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Dream Theater => Dream Theater => Topic started by: bosk1 on November 06, 2015, 01:02:26 PM

Title: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on November 06, 2015, 01:02:26 PM
As you all know by now, the new album will be called The Astonishing.  Please post all new album-related info in this thread.

Please DO NOT post anything that has not been officially released by the band or the label.  If you are not sure, ask a mod or me before posting.  Anyone posting unauthorized information, regardless of the source, will be banned until at least the release date--no exceptions.

Unfortunately, while I was away for several hours earlier today, there was some unauthorized information posted in the other thread, and there have been several pages of discussion since then, some of it related, and some of it not, that I do not have the time to wade through.  Because of that, I have to delete that thread.  Please feel free to re-post any and all relevant information (as long is it follows the forum rules, including the ban on leaded information).  Thank you all for your understanding.

(EDIT by ariich, 13 Nov: This includes even POTENTIAL LEAKS. In the run up to album release, jokers always put fake leaks up online, some more obvious than others. From now on, these will be treated the same as real leaks. It's really quite simple - wait for official announcements/releases.)

Now let the discussion, the excitement, and the Astonishing continue...   :metal

https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 06, 2015, 01:05:08 PM
Lucien must be so happy now! ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ledlemos08 on November 06, 2015, 01:05:26 PM
Here we go again!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 01:05:33 PM
:bosky:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zydar on November 06, 2015, 01:05:34 PM
So yeah.

Looking forward to this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 01:06:52 PM
What we know so far :

• Album is most likely a concept. Also *probably* a double album as it looks like there may be 20 tracks total over two "acts".

• No Hugh Syme.

• Petrucci is reportedly producing according to Revolver Mag.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 06, 2015, 01:07:26 PM
So where were we?

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 01:08:20 PM
Can we post our own suggestions for artwork here ?

https://i.imgur.com/DVemmGk.jpg

^ I really want something along these lines. I love the colours and composition.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 06, 2015, 01:11:32 PM
Were we meant to know that certain page (from the band) that offers among other things a partial tracklist?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Progmetty on November 06, 2015, 01:11:36 PM
The "Presents" is probably gonna stick Kotowboy, I think the final release will say "Dream Theater Presents The Astonishing".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 01:12:25 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on November 06, 2015, 01:11:36 PM
The "Presents" is probably gonna stick Kotowboy, I think the final release will say "Dream Theater Presents The Astonishing".

I am down with that  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 06, 2015, 01:12:51 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 06, 2015, 01:11:32 PM
Were we meant to know that certain page (from the band) that offers among other things a partial tracklist?
Yes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 01:13:00 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 06, 2015, 01:11:32 PM
Were we meant to know that certain page (from the band) that offers among other things a partial tracklist?


This. Were we meant to even see that page ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 06, 2015, 01:28:17 PM
I will find out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Thematt202 on November 06, 2015, 01:29:47 PM
Wait, is this about the artwork thing?  If so, it was released into the public domain by the artist.  What's the issue?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 06, 2015, 01:30:16 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 01:13:00 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 06, 2015, 01:11:32 PM
Were we meant to know that certain page (from the band) that offers among other things a partial tracklist?


This. Were we meant to even see that page ?

Given that both https://twitter.com/commanderarhys and https://www.twitter.com/emperornafaryus both "tweeted" a link to the real DT site yesterday, I'd say "yes". Since both of those are "official channels"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 06, 2015, 01:36:36 PM
Ah, ok, they "announced" on Twitter then... like they announced the title on Facebook, but there was no formal news on DT.net; they went from "Tour for the new album" to "The Astonishing most anticipated album".

Anyway, who here plans a blind purchase to enjoy the album all at once? I did it for Iron Maiden's The Book of Souls, and it was great. Didn't download it, didn't hear the single or watched the video, didn't look for snippets, nothing at all. I bought the album and heard it on release day from start to finish.

If I resist the temptation (not illegal temptations... there will be a single I assume, or a promo video) I want to do the same with The Astonishing as well. No single, no clips, just buying the album and listen to the first time from start to finish to the musical sci-fi / fantasy / dystopian / whateverwasintheirmind musical movie they created. I plan to go as far as not going through the booklet before I listen to the songs, wouldn't want to have my eye slip on the last song's ending lyrics and get spoiled, or something  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: kaos2900 on November 06, 2015, 01:40:01 PM
I wonder if we would even know the title at this point if it wasn't leaked. I get the not discussing leaked music but artwork and other information seems fair game to me. It's an ambitious marketing campaign and I'm super excited it about but I hope the marketing folks at RR realize it's almost 2015 and once something hits the web it goes everywhere. As cool as this appears to be the only important thing in the end is the quality of the music. If the music sucks, which I'm sure it won't, then everything else is moot.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Thematt202 on November 06, 2015, 01:41:26 PM
Quote from: kaos2900 on November 06, 2015, 01:40:01 PM
I wonder if we would even know the title at this point if it wasn't leaked. I get the not discussing leaked music but artwork and other information seems fair game to me. It's an ambitious marketing campaign and I'm super excited it about but I hope the marketing folks at RR realize it's almost 2015 and once something hits the web it goes everywhere. As cool as this appears to be the only important thing in the end is the quality of the music. If the music sucks, which I'm sure it won't, then everything else is moot.

This guy knows the score.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: kaos2900 on November 06, 2015, 01:41:59 PM
I always say I'm not going to listen to the single, but I have confidence that this time I'll make it to release day without hearing a note. I managed it with every release of 2015 so far. I'm also not going to be visiting any album related thread until release day once (or if) the single is released.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 06, 2015, 01:46:20 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 06, 2015, 01:36:36 PM
If I resist the temptation (not illegal temptations... there will be a single I assume, or a promo video) I want to do the same with The Astonishing as well. No single, no clips, just buying the album and listen to the first time from start to finish to the musical sci-fi / fantasy / dystopian / whateverwasintheirmind musical movie they created. I plan to go as far as not going through the booklet before I listen to the songs, wouldn't want to have my eye slip on the last song's ending lyrics and get spoiled, or something  :D

I do this with movies, but haven't ever really done it with music. But since this seems to be such a different take, and a concept album, I might do it this time. We'll see.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: JediKnight1969 on November 06, 2015, 02:05:20 PM
Quote from: JediKnight1969 on June 12, 2015, 10:47:42 AM
It's gonna be a concept album.

 ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: JediKnight1969 on November 06, 2015, 02:07:17 PM
And this:

Quote from: JediKnight1969 on August 13, 2015, 10:19:18 AM
And DT13's gonna be a blast. Mark my words.

 :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 06, 2015, 02:09:30 PM
Quote from: kaos2900 on November 06, 2015, 01:40:01 PM
I wonder if we would even know the title at this point if it wasn't leaked. I get the not discussing leaked music but artwork and other information seems fair game to me. It's an ambitious marketing campaign and I'm super excited it about but I hope the marketing folks at RR realize it's almost 2015 and once something hits the web it goes everywhere. As cool as this appears to be the only important thing in the end is the quality of the music. If the music sucks, which I'm sure it won't, then everything else is moot.

Yes, the title was scheduled to be release a couple of days from when it got leaked, so they just moved the announcement a couple of days.  But as you can tell, the band and label have a pretty elaborate and structured PR campaign planned for the release of info, and they are really proud and excited about it, so let's respect that and not post leaks here.  That is the policy we have ALWAYS followed very strictly at this site out of respect for the band, and we plan to continue that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 06, 2015, 02:14:22 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 01:13:00 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 06, 2015, 01:11:32 PM
Were we meant to know that certain page (from the band) that offers among other things a partial tracklist?


This. Were we meant to even see that page ?
Quote from: bosk1 on November 06, 2015, 01:28:17 PM
I will find out.

I just got confirmation that that is meant to be released.  Anything appearing on that site is fair game.  Thanks for asking.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 02:15:06 PM
Cool. Cool.

I'm hoping 20 tracks in total . 10 per "side".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 06, 2015, 02:18:41 PM
Of course it was meant to be released, they sent emails from both factions and created two twitter accounts, as well as have proper access control on the website which means they can enable/disable whichever page they want on the homepage.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Another_Won on November 06, 2015, 02:28:02 PM
This info was not originally posted by me in the other thread but is a good topic so . . .

There is a majesty symbol on the button of Emperor Nafaryus.  It also appears that the back of the NOMAC is similar to the majesty symbol.

I believe someone asked if that means that the band is siding with the Empire.  My guess would be no.  I looked back through all the artwork from previous releases and it appears that they just find creative ways to incorporate it.  IMO they are just doing the same thing here.  We'll have to see if a majesty symbol shows up on the Ravenskill side.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ori.elias5 on November 06, 2015, 02:29:23 PM
Winter is coming, and its gonna be awesome  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 02:30:28 PM
The album will be a metaphor for the control of information and how hard it is to stop information getting out.  :omg:


IT'S ALL PART OF THE PLAN (https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zrSo1jOaEOE/SH-C1y4ZhQI/AAAAAAAAAo0/Xo5h0pDp1xI/s72-c/ledger.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 06, 2015, 02:30:58 PM
Quote from: TAC on November 06, 2015, 01:05:08 PM
Lucien must be so happy now! ;D

ohyes
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 02:31:51 PM
^ How come ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 06, 2015, 02:36:17 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 02:31:51 PM
^ How come ?

I asked a few times in the other threads why we had like 5 separate threads about the same thing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 02:37:35 PM
Quote from: Lucien on November 06, 2015, 02:36:17 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 02:31:51 PM
^ How come ?

I asked a few times in the other threads why we had like 5 separate threads about the same thing

:hifive:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: GasparXR on November 06, 2015, 02:47:35 PM
I am super excited! :caffeine:

I thought of something last night. I think it's likely that there will be a single, but what about a music video? Considering the lengths they're going through to immerse us in the story of this album, it would be awesome to have a music video featuring characters/settings/scenes from the story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Madman Shepherd on November 06, 2015, 02:47:44 PM
So I haven't posted anything about my opinion because I couldn't figure out which of the 8 threads I should post in but....

the term "rock opera" scares the shit out of me. 

Concept album?  Cool. 

Rock opera?  Ehhhh....isn't that what Nostradamus was?

I was also hoping this would be some type of alternate history but now it seems scifi.  DT are kinda striking out with me. 

I'm still psyched for it and I will still buy it the day it goes on sale but man.....I just don't know. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 02:49:13 PM
Now wait a minute, man !



Quote from: Madman Shepherd on November 06, 2015, 02:47:44 PM
.....I just don't understand. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 06, 2015, 02:54:49 PM
Quote from: GasparXR on November 06, 2015, 02:47:35 PM
I thought of something last night. I think it's likely that there will be a single, but what about a music video? Considering the lengths they're going through to immerse us in the story of this album, it would be awesome to have a music video featuring characters/settings/scenes from the story.

There are already two placeholders for videos at the Astonishing page... pretty sure if it won't be a video of a song, at the very least it will be something related to the story.


Quote from: Madman Shepherd on November 06, 2015, 02:47:44 PM
So I haven't posted anything about my opinion because I couldn't figure out which of the 8 threads I should post in but....

the term "rock opera" scares the shit out of me. 

Concept album?  Cool. 

Rock opera?  Ehhhh....isn't that what Nostradamus was?

"Rock opera" is used in such a broad way that anything with a story and a couple of characters can, and usually is, labeled as a rock opera, so don't worry too much about it  ;D

Also, I love Nostradamus, I would sign for DT to make an album (in their style of course) that I would enjoy as much as that one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Madman Shepherd on November 06, 2015, 03:17:02 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 06, 2015, 02:54:49 PM
Quote from: GasparXR on November 06, 2015, 02:47:35 PM
I thought of something last night. I think it's likely that there will be a single, but what about a music video? Considering the lengths they're going through to immerse us in the story of this album, it would be awesome to have a music video featuring characters/settings/scenes from the story.

There are already two placeholders for videos at the Astonishing page... pretty sure if it won't be a video of a song, at the very least it will be something related to the story.


Quote from: Madman Shepherd on November 06, 2015, 02:47:44 PM
So I haven't posted anything about my opinion because I couldn't figure out which of the 8 threads I should post in but....

the term "rock opera" scares the shit out of me. 

Concept album?  Cool. 

Rock opera?  Ehhhh....isn't that what Nostradamus was?

"Rock opera" is used in such a broad way that anything with a story and a couple of characters can, and usually is, labeled as a rock opera, so don't worry too much about it  ;D

Also, I love Nostradamus, I would sign for DT to make an album (in their style of course) that I would enjoy as much as that one.

The thing is, I don't give a shit about Nostradamus.  I just couldn't get into it because the guy from history doesn't interest me. 

With SFAM, even if you don't like or understand the story, there are really cool broad themes running through it that you can get into. 

If I don't end up liking the story of the Astonishing, can I really find myself singing along to some song about NOMACS and BIGMACS and whatnot? 

I hope I can...I'm keeping an open mind but man, its got me scared. 

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 06, 2015, 03:25:52 PM
Quote from: GasparXR on November 06, 2015, 02:47:35 PM
I am super excited! :caffeine:

I thought of something last night. I think it's likely that there will be a single, but what about a music video? Considering the lengths they're going through to immerse us in the story of this album, it would be awesome to have a music video featuring characters/settings/scenes from the story.

I don't know anything official about that (and if I did, I likely couldn't say anything anyway), but they have done song videos for the last two albums now, and they have had creative input into both of those, so I would be pretty surprised if they DIDN'T do a music video with aspects of the story incorporated into it.  But that is just my best guess.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 03:25:52 PM
American Idiot was called a rock opera. That was basically just a story set to music.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 06, 2015, 03:39:57 PM
I dreamt a few nights ago that I heard the new album. Sounded pretty cool. Although you guys can forget that awesome art that that guy made, because my vision says that the cover will be a large red bull doing a tough-guy face and flexing towards the camera.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TioJorge on November 06, 2015, 03:41:27 PM
Madam, I used to be weary of the term as well till I found out it's, as stated, the same exact thing as a concept album. The same. No difference except for how people want to use it.

Between the Buried and Me's Coma Ecliptic is a rock opera.
Dream Theater's SFAM is a rock opera.
Coheed and Cambria's entire discography except their newest album are all rock operas.
Many of The Dear Hunter's albums are rock operas (this one actually works perfectly with the term given the orchestral nature).

You can even call Porcupine Tree's The Incident a rock opera if you so please. It's just another term, albeit one I think sounds dumbfuckish as all hell and ridiculously cheesy, but whatever. 'Concept album' has been beaten to death though, so I guess they needed something else to attribute a story told through music. I personally would only use the term for the more extravagant works like Coheed/TDH and since BTBAM themselves called CE a rock opera, I suppose that works as well.

Point is, don't get hung up on that wording. I did the same thing when Mr. Giles used the term to describe their (at the time) upcoming album and freaked out thinking it'd be this huge change in direction and a totally different experience but nope. Just a different term for the same shit. Apparently it's been used for a while but I hadn't heard it till that time, which wasn't that long ago at all. Just one of those things I guess. Who would'a thunk it? My friend the other day admitted he had no fucking clue what a kolache was. No idea. Granted, he lives in the boonies of Louisiana but still... :lol

I digress. I'm excited that they're doing another concept album and I think that, however much bleu cheese is oozing out of it, it'll be an interesting and fun experience. SFAM is still one of a handful of concept albums that I can sit through entirely and not get bored. If this is an album that can tell a story I can actually follow and keeps my interest piqued while still getting me into the music, I'll be happy. I haven't liked DT's past couple albums aside from literally one or two songs so I'm not holding my breath but I think if anything could breathe new life into the band (for me), it'd be this. I'm all for the ridiculously fantastical, utterly insane sci/fi, preposterously obtuse, overly complicated stories so I have no worries about that aspect.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 03:41:47 PM
(https://www.cliparthut.com/clip-arts/1478/running-bull-cartoon-1478180.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: LCArenas on November 06, 2015, 03:43:00 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 03:25:52 PM
American Idiot was called a rock opera. That was basically just a story set to music.
With songs very loosely related to the actual story

This is going to be either one of the Top 4 albums they've ever released or one of the Bottom 3 they have. It's big, it's ambitious, and it's so absolutely full of itself that I can't see it coming up as mediocre in any way
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 06, 2015, 03:44:17 PM
Quote from: TioJorge on November 06, 2015, 03:41:27 PM
I'm all for the ridiculously fantastical, utterly insane sci/fi, preposterously obtuse, overly complicated stories so I have no worries about that aspect.  :lol

What is your opinion on the emails that have been sent out, etc, that have been building the world, then?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Madman Shepherd on November 06, 2015, 03:47:20 PM
Quote from: TioJorge on November 06, 2015, 03:41:27 PM

Dream Theater's SFAM is a rock opera.

...but I've never really heard it called that. 

