THE ASTONISHING

Excellent!! I wasn't enamored with Dream Theater's last self titled release although it was by no means a bad album. With this work Dream Theater fans the flame that I have for them in no uncertain terms. Some may complain that there are no solid single tracks on the album but those that do are missing the point entirely. The whole work is a track, a composition that meanders through various music styles telling a grand story that is not too far removed from Rush's 2112 work. There are sweet melodies, moments of symphonic grandeur, eclectic sounds, harsh heavy moments - and throughout it all the technical wizardry of the different band members (typical of the band) astounds. Some may complain that the work is too long but again a point is then being totally missed - I would rather have more than less - especially when the work is of this quality. If I can't get through it in one sitting then two or more sittings is just fine. The whole of the "Walking Dead" TV series would take hours to work through in one session but personally I love the series and to watch episodes is just fine. James LaBrie has never sounded as good and what he achieves by taking on the various characters of the story and giving them their own vocal identities is brilliant. John Petrucci - well, what can we say? - probably easily the best lead guitarist out there today. Jordan Rudess - keyboard wizard extraordinaire. Mike Mangini - He already holds world records and he is a machine here. John Myung - some complain that he is always missing in the mix but if he weren't there you'd hear it and know - his technical base playing is part of the Dream Theater wall of sound.

This is a theatrical rock / metal / opera and it stands up with the best of them. You can't love Operation Mindcrime and not adore this. I can't wait to take this spectacle in Live as it will be grand.

Five very easy stars.