Dream Theater - Falling Into Infinity [SYEOR, 2LP, Clear Vinyl]

Dream Theater's fourth studio album Falling Into Infinity arrived on September 23, 1997, through EastWest Records, marking both a creative turning point and a tumultuous period for the progressive metal pioneers. Recorded at Avatar Studios in New York City with producer Kevin Shirley, the album became the band's only studio release featuring keyboardist Derek Sherinian, who replaced Kevin Moore in 1994. The troubled production saw the band forced to pare down what was initially intended as a double album to meet label demands, resulting in a more streamlined and commercially accessible sound than previous efforts. This Start Your Ear Off Right (SYEOR) 2025 indie exclusive presents the album on limited edition clear vinyl in a 140-gram double LP gatefold package, offering a fresh listening experience for one of Dream Theater's most debated releases.

The 11-track album balances progressive complexity with more direct song structures. Opening with the eight-minute "New Millennium," the album showcases the band's technical prowess while maintaining accessibility. "Hollow Years" became one of the band's most enduring ballads, featuring delicate acoustic guitar work and James LaBrie's emotive vocals. "Lines in the Sand" stretches past 12 minutes with contributions from King's X vocalist Doug Pinnick, while the instrumental "Hell's Kitchen" emerged from producer Shirley's controversial decision to excise the middle section of "Burning My Soul." "Peruvian Skies" addresses the serious topic of child abuse with thoughtful lyrics by John Petrucci, and "Trial of Tears" closes the album with a 13-minute epic featuring bassist John Myung's moving lyrics. The album debuted at number 52 on the Billboard 200 and achieved Platinum certification despite mixed initial reactions from critics and some longtime fans.

This 140-gram clear vinyl pressing captures the album's polished production and dynamic contrasts across two LPs housed in a gatefold sleeve. The format allows the intricate instrumental interplay between Petrucci's guitars, Sherinian's keyboards, and the rhythm section of Myung and drummer Mike Portnoy to breathe across the expanded playing surface. Mixed at Soundtrack Studios in New York and Enterprise Studios in Los Angeles, then mastered by Vlado Meller at Sony Music Studios, the album's sonic depth translates effectively to this limited edition indie exclusive pressing.

• Format: Clear Vinyl 2 LP
• Standout tracks: "Hollow Years," "Lines in the Sand," "Trial of Tears"
• Pressing details: SYEOR 2025 indie exclusive, limited edition, 140-gram clear vinyl, gatefold sleeve, double LP, brick and mortar exclusive
• Genre/style: Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock, Art Rock
• UPC: 603497821587

While initially controversial for its more commercial approach, Falling Into Infinity has gained appreciation over time as a unique chapter in Dream Theater's catalog. This limited edition SYEOR 2025 clear vinyl pressing provides an opportunity to revisit or discover an album that showcases the band navigating label pressures while maintaining their technical excellence and emotional depth.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. New Millennium
2. You Not Me
3. Peruvian Skies

Side B:

1. Hollow Years
2. Burning My Soul
3. Hell´s Kitchen

Side C:

1. Lines In The Sand
2. Take Away My Pain
3. Just Let Me Breathe

Side D:

1. Anna Lee
2. Trail Of Tears