THE ASTONISHING

The most beautiful album I have ever heard. This album is easily the most popularizing of all of Dream Theaters albums. It either gets ranked among the top or the bottom. It's completely different than anything else Dream Theater ever did. I'm not a huge fan of double album musicals for the most part. However there are a few exceptions. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is an all time favorite of mine and I do really like Ayreon. But I really find it impossible to compare this album with any other Prog Rock musical.

The storyline is familiar to a couple of legendary albums 2112 and Paradise Theater. A futuristic theme of freedom and liberty vs totalitarianism. You will hear occasional drones flying around and a few casualties of freedom fighters among the militias. Anyway big tech is used once again as a complete surveillance state while censorship includes music making it illegal.

Over 2 hours in length. And an album that I find enjoyable from start to finish. Great for road trips, working, and gaming when this album gets an occasional listen. The music is phenomenal and James Labrie does an even better job here than his musical/theatrical performances with Ayreon.

A lot of songs on this album. Ravenskill, Hymn of a Thousand Voices, A Life Left Behind, Losing Faythe, Whispers in the Wind, Chosen, Begin Again all highlights.

This is something entirely different for Dream Theater. Very easy listening experience with plenty of intense and emotional moments in between. There is nothing quite like it. Everything about this album is top notch and just adds versatility and originality to the Dream Theater catalog.