# What is the best Dream Theater album of all time?

> Concept albums, technical fireworks, and emotional depth across three decades of progressive metal — there's never a dull moment but there's always a debate. Cast your vote.

*By YPB Team · Published April 15, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-dream-theater-album-of-all-time*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory**
   Dream Theater's 1999 concept album follow-up to 'Metropolis Pt. 1', considered a prog metal masterpiece.
2. **Images and Words**
   Dream Theater's 1992 breakthrough album featuring the iconic 'Pull Me Under.'
3. **Awake**
   Dream Theater's 1994 heavier and darker album showing expanded musical range.
4. **Systematic Chaos**
   Dream Theater's 2007 album blending progressive metal with modern heaviness.
5. **Black Clouds & Silver Linings**
   Dream Theater's 2009 double album showcasing full instrumental and compositional range.
6. **Octavarium**
   Dream Theater's 2005 concept album built around the number eight.
7. **Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence**
   Dream Theater's 2002 double album with a 42-minute title track suite.
8. **A Dramatic Turn of Events**
   Dream Theater's 2011 first album with drummer Mike Mangini.
9. **Train of Thought**
   Dream Theater's 2003 heaviest album inspired by Metallica's Black Album.
10. **Falling into Infinity**
   Dream Theater's 1997 label-pressured album with commercial aspirations.
11. **When Dream and Day Unite**
   Dream Theater's 1989 debut album featuring original vocalist Charlie Dominici.
12. **Distance over Time**
   Dream Theater's 2019 album returning to their progressive metal roots.

Tags: music, bands, metal, progressive, dream theater