Awake

about this album

"Awake" is the third studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released on 4 October 1994 through East West Records. It is the final album by the band to feature original keyboardist Kevin Moore, who announced his departure during the mixing stage. The material for "Awake" was primarily written between February and April 1994 at Prince Studios in New York City. Following the commercial success of "Images and Words" (1992), particularly the single "Pull Me Under", the band faced pressure from their record label to deliver a similarly successful follow-up. The label encouraged a heavier and more metal-oriented direction, partly in response to prevailing trends in alternative and groove metal. Internal dynamics during the writing process were marked by creative disagreements, partly due to the absence of a clear band leader. Guitarist John Petrucci introduced the use of a seven-string guitar, contributing to a more riff-driven sound, while vocalist James LaBrie adopted a more aggressive and varied vocal style. Recording began in May 1994 at One On One Studios in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, with additional overdubs completed at Devonshire Studios. The album was produced, engineered and mixed by John Purdell and Duane Baron. Compared to the band’s previous collaboration with producer David Prater, the band reported a more positive and flexible working relationship during these sessions. "Awake" remains the only Dream Theater studio album recorded outside t

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Systematic Chaos

Falling Into Infinity

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