Portnoy VS Mangini - Barstool Warrior (Dream Theater)

[@KevinLuWX]

Here's my take: - Mangini's ride bell accents (0:22) adds to the groove more. Portnoy's 16th note spam between ride & hi-hat doesn't give the guitar breathing room. - I prefer Portnoy's drum sound. I've seen them both live several times and Portnoy's drums always sounded crispier particularly in the toms. It's easier to discern the details of his playing. - Mangini plays an extra 12-tuplets (1:01) whereas Portnoy pauses. I definitely prefer Mangini's more complicated approach in the context of a drum solo. - Portnoy's rhythm at 1:08 was uninteresting and disjointed from John Myung's playing. Mangini syncing his kicks to the bass (1:19) was a more musical choice. - Mangini embeds triplets within triplets (1:53) then transitions into piano solo with 5 triplet hit. It has an intense winding down feel that's much more cohesive than Portnoy's fast sex-tuplets on the floor toms. - Portoy plays a herta triplet fill (2:05) that in my opinion sounds slightly out of place. I prefer Mangini's simpler herta into 8th notes fill. - Portnoy plays a solid RLKK RLRLRLKK fill (2:20) to sync with Petrucci. I prefer that over Mangini's deliberately simple crash fill. Overall I think Mangini's playing is superior to the song. Unfortunately, it's hard for non-drummers to hear it because his drum sound doesn't punch through the mix like Portnoy's does. Mangini will probably sound much better if he played on Portnoy's kit and had Portnoy's sound tech.

[@ericjpdt]

I agree,i can't stand Mangini's snare.

[@KevinLuWX]

@@ericjpdt More so the toms. They sound fat and muffled.

[@infinityminuszero]

I've always said that if Mangini had Portnoy's drum sound - especially in the albums - he would've been welcomed much more positively by Portnoy fanboys (which I am one of). Unfortunately the drum sound was Mangini's weakest point for these 14 years. He's an insane drummer with a shitty drum sound that replaced a very passionate drummer with insane drum sound which was a very integral part of DTs music.

[@jimit.4220]

​@@ericjpdteh only really the case on the self titled and the astonishing

[@jimit.4220]

​@@KevinLuWX this definitely wasn't the case on avfttotw, those huge toms he used sounded incredible

[@TheAbnerAndrade]

As a Portnoy fan, I have to say that I prefer Mangini's take on this song.

[@GamingDrummer89]

I really like how Mike plays this song!

[@L...9]

😂😂😂😂

[@L...9]

Eu acho o Mike muito melhor

[@Beefnhammer]

The joke continues.....

[@GamingDrummer89]

@@Beefnhammer To be honest, I was only being partially sarcastic...I really enjoy them both equally across the board.

[@drums4lyfe0987]

I see what you did there 🤨. Agreed. Mike is awesome.

[@billstrohler]

I prefer Mangini but I see why people prefer Portnoy, he acts and plays at the same time. Puts his entire body into it and its a show. Its like David Lee Roth vs Sammy Hagar. DLR was a singer and showman and Hagar was just a musician. Some people prefer theatrics. Both work in my opinion.

[@Vesaniah4]

Both are legendary for different reasons. Portnoy blasted open the doors to more digestable " complex" parts. Oddtime signature became way more popular because of him and other bands. Mangini is just a absolute monster of skills. I will miss Mangini in a band like Dream Theater just Like I missed Portnoy's sound with the band.

[@digitalmarketsacademy2019]

This might be an unpopular opinion, but as a huge fan since 2004, I feel that Portnoy didn’t take the time to truly learn it. Mangini’s songs aren’t just songs; they’re complex studies that require time and years of dedication to master, not just 'rocking' and 'feeling' a song

[@Djentstructer]

Yeah, I agree. For one, Mangini usually picks out his accents very intentionally.

[@SergeyDumphreyMusic]

Highly agree here!

[@aahmadfadhilah]

I wonder how MP will tackle any songs from DT's last album with Mangini. Other than Invisible Monster, Mangini goes berserk on every song in that album.

[@stefanofesta6024]

​@@rcmedia69 and so?! I've seen Dt 3 times with Portnoy and 2 times with Mangini... This evening I saw the reunion concert: the energy was different, better: so much energy and passion. Dt are with Portnoy, even if Mangini is a way better prepared drummer. It's not only how fast you can play or how many notes you can play with one hand or how many rhythmic mutations you can do it, at the end the music is an another thing. And I think that the song barstool is not so important in Dt discography

[@victorroncaglia1798]

​@@rcmedia69He is Mike Portnoy. He can play whatever he wants however he wants. Do not underestimate him.

[@thecrazydiamond5229]

​@@victorroncaglia1798Portnoy is very limited

[@Chucky-d5h]

He won’t be able to properly learn them. He’ll have to dumb them down quite a bit.

[@antistminge4270]

Badly, like he's doing here. He's only got a handful of fills, a bad concept of rhythm and can't tune his kit properly.

[@funkster007]

I'll always be a fan of Portnoy and I understand his playing in his style. But Mangini's original playing on this particular tune is perfection. Maybe in time Portnoy will refine his own rendition, but it's what it is I guess.

