The Astonishing

 “The Astonishing” a concept album by Dream Theater is the thirteenth studio album. It was released on January 29, 2016 through Roadrunner Records. The album’s story was conceived by John Petrucci and David Campbell has handled the orchestration.

The album is more of a Science-Fiction or Fantasy Inspiration. Dream Theater has written songs in a wide variety of Styles ranging from mellow ballads to their more conventional progressive metal sound.

This is a two CD album with a total of 34 songs, Set as Act I and Act II. I would like to give the readers a gist of the storyline here. In 2285 the north eastern region of the United States has turned into a dystopia ruled by the oppressive Great Northern Empire of the Americas. The empire is ruled by emperor Nafaryus, Empress Arabelle, Crown Prince Daryus and Princess Fathye. In a distant village called Ravenskill, a man named Gabriel Possesses the natural ability to make music and Sing. He is considered the savior in this village. Rumors spread and it reached the emperor’s ears, and he and his family travelled to Ravenskill to meet Gabriel. They saw him singing and Fathye falls in love with Gabriel as she was fond of music. Emperor Nafaryus was taken away by his song and thought Gabriel would be an obstacle to his kingdom. So he ordered the people to hand him over to him in 3 days or the entire village will be destroyed. Fathye’s love for Gabriel made her to come back to meet Gabriel and Daryus followed her and a lot of things happened and accidentally Daryus saw a silhouette of a person thinking it was Gabriel and tried to kill him but it was too late as it was actually Fathye. The King and the Queen begged Gabriel to give back life to Fathye using his skills. Fathye comes back to life and starts a new family with Gabriel. Nafaryus promised to govern the empire as a fair leader of the world and music is appreciated again.

It’s two hours of amazing music with great progression, each of the song with the storyline goes well and gives the listener an amazing experience of progressive metal and musical symphony. James Labrie’s Vocals, John Petrucci’s guitar awesomeness, Jordan Rudess Keyboard masterworks and great bass as always given by John Myung, drums was well progressed by Milke Mangini. Although I feel there was emptiness without Mike Portnoy. But still this album is a great one from Dream Theater’s History.

This album may not be so interesting for first time listeners, but it would sure give a whole lotta pleasure for the hardcore Dream Theater fans. After countless listening to this album, I can guarantee that this would be a great listening and it will sure make you feel like going through some great journey in to a different fantasy world. Please do listen to this album and I’m sure you really don’t want to miss this amazing experience of Progressive metal. Thanks to Dream Theater for putting up an epic album.

Release date: 29-01-2016
Reviewer: Keith Clement
Score: 9