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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: devieira73 on November 29, 2017, 07:03:02 PM

Title: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: devieira73 on November 29, 2017, 07:03:02 PM
Did you hear that? New prog project with Mangini on drums and Richard Chycki producing:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=Ny_jsja7slo
1) GREAT drum sound!
2) This could be in fact Mangini's solo album?!
https://www.facebook.com/MikeMangini/posts/1522915491090537
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: TAC on November 29, 2017, 07:05:12 PM
I saw that yesterday. Sounded good.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Adami on November 29, 2017, 07:07:50 PM
Good drum sound. I still don't like his drums, but this is about as good as you're going to get them I think.

Song is cool. Not great, a bit boring, but not bad at all.

I do find it odd that he's the only person on it being credited.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Sycsa on November 29, 2017, 07:12:39 PM
I really dig the song, the keys are great, some neat little moments in the drumming as well.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: nattmorker on November 29, 2017, 08:08:53 PM
I like the song, the drums sound great! I hope they keep this kind of drum sound. I'm intrigued about who else is in the band, in the comment section of the youtube video they replied that more information about it will be revealed later.

BTW I really like the keyboard in the song.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: erwinrafael on November 29, 2017, 08:11:29 PM
This is not Mike's solo album. This is the session Mike recorded in the Foo Fighters studio. Mike said that this is an unknown but very good artist.

Addendum: It's a rock novel! Interesting concept.

https://m.facebook.com/intothegreatdivide/#!/notes/into-the-great-divide/into-the-great-divide-due-out-january-26-2018/700452636806986/
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: TAC on November 29, 2017, 08:21:46 PM
Actually, it's a novel concept.


:neverusethis:
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Adami on November 29, 2017, 08:26:52 PM

https://m.facebook.com/intothegreatdivide/#!/notes/into-the-great-divide/into-the-great-divide-due-out-january-26-2018/700452636806986/

Wow. That might actually be the most pretentious thing I’ve ever seen. And I’m a huge Daniel Gildenlow fan.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Sycsa on November 29, 2017, 08:49:27 PM
What I found funny and telling is that Dave Grohl bought that Neve console, made a huge fuss about it, made a truly exceptional documentary around it (Sound City), and then didn't use it with Foo Fighters. Glad to see someone uses it though. It definitely fits a pretentious album. :lol
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: erwinrafael on November 29, 2017, 11:04:41 PM
What this teaser proves is that whatever problem Mangini's drum sound had in the DT albums, it looks like it's not Rich Chycki's fault.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on November 30, 2017, 01:55:29 AM
First read it as voice actor Larry David, now that would have been interesting.  :lol
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Sycsa on November 30, 2017, 05:49:21 AM
https://youtu.be/Ny_jsja7slo?t=27s - now, where have I heard this before? (0:27)

https://youtu.be/CU7uGKV7d4E?t=43s - oh, right! (0:43)
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on November 30, 2017, 08:39:11 AM
Yeah, this sounds great so far :metal

As for who are the other guys who play here, it's just one. If you click on the info tab on their facebook, you can read this:

Quote
Zack Zalon - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards
Mike Mangini - Drums
Richard Chycki - Producer

This is not Mike's solo album. This is the session Mike recorded in the Foo Fighters studio. Mike said that this is an unknown but very good artist.


Yeah, I tweeted Mike a few months ago about this project and he replied saying that exactly. This sounds like Zack Zalon is the one behind this band and brought Mike and Rich in to make things even better.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: erwinrafael on November 30, 2017, 08:52:05 AM
https://youtu.be/Ny_jsja7slo?t=27s - now, where have I heard this before? (0:27)

https://youtu.be/CU7uGKV7d4E?t=43s - oh, right! (0:43)

Err...no. the sequence of the toms and bass is different. that fill in the ITGD song actually sounds closer to a fill Portnoy did in ITPOE Pt. 1 than to that fill in Enigma Machine.

Addendum: The info on the artist has actually already been leaked back in June! :p

https://sonicscoop.com/2017/06/27/mixcon-2017-preview-rich-chycki-progressive-mix/
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Fritzinger on November 30, 2017, 01:45:32 PM
I hope they use a drum sound similar to this one!
It seems like it's actually JPs "fault" MM has such a terrible snare sound, since Rich is involved here. Some of those guys need to step up to JP and tell him that what he produces sounds shit! That snare sound on Enigma Machine almost makes me angry!!! DT12 could have been so much better with a better drum sound.

