A Dramatic Turn of Events - Dream Theater
Metascore
55 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. Sputnikmusic
    Oct 13, 2011
    70
    The unfortunate harm that has come with Portnoy's dismissal is that the drum sections are now entirely bland and lack any real power. This combined with the band's decision to include three ballads are really the only things wrong with A Dramatic Turn of Events.
  2. Kerrang!
    Oct 25, 2011
    60
    As ever, they do a fine job here juggling endless solos among intricate vocal passages and harmonies. [Sep 2011, p.51]
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  3. BBC Music
    Oct 13, 2011
    60
    Ultimately, A Dramatic Turn of Events probably isn't too far from what this band would've created even with Portnoy in the ranks. It still sounds like a Dream Theater album, and that's all anyone's ever going to ask for.
  4. All Music Guide
    Oct 13, 2011
    60
    A Dramatic Turn of Events, while not a perfect offering, has enough of what makes Dream Theater attractive to make it a necessary purchase for fans.
  5. PopMatters
    Oct 13, 2011
    50
    The bulk of A Dramatic Turn Events finds Dream Theater perhaps too settled into their ways.
  6. Q Magazine
    Oct 13, 2011
    40
    [Mangini's] speed is not in much evidence on A Dramatic Turn of Events, though, where prog-metal riffs give way far too easily to pianos and technical indulgence. [Oct 2011, p.120]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. DrBrogbo
    9
    This album is great. Sure, Portnoy left and was replaced by Mike Mangini, and that has had a huge impact on the band, but it does NOT spell the end of Dream Theater. The drums in this album are fairly laid back because the band wrote them without Mike Mangini's input. He may not be as good as Portnoy, but Mangini is still a fantastic drummer, and I can't wait to hear how the band sounds when he gets a say. The instrumentation on this album is absolutely top notch, and the songwriting of the band has not declined at all. Out of all the songs on this album, I like them all, love about half, and can't stop listening to one. I own every Dream Theater album and DVD, have heard every song numerous times, and Breaking All Illusions is now my favorite song of theirs. I love Portnoy, but if this is what Dream Theater sounds like without him, then I'm glad he left.… Full Review »
  2. drmthrfan
    10
    Let me start with my complaints; 1. drums and cymbals not loud or evident enough. 2. Too many ballads. Positives; compared to the last two albums which I could only stomach 4 or 5 out each this ones has 6 songs that I can really enjoy, 5 of them real prog metal classics 1 of them dabbling into mainstream rock but that is ok is this will not be their first or last time trying this in the end is still prog and it still delivers.… Full Review »
  3. lordjrs
    10
    An amazing album. Every song is special in a way. The new drummer did an awesome job on this album, especially in Lost Not Forgotten and Bridges in the Sky. The voice work and all the instruments are awesome too. Lost Not Forgotten and Breaking All Illusions are now instant classics from Dream Theater.… Full Review »
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