[@Wicho0601]

Those hi hats at the beginning are the signature of Portnoy and much of the Dream Theater sound, but it's not something that I loved especially on this song. Makes the song sounds stumbled

[@KevinLuWX]

It drowns out the guitar. Doesn't fit and provides no breathing room for the music.

[@gringochucha]

Agreed.

[@brackmay518]

Both are legit, but I prefer what Mangini played; it's more interesting to me and precise as hell!

[@pacechcz]

As a drummer, hands down I like the more precise and orchestrated Mangini original version. Kudos to Portnoy for choosing to setlist a song with such distinct and memorable fills and rhythm. He might have chosen some straightforward Mangini song. Looking forward to see that live. Definetly Mike will polish his version along the way.

[@AMGU2B]

I wish people would actually pay attention to what the video is showing before writing things like "Mangini may be more skilled but MP has more groove and feel" or "Mangini just overplays and does too many things". To me, those takes, (which may be valid in other contexts, I don't know) are not applicable for this video. Here what we see is one drummer being musically connected with the rest of the band, serving the song with his drumming and adding rather subtle but complex sections here and there, with some very sophisticated fills that improve the song. Then the other drummer is happy to use his good odl tricks and taking an "in your face" stand over the song while actually dumbing down or even skipping the more complex parts. I love MP, but let's be real.

[@jcj1792]

😂😂stop compare them

[@Shad0w5m00h]

Man, you explained it the best way which just could be

[@Staplez440]

All this too with the fact that Mangini even did a video breaking down key parts and explaining why he played it the way he did.

[@doberman_hund]

if you have ears it's blatant that Mangini is very stiff compared to Portnoy

[@AMGU2B]

​@@doberman_hund Stiff? In what sense? I mean, I totally agree that Mangini tends to LOOK more stiff when playing, particularly with his very high cymbals and toms and so on. Protnoy LOOKS more natural when playing. But the sound is just percussion. It is also true that sound production in Portnoy's drum feels more satisfying. But f you were to put these two monsters behind the same kit, same production quality, and not being able to see them, it is possible that some people (me included) would have a hard time pointing out who the drummer is, unless we were told beforehand.

[@Roderica_Gig_Clips]

I don't mind you using my footage from London 2024 but please can you credit it and any other videos you used. Then people can go and watch those performances of the song in full!

[@melodic777]

Are you in dream theater?

[@juser-abuser]

>performamces Calm down dude!

[@Roderica_Gig_Clips]

@@melodic777 no but it's good practice to cite your sources. This is a nicely made video which is a transformative use of the footage. I wanted to know what show the Mangini performance was from too.

[@guitarrerist698]

​@@melodic777 are you an idiot?

[@Jimiakos]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHS3gIhnmrOkjrssi=k7fehnz0rOPixX02

[@WettaLud]

Portnoy’s really sloppy with the kick drum in the verse…

[@clarenceoveur9497]

Sounds human.

[@ilyakonrad]

​@@clarenceoveur9497Haha, what a dumb thing to say 😂

[@clarenceoveur9497]

@@ilyakonrad cope.

[@johnharmon536]

You know what we DON'T need? Another Mike vs. Mike video. Like ever again. Ever. Again. Ever.

[@CarlosMendoza315]

Mangini wrote the drum parts, any other attempt from anyone it will sounds not good enough, I dont think Mangini just poop and wrote the drum parts, pretty sure it take some time working with the others in the band, thats why it sounds just perfect...I knew this is going to happen... anyway, lets just enjoy the band

[@jamessilva9868]

Mangine is machine ... poor portnoy...so far...

[@allghilliedup21]

Mangini has the technical advantage. Portnoy has the emotional and intensity. Both versions sound great! Screw all the haters. So sick of this comparison crap that’s been going on since 2011.

[@DonSplodey]

Well said on all points, but people are still bemoaning KM leaving 30 years ago and snarking about Rudess, and there's plenty of Charlie Dominici stalwarts out there, so I don't have much hope we'll ever hear the end of this, haha.

[@allghilliedup21]

@@DonSplodey They'll never make everyone happy but the true DT fans will be fine with it. Grown adults acting like children seems pretty fucking pointless over a band's lineup. Oh brother...

[@DuncanMcArthur-l7l]

@@DonSplodey km rules

[@jcj1792]

😂😂😂😂stop compare them

[@AwalHri]

​@@DonSplodey😂😂😂

[@einfaritrommari3774]

we have to admit that mangini is a more technical drummer than MP. They are both super GREAT but at different things

[@Andreasbmr]

Hm, I think Mike is the best one here. If I have to choose it’s Mike. Mike is definitely the best.

[@talaniel]

You know, I was thinking about it and I feel you might be right on this one.

[@KoursTV]

I disagree 😂 i prefer Mike 😊

[@alicebertovsky2490]

Mike is not all the same! 😄

[@skilz3210]

- Intro (0:00): Portnoy | Better groove with the added hi-hat play - Drum solo (0:32): Mangini | More melodic and dynamic tom fills. - Verse (1:07): Mangini | Close call, but I prefer Mangini's gentler feel. - Transition (1:32): Portnoy | Another close call, but Portnoy's tom fill fit a bit better. - Interlude and Solo (1:57): Portnoy | Joining in with the rest of the band during the interlude already gave him the edge, but the fill halfway through complimented Petrucci's run much better without intruding in his space. Overall, Mangini takes a more melodic & supportive approach to his writing; Portnoy prefers to be more forward and more-consistently energetic in the arrangement. Hard to say which fits the band better.

