*OFFICIAL* A Dramatic Turn Of Events discussion thread -- **SPOILER ALERT!!!**

[lordxizor]

My judgement for now is that it's definitely DT's most consistent album since SDOIT or maybe ToT, although at the moment none of the individual songs are top 20 for me, although over time some of them might edge their way in there

I agree with this.

[jsem]

Outrcry and Breaking All Illusions are in my top 20... the rest aren't.

[IronEarthTheater]

WOW.  Really enjoy the album.  Nothing seems to be quite at the level of Count of Tuscany or Learning to Live (in other words, nothing quite (as or right now) in the top 5 DT songs, but there are no weak points for me.  However, most of my favorite songs didn't become that way until repeated listens.  Only two albums were this strong for me on first listen - I&W and SFAM.  Where this will end up, I'm not sure, but I suspect somewhere just below those two (maybe even above SFAM).  A lot to focus on in here.

BTW - the argument yesterday/last night may have been the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen.

[Bertielee]

WOW.  Really enjoy the album.  Nothing seems to be quite at the level of Count of Tuscany or Learning to Live (in other words, nothing quite (as or right now) in the top 5 DT songs, but there are no weak points for me.  However, most of my favorite songs didn't become that way until repeated listens.  Only two albums were this strong for me on first listen - I&W and SFAM.  Where this will end up, I'm not sure, but I suspect somewhere just below those two (maybe even above SFAM).  A lot to focus on in here.

BTW - the argument yesterday/last night may have been the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen.

Just go to MP.com and tell me there aren't things that are even more ridiculous.

B.Lee

[renegate]

Well, i'm going to be the minority here in saying I feel the album lack inspiration.

It's not a bad album in the sense that it is both technically challenging and diversified, but I fail to find the connection I had with BC&SL or Octavarium in the new album. Just so you know, I was very pleased there wasn't any 20 minute songs this time. So I have no problems with the lack of "epics". But still, the first few songs felt like JP and the boys were on cruise control. What I love in DT's music is that sometimes a song will go in all directions, but somehow will find a way to stay fluid (in the likeness of Yes or many other prog bands). Sadly, On the Backs of Angels, Build Me Up and This is the Life does exactly what we expect them to (I swear I feel like I've heard these riffs 100 times). They're good songs, but in a way, they feel kind of boring to me.

One thing is consensual: it is not a continuity in DT's discography. Portnoy's departure clearly brought the band elsewhere, or as some of you suggest it, back to Moore era DT (structurally wise, even if I expressed my reticence on it earlier). I am really optimistic about DT's future which, with the incredible talent of MM, is very promising.

The album doesn't feel rushed, but still find a way to look like it's incomplete. I can't find any memorable melodies or big emotional climax.

However, I have to say that one song really hit me in the face: Breaking All Illusions. I think we can already say that it is the masterpiece on ADToE. In a Wait for Sleep/Learning to Live kind of way, the connection between FFH and BAI really got me. The instrumental section is nuts and it represent exactly what I was talking about earlier (going in all directions but staying fluid). Also, Outcry is a really solid song. The instrumental part in it is also incredible.

[reneranucci]

Well, i'm going to be the minority here in saying I feel the album lack inspiration.

It's not a bad album in the sense that it is both technically challenging and diversified, but I fail to find the connection I had with BC&SL or Octavarium in the new album. Just so you know, I was very pleased there wasn't any 20 minute songs this time. So I have no problems with the lack of "epics". But still, the first few songs felt like JP and the boys were on cruise control. What I love in DT's music is that sometimes a song will go in all directions, but somehow will find a way to stay fluid (in the likeness of Yes or many other prog bands). Sadly, On the Backs of Angels, Build Me Up and This is the Life does exactly what we expect them to (I swear I feel like I've heard these riffs 100 times). They're good songs, but in a way, they feel kind of boring to me.

One thing is consensual: it is not a continuity in DT's discography. Portnoy's departure clearly brought the band elsewhere, or as some of you suggest it, back to Moore era DT (structurally wise, even if I expressed my reticence on it earlier). I am really optimistic about DT's future which, with the incredible talent of MM, is very promising.

