IMO,
I think JP has a vision in his mind of what the drums should sound like. On ADTOE, they were mixed pretty low and didn't really have much personality. I think that's fine considering where the band was at that point.
For DT12, I definitely see a specific "Sound" that JP wanted for those songs. Not only the drums, but everything. I personally feel the snare detracts from some of the songs, but that's a matter of taste. Overall for DT12, I feel like it has a "Sonic Identity" that ADTOE lacked. Whether you like it or not is subjective, but I can see how it fits the overall theme of the album.
For TGOM, I can really hear a new sound from DT. I think the "mechanical" drumming is going to fit this album perfectly and I totally love the overall sonic vibe on the song! I think JP really had a vision for this album and so far it sounds like he really pulled it off much better than DT12.
I think the drumming sounds robotic to some people not only because of Mangini's playing style, but also because if the sound of his drums. I think JP has more say in the drum sound than MM.
I'm really excited for The Astonishing!