iron-maiden

The high priest of prog-metal guitar, John Petrucci, is still finding new territory on his instrument.

Photo by Mark Maryanovich

The legendary progressive-metal guitarist details the darkness—and the renewed camaraderie—that led to his band Dream Theater’s 16th full-length record, Parasomnia.

Some very important events happened in John Petrucci’s life in 2024. He celebrated an enormous milestone with his bandmates in prog-metal behemoth Dream Theater: They’ve been a band for 40 years. Many bands aren’t destined to last a single decade, let alone four. It’s a titanic personal and artistic achievement. And yet, that anniversary paled in significance next to another major development: The band wrote and created a new full-length record with founding drummer Mike Portnoy, who had been absent from Dream Theater since 2010.

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Billy Ward of Man/Woman/Chainsaw

Photo by Ella Margolin

Guest picker Billy Ward of Man/Woman/Chainsaw joins reader Eddie Carter and PGstaff in musing on the joys of playing music.

Question: What’s the most rewarding aspect of playing music for you? Photo by Ella Margolin

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Brad Labelle

Nap Eyes’ Brad Labelle joins reader Galen Brownson and PG staff in sharing about what makes them—and thereby, their tunes—so unique.

Question: What are some personal qualities of yours that set you apart from others in your writing or playing?

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