This sounds cool btw, I think I'll check this out.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: mikeyd23 on November 30, 2017, 02:29:45 PM
I liked the song, and I liked the drum sounds as well. Good stuff!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on November 30, 2017, 09:08:09 PM
I hope they use a drum sound similar to this one!
It seems like it's actually JPs "fault" MM has such a terrible snare sound, since Rich is involved here. Some of those guys need to step up to JP and tell him that what he produces sounds shit! That snare sound on Enigma Machine almost makes me angry!!! DT12 could have been so much better with a better drum sound.

This sounds cool btw, I think I'll check this out.

The big difference with this vs the last couple DT albums is that, even though both have Chycki and Mangini involved, the producer on DT albums is JP and not Rich, he only makes things sound the way he's asked to.

I wouldn't say that JP is a bad producer, actually, I like his work a lot, but I hope he gets more input from Rich on the next album, since he's the experienced producer and engineer.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: erwinrafael on November 30, 2017, 10:29:14 PM
There's another track on Spotify, Chapter 5:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zIU8Wb36oXdRLXvqACQ5K

Mangini's sound is huge. The songs are fitting his style so far.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: goo-goo on December 01, 2017, 07:26:02 AM
I just pre-ordered the album. Loving the Mangini drum sound.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: devieira73 on December 01, 2017, 07:35:27 AM
There's another track on Spotify, Chapter 5:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zIU8Wb36oXdRLXvqACQ5K


This one is even better than the first! :tup
Pre-ordered!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on December 01, 2017, 09:43:11 AM
This is already one of my most anticipated releases of 2018 :metal
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 01, 2017, 10:06:37 AM
Yeah I like the second track on Spotify as well. Is this the session MM used a "smaller" kit for? The cymbal sound on this recording is much improved.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on December 01, 2017, 10:11:48 AM
Yeah I like the second track on Spotify as well. Is this the session MM used a "smaller" kit for? The cymbal sound on this recording is much improved.

Yep, this is the kit he used for this album (smaller as in less drums, not less cymbals :lol)

(https://scontent.fmnl4-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/17504590_1268873989828023_7898456607293844803_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=ee868120bcc11fda2f74a8507c29d046&oe=5AA123CB)
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 01, 2017, 10:15:05 AM
That's what I thought, I honestly wonder if Rich had an easier time micing this kit and getting good cymbal sounds or if he just has them turned up in the mix more than DT albums do. Either way, I like the drum sound overall, but the cymbal sound in particular stuck out to me as an improvement over what MM typically sounds like in the studio.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on December 01, 2017, 10:39:14 AM
That's what I thought, I honestly wonder if Rich had an easier time micing this kit and getting good cymbal sounds or if he just has them turned up in the mix more than DT albums do. Either way, I like the drum sound overall, but the cymbal sound in particular stuck out to me as an improvement over what MM typically sounds like in the studio.

Mike said he'll probably record the next DT album on a smaller kit (similar to the one I just posted). I'll be very interesting to see how that works out for DT14, too bad it's going to be such a long wait for it :sad:
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 01, 2017, 10:45:52 AM
That's what I thought, I honestly wonder if Rich had an easier time micing this kit and getting good cymbal sounds or if he just has them turned up in the mix more than DT albums do. Either way, I like the drum sound overall, but the cymbal sound in particular stuck out to me as an improvement over what MM typically sounds like in the studio.

Mike said he'll probably record the next DT album on a smaller kit (similar to the one I just posted). I'll be very interesting to see how that works out for DT14, too bad it's going to be such a long wait for it :sad:

I'm curious how that will actually impact his playing. Seems like he's still got a lot going on there.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: DoctorAction on December 02, 2017, 01:35:00 AM
The sound on this is fantastic. So THAT'S what Mike sounds like... What an eye-opener.

JP needs to get a grip on his control freakery and get a pro to produce the next DT. Seriously, the sound on this UNKNOWN BAND'S new album should be making him very sheepish indeed.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: erwinrafael on December 02, 2017, 02:35:25 AM
That's what I thought, I honestly wonder if Rich had an easier time micing this kit and getting good cymbal sounds or if he just has them turned up in the mix more than DT albums do. Either way, I like the drum sound overall, but the cymbal sound in particular stuck out to me as an improvement over what MM typically sounds like in the studio.

Mike said he'll probably record the next DT album on a smaller kit (similar to the one I just posted). I'll be very interesting to see how that works out for DT14, too bad it's going to be such a long wait for it :sad:

I'm curious how that will actually impact his playing. Seems like he's still got a lot going on there.