If they are just calling it that because it sounds cooler, then fine.  I hope thats all it is. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 06, 2015, 03:57:18 PM
I'm sorry the "leaking" part is over now, because it wasn't real leaks where someone from inside publishes material on torrent, it was more of "discovering" new stuff by smart people here by legal means only (i.e. image searching and reading the source code, not actually hacking the site)
But if it makes DT sad, we won't do it anymore. Just imagine Petrucci scrolling down these messages and sees we know many things and surprises we actually weren't supposed to know yet, and sad face he would make... WE'RE SORRY, JP, JUST DON'T MAKE THE SAD FACE :'(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Fatal Tragedy on November 06, 2015, 03:57:40 PM
I don't think this was mentioned anywhere yet, but I noticed something interesting about the background image on the album website. In between the transition of the picture of the monastery and the design sketches of the NOMACS are numerous blades of grass that appear to be cut-out in a way that suggests that there is another image hiding behind it.
Here is a link to the background image for easier reference:
https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/Minisite_BG_LargerScreens_0.jpg (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/Minisite_BG_LargerScreens_0.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: EraVulgaris on November 06, 2015, 04:00:17 PM
I feel (and fear) like this album could turn out like the last Ayreon record The Theory of Everything. The music is great and I love listening to the instrumental parts, but the lyrics are shallow at best and embarrasing at worst, it's really hard to ignore that while enjoying the music itself. I hope they really took their time with those lyrics.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on November 06, 2015, 04:03:32 PM
I'm hoping for 10 tracks on each act. Hopefully they won't slack on the lengthier ones either
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jakepriest on November 06, 2015, 04:09:15 PM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on November 06, 2015, 04:00:17 PM
I feel (and fear) like this album could turn out like the last Ayreon record The Theory of Everything. The music is great and I love listening to the instrumental parts, but the lyrics are shallow at best and embarrasing at worst, it's really hard to ignore that while enjoying the music itself. I hope they really took their time with those lyrics.

The problem with The Theory of Everything aren't the lyrics but subpar vocal melodies, but then again I never pay any attention to lyrics so I don't mind however cheesy they are.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: EraVulgaris on November 06, 2015, 04:20:41 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on November 06, 2015, 04:09:15 PM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on November 06, 2015, 04:00:17 PM
I feel (and fear) like this album could turn out like the last Ayreon record The Theory of Everything. The music is great and I love listening to the instrumental parts, but the lyrics are shallow at best and embarrasing at worst, it's really hard to ignore that while enjoying the music itself. I hope they really took their time with those lyrics.

The problem with The Theory of Everything aren't the lyrics but subpar vocal melodies, but then again I never pay any attention to lyrics so I don't mind however cheesy they are.

Quote
Teacher:
I can’t believe… this can’t be true.
How could you know?
I’ve tried to solve this
For as long as I recall

Is this your work? Be honest now
How did you do it?
I’m not angry, boy
But I really need to know

Prodigy:
I’m sorry, sir, I can’t explain
It’s the way I’ve always been
You see, the numbers just appear
Before my eyes


Rival:
Don’t believe him, no! He is envious!
I’ve felt it from the start
In every class, I’ve always been the genius
And he just wants to be like me

Don’t let him deceive you
He’s nothing but a fake
A sad pretender
Trying to take my place

Don’t let him deceive you
He’s nothing but a fake
A sad pretender
A total waste of space

Girl:
Why do you torment him, are you jealous?
There must be a reason you’re so cruel
What have you got against him?
Does he scare you?
What did he ever do to you?


Rival:
Oh no, I can’t believe
You’re falling for this loser
Oh no, I thought you knew
That I am so much cooler!



 ;)

We'll see, though. I don't love the lyrics for SFAM either (don't care about the story at all), but can still listen to the music just fine.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: paulstfu on November 06, 2015, 04:45:20 PM
The "Oh no, I thought you knew That I am so much cooler!" part made me chuckle the first time  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jakepriest on November 06, 2015, 05:24:21 PM
Oh lord I totally forgot about that part of Love and Envy.  :lol Yeah that's pretty bad.
One can only hope the album turns out like The Human Equation in terms of music and vocals.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Crow on November 06, 2015, 05:25:55 PM
am i the only one hoping the album is only like 90ish minutes between both discs
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 06, 2015, 05:26:54 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 06, 2015, 05:25:55 PM
am i the only one hoping the album is only like 90ish minutes between both discs

Nope. I'm definitely hoping for shorter rather than longer.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 05:29:19 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 06, 2015, 05:26:54 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 06, 2015, 05:25:55 PM
am i the only one hoping the album is only like 90ish minutes between both discs

Nope. I'm definitely hoping for shorter rather than longer.

Biffy Clyro released a double album that was just under 40 minutes per disc. A slight shave and it could have fit on one CD.

One of the few double albums i've heard which isn't all great on the first CD and mostly good on the second CD.

Pretty strong throughout. But something like that could be good. 40 minutes per CD would be fine.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 06, 2015, 05:34:05 PM
If it just happened to end up being longer than a regular disc because they still had to finish off the concept, it's all good, as long as it wasn't a case of "USE ALL THE SPACE!"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 05:35:53 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 06, 2015, 05:34:05 PM
If it just happened to end up being longer than a regular disc because they still had to finish off the concept, it's all good, as long as it wasn't a case of "USE ALL THE SPACE!"

Yeah even Metallica didn't release Load & Reload ALL AT ONCE. They were at least smart enough to release them a year apart..

2 hours and 40 minutes of new music is a lot to digest.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Crow on November 06, 2015, 05:36:43 PM
i'm gonna give it a caution listen if they stream the full album but i'm not sure if i'd want to pay for 120+ minutes of prog metal concept cheese anyways, blah  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 05:42:56 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 06, 2015, 05:36:43 PM
i'm gonna give it a caution listen if they stream the full album but i'm not sure if i'd want to pay for 120+ minutes of prog metal concept cheese anyways, blah  :lol

Depends on the packaging too.

If the album is amazing and the artwork and packaging is amazing. I may get it on CD and Vinyl too just to look at.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: yorost on November 06, 2015, 05:56:00 PM
All depends. Well done music is well done. If the musicians are going out and making what they want and loving it, length can be somewhat irrelevant. Some double discs are ear candy that fly by while some single discs are tough to stomach.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ErHaO on November 06, 2015, 06:12:01 PM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on November 06, 2015, 04:20:41 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on November 06, 2015, 04:09:15 PM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on November 06, 2015, 04:00:17 PM
I feel (and fear) like this album could turn out like the last Ayreon record The Theory of Everything. The music is great and I love listening to the instrumental parts, but the lyrics are shallow at best and embarrasing at worst, it's really hard to ignore that while enjoying the music itself. I hope they really took their time with those lyrics.

The problem with The Theory of Everything aren't the lyrics but subpar vocal melodies, but then again I never pay any attention to lyrics so I don't mind however cheesy they are.


Quote
Teacher:
I can’t believe… this can’t be true.
How could you know?
I’ve tried to solve this
For as long as I recall

Is this your work? Be honest now
How did you do it?
I’m not angry, boy
But I really need to know

Prodigy:
I’m sorry, sir, I can’t explain
It’s the way I’ve always been
You see, the numbers just appear
Before my eyes


Rival:
Don’t believe him, no! He is envious!
I’ve felt it from the start
In every class, I’ve always been the genius
And he just wants to be like me

Don’t let him deceive you
He’s nothing but a fake
A sad pretender
Trying to take my place

Don’t let him deceive you
He’s nothing but a fake
A sad pretender
A total waste of space

Girl:
Why do you torment him, are you jealous?
There must be a reason you’re so cruel
What have you got against him?
Does he scare you?
What did he ever do to you?


Rival:
Oh no, I can’t believe
You’re falling for this loser
Oh no, I thought you knew
That I am so much cooler!



 ;)

We'll see, though. I don't love the lyrics for SFAM either (don't care about the story at all), but can still listen to the music just fine.


To be fair, that part of the story is in highschool, so at least the teenage awkwardness makes sense. That said, I love the actual story told in Theory of Everything a lot. But the lyrics can indeed be a bit too literal at times.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Rodni Demental on November 06, 2015, 06:12:09 PM
I'd like to listen to it blind (deaf?, okay the saying doesn't really work here).  :lol

If a single comes out, there's no chance I'm even slightly going to be able to resist listening to it. My best bet is to just stop looking for info. until the albums out. But curiosity always get's the better of me.  :xbones
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erwinrafael on November 06, 2015, 07:07:12 PM
Some random thoughts on The Astonishing hype so far:

I've been listening repeatedly to ITPOE Pt. 1 and 2 since I read the news. I think we would be looking back on that song once this album comes out as something of a prototype idea.

I think this is not really a full JP project. For instance, LaBrie said in an interview once that he would be contributing lyrics to this album after he declined to write lyrics in the self-titled because he already spent a lot of creative energy for Impermanent Resonance.

Mangini's most recent post said "I'll be focusing most everything I do on this for a while: London, February 18th is the first night of the tour, and the worldwide premier of The Astonishing Live!" Given that it's November, it looks like Mike is involved in fixing and programming the click tracks for their sets. Back in September, he already posted this "There'll be a clinic or few popping up this fall between stuff I have to do to prepare for DT 2016" so he's been preparing way ahead of the tour.

And of course he posted this back in May:

"What have I been up to? Muaah ha ha ha ... it is a secret ;) But I am hitting a lot of drums, smiling more than anyone should be allowed and burning a lot of calories too."

I have also been thinking a bit (overthinking most likely) and I am trying to find a connection between the Dream Theater album and The Astonishing. I remember them saying that the Dream Theater album would mark the direction the band would be taking moving forward, and what I see is that it looks like they are now putting emphasis on THEATER in the Dream Theater name.

For the last album, they aimed for a cinematic feel (whether they achieved it or not is a matter of opinion). They have an intro music, a closing credits music, the songs are sequenced like a show (the DT12 songs are actually played in the album order in the last tour), and they have been repeatedly using the term cinematic in describing the album as a whole and individual songs like The Bigger Picture and Illumination Theory. The last tour has the most integrated musical and visual experience so far.

And now they are doing a rock opera.

And for my final random thought, would the next tour again not feature any Images and Words song in the set? Is Dream Theater really moving forward confident that they need not live under the shadow of their biggest success?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: KevShmev on November 06, 2015, 07:17:41 PM
Rock opera is just a fancy way of dressing up the phrase "concept album," especially since the definition of a concept album has been expanded to now include albums that are merely thematic in nature.  A rock opera is something that will tell a specific story (which is really just what a concept album should be). 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 06, 2015, 07:22:36 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 06, 2015, 05:34:05 PM
If it just happened to end up being longer than a regular disc because they still had to finish off the concept, it's all good, as long as it wasn't a case of "USE ALL THE SPACE!"
Even if it's two discs, which seems moderately likely right now, I'd be surprised if it was literally double-length, i.e. both discs filled. You never know though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erwinrafael on November 06, 2015, 07:23:45 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on November 06, 2015, 07:17:41 PM
Rock opera is just a fancy way of dressing up the phrase "concept album," especially since the definition of a concept album has been expanded to now include albums that are merely thematic in nature.  A rock opera is something that will tell a specific story (which is really just what a concept album should be).

Yeah. but as you said, concept album has now expanded its definition. Hand.Cannot. Erase, for example, is a concept album but it is not a rock opera. Maybe rock opera now refers specifically to albums with multiple characters speaking to each other.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 06, 2015, 07:28:17 PM
Quote from: erwinrafael on November 06, 2015, 07:23:45 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on November 06, 2015, 07:17:41 PM
Rock opera is just a fancy way of dressing up the phrase "concept album," especially since the definition of a concept album has been expanded to now include albums that are merely thematic in nature.  A rock opera is something that will tell a specific story (which is really just what a concept album should be).

Yeah. but as you said, concept album has now expanded its definition. Hand.Cannot. Erase, for example, is a concept album but it is not a rock opera. Maybe rock opera now refers specifically to albums with multiple characters speaking to each other.
There was definitely a definition that someone posted that made the distinction that in a rock opera, the lyrics are dialogue in a single story/narrative. Which makes sense.

All the same to me really, I'm not against the term "rock opera" but I don't use it either (EDIT: Except with things like Ayreon that use a full cast - that for me personally is the distinction).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erwinrafael on November 06, 2015, 08:08:08 PM
I am also excited that the tour would debut  on my birthday. Although the chances of me ever seeing them live in my lifetime is nil.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: cramx3 on November 06, 2015, 08:58:55 PM
I missed all the discussion of leaked material, but whatever, this is what I thought was going to happen once the tour got out, double disc rock opera.  Im excited, the band has yet to let me down!  :metal  I just hope they bring the rock opera to the states.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DragonAttack on November 06, 2015, 09:06:00 PM
Just wish whoever did the clever satire to the middle section of BoRhap would repost it.  Sadly, I saved the link to show the wife (which, obviously, no longer works) instead of copying it.

Thanks in advance.

[the wife works fine]
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on November 07, 2015, 12:44:29 AM
I'm super confident that this album is going to kick major ass.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 07, 2015, 01:12:39 AM
Many people here seem to not find lyrics important at all, even to the point of "not even listening to them, so it doesn't even matter". I'm the opposite, I find lyrics to be super important. Which is one big reason I didn't like DT12 and BC&SL. Bad lyrics in music is like bad sound in a movie or video, no matter how good the rest is, it'll give me an overwhelming sense of amateurism.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 07, 2015, 01:51:28 AM
Lyrics to me is like the icing on the Cake... fantastic icing and terrible cake will not be touched, fantastic cake and terrible icing will be consumed ignoring the icing but when both are fantastic that is where the real pleasure lies...

Let's hope for an astonishing cake with astonishing icing..... they can do it
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 07, 2015, 03:29:21 AM
Here's what I rate as important for my enjoyment in an album :

1. Songs
2. Production
3. Lyrics
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 07, 2015, 03:50:03 AM
For me is:

- Songs
- Lyrics
- Production

While I appreciate a good sound, I'm kinda hearing impaired when it comes to these very articulate details I always see debated about the production, so I'm kinda happy to be "not educated" in this sense 'cause I can enjoy any album without killing myself over the sound  :D I understand many people have the means to pay a proper attention to that, I'm just happy to not be one of them.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 07, 2015, 04:28:46 AM
To me, "songs" and "lyrics" would be the same thing. The lyrics and vocals are as much part of the song as anything the guitar or any other instrument does.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 07, 2015, 04:37:07 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 07, 2015, 03:50:03 AM
For me is:

- Songs
- Lyrics
- Production

While I appreciate a good sound, I'm kinda hearing impaired when it comes to these very articulate details I always see debated about the production, so I'm kinda happy to be "not educated" in this sense 'cause I can enjoy any album without killing myself over the sound  :D I understand many people have the means to pay a proper attention to that, I'm just happy to not be one of them.
I feel the same way, don't really get annoyed with it quickly. Lyrics pretty much the same, once you've listened to Seventh Wonder's Mercy Falls you will never complain about cheesy lyrics again.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Edson Wilton on November 07, 2015, 04:51:10 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 07, 2015, 04:28:46 AM
To me, "songs" and "lyrics" would be the same thing. The lyrics and vocals are as much part of the song as anything the guitar or any other instrument does.

Yeap! I agreed!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 07, 2015, 06:04:04 AM
Although - some times an album can fail on all counts and still be somewhat enjoyable.

St. Anger has terrible songs, production and lyrics but I still enjoy it somewhat :p


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 07, 2015, 06:15:09 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 07, 2015, 04:28:46 AM
To me, "songs" and "lyrics" would be the same thing. The lyrics and vocals are as much part of the song as anything the guitar or any other instrument does.
Agreed.

But I didn't find any awful lyrics on DT12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nick on November 07, 2015, 06:21:04 AM
Hey guys, just a quick heads up, my radio show has started a new monthly podcast to discuss musical topics, and the lead topic on the first one was the new Dream Theater album and PR campaign. You can check it out below, thanks. :)

https://wpapu.com/ep-324-november-music-mixer/

Quote
Hello everyone, a very special When Prog and Power Unite podcast went live this morning. It's called the November Music Mixer, and instead of being primarily music, it features all three contributors to the show talking about various musical topics.

On the docket for this debut mixer is the new album news and PR campaign from Dream Theater​, who appear to be going all out on the new album and tour. We talk about the expected return to heavier material from Swedish band Pain of Salvation​. We also discuss the recent appearance of Ghost B.C​ on The Late Show with Steven Colbert, as well as the latest album from Trivium​, Silence in the Snow. Finally we went back to talk about the huge new album from Iron Maiden​, and to discuss some bad concert experiences.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 07, 2015, 06:37:13 AM
Do you guys think that the theatrical nature of the album will allow for more unusual and story-oriented structures for songs? I'd like to think the vast majority of DT's fans praise Finally Free for the awesome masterpiece it is, and one of the things I like about that song is its one of a kind structure, sure there are verses and choruses, but then goes off the tangent with the One Last Time reprise, the climatic ending, it has acoustic moments both with piano and guitar etc etc... I feel the song structure serves the song lyrics, and not the other way around.

I'd love for a song with many twists and turns, very "cinematic", and also other weird / unusual stuff here and there: a short piano piece, like Vacant or Through My Words, an acoustic song, a song that shuffles around its structure to better suit the lyrics... as many as variety as possible, I'd love for them to have on this record an unusual song as Empire of the Clouds was for Iron Maiden, or Slow Love Slow for Nightwish on their Imaginaerum album.

I actually want to feel immersed in a story, like SFAM with the (short and to the point) spoken parts, not a random collection of songs that happen to tell a story with their lyrics... if a concept must be, I want them to go musically all the way!  :coolio
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Rickharris1011 on November 07, 2015, 06:41:56 AM


But I didn't find any awful lyrics on DT12.
[/quote]

+1 sometimes a bit cheesy - but nobody is smoking on a pipe, praising the dark master or burning souls.

There's usually an element of cheesiness to any "rock opera/concept album" Its ridiculously hard to do.  Think of all that must be accomplished:

a. write a story that is compelling and interesting enough for 1-2 hours worth of music - that's hard - so many "rock operas" are very derivative - musicians aren't novelists.
b. set it to music - you might have a great lyric, but if it doesn't quite fit with the meter/melody - it can be awful (does anyone else cringe when JL sings "dose of reality" in HTF)
c. Have most of the songs stand out on their own without seeming weird.  Goodbye Kiss always struck me as a perfect part to the whole, but on its own..."why is JL singing like a woman"

As much as I love classics like the Wall, Lamb lies down on Broadway, Operation Mindcrime and  Tommy - they all fall into cheesiness at times.



Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 07, 2015, 07:15:26 AM
king darius.the king cyrus.the king of kings. whats ur idea about the making persian scales and classical opera together?i say to it (high Astonishing Colossal)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 07, 2015, 07:57:45 AM
kingshmegland
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jakepriest on November 07, 2015, 08:25:06 AM
Quote from: Rickharris1011 on November 07, 2015, 06:41:56 AM
(does anyone else cringe when JL sings "dose of reality" in HTF)

No.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 07, 2015, 08:32:10 AM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 07, 2015, 07:15:26 AM
king darius.the king cyrus.the king of kings. whats ur idea about the making persian scales and classical opera together?i say to it (high Astonishing Colossal)
What?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 07, 2015, 08:55:01 AM
Well it's not the standard first DTF post format that's for sure.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 07, 2015, 10:04:37 AM
Quote from: kingshmegland on November 07, 2015, 07:57:45 AM
kingshmegland

 :lol

Astonishing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CrimsonSunrise on November 07, 2015, 10:32:02 AM
I've always loved and supported most everything DT has done.  That being said, I'm a little apprehensive with this one.  The theme, from what I've seen so far, seems to be a futuristic/sci-fi based story.  Being a huge Sci-fi fan I'm afraid I might be a bit more critical of the story line and less tolerant of any cheese factors.  Also, reading the first emails, it really on the surface reeks of a 2112-ish theme.  I HOPE it only seems that way, and any similarities stop there and major comparisons can't be drawn.  A couple of things that make me less apprehensive are the successes of SFAM and 6DOIT as DT theme driven albums.  They've proven they can tell a story effectively.  In the Sci-fi genre, I think it's a bit tougher.  I would rather have a well done single concept album than a cheese filled double album.  Here's to hoping my gut is wrong on this one.  Cause if it IS... then we're gonna get something spectacular.  I do also like the way RR seems to be marketing the work.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 07, 2015, 10:38:52 AM
It's more dystopian than sci-fi.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikidream on November 07, 2015, 10:45:24 AM
I am still wondering how it is possible that they screwed up so much with the promotion of the album... one thing is if something leaks from someone that illegally stole or copied materials... but I guess that DT themselves sent the sample of the poster to the venues... and the other thing came from the artist himself... so I am quite speechless...

Said that... as we I love them, I understand and respect Bosk's position... it is just these things weren't real leaks IMHO, just lack of attention from who is in charge of this campaign... quite disappointing I have to say... it was very anticlimactic...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TheOutlawXanadu on November 07, 2015, 10:57:39 AM
Quote from: CrimsonSunrise on November 07, 2015, 10:32:02 AM
I've always loved and supported most everything DT has done.  That being said, I'm a little apprehensive with this one.  The theme, from what I've seen so far, seems to be a futuristic/sci-fi based story.  Being a huge Sci-fi fan I'm afraid I might be a bit more critical of the story line and less tolerant of any cheese factors.  Also, reading the first emails, it really on the surface reeks of a 2112-ish theme.  I HOPE it only seems that way, and any similarities stop there and major comparisons can't be drawn.  A couple of things that make me less apprehensive are the successes of SFAM and 6DOIT as DT theme driven albums.  They've proven they can tell a story effectively.  In the Sci-fi genre, I think it's a bit tougher.  I would rather have a well done single concept album than a cheese filled double album.  Here's to hoping my gut is wrong on this one.  Cause if it IS... then we're gonna get something spectacular.  I do also like the way RR seems to be marketing the work.

I have a feeling that if you don't like cheese, you're not going to like TA. That said, if you embrace the cheese and go all-out nerd, it will probably be spectacular. Whatever the case, it's going to be different and memorable, which is cool.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CrimsonSunrise on November 07, 2015, 11:09:10 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 07, 2015, 10:38:52 AM
It's more dystopian than sci-fi.

OK.. you're a bigger, more articulate nerd than me  :biggrin: 


Quote from: TheOutlawXanadu on November 07, 2015, 10:57:39 AM
I have a feeling that if you don't like cheese, you're not going to like TA. That said, if you embrace the cheese and go all-out nerd, it will probably be spectacular. Whatever the case, it's going to be different and memorable, which is cool.

I can handle some cheese, but like someone else stated.... as long as it's not embarrassing... :lol  And don't get me wrong, I will embrace it.  I want it to be something I can cherish for years, not a case of . I just hope it's not a wasted opportunity for the band.  You only get a chance or two at something this unique in a bands career.  I would guess all of us as DT supporters would like something so frikken epic that we could turn to the naysayers and go.."See!!"

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Tomislav95 on November 07, 2015, 11:24:36 AM
I'm just listening to Octavarium (song) and I think that kind of music would fit in sci-fi/fantasy concept. Maybe boosted with JRs apps/instruments.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: 20th Century Icon on November 07, 2015, 11:28:40 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 07, 2015, 01:12:39 AM
Many people here seem to not find lyrics important at all, even to the point of "not even listening to them, so it doesn't even matter". I'm the opposite, I find lyrics to be super important. Which is one big reason I didn't like DT12 and BC&SL. Bad lyrics in music is like bad sound in a movie or video, no matter how good the rest is, it'll give me an overwhelming sense of amateurism.

If lyrics are super important to you, why are you a fan of DT? That hasn't been their strong suit since Kevin Moore left. The last two albums aren't any worse than their previous efforts, IMO.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: YtseJamittaja on November 07, 2015, 12:03:14 PM
What if this is the cover art for the new album, just without the "live"? I doubt it but could be...

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12188941_1044853985566613_8837266091207471037_n.jpg?oh=eec9181553d9ce64da78f30b5c0c81f9&oe=56B6A0FB)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ThatOneGuy2112 on November 07, 2015, 12:03:25 PM
I value the music itself (composition, instrumentation, and vocal melodies even) over lyrics more as a result of how I find myself enjoying what I listen to. I can still listen to a song with bad lyrics if the music is interesting to me enough, but I won't be able to get into a song with great lyrics as much if the music isn't as engaging to me.

It's totally fair to point out that lyrics can be seen as simply part of the music, and part of the whole which determines your ultimate opinion on the music in question. I say, why can't we have both? :lol

Off topic, but I find it interesting that so many posters here are predicting that TA will either be one of their best or worst efforts, with no potential middle ground seemingly. I don't understand this at all. It might be one of their most ambitious projects, sure, but what's to stop it from being middle-brow DT material if that so happens to be the case? I can totally believe that it may have some elements that work and others that don't. Point is, we have no way of knowing since we've heard zero actual material from the album. :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TL on November 07, 2015, 12:05:58 PM
Quote from: TheOutlawXanadu on November 07, 2015, 10:57:39 AM
Quote from: CrimsonSunrise on November 07, 2015, 10:32:02 AM
I've always loved and supported most everything DT has done.  That being said, I'm a little apprehensive with this one.  The theme, from what I've seen so far, seems to be a futuristic/sci-fi based story.  Being a huge Sci-fi fan I'm afraid I might be a bit more critical of the story line and less tolerant of any cheese factors.  Also, reading the first emails, it really on the surface reeks of a 2112-ish theme.  I HOPE it only seems that way, and any similarities stop there and major comparisons can't be drawn.  A couple of things that make me less apprehensive are the successes of SFAM and 6DOIT as DT theme driven albums.  They've proven they can tell a story effectively.  In the Sci-fi genre, I think it's a bit tougher.  I would rather have a well done single concept album than a cheese filled double album.  Here's to hoping my gut is wrong on this one.  Cause if it IS... then we're gonna get something spectacular.  I do also like the way RR seems to be marketing the work.

I have a feeling that if you don't like cheese, you're not going to like TA. That said, if you embrace the cheese and go all-out nerd, it will probably be spectacular. Whatever the case, it's going to be different and memorable, which is cool.
I know that for me, it will really depend on the flavor of that cheese.
When done right, cheese can make for some amazing, incredibly fun and enjoyable music. If it misses the mark though (say, if it takes itself too seriously instead of embracing the cheesiness) it can be a trainwreck. I'm definitely hoping this record ends up being the former.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 07, 2015, 12:09:34 PM
Quote from: ThatOneGuy2112 on November 07, 2015, 12:03:25 PM
Off topic, but I find it interesting that so many posters here are predicting that TA will either be one of their best or worst efforts, with no potential middle ground seemingly. I don't understand this at all. It might be one of their most ambitious projects, sure, but what's to stop it from being middle-brow DT material if that so happens to be the case? I can totally believe that it may have some elements that work and others that don't. Point is, we have no way of knowing since we've heard zero actual material from the album. :corn
Yes, I don't get this either, I mean, especially for a DT album, where very rarely something is universally considered their best or their worst, maybe a few exceptions (think of I&W, WDADU SFAM, something like that).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zydar on November 07, 2015, 12:19:03 PM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on November 07, 2015, 12:03:14 PM
What if this is the cover art for the new album, just without the "live"? I doubt it but could be...
Yeah I've pondered that too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Crow on November 07, 2015, 12:29:05 PM
it'll either be great or bad because of how grandiose it is. either it'll be a huge success or crash and burn miserably. even if the music is middling in quality, it has a lot of hype to live up to because of the concept.

also a double album of middling music is way worse than a single disc of middling music
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Aythesryche on November 07, 2015, 01:38:30 PM
Quote from: Zydar on November 07, 2015, 12:19:03 PM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on November 07, 2015, 12:03:14 PM
What if this is the cover art for the new album, just without the "live"? I doubt it but could be...
Yeah I've pondered that too.

I don't think it will be. I'm just going by how creative this artist is that's working on all this new material for DT. Something tells me he's not lazy like Syme at all, and he probably presented DT with a handful of grand options to choose from for the cover.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Setlist Scotty on November 07, 2015, 02:13:07 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 07, 2015, 12:29:05 PM
also a double album of middling music is way worse than a single disc of middling music
Not sure I agree with that. Whenever a favorite album or song thread comes up, it's amazing to see how many people express polar opposites about so many different albums/songs. So while some songs may be considered drivel by one part of the fanbase, another part may love it. Having more material to enjoy increases the amount of chance that something is going to click and be enjoyable to each person. Sure, it also means that there's more of a chance for someone to hate more songs, but I'd rather have more material to pick from than less. There's always the skip button if I don't like something.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 07, 2015, 02:36:59 PM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on November 07, 2015, 12:03:14 PM
What if this is the cover art for the new album, just without the "live"? I doubt it but could be...

*snip*

That would be a pretty good album cover, but considering that this project seems to be bigger and more complex than most DT albums, I'd wager that the real cover will be something more intricate and detailed than a NOMAC in front of clouds.

(It would be a shame to waste the amazing talents of that artist too)

Also, it can't just be a coincidence that the NOMAC eyes on the Astonishing page are still "clickable". I think they'll lead to something eventually.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 07, 2015, 03:34:03 PM
when astonishing and ocatavrium unite! but using from uper gain 4 playing riffs. the should be useing from another drop:C/F/Bb/ and not use from standard tuning.but we have some good E tuning in dt songs. 1.octavarium.2.the count of tuscany.3.in the precense of enemise.4.the best of times.(but other tuning in 7 string guitar can give to us heavy-progress rythm for starting new year.) but in ur new year ;D in iran our calendar is persian. we are in 1394.and u r in 2015. iranian analyse the calendar from rounding the earth around the sun. hey guys happy new year before release the 2016.i said to you.good luck
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 07, 2015, 03:35:15 PM
belly dance !
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 07, 2015, 03:38:48 PM
Quote from: Setlist Scotty on November 07, 2015, 02:13:07 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 07, 2015, 12:29:05 PM
also a double album of middling music is way worse than a single disc of middling music
Not sure I agree with that. Whenever a favorite album or song thread comes up, it's amazing to see how many people express polar opposites about so many different albums/songs. So while some songs may be considered drivel by one part of the fanbase, another part may love it. Having more material to enjoy increases the amount of chance that something is going to click and be enjoyable to each person. Sure, it also means that there's more of a chance for someone to hate more songs, but I'd rather have more material to pick from than less. There's always the skip button if I don't like something.

Amen, brother.

As with The Book Of Souls, I'm thinking if they cut song X and Song Y, they could've made a single CD, but of course that is always met with "No way bro, Song X and Song Y are awesome!"  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 07, 2015, 03:42:47 PM
And with smartphones etc - we can just compile a playlist of our faves.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 07, 2015, 03:47:58 PM
hey fans.i have never seen the live.because i live in ian.i see dt only in DVD/youtube. one of my great expections is seeing dt near the stage.i must travel to istanbul or other cities that dt come to these cities. but u can go out from ur home and going to shop .buying ticket.then no need to car . u can run for enjoying from the dt concert.but i must working very hard for traveling to istanbul.need to money and another fuck'in thing. u have best choise in u.k. u.s.a and other countries. hey guys do u remember jamshid sharifi in Score 2006? he lead the orchestral for playing SDOIT/Octavarium. do u remember him?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 07, 2015, 03:52:25 PM
You live in Ian ? Does Ian get a say in this ?  :laugh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 07, 2015, 03:53:29 PM
I remember Score yes. I could never remember the name of the conductor.

Shukran !


No, i cannot speak persian :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 07, 2015, 04:03:36 PM
i must edit it.IRAN. shukran dose not the persian word.it is the arabic word. u must say :mamnoon. that's mean is thank you.  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 07, 2015, 04:08:16 PM
Mamnoon !  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 07, 2015, 04:12:20 PM
kotowboy.whats the time in ur country now? the time here is 2:42 AM
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 07, 2015, 04:21:56 PM
That cannot be. Here it is exactly 23:21 ;D



Your clock is 21 minutes fast like Dr. Emmett Brown.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 07, 2015, 06:05:41 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 07, 2015, 04:21:56 PM
That cannot be. Here it is exactly 23:21 ;D



Your clock is 21 minutes fast like Dr. Emmett Brown.

It's actually 30, cause he lives in a half-time zone. Thanks NM for the facts!

Anyway, still looking forward to this album. And I too like a double cd more if it's cut in 2 by concept, or if it's just too much for one disc. Not 2 full albums of music. I mean, The Flower Kings have made a couple of 130-140 minute double albums, but their music is more up and down in nature than DT's, and even more based on improvisation, so that gives the listener more time to process the longer songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: chaossystem on November 07, 2015, 07:17:02 PM
I'm surprised that there has been little or no speculation about what the live presentation of this story is going to be.

I'm hoping that each of the two discs will be no more than about an hour long, so the live show will have room for about 30-40 minutes of music from some of their other albums as well.

What I would like to see them do is use a large projection screen to tell the story, along with one or two smaller screens that would mostly show the band as they are performing for people in the "cheap seats."

Also it wouldn't bother me if they open with two or three older songs before going into the story. Then they could play disc one, have an intermission, play disc two for the second set, and another 15 or 20 minutes of older songs for the encore.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Madman Shepherd on November 07, 2015, 07:18:23 PM
Quote from: chaossystem on November 07, 2015, 07:17:02 PM
I'm surprised that there has been little or no speculation about what the live presentation of this story is going to be.

I'm hoping that each of the two discs will be no more than about an hour long, so the live show will have room for about 30-40 minutes of music from some of their other albums as well.

What I would like to see them do is use a large projection screen to tell the story, along with one or two smaller screens that would mostly show the band as they are performing for people in the "cheap seats."

Also it wouldn't bother me if they open with two or three older songs before going into the story. Then they could play disc one, have an intermission, play disc two for the second set, and another 15 or 20 minutes of older songs for the encore.

I agree 100%
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 07, 2015, 07:26:29 PM
Quote from: chaossystem on November 07, 2015, 07:17:02 PM


Also it wouldn't bother me if they open with two or three older songs before going into the story. 

There is absolutely no way this happens.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Rodni Demental on November 07, 2015, 08:25:30 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 07, 2015, 06:04:04 AM
Although - some times an album can fail on all counts and still be somewhat enjoyable.

St. Anger has terrible songs, production and lyrics but I still enjoy it somewhat :p

Not sure if serious, but I would agree anyway. St. Anger is just terrible in every way at face value, but then there's something "fun" about it and it grows on you. Got some cool riffs in C tuning. It has nice groove, or something, I think, maybe that's it.  :lol

Quote from: Setlist Scotty on November 07, 2015, 02:13:07 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 07, 2015, 12:29:05 PM
also a double album of middling music is way worse than a single disc of middling music
Not sure I agree with that. Whenever a favorite album or song thread comes up, it's amazing to see how many people express polar opposites about so many different albums/songs. So while some songs may be considered drivel by one part of the fanbase, another part may love it. Having more material to enjoy increases the amount of chance that something is going to click and be enjoyable to each person. Sure, it also means that there's more of a chance for someone to hate more songs, but I'd rather have more material to pick from than less. There's always the skip button if I don't like something.

Yeah absolutely, I know sometimes less can be more, but most of the time... It inherently isn't. Having more to choose from is mostly always better I would imagine. :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Calvin6s on November 07, 2015, 09:33:05 PM
Quote from: DragonAttack on November 06, 2015, 09:06:00 PM
Just wish whoever did the clever satire to the middle section of BoRhap would repost it.  Sadly, I saved the link to show the wife (which, obviously, no longer works) instead of copying it.

Thanks in advance.

[the wife works fine]
I'm assuming you are talking about my off the cuff post.  Didn't write it down anywhere, so I'll do my best to recreate.

