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

[FretMuppet]

This is going to sound completely absurd, but does anyone else have About to Crash spring to mind while listening to Lost Not Forgotten?

5:22 of Lost Not Forgotten: "Once fearless and brave..."  Compare this vocal melody with 2:48 of About to Crash: "Once barely taking a break..."

They're not even all that close to each other, really, but every single time I get to that part of LNF, I think of that part of ATC.

You just hit the nail on the head there mate

[lanemeyer]

This is going to sound completely absurd, but does anyone else have About to Crash spring to mind while listening to Lost Not Forgotten?

5:22 of Lost Not Forgotten: "Once fearless and brave..."  Compare this vocal melody with 2:48 of About to Crash: "Once barely taking a break..."

They're not even all that close to each other, really, but every single time I get to that part of LNF, I think of that part of ATC.

I think that every time I hear it.

[Jaffa]

Oh, good, other people hear it.  Then I feel slightly less shy about pointing out one other one that keeps jumping out at me.

8:09 of Breaking All Illusions, 7:59 of Lines in the Sand.  Am I crazy?  Again, they're not actually that close (obviously the LitS part has vocals while the BAI part does not), but to me they feel similar enough in melody that every time I listen to BAI, LitS springs to my mind at that part. 

And for the record, I'm not trying to point these out as flaws or complaints; I think these parts are very cool.  Just seeing if anybody else hears what I mean.

[CodyWanKenobi]

*off topic* You think Mangini learned all the old DT songs from MP's DVDs? How pissed do you think MP would be if he found out that HE actually taught his replacement all his songs? hahaha.

[Sixtease]

This is going to sound completely absurd, but does anyone else have About to Crash spring to mind while listening to Lost Not Forgotten?

5:22 of Lost Not Forgotten: "Once fearless and brave..."  Compare this vocal melody with 2:48 of About to Crash: "Once barely taking a break..."

They're not even all that close to each other, really, but every single time I get to that part of LNF, I think of that part of ATC.

Yes. I think some other song in other moments as well but can't remember ATM. :-)

[The Silent Cody]

Once fearless and brave
A realm passed away
The ghosts of yesterday

I just  that LNF moment!!! JP's notes and Mangini (splash I think here) hits are so perfect, just cannot done this better!!!

[Bacong]

the instrumental version of Bridges in the Sky makes me appreciate the chorus even more. Good stuff by JR underneath.

[Bacong]

and it really makes me appreciate the transition into and out of the "shaman take my hand" part

[The Silent Cody]

OK, I was trying to get into Breaking All Illusions, but I just can't.... This song is 70% nothing special, only Petrucci solo and few moments from instrumental part are really great but rest of the song is...I don't know, it's like somethigs really missing, the atmosphere of the whole song is dead when instrumental part comes in, it doesn't fits. Instrumental part is great but just not goes well with the song for me. Total lack of tension for me. Sorry Guys, but it is my least favourite from ADTOE... for now.

[lordxizor]

I've officially cut myself off form ADTOE until next week. Don't want to overdo it. I've been listening to nothing but ADTOE and the new Thrice back and forth for a couple weeks now. 

[Zantera]

Okay, so heard the album 8 times now, and here are my thoughts:

It's a good album.
The kind of Progressive Metal that DT plays hasn't been my cup of tea for a while now, and I really don't listen to it normally, but seeing what big part DT has played in my music-life, it was just obvious to check the album out.
While I don't think it's a top20 album released in this year (out of the 65 or so that I've heard), I do think it's a pretty solid album, and DT's best album overall since 6DOIT.

Songs that stand out are Breaking All Illusions, which became a favorite on the first listen or so already. Unlike many other DT-songs released this last decade, I really think that this song flows very well, and I don't think there are any unnecessary moments.
The chorus is great, and a lot of good instrumental-sections, all in all I'd say it might be a top5 DT-song overall for me.
Apart from it, I'd say that Beneath the Surface was a very pleasant surprise, I haven't cared for DT's ballads lately, songs like Forsaken and Wither are very 'meh' for me, but this song manages to do something that the others haven't, and I really enjoyed a shorter closer, given DT's history of "OMG have to end the album with a long song".