I don't think it will actually impact much. His kit with DT became so big because he put in drums that would approximate MP's different drum sounds. He doesn't need all of the drums for songs he will arrange.

Anyway, nice piece of cross-promotion.

https://m.facebook.com/#!/story.php?story_fbid=701971563321760&id=688864991299084&fs=1

Here's the Youtube link to the second song:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vlu0X_sA2ME

These two instrumentals are already making Opus Maximus sound so amateur. :P

I've been searching for Zack Zalon's info. I can't find anything about past work as a musician but he's in the music business, organizing startups like HappyMusic.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on December 02, 2017, 09:24:12 AM
The sound on this is fantastic. So THAT'S what Mike sounds like... What an eye-opener.

JP needs to get a grip on his control freakery and get a pro to produce the next DT. Seriously, the sound on this UNKNOWN BAND'S new album should be making him very sheepish indeed.

The fun thing is... it's the same guy mixing it. I've said this many times, but I feel like JP should give an external producer a chance for the next album.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on December 02, 2017, 10:08:10 AM
That's what I thought, I honestly wonder if Rich had an easier time micing this kit and getting good cymbal sounds or if he just has them turned up in the mix more than DT albums do. Either way, I like the drum sound overall, but the cymbal sound in particular stuck out to me as an improvement over what MM typically sounds like in the studio.

Mike said he'll probably record the next DT album on a smaller kit (similar to the one I just posted). I'll be very interesting to see how that works out for DT14, too bad it's going to be such a long wait for it :sad:

I'm curious how that will actually impact his playing. Seems like he's still got a lot going on there.

I don't think it will actually impact much. His kit with DT became so big because he put in drums that would approximate MP's different drum sounds. He doesn't need all of the drums for songs he will arrange.

Anyway, nice piece of cross-promotion.

https://m.facebook.com/#!/story.php?story_fbid=701971563321760&id=688864991299084&fs=1

Here's the Youtube link to the second song:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vlu0X_sA2ME

These two instrumentals are already making Opus Maximus sound so amateur. :P

I've been searching for Zack Zalon's info. I can't find anything about past work as a musician but he's in the music business, organizing startups like HappyMusic.

God, it's so cool to hate on SoA.......

Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: erwinrafael on December 02, 2017, 08:55:39 PM
Not hating, just making that song dubbed as "a beast of an instrumental" a punchline. :P
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 26, 2017, 06:47:18 AM
What if... Zack Zalon is just a pseudonym and This "The Great Divide" is actually DT14?   ;D
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on December 26, 2017, 08:00:46 AM
What if... Zack Zalon is just a pseudonym and This "The Great Divide" is actually DT14?   ;D

And they forgot to tell James? :lol
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Plasmastrike on December 29, 2017, 05:29:56 PM
I gave both of these songs a good couple listens nice and loud, and I actually like it. Super intriguing that no other band members got announced. I got a Pagan's Mind feel from some of the guitar and orchestration. MM sounded pretty great and interesting to know Chycki is involved. We shall see!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 01, 2018, 04:08:34 AM
What if... Zack Zalon is just a pseudonym and This "The Great Divide" is actually DT14?   ;D

holy fuck
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: majo on January 01, 2018, 04:51:37 AM
dunno about the "good drum sound"
an I the only one who thinks opposite: kicks are bloated, cymbals sound like paper.  :(
(maybe expectations have really lowered over the last couple of years)
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 08, 2018, 02:27:42 PM
Some new snippets online. Tell me you hear JP's style on guitars too... :P

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4nnODqHzvY
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Schurftkut on January 08, 2018, 03:57:21 PM
maybe it is JP's new solo record ;-)
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 09, 2018, 02:14:06 AM
maybe it is JP's new solo record ;-)

That would be a pretty cool move.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Logain Ablar on January 09, 2018, 06:30:11 AM
Liking what I'm hearing so far. You can definitely hear JP's influence in the guitar riffs.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 09, 2018, 06:40:05 AM
maybe it is JP's new solo record ;-)

That would be a pretty cool move.

