A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS

Was the general reaction when the pubic first heard this album, and while I think they never left since their last offerings were really good records, the band had once again reached a level of excellence lost when keyboardist Kevin Moore left the band after the Awake album. Some of the reviewers on several sites emphasized the fact that this album resembles in sound and structure the good old Images and Words record, and in some aspects I agree with that statement. However, this is far from saying this album is an I&W carbon copy. The opener "On the Backs of Angels" starts with an acoustic guitar and drum beat that reminds their "Greatest Hit" Pull me Under , then developing into a mid tempo metal song with a powerful chorus. A wise choice for a hit single since this tune is DT in a nutshell, offering all (good) the band has to deliver: Hard riffs & soloing, intricate drumming patterns and fine singing by a restrained James La Brie. "Build me up, Break me down" is the more radio friendly song of the album, but that does not mean is a bad song or lacks progressive elements. Finally, on the third track of the record we get to hear the first epic of the album called "Lost not Forgotten" this song starts with a mellow piano but then develops into a grand epic with oriental feel. There are some jaw dropping instrumental tradeoffs between guitar and keys as usual but also magnificent drumming from Mike Mangini. I am pretty sure that this song will be played a lot in their upcoming concerts. The fourth song of the record called "This is the life" is an uplifting ballad with meaningful lyrics remisent of James La Brie solo work. In my opinion this track is not among the strongest of the record but is correctly placed to cut the tension between 3 long metal - oriented tracks. I think that the fifth song here is the spotlight of the album "Bridges in the sky " is just an incredible track , ranking among the best epics DT has done: Featuring a powerful chorus , a soaring guitar solo in the middle and incredible drumming , here I am sure we have another highlight on their concerts. The next epic on the album "Outcry" is not as strong as the previous track but includes an amazing instrumental section. "Far from Heaven" is a short ballad featuring only James la Brie and piano, this song reminds me of "Vacant" or "Wait for sleep". The last epic of the album is by many, the most impressive song on the record and one of the finest songs of the year. This song has moving lyrics and all members of the band shine here. The JLB stops singing at minute 5 and then the song becomes a massive instrumental. Finally, the last song of the album is another ballad, though not as strong as the previous ones. Features a synth solo remiscent of ELP's "Lucky Man". I think DT should have closed the record with "Breaking all illusions" and it would have been perfect. But Selling England has "More fool me" on it and it's still a landmark of progressive rock, so I don't see how this little song can diminish this record's rating. Truly an incredible comeback for Dreamtheather and one of the best prog rock albums of the year. Ranking among their finest works. After listening to this record several times, only one thing is for sure: MP won't be missed.

Share this DREAM THEATER review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to crimson87
• Report this review (#554672)
• Buy DREAM THEATER music online with PA partners
• Show all DREAM THEATER MP3/Stream
• Go to DREAM THEATER page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to A Dramatic Turn of Events page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for DREAM THEATER related discussions