I’ve gone through the entire life cycle of DT fandom. As a drummer, was drawn in by Portnoy’s virtuosity, despite how goofy LaBrie was on vocals. Then I recognized how each player in the band was equally talented at their craft. I bought portnoys instructional dvds. I found the side projects. I saw DT live on the Train of Thought tour. I eagerly awaited Octavarium. It was okay. And then I started to realize that I really just liked their heavier songs so much more than the pure instrumental show-off stuff, and the keyboard element really started to become a turnoff for me, in particular, along with my waning amusement with LaBrie’s ridiculous operatic contributions.

Eventually, I realized I was really just into hardcore metal. I still give the old albums a listen once in a while, and I really believe that a few songs are truly prog metal greats — Home, Dance of Eternity, Pull me Under, Blind faith, As I Am — but I’ve totally lost interest in the band in terms of what they’re releasing lately.