*Written by Jessica Karlsson
DREAM THEATER – Parasomnia 2025 Tour
October 8th, 2025 – Abraham Chavez Theater
Progressive metal titans Dream Theater brought their Parasomnia tour to El Paso’s Abraham Chavez Theatre, delivering a masterclass in musicianship on a brisk Wednesday afternoon. The band transformed the historic downtown venue into a dreamscape of sound. Playing to an energetic audience, the band proved once again why, three decades into their musical career, they remain as influential in the progressive metal genre as ever before.
The first act of the evening presented Parasomnia in its entirety, and the El Paso crowd rewarded them with full attention. Tracks like “Night Terror,” “Midnight Messiah,” and “The Shadow Man” showcased the band’s renewed creative chemistry. The execution was impressive with flawless transitions and dynamic pacing along with a cinematic atmosphere. The production design elevated the experience with surreal visuals that complemented the album’s narrative. The band put their all into this performance, and the crowd can attest to it.
After a short break, the band shifted into classics for their second act, playing crowd favorites including songs like “As I Am” and “Panic Attack” which was very much enjoyed by the fans and drew some of the loudest cheers of the night. This transition from their new material to their classic catalog served as a reminder that Dream Theater remains just as sharp at writing music now as they were decades ago. The transition energized the room with nostalgia. It was clear that both the band and the audience were enjoying themselves to the fullest.
The night’s emotional high came with the encore: a beautiful performance of “A Change of Seasons” in full, giving long-time fans a nostalgic and emotional sendoff. This piece displayed the band’s collective chemistry. The audience remained completely engaged throughout the performance and were fully immersed in the experience. As more than just a fan favorite, the 23-minute epic served as a summation of everything Dream Theater stands for – storytelling, intricacy, and emotion.
For El Paso’s progressive metal fans, Wednesday night was more than just another concert to attend; it was a unique opportunity to experience what Dream Theater has been and continues to be to this day. Dream Theater’s musical technicality, precision, and passion for progressive metal as a genre remains intact.
