ok so after listening to this for the umpteenth time, i'm in love. Initially, I was clouded with doubt and ambiguity: the cover alluding to circus maximus (amongst other artists) coupled with the new dynamic of Mangini and the other musicians being VERY provident this time around... there is so much to take in, and my judgment and ability to just enjoy it was clouded by these factors. But it just grows on you with every listen. It feels so right!
I actually like the way Mangini fits in: I feel his role is very supportive in this tune (and most likely for the remainder of the album), which is why he blends in to the song and can be hard to notice (for instance, following jordans keys on cymbals, Petrucci's riffs with his feet (simultaneously mind you omgwtf?!?!)). He also plays VERY dynamically (listen to the accenting on the snare). These elements are, at least IMO, in striking contrast to Mike Portnoy, who was constantly loud (metal DT) and, besides maybe following guitars, on a rhythmic tangent and musically less supportive. This is a very generic assumption about MP, but I think thats the key difference in the new band dynamic: DT now have a drummer who is really out to emphasize the other musicians and give the tunes a super solid foundation.