A Dramatic Turn of Events

A Dramatic Turn of Events is an extremely important transitional work on which Dream Theater, welcoming Mike Mangini anew, assembles complex odd meters, a precise ensemble and grand melody. It is the first work of the new lineup, made after overcoming the great crisis of the founding member Mike Portnoy’s departure. Even in long songs, each part, rather than merely competing, powerfully advances the grand story while precisely calculating tension and release. A record showing the band’s new unity. From the power of the speeding opener “On the Backs of Angels” and the drama of “Build Me Up, Break Me Down” to a cut like “Lost Not Forgotten,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Bridges in the Sky” and “Outcry” convey the work’s fullness. John Petrucci’s guitar, Jordan Rudess’s keyboards and James LaBrie’s singing create big, grand, cinematic scenery. A record on which, even in the great turning point of a central figure’s departure, the band powerfully maintained its musicality without damaging it in the least. You can fully savor both progressive metal’s outstanding technique and deep lyricism. A powerful, engaging masterpiece announcing a sure fresh start in the new lineup — a record where the band’s new departure shines.