I don't think the album has any weak songs, and I do enjoy bits and parts in almost all of the songs.
Apart from On the Backs of Angels, Breaking All Illusions and Beneath the Surface, I don't really care in particular for any of the other songs, I enjoy them when I listen to the album, but they haven't gotten a specific 'status' or anything yet.
I enjoy them on the album, and that's about it.

I do appreciate that the band has decreased the amount of wankery, because that was one of my major problems with DT's more modern sound, and one of the reasons I lost interest in this kind of Prog Metal.
DT had become linked with "playing fast and showing technical skill" for me, but I'm really glad with songs like "Breaking All Illusions", where I feel that it's a genuinely good song, nothing over the top or "has to be there because it's fast".

As a whole, I'd give this album a 7/10 or something, at least ranked against DT's other albums.
I would probably rank it as their 4th or 5th best album, after Awake, 6DOIT and SFAM.

[Nazca]

Listening to the album again for probably the 50th time or so.

Anyone else notice a "cough" sound on OTBOA at around 46-47 seconds?

Or is it just me?

[TimmyHiggy]

am I too late with the Circus Maximus using the same unicyclist image thing and people have already sussed that out over here? I just encountered it and had a chuckle

[Fiery Winds]

am I too late with the Circus Maximus using the same unicyclist image thing and people have already sussed that out over here? I just encountered it and had a chuckle

Yes.

[TimmyHiggy]

suspected as much

[hefdaddy42]

OK, I was trying to get into Breaking All Illusions, but I just can't.... This song is 70% nothing special, only Petrucci solo and few moments from instrumental part are really great but rest of the song is...I don't know, it's like somethigs really missing, the atmosphere of the whole song is dead when instrumental part comes in, it doesn't fits. Instrumental part is great but just not goes well with the song for me. Total lack of tension for me. Sorry Guys, but it is my least favourite from ADTOE... for now.

You are a crazy person.

[Ben_Jamin]

Just got through my first official listen. Its a fantastic album.

On The Backs of Angels, great opener and a real sample of what is coming.

Build Me Up, Break Me Down, a good rocking song and love the orchestra hits.

Lost Not Forgotten, don't know why this is getting the slack, but its great John Myung has amazing Bass lines in this one and is the one song I've had the chorus stuck in my head.

This Is The Life,  a wonderful balladesque song about living life/ living your dream while you meet others who choose to either live gracefully or are caught up in the maze driven by love and crushed by hate.

Bridges In The Sky, the riffs here are heavy as heavy can get. Some parts remind me of Slipknot/Machine Head, JLB slams on this song going from Aggressive to soaringly calm.

Outcry, have to listen to this one more although it is great. Love the way it reminds me of a wave building then descending. Wouls work great as a set closer.

Far From Heaven, Beautiful, heatfelt lyrics by JLB. Reminds of vacant and disappeared.

Breaking All Illusions, this reminds me of Voices more than it does Learning to Live especially when it gets to "Emerald thought flow..."  also the melodies remind of Blind Faith in the first verses. Can work as the concert closer with the epic Lion King/ Disney end.

Beneath The Surface, real Silent Man with keyboards. Love everything about this song and ends the album on a nice calm level where you can breathe before taking the headphones off

This Is The Life
Far From Heaven
Lost Not Forgotten
Bridges In The Sky
Beneath The Surface
Breaking All Illusions
Build Me Up Break Me Down
Outcry
On The Backs of Angels

[Plasmastrike]

Everyone, Lost Not Forgotten is such an amazing song.

It's second place behind Breaking All Illusions. The rest of the songs are a tier down.

[1neeto]

I've officially cut myself off form ADTOE until next week. Don't want to overdo it. I've been listening to nothing but ADTOE and the new Thrice back and forth for a couple weeks now.

Lol me too. I think I've been listening to way too much ADTOE. My Opeth CD should have been in the mail 3 days ago but it seems like it got lost. I'm so mad about that.

Oh yeah about Thrice. Is the new record good? I only have the Artist in The Ambulance because that's the only stuff I like from them. But I'll be open minded and try their new CD if it's good.

[Scard]

Ok, so after multiple listens, this is how she stands...

Breaking All Illusions
Bridges in the Sky
This is the Life
Lost Not Forgotten
Beneath the Surface
Build Me Up, Break Me Down
Outcry
On the Backs of Angels
Far From Heaven

[Plasmastrike]

Blah: EDIT.

