The Astonishing vs 2112

[jjfumbly]

Both have similar concepts but Dream Theater's version is more developed (obviously). I don't see the Astonishing as derivative at all, it stands out on its own and I actually think it's better.

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

The only thing that's similar with these two is the setting it takes place in.

The music, on the other hand, is a whole different story. Couldn't compare them.

[BFRedrocks]

First time I heard about The Astonishing storyline, all I could think was how similar it was to 2112.  Obviously the DT story is more developed (from what we know), but I still see tremendous similarity in the overall concept.

[Kotowboy]

Astonishing.

because 2112 is by Rush.

[thosava]

The main plot point of a "chosen one" delivering music to the world is a big similarity, but that's only the premise (and a very typical hero kind of story). The Astonishing focuses alot more on character and character development.

[noxon]

And if anything, the story of a "chosen one" in a "future dystopia" is like one of the BIGGEST tropes in scifi stories. Rush stole their 2112 from Ayn Rand ffs.

[ariich]

The main plot point of a "chosen one" delivering music to the world is a big similarity, but that's only the premise (and a very typical hero kind of story). The Astonishing focuses alot more on character and character development.

Yeah exactly. And while it might be a total cheesefest, the underlying theme of forgiveness resonates pretty well with me. So 1. it's a hell of a lot of fun, and 2. there's something quite nice about it too.

[Kotowboy]

I'm so glad this album isn't super serious. That would have been a really bad move.

[SeRoX]

I saw this thread coming.

[Kotowboy]

[haceeb]

I know what I'd pick.
The Astonishing

[Pragmaticcircus]

Well the comparison is obvious but the only real similarities are the chosen one, music as a plot-point and totalitarian society...
Astonishing has a far more complex story going for it, far more character and musical development too.

[splent]

 I think it's apples and oranges. 2112 was just an epic, basically a we're going to do what we want to do and if you don't like it so what mentality behind it, not saying that the astonishing has that, but they didn't do it for that reason...

Not to mention completely different story line, completely different style of music, etc.  I love them both

[King Postwhore]

I can live with cranking both for a long, long time.

[BlobVanDam]

I vote for the DT one because it's not Rush.

[DT_12_Octavarium]

i could never get into 2112, it just sounds so unoriginal and bland. It doesn't come close to The Astonishing IMHO

[Bertie_Wooster]

The songs "2112" and "a passage to bankok" are great.    The rest is crap.
Every song on TA is good.

[DragonGuitar]

Why all the Rush hate "I pick TA because 2112 is by Rush". C'mon, guys! I LOVE Rush! And I LOVE DT!

Truth be told, we would not have The Astonishing if it wasn't for 2112.

[Polarbear]

The only thing that's similar with these two is the setting it takes place in.

The music, on the other hand, is a whole different story. Couldn't compare them.

This! I don't know why this is even a comparison.

IMHO The Astonishing is good, great even. But it doesn't come close to 2112.

[RoeDent]

There's as much of 2112 in The Astonishing as there is Romeo and Juliet, when you think about it.

2112/TA - Music used to overthrow tyranny.

R&J/TA - Death brings about unity of two warring sides.

[KevShmev]

2112 is especially unique in that the story is two-fold: yes, it is about a man in a futuristic society, but it is also about Rush's fight for artistic freedom, a fight they won when 2112 was a smash.  "We have assumed control" - yes, they certainly did. 

[erwinrafael]

2112 is especially unique in that the story is two-fold: yes, it is about a man in a futuristic society, but it is also about Rush's fight for artistic freedom, a fight they won when 2112 was a smash.  "We have assumed control" - yes, they certainly did. 

But isn't TA also DT telling RR "we're tired of churning out the metal that you want!"

[King Postwhore]

Um, it's DT saying we want to do something different.   RR has no power over that.  This was already proven with SFAM.

[BlobVanDam]

Um, it's DT saying we want to do something different.   RR has no power over that.  This was already proven with SFAM.

I'd be alarmed if RR had any say over SFAM, since they weren't with them until SC.

Otherwise I agree with you. I've never gotten the impression that RR ever had influence on what DT does. DT wouldn't have signed with them otherwise. And you know, they just let DT release a double album rock opera, so there's that.

[KevShmev]

Yep, I think Roadrunner is just there for two purposes:

1) Promotion
2) Making sure albums are squashed in the mastering phase 

[Kotowboy]

I vote for the DT one because it's not Rush.

My sentiments exactly !

[BlobVanDam]

I vote for the DT one because it's not Rush.

My sentiments exactly !

If we both stayed out of the Star Trek thread, I think we'd be the absolute best of friends.

[Kotowboy]

Into Darkness is better than Wrath of Khan


Nope. Obviously not.

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

Is Comic Sans a way of making sarcasm green a tad greener? 

[erwinrafael]

Um, it's DT saying we want to do something different.   RR has no power over that.  This was already proven with SFAM.

i was joking.

[BlobVanDam]

We don't joke on DTF. We are always serious.

[King Postwhore]

Um, it's DT saying we want to do something different.   RR has no power over that.  This was already proven with SFAM.

i was joking.

I can't tell.  You're sticking out your tongue again.

[King Postwhore]

Um, it's DT saying we want to do something different.   RR has no power over that.  This was already proven with SFAM.

I'd be alarmed if RR had any say over SFAM, since they weren't with them until SC.

Otherwise I agree with you. I've never gotten the impression that RR ever had influence on what DT does. DT wouldn't have signed with them otherwise. And you know, they just let DT release a double album rock opera, so there's that.

Listen you jive turkey!


I was just pointing out DT already won that battle a log time ago. 

[millahh]

Haven't been able to keep up on the main discussion thread, and it nearly fits here:

Am I the only one who hears almost the entire "I have memory and awareness" melody fro  Hemispheres in the Brother Can You Hear Me melody?

[Architeuthis]

Haven't been able to keep up on the main discussion thread, and it nearly fits here:

Am I the only one who hears almost the entire "I have memory and awareness" melody fro  Hemispheres in the Brother Can You Hear Me melody?

Yes, I actually sing along to that using the Hemispheres lyrics.. It may have been an intentional tribute, or it could have been unintentional .. Either way it's freakin COOL!!