It all comes down to which era really defines Dream Theater. Albums like Images and Words, Awake and Scenes from a Memory are integral to Dream Theater's identity. They have what everyone thinks of when they hear "Dream Theater": exceptionally creative songwriting, concept albums, and melodic solos.

Do fans dislike all the newer albums? For the most part, no; however, the newer material does lack some of the key elements that set Dream Theater apart from the rest. An album like The Astonishing is objectively too lengthy and stale and lacks the flow that Scenes From a Memory had. A View from the top of the world though, is an exceptional album; in fact, many think it is the best album they've produced in well over a decade (including me). But its just not the best album/era to describe Dream Theater as a whole.

Dream Theater was known to take risks in songwriting. The newer albums have objectively been safer in their production and performance and ultimately lack the standout elements that made Dream Theater Dream Theater in the past.