The album doesn't feel rushed, but still find a way to look like it's incomplete. I can't find any memorable melodies or big emotional climax.

However, I have to say that one song really hit me in the face: Breaking All Illusions. I think we can already say that it is the masterpiece on ADToE. In a Wait for Sleep/Learning to Live kind of way, the connection between FFH and BAI really got me. The instrumental section is nuts and it represent exactly what I was talking about earlier (going in all directions but staying fluid). Also, Outcry is a really solid song. The instrumental part in it is also incredible.

Agreed. Very well put, I have a similar opinion.

[JimmyJava]

After listening to the album for a few days, here are a few random thoughts.

I don't know what it is but I'm not totally feeling this album just yet. It will problaby get better in time but to me, every song except the ballads and Illusions sounds almost exactly the same. They start with an odd intro and to then suddenly get extremely heavy with big riffs going on. The keyboards are a bit over-dramatic for my taste. They don't always have to have a choir sound to be good. It comes off as rather cheesy in places actually. When the verses come, the keyboards tone down but the heavy "riffing" is still going on while Labrie is trying to sound as tough and brutal as he possibly can. (Lost Not Forgotten best example).

The choruses are a bit weak I think. It feels like you're sitting there waiting for that high point to come but it never does. The instrumental sections are on the other hand some of their best since...well, ever. Really creative, intense and just plain cool. You never know where they might go next.

At this point, Breaking All Illusions is the only song to me that feels creative in terms of actual songwriting, the other ones seems to follow a very straight and similar path, I'm having a time seperating all the tracks as they sound so much alike with the heavy riffs and toned down verses. Oh well, gonna keep listening and maybe find other good pieces.

[Dellers]

Well, i'm going to be the minority here in saying I feel the album lack inspiration.

The album doesn't feel rushed, but still find a way to look like it's incomplete. I can't find any memorable melodies or big emotional climax.

I don't know where you got your copy (some Chinese remake?), but lack of inspiration is the last thing my copy sounds like. Sounds really inspired to me, and I also find it inspirational myself.

Memorable melodies are what made this record as good as it is IMO. The kind of melodies here are just what I think are good ones. I suppose what you would call a good melody is what I'd call extremely boring, but to me the melodies here are either catchy, interesting or beautiful.

[Dream Team]

I think it would have worked better if they had weaved the instrumental sections in and out of the verses and choruses instead of always having them stand by themselves. Too predictable. To me the best example of weaving instrumental sections in and out and thus creating a great non-standard structure is "Only A Matter of Time".

[Millais]

While everyone is talking about the music, has anyone discussed the conceptual art in the CD casing? Some pretty strange, yet awesome images here. The quote "may healing waters bury all my pain" confuses me...

[serrano]

I think it is a little early to have a solid opinion on ADTOE. It will probably be a grower, and i am really enjoying it like only SFAM from the beginning. My actual feeling is that it is to become one of DT key masterpieces.

Is it me or am i really hearing some bad ass LTE in Outcry's instrumental section? (JR and JP were the main LTE composers).

[ResultsMayVary]

I think it is a little early to have a solid opinion on ADTOE. It will probably be a grower, and i am really enjoying it like only SFAM from the beginning. My actual feeling is that it is to become one of DT key masterpieces.

Is it me or am i really hearing some bad ass LTE in Outcry's instrumental section? (JR and JP were the main LTE composers).

I hear the influence, too. Also, after the guitar solo in OTBOA. Huge LTE-sounding riff right there!

[serrano]

I think it is a little early to have a solid opinion on ADTOE. It will probably be a grower, and i am really enjoying it like only SFAM from the beginning. My actual feeling is that it is to become one of DT key masterpieces.

Is it me or am i really hearing some bad ass LTE in Outcry's instrumental section? (JR and JP were the main LTE composers).

I hear the influence, too. Also, after the guitar solo in OTBOA. Huge LTE-sounding riff right there!

JR said that this album would have a lot more piano. And the piano on the harder parts gives some LTE vibe, and i love it

[CodyWanKenobi]

I'm currently on Lost Not Forgotten - my first listen of the album.

I would like to say that James's double tracked vocals sound incredible. Brings me back to SFAM.

