A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS

OK, it's time for this old time fan to pledge again his allegiance and give this the 5 stars review it deserves. I knew it in my heart it was good, I resisted and didn't download it and patiently expected my preorder. For a week now it is the only CD in my car.

In receiving it, I remembered the old ritual of lyrics+music first hearing. Only one word, magnificent. Someone said something about old sparks from Images & Words. I couldn't agree more. With the exception of Build me up, Break me Down (which is actually a grower) the rest songs are an incredible experience. Clear distinctive DT sound, full of inspiration, influences that didn't fit are finally thrown away. Don't take me wrong, I had no problem when DT tried to add new elements but trial and error means you throw away the erratic. Finally done!

So first of all the lyrics, you can tell the emotional state the band (especially JP, since he is the main lyricist) is/was due to the overwritten and overspoken event. Apart from this you get a political statement about the current state of the world generally (more clear in the video of On the Backs of Angels). Being a Greek I could agree more about this storm of bad events that surround us, all that numbness but with a hidden positiveness. I think this is the soundtrack of today.

As for the music, we had a first glimpse with the Count of Tuscany that something good was on the way. We have epical orchestrations, with a clear image that everyone plays and does what he actually likes. And quite a playing. Although I think that the production is a bit blurry, it leaves quite a space for every instrument to shine: FINALLY clear and wonderful bass lines, masterful drumming that adds to the mix (although a bit in the back, it is clear that MM is up to the task), more fusion in keyboards (something like JR personal works). As for the guitar, it is again from another planet. JP always amazes me, quite an inspiration for me. I 'd like also to mention the magnificent work of LaBrie. His voice here takes you someplace else. It's clear that he decided to give a different approach in some vocal parts and he succeeded in giving something quite beautiful.

So what do you get here? A true DT record that has everything you like about them. It is a bright step forward with an eye in the past. It is a statement that if anything is changed, it is for the good. A dramatic turn of events? A beautiful turn of events. Love it, Album of the Year!