Mangini's contribution to DT's upcoming rock opera:

Thunderbolt and lightning very very frightening me
Double Kick Drum, Double Kick Drum,
Double Kick Drum, Double Kick Drum,
Double Kick Drum, Rototom - magnifico

But I'm just a poor snare and nobody loves me
It's just a poor mix from a poor recording
Spare us this snare from this monstrosity
Easy come easy go will you let me go
Mike Portnoy! No we will not let you go - let him go
Mike Portnoy! We will not let you go - let him go
Mike Portnoy! We will not let you go let me go
Will not let you go let me go (never)
Never let you go let me go
Never let me go ooo
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
Oh Dominici, Dominici, Dominici let me go
Sherinian has a devil put aside for Moore
For Moore
For Moore
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Setlist Scotty on November 07, 2015, 09:58:39 PM
Quote from: TAC on November 07, 2015, 03:38:48 PM
Quote from: Setlist Scotty on November 07, 2015, 02:13:07 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 07, 2015, 12:29:05 PM
also a double album of middling music is way worse than a single disc of middling music
Not sure I agree with that. Whenever a favorite album or song thread comes up, it's amazing to see how many people express polar opposites about so many different albums/songs. So while some songs may be considered drivel by one part of the fanbase, another part may love it. Having more material to enjoy increases the amount of chance that something is going to click and be enjoyable to each person. Sure, it also means that there's more of a chance for someone to hate more songs, but I'd rather have more material to pick from than less. There's always the skip button if I don't like something.
Amen, brother.

As with The Book Of Souls, I'm thinking if they cut song X and Song Y, they could've made a single CD, but of course that is always met with "No way bro, Song X and Song Y are awesome!"  :lol
Exactly. I mean, taking it a step even further, why not just say "I don't want DT to put out any more music for fear that it's gonna suck"? I mean that's just silly, and stating "I don't want a double album just because some of the material will probably suck" is essentially the same thing.
 
 
Quote from: TAC on November 07, 2015, 07:26:29 PM
Quote from: chaossystem on November 07, 2015, 07:17:02 PM
Also it wouldn't bother me if they open with two or three older songs before going into the story. 
There is absolutely no way this happens.
Me and Timmy agree once again. Guarantee that this won't happen. If it were to have ever happened, then it would've made much more sense for DT to open up their shows with Metropolis part I before performing all of SFaM, and yet even that didn't happen. Makes no sense that they'd perform a few older songs before doing the whole new album, especially if it's a double album.
 
 
Quote from: chaossystem on November 07, 2015, 07:17:02 PM
I'm surprised that there has been little or no speculation about what the live presentation of this story is going to be.
There's been a little talk about it, but mostly just the length - whether the whole story will be the first set or both sets. I'm of the feeling that it'll be a double album (as in 2 CDs) so set 1 will be the first CD and set 2 will be the second CD, with an encore of one or a few older tracks.

Hard to say what the actual presentation will be like without having anything to go by. I can imagine that there will be various video clips that will help explain the story and that the stage will be more unique with more props. Maybe there'll be some actors as well. But whatever the case, I hope they don't end up doing something as cheesy/silly/ridiculous as Styx did for the tour supporting Kilroy Was Here or what QR did when they performed both Operation: Mindcrime albums in 2006.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Letter M on November 07, 2015, 10:30:37 PM
Since it seems we are getting a double album, I'm guessing the odds are pretty high that we'll be getting at least one side-length epic song (that is, in the 18-25 minute range). I'm also going to guess that the album will likely be a triple vinyl, so each disc will probably be about 60 minutes long, or three side of vinyl, so a 2CD would equal about a 3LP.

I wonder what the odds are of having TWO side-length epics? I mean, they've never done that before, and there's usually only ONE piece of music that is that length per album (and no, I'm not going to count both halves of SDOIT, that's just silly). I mean, let's see two separate songs that are in that 18-25 minute range, one on each disc! I doubt it, but it'd be cool to see.

I also hope, as far as song lengths go, that we get a few in that 12-15 minute range that only a few DT songs land in, something more along the lengths of ITNOG and TMOLS, or perhaps even longer than that. There's really nothing that DT has done that lands in the 17-18 minute range, but that's just being nit-picky, but we did get ANTR and TCOT, and they're around that space.

Either way, I'd like to see a lot of variety in terms of song length on this album. Throw in some short interludes or short acoustic pieces, then those mid-ranged 7-8 minute heavy prog-metal pieces, a couple of 10-12 minute epics, and at least one side-length epic in the 18-25 minute range!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DragonAttack on November 07, 2015, 10:47:57 PM
Just thanking Calvin6s for reposting the BoRhap Mangini contribution (now copied and pasted for safe keeping)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikemangioy on November 08, 2015, 12:58:05 AM
I'm so hyped. This is the second album that comes out since I became a fan and if this thing lives up to the tremendous expectations, I'll be extremely satisfied.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 08, 2015, 03:18:38 AM
Quote from: 20th Century Icon on November 07, 2015, 11:28:40 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 07, 2015, 01:12:39 AM
Many people here seem to not find lyrics important at all, even to the point of "not even listening to them, so it doesn't even matter". I'm the opposite, I find lyrics to be super important. Which is one big reason I didn't like DT12 and BC&SL. Bad lyrics in music is like bad sound in a movie or video, no matter how good the rest is, it'll give me an overwhelming sense of amateurism.

If lyrics are super important to you, why are you a fan of DT? That hasn't been their strong suit since Kevin Moore left. The last two albums aren't any worse than their previous efforts, IMO.

You don't have to hate something just because you don't love it. Some of the lyrics as of late have not been super awesome, but most of it is still passable enough for me to enjoy, just not as much as other better bands out there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 08, 2015, 03:39:45 AM
Quote from: Setlist Scotty on November 07, 2015, 09:58:39 PM
Hard to say what the actual presentation will be like without having anything to go by. I can imagine that there will be various video clips that will help explain the story and that the stage will be more unique with more props. Maybe there'll be some actors as well. But whatever the case, I hope they don't end up doing something as cheesy/silly/ridiculous as Styx did for the tour supporting Kilroy Was Here or what QR did when they performed both Operation: Mindcrime albums in 2006.

I saw Queensryche doing the Mindcrime albums back to back, I didn't mind the very theatrical presentation, but I don't see James walking around the stage with a to-the-mouth mic (how are called those?)... I think that a presentation like Scenes from a Memory with added production value (namely, an actor who remembers his spoken parts and how slow / fast he has to go  ;D) will be more than enough, the focus will still be the band but there will be some visual threats (they surely will expand on the background animations of the last tour).

Quote from: The Letter M on November 07, 2015, 10:30:37 PM
I also hope, as far as song lengths go, that we get a few in that 12-15 minute range that only a few DT songs land in, something more along the lengths of ITNOG and TMOLS, or perhaps even longer than that. There's really nothing that DT has done that lands in the 17-18 minute range, but that's just being nit-picky, but we did get ANTR and TCOT, and they're around that space.

What I'm most longing for is song in that range, another song like Finally Free, 12 minutes where the song structures serve the lyrics and not the other way around... a song with an unusual structure that is made up around the portion of the story they have to tell. Something like High Water Mark, for those of you who follow Iced Earth and know their Gettysburg trilogy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: sfam2112 on November 08, 2015, 08:14:42 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 08, 2015, 03:39:45 AM

but I don't see James walking around the stage with a to-the-mouth mic (how are called those?)

Headset mic.  :smiley: While he didn't walk around with one, he did use one during Regression on LSFNY, if I remember right.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 08, 2015, 08:20:06 AM
Yeah, indeed, but it was just for the therapist scene and he was laying down, he didn't use it for the whole show... I don't picture him pretending to kneel down at Victoria's grave or something  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 08, 2015, 08:33:53 AM
Quote from: Setlist Scotty on November 07, 2015, 09:58:39 PM

Hard to say what the actual presentation will be like without having anything to go by. I can imagine that there will be various video clips that will help explain the story and that the stage will be more unique with more props. Maybe there'll be some actors as well. But whatever the case, I hope they don't end up doing something as cheesy/silly/ridiculous as Styx did for the tour supporting Kilroy Was Here or what QR did when they performed both Operation: Mindcrime albums in 2006.

Not sure what QR did there, but I loved their Promised Land tour. That was a great performance. Really brought those songs to life.
Something the album did not do.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Paddies on November 08, 2015, 08:46:07 AM
Quote from: sfam2112 on November 08, 2015, 08:14:42 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 08, 2015, 03:39:45 AM

but I don't see James walking around the stage with a to-the-mouth mic (how are called those?)

Headset mic.  :smiley: While he didn't walk around with one, he did use one during Regression on LSFNY, if I remember right.

James used a headset mic for the entire Ayreon - The Theater Equation show and he did a great job with that. He was a good performer as well, he really seemed to be into it. I've seen twenty Dream Theater shows and also attended the James LaBrie soloband in Holland. And The Theater Equation definitely belongs to one of his best performances I've seen live so far. That - I believe - is partly due to the fact he uses a lot more of his softer tone on The Human Equation/The Theater Equation, he doesn't/didn't have to sing two hours straight and he doesn't/didn't have to sing on top of his lungs all that time. I hope the boys in Dream Theater keep those things in mind while writing new material as well - and I do believe they do (maybe Build Me Up, Break Me Down aside).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 08, 2015, 08:57:17 AM
Well, everyone from the main cast used headset mic there - the amount of acting pretty much required that (and yeah, JLB did great with the acting, though I wouldn't say he was amazing in singing department.) Anyway, I just can't see it happening with DT show, the full-blown set with headset mic.

I'm ready for the band to prove me wrong though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mike PornToy on November 08, 2015, 09:06:23 AM
Act I : 60 minutes or more ?

1. Descent of the NOMACS
2. Dystopian Overture
3. The Gift of Music
4. The Answer
5. A Better Life
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: wolven74 on November 08, 2015, 09:34:59 AM
I realize this is going on a limb a bit here...

Since I haven't seen emails and such, I've been worried that this double "concept" album is something along the lines of 6DOIT. Not to say that 6DOIT is a bad album, but essentially it's a double album with a single disc being the concept and a single disc of non concept songs. I'm hoping one of you can confirm that this is indeed a double disc of concept material. Ya know, two discs, one story? From all I've read on here so far, that is the case, but can you link me to where that's confirmed?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 08, 2015, 09:37:17 AM
Quote from: wolven74 on November 08, 2015, 09:34:59 AM
I realize this is going on a limb a bit here...

Since I haven't seen emails and such, I've been worried that this double "concept" album is something along the lines of 6DOIT. Not to say that 6DOIT is a bad album, but essentially it's a double album with a single disc being the concept and a single disc of non concept songs. I'm hoping one of you can confirm that this is indeed a double disc of concept material. Ya know, two discs, one story? From all I've read on here so far, that is the case, but can you link me to where that's confirmed?


Well since there's actually 'places' a map and main characters, it has to be much more of a concept than Six Degrees. Apart form that, this one is really promoted as being a concept album. So it would be very strange if only one of the two discs would be a concept disc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 08, 2015, 09:42:30 AM
Quote from: wolven74 on November 08, 2015, 09:34:59 AM
I realize this is going on a limb a bit here...

Since I haven't seen emails and such, I've been worried that this double "concept" album is something along the lines of 6DOIT. Not to say that 6DOIT is a bad album, but essentially it's a double album with a single disc being the concept and a single disc of non concept songs. I'm hoping one of you can confirm that this is indeed a double disc of concept material. Ya know, two discs, one story? From all I've read on here so far, that is the case, but can you link me to where that's confirmed?

How can a song be a concept?
As far as we know, it's a double concept album, all related to the same story. Given that they're going to play the album in full at their shows, I'd say that's a very safe assumption until proven otherwise.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 08, 2015, 09:45:35 AM
Besides they've already done the Concept disc plus disc of songs *thang* once before as you said.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: wolven74 on November 08, 2015, 09:50:29 AM
Alright I found the Astonishing track list and Character page.

Who thinks Emperor Nefaryus is the main character? Bad guy, perhaps?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ReaPsTA on November 08, 2015, 10:01:55 AM
Quote from: Parama on November 07, 2015, 12:29:05 PM
also a double album of middling music is way worse than a single disc of middling music

I do know what you mean in a sense. If the album sucks, wasting even more time listening to it just makes it worse.

But unlike a movie, which is a complete unit, or a TV show, where at this point the individual episodes don't stand on their own, a CD has multiple tracks that can be appreciated on their own. Even if the album as a whole isn't good, the fact it's double-sided means there's more possibilities for tracks that stand out. The odds are more in your favor.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on November 08, 2015, 10:20:09 AM
What I wonder is that, if it turns out to be a double album with ~60 minutes of music per disc, the 180 vinyl is probably going to be a 5LP set, and that is going to be quite pricey, going with what DT LPs usually cost (and I will obviously buy anyway  :metal). I also wonder what kind of special editions the band are planning for this release.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 08, 2015, 10:24:26 AM
I reckon each disc will be in the 50-60 minute range, similar to Spock's Beard's Snow. Total length somewhere between 100-110 minutes. I don't think we're in for a Flower Kings-esque 140-minute marathon here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: manticore999 on November 08, 2015, 10:43:23 AM
Not being a fan of sci-fi books I gotta say - the story sounds really dumb.  Hopefully the music is good enough to stand on its own.  I mean Emperor Nefaryous?  That's almost as dumb as 'unobtanium'!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jammindude on November 08, 2015, 10:46:07 AM
Quote from: YouMakeMeSick on November 08, 2015, 10:20:09 AM
What I wonder is that, if it turns out to be a double album with ~60 minutes of music per disc, the 180 vinyl is probably going to be a 5LP set, and that is going to be quite pricey, going with what DT LPs usually cost (and I will obviously buy anyway  :metal). I also wonder what kind of special editions the band are planning for this release.

I'm sure 4 LPs will cover it.   4LPs=8 sides= the potential for 20 min per side=160 minutes worth of music...and I don't think it will be *that* long.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on November 08, 2015, 10:53:14 AM
Quote from: jammindude on November 08, 2015, 10:46:07 AM
Quote from: YouMakeMeSick on November 08, 2015, 10:20:09 AM
What I wonder is that, if it turns out to be a double album with ~60 minutes of music per disc, the 180 vinyl is probably going to be a 5LP set, and that is going to be quite pricey, going with what DT LPs usually cost (and I will obviously buy anyway  :metal). I also wonder what kind of special editions the band are planning for this release.

I'm sure 4 LPs will cover it.   4LPs=8 sides= the potential for 20 min per side=160 minutes worth of music...and I don't think it will be *that* long.

I agree, looks like I miscalculated. Thanks!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 08, 2015, 11:06:28 AM
Quote from: manticore999 on November 08, 2015, 10:43:23 AM
Not being a fan of sci-fi books I gotta say - the story sounds really dumb.  Hopefully the music is good enough to stand on its own.  I mean Emperor Nefaryous?  That's almost as dumb as 'unobtanium'!

:chino:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DragonAttack on November 08, 2015, 12:02:10 PM
On a different band forum, there was a discussion of the best (favorite) double albums.

ELO's 'Out of the Blue' was listed with its time of a whole 63 minutes, while 'Scenes' clocks in at 77+, and doesn't qualify 'by the book'.

Expecting around 60+ per disc.  Like many, I hope that songs of 6-10 minutes aren't subject to overindulgences that needlessly drag them out to 10-15 minutes. 




Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Vandalism on November 08, 2015, 12:17:08 PM
Was just watching SDOIT on Score DVD and thought.....

I hope the 12 string makes an appearance in DT13 I guess maybe in The Gift of Music.

What do you guys think?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Dublagent66 on November 08, 2015, 12:53:08 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 06, 2015, 01:08:20 PM
Can we post our own suggestions for artwork here ?

https://i.imgur.com/DVemmGk.jpg

^ I really want something along these lines. I love the colours and composition.

Looks great.  Too bad the title completely ruins it.  Doesn't really fit does it?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 08, 2015, 12:53:49 PM
lolwut
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TioJorge on November 08, 2015, 01:21:53 PM
I think it's actually supremely fitting. The stark contrast between the landscape and those technological orbs with freaking eyes...which I didn't notice till now. Super creepy. I like it a lot. I don't get how it 'doesn't fit', to each their own though. I could see what you mean if the title was something like "The Supernatural", and then has these random robots... "The Astonishing" could allude to a lot of different things though. *shrug*
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 08, 2015, 01:23:11 PM
I don't hear it as open ended like " the Astonishing........."

I hear it as an event or Grand Occasion like " The Happening " or " The Ascension ".

Like the end of the story is when " The Astonishing " happens.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 08, 2015, 01:26:24 PM
Let's continue to nit pick over a back story we know little about.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 08, 2015, 01:29:01 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 08, 2015, 01:23:11 PM
I don't hear it as open ended like " the Astonishing........."

I hear it as an event or Grand Occasion like " The Happening " or " The Ascension ".

Like the end of the story is when " The Astonishing " happens.

That is exactly how I am taking it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 08, 2015, 01:29:51 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 08, 2015, 01:23:11 PM
I don't hear it as open ended like " the Astonishing........."

I hear it as an event or Grand Occasion like " The Happening " or " The Ascension ".

Like the end of the story is when " The Astonishing " happens.

I think I remember having seen that explanation made four times now since the title was announced, myself being one of those who made it. People seem to be ignoring it. But yeah, that's obviously what it is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: wolven74 on November 08, 2015, 01:32:25 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 08, 2015, 01:29:51 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 08, 2015, 01:23:11 PM
I don't hear it as open ended like " the Astonishing........."

I hear it as an event or Grand Occasion like " The Happening " or " The Ascension ".

Like the end of the story is when " The Astonishing " happens.

