A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS

after the epic and too-much-attention-given-to Portnoy departure from the band, here it comes the work of the four remaining members. They intended do it in this way, letting out Mangini's creativity and style, in order to prepare the fan-base for the real Mangini & new DT impact, which - luckily - we are hoping to hear in the next DT album. Of course, I hope that to be sooner than ever, maybe in the following year. Now, the album: a mix of Mullmuzzler, Liquid Tension Experiment, DT-classics, good old progressive rock, new tune from John Myung, and without heavy metal/gothic/rap/growls and Portnoy singing. The result is another classic Dream Theater, with a more proggressive rock approach, technically perfect, and so-so inspiration. At least two tracks could have been let out, some re-working, and maybe we would have had a masterpiece. Still, many moments to get stuck into, and many moments to skip. A safe drummer choice (Mangini), a safe song-writing. 7-7.5 stars, out of 10. 'Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence' is still their best.