Dream Theater’s A Dramatic Turn Of Event

Dream Theater’s new album, A Dramatic Turn Of Events, conjures up that feeling of anticipation and excitement brought on by the band’s early albums Images And Words and Awake. Evident in Petrucci and Rudess’s new compositions, Mangini’s abilities around the kit have allowed them to explore uncharted territories in the outer boundaries of serious and seriously enjoyable progressive metal. Able to match these two masters through his lightning-fast execution, true ambidextrous talent and Apex drum setup, Mangini often replicates their intricate lines both rhythmically and melodically note-for-note. Rising to the top of the Superdrummer heap, Mangini demonstrates the physical prowess and agility of a racehorse, stretching to play at the top of his talents and reining himself in to allow his bandmates to do the same. DToE is 2011’s five-star attraction.

—Mover / Smith