THE ASTONISHING

i have come to a conclusion about this album. It is very reminiscent of what is happening in our world today. Everything is so polarized; left vs. right; Good vs. Evil. Christians vs Muslims. Republicans, Democrats. It seems that all is the same coin flipped over again and again. It seems to run so deep that a new Dream Theater album is controversial. I must say that I am in the "this album is great" camp. I realize that the story is kind of campy but the music? I will say that it is the best album of this year. Ok, It's the only music I have gotten this year, but that's not the point. The last great concept albums in MHO were IQ's Subterranea and Saga's 13th Generation. This album has everything to compete with those classics. My biggest complaint would be the mixing of Myung's bass. Petrucci, Rudess and Labrie are at their best. Mangini is a little too clinical, I miss Mike P's versatility. I think this will stand the test of time as the production is incredible. I must say that I am really looking forward to the new Haken album. If any band could produce something better than this, i would think it might be them. As for The Astonishing, 5 stars. It truly is.