[@KevinLuWX]

I have to disagree with the intro and transition. Playing fast 16th note between ride & hit hat doesn't really fit what the guitar was playing. The ride bell accent gives it more room to breath. I think Mangini's triplet embedded within a triplet and 5 triplet hit that transitioned into the piano solo was quite genius. It has that intense winding down feel, it's also much more cohesive than Portnoy's fast sex-tuplets on floor toms.

[@tompramanaaccount8892]

​​@@KevinLuWXnice take, while you're right about having more room for guitar to breath with only those bell accent, I think I give it to MP on this one because it sounds way more tasty, the bass drum already accented the guitar so sprinkled some of those tasty hi hats + a bit of a accented bells doesn't hurt But I completely agree with the transition. Portnoy's sex-tuplets is so overused, Mangini fills just sounds way more dynamic and fitting with the vibe change.

[@kmon2000x]

Sorry to say Portnoy. Even Mangini sounds more powerful in this song but I always love Portnoy's groove + his hihat fills is the best for me

[@DuncanMcArthur-l7l]

i agree the gigs are starting to feel like whos best just pack it in and enjoy

[@CompleteProducer84]

Drummers on this level will pretty much always play their own songs better. For example - I like Mangini playing Barstool Warrior better, but I like Portnoy's Finally Free, Metropolis, etc. better. If Portnoy played The Alien, I guarantee it wouldn't come close to the wizardry of MM. On the same token, a lot of Portnoy songs I've heard MM play just seemed flat and lack dynamics.

[@yoelprasojo5434]

GO have a listen a nightmare to remember live at London 2020..mangini was doin better than the record all the way.

[@AMGU2B]

I would say Mangini's interpretation of The Shattered Fortress is even better than MP's (which was already amazing).

[@ufukkiblat]

@@yoelprasojo5434 I did and still prefer Portnoy, and nah not better than the record, sounded like a drum machine than people playing.

[@yoelprasojo5434]

@@ufukkiblat human playing ? You meant bein full of flaws?

[@opusluxury9618]

that sir, is so true

[@Beefnhammer]

I'm team Portnoy forever, but I'm not crazy about some of the changes he made. Mangini's drum composition on this song is superior.

[@LucasSilva-vt1hg]

Don’t think so. Portnoy adds soul and compassion to its playing

[@LUCIFER-zeuz]

@@LucasSilva-vt1hg bruh,MP didn't have soul in this song,mangini is too superior

[@Beefnhammer]

@@LucasSilva-vt1hg That's why I used the word "composition". Portnoy has better groove, we all know that. But in the case of this song, I like what Mangini actually wrote for the drum part more than what Portnoy came up with for his version.

[@KevinLuWX]

@@LucasSilva-vt1hg He didn't add any "soul" to it's playing. He runs drills through his old bag of tricks even when it doesn't serve the song. His busyness drowns out Myung's playing a lot of the times.

[@Ujick46]

​@@LucasSilva-vt1hgcan you explain what is "soul"?

[@eMysterium]

Mangini was always the more well orchestrated drummer. Even with parts portnoy wrote. It's always been crazy to me that people never saw this. He's more melodic, more rhytmically connected and more capable. Portnoys drums do sound great though.

[@scylla4342]

If anything he’s the exact opposite of melodic lmfao

[@eMysterium]

@@scylla4342 yeah that's not true. Listen to on the backs of Angels. He literally tries to timbre match both John and Jordan in all of his contributions. His melodic arrangement come first. Mike's groove and beats come first, which is cool but less interesting.

[@scylla4342]

@@eMysterium lmfao turns out you don’t even know what melodic means in the first place

[@eMysterium]

@@scylla4342 no it seems you don't. It's ok though. I actually understand music.

[@eMysterium]

@@scylla4342 here's a pop quiz for you just to make sure you're not a complete idiot. In the breakdown at the end of the instrumental break in metropolis part one, what drum is portnoy playing the melody with?

[@masdaffa_drummer2]

Mangini created the drum part so i choose mangini hehe

[@RaflyPrayogo]

what are you guys talking about? portnoy version is wayyyy more musical and soul on it, even with absence of many notes, he is still ..... f****cckkkk, i can't, i can't... portnoy version just simply sucks, i need to back listening original song to wash my ears

[@NugNux]

😁

[@JammyDodgerX5]

I think drummers prefer Portnoy because they can actually play his parts

[@KevinLuWX]

I don't prefer Portnoy because I can play his parts. There's nothing to be learned by learning his parts.

[@Rngalmcfc]

These "emotional" Comments from Portnoy fanboyss is so annoying...

[@atyt11]

good thing your comment is'nt coming from a mangini fanboy, it might make your comment look hypocritical.....😦

[@stefanofesta6024]

😂😂😂

[@BneiAnusim]

Now DT needs a new singer because James LaBrie can't sing s****. It is totally normal, he is 61 yrs. and his voice is his instrument! He won't get better, I think it'd be a good idea if he retires!

