Mike Portnoy explains why hardcore Dream Theater fans (suckers) should spend their hard-earned money on the box set. Watch the video here.

The box set includes the “Black Clouds & Silver Linings”3-Disc Limited Edition, Limited Edition Audiophile 180-Gram Double LP Set with Exclusive Artwork from Hugh Syme, exclusive Dream Theater mouse pad (WOW! – endsarc), BC&SL Litograph and BC&SL “Producer’s Edition” Disc Includes Isolated Audio Tracks of the Entire Album.

The “Producer’s Edition” Disc contains separate audio tracks that can be mixed and re-mixed. Just like what Nine Inch Nails had given their fans, but Dream Theater and Roadrunner Records are making the fans coughing up some money for the tracks.

OK, that’s enough wisecracks from me.

“Black Clouds & Silver Linings” is available on:

• Vinyl LP
• CD – album only
• Three-disc, special-edition CD – includes the full album, a CD of instrumental mixes of the album and a CD of six cover songs.
• Digital downloads

“Black Clouds & Silver Linings” | June 23rd, 2009

01. A Nightmare to Remember
02. A Rite of Passage
03. Wither
04. The Shattered Fortress
05. The Best of Times
06. The Count of Tuscany

Click the artwork above for the hi-res version of the cover art.

Black Clouds & Silver Linings Pre-Order
Dream Theater’s Latest Progressive Metal Masterpiece
Includes “A Rite Of Passage” & “Wither”
Dream Theater return with Over 70 Minutes of New Music

DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION BOX SET: $132.00 | Mike Portnoy explains the Box Set
Pre-order this configuration and receive an exclusive code to download 5 of the newly recorded cover songs. 1 track per week will be released, beginning on 5/19, leading up to album release. You’ll hear them first!

• Find a SILVER TICKET and Win a MEET & GREET with the Band!
• 3-CD Special Edition Set Includes Album, Instrumental Mixes and 6 Newly Recorded Cover Songs
• Limited Edition Audiophile 180-Gram Double LP Set with Exclusive Artwork from Hugh Syme
• Black Clouds & Silver Linings “Producer’s Edition” Disc Includes Isolated Audio Tracks of the Entire Album (This Bonus Disc Only Available in this Set)
• Limited Edition, Numbered Lithograph by Legendary Artist Hugh Syme. 100 Lucky Winners will Find a Litho Personally Signed by the Artist!
• Computer Mouse Pad, Exclusively Available with Box Set
• Packaged in a Silver Foil Embossed Black Velvet Box.

SPECIAL EDITION: $21.99
Dream Theater’s Latest Progressive Metal Masterpiece in a 3-CD Deluxe Edition includes:

• 6 Newly Recorded Cover Songs
• Instrumental Mixes of the Entire Album
• Expanded Artwork and Packaging

DOUBLE LP: $27.49
180-Gram Double LP Set: The vinyl is of the highest audiophile quality and pressed in Germany.

STANDARD: $15.99
Dream Theater return with Over 70 Minutes of New Music

Image courtesy of Dream Theater and Roadrunner Records.