Sick Drummer Magazine

Give my following waffle a chance - I babbled too much but does have its place I think and does ultimitely lead you to the question of opinion and discussion....

I am not a Dream Theater fan at all, and don't think you have to be to appreciate, enjoy and have an opinion on this matter, but has anyone seen their three part documentary over finding a new drummer? They have seven audition for them; Marco Minnemann, Virgil Donati, Mike Mangini, Derek Roddy, Thomas Lang, Aquiles Priester and Peter Wildoer.

We all know who they chose in the end now of course - Mike Mangini.

I enjoyed watching it, despite its 'x-factor' 'esque atmosphere, and was very interesting seeing insight into such a high profile audition.

I certainly had a favourite who was not even picked in their shortlist of two!! Undoubtedly my favourite was Virgil Donati. This may be down to how much I rate him as a drummer anyway, but still think he was leagues above the others, along with Minnemann. I know Mangini is incredible as well, and his technique is monstrous, but the feel and subtlety of Virgil was unsurpassed. He still has the monstrous technique of Mangini, although perhaps not to the same 'over the top' extent, but has a different kind of mastery I don't think Mangini has. Down to the dynamic and superior feel to one of his simple single stroke tom fills or the technical yet wonderfully felt patterns in the 'riff learning' test they threw at him.

In a way I think Mangini suits 'DT' more, but still, it seemed like the obvious, closest choice to Portnoy in a way - almost like a progressive band have rejected progression!!

Anyway, enough of my babble - I was wondering what anyones opinions are on the audition and the overall choice in general????
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Yeah, I checked out those videos too! Cool to see some familiar names from around here, and some that i've followed for awhile. Very interesting to see all these guys play a variety of DT songs - it reminded me of a music school audition with a prepared piece, sight reading, interview, etc.

I agree that Mangini seems the most similar to Portnoy, but they seem like a band that wants to keep right on moving forward and not take the time to get used to playing with a different type of drummer (band looking for drummer rather than drummer looking for band). And they didn't waste any time - out on tour with a new album a few months later, and sounding really good both live & on the album. Mangini seemed to really be having fun with it too when i saw them in Philly.

I also agree Virgil would have been awesome to see with them. He is certainly the definition of all-around technical mastery, but Mangini really takes DT to another level of dynamics, technique and variety, still with the straight-ahead prog rock/metal sound just from what i've heard and seen over the past few months. I didnt even listen to the last couple DT albums but with this new one i'm a fan again. And this frees up Virgil for another Planet X album hopefully haha...