The Great Divide logo resembles JP’s personal logo  :\      Hmmmmmm
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: devieira73 on January 09, 2018, 11:03:23 AM
It seems that Zack Zalon is a real person:
https://m.facebook.com/notes/into-the-great-divide/into-the-great-divide-architect-revealed-zack-zalon-talks-chapter-6-dark-waters-/718731668312416/
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 09, 2018, 02:46:21 PM
I'm not convinced. And the other musicians are still clueless.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 09, 2018, 03:01:00 PM
There are no other musicians. He played all instruments except drums.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 10, 2018, 03:28:40 AM
Or it's Mangini's solo album and he just magically learned how to play the guitar without telling anyone  :o
Honestly, considering this man's talents, I wouldn't be too surprised if this was the case.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 12, 2018, 01:08:01 PM
Another one on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2dIn8moye6K9jY3cu7Y1he
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: devieira73 on January 12, 2018, 05:00:25 PM
Also here:
https://www.metalinjection.net/av/song-premiere/into-the-great-divides-new-song-feat-dream-theaters-mike-mangini-chapter-6-dark-waters-is-a-prog-metal-masterpiece
Epic tune, crazy Mangini parts!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on January 12, 2018, 09:29:44 PM
If the rest of the album is as good as these 3 tracks, I think I can safely say this will be my album of the year :metal
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: NoseofNicko on January 12, 2018, 10:57:33 PM
After listening to the songs, I’m seriously considering pre-ordering this.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 13, 2018, 01:59:05 AM
Given all the singles a chance but I guess I'm just misssing something? Sounds like very bland/vanilla instrumental progmetal to me, like the type of songs bedroom musicians would write. The drums are good but drums alone are never really enough to convince me to like a song
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 13, 2018, 03:11:30 AM
If the rest of the album is as good as these 3 tracks, I think I can safely say this will be my album of the year :metal

I am anticipating that the narrations might bring this down for me.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on January 13, 2018, 09:51:02 AM
If the rest of the album is as good as these 3 tracks, I think I can safely say this will be my album of the year :metal

I am anticipating that the narrations might bring this down for me.

It depends on how they're done. This is a concept album after all, so there should be some kind of story to follow. I just hope they work in favor of the tracks (like the hypontist spoken words at the end of Fatal Tragedy, for example) and don't mess with the flow of the songs.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 16, 2018, 01:07:58 PM
I'll be interviewing Zack for Lotsofmuzik this Friday. If you have any questions for him, send me through via PM!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on January 16, 2018, 01:37:47 PM
I'll be interviewing Zack for Lotsofmuzik this Friday. If you have any questions for him, send me through via PM!

Sent you a PM :tup
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 16, 2018, 02:34:20 PM
Listening to it right now (the PR send me a promo link for a review) and this is really really great but it's too soon for me to write an accurate review. The spoken intros are not really important but bring context and consistence to the story but if you want to get rid of them, you can create a playlist.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 16, 2018, 02:42:17 PM
Listening to it right now (the PR send me a promo link for a review) and this is really really great but it's too soon for me to write an accurate review. The spoken intros are not really important but bring context and consistence to the story but if you want to get rid of them, you can create a playlist.

I only heard it once. At times, it's amazing how much the guy sounds like a mix of Petrucci, Vai and Satch. Like you, I can't form an opinion yet, but the first listen was quite promising. It's like DT without vocals.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 16, 2018, 02:54:18 PM
I only heard it once. At times, it's amazing how much the guy sounds like a mix of Petrucci, Vai and Satch. Like you, I can't form an opinion yet, but the first listen was quite promising. It's like DT without vocals.
Yeah it reminded me of the 90s Dream Theater (with the keyboards sounding like Kevin Moore) interspersed with some Yes, Pink Floyd and Steve Vai.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: goo-goo on January 16, 2018, 03:22:08 PM
I pre-ordered the CD. Hopefully, for those who pre-ordered it, can get the copy earlier than the release date.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 16, 2018, 04:21:33 PM
Some people said that maybe this was Petrucci solo album, I can confirm it is not Petrucci solo album  even thou when there are lots of similarities on the guitar playing and there’s a reason to be so sure this is not his solo album: Mangini sounds incredible on this album.  :metal
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 19, 2018, 03:28:18 PM
I just got off the phone with Zack. What a nice guy!!! We had a 25 minute interview, and he touched upon a bunch of different things: how this project came to life, how Richard Chyki got involved and how it led to MM being invited, his influeces, touring plans, the Neve console...I will transcribe it, and once it´s publised in Lotsofmuzik, we´ll post the link here. One spolier I could give you is what he said about Mangini: he´s super prepared, and came into the recording sessions with not one, not two or three, but FIVE different suggestions of fills for each part of the album.

