Author Topic: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread  (Read 515011 times)

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Offline chrisgazpacho

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #105 on: January 28, 2016, 10:04:07 PM »
For you Spotify guys, it's now up for me here, central time zone  :metal

iTunes music is up as well.

Offline Grizz

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #106 on: January 28, 2016, 10:05:57 PM »
$34 for HDTracks?!?
Someone please tell me that the $15 CD was mastered with competence...
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Offline BlobVanDam

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #107 on: January 28, 2016, 10:08:20 PM »
$34 for HDTracks?!?
Someone please tell me that the $15 CD was mastered with competence...

The CD of The Astonishing has better mastering than the HDTracks version of DT12.

I have no idea how the HDTracks version of The Astonishing compares to the CD though. Hopefully when someone here buys it, they can do a comparison.
Only King could mis-spell a LETTER.
Yep. I think the only party in the MP/DT situation that hasn't moved on is DTF.

Offline rumborak

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #108 on: January 28, 2016, 10:09:04 PM »
Life Left Behind also has some very uncommon DT writing in it. Really like that tune (despite the Tempus Fugit opening).
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Offline Grizz

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #109 on: January 28, 2016, 10:11:32 PM »
$34 for HDTracks?!?
Someone please tell me that the $15 CD was mastered with competence...

The CD of The Astonishing has better mastering than the HDTracks version of DT12.

I have no idea how the HDTracks version of The Astonishing compares to the CD though. Hopefully when someone here buys it, they can do a comparison.
Thank god, I thought I was gonna have to sell my Dad on the idea.  :lol
"I raised the baby, I changed the baby's diapers.  Whenever the baby had projectile diarrhea, I was there in the line of fire.  I even got a little in my mouth!  I sacrificed so much for my baby.  Now my baby hates me and thinks Mike Mangini is its real father!"

Offline rumborak

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #110 on: January 28, 2016, 10:13:17 PM »
Can't say the mastering bothered me. I doubt the purchase would be worth it.
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Offline pcs90

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #111 on: January 28, 2016, 10:15:24 PM »
I can't imagine it being a major difference like it is with DT12.

Offline BlobVanDam

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #112 on: January 28, 2016, 10:18:44 PM »
The mastering on the CD actually makes it DT's most dynamic studio album since SFAM. I hope they continue with that. It makes the album so much more enjoyable to listen to.
Only King could mis-spell a LETTER.
Yep. I think the only party in the MP/DT situation that hasn't moved on is DTF.

Offline The Presence of Frenemies

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #113 on: January 28, 2016, 10:20:34 PM »
Am I the only one who thinks the title track slays Our New World? ONW is okay, but has a very ordinary feeling to it. Kind of like...Wither? (not a great comparison but couldn't think of a better analog). Astonishing, though...that ending...best two minutes of DT since Razor's Edge.
Yeah, I have no idea what the cakeless person in that analogy is meant to be eating. If he's got some sort of cake substitute, it should really have been worked into the narrative at some point. As it stands, the options are:

  • Hoard a cake just to stare blankly into its doughy edifice.
  • Make futile chewing motions with your mouth while starving to death.

Offline evz

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #114 on: January 28, 2016, 10:21:23 PM »
$34 for HDTracks?!?
Someone please tell me that the $15 CD was mastered with competence...

Usually there is a promo code (like 15-20% off)for new releases, unfortunately I haven't received the email with it yet, I usually don't get them until after 11 PST  :(

Offline pcs90

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #115 on: January 28, 2016, 10:23:25 PM »
Am I the only one who thinks the title track slays Our New World? ONW is okay, but has a very ordinary feeling to it. Kind of like...Wither? (not a great comparison but couldn't think of a better analog). Astonishing, though...that ending...best two minutes of DT since Razor's Edge.
I really do like Our New World, but the title track is a great ending. I'm not sure why some people have said they don't understand why it's there. That ending is so over the top, I love it.

Offline lonestar

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #116 on: January 28, 2016, 10:25:19 PM »
Downloading now...... (legitimately of course)

Offline ZKX-2099

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #117 on: January 28, 2016, 10:25:30 PM »
More songs need James' maniacal laughing.

Offline BlobVanDam

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #118 on: January 28, 2016, 10:26:51 PM »
More songs need James' maniacal laughing.

I love that so much. It's cheesy but awesome.


And am I the only one who maniacally laughs along with it? :lol
Only King could mis-spell a LETTER.
Yep. I think the only party in the MP/DT situation that hasn't moved on is DTF.

Offline Dexter1225

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #119 on: January 28, 2016, 10:27:10 PM »
I just got the HDTracks promo email.  However, it doesn't seem to have come with the full lyric book, FYI

Offline RMGadelha

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #120 on: January 28, 2016, 10:28:48 PM »
More songs need James' maniacal laughing.

I love that so much. It's cheesy but awesome.


And am I the only one who maniacally laughs along with it? :lol

Me too, haha. Not only his laughing, but also his screams during The Walking Shadow. "YOU MURDERER!!!!!!" It set the mood so damn well!

Offline jdprsaga

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #121 on: January 28, 2016, 10:36:36 PM »
After A few listening and a bit too much wine... I'm all into Nafaryus!!! all his songs  I'm like.. yeah this dude rocks!

Offline pcs90

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #122 on: January 28, 2016, 10:39:29 PM »
Not only his laughing, but also his screams during The Walking Shadow. "YOU MURDERER!!!!!!" It set the mood so damn well!
YESSS! I'm not normally a fan of screaming lyrics and stuff like that but this absolutely works.

