New York progressive metal pioneers Dream Theater are set to unveil their maiden voyage of "Progressive Nation". A package tour they will headline that will also feature the talents of Opeth, 3 and Between the Buried and Me. The tour is the brainchild of Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy who explains: "I've been wanting to assemble a package tour like this for many years now. With all of the festivals and package tours that go through America, I've been talking with our manager and agent for over 10 years now about doing something that focuses on the more progressive, musician-oriented side of hard rock and metal. I decided it was time to stop talking the talk, lace up and finally walk the walk"

Joining the bill for this inaugural run is Sweden's legendary Opeth who have been enjoying an ever-growing and expanding audience of their own for many years now. DT's Roadrunner Records label-mates will be ready to unleash their new album come next spring and Progressive Nation should be a great launching pad for their next World Tour cycle. Guitarist/vocalist Mikael Akerfeldt adds: "We're very excited about this upcoming tour with Dream Theater. It will be the first tour that we're doing in support of our upcoming record, and also somewhat of a dream come true personally as I've been a fan of theirs for a long time.

Also on the bill with their unique blend of pop, funk and hard rock is upstate New York's 3 who issued the following statement: "3 is very pleased to announce its participation in the Progressive Nation tour. For well over a decade Dream Theater has been the vanguard of progressive rock and we are completely psyched to flex with these heavyweights, playing much of our new record "The End is Begun".

North Carolina's Between the Buried and Me are enjoying rave reviews and critical acclaim for their latest CD "Colors" and are looking forward to sharing the stage each night with both Dream Theater and Opeth. Vocalist/keyboardist Tommy Rogers comments: "We are very excited to be touring with two bands that have been such an integral part of our musical upbringing. It is a wonderful opportunity to have our music heard by new ears."