I think I remember having seen that explanation made four times now since the title was announced, myself being one of those who made it. People seem to be ignoring it. But yeah, that's obviously what it is.

Do you think that means there will be a song at or near the end called just The Astonishing? Or perhaps The Astonishing __________?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 08, 2015, 01:32:59 PM
The Astonishing Astonishing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 08, 2015, 01:35:59 PM
I think it's entirely possible that there will be a title track.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 08, 2015, 01:44:01 PM
Quote from: wolven74 on November 08, 2015, 01:32:25 PM
Do you think that means there will be a song at or near the end called just The Astonishing? Or perhaps The Astonishing __________?
Pretty sure he means he interprets the title as if it's an event, at least that's how I do, like The Happening.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 08, 2015, 02:45:20 PM
DT wanna play concept album! but the good concept or bad concept album. story about the emperors?it must be the ascension thing to us. but i think they want(DT) play the game with us. they look our post and say together(Laugh)  fans talk about the future of astonishing.so we must w8 for realising album!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 08, 2015, 02:50:16 PM
Well release dates and stuff are planned out well in advance. That's just how Record Companies work .

:soon: Wouldn't say " let's push the release date back because it's funnier to see them guess ".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 08, 2015, 02:50:41 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 08, 2015, 01:35:59 PM
I think it's entirely possible that there will be a title track.
Yes it is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Crow on November 08, 2015, 02:52:13 PM
Quote from: Setlist Scotty on November 07, 2015, 09:58:39 PM
Quote from: TAC on November 07, 2015, 03:38:48 PM
Quote from: Setlist Scotty on November 07, 2015, 02:13:07 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 07, 2015, 12:29:05 PM
also a double album of middling music is way worse than a single disc of middling music
Not sure I agree with that. Whenever a favorite album or song thread comes up, it's amazing to see how many people express polar opposites about so many different albums/songs. So while some songs may be considered drivel by one part of the fanbase, another part may love it. Having more material to enjoy increases the amount of chance that something is going to click and be enjoyable to each person. Sure, it also means that there's more of a chance for someone to hate more songs, but I'd rather have more material to pick from than less. There's always the skip button if I don't like something.
Amen, brother.

As with The Book Of Souls, I'm thinking if they cut song X and Song Y, they could've made a single CD, but of course that is always met with "No way bro, Song X and Song Y are awesome!"  :lol
Exactly. I mean, taking it a step even further, why not just say "I don't want DT to put out any more music for fear that it's gonna suck"? I mean that's just silly, and stating "I don't want a double album just because some of the material will probably suck" is essentially the same thing.
okay a point was missed somewhere. I'd rather have 60 minutes of tightly-written music than 120 minutes of them throwing every single thing they wrote into a huge pile.

then again, DT12 was an underwritten mess and it was shorter
now imagine a DT12 twice as long with the same consistent quality
i probably wouldn't have bought a double-length DT12
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enalya on November 08, 2015, 03:19:05 PM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on November 07, 2015, 01:51:28 AM
Lyrics to me is like the icing on the Cake... fantastic icing and terrible cake will not be touched, fantastic cake and terrible icing will be consumed ignoring the icing but when both are fantastic that is where the real pleasure lies...

Let's hope for an astonishing cake with astonishing icing..... they can do it

Best metaphor of 2016 already
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on November 08, 2015, 04:19:21 PM
Because it was deleted in the other thread, I'll go on record again that The Astonishing is a psychic power like "The Shining" that makes the Chosen One seem especially special among his people.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 08, 2015, 04:27:00 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on November 08, 2015, 04:19:21 PM
Because it was deleted in the other thread, I'll go on record again that The Astonishing is a psychic power like "The Shining" that makes the Chosen One seem especially special among his people.
Definitely plausible.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: 425 on November 08, 2015, 04:28:15 PM
Quote from: TAC on November 08, 2015, 02:50:41 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 08, 2015, 01:35:59 PM
I think it's entirely possible that there will be a title track.
Yes it is.

You know what's pretty incredible about that? DT hasn't had a title song since 2005. And they only have two title songs in their whole discography.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 08, 2015, 05:38:21 PM
Quote from: wolven74 on November 08, 2015, 09:34:59 AM
Not to say that 6DOIT is a bad album, but essentially it's a double album with a single disc being the concept and a single disc of non concept songs.
No it's not.  There is no concept component with that album.

Disc 1 has 5 unrelated songs.

Disc 2 has 1 42 minute song divided into 8 tracks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on November 08, 2015, 06:49:20 PM
Quote from: 425 on November 08, 2015, 04:28:15 PM
Quote from: TAC on November 08, 2015, 02:50:41 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 08, 2015, 01:35:59 PM
I think it's entirely possible that there will be a title track.
Yes it is.

You know what's pretty incredible about that? DT hasn't had a title song since 2005. And they only have two title songs in their whole discography.

A Change of Seasons says hi...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Rodni Demental on November 08, 2015, 07:16:28 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 08, 2015, 02:52:13 PM
Quote from: Setlist Scotty on November 07, 2015, 09:58:39 PM
Quote from: TAC on November 07, 2015, 03:38:48 PM
Quote from: Setlist Scotty on November 07, 2015, 02:13:07 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 07, 2015, 12:29:05 PM
also a double album of middling music is way worse than a single disc of middling music
Not sure I agree with that. Whenever a favorite album or song thread comes up, it's amazing to see how many people express polar opposites about so many different albums/songs. So while some songs may be considered drivel by one part of the fanbase, another part may love it. Having more material to enjoy increases the amount of chance that something is going to click and be enjoyable to each person. Sure, it also means that there's more of a chance for someone to hate more songs, but I'd rather have more material to pick from than less. There's always the skip button if I don't like something.
Amen, brother.

As with The Book Of Souls, I'm thinking if they cut song X and Song Y, they could've made a single CD, but of course that is always met with "No way bro, Song X and Song Y are awesome!"  :lol
Exactly. I mean, taking it a step even further, why not just say "I don't want DT to put out any more music for fear that it's gonna suck"? I mean that's just silly, and stating "I don't want a double album just because some of the material will probably suck" is essentially the same thing.
okay a point was missed somewhere. I'd rather have 60 minutes of tightly-written music than 120 minutes of them throwing every single thing they wrote into a huge pile.

then again, DT12 was an underwritten mess and it was shorter
now imagine a DT12 twice as long with the same consistent quality
i probably wouldn't have bought a double-length DT12

That's it though, how do you know a double-length DT12 would have had the same consistent quality? Obviously talking about songwriting. Why assume that the quality would be consistent with completely new songs that you haven't heard before? If you don't like it now, if it were double length there's just as much chance that you'll find songs you might like more, as much as there's a chance you also won't like them right? I'm just not sure why you'd assume one way over the other.

I see where you're coming from but I'm inclined to agree with Scotty and TAC here, opinions are too divided amongst the fanbase as it is (and considering how our personal preferences change all the time), to the point where you can't really make any claims without invalidating a lot of other people's experiences. So therefore it's all opinions (I think we're all aware of this). But you know, this might be taking it too far but I would liken it to when people say Rush should've stopped after Moving Pictures, or Metallica Should have stopped after ...And Justice. But then the people that believe this can't even agree, others will say Rush/Metallica should've stopped after Power Windows or Black Album respectively. In fact, why didn't DT just stop after MP left? I know there are people out there that believe DT should've stopped after KM left!

Way I see it, there's too much potential to limit with my tiny preconceptions.  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: rumborak on November 08, 2015, 07:25:08 PM
I just hope they don't lay on the Jesus analogies too thick with the "Chosen One" plot. The Matrix went down that route and suffered from it, greatly.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TioJorge on November 08, 2015, 07:45:31 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on November 08, 2015, 01:26:24 PM
Let's continue to nit pick over a back story we know little about.

Have you forgotten where you are, King? This is what DTF is. This is what we do. YA HURD!? :yarr

Quote from: hadi-persian on November 08, 2015, 02:45:20 PM
DT wanna play concept album! but the good concept or bad concept album. story about the emperors?it must be the ascension thing to us. but i think they want(DT) play the game with us. they look our post and say together(Laugh)  fans talk about the future of astonishing.so we must w8 for realising album!

Also yes. So much yes!!!  :lol :heart

Like Dave said, and I said the same thing in the previous thread, I take the title as an even of sorts. I did however refrain from using the words 'happening' and 'the' because I didn't want any horrible memories of that dreadful, torturous movie or any comparisons to it.  :lol But I do really like it in that regard. I can only imagine how horrible it'd sound in your head if one is thinking it's not alluding to anything and is an actual broken statement.  :rollin :metal But I do love the comparison to some kind of psychic power or aptitude, that's cool. I do think it'll end up being the 'name' of an event though. A kind of label for something no one can describe.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: 425 on November 08, 2015, 07:54:46 PM
Quote from: TheCountOfNYC on November 08, 2015, 06:49:20 PM
A Change of Seasons says hi...

I was not counting that, since the EP is basically ACOS and some bonus cover songs. It's not properly an album. Wither isn't a title song either, despite the existence of the Wither EP.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Letter M on November 08, 2015, 08:14:06 PM
Quote from: 425 on November 08, 2015, 07:54:46 PM
Quote from: TheCountOfNYC on November 08, 2015, 06:49:20 PM
A Change of Seasons says hi...

I was not counting that, since the EP is basically ACOS and some bonus cover songs. It's not properly an album. Wither isn't a title song either, despite the existence of the Wither EP.

Having title track or title song isn't something DT normally do anyway, and I believe "Octavarium" was the one exception to their usual album-naming rule. Most of the time, the album name comes from song lyrics (such as the first three albums and SFAM), or it comes from past ideas or titles that stem from the studio sessions (FII and TOT, kind of), or just describe the over-all feel and theme of the album (SDOIT, SC, BC&SL, and ADTOE).

If there's a title track this time around, it'll only be the second time they've had one, so it'd be neat, but I won't expect it. If there is, I hope it's the big epic!!!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Rodni Demental on November 08, 2015, 08:45:56 PM
Quote from: The Letter M on November 08, 2015, 08:14:06 PM
Having title track or title song isn't something DT normally do anyway, and I believe "Octavarium" was the one exception to their usual album-naming rule. Most of the time, the album name comes from song lyrics (such as the first three albums and SFAM), or it comes from past ideas or titles that stem from the studio sessions (FII and TOT, kind of), or just describe the over-all feel and theme of the album (SDOIT, SC, BC&SL, and ADTOE).

If there's a title track this time around, it'll only be the second time they've had one, so it'd be neat

It certainly isn't something they do often, but wouldn't 6DOIT count as being a title track as well as describing the album?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Letter M on November 08, 2015, 09:01:12 PM
Quote from: Rodni Demental on November 08, 2015, 08:45:56 PM
Quote from: The Letter M on November 08, 2015, 08:14:06 PM
Having title track or title song isn't something DT normally do anyway, and I believe "Octavarium" was the one exception to their usual album-naming rule. Most of the time, the album name comes from song lyrics (such as the first three albums and SFAM), or it comes from past ideas or titles that stem from the studio sessions (FII and TOT, kind of), or just describe the over-all feel and theme of the album (SDOIT, SC, BC&SL, and ADTOE).

If there's a title track this time around, it'll only be the second time they've had one, so it'd be neat

It certainly isn't something they do often, but wouldn't 6DOIT count as being a title track as well as describing the album?

*FACEPALM*

Okay, momentary lapse of memory, I forgot that SDOIT had a title track. Ya know, the big track, the huge epic, the band's longest single piece. UGH. Sorry folks, I'm dumb.

But yes, so in TWO cases, the band has had two title tracks, and both were huge epics at the end of their respective albums (one had eight parts, the other had five...heh heh).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Progmetty on November 08, 2015, 09:44:23 PM
I think you were right the first time but I'm in the minority in that old argument.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Calvin6s on November 08, 2015, 09:58:54 PM
I will start to worry if the Collector's Edition comes with a 20 sided die.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 08, 2015, 10:27:02 PM
Quote from: Calvin6s on November 08, 2015, 09:58:54 PM
I will start to worry if the Collector's Edition comes with a 20 sided die.

:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Curious Orange on November 09, 2015, 01:48:43 AM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 07, 2015, 03:34:03 PM
in iran our calendar is persian. we are in 1394.and u r in 2015. iranian analyse the calendar from rounding the earth around the sun.

As we do in the West.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 09, 2015, 01:49:26 AM
With regards to the title... I think the problem many people have with it, is that it's not a noun. "Astonishing" in the dictionary is only described as an adjective. Whereas "The Happening" or "The Awakening" or countless of other verbs turned into nouns is described as such in the dictionary. "The Astonishing" sounds off, just like "The Amazing" or "The Spectactular" or "The Incredible" sounds off. You're anticipating a second word, because the object to which the description is to be attached to is missing. (And why is it that all of the examples i just made are like right out of the Marvel dictionary).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lonestar on November 09, 2015, 01:53:03 AM
Quote from: Calvin6s on November 08, 2015, 09:58:54 PM
I will start to worry if the Collector's Edition comes with a 20 sided die.

 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Stray Seed on November 09, 2015, 01:56:20 AM
Quote from: Calvin6s on November 08, 2015, 09:58:54 PM
I will start to cry tears of joy if the Collector's Edition comes with a 20 sided die.

Fixed that for me! ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 09, 2015, 02:05:56 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 09, 2015, 01:49:26 AM
With regards to the title... I think the problem many people have with it, is that it's not a noun. "Astonishing" in the dictionary is only described as an adjective. Whereas "The Happening" or "The Awakening" or countless of other verbs turned into nouns is described as such in the dictionary. "The Astonishing" sounds off, just like "The Amazing" or "The Spectactular" or "The Incredible" sounds off. You're anticipating a second word, because the object to which the description is to be attached to is missing. (And why is it that all of the examples i just made are like right out of the Marvel dictionary).
Is it really only described as an adjective? And if so, in which dictionary? Because at the very least it should also be a verb - to astonish. Even Internet Explorer spellchecker knows that.

And it it's a very, then it can be a noun, just like those others. The only reason they already appear as nouns in the dictionary is that they are already used in that context.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Stray Seed on November 09, 2015, 02:18:14 AM
'We thought we were hopeless, but then the unbelievable happened.'
It's called 'substantivation of adjectives'.

Whole process for "the astonishing" is:

1. Present participle becomes adjective (adjectivation of participle)
2. Adjective becomes noun (substantivation of adjective)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 09, 2015, 03:00:00 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 09, 2015, 02:05:56 AM
Is it really only described as an adjective? And if so, in which dictionary? Because at the very least it should also be a verb - to astonish. Even Internet Explorer spellchecker knows that.

And it it's a very, then it can be a noun, just like those others. The only reason they already appear as nouns in the dictionary is that they are already used in that context.

"Astonish" is a seperate word, or rather, seperate entry in the dictionary. And yes, it's a verb. A verb can be turned into an adjective or a noun by putting a suffix on the verb like "-al" or "-ence" or "-ing" or several others (to deny - denial, to depart - departure) etc. Not all verbs are turned into nouns, and not all verbs are turned into adjectives, even though you theoretically could.

Look at the difference:
https://dictionary.reference.com/browse/happening?s=t

https://dictionary.reference.com/browse/astonishing?s=t

Whereas "The Happening" uses -ing in the following manner: "a suffix of nouns formed from verbs, expressing the action of the verb or its result, product, material, etc. ( the art of building; a new building; cotton wadding).", "Astonishing" uses the -ing in this manner: "a suffix forming the present participle of verbs ( walking; thinking), such participles being often used as participial adjectives: warring factions."

While you can create whichever words you want in your language, it's the common usage that decides how it is interpreted. "The Astonishing" is not in common use. It's not inherently understood what it even means. "The Happening" IS in common use, and people knows that it refers to an event. "The Happening" is not commonly referred to as an adjective either, so there's no potential double meaning. When people come across "The Astonishing"; it's almost exclusively an adjective. It's jarring, just as "The thinking" would be jarring, or "The walking", or "the running" - and yet, all three of THOSE examples DO have a defintion for the noun counterpart of the word. "The astonishing" is more akin to "The amazing" - it has no established use as a noun, and in fact, you would not say "the amazing" even if you can, you would say "the amazement".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 09, 2015, 03:02:23 AM
Quote from: The Stray Seed on November 09, 2015, 02:18:14 AM
'We thought we were hopeless, but then the unbelievable happened.'
It's called 'substantivation of adjectives'.

Whole process for "the astonishing" is:

1. Present participle becomes adjective (adjectivation of participle)
2. Adjective becomes noun (substantivation of adjective)

Yes, you're right. That's why astonishing used as a noun doesn't bother me in the slightest.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 09, 2015, 03:07:09 AM
Also, no need to get so defensive - I'm just describing a possible reason as to why people find the title hard to digest. I get what Dream Theater wants to accomplish with it, but I also get why people find it off-putting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 09, 2015, 03:08:02 AM
Quote from: The Stray Seed on November 09, 2015, 02:18:14 AM
'We thought we were hopeless, but then the unbelievable happened.'
It's called 'substantivation of adjectives'.

Whole process for "the astonishing" is:

1. Present participle becomes adjective (adjectivation of participle)
2. Adjective becomes noun (substantivation of adjective)

Yes, you're right. That's why astonishing used as a noun doesn't bother me in the slightest.

B.Lee


PS : Quick, another update! We are going crazy over the use of language because of boredom! :biggrin:

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 03:08:25 AM
Quote from: lonestar on November 09, 2015, 01:53:03 AM
Quote from: Calvin6s on November 08, 2015, 09:58:54 PM
I will start to worry if the Collector's Edition comes with a 20 sided die.