Gzarruk, I asked him your questions! And I cannot thank MinistroRaven enough for putting me in contact with all the musicians I´ve been interviewing recently. It started off with the interview with Derek for the release of Psychotic Symphony, and we´ve done a lot in the past few months!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 19, 2018, 05:33:36 PM
See, Mangini just needs time to create his drum arrangements. He also was afforded time with  the Annihilator albums.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 19, 2018, 07:09:11 PM
See, Mangini just needs time to create his drum arrangements. He also was afforded time with  the Annihilator albums.

That’s what I told RodrigoAltaf this afternoon, Mangini hasn’t been given the chamce to unleash his potential in DT, maybe that’s exactly what JP and the other guys want/need, but still a shame IMO.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on January 19, 2018, 08:35:01 PM
Can’t wait to read it! :tup
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 22, 2018, 10:35:42 AM
Can’t wait to read it! :tup

Wait no more, I just published the interview Rodrigo did a couple days ago, sorry for the delay.

https://lotsofmuzic.weebly.com/home/into-the-great-divide-a-new-and-exciting-project-featuring-zack-zalon-and-dream-theater-drummer-mike-mangini
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: nattmorker on January 22, 2018, 12:02:25 PM
Can’t wait to read it! :tup

Wait no more, I just published the interview Rodrigo did a couple days ago, sorry for the delay.

https://lotsofmuzic.weebly.com/home/into-the-great-divide-a-new-and-exciting-project-featuring-zack-zalon-and-dream-theater-drummer-mike-mangini

I've enjoyed the interviews so far (this and Orphaned Land's), It's nice to hear more info about this project and how it came to be. It is something different in the sense that he's not an "established musician". Thanks for the link!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on January 22, 2018, 01:53:56 PM
Can’t wait to read it! :tup

Wait no more, I just published the interview Rodrigo did a couple days ago, sorry for the delay.

https://lotsofmuzic.weebly.com/home/into-the-great-divide-a-new-and-exciting-project-featuring-zack-zalon-and-dream-theater-drummer-mike-mangini

This was a great read! It's totally understandable that he's focused mostly on his company and business, so he isn't planning to tour or release more albums, but, man, if the rest of the album is as good as the 3 tracks that they've released, I really wish he'd make another album in the future.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 22, 2018, 01:59:02 PM
Glad you liked it guys...and in case you're wondering, the rest of the album is just as good as the samples. I loved it!!!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 22, 2018, 02:01:32 PM
the rest of the album is just as good as the samples. I loved it!!!

Yes it is!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 23, 2018, 04:11:48 AM
the rest of the album is just as good as the samples. I loved it!!!

Yes it is!

I can confirm!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 23, 2018, 07:37:43 AM
Here is my rave review of the album. Sorry I don't have time to translate it into English but google trad should do the business :D https://blog.yourmajesty.net/2018/01/23/chronique-into-the-great-divide-avec-mike-mangini/
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: nattmorker on January 25, 2018, 01:22:45 PM

Stream of the full album:


https://geargods.net/premiere/into-the-great-divide-feat-mike-mangini-of-dream-theater-is-streaming-their-full-album-here/ (https://geargods.net/premiere/into-the-great-divide-feat-mike-mangini-of-dream-theater-is-streaming-their-full-album-here/)
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: rumborak on January 25, 2018, 01:49:17 PM
Listening right now. The music isn't bad, but I could easily have gone without that narrator I must say.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Adami on January 25, 2018, 02:41:54 PM
Listening right now. The music isn't bad, but I could easily have gone without that narrator I must say.

Well yes, but then all you'd have is a good album, and not a concept album, and that would cost it at least 10 prog points.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: devieira73 on January 25, 2018, 05:38:07 PM
Wow, great first impression! The songs aren't innovative by any means, but really well composed and rocking!!!
And one of the best Mangini's drumming (and sound) for sure!
Yes, I left the narrator talking alone... :biggrin:
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 25, 2018, 05:46:45 PM
I have listened to this album about 35 times already, the last 5 times I have deleted the narration parts, bur now, everytime one song ends amd the other one stars I have the voice of the narrator stuck in my head and I find myself reciting his parts.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 25, 2018, 06:16:34 PM
Geez... MM's drumming in the second half of A New Perspective is KILLER. Definitely shows his creativity. MM Unleashed. I expect no less than this in the next DT album!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 25, 2018, 09:01:27 PM
Damn it the main melody of Chapter 1 keeps on reminding me of The Glass Prison.

