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.
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.
[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]
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 andAn 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.…Expand
Let me start with my complaints; 1. drums and cymbals not loud or evident enough. 2. Too many ballads. Positives; compared to the last twoLet 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.…Expand
An admirable effort, with a renewed focus on songwriting, "A Dramatic Turn of Events" is Dream Theater's true return-to-form. It is focused,An admirable effort, with a renewed focus on songwriting, "A Dramatic Turn of Events" is Dream Theater's true return-to-form. It is focused, cohesive, and best of all, very melodic. The music here is purely original and breathtaking - it puts their last few albums or so to shame. And newcomer Mike Mangini shows a ton of promise, even though his drums are a little soft in the mix. I know I'll get scorned for saying this (and I don't care), but I'm not afraid to say it: this is Dream Theater in their best shape since 1999. And that says a lot.…Expand
By far their best album since Octavarium, or even since Six Degrees. With Mangini as the new drummer, the band seems re-awakened andBy far their best album since Octavarium, or even since Six Degrees. With Mangini as the new drummer, the band seems re-awakened and everything seems more lively. The production on LaBrie's vocals are completely different, and instead of being pushed to the forefront as it was with Portnoy's style, it is more brought down to the same importance of the instruments, making for a very well rounded feel. The songwriting is 95% what you expect from DT, and there's nothing that shocks the system, but after 25 years the band are still making great material, and they don't seem like they're letting up any time soon.…Expand
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 spellThis 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.…Expand
Lol, stupid critics don't know good music.
Track by track review here,
On the Backs of Angels 10/10 What a great song! Everytime I listen toLol, stupid critics don't know good music.
Track by track review here,
On the Backs of Angels 10/10 What a great song! Everytime I listen to it, I'm just blown away!
Build Me Up Break Me Down 10/10 Definitely the most underrated song on the album cool riffs, cool lyrics.
Lost Not Forgotten 10/10 Very Heavy Song, I should definitely listen to it more,
This is the Life 7/10 I'm Not a big Fan of Ballads, Feels like this song is just a break from the awesomeness.
Bridges in the Sky 10/10 My personal favorite song here, the throat signing is weird but the rest of this song packs a punch. Bridges in the sky is better than Octavarium.
Outcry 10/10 Such a beautiful song about standing up to tyranny, I love it
Far From Heaven 6/10 Another Break from the awesomeness, one that I personally cant stand.
Breaking All Illusions 10/10 a Prog Masterpiece!! One of Dream Theaters greatest contributions to the musical world.
Beneath the Surface 9.5/10 May be a Ballad but I like this one, James does a great job with the lyric. But the Keyboard solo in the middle ruins it kind of.
A Dramatic Turn of Events is one of my favorite Dream Theater albums I prefer it to Images and Words
Final Score: 9.1…Expand
I don't know why this album is rated that low. Technically is one of their best albums and you have great melodies and vocals too. Bridges inI don't know why this album is rated that low. Technically is one of their best albums and you have great melodies and vocals too. Bridges in the Sky, Outcry and Breaking all Illusions are one the best songs they've produced in a long time.…Expand