 :lol

Dodecavarium!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 09, 2015, 03:15:32 AM
It honestly never even occured to me to think of it as anything other than a 'verb-ing', since that is the obvious way it's presented in all the texts or images I've seen.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 03:17:15 AM
I think it's good that it's not a common usage of the word, because that makes it unique to DT, rather than something generic like "the happening", or some other word that would be unoriginal and cliche. Given the expected importance of "The Astonishing" to the story, it's good that it will be unique.
It reminds me of Octavarium. Weird sounding word with some random unrelated origin beforehand, but now it's just second nature to us DT fans. I don't see the point about complaining about a name which we have no context for yet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 03:23:02 AM
Yes.

" The Astonishing " is a shit load better than something obviously proggy or concepty and cliche as all hell like : " Rise of The Chosen One " :|
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Stray Seed on November 09, 2015, 03:26:07 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 03:17:15 AM
I think it's good that it's not a common usage of the word, because that makes it unique to DT, rather than something generic like "the happening", or some other word that would be unoriginal and cliche. Given the expected importance of "The Astonishing" to the story, it's good that it will be unique.
It reminds me of Octavarium. Weird sounding word with some random unrelated origin beforehand, but how it's just second nature to us DT fans. I don't see the point about complaining about a name which we have no context for yet.

Beat me to it, totally agree with you! Groundbreaking right from the title!

Quote from: noxon on November 09, 2015, 03:00:00 AM
"The astonishing" is more akin to "The amazing" - it has no established use as a noun, and in fact, you would not say "the amazing" even if you can, you would say "the amazement".

But then it would have a different meaning. Let me give an example: though they're both nouns, "the astonishment" is not the same as "the astonishing". The first defines a feeling, the second describes something different and has a much wider, less defined meaning. For example, it could be related to an astonishing thing or person. "The astonishing" could stand for "the astonishing one", while "the astonishment" could not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 09, 2015, 03:26:13 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 09, 2015, 03:07:09 AM
Also, no need to get so defensive - I'm just describing a possible reason as to why people find the title hard to digest. I get what Dream Theater wants to accomplish with it, but I also get why people find it off-putting.
Fair enough, I don't feel particularly defensive about DT's use of it or anything, but I interpreted your post as implying that it was incorrect because the word wasn't a noun, period. So apologies for that.

The truth is, in English there are basically no rules. So yeah, something might be unusual to some people, but there's nothing wrong with it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 09, 2015, 06:48:57 AM
This thread is eerily quiet... :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 06:50:18 AM
It's astonishing :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 09, 2015, 06:55:34 AM
For now I'll call the album: The Anxieting


Seriously... What can we expect from now on? Weekly updates on the Astonishing web page? A sudden info avalanche?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 09, 2015, 07:08:40 AM
Well, there are 8 spots on the site. 1 spot has been revealed. The album will (according to the swedish venue) be released by the end of january. DT12 had its first single out aug 5 with a release of sept 23. ADTOE had its first single june 29th with a release of sept 12. BCSL had its first single out may 12th with the album being released june 23rd. SC had its first single apr 27 with the album out june 4th.

Judging purely by history, I think we'll see most information having been revealed within 6 weeks of release, so if the date the swedish venue quotes is accurate, I think we'll have a single in about a month from now, maybe earlier. And I'm just speculating here, but I think most information on the website will be complete before the single is being released (I would think the single would be one of the final updates, as thats the thing that would draw the utmost attention.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 09, 2015, 07:13:24 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 09, 2015, 07:08:40 AM
Well, there are 8 spots on the site. 1 spot has been revealed. The album will (according to the swedish venue) be released by the end of january. DT12 had its first single out aug 5 with a release of sept 23. ADTOE had its first single june 29th with a release of sept 12. BCSL had its first single out may 12th with the album being released june 23rd. SC had its first single apr 27 with the album out june 4th.

There are hidden arrows on the site to page through the characters, there are presumably 8-infinity slots unless they are just remnants from a template they used.



Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 09, 2015, 07:24:03 AM
Noxon is completely right in his breakdown of why "The Astonishing" is so weird.  It is akin to "The Amazing" or "The Wonderful" or "The Spectacular."  It is a completely non-normal usage.

But that's cool.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erwinrafael on November 09, 2015, 07:50:03 AM
It's like The Majestic. The non-normal usage gives it some novelty and makes it appear special.

In the English language, the use of an adjective as a noun is actually common. The powerful. The brave. The bold. It's just a matter of getting institutinalized in usage.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Marion Crane on November 09, 2015, 07:55:12 AM
I love the title. Don't see why people have an issue with it
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 09, 2015, 08:32:57 AM
Quote from: Marion Crane on November 09, 2015, 07:55:12 AM
I love the title. Don't see why people have an issue with it

Quote from: TioJorge on November 08, 2015, 07:45:31 PM
This is what DTF is. This is what we do. YA HURD!? :yarr
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 09:00:16 AM
I've thought the title sounded cool from Day 1.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 09, 2015, 09:03:08 AM
Me too. It doesn't blow my mind, but it's perfectly functional.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 09:05:12 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 09:00:16 AM
I've thought the title sounded cool from Day 1.

You hipster.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 09:13:53 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 09:05:12 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 09:00:16 AM
I've thought the title sounded cool from Day 1.

You hipster.



 :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 09, 2015, 09:17:04 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 09:00:16 AM
I've thought the title sounded cool from Day 1.

Same here. It sounds like the title for a movie...

Maybe they'll actually release ''The Astonishing: The Movie'' and the album is the soundtrack for the movie. They seemed to have went relatively deep with the story and the building of this world. And the artist they went with (Anybody remember his name? I forgot) is like a concept artist for movies or something like that. It seems a bit too much for simply an album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 09:18:17 AM
Ma Jie.


M.J.

Michael Jackson.

CONSEPT ALBUHM CONFERMED
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 09, 2015, 09:22:53 AM
Jie Ma

J M

John Myung

Jie Ma is actually John Myung :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 09:23:58 AM
 :omg:

Myung wrote all the lyrics for this album !!!!



That's INCREDIBLE ASTONISHING !!!  :omg: :ninja:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 09, 2015, 09:33:40 AM
:JM:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 09, 2015, 10:11:40 AM
No matter what is said, The Astonishing will always be a better title than A Dramatic Turn of Events
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Shadow2222 on November 09, 2015, 10:13:32 AM
Quote from: Lucien on November 09, 2015, 10:11:40 AM
No matter what is said, The Astonishing will always be a better title than A Dramatic Turn of Events

I quite like that title, actually lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mladen on November 09, 2015, 10:30:07 AM
People are seriously bothered by the title?

I don't see anything wrong with it. It's fine.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 09, 2015, 10:31:01 AM
I think The Astonishing is their best title since Systematic Chaos.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jakepriest on November 09, 2015, 10:32:22 AM
Black Clouds and Silver Linings has to be their worst album title imo. Followed closely by ADToE.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 09, 2015, 10:35:09 AM
One page later we'll be ranking all Dream Theater's 13 album titles (+ maybe a bonus round for live releases), classic.

Oh and least favorite title, probably Train of Thought or Dream Theater.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on November 09, 2015, 10:37:04 AM
I agree. Black Clouds and Silver Linings and A Dramatic Turn of Events are too long and too descriptive.  A title should be more subtle but still communicate the main idea of the concept. 

I like "The Astonishing" However, it is not obvious how it fits into the story.  What is going to astonish everyone so much?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Calvin6s on November 09, 2015, 10:39:57 AM
I really don't care about the title of this or just about any album other than:

Picturing myself liking an album and trying to recommend it to a friend.  If the album title has to come with a "just listen and don't worry about the title", then the title is probably not that great.  The Astonishing is bordering on that.

Something tells me this will not be the album to convert non-DT fans into DT fans.  But that could just mean this album is made specifically for the DT fans (our the perception of DT fans).

They should release an audio snippet quickly as that is the only relevant measure on whether or not I may or may not like the upcoming album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 10:48:26 AM
Quote from: jakepriest on November 09, 2015, 10:32:22 AM
Black Clouds and Silver Linings has to be their worst album title imo. Followed closely by ADToE.

And When Dream and Day Unite.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Voices on November 09, 2015, 10:50:55 AM
ADTOE could be called "Bridges In The Sky". Sounds better to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: wolven74 on November 09, 2015, 11:00:05 AM
The album title isn't the best they've come up with in their career, but their music is always evolving, the creative process always moving in different directions. No 2 DT albums have sounded the same. With that in mind, I'm very intrigued about what this album will be about and how the story will influence the music and vice versa.

I find the artwork to DT albums has always driven my speculation and anticipation more than the title.

My biggest hope, knowing this is a concept all the way through ala SFAM is that the lyrics are better than the last full concept "rock opera".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 09, 2015, 11:01:30 AM
It could have been called "A Dramatic Turn of Events: It's Not About Portnoy, We Swear". Would've cleared up a lot of discussion from that time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: fischermasamune on November 09, 2015, 11:23:22 AM
This night I dreamed that Petrucci told me JM wrote lyrics for two songs of the album (don't recall other information). Hopefully it's true, because he normally writes lyrics for excellent songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 11:30:10 AM
Anyone else not consider Myung's lyrics all that great ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Setlist Scotty on November 09, 2015, 11:31:57 AM
Quote from: Rodni Demental on November 08, 2015, 07:16:28 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 08, 2015, 02:52:13 PM
okay a point was missed somewhere. I'd rather have 60 minutes of tightly-written music than 120 minutes of them throwing every single thing they wrote into a huge pile.

then again, DT12 was an underwritten mess and it was shorter
now imagine a DT12 twice as long with the same consistent quality
i probably wouldn't have bought a double-length DT12
That's it though, how do you know a double-length DT12 would have had the same consistent quality? Obviously talking about songwriting. Why assume that the quality would be consistent with completely new songs that you haven't heard before? If you don't like it now, if it were double length there's just as much chance that you'll find songs you might like more, as much as there's a chance you also won't like them right? I'm just not sure why you'd assume one way over the other.
Exactly. How do you know all the stuff that got trimmed from the self-titled album wasn't the stuff that would've clicked with you and made it one of your favorite DT albums? We'll never know, but given the chance to have more or less material, gimme more to pick from!
 
 
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 03:17:15 AM
It reminds me of Octavarium. Weird sounding word with some random unrelated origin beforehand, but now it's just second nature to us DT fans. I don't see the point about complaining about a name which we have no context for yet.
Well said and great comparison. Until we know what the story is about or what The Astonishing is or describes, I fail to understand why people are getting bent out of shape (aside from this being DTF).

One other thing that I was thinking that I don't believe was brought up (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) is could it be that The Astonishing describes or is the name given to a group of people, objects or a specific object?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: OnTheBacksofAngela on November 09, 2015, 11:38:56 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 11:30:10 AM
Anyone else not consider Myung's lyrics all that great ?
Well for me, I'm not a big fan of his lyrics. My opinion, so no flames please. I mean, with the exception of Fatal Tragedy, the lyrics are too.....deep I guess. I like more of Portnoy and Petrucci's lyrics. Lifting and tears are too deep for me. I dot really like the wording also. Learning to live is alright I guess, but it never stuck too me. My favorite songs aren't any written by Myung except Tragedy. I just enjoy more straightforward songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 09, 2015, 11:43:09 AM
I do enjoy the more "deep" lyrics, and Learning to Live and Trial of Tears are both really good lyrically. The rest is either okay or not my thing at all. So I'd say his lyrical history is mixed like anyone else in the band.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 09, 2015, 11:43:16 AM
BAI has my favorite lyrics of all DT songs probably, and I'm usually not even that big on lyrics, that said, I tend to like songs that have lyrics written by Myung, but not because of the lyrics, maybe Petrucci is just a master at converting JMX's lyrics into great songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: V_R11 on November 09, 2015, 11:47:41 AM
Quote from: Mladen on November 09, 2015, 10:30:07 AM
People are seriously bothered by the title?

I don't see anything wrong with it. It's fine.

I mean I don't exactly have a problem with it, but I have to agree with the people who say it sounds unfinished. Like, The Astonishing _________ what?

IMO SC and 6DOIT are the best titles. WDADU is the worst
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 11:48:18 AM
Quote from: V_R11 on November 09, 2015, 11:47:41 AM
Quote from: Mladen on November 09, 2015, 10:30:07 AM
People are seriously bothered by the title?

I don't see anything wrong with it. It's fine.

I mean I don't exactly have a problem with it, but I have to agree with the people who say it sounds unfinished. Like, The Astonishing _________ what?




Have you not read the thread ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: V_R11 on November 09, 2015, 11:51:53 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 11:48:18 AM
Quote from: V_R11 on November 09, 2015, 11:47:41 AM
Quote from: Mladen on November 09, 2015, 10:30:07 AM
People are seriously bothered by the title?

I don't see anything wrong with it. It's fine.

I mean I don't exactly have a problem with it, but I have to agree with the people who say it sounds unfinished. Like, The Astonishing _________ what?




Have you not read the thread ?

I have, and I get the point, but it just doesn't make the title sound less unfinished to me
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 09, 2015, 12:13:48 PM
Quote from: V_R11 on November 09, 2015, 11:51:53 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 11:48:18 AM
Quote from: V_R11 on November 09, 2015, 11:47:41 AM
Quote from: Mladen on November 09, 2015, 10:30:07 AM
People are seriously bothered by the title?

I don't see anything wrong with it. It's fine.

I mean I don't exactly have a problem with it, but I have to agree with the people who say it sounds unfinished. Like, The Astonishing _________ what?




Have you not read the thread ?

I have, and I get the point, but it just doesn't make the title sound less unfinished to me

“Deep in the fundamental heart of mind and Universe there is a reason.” - Douglas Adams
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 09, 2015, 12:24:22 PM
Oh yea - there are some new song titles up now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 09, 2015, 12:25:17 PM
Quote from: V_R11 on November 09, 2015, 11:51:53 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 11:48:18 AM
Quote from: V_R11 on November 09, 2015, 11:47:41 AM
Quote from: Mladen on November 09, 2015, 10:30:07 AM
People are seriously bothered by the title?

I don't see anything wrong with it. It's fine.

I mean I don't exactly have a problem with it, but I have to agree with the people who say it sounds unfinished. Like, The Astonishing _________ what?




Have you not read the thread ?

I have, and I get the point, but it just doesn't make the title sound less unfinished to me

I thought the same exact thing. I'm sure all will be revealed and better understood in time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 09, 2015, 12:25:40 PM
I'm not bothered by the title, once we'll hear the album we'll know what it relates to. The Silence of the Lambs is a weird title for a movie about a cannibal, but once you watch it you realize what a great title is.

Lyrics predictions: Will it all be JP's baby or, like SFAM after all, James and John will write part of the lyrics as well? I can see James going for a more emotional and less story-driven lyrics, like JP telling him "Hey, this song is about Character X suffering because of this, have a go at it" and James writing a lyric about that character's point of view.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Letter M on November 09, 2015, 12:27:15 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on November 09, 2015, 12:24:22 PM
Oh yea - there are some new song titles up now.

ACT I
1. Descent of the NOMACS (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/nomac_logo.png)
2. Dystopian Overture
3. The Gift of Music
4. The Answer
5. A Better Life
6. Lord Nafaryus
7. A Savior in the Square
8. When Your Time Has Come
9. Act of Faythe
10. Three Days
11. The Hovering Sojourn (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/nomac_logo.png)

AWWWW YEAH, Nafaryus gets his own track!!!
Abbreviations: LN, ASITS, WYTHC, AOF, TD, THS.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 09, 2015, 12:31:19 PM
holy fuck we might have 2 80 minute discs
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 09, 2015, 12:32:58 PM
"Lord Nafaryus" is pretty goofy, and "Act of Faythe" is a pun, but otherwise they're decent titles.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zydar on November 09, 2015, 12:33:26 PM
 :panicattack:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 09, 2015, 12:34:28 PM
Faythe? A new character?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 09, 2015, 12:34:56 PM
Wow, they really are just teasing a bit at a time aren't they!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MegaDTSX on November 09, 2015, 12:35:15 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 09, 2015, 12:34:28 PM
Faythe? A new character?

I was just about to type this out.

Its safe to say that "Faythe" is a new female character. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 09, 2015, 12:36:25 PM
Isn't just the super-arcaic way of spelling Faith? the mails sent from the Empire had some of those ancient-sounding words.

I wonder what the nomac symbol means next to the first and the last track!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Another_Won on November 09, 2015, 12:37:12 PM
Is it Lord Nafaryus or Emperor Nafaryus?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: javivalle on November 09, 2015, 12:37:42 PM
song 9 has already been leaked!

https://youtu.be/FkzvrGcUFHI (https://youtu.be/FkzvrGcUFHI)

/sarcasm ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MegaDTSX on November 09, 2015, 12:37:50 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 09, 2015, 12:36:25 PM
Isn't just the super-arcaic way of spelling Faith? the mails sent from the Empire had some of those ancient-sounding words.

I wonder what the nomac symbol means next to the first and the last track!

That way of spelling was a common female baby name in Rome.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 09, 2015, 12:38:09 PM
'Three Days', is a pretty cool title, coolest one so far.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 09, 2015, 12:41:48 PM
Quote from: Another_Won on November 09, 2015, 12:37:12 PM
Is it Lord Nafaryus or Emperor Nafaryus?

Emperlord
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 09, 2015, 12:42:56 PM
Lorderor.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 09, 2015, 12:44:20 PM
YISSSS

Nice titles... But titles AREN'T ENOUGH!!!111

Looking forward for more info on the characters, map and/or an official artwork :D


 ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 12:46:32 PM
Today is Monday November 9th.


