed. Merch lines stretched on, fans decked out in vintage and new DREAM THEATER gear discussing the setlist, which remained unchanged throughout all of the previous concerts, so we knew exactly what to expect, and anticipation built over the band’s newly announced album “Parasomnia,” just days away from release. By 19:28, the lights fell, and a single resonant tone filled the air, signaling the beginning of the night.
As the curtain separating the audience from the stage dropped, the band launched into “Metropolis – Part 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper,” instantly igniting the arena. John Petrucci’s intricate solos, John Myung’s rumbling basslines, Jordan Rudess’s enchanting key passages, and James LaBrie’s powerful vocals created a wall of sound that was nothing short of mesmerizing. And then, there was Portnoy—his drumming, both explosive and virtuosic, it almost felt as if he’d never left.
The band smoothly transitioned into the familiar riffs of “Scenes from a Memory” classics “Overture 1928” and “Strange Déjà Vu.” Between songs, LaBrie took the time to address the audience. “This is a night we’ll never forget,” he said, to a deafening applause. “We’ve got a lot of music to cover tonight—are you with us?”
The setlist was a journey through the band’s four-decade legacy, featuring both classic, elaborate suites and catchy fan favorites. “The Mirror,” a song that hadn’t been played live in a decade, was particularly thrilling, with its gritty riffs and haunting synth layers that made the atmosphere feel almost cinematic. For the first time, fans heard Portnoy’s take on “Barstool Warrior,” a track from the Mangini era. Despite being new to this song, Portnoy brought his own energy and feeling to the drums, blending perfectly with the intricate guitar lines and poetic lyrics.
Midway through the first set, when the band played “Hollow Years,” the arena lit up with a sea of phone lights, creating a breathtaking display that matched LaBrie’s haunting vocals and Petrucci’s delicate, stirring solos. He continues to amaze with his virtuosic technique, nailing every single note, throwing in some ornaments and add-ons, proving that his position amongst the best guitarists in the world remains unthreatened. It was a truly intimate moment, a contrast to the driving heaviness of tracks like “As I Am,” which had the entire crowd swaying in sync with its powerful riffs. Allegedly there was even a mini moshpit, although I haven’t witnessed it with my own two eyes.
After a short 15-minute intermission, the second set opened with the live debut of the band’s new single, “Night Terror,” a bold, heavy anthem from “Parasomnia.” Both LaBrie and Portnoy’s vocals shone through this track, playing off each other over ferocious, driving riffs.
It would be a lie to say that this was a surprise, because we knew what to expect, thanks to the setlists from previous shows from that tour, however, the rarely performed “This is the Life” followed, one of my personal favorites too, with its touching lyrics and rich harmonies really moved the audience regardless. Petrucci’s solo was nothing short of ethereal, weaving through Rudess’s atmospheric keys and Portnoy’s steady beats. The classic “Under a Glass Moon” reminded everyone of the band’s legendary Images and Words era, with Petrucci’s flawless solo sending chills through the crowd.
One of the evening’s biggest highlights was “Octavarium.” “Octavarium,” ladies and gentlemen, is the absolute mammoth of a song, spanning over 20 minutes, a pinnacle of DREAM THEATER’s technical mastery and emotional storytelling. From its quiet, ambient start to its fierce climactic finish, the song had every fan on an unforgettable ride. With every shift in tempo and tone, the band showed exactly why they are the kings of progressive metal.
“Octavarium” was the end of the official set, although we knew from the previous shows that there would be an encore, so everybody stayed in their spots, waiting for the band to reappear on stage. After a brief moment, a Wizard of Oz clip appeared on screen, with Dorothy’s words, “There’s no place like home,” ushering in “Home” from “Scenes from a Memory.” Following that, “The Spirit Carries On” created a solemn atmosphere, with another show of lights illuminating the arena as LaBrie’s voice soared with raw emotion.
The night ended with “Pull Me Under,” the song that first catapulted DREAM THEATER into the spotlight. It was a perfect choice, drawing the entire audience together in one final, powerful singalong, after which the band took their bows, visibly moved by the overwhelming response. For both the fans and the band, it was a night that celebrated everything DREAM THEATER has accomplished while looking forward to an exciting future. This 40th-anniversary tour is not just a look back – it’s a celebration of the legacy they continue to build, one groundbreaking song at a time.
Written by Jack Cordova
Photos by Magdalena Niemczura
Setlist
- Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper
- Act I: Scene Two: I. Overture 1928
- Act I: Scene Two: II. Strange Déjà Vu
- The Mirror
- Panic Attack
- Barstool Warrior
- Hollow Years
- Constant Motion
- As I Am
- Dance of the Dream Man (Angelo Badalamenti song)
- Act II Orchestral Overture
- Night Terror
- Under a Glass Moon
- This Is the Life
- Vacant
- Stream of Consciousness
- Octavarium
Encore:
18. Act II: Scene Six: Home
19. Act II: Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On
20. Pull Me Under