[@JDFarmy06]

MM far better than MP in this song

[@jorgedelabarra7761]

Nope

[@BoogieWoogieCat]

@@jorgedelabarra7761 He literally is. Only a MP dicksucker wouldn't be able to see that.

[@LUCIFER-zeuz]

@@jorgedelabarra7761 MM is better,and thats fact

[@Vestu]

@@jorgedelabarra7761 yes he is, and in other songs too

[@jorgedelabarra7761]

@@Vestu For you deaf ears.

[@DrawAndErase]

Mangini's version actually grooves more, especially in the intro, the ride is so lyrical and adds offset which keeps it interesting. It comes down to dynamics, Mangini has better dynamics and he's more technical. But it's hard for Portnoy to actually do it better than Mangini here because it's Mangini's song, we can say the opposite for the other DT songs with Portnoy.

[@MichMaison]

Mangini better than Portnoy. DT goes down a level with the return of Portnoy. Night Terror is disappointing compared to The Alien. I'm fan since the beginning of DT, I am very disappointed with Portnoy's return. He gives us the same plans. With Mangini DT was better. This video proves it.

[@figeon]

100%. Mangini allowed DT to attain a new level of technical proficiency. We saw the most complex and challenging music from DT during Mangini’s tenure.

[@TexasGuitarist]

Mangini was my favorite drummer before he was in DT. I looove his DT albums.

[@Vestu]

Yes, Mangini kept DT fresh and made it really, REALLY proggy.

[@stefanofesta6024]

😂😂😂

[@Vestu]

@@stefanofesta6024 🤣🤣🤣haha portnoy😂😂🤣🤣one-fill-pony

[@iisfirefire8219]

Mike mangini

[@peterheckel3122]

Manginis drums and snare sound like my shitty drums. How did Petrucci ever sign off on those crappy drum recordings. I get that Mangini is more technically gifted so what...give me Portnoy all day. Both guys way more talented than Peart but I wouldn’t replace Neil’s drumming in Rush with anyone else’s. Portnoys sound, feel and playing just fits better in DT

[@farisimadifik]

you must be one heck a pro musicians.

[@Vestu]

To each their own, I much prefer Mangini

[@rcmedia69]

Keep in mind there is a whole new generation of fans who are not old enough to even remmber MP or really even know who he is or what this reunion means.

[@Kevinrock98]

Mangini it’s freakin superior, it’s sad that they prefer portnoy just for the money this dude will bring to them

[@GrandHighGamer]

Mangini was always gonna be better on parts he wrote for himself. I'm quite sure moving back to Portnoy has everything to do with a founding member of the band and a friend wanting to reconnect as they approach retirement age and nothing deeper. Neither is anything short of a great drummer.

[@ufukkiblat]

Not just the money, for the fans as well. Cry more tho

[@Kevinrock98]

@@ufukkiblat if you think that they care for the fans at this point you live in neverland dude

[@giovac.6814]

For what I gathered and the little i know, Mangini gives more breathing room to the others, possibly syncing with the others or alternating. Don't get me wrong i like MP, but his drumming usually tends to kill myung's bass. Anyway this song is quite easy to learn and perform. I'm a bit afraid to hear what could be of "Awaken the Master" since MM cared of the fact that JP 8 strings already invaded JM's space...I fear MP would overkill the bass. Other hard and complex songs would be AVFTTOTW, The Alien, Pale Blue Dot where ego and ocd can mess a lot. I loved MP for his first 20 years, loved MM for his good dozen years.. now i'm a bit edgy, not hyped at all (not going to do 2-300 Km to see them this time).

[@ufukkiblat]

I'm thinking the opposite, MP is more syncing with other players especially with Petrucci, while Mangini tends to separate himself and play complicated stuff that only interest drummers. Most people who likes DT like it as a whole, as a band, even if the individuals are playing like beasts. This is why every side projects DT members have not as successful and as popular as DT. I do really like LTE tho.

[@MasWaone300]

aku mengartikan 2 masa itu kira² seperti ini: DT with mangini = MONSTER‼️ DT with Portnoy = ROCK ‼️

[@ericjpdt]

It is simple: each one is better for the lines they've created.

[@elvistapia6780]

The spirit carries on MM>MP

[@highfarmer]

I find it a bit sad that MP seems to not even try to play at least some parts like the original. Considering the work Mangini put in for 13 years...

[@deepenwadhwa4027]

He can't play Mangini parts...

[@frempaintwork3343]

MM play MP parts like original, it's called respect. MP play MM parts like amateur drummer 😂😂😂😂

[@KevinLuWX]

@@deepenwadhwa4027He absolutely can. It will just take a few hours in the practice room. Looks like Portnoy is too lazy to do that at his age.

[@crusher0427]

@@KevinLuWX, you raise a very good point. The bands he's played with for the last 13 years didn't have the complexity of DT. Now he's back in the band, and it's evident he's only using his staple RLRLKK fills. It's like Iron Maiden nowadays. I get the impression Adrian is the only one who still practices. MP's idol was Neil Peart. One thing Neil did was work to put on his best performance every night. When he felt he could no longer do that, he retired. It would seem Mike doesn't have the same drive as Neil did.

