Roadrunner Records and Dream Theater are proud to announce the
premiere of Dream Theater's new track "On The Backs Of Angels"
taken from their highly anticipated upcoming album "A Dramatic
Turn Of Events" due out this September. Tune into Roadrunner
Records' YouTube channel this Wednesday, June 29th at 11 AM EST
to stream the new track! link
I like the cover art, and this track offers some promise for the new LP. Same ol' DT, and then again not.
The first thing I noticed is you could actually hear John Myung now.. you couldn't really hear him on the last few records. Remember how he disappeared at bar 9 of As I Am ?
It's always hard to judge a new Dream Theater song after one listen, as it usually requires several listens to truly appreciate what's happening. But my first impression is it's a great composition .. very progressive, very melodic and musical. It's nice to hear Rudess prowling on the piano again.
My only complaint is that the drumming sounds like a guy who is being told what to play. Mangini had no creative input on this record. I wish they had waited for him to be part of the creative process. It just sounds like someone else playing Portnoy's parts.
Major positive here - it doesn't sound like Rush, Yes, the Dixie Dregs or Pantera. It sounds like Dream Theater.
Upon hearing this record in its entirety, I think we'll see how much Mike Portnoy held this band back. For better or for worse, it will be a step forward for them - but they still have a long way to go in proving their powers without Portnoy.
the basic setlist for their European tour
Under a Glass Moon *
These Walls
Forsaken *
Endless Sacrifice *
Drum Solo (Mike Mangini)
The Ytse Jam
Peruvian Skies *
The Great Debate *
On the Backs of Angels
Caught In A Web *
Through My Words / Fatal Tragedy
The Count of Tuscany *
Encore:
Learning To Live *
First of all....it's kinda sad that qzone really turned me and my wife on to DT after we saw them in concert with Queensryche, and yet there are zero comments from any European fans regarding this tour. Unless you've mostly disappeared due to lack of interest or interesting posts. I feel your pain.
Second........what a dreary set list. Ironic (?) as the band states, that no Portnoy tracks are played. Yeah, right.
Third...* are provided to indicate 'how frickin boring' or lower grade tracks IMHO. I've got four compilation 'best ofs'....and none of these are on them.
The Great Debate? I want to use my John McEnroe voice. I hope like hell they didn't use the crappy radio voices. As is, what shite.
Where are the tracks that might keep the audience interested? Which, by the way guys, includes some women who like prog and heavy, but also melodic.
I'll see them in the States, enjoy Ytse Jam and the drum solo, and for the rest of the night, tour the lobby, go outside for a smoke, or slouch in my chair and wait for the end of the show and the sparse crowd to leave.
I can understand them not wanting to play Portnoy-penned tracks for the time being. But I think the setlist still does look pretty good overall. Under a Glass Moon, Peruvian Skies, Caught In A Web, The Count of Tuscany and Learning To Live are all favourites of mine. The latter two are probably the most innovative things they've ever come up with, and I will never tire of them.
Agreed about The Great Debate. The song is horribly dated now. In fact, I can live without anything from the first disc of Six Degrees... it's an absolute snooze for me. That record showed the first signs that the band were getting far too technical at the expense of the music. I must be the only DT enthusiast who doesn't like The Glass Prison. Thank goodness for the glorious second disc, showing they could still be progressive and musical.
That said... I almost wish they had quit. Their last record was a very high note to leave on. I think DT have said everything they can possibly say musically. Their catalog in its entirety may lead to differing opinion, but I think it's safe to say that they have been at the forefront of progressive rock for the past 20 years, leaving behind a legacy that will be truly appreciated by connoisseurs of great music for decades to come. There are hours of incredible, brilliantly crafted music in there
If Portnoy isn't back with them by 2014, they'll be done. It's like Zeppelin without Page. I've seen the clips. I admire them for trying, but there is a major hole in the mix now. Hopefully it'll be better in person.
As for the lack of response here ... yeah, most of the good posters on QZ are long gone.
Well, A Dramatic Turn of Events has hit the airwaves.
Not bad. I need another half dozen listens before I can give it an honest critique. There are moments that make me cringe, but for the most part, it is a very damn good release. Better than their last two.
That being said, interesting that Portnoy filed suit against the band in April. No comments for now on that.
Well.....they got a Grammy nomination for 'On The Backs of Angels' in the hard rock song category.
I skip over two of the tracks on the new album, but think it's their best since 'Octavarium'.
Saw them in DC last October. Much more relaxed, since they only use two set lists, and don't have to adjust for Portnoy's overly extensive lists.
Mangini is just awesome. Set list for that night is as follows. Looking forward to the next album and tour.
(band animation to the instrumental 'Dream Is Collapsing' from the movie 'Inception')
Bridges in the Sky
These Walls
Build Me Up, Break Me Down
Endless Sacrifice
Drum Solo
The Ytse Jam
Wait for Sleep
Far from Heaven
Outcry
On the Backs of Angels
Caught In A Web
Through My Words
Fatal Tragedy
Breaking All Illusions
Encore:
Pull Me Under