A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS

After a series of albums that seemed to be focusing too much on the wrong things (except Octavarium) Dream Theater comes out with an album that does not rely on the metal side of things as much as the previous releases and really is more well thought out and progressive. The band sounds like they were having a lot fun recording this album and it shows in the final product.

This drastic shift in the DT sound is likely due to Mike Portnoy's leave (who was forcing too much metal into the music of the last two albums IMO) which as sad as it is, actually benefited the band. They are exploring much more territory and include better instrumentation (lots of piano, yay!) than they did on Systematic Chaos and Black Clouds & Silver Linings and this creates a much more intense and interesting listen.

For me, the album recalls old nostalgic thoughts of being addicted to DT's Images & Words, a feeling that had been long since faded but with this album, a little spark was given.

Welcome back, DT, welcome back.

4.5 stars, rounded up.

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