This album should be given to anybody who says that Mangini's drumming is robotic.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Adami on January 25, 2018, 09:05:10 PM
Damn it the main melody of Chapter 1 keeps on reminding me of The Glass Prison.

This album should be given to anybody who says that Mangini's drumming is robotic.

It's also possible that he sounds very robotic in some cases and less so in others. Shocking, right?
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on January 25, 2018, 09:35:08 PM
Listening right now. The music isn't bad, but I could easily have gone without that narrator I must say.

Narrator tracks = NOMAC tracks 2018 :lol

Seriously, though, this album is amazing :metal
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 26, 2018, 07:27:18 AM
I removed the narrations and it sounds amazing. :)
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 26, 2018, 08:03:38 AM
Damn it the main melody of Chapter 1 keeps on reminding me of The Glass Prison.

This album should be given to anybody who says that Mangini's drumming is robotic.

It's also possible that he sounds very robotic in some cases and less so in others. Shocking, right?

Nah bro, all or nothing, come on you know that.

Anywho - first listen now, excited to check this out.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Logain Ablar on January 26, 2018, 08:12:56 AM
I've had a couple of listens today. I did find the narration a bit offputting, so I created a playlist without those tracks.

Too early to say which tracks stand out for me most, but I'm liking what I'm hearing so far.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: devieira73 on January 26, 2018, 09:52:13 AM
The narration sounded very pretencious to me at first, but I'm understanding that Zak wanted to give more context to the compositions beyond just naming a track. This way, the listener could listen to the song and imagine better what kind of background history inspired its sound. In my opinion, this would be well resolved with the spoken part written in the CD's artwork. But, with the digital music, maybe he wanted to make the narration just to be sure that everybody would have the information of the song's background. I do think that Zak did not intend that everytime we heard the music we should hear the intros... if so, why he would release them as separate tracks?
Anyway, liking this album A LOT! I hope that Zak continues to make and release more music in the future!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on January 26, 2018, 09:56:49 AM
Zack's words on Mangini were great when I spoke with him...it only increased my perception that DT needs to hire an external producer and welcome more contributions from all members.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on January 26, 2018, 11:07:19 AM
Zack's words on Mangini were great when I spoke with him...it only increased my perception that DT needs to hire an external producer and welcome more contributions from all members.

I don't think that's a bad idea at all. Change is good sometimes (even though I LOVE the 3 MM era albums). I want to hear more MM + JM stuff like some of the things we got on DT12.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 26, 2018, 11:20:40 AM
I hope that Zak continues to make and release more music in the future!

He said in the interview I posted a couple of days ago that he doesn’t plan on releasing more music.

He said:

Quote
Lotsofmuzik – Do you plan to keep releasing albums under the “Into the Great Divide” name, like a regular project or full band?
 
ZZ – No, the goal for me is to continue to share the narrative that we established here. But there are some really interesting and creative ways to connect with people using music, which doesn´t even have to take the form of a traditional album, and my goal is to expand on that. The response to the album has been better than I could have ever hoped for, and the thing that´s exciting for me is to find a way to connect with people that are interested in the format of “Into the Great Divide” as a concept, and find new ways to connect with them using music.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 26, 2018, 11:22:09 AM
Listened to this thing one time through. It's pretty cool, definitely a lot to digest. This Zack dude is insanely good, that's for sure.

Refreshing to be able to hear MM's cymbal work much better here than on DT records as well.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: devieira73 on January 26, 2018, 11:49:46 AM
I hope that Zak continues to make and release more music in the future!

He said in the interview I posted a couple of days ago that he doesn’t plan on releasing more music.

He said:

Quote
Lotsofmuzik – Do you plan to keep releasing albums under the “Into the Great Divide” name, like a regular project or full band?
 
ZZ – No, the goal for me is to continue to share the narrative that we established here. But there are some really interesting and creative ways to connect with people using music, which doesn´t even have to take the form of a traditional album, and my goal is to expand on that. The response to the album has been better than I could have ever hoped for, and the thing that´s exciting for me is to find a way to connect with people that are interested in the format of “Into the Great Divide” as a concept, and find new ways to connect with them using music.