[@scylla4342]

When mangini never bother to play his part correctly for a whole 13 years, why should he

[@alexfuller1038]

I think this song really illustrates how much feel Mangini really has.. super underappreciated how smooth he is.. even with all of his technical ability. A real masterclass. I also tend to agree that it seems like Portnoy didn't spend as much time as he should have really grinding on this song to get it right or is consciously making a decision (in error IMO) to play it in a way that suits his style. Will be interesting if he continues to make these types of creative decisions with future Mangini era songs that they cover.

[@filipbartkiewicz469]

I guess that Portnoy should master Mangini parts in less than a year in between recording and writing new album, other than that, he is one of the founding fathers of this band, he is home, finally in his place, so give this man time to make up 15 yrs without his band

[@jeffnorthcutt7899]

​​@gs11817oh really??? Mangini wrote material for "ADTOE" 🤔🤔 🧐

[@jeffnorthcutt7899]

​​​@gs11817Mangini had 14+ months from the time he was hired to the time they started touring... He didn't write any lyrics or music for the album , didn't learn ALL the songs just handful that made the setlist, didn't do any of the promotional work, didn't do any kind of setlist planning, probably had very little interviews to do, didn't have other band obligations to honor in the meantime. His job was to be a hired gun so he only had to be able to shoot. This comparison is just silly, and go look at Mangini's butchering of "finally free" and tell me how well he learned the part😂😂 And I thought MP couldn't play ANY mm songs?? 🤔 AND since Mangini is GOD and his songs are impossible to play than I guess Mangini had an infinitely easier job to learn all the extremely basic and simple songs that Portnoy wrote

[@AlbertMoyerJr]

This is like comparing Picasso to Van Gogh. Two great artists with different styles.

[@deepenwadhwa4027]

Mangini is a MUCH better drummer. Portnoy is better when it comes to the big picture stuff like album vision, songwriting, production etc. Portnoy should've just overseen DT from now on while letting Mangini be the drummer on the albums. Live, they could've switched from song to song. Not having Mangini in the band is a loss, doesn't matter what people say, just like not having Portnoy was a loss but in a different way.

[@melodic777]

@@deepenwadhwa4027 one cannot make that assertion; Mangini not being as good at big picture stuff. He was likely never given much of a role given they basically treated him like a hired gun

[@alexjohnston485]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@deepenwadhwa4027]

@@melodic777 yeah but he was given freedom in the last 2 albums

[@melodic777]

@@deepenwadhwa4027 and Mangini crushed it.

[@ufukkiblat]

Letting Portnoy overseen DT while not playing the drum is so disrespectful. He's a drummer first and foremost and he still is one of the best drummer.

[@bobjason7540]

I never expected any less from Portnoy to put his style in it

[@cellarroom1580]

I was a huge DT fan as a teenager. Saw them live in 1994, with Derek on keys. The last album I listened to was A Change Of Season. Over the years I've "checked in" on them, and saw all the audition material with they were searching for a new drummer. I'm a drummer myself. To me the obvious choice was Marco Minneman, but as we all know he didn't get the gig. When I've seen live videos of DT with Mangini I've always felt his as stiff as a rock... MP has his flaws, but he's got energy and makes the band sound more alive (with lack of better word). I'm sure MM is more technical, but to me DT needs less of that, not more. Marco Minneman would've brought that kind of energy as well, so to bad they didn't pick him. These are of course my two cents, and I totally understand those who prefer MM. I'm a Keith Moon kind of drummer, so I tend to like the more "out there" drummers. :)

[@aadrianogamino]

Lars-Portnoy didn't write this song, he plays it ROBOTICALLY no soul no heart. It is fair that MIKE MANGINI is recognized for his musicality, heart and passion. Mike Mangini has always orchestrated and not just played LRLRKK eternal same pattern like Portnoy.

[@KevinLuWX]

Portnoy's overplaying of RLRLKK RLKK patterns is a very valid criticism. I think he played the same pattern 50 times in one of the LTE songs in the recent album. It's the biggest reason I prefer Mangini's playing more and more as time passed. Generally more variations, ghost notes, and unique placement of accents.

[@amjan]

It is Mike Portnoy who has always been recognized for his superior musicality over Mangini, fact. This being said, Mangini has progressed in the last decade, whereas Portnoy has deteriorated and TODAY Mangini is better.

[@Xela7-c7j]

Portnoy 100 %

[@fabiocasemiro9076]

Out with Portnoy . Mangini and moore back

[@misheardlyricsguy]

Portnoy has a musicality to his playing that is rare. His playing so fits DT like a glove.

[@Adixon5]

It’s literally the same stuff over and over again though

[@AMGU2B]

Where is his musicality here? His interpretation here does not actually serve the song. It does not improve the song by any means. He overplays some parts and when the time to shine comes (the two little drum solos / complicated fills) he just resorts to his good old tricks, dumbing down the moment. hey, I love MP and his style, but let's be serious here.

[@crusher0427]

His playing fits your idea of DT like a glove.

[@Pate_Fymz]

Technically, Mangini was better than Portnoy

[@stefanofesta6024]

Wow, what a great discovery. The problem is that Dt sounds way better with Portnoy

[@realtoken]

​@@stefanofesta6024Exactly... mangini might be technically superior in terms of level to portnoy, but portnoy knows how to bring the soul into the band. Also mangini playing robotically is one of the reasons the band sounds a little more soul less than with portnoy. Portnoy have a better feel and better groove feel than mangini.

