Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)

[BlobVanDam]

I hope for no narrative tracks. Semi spoken word set to music okay, but not only spoken word. I've seen somebody mention it in this thread, but there's a rockopera called Genius. Which has awesome vocalists, but horrible production and yes, every track is followed by a deep voice stating exactly wat has happened and what is going to happen. It makes it all too obvious.

Not saying that it could't be done better than that of course.

I'm thinking like dialogue over music. Like Rhapsody of Fire, with cheese factor intact.

[Nihil-Morari]

 

[BlobVanDam]

If it makes it any better, I like Rhapsody of Fire, and I love cheese, both figurative and literal.

[Cyclopssss]

The more I find out, the more I'm stoked to see them perform it in a theatre! Or Theater.

[Nihil-Morari]

I don't like cheese in metal. With the long hair, black clothes, \m/ stuff and all. I like over the top-ness in other styles of music though. I rarely like serious pop music, I often like pop music that doesn't take itself too serious, that tries to be over the top. Like the rappers that are really really gangster, admitting that they're trying hard to be like that. Rap cheese. I like blues guitar players that are non-serious over the top too. Blues Cheese (yes, pun intended). But cheese metal, nah.

[Pettor]

I think the best spoken dialogue in a concept album is Blind Guardian's Nightfall In Middle Earth. That was brilliant voice acting

[ariich]

I don't like cheese in metal. With the long hair, black clothes, \m/ stuff and all. I like over the top-ness in other styles of music though. I rarely like serious pop music, I often like pop music that doesn't take itself too serious, that tries to be over the top. Like the rappers that are really really gangster, admitting that they're trying hard to be like that. Rap cheese. I like blues guitar players that are non-serious over the top too. Blues Cheese (yes, pun intended). But cheese metal, nah.

Any particular reason for that distinction?

[Cyclopssss]

Cheese in metal. Isn't that a contradition in termine? I look at thes Uber serious, dark, black, metal METAL bands and I can't help but snigger. My criteria's are: is there melody? is there crunch? is there groove? Alright, then. Add a technical progfactor in and I'm sold. 

[Nihil-Morari]

I don't like cheese in metal. With the long hair, black clothes, \m/ stuff and all. I like over the top-ness in other styles of music though. I rarely like serious pop music, I often like pop music that doesn't take itself too serious, that tries to be over the top. Like the rappers that are really really gangster, admitting that they're trying hard to be like that. Rap cheese. I like blues guitar players that are non-serious over the top too. Blues Cheese (yes, pun intended). But cheese metal, nah.

Any particular reason for that distinction?

Taste, I guess. In blues I know saying that it's three o'clock and you're drunk, and your wife left you and you lost all your money is the equivalent of cheese, but still I can connect more to that, than to dragons and fire and that kinda stuff. 

[Prog Snob]

They will play the entire disc 1 as Act I and 2 as Act II with The Bigger Picture/Surrender to Reason as first encores and then something else to end.

Unless both CDs are full length in which it will probably just be the new album.

They'll probably do one or two familiar tracks for an encore.

[AboutToCrash]

if the album is longer than around 140 minutes I would just want to hear that fully on it's own. I think a random DT track that is not associated with the concept album will take a little from the experience. It's like reading through a book with an unrelated chapter at the end.

[BlobVanDam]

if the album is longer than around 140 minutes I would just want to hear that fully on it's own. I think a random DT track that is not associated with the concept album will take a little from the experience. It's like reading through a book with an unrelated chapter at the end.

I don't go to live shows for one book. And what if you don't even like that one book? I don't like the idea of an entire show being one album at all, especially when it's not a "classic album".

[Cyclopssss]

I just hope I get the opportunity to get enough listens in before the tour starts! 

[wolven74]

^Unless that song is an intentional unreleased track that could conceivably go on the next album.

[Train of Naught]

if the album is longer than around 140 minutes I would just want to hear that fully on it's own. I think a random DT track that is not associated with the concept album will take a little from the experience. It's like reading through a book with an unrelated chapter at the end.