[MajorMatt]

I'm currently on Lost Not Forgotten - my first listen of the album.

I would like to say that James's double tracked vocals sound incredible. Brings me back to SFAM.

LNF has been a real grower for me, I liked it at first, but it's getting better with each listen.

I agree with you on the SFAM style vocals too, it's awesome!

[KevShmev]

The chorus to Build Me Up, Break Me Down is starting to really grow on me.  And while I first thought that the verses would have sounded better with an electronic drum beat (similar to the very beginning of the song), I am totally digging the groove Mangini lays down during them now. 

I also love his cymbal ride during the Bridges in the Sky choruses.  It sounds so simple, yet so cool. 

[Moonchild]

My review.
This is unquestionably the best album since Scenes From a Memory. There's a consistency that wasn't on the 00's albums. No filler, no song that reminds you of another band, no lyrical exageration and also no excessive agression on a band that's more recognized by it's prog atributes than being a Metalcore or thrash metal for example.  Each song has it's own personality and we can really tell that it's a set of fresh and original songs on various parts I can also say that this is a completely Prog Metal album, much more than Octavarium was (their last so called one). One of the essencial things about ADTOE is its upgrade from BC&SL by being Jordan Rudess all over the place. In my opinion, if we can get to hear a keyboard stem mix it's almost the entire skeleton of the album.
Starting with On The Backs Of Angels, it's musical structure is very similar to Pull Me Under and it's not a big issue. It's a fairly pleasent song with a great build up, intense keyboards and piano, JLB sings very nicely but probably the biggest downfall of the song is it's monocordic  chorus, and sometimes makes me feel singing Pull me Under right before the chorus. Being a quite fresh tune with small nuances very easy to listen without getting tired. A good start. 7.5/10
Following, comes the first winner of ADTOE which is Build Me Up, Break me Down. An upgrade of Forsaken from Systematic Chaos, which runs almost 7 minutes and I think it's easily editable to be a single.This one starts with a techno beat followed by some very downtuned riffs from John Petrucci, I can finally hear some agressive and In your face vocals from JLB reminding a little of Awake and the chorus is very catchy. Probably it will be the best single of the past year. 8.5/10
Lost not Forgotten starts with a wonderful piano from JR reminding of the desert theme. Right before JLB starts singing theres an unexpected glorious technical part from the band. Afterwards it gets very metal, JLB sings great and really fucking love the chorus, it makes me headbang every time. The instrumental part is quite fun and technical and when we get to the key and guitar solos it definately reminds me of Under a Glass Moon in a good way. No questions is the one of the best of the record. 9.5/10
The power ballad This is the Life, is filled with piano and huge solos from both JP and JR. This one reminds me of the band in the Falling into Infinity period, it's a great balad without any technical masturbation and quite more interesting than Wither. 8/10
With Bridges in the Sky my jaw dropped, its beginning is "the" strangest oddity of the record because any casual listener will think this is a collection of burps, but as any die hard will know it's about the Shaman. This is the most aggressive song of the record and it throws us to Train of Thought but this time JLB is singing like he should, the chorus is so epic! The instrumental part is interesting and goes by very fast. 8/10
Outcry I can imagine the most dividing song for the fanbase. It starts off very well with a nice mix of drums keyboards and guitar, but any fan notices that there's something different about this one. It has some moderns twists and when the instrumental starts The Dance of Eternity is literaly back. There's 4 minutes of too damn much going going nowhere and when JLB returns it's like a breath of fresh air. 7/10
After these two 11 minute insane epics I quickly thought of being on the end of the album when the much expected and beautiful strings and piano ballad Far From Heaven comes. I assure anyone that anyone who loves to hear La bRie sing Wait for Sleep or Surrounded will adore this one. I could live without the strings but doesn't ruin it. 9/10
My favourite song is Breaking All Ilusions, with lyrics from John Myung, doesn't take any prisoners from the start and throws you right away to that I&W world which was long missing. It's like the older brother of Learning to Live, love the bass work, the arrangements and JLB is actually close to his glory days and that chorus is so awesome.. the instrumental is technical, proggy with no exagerations and those JP guitar solos are huge a la the Best of Times or The Count of Tuscany, it ends perfectly and emotionaly, I can safely bet this is the one everyone will love. 9.5/10
Beneath the Surface is the oddball of A Dramatic Turn of Events, if it ended with BAI I'd be happy but the more happier I was when this essencially acoustic ballad appeared , its quite uplifting with a keyboard solo that recalls 70's prog with good vocals, ending this journey. 7.5/10
It's easy to claim that without Mike Portnoy there's a new free found joy within this band. There are few bands that get a rebirth and I think ADTOE is the one, in the sense that there's a musical exploration much more proggier and fresh,  and with the musical leadership turning to JR, this album is all that most fans that didn't enjoy the 00's wanted. It isn't I&W nor Awake nor Scenes, it's a different beast. I also think that DT got back on the Prog Metal horse, one that wasn't very clear before. Let's hope that Mike Mangini who did very well finds his place in the band..
8.5/10

