When these progressive metal pioneers started teasing their first full concept album since 2000’s revered 'Scenes From A Memory', the excitement was almost unbearable. Then the drip feeding of cryptic and embarrassingly convoluted messages began, as key characters and conflicts were introduced, leaving fans either dreading a ridiculously overblown fantasy-themed effort, or embracing the unabashed geekiness involved. Since its release those opinions have only intensified, with 'The Astonishing' already alienating and enrapturing in equal measure.
This record's polarising power is unsurprising as it's unlike anything Dream Theater have ever done before. A bombastic rock opera featuring 34 songs that, but for a handful of tunes, ditch the metal riffage and mind-bending instrumental passages, 'The Astonishing' is sculpted on a bedrock of beautifully orchestrated soundscapes, sorrowful piano balladry, classic pomp-rock and numerous elements of musical theatre.
In fact, the whole grandiose affair is built like a Rodgers and Hammerstein stage show, using the story to inform every creative choice and give life to a fantastical tale written by guitarist John Petrucci and set in a 'retro-futuristic dystopia' where music has been forgotten.
Musically speaking, 'The Astonishing' is a stupendous achievement and easily the most emotionally and melodically rich record the band has produced, incorporating a wonderful selection of instrumental textures and leitmotifs to underscore characters and themes. Highlights include Commander Arhys’ soaring recollection of his late wife Evangeline, the Emperor's tyrannical fanfare and the nautically-charged military march of Brother, Can You Hear Me?
Don't mistake the dearth of classic Dream Theater tropes as a sign of playing it safe, either. Three Days is a delightful blend of thrashy venom, Alice Cooper villainy and swinging jazz, Hymn Of A Thousand Voices marries communal hippy-folk with a celestial choir and A New Beginning veers from chugging grooves and euphoric hooks into a sustained section of dazzling virtuosity that perfectly encapsulates a key narrative revelation.
Throughout, the band eschews self-indulgence in favour of serving the story, with Jordan Rudess' atmospheric piano evoking the world's visual imagery, Petrucci's soulful and restrained fretwork cut from David Gilmour's melodic cloth and James La Brie's performance outstanding as he embodies every character with nuanced alterations in his vocal delivery.
Some will find this lightweight aesthetic more Walt Disney than Game of Thrones, but the record's overarching message is that musical expression can unify, promote love and tolerance and heal the world. It's unashamedly romantic, corny and surprisingly old-fashioned, but also incredibly uplifting. It requires a more accessible approach to soundtrack such a universal ideal.
Where 'The Astonishing' does stumble, however, is in its highly derivative story, predictable plotting and generic, archetypal characters. Petrucci should have employed an experienced fantasy writer to co-author the piece and craft some more interesting and surprising story beats, particularly in the second half of the first act, where too much introspection births an onslaught of balladry that slows the momentum.
Having said that, the music is so spellbinding that it actually gives the characters and conflicts a greater depth of emotional resonance and intrigue than the story commands, while allowing some seemingly amateur narrative shortcuts and sharp character reversals to feel authentic within a fairytale realm where music possesses a magical power to incite instantaneous change.
To best appreciate this album, active participation is a must. Study the lyrics, visit the website, read the detailed descriptions of each song and consume it in one sitting. Although 'The Astonishing' falls slightly short of 'masterpiece' status and is understandably divisive, the amount of moving parts involved in crafting it, and how well they've been moulded into such an impressive whole, deserves respect. It's curtain call time guys, so take your bows.
Dream Theater Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu February 18 2016 - LONDON Palladium
Fri February 19 2016 - LONDON Palladium
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