I don't go to live shows for one book. And what if you don't even like that one book? I don't like the idea of an entire show being one album at all, especially when it's not a "classic album".

This was the main reason I didn't get tickets, I already thought it was kinda expensive (which was to be expected by the venues they're playing + potential orchestra included), but how odd it may sound, I want to know what kind of show I'm going to, I don't mind not knowing the setlist, hell, that makes it even better, but I want to atleast have a taste of what I can expect.

[BlobVanDam]

if the album is longer than around 140 minutes I would just want to hear that fully on it's own. I think a random DT track that is not associated with the concept album will take a little from the experience. It's like reading through a book with an unrelated chapter at the end.

I don't go to live shows for one book. And what if you don't even like that one book? I don't like the idea of an entire show being one album at all, especially when it's not a "classic album".

This was the main reason I didn't get tickets, I already thought it was kinda expensive (which was to be expected by the venues they're playing + potential orchestra included), but how odd it may sound, I want to know what kind of show I'm going to, I don't mind not knowing the setlist, hell, that makes it even better, but I want to atleast have a taste of what I can expect.

That's not odd at all. It appears as if their set will consist mostly if not entirely of an album we haven't heard at all yet. I'd want to familiarize myself with the album first and then decide if I want to pay to see it performed live. Live shows aren't cheap, so you want to be sure you'll enjoy it. If it was a random setlist from a band who you like the majority of music from anyway, no problem, but this is a unique circumstance.

[Podaar]

This was the main reason I didn't get tickets, I already thought it was kinda expensive (which was to be expected by the venues they're playing + potential orchestra included), but how odd it may sound, I want to know what kind of show I'm going to, I don't mind not knowing the setlist, hell, that makes it even better, but I want to atleast have a taste of what I can expect.

You could look at it like you might if your favorite stage troop were putting on a new, original production.

In fact, I get the feeling that is the way DT are actually looking at this project. The music, the stage production, the story and performance as a whole experience. Like you would just buy the album on the way of the theater so you could relive the experience.

[Train of Naught]

This was the main reason I didn't get tickets, I already thought it was kinda expensive (which was to be expected by the venues they're playing + potential orchestra included), but how odd it may sound, I want to know what kind of show I'm going to, I don't mind not knowing the setlist, hell, that makes it even better, but I want to atleast have a taste of what I can expect.

You could look at it like you might if your favorite stage troop were putting on a new, original production.

In fact, I get the feeling that is the way DT are actually looking at this project. The music, the stage production, the story and performance as a whole experience. Like you would just buy the album on the way of the theater so you could relive the experience.

Yea I'm almost certain that I would enjoy the concert a lot if I would go, but my main activity during a concert is usually shouting along the lyrics as loud as possible, so this would definitely be something else for a change.

[AboutToCrash]

if the album is longer than around 140 minutes I would just want to hear that fully on it's own. I think a random DT track that is not associated with the concept album will take a little from the experience. It's like reading through a book with an unrelated chapter at the end.

I don't go to live shows for one book. And what if you don't even like that one book? I don't like the idea of an entire show being one album at all, especially when it's not a "classic album".

I usually enjoy a mix, but this is different. They've done something they've never done before and may never do again, and it's not like they're going to tour this special show extensively, they will end up with a standard setlist for at least 1 leg. I'm going to the live debut in London and want to have the best possible  experience, They will obviously put a lot of work into the live aspect of it so why not experience something in it's entirety on it's own? There will be tonnes of opportunities to hear the back catalogue once the world tour starts I'm sure.

[noxon]

I wouldn't dare missing this show. It's a make or break moment for DT. It's like having the opportunity to be there when Pink Floyd played The Wall in its entirety the first time. I'm not sure it'd be as interesting to see "Jordan Rudess plays The Astonishing" 20 years from now

[Nihil-Morari]

I wouldn't dare missing this show. It's a make or break moment for DT. It's like having the opportunity to be there when Pink Floyd played The Wall in its entirety the first time. I'm not sure it'd be as interesting to see "Jordan Rudess plays The Astonishing" 20 years from now

You've got a point, but I really looked in to this again today and the Rank 5, obstructed view tickets are over 90 dollars (85 euros). That's a lot.

