Dream Theater – A Dramatic Turn of Events
Roadrunner Records
www.dreamtheater.net
Rating: B+
When drummer Mike Portnoy left Dream Theater it was a
shock to the Progressive Rock Community. Dream Theater
are the # 1 prog group in the world and are arguably
some of the most talented musicians on the planet. DT
had always had that chemistry thing going on and
although they had changed a member, here and there, over
the course of their career, the lineup has stayed the
same since 1999 and seemed like it would last forever.
Fans debated if the band would have the same magic as
before, as well as if the music would be as powerful
without Portnoy. With the release of the aptly titled
A Dramatic Turn of Events all questions of Dream
Theater’s future have been confirmed. Suffice it to say
that they are doing fine without their old drummer. In
fact, they have taken the unrest and energy created by
Portnoy’s departure and channeled it into their music,
giving the album a very dramatic flavor.
The opening song, “On the Backs of Angels” is a
powerhouse of creativity as the band open the album with
a huge musical statement. Elsewhere the epic tunes “Lost
Not Forgotten,” “Bridges in the Sky” and “Breaking All
Illusions” make this release a must-own for all
Progressive Rock fans; “Illusions” being among the best
Dream Theater has ever written.
The band continues to stretch musical boundaries,
incorporate challenging musical passages with melodic
song formats and amaze all who partake with their
virtuosity.
While the fans still love Portnoy, Dream Theater is
doing just fine without him.
By Jeb Wright
