The Astonishing
Dream Theater · 2016
130 min · 34 tracks · progressive metal · progressive rock
An ambitious rock opera that marries intricate progressive metal with a cinematic narrative experience.
Why this album works
- Best for
- cinematic narrative journey wave-like pacing dynamics immersive two-part listening
- Context
- Released on January 29, 2016, 'The Astonishing' is Dream Theater's thirteenth studio album and marks their first major conceptual work since 'Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory' in 1999. At this point in their career, the band was exploring new musical territories and storytelling techniques, following a period of lineup stability after welcoming drummer Mike Mangini in 2010.
- If you like
- progressive metal, progressive rock
The Astonishing is an album by Dream Theater, released in 2016. An ambitious rock opera that marries intricate progressive metal with a cinematic narrative experience. 'The Astonishing' debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and has been noted for its ambitious scope as a rock opera. The album's release also sparked discussions about the future of progressive metal, illustrating both the band's enduring relevance and the challenges of innovation within the genre. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Astonishing sound like?
An ambitious rock opera that marries intricate progressive metal with a cinematic narrative experience. Rooted in progressive metal and progressive rock.
What makes The Astonishing by Dream Theater notable?
'The Astonishing' debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and has been noted for its ambitious scope as a rock opera. The album's release also sparked discussions about the future of progressive metal, illustrating both the band's enduring relevance and the challenges of innovation within the genre. Released on January 29, 2016, 'The Astonishing' is Dream Theater's thirteenth studio album and marks their first major conceptual work since 'Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory' in 1999. At this point in their career, the band was exploring new musical territories and storytelling techniques, following a period of lineup stability after welcoming drummer Mike Mangini in 2010.
Who is The Astonishing for?
The Astonishing works well if you're into cinematic narrative journey, wave-like pacing dynamics and immersive two-part listening.
How many songs are on The Astonishing?
The Astonishing has 34 tracks, running approximately 130 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Descent of the NOMACS 1:10
- 2 Dystopian Overture Standout 4:50
- 3 The Gift of Music Standout 4:00
- 4 The Answer 1:52
- 5 A Better Life 4:39
- 6 Lord Nafaryus 3:28
- 7 A Savior in the Square 4:13
- 8 When Your Time Has Come 4:19
- 9 Act of Faythe 5:00
- 10 Three Days 3:44
- 11 The Hovering Sojourn 0:27
- 12 Brother, Can You Hear Me? 5:11
- 13 A Life Left Behind Standout 5:49
- 14 Ravenskill 6:01
- 15 Chosen 4:32
- 16 A Tempting Offer 4:19
- 17 Digital Discord 0:47
- 18 The X Aspect 4:13
- 19 A New Beginning 7:40
- 20 The Road to Revolution 3:35
Disc 2
- 1 2285 Entr’acte 2:20
- 2 Moment of Betrayal 6:11
- 3 Heaven’s Cove 4:19
- 4 Begin Again 3:54
- 5 The Path That Divides 5:09
- 6 Machine Chatter 1:03
- 7 The Walking Shadow 2:58
- 8 My Last Farewell 3:44
- 9 Losing Faythe 4:13
- 10 Whispers on the Wind 1:37
- 11 Hymn of a Thousand Voices 3:38
- 12 Our New World 4:12
- 13 Power Down 1:25
- 14 Astonishing 5:51
Release Date
January 29, 2016
Artist Origin
United States
Runtime
130 min 23 sec
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