Following Mike Portnoy's acrimonious departure from Dream Theater in 2010, the remaining members brought in drummer Mike Mangini and set about proving the progressive metal band could thrive without its long-time drummer and de facto musical director. The resulting 2011 album, A Dramatic Turn Of Events, was intended to answer scepticism about the band's future and, according to frontman James LaBrie, ended up validating Portnoy's own view that the group needed to change, even though he was no longer there to see it through.

Despite ongoing legal disputes stemming from the split, LaBrie says the recording process was less stressful than expected, describing it as a period of "accepting our situation and handling it with grace." Keyboardist Jordan Rudess explained that songwriting duties shifted more heavily onto him and guitarist John Petrucci, while bassist John Myung became notably more involved, contributing lyrics and riff ideas after previously working in a quieter, more withdrawn role within the band.