Guitarist John Petrucci described the aim of A Dramatic Turn Of Events saying,

We wanted to do something that was going to be on a grand scale, we wanted to take things to extremes and really explore deeply whatever element it was. We knew if we were going to do something in a progressive sort of tone, we would take that to an extreme…. We wanted this album to be sonically interesting.

And I think for the most part, it is. There are songs where you can really tell they’ve endeavored to create something unique and intriguing, while not deterring from the stuff which makes ‘a Dream Theater song’. 

The opening track is sort of a showcase of all the elements which make the band what it is. It’s nothing too extravagant, but rather a variation of what we already know Dream Theater to sound like. And for that, it’s a good song. But it seems like a quite a few of the other tracks follow a similar route, where they don’t feel quite like they were pushing for something completely new and extravagant enough. Excellent playing and nice songs, but not so attention-grabbing. 

However, listening to a track like “Lost Not Forgotten” gave me a very opposite impression. With such a heavily layered and large-sounding intro, I really enjoy the musicality of it. A couple tracks forward, as a break from all the distortion, “Far From Heaven” provides something that is actually very sentimental and well composed. It reminds me of “The Answer Lies Within”, from 2005’s Octavarium, but I think what I find most appealing are simply the graceful and pleasant sounding piano chords coupled with the vocals. And interestingly enough, it’s probably the only Dream Theater song I’ve heard that doesn’t have guitar in it. 

The last, and probably best, highlight from the record for me has to be “Breaking All Illusions”. What I think most characterizes the song is simply the musicianship and  excellently creative and technical prowess of each member. The chorus itself is even something I haven’t quite heard from the band. Again, the combinations of chords is what gets me for that section. To contrast that, the instrumental parts feels almost like a musical adventure, you never quite know what’s around the next corner. And that’s something I really wish they’d have done more with the record. 

With all that said, I think there are two things that bug me a bit. 

One: The production. The overall mix of the album isn’t so great. The guitars are pushed way up, while the drums and bass (the former especially) are simply too quiet. Leaving out what could have given the album a punchier quality. Don’t get me wrong, the record sounds tight, sonically, but the drums and lower tones, like the bass, are essential to a balanced sound. So why was it mixed like that?

Two: The samples. Jordan Rudess has always used an array of keyboard samples, (from choirs to electric pianos) but come on, it’s 2011 and he’s still using tones that sound like they were recorded in the 80s! For being such a successful band I’m baffled as to why they simply can’t hire a choir and some orchestral musicians. It would tremendously improve their studio-recorded sound.

What about Mike Portnoy leaving? Personally, I think: On one hand, I feel sorry for all the negative reactions he’s gotten. But on the other hand, it was his choice; he wanted to take a break, so he left. The band should’ve compromised a little more, but if you decide to leave, asking to come back after they already picked a new drummer doesn’t make you look too good. Mangini’s drumming sound’s nice- but so far, he doesn’t seem as heavy a drummer as Portnoy was.

All in all, if you like Dream Theater, this album is a pretty good addition. The songs I’ve mentioned are the highlights for me, and the rest essentially sound like what you’d except from them. They’re good, but could’ve explored more areas and be little more unique.