[@clarenceoveur9497]

It instantly sounds like Liquid Tension Experiment when Portnoy plays it lol Mangini sounds like a pre-recorded drum machine

[@RandyHanley]

@@stefanofesta6024 Interesting Opinion. Mangini is miles better than Portnoy. See how that works?

[@stefanofesta6024]

@@RandyHanley I see Dt 4 times with Portnoy and 2 with Mangini. The last was 3 days ago, they're way better with Portnoy, even if he hasn't the Mangini's technical skills.

[@davidbarrientosargueta6135]

Mangini!!!! 💯💯💯💯💯💯!!!pero no le digan a MP, que puede dejar la banda otra vez!!!!

[@elvancor]

True, Portnoy made no effort to really learn Mangini's parts, and there's something disrespectful about that. On the other hand, I like Portnoys interpretation over Mangini's any day. Whatever he plays, it's always more musical.

[@DempoDempo-mj1ps]

MP IS STAGNANT NO MORE IDEA It is song composition NOT JUST DRUMMING Lucky MP has extra for drum sound mixing rather than MM

[@hadi_drums]

Dude ,I love portnoy but mangini was class. He certainly built up dream theater. They both feel different on drums but certainly Mangini is higher class drummer. portnoy just fits better to dream theater music. But in my opinion, mangini era was necessary to dt.

[@JohnSmith-oc9iw]

Just compare the “Alien”with “The night terror “That is real difference between them .Poor Portnoy good luck to him playing Mangjni’s parts

[@Eccentrics]

Both Mangini and Portnoy are phenomenal. I think Mike Portnoy did an amazing job on this one. They are both phenomenal. Can we just stop with the comparison.

[@sandrogomes7523]

👏🏻

[@jcj1792]

😂😂😂😂😂stop compare them. This Chanel stupid and poor

[@luisestay6893]

Mangini: Technique. Portnoy: Soul. Both are insanely talent drummers.

[@AlbertoSoledad-ie1qu]

What soul? Never had. People always said the same that's how you know they are just robots like they said. Mangini sound like a robot always so perfect. Portnoy have a distinguish sound with a emotionally aprouch

[@JK-zo4px]

Two drummers with different approaches. MM practise every day with the age of 62 like a hungry child. MP stopped practising in the early 2000s. But i love both drummers

[@Adixon5]

Mangini’s playing style aged like a fine wine…. Can’t say the same for Portnoy

[@jcj1792]

😂😂😂😂😂😂stop compare them stupid

[@BoogieWoogieCat]

You have absolutely no idea of what soul is. Be quiet.

[@DDubs730]

this song definitely fits mangini's style better, though portnoy is my favorite drummer i will be honest. Mangini had much more unconventional parts than portnoy, making it harder for the average listener to grasp, but with portnoy its a lot more graspable as a drummer imo. Love both drummers!

[@neighbourhoodmusician]

I wish I could name why, I just know I enjoy Portnoy's drumming and compositional instincts more. Mangini is fantastic... I just don't enjoy it. All I know is I tried to stay into DT when Portnoy left and couldn't get through an album. Now Portnoy is back I'm a bit more interested again. I guess if I tried to encapsulate it. I just prefer Portnoy's tones more than Mangini's. Portnoy's tones just come closer to my 90s preferences. Then, I think it's that Mangini is always bang on the imaginary grid and it robs something from my enjoyment. Take those fills coming into the solo section after the quiet part... Portnoy's fill is a bit looser and feels like it gathers momentum better, Mangini's just feels like a transition to me. There's awesome stuff that Mangini did, too. The Enemy Inside will always be a towering composition that I don't think Portnoy could do justice to. It's unforgiving nature and violence as a song totally suits the vibe Mangini brings.

[@deepenwadhwa4027]

More such sompairsons, please! People will finally know how good Mangini really was. We need a proper technical analysis of his drumming vs Pirtnoys's on the same songs. Portnoy should've overseen the album creation while Mangini should've stayed the drummer in an ideal world. Either way, with Portnoy or Mangini, we are gaining some and losing some stuff...

[@j_d_n3708]

I like Mangini's technique, but the portnoy melody suits DT better.

[@belpulang]

Sorry portnoy, Mangini is the best for this song.

[@ufukkiblat]

Which is why the song is not as popular as other DT song that MP wrote.

[@jamesschultz8260]

This is the perfect example of people saying Mangini can’t groove, when in this video, his groove is better than Portnoy while playing it even more technical. Mangini for the win. Now do one with a Portnoy song.

[@Adixon5]

Manginis nightmare to remember drum cam puts Portnoy to shame lmao

[@David-vb4qt]

No

[@meruem3502]

lol..portnoy has groove better. that's why people is happy when mp comeback

[@WEICYCLONE666]

MP ❤ MM 🤝

[@LucasSilva-vt1hg]

Lol are you being serious? Just the first drum part portnoy already brings way more groove to the song

[@filheim]

When the song is good, different skilled drummers will sound good too.

[@PeterWIlder-x1j]

Big fan of the band. I love Portnoy, happy thats is back. But Mangini shows here that in this particular song is superior in everything. Ok Portnoy has an awesome drum sound, energy, presence and its fun to watch him play. But in this one, Mangini shows that he has all. Even in calmer parts he nailed and give it space to the band. I would say that the last two albuns before Portnoy pushed the band into the limit. i think Mangini playing did that.