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

(I just thought I'd edit this in to point out that this is making fun of the entire stupid debate, and not at all insulting or accusing DT)

A+. would lol again.

[Millais]

do you know what this album is that other DT albums released over the past decade have not been? Consistent.

[CodyWanKenobi]

I seem to remember a little less than a year ago, JP posting a status on facebook about how he just finished a kick ass song, or a bad ass riff or something like that. I wonder which song he was referring to. haha.

[Ben_Jamin]

Its up there among the best.

[BFRedrocks]

My review.
This is unquestionably the best album since Scenes From a Memory. There's a consistency that wasn't on the 00's albums. No filler, no song that reminds you of another band, no lyrical exageration and also no excessive agression on a band that's more recognized by it's prog atributes than being a Metalcore or thrash metal for example.  Each song has it's own personality and we can really tell that it's a set of fresh and original songs on various parts I can also say that this is a completely Prog Metal album, much more than Octavarium was (their last so called one). One of the essencial things about ADTOE is its upgrade from BC&SL by being Jordan Rudess all over the place. In my opinion, if we can get to hear a keyboard stem mix it's almost the entire skeleton of the album.
Starting with On The Backs Of Angels, it's musical structure is very similar to Pull Me Under and it's not a big issue. It's a fairly pleasent song with a great build up, intense keyboards and piano, JLB sings very nicely but probably the biggest downfall of the song is it's monocordic  chorus, and sometimes makes me feel singing Pull me Under right before the chorus. Being a quite fresh tune with small nuances very easy to listen without getting tired. A good start. 7.5/10
Following, comes the first winner of ADTOE which is Build Me Up, Break me Down. An upgrade of Forsaken from Systematic Chaos, which runs almost 7 minutes and I think it's easily editable to be a single.This one starts with a techno beat followed by some very downtuned riffs from John Petrucci, I can finally hear some agressive and In your face vocals from JLB reminding a little of Awake and the chorus is very catchy. Probably it will be the best single of the past year. 8.5/10
Lost not Forgotten starts with a wonderful piano from JR reminding of the desert theme. Right before JLB starts singing theres an unexpected glorious technical part from the band. Afterwards it gets very metal, JLB sings great and really fucking love the chorus, it makes me headbang every time. The instrumental part is quite fun and technical and when we get to the key and guitar solos it definately reminds me of Under a Glass Moon in a good way. No questions is the one of the best of the record. 9.5/10
The power ballad This is the Life, is filled with piano and huge solos from both JP and JR. This one reminds me of the band in the Falling into Infinity period, it's a great balad without any technical masturbation and quite more interesting than Wither. 8/10
With Bridges in the Sky my jaw dropped, its beginning is "the" strangest oddity of the record because any casual listener will think this is a collection of burps, but as any die hard will know it's about the Shaman. This is the most aggressive song of the record and it throws us to Train of Thought but this time JLB is singing like he should, the chorus is so epic! The instrumental part is interesting and goes by very fast. 8/10
Outcry I can imagine the most dividing song for the fanbase. It starts off very well with a nice mix of drums keyboards and guitar, but any fan notices that there's something different about this one. It has some moderns twists and when the instrumental starts The Dance of Eternity is literaly back. There's 4 minutes of too damn much going going nowhere and when JLB returns it's like a breath of fresh air. 7/10
After these two 11 minute insane epics I quickly thought of being on the end of the album when the much expected and beautiful strings and piano ballad Far From Heaven comes. I assure anyone that anyone who loves to hear La bRie sing Wait for Sleep or Surrounded will adore this one. I could live without the strings but doesn't ruin it. 9/10
My favourite song is Breaking All Ilusions, with lyrics from John Myung, doesn't take any prisoners from the start and throws you right away to that I&W world which was long missing. It's like the older brother of Learning to Live, love the bass work, the arrangements and JLB is actually close to his glory days and that chorus is so awesome.. the instrumental is technical, proggy with no exagerations and those JP guitar solos are huge a la the Best of Times or The Count of Tuscany, it ends perfectly and emotionaly, I can safely bet this is the one everyone will love. 9.5/10
Beneath the Surface is the oddball of A Dramatic Turn of Events, if it ended with BAI I'd be happy but the more happier I was when this essencially acoustic ballad appeared , its quite uplifting with a keyboard solo that recalls 70's prog with good vocals, ending this journey. 7.5/10
It's easy to claim that without Mike Portnoy there's a new free found joy within this band. There are few bands that get a rebirth and I think ADTOE is the one, in the sense that there's a musical exploration much more proggier and fresh,  and with the musical leadership turning to JR, this album is all that most fans that didn't enjoy the 00's wanted. It isn't I&W nor Awake nor Scenes, it's a different beast. I also think that DT got back on the Prog Metal horse, one that wasn't very clear before. Let's hope that Mike Mangini who did very well finds his place in the band..
8.5/10

