*Official* The Astonishing discussion thread

[pringkaarwanda]

This album has a bitter/sweet feel for me. I Love it the whole way through and gets better with each listen.  My wife (who's name is Victoria) passed away last summer, she loved DT's softer side and was a huge fan of James Labrie. Everytime I listen to TA, I know how much she would have been enjoying listening to this. Probably more so than any other album. Her fav song was Beneath The Surface.. This album is loaded with songs with feel and emotion and JLB shines! I personally dedicate this to her...

Sorry to hear that. Be brave my brother 

[pringkaarwanda]

I just re upload it here https://vimeo.com/153834854 

Pringka this is better than anything we officially got so far, certinly better than the trailer they gave us, great work dude 

Thankyou man 
But I still hope second video from astonishing website page is a great animation video, I always hope it will be Dystopian Overture Video Clip 

You will find out what it is soon...

Do you know something we don't Bosky?

Of course.  That should be clear.  I know exactly what the video is, and I know it is scheduled to be posted very soon.  On the original schedule, it was supposed to have already been released.  But, again, marketing schedules are typically fluid and subject to change, and things have been moved around a bit for various reasons.  The other video is going to be pretty cool.  Nothing earth-shattering.  But I am confident most people will really enjoy it.

woaah, I cant wait it anymore. Hope it will be great & cool video !! 

but, what about NOMACS eyes? is that eyes was supposed to like that? or something is gonna happen in upcoming update?? 

[TAC]

This album has a bitter/sweet feel for me. I Love it the whole way through and gets better with each listen.  My wife (who's name is Victoria) passed away last summer, she loved DT's softer side and was a huge fan of James Labrie. Everytime I listen to TA, I know how much she would have been enjoying listening to this. Probably more so than any other album. Her fav song was Beneath The Surface.. This album is loaded with songs with feel and emotion and JLB shines! I personally dedicate this to her...

Wow man, sorry to hear that.

[pantsofeternity]

This album has a bitter/sweet feel for me. I Love it the whole way through and gets better with each listen.  My wife (who's name is Victoria) passed away last summer, she loved DT's softer side and was a huge fan of James Labrie. Everytime I listen to TA, I know how much she would have been enjoying listening to this. Probably more so than any other album. Her fav song was Beneath The Surface.. This album is loaded with songs with feel and emotion and JLB shines! I personally dedicate this to her...

Aw man, that's such a touching sentiment. My heart breaks for ya. "Beneath the Surface"... she had impeccable taste. I hope an album about the connective power of music can bring you some comfort.  

[King Postwhore]

This album has a bitter/sweet feel for me. I Love it the whole way through and gets better with each listen.  My wife (who's name is Victoria) passed away last summer, she loved DT's softer side and was a huge fan of James Labrie. Everytime I listen to TA, I know how much she would have been enjoying listening to this. Probably more so than any other album. Her fav song was Beneath The Surface.. This album is loaded with songs with feel and emotion and JLB shines! I personally dedicate this to her...

I'm so glad you have these great memories of your love of your life and you shared it with us.  Thank you for sharing.

[Architeuthis]

Wow, Thanks for the kind words everyone. I think this album will help in some way. The power of music!

[mike099]

Wow, Thanks for the kind words everyone. I think this album will help in some way. The power of music!

Sorry for your loss
If you get a chance check out a symphonic tribute to DT.
Beneath the surface is one of the songs.

[Progmetty]

I'm sorry for you loss man, I dedicate my next spin of The Astonishing to the memory of the late Mrs. Architeuthis!

[cramx3]

The Gift of Music Video premiere is tomorrow, according to DT facebook

[KevShmev]

I am seeing very little chatter about Dystopian Overture, probably them doing another overture isn't as chatter-worthy as much of what they did elsewhere on this record, but the middle section where the orchestra plays one of the main themes followed by the full band coming back in with the choir singing is freaking AWESOME.

I know it is easy to get lost in all that has been posted, but I raved about it a week or so before release saying that, IMO, it could very well be the best overture they have done and is up there among the best pure instrumental songs. 

Ah.

I am not sure I can say it is one of their best instrumentals, especially since it's hard to top Erotomania or Overture 1928, but it's another great one in their long line of them. 

[theanalogkid7]

The Gift of Music Video premiere is tomorrow, according to DT facebook

Just saw this on Facebook.  Assuming this will be what fills that 2nd video slot on the /TheAstonishing page.

[ResultsMayVary]

Just realized what an amazing one-two punch "Heaven's Cove" and "Begin Again" are. Late to the party as always...

Agreed. That last section of "Begin Again" rules. Jordan killing it, as it the usual on this album.

[Ben_Jamin]

Just saw The Gift of Music official video post. Hell yeah, can't wait to see what it'll contain.

[Cream theater]

A little disappointed, thought the video would have been a different single!  Oh well I'll take anything lol.

BTW listen to the NOMAC's track on a system with a sub, talk about impact! wow it's going to sound great at the concert.

