Originally published in Classic Rock magazine (UK) 162 · September 2011
gig review (excerpt)
By London Victoria Park
Review1 min read
High Voltage
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Sunday
Mainstage
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Headliners Dream Theater face a partial clash with Prog Stage headliners Jethro Tull, but that alone can't explain the thinning out of the Main Stage audience; it has to be said that the US/Canadian group's expansive, elaborate prog-metal was never going to satisfy every punter at High Voltage.
Returning with a new drummer, with former Steve Vai and Extreme man Mike Mangini in place of the celebrated Mike Portnoy, Dream Theater nevertheless generate rapture for all of those prepared to give them an honest hearing. There's just one song (‘On The Backs Of Angels’) previewed from their forthcoming, Portnoy-less album A Dramatic Turn Of Events, and Mangini slots into his new role with consummate ease and, mechanical precision. Dream Theater's spot at High Voltage was never meant. nor probably expected, to be so sensational. Judging by their performance today, the DT story is far from over.