I read that interview, very good one, by the way! I mean, I hope Zak change his mind about that.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 26, 2018, 11:53:38 AM
I hope he changes his mind too. I have enjoyed this album soooo much!!!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 26, 2018, 03:37:02 PM
So I am following that odd meter intro and outro to Chapter 2, and I suddenly thought "that's freaking Breaking All Illusions."  :lol
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: wolven74 on January 26, 2018, 04:15:18 PM
I'm loving this album so far. End of the first listen and I'm really impressed.The production and engineering on this is so clean and clear. The guitar sounds so close to DT as to almost make me forget this isn't a new LTE record. I want DT to sound like this. So boss. :metal
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 26, 2018, 10:40:00 PM
After my third listen, my favorite is And So It Ends. Beautiful tune.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on January 29, 2018, 12:19:20 AM
The production is great and as many of you already said, I would love to hear DT album with these sounds. What I like in these songs that they have positive guitar riffs and they don't push too heavy with this album :tup many of these instrumental bands nowadays are just too metal but this album is good balance of heavy and light.

Mangini's drum sound is good except the snare. I think the snare is his problem, it just sounds too thin for me. Maybe changing snare would be good idea for him..

I would give this album 4/5. Fresh sounds and positive surprise from a instrumental band. Maybe I will put this album for a training!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Chris Hinton on January 29, 2018, 09:11:11 AM
Listened to it for the twice over the weekend -- without the commentary tracks -- and am amazed at how good this album is.  It's going to be in heavy rotation for a while.  Next time through, I'll keep the commentary tracks in and get the full picture.  Very impressive.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on January 29, 2018, 10:48:12 AM
I really like that almost everyone that has listened to it loves the album. I hope the great reception that ITGD has got so far makes Zack reconsider making another album in a few years.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 29, 2018, 09:14:01 PM
Zack has better guitar instrumentals than Phil Collen who is in the G3 tour. Zack for G3! LOL
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 29, 2018, 09:21:02 PM
Is the narrator Three Dog from Fallout 3? Thinking it is makes the narrations way better  :lol. They’re just so cheesy, especially how it says the next track title at the end. I like them at the same time though.  The album itself is amazing!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: MinistroRaven on January 30, 2018, 06:10:57 AM
A New Perspective might be my favorote track off the album, it is soft, it id heavy, it is melodic, it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 30, 2018, 09:00:56 AM
This album is pretty fun to listen to. Love hearing MM jam
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on January 30, 2018, 10:28:00 AM
I still think the 3 tracks they released first are the best, but love the whole album, even the narrations :biggrin: :lol

My top 5 tracks so far are (in order of appearance):

A Call to Adventure
Tests & Enemies
Challenge Accepted
Dark Waters
A New Perspective
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Chris Hinton on January 30, 2018, 11:02:42 AM
I'm listening now with the narrations and must say they really take away from the flow.  Once is probably enough...
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Chris Hinton on January 30, 2018, 11:19:02 AM
Man, those narrations are HORRIBLE.  Sounds like they hired a generic, low budget motivational speaker to do them.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gmillerdrake on January 30, 2018, 11:58:45 AM
Man, those narrations are HORRIBLE.  Sounds like they hired a generic, low budget motivational speaker to do them.

I completely removed them and just listen to the music because they are pretty bad. Can't imagine how someone thought that was a good idea.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 30, 2018, 11:32:23 PM
I listened to the album again for the third time with the intros. Horrible, the words are written like a Lang Leav poem.  :rollin So I am sticking with instrumentals only from now on.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Adami on January 30, 2018, 11:40:59 PM
Haven't heard the album, but how would the narrations compared to old school Rhapsody ones? Pre-Christopher Lee.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: comment on March 21, 2018, 10:29:11 PM
I love this album.  I listen to it with narration and without depending on my mood.  #albumoftheyear IMO.  Satch introduced me to Petrucci through G3 and that’s how I really connected to DT so this was a natural fit.  And it’s really good.  So yeah I’m hoping to hear more Zack Zalon stuff and hopefully with MM in the future.  Sounds so good.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on March 21, 2018, 11:03:49 PM
It's gonna be really tough to top ITGD and Angra's Omni as my favorite albums of 2018. I still listen to this album constantly and never get tired of it :metal
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on March 22, 2018, 04:44:34 AM
It's gonna be really tough to top ITGD and Angra's Omni as my favorite albums of 2018. I still listen to this album constantly and never get tired of it :metal

I was surprised at how good Omni was. Insania is a great song!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: comment on March 28, 2018, 08:06:36 PM
It's gonna be really tough to top ITGD and Angra's Omni as my favorite albums of 2018. I still listen to this album constantly and never get tired of it :metal

I was surprised at how good Omni was. Insania is a great song!

