Dream Theater

Breaking the Fourth Wall: Live From the Boston Opera House (Roadrunner)

Rating 4.5 out of 5

It seems as though Dream Theater caps off every album cycle with a live concert release, which is great news if you enjoy hearing stage versions of the group’s latest material, the focus of this two-DVD set from 2014. Mike Mangini has settled in at this point, executing the back catalog with reverence (“The Mirror”) and attacking with a healthy dose of inspiration newer songs that he had a hand in creating (“Illumination Theory”). His kit looks amazing on the rack, and he makes flawless playing appear effortless, his ambidexterity a marvel to behold. With multiple camera angles covering every conceivable viewpoint, the visuals will satiate hardcore music nerds looking to transcribe it all, while drummers should just sit back and enjoy Mangini’s solo in “Enigma Machine,” complete with no-sweat one-handed rolls, furious cross-sticking, and a “Whole Lotta Love” Bonzo quote.

—llya Stemkovsky