Dream Theater grapple with the effects of anxiety on new mid-tempo burner, Invisible Monster

On The Alien, the first single from their upcoming album, A View From The Top Of The World, Dream Theater went down a decidedly sci-fi-influenced route, examining life on Earth from an extraterrestrial point of view.

For the album's brand-new second single – Invisible Monster – though, the prog-metal heroes have snapped their focus all the way back inward, documenting the effects of anxiety, and how it haunts and follows those who struggle with its effects.

Wielding the six-string version of his Ernie Ball Music Man Majesty signature guitar, the song finds John Petrucci in versatile form, leading the track off with an eerie, delay-drenched opening riff, powering the first verse with titanium-like chugs, and topping things off with a climactic, typically blazing solo.

You can check out the song's William “Wombat” Felch-directed music video below.

“It was written after we’d written a bunch of material," Petrucci said of the song in a press release. "A lot of the music was super energetic and upbeat tempo-wise. Mike [Mangini, Dream Theater's drummer] suggested we do something a little different though. 

"So, we started working on a more mid-temp song. The hook, riff, and melody changed so naturally. I equate it to Pull Me Under back in the day where we’d just start playing, something would come out, and we’d be like, ‘Whoa, that’s cool’. There’s a serendipitous moment where it happens. 

"Lyrically, it’s about how anxiety plagues people," he added. "It’s like there’s an invisible monster beating you. You don’t see it, but it’s haunting you all of the time.”  

Set for an October 22 release via InsideOutMusic/Sony Music, A View From The Top Of The World was produced by Petrucci, with engineering and additional production by James “Jimmy T” Meslin. You can check out its cover art and track list below.

The album also marks the first recorded appearance of Petrucci's new signature electric guitar, the impressively-spec'd, eight-string Ernie Ball Music Man Majesty 8.

To preorder the album, stop by Dream Theater's website. 

Dream Theater – A View From The Top Of The World:

1. The Alien 
2. Answering The Call 
3. Invisible Monster 
4. Sleeping Giant
5. Transcending Time 
6. Awaken The Master
7. A View From The Top Of The World