[ResultsMayVary]

There is a user on the subreddit for Dream Theater that prefers WDADU to The Astonishing and is serious about it.

I honestly don't know how to react to that.

[pcs90]

There is a user on the subreddit for Dream Theater that prefers WDADU to The Astonishing and is serious about it.

I honestly don't know how to react to that.

I've seen people say TA is their worst album. Not really sure how to react to that either.

[ResultsMayVary]

I understand everyone has their opinion, but WDADU has so many issues with it that makes it inferior to all other DT albums in every objective way.

[rumborak]

TA is a very polarizing album, I am not surprised that you would find a person who thinks that. I mean, RYM gives TA a 2.82 rating, the lowest of DT's discography. While one can certainly dismiss most of those votes as knee-jerk reactions by one-time listens, it still leaves quite a few people who really do not like this album.

[Adami]

While I don't like everything about the album, I think the high points are among DTs highest since 6 Degrees. I really enjoyed the more theatrical sections and really have give props to JR for shining so brightly on this album.

[RaasMah]

This album is supposed to be filled with Seaboard. Did anyone managed to catch when its being used?

[millahh]

TA is a very polarizing album, I am not surprised that you would find a person who thinks that. I mean, RYM gives TA a 2.82 rating, the lowest of DT's discography. While one can certainly dismiss most of those votes as knee-jerk reactions by one-time listens, it still leaves quite a few people who really do not like this album.

I think this will reverse the recent trend...I actually think time will be kind to TA as people accept it for what is is, rather than get pissed about what it isn't....the opposite of BC&SL and some other recent work, which was immediately well-received, but didn't hold up well beyond the first few months.

[johnnysuperfan]

love the intro "A Life Left Behind" , kinda like a Dixie Dregs vibe

the entire concept is very enjoyable to listen to, another favorite is "Act Of Faythe" , guess i'm getting more mellow too

no complaints here, well done DT 

[Progmetty]

A Better Life is currently my favorite, it's kinda sad to listen to though knowing what would become of Arhys and the revolution he dreamt about.

[erwinrafael]

TA is a very polarizing album, I am not surprised that you would find a person who thinks that. I mean, RYM gives TA a 2.82 rating, the lowest of DT's discography. While one can certainly dismiss most of those votes as knee-jerk reactions by one-time listens, it still leaves quite a few people who really do not like this album.

I think this will reverse the recent trend...I actually think time will be kind to TA as people accept it for what is is, rather than get pissed about what it isn't....the opposite of BC&SL and some other recent work, which was immediately well-received, but didn't hold up well beyond the first few months.

I think many people would only appreciate this when it gets staged as a theatrical production. Then they will understand why the music is written that way.

[millahh]

TA is a very polarizing album, I am not surprised that you would find a person who thinks that. I mean, RYM gives TA a 2.82 rating, the lowest of DT's discography. While one can certainly dismiss most of those votes as knee-jerk reactions by one-time listens, it still leaves quite a few people who really do not like this album.

I think this will reverse the recent trend...I actually think time will be kind to TA as people accept it for what is is, rather than get pissed about what it isn't....the opposite of BC&SL and some other recent work, which was immediately well-received, but didn't hold up well beyond the first few months.

I think many people would only appreciate this when it gets staged as a theatrical production. Then they will understand why the music is written that way.

Could be.  I guess it makes sense to me as I was in a lot of pit orchestras in college, but certainly not everyone is coming in with that sensibility.

[pcs90]

This album is supposed to be filled with Seaboard. Did anyone managed to catch when its being used?

My guess would be the solos on A Tempting Offer and A New Beginning. If not both, at least one of those is, because JR made a video of that sort of sound and said he was recording seaboard lead for the new album. Neither of those tones are ones he has used before anywhere else.

[erwinrafael]

TA is a very polarizing album, I am not surprised that you would find a person who thinks that. I mean, RYM gives TA a 2.82 rating, the lowest of DT's discography. While one can certainly dismiss most of those votes as knee-jerk reactions by one-time listens, it still leaves quite a few people who really do not like this album.

I think this will reverse the recent trend...I actually think time will be kind to TA as people accept it for what is is, rather than get pissed about what it isn't....the opposite of BC&SL and some other recent work, which was immediately well-received, but didn't hold up well beyond the first few months.

I think many people would only appreciate this when it gets staged as a theatrical production. Then they will understand why the music is written that way.

Could be.  I guess it makes sense to me as I was in a lot of pit orchestras in college, but certainly not everyone is coming in with that sensibility.

The last couple of years, I have been watching two new rock musicals (in Filipino, though) every year. I guess it's what sensitized me to what the album was doing. I can understand the shorter songs. I once listened to a song in a musical that is almost ten minutes long and what a tiring experience it was. 

[TheAtliator]

There is a user on the subreddit for Dream Theater that prefers WDADU to The Astonishing and is serious about it.