Offline Volante99

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #123 on: January 28, 2016, 10:40:40 PM »
Wow, overall what a great album!!

The writing is truly inspired, production is better, and the whole album just has so much heart and energy that's been lacking since at least Octavarium.

My only complaint is that some parts of the album feel bloated.
Certain songs sound like definite filler while other songs are rushed. I think if they had trimmed this album down by about a half hour and let the quality songs breathe a little, it could have been their best record since Awake. Overall it's really really good.

Offline RMGadelha

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #124 on: January 28, 2016, 10:40:50 PM »
After A few listening and a bit too much wine... I'm all into Nafaryus!!! all his songs  I'm like.. yeah this dude rocks!

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You brought us all to tears!"

Offline pdurbin22

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #125 on: January 28, 2016, 10:43:46 PM »
Why the hell did the iTunes download not come with a digital booklet? I think I'm loving this but I am so lost!

Offline gm5k

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #126 on: January 28, 2016, 10:44:46 PM »
3:20 of "When Your Time Has Come" is so unique melodically to me and creates such a great atmosphere  :o

Offline DarkLord_Lalinc

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #127 on: January 28, 2016, 10:46:22 PM »
I think DT really scored a high this album in regards with them not holding back the epicness, the grandeur and the theatrics. Lord Nafaryus, Three Days and The Walking Shadow are three of my favorites because such elements are so present and in your face all the time.

Also, the ballads are incredible. The acoustic piano sounds absolutely amazing, and it made me recall that one of the things that people wanted the most about Rudess was more piano. Well, we now have an album in which the piano is the main instrument throughout. Amazing stuff.
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Offline RMGadelha

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #128 on: January 28, 2016, 10:46:54 PM »
Not only his laughing, but also his screams during The Walking Shadow. "YOU MURDERER!!!!!!" It set the mood so damn well!
YESSS! I'm not normally a fan of screaming lyrics and stuff like that but this absolutely works.

The whole track works for me. The mood is so tragic and creepy. That ending describing "as the weapon..." was so unexpectedly awesome. Funny how one of my favorite tracks is one of the shortest ones :D

Offline jdprsaga

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #129 on: January 28, 2016, 10:49:21 PM »
BTW Manginni is freaking awesome in this album!!! even if not outspoken about it before, I did felt like he overplayed it in DT11 and DT12, but this time he just told me to shut!

And I agree with the some other guys here about that saviour in the square Intro!! WOW!

Online Sacul

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #130 on: January 28, 2016, 10:50:22 PM »
This is like DT meets Disney or Ayreon :P

Offline pdurbin22

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #131 on: January 28, 2016, 10:53:34 PM »
I'm still only about 50% through my first listen, but I will say this: anyone who thought Dream Theater was not deserving of the "progressive" descriptor of their genre will retract their words after hearing this. Love it or hate it, it's really, really different.

Offline wideworldofmike

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #132 on: January 28, 2016, 10:54:39 PM »
This album is shiny and new. Sooooooooo good.

Offline DarkLord_Lalinc

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #133 on: January 28, 2016, 10:54:56 PM »
This is like DT meets Disney or Ayreon :P

There's this beautiful theme at the end of Begin Again that reminds me a lot of Disney. Good times.
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Offline pdurbin22

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #134 on: January 28, 2016, 10:58:38 PM »
"A New Beginning." Holy f**k are you serious? Dream Theater in a groove? Yes!

Offline bankshot

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #135 on: January 28, 2016, 11:00:14 PM »
I just got the HDTracks promo email.  However, it doesn't seem to have come with the full lyric book, FYI
I was about to reply saying my order did come with a PDF, but you're right - the PDF is just the cover image and nothing more. Normally I wouldn't care too much, but the booklet is kinda important to understand what's going with this album! Guess I'll be writing them an email to see if anything can be done.

And yikes, the $34 was a bit of a sticker shock compared to the $15 Amazon CD (which I just canceled yesterday when it was confirmed that HDTracks would have the album). Even with discount code it's almost twice the price. But I guess as a double album it's in line with other HDTracks prices.

Now to listen...

Offline pcs90

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #136 on: January 28, 2016, 11:00:21 PM »
This is like DT meets Disney or Ayreon :P
The Answer reminds me very much of some sort of Disney theme.

Offline blackmetal666

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #137 on: January 28, 2016, 11:05:26 PM »
Best album since Scenes from Memory.
Have done 8 complete listens at this point.

Haven't really liked any albums since six degrees much...but Astonishing has me floored.

This is as much as anyone could have hoped for at this point in their career.
That Dream Theater magic is back!!

So stoked about this album

Offline Implode

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #138 on: January 28, 2016, 11:07:00 PM »
Can we talk about how Hymn of a Thousand Voices  and Our New World don't sound like standard DT? This is like, the first time they've done this in a looong time. I didn't think they still had it in them.

When I think of DT playing something new in TA, first that comes to mind is A Life Left Behind. :)

Life Left Behind also has some very uncommon DT writing in it. Really like that tune (despite the Tempus Fugit opening).

I'd say LLB still sounds like DT, but it very good light DT. It's my favorite on the album I think.



That's why Our New World is my favorite song on the album, yeah. Completely unexpected, different style.

And that might be my second favorite song at the moment. It's so....different. Just doesn't sound like them at all. It's great!

Offline Architeuthis

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Re: *Official* The Astonishing discussion thread
« Reply #139 on: January 28, 2016, 11:12:17 PM »
I pre-oredered it from my local music store last week so it would be here by Friday.  I called today and the store owner forgot to order it.  I have to wait for another week to hear TA now...Arghh!!!  :censored
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