[Sigz]

So I'm on my second listen now, I'm actually really loving this.

[davzdrummer]

Anyone here from Australia?  Specifically in Melbourne?  I have a friend there who can't find the new album..  Please help...

[Metabog]

This is going to sound completely absurd, but does anyone else have About to Crash spring to mind while listening to Lost Not Forgotten?

5:22 of Lost Not Forgotten: "Once fearless and brave..."  Compare this vocal melody with 2:48 of About to Crash: "Once barely taking a break..."

They're not even all that close to each other, really, but every single time I get to that part of LNF, I think of that part of ATC.

You just hit the nail on the head there mate

Yes, that part gave me a strong About To Crash vibe, and I liked it.

[Jamesman42]

I think the only track I don't love is Lost Not Forgotten. It's still better than half of SC and BC&SL. BMUBMD is also getting less plays from me. Really, if they had just cut those two and kept the rest, the album would have been more concise and perfect. WOuld probably be #2 or 3 in my ranking.

[Metabog]

I think the only track I don't love is Lost Not Forgotten. It's still better than half of SC and BC&SL. BMUBMD is also getting less plays from me. Really, if they had just cut those two and kept the rest, the album would have been more concise and perfect. WOuld probably be #2 or 3 in my ranking.

I seem to be in the tiny minority that loves that song. I'd put it on the same tier as BAI if not better.

[Jamesman42]

I don't think either of those songs are bad. More like B-sides to me. I like albums that aren't too long besides the really progtastic ones (The Whirlwind, for example).

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

I love Build Me Up, Break me Down. Actually, it's one of the tunes I'm looking forward the most to listen live.

[BlobVanDam]

Anyone here from Australia?  Specifically in Melbourne?  I have a friend there who can't find the new album..  Please help...

Do you have JB-Hifi in Melbourne? I don't know what I'd do for DT related stuff (and anything else I like) without them.

[ResultsMayVary]

I'm really looking forward to seeing BITS live for the first time and also MM's drum solo. Just bring on Sunday already!

[lordxizor]

Oh yeah about Thrice. Is the new record good?

The new Thrice album is fantastic, it's my favorite of 2011 so far. Very different from TAITA though. I'm sure you can find some samples to check out online.

Back on topic, I couldn't wait through the weekend to listen to ADTOE. I gave in and listened to the last few tracks on Sunday. The only real complaint that I have is that the three weakest tracks (IMO) are right in a row (BMUBMD, LNF, TITL). I like each of those songs, but not as much as the rest.

[davzdrummer]

Anyone here from Australia?  Specifically in Melbourne?  I have a friend there who can't find the new album..  Please help...

Do you have JB-Hifi in Melbourne? I don't know what I'd do for DT related stuff (and anything else I like) without them.

Thanks, I'll ask my friend if he can find it.

[Ben_Jamin]

I listened again, this album goes by fast. I just barely sunk in Bridges but then BAI was playing.

[Crow]

still spinning this a lot, probably ready to give some actual feedback

OTBoA - surprisingly hasn't gotten old yet, considering this was the only song I heard before the album came out. Solid song for sure.
BMUBMD - I haven't liked this one since the third or fourth time I heard it. Sounds too much like the stuff I hated on SC.
LNF - Loved this one at first, but it grew old really fast. Not a bad song but not really amazing.
TiTL - Still love this, probably my favorite of the ballads.
BitS - Opposite of LNF - wasn't as hot on this one at first but with more and more listens it's gotten better and better.
Outcry - This song STILL hasn't sunk in... I'm not a huge fan of the first half's vocal sections, but everything past once the instrumental starts is awesome.
FFH - Nice little song but, like WFS, it's not really a standout in any way whatsoever.
BAI - Definitely their best song since Octavarium, and their best song under 15 minutes since TGP, maybe even superior to that one. Love this song to bits, definitely my favorite off the album.
BtS - Like this one a lot, not as much as TiTL but it's still wonderful.

BAI
BitS
Outcry
OTBOA
TiTL
BtS
LNF
FFH
BMUBMD

screw typing out full song names

[SystematicThought]

The octobans on this album are excellent. I wish MP used them in the music like this