On the Backs of Angels

"On the Backs of Angels"
Single by Dream Theater
from the album A Dramatic Turn of Events
Released	June 29, 2011
Format	Digital, CD
Recorded	2011
Genre	Progressive metal
Length	8:43
Label	Roadrunner
Producer	John Petrucci
Dream Theater singles chronology
"Raw Dog" (2010) "On the Backs of Angels" (2011)

"On the Backs of Angels" is a song by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, featured on their 11th studio album A Dramatic Turn of Events. The song was written by the band's guitarist and producer John Petrucci, keyboardist Jordan Rudess and bassist John Myung. The song's lyrics were written by Petrucci.

"On the Backs of Angels" was released as A Dramatic Turn of Events' lead single via YouTube on June 29, 2011.^[1] A music video for the song was released on September 14, 2011.^[2] The song was played during every show of the European leg in support of the album.

In composing "On the Backs of Angels", Dream Theater tried to illustrate their signature sound.^[3] From the start, the band envisioned the song as an album opener that, according to Petrucci, would make their fans "feel at home".

"On the Backs of Angels" is 8:43 long with numerous time signature changes, although it is mostly played in 4/4 and 3/4 time. The song's introduction features a moody and foreboding arpeggiated guitar pattern that was written by Petrucci and inspired by Pink Floyd.^[4] At 5:51, the song breaks down into a piano passage that was improvised by Rudess.^[5] The song bears a structural resemblance to Dream Theater's 1992 hit single "Pull Me Under" from Images and Words.

References

1. ^ YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oasnbzEMV08&ob=av3e. Published 06/28/11. Retrieved 07/29/11.
2. ^ Warner, Brett. Watch This: “On The Backs Of Angels” By Dream Theater. Oology. http://www.ology.com/music/watch-“-backs-angels”-dream-theater. Published & Retrieved 09/14/11.
3. ^ DREAM THEATER - A Dramatic Turn Of Events Track by Track Interview. YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuw-25y6GC4. Published 08/16/11. Retrieved 10/19/11.
4. ^ Bosso, Joe. Dream Theater's A Dramatic Turn Of Events: full album preview. Music Radar. http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/dream-theaters-a-dramatic-turn-of-events-full-album-preview-488940/2. Published 08/17/11. Retrieved 10/19/11.
5. ^ Bosso, Joe. Dream Theater's Jordan Rudess on A Dramatic Turn Of Events. Music Radar. http://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/dream-theaters-jordan-rudess-on-a-dramatic-turn-of-events-491674/3. Published 08/31/11. Retrieved 10/19/11.