(View photos here - http://wheresmything.com/DreamTheater/2011)

  It was raining on the streets of New York City when Dream Theater returned to the Beacon Theater in support of their latest CD, A Dramatic Turn of Events - their first tour featuring new drummer, Mike Mangini.

   First up were labelmates Trivium in a support slot with a set that was far too short and for a crowd that seemed mixed in its reaction.  Many were on their feet while some remained unimpressed.  While the set may have been short, it packed a big punch as the band barreled through tracks like “In Waves,” “Caustic Are The Ties That Bind” and “Throes of Perdition.”

    As the lavish “Bridges in the Sky” filled this legendary venue, it was clear that Dream Theater made the right choice with Mangini.  He’s fluid and controlled, handling the ever-changing time signatures with amazing finesse and skill.  Truly a joy to hear on CD and witness in a live setting.  The rest of the band, of course, were as polished as ever, delivering one song after another with their usual flawless execution.  New tracks like “Build Me Up, Break Me Down” and “On The Backs of Angels” were majestic and huge, and it’s always great to hear
Dream Theater classics like “Ytsejam” and “Under a Glass Moon.”

   One of the best live acts to ever grace the stage, Dream Theater will have no trouble remaining one of metal’s finest for many years to come as they embark on this new, exciting chapter in their history.