First Listen – QUARANTIÈME: LIVE À PARIS – Dream Theater

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A career-spanning progressive metal celebration that captures Dream Theater at their 40th-anniversary peak, Quarantième delivers epic live versions of fan favorites from Metropolis Pt. 1 to Pull Me Under, highlighting both technical mastery and emotional breadth.

Dream Theatre
  • InsideOut Music
  • Prog metal / Prog Rock
  • Released November 28, 2025
Top Track
  • Metropolis Pt. 1
A Retrospective With Purpose

This isn’t just another live album; it’s a career-spanning setlist that pulls from across DT’s catalogue, from early classics like “Metropolis Pt. 1” and “Pull Me Under” to newer cuts such as “Night Terror,” even dipping into the Mangini era with tracks like Barstool Warrior and This Is the Life.

 

What makes this show unique isn’t only the breadth of songs — it’s the return of founding drummer Mike Portnoy, whose chemistry with the band is palpable throughout the performance.

Atmosphere & Recording

What sets Quarantième apart from past live offerings is its cinematic feeling — portions of the set (like the Orchestral Overture) are presented with dramatic flair, and the recording (especially in formats like Dolby Atmos on the Blu-ray) aims to immerse the listener.

Performance & Musicianship

Technical excellence is a given — Dream Theater’s prowess is on full display, particularly during instrumental peaks like Stream of Consciousness and the mammoth Octavarium. Solos are sharp, interplay is tight, and the band feels revitalized rather than merely replaying old hits.

Verdict – Who This Is For

Quarantième: Live à Paris is:

  • A dream capture for longtime fans — the setlist and performances will delight those with a deep DT catalogue in their ears.
  • A solid live showing for newcomers — the players’ precision and range make it an accessible entry point into the band’s legacy.
  • Not quite the “definitive” live album compared to historic recordings like Live at Budokan or Score — but it’s a strong, heartfelt celebration of four decades.