Dream Theater's third studio album, "Awake," marked a turning point in the band's history and the entire '90s progressive scene. Released on October 4, 1994, via EastWest Records, it represented the band's shift to a darker, more mature, and more experimental sound. It was the last release to feature Kevin Moore, one of the band's founding members and the creator of many of the atmospheric keyboard parts that set the tone for the entire album.
Created against the backdrop of the rise of grunge and alternative rock, Awake stood out for its complex compositional structure, John Petrucci's multi-layered guitar work, James LaBrie's emotive vocals, and the powerful rhythm section of Mike Portnoy and John Myung. The album combines technical virtuosity with profound, philosophical lyrics, exploring themes of self-definition, internal conflict, and loss.
Despite mixed reviews from critics upon its release, Awake has since acquired cult status and is rightfully considered one of Dream Theater's creative peaks. It peaked at number 32 on the Billboard 200, becoming the band's most successful release to date, and had a significant influence on the development of progressive metal.
The cover, designed by artist Larry Freemantle, is a visual mosaic of symbols related to the lyrics, making it more than just a cover, but part of the album's overall artistic statement.
Interesting facts:
- The song "Space-Dye Vest" was the only song entirely written by Kevin Moore, and it serves as his farewell to the band.
- The trio of songs, "Erotomania," "Voices," and "The Silent Man," form a conceptual trilogy called "A Mind Beside Itself."
- The name "Awake" symbolizes the "awakening of consciousness"—a reflection of the spiritual and personal transformations experienced by the members of Dream Theater during that period.
Tracklist:
Side А:
- A1. 6:00 — 5:31
- A2. Caught In A Web — 5:28
- A3. Innocence Faded — 5:43
Side В:
- B1. Erotomania — 6:45
- B2. Voices — 9:53
- B3. The Silent Man — 3:48
Side С:
- C1. The Mirror — 6:45
- C2. Lie — 6:34
- C3. Lifting Shadows Off A Dream — 6:05
Side D:
- D1. Scarred — 11:00
- D2. Space-Dye Vest — 7:29
