Expectations for the twelfth, self-titled album were great as in almost every new release. Dream Theater, this country issued on 20.9.2013 and released by Roadrunner Records, is the second album with Mike Mangini on drums, Mike Portnoy of accompanied by withdrawal in 2010 as a new member of the band who also consequent self (re) discovery of the group. Technically, there is, according to the genre, nothing to complain about. The five traded as gods of prog-metal musicians continue to play at the highest level, both technically and compositionally here master work is done. In the latter case, however, falls on positive that was thought a step forward again after not get rid of on the previous album A Turn of Events Dramativ feel to have to deal with only technologically tricked-pop songs. Even the purely instrumental held opener gives hope for really new. Memories of the highly acclaimed, eleven-year-old concept album Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence be awake, but already now falls on that considerably distinguishes one thing: already the last album it became clear that Mangini maintains a very straight Drum style compared with Portnoy , This is in the local music still strongly underlined by the mixture. Richard Chycki, engineer and sound mixer, makes the drums sound very perfect; probably perfect for some ears. In many cases, there is criticism that Mangini of Groove lacks the Portnoy brought repeatedly as loosening between hard spots. But a lot more theater forums debated about the sound of the snare in the relevant legend. It appears in the comparison with other productions of the tape substantially further in the foreground. She also appears often louder than the bass drum, which in many places leads to resentment. But that's not even a statement made before release of the album by guitarist John Petrucci is taken and criticized very closely examined. In a YouTube video comparing his new guitar sounds with a thick slice of chocolate cake. However, many listeners is the present Sound too little chocolaty, they often lack the depth and warmth. Otherwise proven hand work is done which ends in a 22-minute epic, which has the name of more than deserved. A lot of variety, a lot of entertainment. It remains to decay the last notes with a positive-contemplative mood and is curious as to what comes next.