Dream Theater “The Astonishing”

With their 13th record “The Astonishing,”  the prog metal band Dream Theater has taken the concept album to an entirely new level.  The epic adventure is set in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian future.  In a world without music, the oppressive feudal society is challenged by a group of rebels.  The music is grand and majestic  in scope and form.  With 34 tracks divided into two acts, “The Astonishing” is a massive and complex undertaking complete with characters, maps, and distinctive places.

The songs are meant to tell a story and lead vocalist James LaBrie is outstanding as he takes on the emotions of different characters.  Keyboardist Jordan Rudess does an incredible job providing beautiful piano that simply swells with emotion.  Adding to the lush landscape of sounds is a real orchestra and choir under the direction of conductor David Campbell.  Along with Campbell,  guitarist John Petrucci achieves a production and sound quality  that is magnetic and hypnotic.  The passion and beauty of the songs are interspersed with perfectly placed guitar runs, at just the right times, adding to the grandiose feel overall.  Although best enjoyed listening to as a whole concept, there are stand out tracks in “Chosen” and “Hymn of a Thousand Voices” that should not be missed.

Dream Theater has taken a monumental idea and turned it into the concept album of a lifetime.  “The Astonishing” is a magnificent odyssey for both the mind and the soul.