Wow!  I read your posts and listened to a a minute and a half of Angra, War Horns.   :metal. Thank you gentlemen for the ear candy.  I will explore this!
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on March 28, 2018, 09:54:43 PM
It's gonna be really tough to top ITGD and Angra's Omni as my favorite albums of 2018. I still listen to this album constantly and never get tired of it :metal

I was surprised at how good Omni was. Insania is a great song!

Wow!  I read your posts and listened to a a minute and a half of Angra, War Horns.   :metal. Thank you gentlemen for the ear candy.  I will explore this!

My favorite song from Omni  :metal
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: MinistroRaven on March 29, 2018, 11:04:44 AM
From the INTO THE GREAT DIVIDE Facebook page:

Starting in on something new. Will post some audio as soon as it starts sounding like actual music...

He also posted a picture of the screen of his computer and some audio program
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: devieira73 on March 29, 2018, 11:07:07 AM
I’m happy that Zac changed his mind so quickly! It would be a true waste of talent if he didn’t ever record some music again.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on March 29, 2018, 11:11:46 AM
This did not live up to the hype for me at all. I mean its good and dudes are talented... but I feel no connection or reason to listen to this again.

Funny, some band I never heard of until seeing a thread about them here, Ostura..... they've released the album that has completely blown me away and will undoubtedly own 2018.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: RodrigoAltaf on March 29, 2018, 03:07:06 PM
This did not live up to the hype for me at all. I mean its good and dudes are talented... but I feel no connection or reason to listen to this again.

Funny, some band I never heard of until seeing a thread about them here, Ostura..... they've released the album that has completely blown me away and will undoubtedly own 2018.

Check out my review of the Ostura album: https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/ostura-the-room/

Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: comment on March 29, 2018, 11:12:58 PM
I’m happy that Zac changed his mind so quickly! It would be a true waste of talent if he didn’t ever record some music again.
From the INTO THE GREAT DIVIDE Facebook page:

Starting in on something new. Will post some audio as soon as it starts sounding like actual music...

He also posted a picture of the screen of his computer and some audio program

Stoked about this!  I just gave the album a rest to revisit it fresh and it’s still top shelf in my book.  Damn fine tunes!  Anything new that comes I’ll be buying.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on March 30, 2018, 12:17:35 AM
This did not live up to the hype for me at all. I mean its good and dudes are talented... but I feel no connection or reason to listen to this again.

Funny, some band I never heard of until seeing a thread about them here, Ostura..... they've released the album that has completely blown me away and will undoubtedly own 2018.

Check out my review of the Ostura album: https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/ostura-the-room/

Spot on review! And I agree. Their work really trancends genres.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on March 30, 2018, 06:55:35 PM
Holy fuck this album is amazing. Just finally listened to it on Spotify. The narration sets the tone nicely, and the music is mixed great. Its a good Prog Metal instrumental concept album. The moods he sets too are nicely done, and the melodies.

I'd say though its main flaw is the sudden endings of the songs into the abrupt start of the narration tracks. Other than, I don't mind the narration intros.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: The Walrus on May 17, 2018, 06:55:27 AM
Bump.

I just listened to this last night. I absolutely love this album. Came out of nowhere for me, didn't even know Mangini was on it until I searched the forum and found this thread. The only thing I dislike is the narration. It is super pretentious - having just done Puppies' roulette, it literally sounds lifted from some of the intentionally corny write-ups people were making - and I just don't like narration telling me what the context of a piece of music or how I'm supposed to feel.

But the music? Oh my god, it is spectacular. One of the best 2018 albums I've heard.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: MinistroRaven on May 17, 2018, 07:20:24 AM
My current rank of best albums of the year:
1 The Sea Within
2 Orphaned Land - Unsung Prophets and Dead Messiahs
3 Into the Great Divide
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: Podaar on May 17, 2018, 09:45:13 AM
This is a good listen. For the louder moments I'm getting a distinct early Satriani vibe. For my money, the quieter acoustic moments are the best.
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on May 17, 2018, 11:22:11 AM
This one and Angra's Omni are my two favorite albums of 2018 so far :metal
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: gzarruk on June 04, 2019, 06:30:45 PM
Bringing this thread back from the dead: ITGD’s new EP “A Life in Six Acts” dropped last Friday. Mangini didn’t play on it, and I believe the drums were programmed, but it’s still a great release and definitely worth checking out :tup
Title: Re: Into the Great Divide (Mike Mangini on Drums)
Post by: devieira73 on June 04, 2019, 08:09:47 PM
Excellent EP/album! Very similar to the first one in style. The drums are programmed, but Zac made an incredible job on it :tup