[Train of Naught]

For me it was either this, or Rock Am Ring, went for the latter because that's more my kind of thing. While it's also way more expensive, I've found the vibe a festival gives off so freaking overwhelmingly awesome ever since my first real festival experience last summer that I think it's more than worth it (also, it's 3 whole days).

[hefdaddy42]

Since I am a DT fan going back to 1992, no matter that I haven't heard this new album yet -

If I had access to these shows, no way in fucking hell would I miss them.

[SwedishGoose]

Since I am a DT fan going back to 1992, no matter that I haven't heard this new album yet -

If I had access to these shows, no way in fucking hell would I miss them.

Same here....

And about seeing a conceptalbum before hearing it. One of my favorite concerts was PoS - BE live about a year before the album was released.
You don't have to know the music before to enjoy the show, sometimes hearing music that is not released yet makes the experience more special.

[Dublagent66]

So much for original ideas.  Not looking forward to this album even in the slightest.

[Ben_Jamin]

Based off what we know about The Astonishing so far, I would go to this show. I'd actually rather hear it live first (Thats how I first heard Pain of Salvation 'BE' and Scenes From A Memory)

Also, since we do know the full tracklist, these shows really are The Astonishing Live. They'll likely include an encore song in the 10 or better yet 20 min range, Octavarium or A Change of Seasons would be fantastic encores.

Here's hoping they'll play somewhere close enough to me. Either way, I'm planning on going, I was a bit hurt I couldn't attend this past tour, with them playing Half of Awake and Scenes (especially Finally Free).

[RoadTrain_of Thought]

I so want to go to this show. The problem for me is that I don't think they'll come to Bulgaria. : (

[OpenYourEyes311]

I'd love to go to this show and see The Astonishing in it's entirety. Hopefully they continue to play the new album in full when they come to the States.

[Frankgate]

Hello guys, this is Francesco from Italy. 

Before any other matters, just wanted to inform you that Emperor Nafaryus is starring in new Dark Moor's official video "Imperial Earth". Go watch it! (or could I link the video?) 

[Pax]

About the titles, I would prefer if they named album "Astonishing" and song "The Astonishing "

And yeah, new tweet from Arhys

[SuperTaco]

*snip*

So much for original ideas.  Not looking forward to this album even in the slightest.

Says it isn't original. Hasn't heard one note or one lyric. Seems legit.

Also, I'll just go ahead and post the new tweet from Arhys:
"Heed not the deceit, The Empire has marked your commander as an outlaw. No amount of lies can stop us!"

[noxon]

Before any other matters, just wanted to inform you that Emperor Nafaryus is starring in new Dark Moor's official video "Imperial Earth". Go watch it! (or could I link the video?) 

Good catch! That's hilarious!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMIe4qQYr_k

[bosk1]

[off topic]Noxon, I friended you last night, in case you didn't see.  Since your entire page seems to be in Norwegian, I'm not sure how helpful it will be to me, but still.  [/off topic]

[Frankgate]

thanks

Just a few thoughts, anyway:
1) 2 CDs are more than enough for me. I'm afraid that the more the length the less the quality
2) not been a huge fan of DT in the last 15 years, but NOW I've got great expectations (just reserved my seat for Milan show)
3) do the red eyes of the NOMACS hide Easter Eggs?
4) I hate 30 seconds intros, outros, and any other word that ends with "-tros" 

Most of all, I want to preview a FULL song....... NOW! 

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

I guess each CD will be 70 minutes long, so the whole Astonishing Live show will last approximately 2:40 hours (with intermissions and breaks included, I guess). That, plus a couple of encores (hopefully The Bigger Picture or a song that hasn't been played yet) makes the whole evening show.