[@luizgabrielandrade7710]

The diference is that Mike Portoy sounds like dream theater

[@Chest3rTheSquirrel]

as far as I know they're not playing with a click anymore w Portnoy and it just sounds like theyre having more fun even if he had to change the drums to a degree Edit: I hope as he gets more time to practice these songs the tighter he'll get with them while still having that unique loose (like plays with tempo) while still being tight playing style.

[@JordanDennisLeadingYouHome]

They're literally both phenomenal performances.

[@erikondrums]

I’m just happy we get both!

[@sappermade6012]

They should do a tour w 2 drummers

[@isnameisfree]

I was there and It will take a lot for MP to get used to Dream Theater again. Still don’t understand why retuning with such rush, even being in a lot of bands and projects. I was hoping his return will bring some “old prog touch” to the band but no, the new song it all the same again.

[@_NoizzMaker_]

I prefer Mike over Mike...

[@chrisl2466]

Mangini all day. There is no need to say anything else.

[@gestalt7756]

Mangini

[@Orbital.Gate.Resuscitate]

I think portnoy played the mangini songs how he would've played them if he was on those albums. I personally like it more, but obviously thats just my opinion

[@osbrax]

Portnoy is just mindlessly drumming through the song without even understanding and considering the drum parts as a composition of its own and an integral part of the song. Mangini sounds so musical.

[@kristian3459]

MP missed a lot of beats, especially special leg kicks which varied a lot, lots of doubles 3:50, 3:20, Dream Theater - Barstool Warrior - Distant Memories Living in London, there were a lot of leg kicks that MP avoided, and it looked like he look for safety. Sorry MP fell so far short of expectations playing Mike Mangini beats, and this is a Fact. Try listening to what MM played at the concert in London 2020.

[@scylla4342]

You talk like Mangini didn’t missed more beats when playing Portnoy songs

[@kristian3459]

@@scylla4342 100% broooo

[@LMC-xz6qh]

@@scylla4342 This 100%. Mangini never played 6:00 AM as good as MP did.

[@KevinLuWX]

@@LMC-xz6qh At least he played it somewhat close to the original. Portnoy dumbed down this one a lot.

[@scylla4342]

@@KevinLuWXlmfao it’s anything but “close”. Mangini literally dumbed down every hats, splash, ride pattern in every songs

[@dumple7182]

I like both in different parts. I think right before the slow part was coming Mangini was a little too aggressive. Portnoy let the slow part come in nicer.

[@Linkitcraig]

I think mangini might have portnoy beat on technical skill but portnoy just makes it sound better with the band

[@DelDuio]

I love Portnoy but Mangini is definitely the technically superior drummer. I like MP’s beats and what he brings to the band more though.

[@sebasfajardo1042]

😂

[@Adixon5]

Not a chance. Manginis drum parts serve the song far more. Portnoy is just shoving in his typical bag of tricks as much as he can. This is legit one of my favorite DT songs and I hate to see it get ruined by sloppy playing

[@KevinLuWX]

His drums sound better but what he's playing doesn't fit the music as well as Mangini's composition. He's overplaying in parts that shouldn't be overplayed, often drowning out Myung's bass. Mangini is always in sync with the bass and knows when to step up/back off.

[@jeffnorthcutt7899]

​@@KevinLuWXdude you keep saying the same damn thing over and over and over .... maybe you should have labeled the video " why Mangini is GOD and Portnoy is ass.... and fight me if you think otherwise!" 😅😅 🤡🤡

[@ranggiemacbedth]

DT Mangini = MODERN 🌟 DT Portnoy = CLASSIC 🔥 Case Closed 😄

[@aungmin1670]

I love touching of Portnoy..But.. Mangini was way too good.. ❤

[@caldeiratopografo]

Cara como um fã do DT, escutando os albuns que Mangini tocou, ele fez uma historia absurda, pq o estilo que esses dois bateristas apresentam por ser metal progressivo ainda contem uma baita de uma diferença! Mas Portnoy e Mangini são absurdamente Tops!!!

[@Chucky-d5h]

The bottom line is this: Portnoy won’t do anywhere near as good a job of learning Mangini’s parts, as Mangini did learning Portnoy’s. The tables have turned. Mangini put in a ton of time and effort to learn Portnoy’s parts, hit for hit, but you can rest assured Portnoy won’t extend the same courtesy back. As much as I like Portnoy’s drumming (I like them both), he has admitted numerous times in interviews that he doesn’t practice, or try to expand his playing. At any rate, it’s a moot discussion, because Portnoy simply lacks the limb independence and overall coordination to properly learn and play Mangini’s parts. Polyrhythms are not his area of expertise, like Mangini. If I were in Portnoy’s shoes, I’d be shitting bricks at the prospect of trying to learn any of the more complex Mangini tunes. There’s a reason why he specifically chose Barstool Warrior and This Is The Life; it’s because they rank among the easier Mangini tunes.

[@Zneiero]

so to settle the score once and for all DeTeeFan lets combine Mike Portnoy and Mangini and create one being: MIKE PORTNOY/MANGINI!!

