DISTANCE OVER TIME

I've listened to this album 4 times since its release. No, that's not enough to form a complete (and static) opinion on an album, but I can already tell that this one belongs right up next to Dream Theater's other classics (Images and Words, Metropolis Pt. 2, Six Degrees, Octavarium). This is the first time Mike Mangini really feels like part of the band, and it really works out spectacularly.

There will be Portnoy Fanboys dragging the ratings of this album down by giving low ratings and writing negative reviews before listening (you can tell based on how generic they are), but don't let them deter you from checking out this album. It is definitely one of their strong albums.

That being said, this album takes a tighter and heavier approach to writing than their albums since Octavarium, but it's not trying to be like those earlier, heavier albums. Tracks don't clock in any longer than 9 minutes, and this album is their shortest since "Images and Words".

Although the tracks are tighter and shorter, Dream Theater hasn't lost any of their creative (nor progressive) edge. Each track was thoroughly composed and clearly had a lot of thought put into it. The album also has a nice flow to it, and each track feels deliberately placed.

Lastly, this album isn't trying to be something it isn't. Mangini is no longer acting as a session drummer, and the band is not trying to go back to their days with Portnoy (stylistically). The band has evolved and incorporated this magnificent drummer (which becomes apparent when hearing this album) into their style. Everything on this album clicks.

(The date on this review says Jan 1, 2019 because I accidentally gave this album a star rating back then. I wrote the review for this album on Feb 23, 2019. Sorry for the confusion)