Breaking All Illusions

Album: A Dramatic Turn of Events
Lyricist: John Myung
Subject: Starting afresh.


The Music

“It’s the part 2 of the previous song. We specifically wanted to write a more epic piece, and when we do that, we know that we’re not bound to any sort of structure as far as verses and choruses.

“Arrangement-wise, it’s very non-traditional, so you hear a lot of breakdowns. There’s a great John Myung moment where he does an ostinatto part in the first verse. He’s going in something of a circle, and it has a real hypnotic effect, drawing everybody in.

“The song is extremely proggy, with a lot of keyboard breaks. As a guitarist, I had a great time on the section that’s very La Villa Strangiato [by Rush]. It starts out kind of bluesy, then it’s kind of jazzy, and it builds and builds. I got a chance to use so many aspects of guitar playing: phrasing and melodic elements, blues, jazz, shred. It was very satisfying to record. Alex Lifeson was definitely in my mind as I was playing.”

(John Petrucci - Musicradar.)

"It has a really cool moment for me, that I loved, which is this guitar solo section that's very extended. It's got a David Gilmour vibe to it, that I'm able to build and take to another level."

(John Petrucci - The Mirror & Roadrunner Records - Published Aug 2011.)


The Lyrics

"It's about breaking all illusions, unlearning what you've learned, and starting with a fresh plate."

(James LaBrie - The Mirror & Roadrunner Records - Published Aug 2011.)


A Dramatic Turn of Events
1. On the Backs of Angels
2. Build Me Up, Break Me Down
3. Lost Not Forgotten
4. This is the Life
5. Bridges in the Sky
6. Outcry
7. Far from Heaven
8. Breaking All Illusions
9. Beneath the Surface