Dream Theater - A Dramatic Turn Of Events

Dream Theater - A Dramatic Turn Of Events 01. On The Backs Of Angels 02. Build Me Up, Break Me Down 03. Lost Not Forgotten 04. This Is The Life 05. Bridges In The Sky 06. Outcry 07. Far From Heaven 08. Breaking All Illusions 09. Beneath The Surface There is no denying Dream Theater has been an enormous influence on progressive music for the last two decades. Every new release of theirs usually generates a buzz among fans and media alike. But since founding member, natural leader and revered drummer Mike Portnoy left the band unceremoniously last year, the free press the band is getting has been off the charts. After an overly publicized series of auditions whence drumming instructor Mike Mangini came triumphant, expectations were at an expected all-time high. A lot of doubts and uncertainties were lingering in the air. So what? You ask. Well, it all depends who's giving you the answer. Reviews have been split across the internet spectrum. But since you're stuck with me, here are my thoughts. First of all, the essence of Dream Theater is intact. If you were unaware of Portnoy's departure - like you just came back from your space mission - you mightn't be able to tell. Seriously, Mangini was picked by the stranded band members because he can sound so much like Portnoy. And he does effortlessly or so it seems. Nuances or subtle between the two drummers, and in my opinion there isn't anything to nitpick about. So let's move on. More interestingly the songs all have something distinctive. It takes a while to appreciate them though, which isn't that surprizing considering we're talking about archetypical progressive music. Once the musical assimilation hits you full-blown, a few standout tracks emerge. Notably the epic "Bridges in the Sky" has something of a old-fashioned DT aftertaste despite the unconventional intro while songs like "Lost Not Forgotten" and "Outcry" possess that oomph factor that has been missing in recent years. Let me put it this way. I have been listening to the album since it came out and still at this point in time there isn't a track I would skip. Not a single one. Even their ballads took a hold of me quite quickly and that is the mark of a successful album. On the flip side of the coin, the keyboard work is at times overbearing even by Dream Theater standards. However, technically this is mesmerizing work by Jordan Rudess I must admit. John Petrucci seems to be thriving again. He finally relaxed the blockade of ostentatious overpowering riffs to restore a balance in his playing that makes one equally thrill whether he's soloing like a madman or hitting the softest note. James LaBrie solo works seem to have steadied him and inspired him to take more risks. John Myung is his usual perfect self on bass and Mike Mangini shows that he belongs one hundred percent. Sure their solos are sometimes over the top and some songs would have benefited from an earlier wrap but overall A Dramatic Turn of Events is smooth and more consistent than its recent precursors. Give it a serious listen while keeping an open mind, there is much for you to discover.