A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS

So this is the new Dream Theater. I must say, I like. I like a lot. Dream Theater has been stuck is a rut for the past two albums (Systematic Chaos and Black Clouds and Silver Linings). Thought the previous albums showed Dream Theaters talent as musicians and their mastery of their instruments but, the passion and feeling was obviously gone. They needed something new, a change. and that change was Mike Portnoy's departure. Mike Mangini was hired to replace Portnoy as drummer. Portnoy used to be one of the main writers and him leaving opened up the writing process to others in the group to take a larger role. The sound of this new album is fresh and full of passion. It is more progressive than any other of their past works since 6 degrees of inner turbulence. Jordan Rudess Keyboards and John Myungs Bass are more pronounced. Its no longer just bass and keyboards following the guitar riffs but each musician has something to add.There are a couple great ballads on this CD but most of the songs are still metal, and some of the best Prog Metal I have heard in years.