MUSIC RADAR recently joined up with DREAM THEATER’S John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess at Cove City Studios on Long Island, NY to get their thoughts on everything from Mike Portnoy’s departure, Mike Mangini’s arrival, recording and more.

The result is an eye-opening interview as both John and Jordan speak candidly and emotionally about the events of the past year.

“I literally sat on the steps of my studio and cried.” comments Rudess on the news of Portnoy’s departure, “This is a guy who’s a friend of mine, who we all love and admire. We didn’t want to see it come crashing down. The whole thing brought me to tears.”

On new drummer Mike Mangini, Pertucci chimes in, “From the second he came in, he just blew us away. You know, playing with Mike [Mangini] was the first time we’d played with another drummer. The feeling we had from him… as a drummer, he was phenomenal. The guy was just a beast. One other thing: I love what he said on the video, which was very important. He said, ‘This isn’t a gig to me.’ That really spoke to us.”

And if all THAT isn’t anough to make you want to check out this brilliant interview, the guys also talk new music. “I think the new album looks good for September.” states Petrucci, “We don’t have an official date yet, and we’re kind of playing around with titles. But I’d definitely say September is the month we’re shooting for.”

And if you’re anything like us, you can’t wait! Check out the full interview AT THIS LOCATION.