Nice review.

[TimmyHiggy]

Love the album on first few listens! Quick thoughts about each track:
OTBOA is like a DT single from the last couple of albums only done much better
build me up, break me down has such brutal riffage I challenge any of you to keep your head still when the main riff comes in, probably going to get old quicker than the rest of the album but its the only one where the guitar riffs made me think "I'm so going to learn this bad boy"
Lost not Forgotten is the first solid song in all departments, superb long heavy DT track
This is the life is really beautiful ballad with great melodic instrumental melodies between the vocals
Bridges in the sky is just generally jaw dropping
Outcry has such a ridiculous instrumental I grin ear to ear on every listen
Far From heaven has SUCH a perfect intro
Breaking all Illusions is one of those tracks where everything slots really well together, great all round song
Beneath the surface is the perfect closer

At times it hit massive melodic parts on a par with SFAM, other times it was brutal and/or technical like 6DOIT, this is pencilled in at no.4 in my DT album rankings based on my first impressions!

[FlyingBIZKIT]

Top 10:

Beneath The Surface
Breaking All Illusions

Top 25:

Bridges In The Sky
Far From Heaven

Top 50:

This Is The Life
Lost Not Forgotten
Outcry
On The Backs Of Angels

Not Top 50:

Build Me Up, Break Me Down

[toro]

Am I the only one that thinks:
Outcry Riff = That sweet Audition Riff that Thomas Lang nailed? But with a slower tempo?

[Zukuduku]

Wow. I am quite speechless after two listens. It is too early to compare to other albums, but at the moment it feels that this could easily be a TOP5 Dream Theater album.

There are some magical moments, such as the ending of the instrumental section of Outcry and almost the whole Breaking All Illusions. I also really liked the more mellow parts and songs. The only song that did not cause huge pleasure when listening was BMUBMD. But I'll give it a couple of listens tomorrow, let's see if it feels better after that.

[NecessaryPain]

This album is far greater than Octavarium, SC, and BCASL.

I'd say it's their best since Six Degrees.

