Dream Theater are about to be whole again. They’ve announced the return of co-founder and drummer Mike Portnoy. The news comes from the band directly. In addition, they’ve announced a new album, which’ll be the first one since 2009 to feature Portnoy on the drums.

Mike Mangini, the previous drummer for Dream Theater had this to say about the change.

“As was said from Day 1, my place was not to fill all the roles that Mike held in the band. I was to play the drums in order to help the band carry on. My main role of keeping our live show working tightly on a nightly basis was an intense and rewarding experience. Thankfully, I got to experience playing music with these iconic musicians, as well as some fun times laced with humor.”

Mike Portnoy had this to say about the move.

“I am overwhelmed with joy to be returning home and reuniting with my brothers! There is so much shared history between us all…so many memories, so much music…to think we’re coming up on 40 years since this journey began! The idea of creating new music together is so exciting and I absolutely cannot wait to hit the road and get to play live for a whole new generation of fans that weren’t ever able to see this lineup before…There’s no place like home!”

While it’s disappointing to see Mike Mangini leave the band, it sounds like Dream Theater were exceptionally grateful for his time in the band. Here’s what John Petrucci had to say about Mike.

“Mike Mangini’s drumming is otherworldly and I’m extremely grateful for the time he spent with us in Dream Theater. I’m very proud of all the amazing music we made together that culminated in our first GRAMMY win last year and the countless magical moments that we’ve shared on stage over the past 13 years. I wish him all the best of success in his future musical endeavors. I’m incredibly excited to welcome Mike Portnoy back into Dream Theater! As an original founding member, longtime friend and incredibly talented and creative drummer,  I know that his return will bring a renewed spirit, passion and energy into DT that all of us, including our fans, will joyfully welcome. I can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and get back into the studio together!”

We’ll have to see how the band sounds when they get the new album out and hit the road with Portnoy back behind his kit.

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