When were the first 5 song titles revealed ? October 26 ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Shadow2222 on November 09, 2015, 12:46:51 PM
Excellent! 11 tracks just for Act 1?!

I'm really excited about this one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 09, 2015, 12:47:20 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 09, 2015, 12:34:28 PM
Faythe? A new character?
Yes.

(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/char4.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 09, 2015, 12:47:57 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 12:46:32 PM
When were the first 5 song titles revealed ? October 26 ?

Has it really been two weeks? It feels like less.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 09, 2015, 12:49:45 PM
11 tracks in CD1... SDOIT had 13 tracks considering the splitted parts of SDOIT itself!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Another_Won on November 09, 2015, 12:49:59 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 09, 2015, 12:47:57 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 12:46:32 PM
When were the first 5 song titles revealed ? October 26 ?

Has it really been two weeks? It feels like less.
I thought it was just last week . . .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 12:51:00 PM
22 selectable tracks would be awesome.

More tracks = more choice = much less chance to get bored of the album a la Black Clouds.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 09, 2015, 12:51:34 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 09, 2015, 12:47:57 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 12:46:32 PM
When were the first 5 song titles revealed ? October 26 ?

Has it really been two weeks? It feels like less.

I'm almost sure it's been only 10 days since the "astonishing" website showed up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 09, 2015, 12:52:04 PM
Some wild speculation about the storyline and how the songs may sound, with of course no assumption that I'm actually right:

1. Descent of the NOMACS  - non musical intro, like I Remember Now for Mindcrime, or with minimal instruments like Regression.
2. Dystopian Overture - The true opening of the album, instrumental, just like Overture 1928.
3. The Gift of Music - First song with lyrics, anthemic and uplifting.
4. The Answer - More introspective song, after having discovered the gift of music they found the answer to... something.
5. A Better Life - Possible ballad, in Ravenskill they long for a better life.
6. Lord Nafaryus - Song of the bad guy, heavy and eerie.
7. A Savior in the Square - Back to the good guys, the chosen one shows up.
8. When Your Time Has Come - Another uplifting song, preparing the chosen one for whatever he has to do.
9. Act of Faythe - Balladish song about the female character.
10. Three Days - Well, this is kinda open to any interpretation, the chosen one has three days to get ready to spring into action or something.
11. The Hovering Sojourn - instrumental outro to the first disc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 12:53:17 PM
I'm not sure.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 09, 2015, 12:54:41 PM
I'm 100% sure 2 November was the day they announced the Europe tour, and I'm almost sure the first 5 tracks we're released the same day or one day before or after.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 12:56:12 PM
Well all my tweets about the new site were on Nov 2. So that's that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 09, 2015, 12:57:13 PM
Now I speculate the European The Astonishing shows will just be the album. Since 2 discs of 80 minutes = 2 hours 40 minutes. Even if the discs are only 60 -70 minutes each there'd probably be an intermission of 10-20 minutes between act 1 and 2.

Exciting. This will probably be the longest album they've ever made.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 09, 2015, 12:58:40 PM
There's that symbol again, next to "The Hovering Sojourn". Interesting titles.

My first impression of the title "Three Days" Is that it will be one of the longer tracks. It just has an epic 10+ minute feel to it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 09, 2015, 12:58:50 PM
Yep, I'm definitely hyped again.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Another_Won on November 09, 2015, 01:00:05 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on November 09, 2015, 12:58:40 PM
There's that symbol again, next to "The Hovering Sojourn". Interesting titles.
I believe we are calling that the NOMAC :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 09, 2015, 01:01:14 PM
Quote from: Another_Won on November 09, 2015, 01:00:05 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on November 09, 2015, 12:58:40 PM
There's that symbol again, next to "The Hovering Sojourn". Interesting titles.
I believe we are calling that the NOMAC :)

I'm aware of the name, I was more interested in the significance of these symbols being next to the first and last track on Act I.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Another_Won on November 09, 2015, 01:04:14 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on November 09, 2015, 01:01:14 PM
Quote from: Another_Won on November 09, 2015, 01:00:05 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on November 09, 2015, 12:58:40 PM
There's that symbol again, next to "The Hovering Sojourn". Interesting titles.
I believe we are calling that the NOMAC :)

I'm aware of the name, I was more interested in the significance of these symbols being next to the first and last track on Act I.
I figured you did - sorry just being a smart-ass.  Could it be that they are non-musical tracks as some have suggested?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 09, 2015, 01:14:15 PM
I just noticed, besides the new track titles, that you can now click on Nafaryus' picture. Not a lot happening; it just has his picture next to the Great Northern Empire symbol.

More track titles is very exciting news though. :caffeine:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 09, 2015, 01:16:19 PM
you always could do that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 01:16:54 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 09, 2015, 01:16:19 PM
you always could do that.

Ie Roe - Ywt T'in twp ? ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 01:18:52 PM
Anyone think that the "eyes" might belong to the band ?

Bottom left looks like it could be Jordan.

5 members plus Rich Chycki ? :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: NotePad on November 09, 2015, 01:19:29 PM
I wonder if they were inspired by Rush to do another concept album. That last Rush album was astonishing ;) I wonder what they think of it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 09, 2015, 01:19:43 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 09, 2015, 01:16:19 PM
you always could do that.

Oh. Shows how much I pay attention. The font for "The Astonishing" at the top has changed though. It was a sans-serif type, but now it's the correct one, based on the tour promo.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 09, 2015, 01:20:15 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 01:18:52 PM
Anyone think that the "eyes" might belong to the band ?

Bottom left looks like it could be Jordan.

5 members plus Rich Chycki ? :P
No way any of those is Myung's. Ha Ha
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 09, 2015, 01:20:43 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 01:18:52 PM
Anyone think that the "eyes" might belong to the band ?

Bottom left looks like it could be Jordan.

5 members plus Rich Chycki ? :P

They look a bit too feminine.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 01:23:36 PM
Quote from: Mindflux on November 09, 2015, 01:20:43 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 01:18:52 PM
Anyone think that the "eyes" might belong to the band ?

Bottom left looks like it could be Jordan.

5 members plus Rich Chycki ? :P

They look a bit too feminine.

LaBrie confirmed :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 09, 2015, 01:24:59 PM
I thought A Better Life might perhaps be the instigators of the rebellion in Ravenskill promising their people a better life if they join the Militia and rebel against the Empire.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 09, 2015, 01:39:14 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 01:18:52 PM
Anyone think that the "eyes" might belong to the band ?

Bottom left looks like it could be Jordan.

5 members plus Rich Chycki ? :P

It did came to my mind when I did my parody cover with Mangini's face.

The new titles definitely look interesting. A lot of them sounds like they could be ballads or at least softer songs.

Anyway, I'm betting that Lord Nafaryus will be the Count's brother...

Edit: Sorry The Letter M. At least now I won't make the same mistake again XD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Peter Griffin on November 09, 2015, 01:40:46 PM
"sojourn" implies the hoverers (NOMACS) were only temporarily hacked by the rebels, indicating the second disc will be the empire striking back.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on November 09, 2015, 01:42:41 PM
This sounds like a mix between The Lord Of The Rings, Game Of Thrones, The Hunger Games, and Star Wars.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Letter M on November 09, 2015, 01:46:30 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 09, 2015, 01:39:14 PM
Lord Nefaryus

 :facepalm:

I guess this will be a problem for months (or maybe even years) to come. Part of me likes the neat, oddly-spelled names for these characters, but the Grammar Nazi in me cringes when people cannot be bothered to spell them correctly. Then again, you can't really misspell Victoria... :lol

-Marc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 09, 2015, 01:48:00 PM
Yeah I felt like a fool last week too when I realized I've been spelling it as Nefaryus all the time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: V_R11 on November 09, 2015, 01:48:24 PM
Getting gradually more and more hyped for this album  :metal

It has been mentioned before,but I think we'll get one piece of information per week
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 09, 2015, 01:54:28 PM
Quote from: TheLordOfTheStrings on November 09, 2015, 01:42:41 PM
This sounds like a mix between The Lord Of The Rings, Game Of Thrones, The Hunger Games, and Star Wars.
For me its Hunger Games meets Fallout.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 09, 2015, 01:56:36 PM
I was thinking The Blues Brothers meets The English Patient.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 01:59:44 PM
::) Oh were you ?



it's blatantly Tron 2 meets Manos Hands of Fate via Zardoz
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: AboutToCrash on November 09, 2015, 02:04:07 PM
I'm wondering how long these tracks will be!

Will they all be DT12 length with 4-7 minute tracks or will there be a few long ones and a few of them being 1-2 minute interludes?... Time will tell! Maybe disc 2 is an Epic disc or maybe it follows a similar trend of 11 tracks
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 09, 2015, 02:05:03 PM
mangini can't get for great and strange idea to dt better than MP. when i listen to ADTOE and 12th studio album.i get founding the special riffs.for EX:This Dying soul riffs that give the power and idea to dt for making concept album or other thing! when MP left the band. we can tell that the dt left the greatest drumms line/conceptual ethod/the astonishing melody/.so mangini work for dt as robot playing drumms.he only move his hands and legs. ofcourse he is very fast in drumms.but he plays drumms as playing the robot without mind. hey portnoy THE HEY DAY in dt is over after BC&SL. but we w8 for 13th album.iranian fan of dt around the world always vote to MP after he leaving the band too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 09, 2015, 02:05:51 PM
Or maybe ITPoE meets LNF/Outcry.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: paulstfu on November 09, 2015, 02:14:26 PM
Quote from: ariich on November 09, 2015, 01:54:28 PM
Quote from: TheLordOfTheStrings on November 09, 2015, 01:42:41 PM
This sounds like a mix between The Lord Of The Rings, Game Of Thrones, The Hunger Games, and Star Wars.
For me its Hunger Games meets Fallout.

For me: Skyrim meets Star Wars
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 09, 2015, 02:17:29 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 09, 2015, 02:05:03 PM
mangini can't get for great and strange idea to dt better than MP. when i listen to ADTOE and 12th studio album.i get founding the special riffs.for EX:This Dying soul riffs that give the power and idea to dt for making concept album or other thing! when MP left the band. we can tell that the dt left the greatest drumms line/conceptual ethod/the astonishing melody/.so mangini work for dt as robot playing drumms.he only move his hands and legs. ofcourse he is very fast in drumms.but he plays drumms as playing the robot without mind. hey portnoy THE HEY DAY in dt is over after BC&SL. but we w8 for 13th album.iranian fan of dt around the world always vote to MP after he leaving the band too.
Hail THE HEY DAYS  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 02:25:25 PM
mangini is a bit robotic but he knows his place in the band.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: theanalogkid7 on November 09, 2015, 02:28:26 PM
Any thoughts as to what the NOMACS next to the first and last tracks of Act I mean?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 09, 2015, 02:32:22 PM
Quote from: Lucien on November 09, 2015, 12:57:13 PM
Now I speculate the European The Astonishing shows will just be the album. Since 2 discs of 80 minutes = 2 hours 40 minutes. Even if the discs are only 60 -70 minutes each there'd probably be an intermission of 10-20 minutes between act 1 and 2.

Well, I wasn't supposed to reveal this, but since you are SO close, it doesn't really hurt at this point.  According to information I have directly from the band, the live shows will consist of:
-The Astonishing:  Act I
-intermission
-The Astonishing:  Act II
-Encore:  You Not Me; You Not Me II (Reprise)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Letter M on November 09, 2015, 02:33:51 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 09, 2015, 02:32:22 PM
Quote from: Lucien on November 09, 2015, 12:57:13 PM
Now I speculate the European The Astonishing shows will just be the album. Since 2 discs of 80 minutes = 2 hours 40 minutes. Even if the discs are only 60 -70 minutes each there'd probably be an intermission of 10-20 minutes between act 1 and 2.

Well, I wasn't supposed to reveal this, but since you are SO close, it doesn't really hurt at this point.  According to information I have directly from the band, the live shows will consist of:
-The Astonishing:  Act I
-intermission
-The Astonishing:  Act II
-Encore:  You Not Me; You Not Me II (Reprise)

:clap:

-Marc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Calvin6s on November 09, 2015, 02:34:43 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 02:25:25 PM
mangini is a bit robotic but he knows his place in the band.

And Petrucci just waves the back of his hand if Mangini starts thinking otherwise.

It is also why we don't have any new "making of" footage.  Every time they think they have a good 3 minutes of footage they can use, Rudess gets caught saying "oh how cute.  The drummer thinks it's people" and they have to toss it all out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CoT67 on November 09, 2015, 02:35:55 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 09, 2015, 12:52:04 PM
Some wild speculation about the storyline and how the songs may sound, with of course no assumption that I'm actually right:

1. Descent of the NOMACS  - non musical intro, like I Remember Now for Mindcrime, or with minimal instruments like Regression.
2. Dystopian Overture - The true opening of the album, instrumental, just like Overture 1928.
3. The Gift of Music - First song with lyrics, anthemic and uplifting.
4. The Answer - More introspective song, after having discovered the gift of music they found the answer to... something.
5. A Better Life - Possible ballad, in Ravenskill they long for a better life.
6. Lord Nafaryus - Song of the bad guy, heavy and eerie.
7. A Savior in the Square - Back to the good guys, the chosen one shows up.
8. When Your Time Has Come - Another uplifting song, preparing the chosen one for whatever he has to do.
9. Act of Faythe - Balladish song about the female character.
10. Three Days - Well, this is kinda open to any interpretation, the chosen one has three days to get ready to spring into action or something.
11. The Hovering Sojourn - instrumental outro to the first disc.

Something tells me that the 15th song (4th on the 2nd Act) will be called "Lies Within". ::)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 02:37:35 PM
:emo: We can only hope and pray.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 09, 2015, 02:41:36 PM
kotowboy.mangini only can play fast and fast.he can't give the good ide abot the album. one day after leaving mp.dt buying from amazon the mike mangini.only with 1 dollar. :lol and JL said: hey little poor drummer welcome to the family.and jp said to him hey little poor robote after ending tour come to my home and play the game with my little daughter dolls :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 02:44:00 PM
Word for word exactly how it happened :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 09, 2015, 02:46:30 PM
"So yeah I heard they will be playing You Not Me II live for the first time"
"NO WAY, source?"
"Bosk said it man, it's totally true!"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Podaar on November 09, 2015, 02:47:12 PM
...and all this time...

How did we not know about the dolls? That's AWESOME!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Aythesryche on November 09, 2015, 02:49:00 PM
(https://media.giphy.com/media/NnGGHE0muVqpO/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Peter Griffin on November 09, 2015, 02:49:28 PM
Quote from: theanalogkid7 on November 09, 2015, 02:28:26 PM
Any thoughts as to what the NOMACS next to the first and last tracks of Act I mean?

NOMACS will be introduced as the evil minions of the empire in track 1; they will have been hacked by the rebels by the time the sojourner track rolls around, trumpeting smooth kenny g tunes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Peter Griffin on November 09, 2015, 02:51:27 PM
Quote from: Peter Griffin on November 09, 2015, 02:49:28 PM
Quote from: theanalogkid7 on November 09, 2015, 02:28:26 PM
Any thoughts as to what the NOMACS next to the first and last tracks of Act I mean?

NOMACS will be introduced as the evil minions of the empire in track 1; they will have been hacked by the rebels by the time the sojourner track rolls around, trumpeting smooth kenny g tunes.

oh, you meant the actual NOMACS image...  :-[
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 02:52:54 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 09, 2015, 02:46:30 PM
"So yeah I heard they will be playing You Not Me II live for the first time"
"NO WAY, source?"
"Bosk said it man, it's totally true!"

2 Not Me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: liran95 on November 09, 2015, 03:09:00 PM
Quote from: theanalogkid7 on November 09, 2015, 02:28:26 PM
Any thoughts as to what the NOMACS next to the first and last tracks of Act I mean?

I think it could maybe just mark the start and the end of the act. Simple as that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 09, 2015, 03:11:39 PM
Someone mentioned somewhere that it might be spoken tracks by these NOMACS, meaning they're not really seen as songs, just something to round up the concept, and as they're first and last on Act 1 it seems very plausible.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Setlist Scotty on November 09, 2015, 03:26:48 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 09, 2015, 02:32:22 PM
-Encore:  You Not Me; You Not Me II (Reprise)
Will that be with the polka breakdown, the dubstep extended guitar solo, the extra verses about how it's not about you or me but about them, or will it be the black metal single edit?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BelichickFan on November 09, 2015, 04:00:41 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 09, 2015, 03:11:39 PM
Someone mentioned somewhere that it might be spoken tracks by these NOMACS, meaning they're not really seen as songs, just something to round up the concept, and as they're first and last on Act 1 it seems very plausible.
Especially with "Dystopian Overture" being the second track, I could see a short, spoken track leading into a instrumental "overture" with "The Gift of Music" being the first with sung vocals.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 09, 2015, 04:02:59 PM
Absolutely.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 09, 2015, 04:09:47 PM
Quote from: Setlist Scotty on November 09, 2015, 03:26:48 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 09, 2015, 02:32:22 PM
-Encore:  You Not Me; You Not Me II (Reprise)
Will that be with the polka breakdown, the dubstep extended guitar solo, the extra verses about how it's not about you or me but about them, or will it be the black metal single edit?
Yes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 09, 2015, 04:11:49 PM
Bosk, knock it off!



Is it me or are The Vanishing Forest and The Northern Highlands newly labeled?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 04:15:14 PM
No they were already there :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 09, 2015, 04:17:34 PM
I'm still waiting to see if the name under the Silver Head Mountains will be YOLO

Or maybe it will be the country of Yoonaughtmeeh
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 09, 2015, 04:20:33 PM
So, the hypothesis that we'll have 10 songs on both acts based on the number of empty slots on the site has been disproven.

