Awake

Released in 1994, Awake represents Dream Theater at their most experimental and tonally dark. Following the breakthrough success of Images and Words, the band moved away from the 'majestic' sound toward something more aggressive and grounded, influenced by the burgeoning alternative metal scene. This is the final album to feature founding keyboardist Kevin Moore, whose influence is felt heavily in the atmospheric, sample-heavy arrangements and the somber closing track, 'Space-Dye Vest.' The recording process was marked by internal tension and the pressure of a strict deadline, which contributed to the record's urgent, anxious energy. It also marks the first use of seven-string guitars by John Petrucci, a move that would fundamentally change the sound of the genre. Despite the vocal injury James LaBrie suffered shortly after recording, his performance here is often cited as his most versatile, ranging from aggressive snarls to delicate whispers. Critics often view Awake as the bridge between traditional 80s prog-metal and the more modern, heavy iterations that followed.