Lifting Shadows - The Authorized Biography of Dream Theater (by Rich Wilson) opens with prog-rockers Dream Theater (James LaBrie-singer, John Myung-bass, John Petrucci-guitar, Mike Portnoy-drums and Jordan Rudess-keys) playing to 93,000 people at the Download Festival on June 14,2009. The book chronicles the group's arrival at this momentous occasion. The story starts with a brief look at each member's childhood and early musical influences. Many of the chapter titles reference Dream Theater (DT) songs and each charts their challenging career course in detailed fashion. Their many battles within the established music industry, and Dream Theater's continuing fight for musical integrity, provide the foundation on which the group's story is told.

The book runs in order of events and gives insights behind the ideas and innovations of each album starting from When Dream And Day Unites through Black Clouds & Silver Linings. Although personal issues are touched upon, this treatise is more concerned with the career changes and inner workings of the group.

"I truly believe that the best is yet to come," is how the Dream Theater portion of the volume ends quoting James LaBrie's positive thoughts on the band's future. The last chapter is Dreaming Aside which talks about the extensive side projects that James, John, John, Mike and Jordan have been involved in over the years.

As a fan of the band I really enjoyed this book. A quick read, for fans of progressive rock and metal, and good for anyone starting out in the industry.

• Info: -- UK 2009: LiftingShadows.com