[@osbrax]

MIKE PORTMANGINOY

[@DiegoRosaMusic]

Eu afirmo com toda certeza que o Mike ganhou essa disputa!!

[@lovepang7828]

Dramatic rhythm and anomalous beat eloquence is a victory for the mangini!

[@atyt11]

I hated MP leaving, then I heard the records. MM killed it. DT1 is really DT, but DT2.0 was absolutely amazing. DT1 is back and that's probably the right thing. But DT2.0 will be seriously missed.

[@PeterWIlder-x1j]

I agree, it was pure evolution and MM pushed the DT boundaries. The last two albuns were crazy.

[@PeterWIlder-x1j]

The Alien, A view from the top of the world. Just listen that two songs and you can say the evolution in the band with Mangini. Boundaries were pushed. But I know that the band love Portnoy, he is an wesome drummer and an awesome guy. But DT with Mangini was pure evolution. I liked.

[@KevinLuWX]

@@PeterWIlder-x1j You can’t possibly be the Peter Wilder that auditioned for DT when Portnoy left?

[@darkbrickmedia]

its not about technique.. GROOVE!

[@georgebentonjr3876]

Venue and different recorder make for the difference. Both are dynamite drummers on their personal kit.

[@r.a.fiallos234]

Both terrific. Portnoy plays it with a more natural swing, while Mangini plays it more straight. The sound quality is quite a bit different in the videos so harder to compare tone. MP honored the original while infusing his own personality with the feel and flourishes. 🔥🤟 great tune!

[@KevinLuWX]

There's zero "swing" in Portnoy or Mangini's playing. It's all in your imagination. MP also in general cut corners on the original and replaced it with less interesting drumming. There are some little areas he improved on but he missed the major sections.

[@r.a.fiallos234]

@@KevinLuWX nope, big difference in feel here-and of course I’m not talking jazz swing here but Mangini is more on top of the beat. Also, to me it doesn’t matter that the versions are different-this is not classical music and they are not reading off a page. Both interpretations are very valid and they both sound good. Personally, I prefer Portnoy’s playing in general but someone else may like Mangini’s. It’s totally subjective and that’s fine.

[@KevinLuWX]

@@r.a.fiallos234 They both playing on top of the beat. What a lot of people perceive as more natural "feel" from Portnoy is just crispier sounding drums with more melodic toms. However if you actually decode what they're playing, Mangini's is superior in both feel and musicality on this particular song. - Mangini's ride bell accents (0:22) adds to the groove more. Portnoy's 16th note spam between ride & hi-hat doesn't give the guitar breathing room. - Portnoy's rhythm at 1:08 was uninteresting and disjointed from John Myung's playing. Mangini syncing his kicks to the bass (1:19) was a more musical choice. - Mangini embeds triplets within triplets (1:53) then transitions into piano solo with 5 triplet hit. It has an intense winding down feel that's much more cohesive than Portnoy's fast sex-tuplets on the floor toms. - Portoy plays a herta triplet fill (2:05) that in my opinion sounds slightly out of place. I prefer Mangini's simpler herta into 8th notes fill.

[@r.a.fiallos234]

@@KevinLuWX so you like Mangini’s playing more, that’s cool. ✌️

[@KevinLuWX]

@@r.a.fiallos234 Depends on the song but without question Mangini is superior on this one. It's more suited to his style afterall.

[@sumardyi4824]

personally I prefer portnoy drum tone more crisp and solid while mangini's drum tone is more to 80's rock genre sound even though we know mangini is more technical and aggressive in various fill in drums. here we see the difference in playing style & technical between portnoy & mangini. in live concerts portnoy's playing is more lively besides being a backing vocal because keep in mind also playing live concerts is not the same as what we make in the recording studio, the musician must bring to life every aspect of the songs played. playing to entertain the audience so portnoy is the best

[@Ujick46]

Good essay on defending MP of his limited skillstock to play this song

[@Vesaniah4]

There is no vs to be had. They both have different set of skills appreciated by millions. I'm surprised that Portnoy even tackled on of his songs. I will miss Mangini as I missed Portnoy but for different reasons. I just hope that behind closed doors, there was an agreement that Portnoy could comeback.

[@MindCorebisu]

Honestly, when Manzini played Portnoy's performance, it just looked like homework. Portnoy's performance of Manzini's performance was almost the roar of a person who returned to his place. I love videos like this.!!

[@mauroojeda8677]

Mangini sin palabras el puto Amoooooo !!!!!

[@david_pastorek]

Damn it! Music is not a sport or a competition... It is not about who is better. Guys wake up :)

[@AwalHri]

I prefer Portnoy, always touching my heart ❤

[@joseluislefinaogomez9113]

In this particular song i like mangini s' playing, but portnoy s' drum sound. That verse section is far more interesting and tasty with MM. The fills by mangini were made by him for this song, literally. Portnoy only is interpreting. So obviously there is a huge diference. But well, i love both of them but we cant have it all.

[@marquinhor10br]

Eu acho que cada um tem seu gosto por baterista. Eu mesmo acho MM monstro mas nao combina com o DT parece robótico. Eu prefiro o MP porque ele te. Groove, som de bateria melhor e tem a presença de palco. Na verdade musica é aentimento nao so técnica

[@СергейГромов-ц9ъ]

Однозначно Манджини