There’s no way the band could have chosen a better title than “A Dramatic Turn of Events” for its new album. This is the first album without the ingenious drummer Mike Portnoy. His departure was a loss; the loss of one of the main composers, a leader, who dealt not only with the musical side of the band but also was a promoter of the band, a producer of the albums, a director of the live events and many many more. However, if you expected Dream Theater to be in a black mood after 26 years of a successful music carrier, you were wrong. Besides, they showed us at Terra Vibe Park (Malakassa, Greece, August 2, 2011) they still are the GREATEST of all!!!
The band did not try to cover the departure of Mike Portnoy. On the contrary D.T. posted a documentary on Youtube and official site, entitled “The Spirit Carries On” (3 web episodes) with the drummer auditions, with 7 world class drummers. The choice for Mike’s replacement was another Mike (at least they won’t shout the wrong name during rehearsals!), Mike Mangini. Upon selection the band started almost immediately to record a new album.
“A Dramatic Turn of Events” is the proof that Dream Theater not only survived after Portnoy’s departure but they even “blossom”! Mike Mangini has all the skills and talent to replace Mike Portnoy (once and for all) behind the drum kit. The general impression is that all members of Dream Theater seem to play more “freely”. The new album is a true Masterpiece and we’re sorry to mention that Portnoy’s departure proved essential.
The album includes 9 tracks; 76 minutes of perfect music gives you an idea about the band’s grand appetite to write music. Every single minute of the album, every track is one step closer to perfection. We were unable to set apart the tracks and to put them one by one under the microscope to look for every nook and cranny. It is a great album, melodic progressive. Some say it’s “Metropolis pt.2” sequel… What Dream Theater music has taught us is not to compare their albums, as each one is different, and not to put names and labels in music…
This album has no Muse or Radiohead influences. It’s an outstandingly beautiful Dream Theater album. “Bridges in the Sky” and “Breaking All Illusions” are two tracks where Mike Mangini drumming is exceptional and proves DT right for choosing him to sit behind the drum kit. His drumming, which is completely different from his predecessor, highlights the melodies with powerful and mature “blasts”. The riffs are stunning and the solos are classic Petrucci moments. James Labrie is in a great shape while Jordan Rudess enjoys the benefit of his creative freedom and has introduced a colorful variety of sounds. John Myung incredible bass lines are once again really significant in this album, as always. He wrote the lyrics in “Breaking all Illusions” too (it’s been a long time since Metropolis pt.2).
Dream Theater’s “A Dramatic Turn of Events” is the album of the year, an album to be loved and worshiped.
P.S. You can compose the album cover if you take the cover of Supertramps “… Famous Last Words…” and combine it with “The First Chapter” of Circus Maximus.