[weddingnails]

just got an email from the omegaorder that my box set has been delayed "This was a quality issue and Dream Theater, Roadrunner Records, and The Omega Order want to ensure the best possible audio experience for the new album to its fans.The product will arrive to our warehouses later this week and we will start shipping all orders upon arrival.We apologize for the delay, but would not want to provide an inferior product in its place."....sucks...i am a sad panda

[Progmetty]

Drove my wife to best buy and I was bored walking around the cds area when a best buy guy asked me if I needed help so I asked him about ADTOE which he had no idea about but told me if it's a new release it will be out first thing in the morning, which I already knew and was planning to pick it up. Then for some reason I went "But it's probably already at the back of the store right", he said yes so I went on "It seems a little silly that I'm coming back tomorrow morning to pick it up while both me and the CD are already here", "We can't sell CDs or DVDs prior to their release date", "I understand that but c'mon it's tomorrow, it's not like I'm gonna snitch or anything", "I know but we'll be fined 500,000$ if we did that", "Who'll know? seriously? just give it to me". It's like I was possessed by Larry David! We continued joking about it and one of the things he said was "Gosh and I thought the Lady Gaga fans were intense on the release day" and I told him "I'll pretend you didn't just make that comparison"

[Obfuscation]

Drove my wife to best buy and I was bored walking around the cds area when a best buy guy asked me if I needed help so I asked him about ADTOE which he had no idea about but told me if it's a new release it will be out first thing in the morning, which I already knew and was planning to pick it up. Then for some reason I went "But it's probably already at the back of the store right", he said yes so I went on "It seems a little silly that I'm coming back tomorrow morning to pick it up while both me and the CD are already here", "We can't sell CDs or DVDs prior to their release date", "I understand that but c'mon it's tomorrow, it's not like I'm gonna snitch or anything", "I know but we'll be fined 500,000$ if we did that", "Who'll know? seriously? just give it to me". It's like I was possessed by Larry David! We continued joking about it and one of the things he said was "Gosh and I thought the Lady Gaga fans were intense on the release day" and I told him "I'll pretend you didn't just make that comparison"

I hope you kept on bothering him after that to give you the CD.

[weddingnails]

so has anyone else that ordered the box set also recieved the same email as me?

[IJewBear]

I think I found the main reason why I like this album so much.

On the more recent releases, they tried too hard establishing a song based on a single riff.

It feels like on ADToE, they captured an entire mood rather than a riff or motif. More like their "top tier" albums as some might say.

[OsMosis2259]

Drove my wife to best buy and I was bored walking around the cds area when a best buy guy asked me if I needed help so I asked him about ADTOE which he had no idea about but told me if it's a new release it will be out first thing in the morning, which I already knew and was planning to pick it up. Then for some reason I went "But it's probably already at the back of the store right", he said yes so I went on "It seems a little silly that I'm coming back tomorrow morning to pick it up while both me and the CD are already here", "We can't sell CDs or DVDs prior to their release date", "I understand that but c'mon it's tomorrow, it's not like I'm gonna snitch or anything", "I know but we'll be fined 500,000$ if we did that", "Who'll know? seriously? just give it to me". It's like I was possessed by Larry David! We continued joking about it and one of the things he said was "Gosh and I thought the Lady Gaga fans were intense on the release day" and I told him "I'll pretend you didn't just make that comparison"

oh man that sucks but kinda funny at the same time so no CD yet??? Oh well patience my friend

[KevShmev]

Drove my wife to best buy and I was bored walking around the cds area when a best buy guy asked me if I needed help so I asked him about ADTOE which he had no idea about but told me if it's a new release it will be out first thing in the morning, which I already knew and was planning to pick it up. Then for some reason I went "But it's probably already at the back of the store right", he said yes so I went on "It seems a little silly that I'm coming back tomorrow morning to pick it up while both me and the CD are already here", "We can't sell CDs or DVDs prior to their release date", "I understand that but c'mon it's tomorrow, it's not like I'm gonna snitch or anything", "I know but we'll be fined 500,000$ if we did that", "Who'll know? seriously? just give it to me". It's like I was possessed by Larry David! We continued joking about it and one of the things he said was "Gosh and I thought the Lady Gaga fans were intense on the release day" and I told him "I'll pretend you didn't just make that comparison"

Haha, good try, but I am pretty sure it would be easy to catch since it has to be scanned when the purchase is made.

[Progmetty]

Yeah I couldn't get it the cd and I didn't wanna keep at it until it gets annoying but if I see him tomorrow when I go pick it up I'll point out again that this was pointless hehe