A Broken Man

Album: Parasomnia (2025)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "A Broken Man" erupts with an unrelenting fusillade of locked-in riffs that promptly gives way to James LaBrie's impassioned narration of a war veteran haunted by sleep disorders. We are deep in the realm of parasomnia, a term that encompasses everything from night terrors to sleepwalking.
  • Jordan Rudess' eerie keyboard textures evoke the disorientation of insomnia. Then when Mike Portnoy reaches the song's climax, his frantic drumming mimics the chaos of nightmares. To hammer the point home, the song incorporates audio from real veterans recalling their harrowing wartime experiences.
  • "A Broken Man" is the second single from Parasomnia, Dream Theater's 2025 odyssey into concept-driven prog metal. Recorded between February and July 2024 at their Long Island headquarters, the album is steeped in the unsettling world of sleep disorders. By focusing on PTSD-induced sleep disturbances, "A Broken Man" reinforces Parasomnia's core message: sleep disorders are not just biological phenomena but often manifestations of deeper psychological struggles.
  • Parasomnia was released on February 7, 2025, a date with special significance - it marks exactly one year since the album's recording sessions began.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.