I honestly don't know how to react to that.

I might agree with that...

I understand everyone has their opinion, but WDADU has so many issues with it that makes it inferior to all other DT albums in every objective way.

And I could probably argue for WDADU being compositionally superior to TA in an objective way. I'm not sure I'd want to get that detailed in this debate, because it would take a lot of writing, and I really do love the new album. However, I do believe that the certain characteristics I find better about WDADU could be defined objectively.

[TempusVox]

This album has a bitter/sweet feel for me. I Love it the whole way through and gets better with each listen.  My wife (who's name is Victoria) passed away last summer, she loved DT's softer side and was a huge fan of James Labrie. Everytime I listen to TA, I know how much she would have been enjoying listening to this. Probably more so than any other album. Her fav song was Beneath The Surface.. This album is loaded with songs with feel and emotion and JLB shines! I personally dedicate this to her...

So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing. I truly believe music can comfort us. I hope you can continue to find comfort in this and many other things.

[BlobVanDam]

And I could probably argue for WDADU being compositionally superior to TA in an objective way. I'm not sure I'd want to get that detailed in this debate, because it would take a lot of writing, and I really do love the new album. However, I do believe that the certain characteristics I find better about WDADU could be defined objectively.

You can't prove "compositional superiority" objectively. At some point, you're still assigning subjective criteria to it.

[erwinrafael]

There is a user on the subreddit for Dream Theater that prefers WDADU to The Astonishing and is serious about it.

I honestly don't know how to react to that.

I might agree with that...

I understand everyone has their opinion, but WDADU has so many issues with it that makes it inferior to all other DT albums in every objective way.

And I could probably argue for WDADU being compositionally superior to TA in an objective way. I'm not sure I'd want to get that detailed in this debate, because it would take a lot of writing, and I really do love the new album. However, I do believe that the certain characteristics I find better about WDADU could be defined objectively.

How could you even compare the composition of both when WDADU was composed as a set of individual songs, while The Astonishing was composed as a whole. Any composition decisions for The Astonishing was made to serve what a particular point in the narrative needs. To even claim that you can compare these two different animals from a composition standpoint really stretches credibility.

[ThatOneGuy2112]

I'm generally a fan of this guy, but he just doesn't get prog rock/metal it seems... He's almost always bashing prog when he reviews it, but to call The Astonishing "All proficiency, no soul" is just wrong.
https://youtu.be/BFK3H5Tl_Lo?t=3m3s

Anthony Fantano's opinion on this album doesn't surprise me at all, nor should it surprise anyone who's been following his reviews for any decent amount of time.

His comment about "all proficiency and no soul" is very questionable though. I'd consider calling the whole "proficiency" comment objectively incorrect, since this is perhaps the most stripped back we've seen DT in terms of composition and musical complexity. And "no soul" is something that's hard to argue against since it's not like it's something you can measure and comes to different folks in different strokes. It's what I'd call a hollow, safe criticism.

[TheAtliator]

And I could probably argue for WDADU being compositionally superior to TA in an objective way. I'm not sure I'd want to get that detailed in this debate, because it would take a lot of writing, and I really do love the new album. However, I do believe that the certain characteristics I find better about WDADU could be defined objectively.

You can't prove "compositional superiority" objectively. At some point, you're still assigning subjective criteria to it.

If not compositional superiority, is there some other superiority that can be defined objectively? The post I was responding to suggests there is.

And "Compositional Superiority" sounds like a great class to take at the University of Prog Rock 

How could you even compare the composition of both when WDADU was composed as a set of individual songs, while The Astonishing was composed as a whole. Any composition decisions for The Astonishing was made to serve what a particular point in the narrative needs. To even claim that you can compare these two different animals from a composition standpoint really stretches credibility.

Long story short, you could compare each album's success at accomplishing its respective artistic goals. And then which of the artistic goals accomplishes a stronger effect on a listener. It would be debatable, of course, but I think that would be the discussion.

[BlobVanDam]

And I could probably argue for WDADU being compositionally superior to TA in an objective way. I'm not sure I'd want to get that detailed in this debate, because it would take a lot of writing, and I really do love the new album. However, I do believe that the certain characteristics I find better about WDADU could be defined objectively.

You can't prove "compositional superiority" objectively. At some point, you're still assigning subjective criteria to it.

If not compositional superiority, is there some other superiority that can be defined objectively? The post I was responding to suggests there is.

And "Compositional Superiority" sounds like a great class to take at the University of Prog Rock 

As unapproachably bad as I think WDADU is, I don't believe there is any concept of objectively better or worse in music. I could give a long list of reasons I think a song/album is good or bad, but the qualities I value as defining it as good and bad it on are ultimately going to be subjective.

And for the university of prog rock.

[Ben_Jamin]

The Outro to Begin Again reminds me of the Mother series, specifically Earthbound. I'd rather them have extended that last part instead of the ending to A New Beginning which I felt went on a tad too long.