Mike Portnoy discusses collaboration on upcoming Dream Theater album in 2026.
In a recent conversation with Troy Culpan of May The Rock Be With You in Australia, legendary Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy shared his thoughts on reuniting with the progressive metal titans after a 13-year hiatus. Following his departure in 2010, Portnoy rejoined the band officially in October 2023, replacing Mike Mangini, who had been Dream Theater’s drummer for five albums and numerous global tours. Celebrating this reunion, the band played their first show with Portnoy in over 14 years at London’s O2 Arena on October 20, 2024, marking a monumental occasion.
Reflecting on the impact of his return on the band’s creative process while working on their latest album, Parasomnia, Portnoy discussed the immediate rekindling of chemistry among the members. Despite a 15-year gap since their last collaborative effort, the band felt reinvigorated by the shared artistic and creative chemistry they had cultivated over the years. Portnoy emphasized that the inspiration and camaraderie were palpable from the outset of their work on the new record.
Parasomnia, the band’s latest release, is currently fueling an extensive global tour, with Portnoy indicating that fans may have to wait for new music following the tour’s conclusion. With over a year on the road since October 2024, Dream Theater is planning to wrap up the tour cycle after heading down to Australia in February 2026. After taking a well-deserved break post-tour, the band intends to regroup in the summer. Portnoy mentioned that once the tour winds down by spring, they would start contemplating the creation of a new album.
As fans eagerly anticipate a potential new Dream Theater record, the band has already lined up a series of tour dates for 2026. Spanning continents, from Asia to South America, the tour promises to deliver the band’s signature progressive metal sound to diverse audiences worldwide. With locations like Dubai, Singapore, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and various cities in Japan and Brazil on the itinerary, fans across the globe are in for a treat as Dream Theater showcases their musical prowess in these live performances.
Intriguingly, Portnoy hinted at the band’s creative process post-tour cycle, suggesting that a potential new album might be on the horizon. After months of relentless touring, Dream Theater plans to take some time off during the summer to recharge before venturing into the writing and recording process once more. With the band’s history of pushing boundaries and delivering stellar musical compositions, fans can anticipate another stellar release in the near future.