The Dreamsonic 2023 Tour, featuring Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, and Animals As Leaders, promised an unforgettable night of progressive metal mastery—and boy did it deliver. As the sun began to fall over Los Angeles on June 25th, the YouTube stage lit up with a spectacular display of technical prowess, musical innovation, and raw energy that was truly second to none. This group of musical virtuosos left the near-capacity audience in complete awe from the very first note to final curtain call. What a night of progressive music in the City of Angels.
Opening the evening was Animals As Leaders, a band that has carved out a unique niche in the progressive metal landscape with their all-instrumental approach. Their performance was a testament to their technical skill and musical innovation, with Tosin Abasi’s eight-string guitar work being a particular highlight. While lighting was challenging, their 9-song set shone with tracks “Ectogenesis,” The Brain Dance,” and my favorite “The Woven Web.” Looking forward to seeing Animals As Leaders again in the not-so-distant future.
Next up was the amazing Devin Townsend, and he provided a perfect counterpoint to Dream Theater’s polished precision. Known for his eclectic style and boundless energy, Townsend delivered a performance that was both wild and captivating. His set was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, ranging from the frenetic intensity of “Kingdom” to the haunting beauty of “Deadhead.” Throughout the set, one felt the raw emotion flowing from Devin to his fans and then immediately back to him. It was like a two-way radio that was super tuned for progressive mastery. An unbelievable set.
Headlining the tour, Dream Theater, fresh from their 2022 Grammy win for Best Metal Performance, proved once again why they are considered titans of the progressive metal scene. The band opened their set with “The Alien,” the Grammy-winning track from their latest album, A View From the Top of the World. The song’s complex rhythms and soaring melodies set the tone for the evening, showcasing the band’s unparalleled musicianship and creativity.
Throughout the show, Dream Theater transported the audience on a sonic journey, seamlessly weaving together older classics like “Caught in a Web” and “Pull Me Under” with their newer material. Each band member had a moment to shine, from John Petrucci’s blistering guitar solos to James LaBrie’s powerful vocals. Yet, it was their combined effort of Petrucci and Labrie along with John Myung, Jordan Rudess, and Mike Mangini that collectively stole the show, demonstrating a level of cohesion and synergy that only comes from years of playing together.
My favorite tracks from their 11-song set were the encore of “Amazing Grace” (a John Newton Cover) along with “The Spirit Carries On,” my all-time favorite Dream Theater song. During the finale, Tosin Abasi, Devin Townsend, Mike Kenneally, and Darby Todd joined the boys on stage for a dramatic ending that left fans speechless. It once again highlighted the amazing talent that the Dreamsonic 2023 Tour held, and cemented for its fans why these cats are so special within the progressive music genre and beyond.
The Dreamsonic 2023 tour was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of progressive metal at its finest. From the virtuoso performances of the musicians to the palpable energy of the crowd, every aspect of the night was a testament to the power and beauty of live music. If this tour is coming to a city near you, do yourself a favor and grab a ticket and get their early to see all three bands—you won’t want to miss this unforgettable night of music.
DEVIN TOWNSEND
ANIMALS AS LEADERS