I'm a bit disappointed to see that many songs in the first act, it increases the chance we'll only have lots of short songs like in DT12
Hoping for three +10 min songs, is that too much to ask, DT?? :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 09, 2015, 04:25:14 PM
Well Scenes has 12 songs and Falling Into Infinity has 11. Both albums have a good variety in song length, some shorter ones and some longer than 10 minutes. So I don't think you need to worry about that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 04:31:35 PM
Quote from: Pax on November 09, 2015, 04:20:33 PM
So, the hypothesis that we'll have 10 songs on both acts based on the number of empty slots on the site has been disproven.

I'm a bit disappointed to see that many songs in the first act, it increases the chance we'll only have lots of short songs like in DT12
Hoping for three +10 min songs, is that too much to ask, DT?? :(

You never know it might be two songs split up into 11 segments.


For arguments sake - 80 minute CD by 11 songs is an average of 7.5 minutes per song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on November 09, 2015, 04:34:37 PM
Some BA song titles....A Savior In The Square is particular is an awesome title.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 04:46:38 PM
It's better than the working title : A Sausage In The Street.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nearmyth on November 09, 2015, 05:27:03 PM
I really hope DT goes for a more unpredictable and creative approach than the standard "concept album." It would be very easy to just do the same formula as SFAM and call it a day, i.e. like most concept albums. Just throw something at as we won't expect in terms of music, function, and form
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 09, 2015, 05:32:40 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 09, 2015, 02:32:22 PM
Quote from: Lucien on November 09, 2015, 12:57:13 PM
Now I speculate the European The Astonishing shows will just be the album. Since 2 discs of 80 minutes = 2 hours 40 minutes. Even if the discs are only 60 -70 minutes each there'd probably be an intermission of 10-20 minutes between act 1 and 2.

Well, I wasn't supposed to reveal this, but since you are SO close, it doesn't really hurt at this point.  According to information I have directly from the band, the live shows will consist of:
-The Astonishing:  Act I
-intermission
-The Astonishing:  Act II
-Encore:  You Not Me; You Not Me II (Reprise)

:clap:

Now how close am I really?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 09, 2015, 05:39:37 PM
The encore will obviously be A Nightmare to Remember with extended ending jam. The song will last around 24 minutes.

With the Day after Day part being sung by JM, who will reveal his powerful demonic voice from beyond.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 09, 2015, 05:44:26 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 09, 2015, 05:39:37 PM
The encore will obviously be A Nightmare to Remember with extended ending jam. The song will last around 24 minutes.

With the Day after Day part being sung by JM, who will reveal his powerful demonic voice from beyond.

It's a miracle he lived, it's a blessing no one died
By nature's inflexible grace, everyone survived

BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASS
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 09, 2015, 05:45:21 PM
The kingshmegland is looking forward to The Astonishing.   
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 09, 2015, 05:50:15 PM
You, not me ( 2 not 3 ).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ResultsMayVary on November 09, 2015, 07:00:39 PM
Seeing all these posts about how people are disappointed because there's two discs (probably) of music or how they're disappointed because there's "too many" songs in the first act?

I hate to be rude, but this seems like you're looking for something to complain about. Why are we bitching about this information? Unless you know something I don't, there's no way to tell what this album is even remotely like.

Come on, people.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Calvin6s on November 09, 2015, 07:14:43 PM
Stop complaining about complaining.   :-*
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ResultsMayVary on November 09, 2015, 07:17:27 PM
Quote from: Calvin6s on November 09, 2015, 07:14:43 PM
Stop complaining about complaining.   :-*
Hater.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 09, 2015, 08:43:09 PM
Quote from: The Letter M on November 09, 2015, 12:27:15 PM
ACT I
1. Descent of the NOMACS
2. Dystopian Overture
3. The Gift of Music
4. The Answer
5. A Better Life
6. Lord Nafaryus
7. A Savior in the Square
8. When Your Time Has Come
9. Act of Faythe
10. Three Days
11. The Hovering Sojourn

All first letters of each title form: DDTT* A LA WATT

*(plural DT)

So this means they're with more power and energy than ever!..






SO ENERGY... POWAAA!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 09:15:27 PM
Are they really going to have a song called Lord Nafaryus? This is TCOT level stuff here.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: liran95 on November 09, 2015, 09:28:49 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 09:15:27 PM
Are they really going to have a song called Lord Nafaryus? This is TCOT level stuff here.

Well, maybe when being looked at individually.
It makes sense in the context of the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 09:33:29 PM
Quote from: liran95 on November 09, 2015, 09:28:49 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 09:15:27 PM
Are they really going to have a song called Lord Nafaryus? This is TCOT level stuff here.

Well, maybe when being looked at individually.
It makes sense in the context of the album.

And TCOT makes sense in context too. I'm just saying, there is now a DT song called Lord Nafaryus. Let it sink in. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bl5150 on November 09, 2015, 09:35:10 PM
Nothing wrong with it Blob..........you fairy ass  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Cool Chris on November 09, 2015, 09:36:13 PM
Challenge to dtf.org members: Find words that rhyme with "Nafaryus."

GO!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bl5150 on November 09, 2015, 09:41:36 PM
Quote from: bl5150 on November 09, 2015, 09:35:10 PM
Nothing wrong with it Blob..........you fairy ass  ;D

That's where you were meant to say "I'm Nafaryus"   :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Progmetty on November 09, 2015, 09:57:24 PM
What was the leaked material that prompted the new thread? I just wanna know so I wouldn't talk about it. Is it the artwork from the Italian DT fb page?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 10:01:34 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on November 09, 2015, 09:57:24 PM
What was the leaked material that prompted the new thread? I just wanna know so I wouldn't talk about it. Is it the artwork from the Italian DT fb page?

I think it was just a couple of bits of character artwork, found by guessing some filenames. There could be more I missed though, as I wasn't around when it got deleted. We'll probably see it soon with the next official update anyway.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Raise the Drum on November 09, 2015, 10:08:26 PM
It's weird, being a DT fan, I don't remember if I've ever felt the sensation of getting a lot of new songs at same time.
I was kinda getting used to the "11 - 12" songs format with ADTOE and DT12. And by the time of 6DOIT ( a double album like The Ashtonishing) I wasn't that much into DT. I started to follow them like "move by move" when TOT came out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Progmetty on November 09, 2015, 10:09:47 PM
This is all very exciting, I only hope the album length doesn't mean no Texas in the NA tour this time around too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 09, 2015, 10:12:17 PM
Let's think of Abbreviations now for each track, let's name the official ones!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: adastra on November 09, 2015, 10:12:47 PM
SPOILER ALERT:  I had a dream last night;  The first CD of The Astonishing contains 3 songs (8min, 8min , 15min) and the drums sounded amazing! :D  And guess what..... The first song was On The Backs Of Angels with a different title.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 09, 2015, 10:17:13 PM
Quote from: adastra on November 09, 2015, 10:12:47 PM
SPOILER ALERT:  I had a dream last night;  The first CD of The Astonishing contains 3 songs (8min, 8min , 15min) and the drums sounded amazing! :D  And guess what..... The first song was On The Backs Of Angels with a different title.

Not really a spoiler when we already know it isn't true  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: adastra on November 09, 2015, 10:19:03 PM
Quote from: Lucien on November 09, 2015, 10:17:13 PM
Quote from: adastra on November 09, 2015, 10:12:47 PM
SPOILER ALERT:  I had a dream last night;  The first CD of The Astonishing contains 3 songs (8min, 8min , 15min) and the drums sounded amazing! :D  And guess what..... The first song was On The Backs Of Angels with a different title.

Not really a spoiler when we already know it isn't true  :lol

I hope so :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: YtseJamittaja on November 09, 2015, 10:42:07 PM
Quote from: Setlist Scotty on November 09, 2015, 03:26:48 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 09, 2015, 02:32:22 PM
-Encore:  You Not Me; You Not Me II (Reprise)
Will that be with the polka breakdown, the dubstep extended guitar solo, the extra verses about how it's not about you or me but about them, or will it be the black metal single edit?

That's alright
I'm okay
If it happens every single day
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 09, 2015, 11:01:40 PM
Quote from: adastra on November 09, 2015, 10:19:03 PM
Quote from: Lucien on November 09, 2015, 10:17:13 PM
Quote from: adastra on November 09, 2015, 10:12:47 PM
SPOILER ALERT:  I had a dream last night;  The first CD of The Astonishing contains 3 songs (8min, 8min , 15min) and the drums sounded amazing! :D  And guess what..... The first song was On The Backs Of Angels with a different title.

Not really a spoiler when we already know it isn't true  :lol

I hope so :D

Uh, we already know there are 11 songs on the first CD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: theseoafs on November 09, 2015, 11:45:52 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 09:33:29 PM
Quote from: liran95 on November 09, 2015, 09:28:49 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 09:15:27 PM
Are they really going to have a song called Lord Nafaryus? This is TCOT level stuff here.

Well, maybe when being looked at individually.
It makes sense in the context of the album.

And TCOT makes sense in context too. I'm just saying, there is now a DT song called Lord Nafaryus. Let it sink in. :lol

Almost as bad as the bad guys in a cartoon series being called the Decepticons.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: sneakyblueberry on November 09, 2015, 11:48:04 PM
this album better be astonishing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 11:51:07 PM
Quote from: theseoafs on November 09, 2015, 11:45:52 PM
Almost as bad as the bad guys in a cartoon series being called the Decepticons.

I would think that it's a little more understandable in a cartoon aimed at little kids to sell toys, than a veteran prog band's latest album concept, but nice dodge. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: theseoafs on November 09, 2015, 11:52:48 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 11:51:07 PM
Quote from: theseoafs on November 09, 2015, 11:45:52 PM
Almost as bad as the bad guys in a cartoon series being called the Decepticons.

I would think that it's a little more understandable in a cartoon aimed at little kids to sell toys, than a veteran prog band's latest album concept, but nice dodge. :biggrin:

Yeah, well, we haven't seen the merchandise lineup for this album cycle yet.  If there isn't a Lord Nafaryus action figgerr I'll be shocked.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 11:53:29 PM
Quote from: theseoafs on November 09, 2015, 11:52:48 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 11:51:07 PM
Quote from: theseoafs on November 09, 2015, 11:45:52 PM
Almost as bad as the bad guys in a cartoon series being called the Decepticons.

I would think that it's a little more understandable in a cartoon aimed at little kids to sell toys, than a veteran prog band's latest album concept, but nice dodge. :biggrin:

Yeah, well, we haven't seen the merchandise lineup for this album cycle yet.  If there isn't a Lord Nafaryus action figgerr I'll be shocked.

Note to self: Get the deluxe box set of The Astonishing.

Although I'm really hanging out for the PC game.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on November 10, 2015, 12:00:47 AM
Quote from: theseoafs on November 09, 2015, 11:45:52 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 09:33:29 PM
Quote from: liran95 on November 09, 2015, 09:28:49 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 09:15:27 PM
Are they really going to have a song called Lord Nafaryus? This is TCOT level stuff here.

Well, maybe when being looked at individually.
It makes sense in the context of the album.

And TCOT makes sense in context too. I'm just saying, there is now a DT song called Lord Nafaryus. Let it sink in. :lol

Almost as bad as the bad guys in a cartoon series being called the Decepticons.

Hey. Decepticons are awesome.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 10, 2015, 02:04:55 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 10:01:34 PM
We'll probably see it soon with the next official update anyway.
Exactly, it's all going to be released eventually.

I deleted a couple of posts in this thread. Given how clearly bosk said not be posting or discussing unauthorised info, how about we stop discussing unauthorised info? :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zydar on November 10, 2015, 02:07:32 AM
Nah, we need something for you to do ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: |KirK| on November 10, 2015, 02:22:36 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 10, 2015, 02:04:55 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 10:01:34 PM
We'll probably see it soon with the next official update anyway.
Exactly, it's all going to be released eventually.

I deleted a couple of posts in this thread. Given how clearly bosk said not be posting or discussing unauthorised info, how about we stop discussing unauthorised info? :P
:hefdaddy

Do you think that the lyrics on the album will be like the emails?! You know,  I've bought my ticket for the show in Milan and I'd like to know if I have to bring with me the dictionary... ???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 10, 2015, 02:31:33 AM
Quote from: Zydar on November 10, 2015, 02:07:32 AM
Nah, we need something for you to do ;)
I'll admit, I haven't banned anyone in a long time.

So go ahead, make my day punks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Edergilmour on November 10, 2015, 04:11:04 AM
I'm thinking those song titles are just parts of a whole musical piece. Like Neal Morse's "?". If so, first act could be a 50 minutes piece of continuous music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: James.v6 on November 10, 2015, 04:23:52 AM
Lord Nafaryus. I really feel that heavy strong 8 string character theme !!!
 :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mladen on November 10, 2015, 04:33:08 AM
Quote from: Edergilmour on November 10, 2015, 04:11:04 AM
I'm thinking those song titles are just parts of a whole musical piece. Like Neal Morse's "?". If so, first act could be a 50 minutes piece of continuous music.
Yeah, I've also got this feeling.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: commanderbob on November 10, 2015, 05:22:34 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 09:15:27 PM
Are they really going to have a song called Lord Nafaryus? This is TCOT level stuff here.

Random thought of the day: I'm imagining this song as merely a cover of Metallica's Sanitarium.

Lord Nafaryus, leave me be.
Lord Nafaryus just leave me alone.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 10, 2015, 05:29:21 AM
Must say I'm unexpectetly stoked for this one!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: emtee on November 10, 2015, 05:31:04 AM
Anxious to hear it for sure but a part of me remembers Styx's Kilroy Was Here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 10, 2015, 05:34:44 AM
I really really liked kilroy was here... when i was 10.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 10, 2015, 05:53:38 AM
Quote from: Edergilmour on November 10, 2015, 04:11:04 AM
I'm thinking those song titles are just parts of a whole musical piece. Like Neal Morse's "?". If so, first act could be a 50 minutes piece of continuous music.

They are. It's called The Astonishing. And yes, I predict that the music on each disc will be continuous. Like Snow, or like SFAM.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ledlemos08 on November 10, 2015, 05:57:37 AM
Damn! I need to listen something new... I can't wait anymore! hahahaha
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Moor on November 10, 2015, 06:30:33 AM
Quote from: commanderbob on November 10, 2015, 05:22:34 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 09:15:27 PM
Are they really going to have a song called Lord Nafaryus? This is TCOT level stuff here.

Random thought of the day: I'm imagining this song as merely a cover of Metallica's Sanitarium.

Lord Nafaryus, leave me be.
Lord Nafaryus just leave me alone.

HAHAHAHA awesome !

Or something like:

Lord Nafaryus within, I will fight for you
Lord Nafaryus of sin, now my soul is yours
Lord Nafaryus, my guide, I will die for you
Lord Nafaryus inside�
Lord Nafaryus, amen, I belong to you

Heil! Heil! Heil! Heil!
 Heil! Heil! Heil! Heil!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Moor on November 10, 2015, 06:34:53 AM
nefarious /nɪˈfɛːrɪəs/: adjective: (typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: liran95 on November 10, 2015, 06:35:19 AM
Quote from: Moor on November 10, 2015, 06:30:33 AM
Quote from: commanderbob on November 10, 2015, 05:22:34 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 09:15:27 PM
Are they really going to have a song called Lord Nafaryus? This is TCOT level stuff here.

Random thought of the day: I'm imagining this song as merely a cover of Metallica's Sanitarium.

Lord Nafaryus, leave me be.
Lord Nafaryus just leave me alone.

HAHAHAHA awesome !

Or something like:

Lord Nafaryus within, I will fight for you
Lord Nafaryus of sin, now my soul is yours
Lord Nafaryus, my guide, I will die for you
Lord Nafaryus inside�
Lord Nafaryus, amen, I belong to you

Heil! Heil! Heil! Heil!
 Heil! Heil! Heil! Heil!

Standing on the back of Lord Nafaryus.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Curious Orange on November 10, 2015, 08:05:10 AM
I can only hope "Lord Nafaryus" is an instrumental...

Also - "The Hovering Sourjon" - what sort of a title is that??

And I can only assume "Three Days" is a cover of the Jane's Addiction song... (That would be so kewl!)  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 10, 2015, 08:14:13 AM
Nah most likely a tribute to the band with the singer who only writes about his drug problem, Three Days Grace, good fit to DT for sure.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Progmetty on November 10, 2015, 08:29:45 AM
I'm putting my money down on at least 4 of these tracks being spoken words section to move the story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 10, 2015, 08:35:19 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 10, 2015, 08:14:13 AM
Nah most likely a tribute to the band with the singer who only writes about his drug problem, Three Days Grace, good fit to DT for sure.

No matter how hard I try
You’re never satisfied
This is not a home
This is what I'm longing for
You always disappear
And I'm feeling you here
Let him take you home
I think I’m better off alone

Home, home,
It`s what I long for
Home, home,
Where I belong
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 10, 2015, 08:39:02 AM
Wow that took me way too long to figure out, I thought you had a very crappy link to the song lyrics..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 10, 2015, 08:43:15 AM
Quote from: Raise the Drum on November 09, 2015, 10:08:26 PM
It's weird, being a DT fan, I don't remember if I've ever felt the sensation of getting a lot of new songs at same time.
I was kinda getting used to the "11 - 12" songs format with ADTOE and DT12. And by the time of 6DOIT ( a double album like The Ashtonishing) I wasn't that much into DT. I started to follow them like "move by move" when TOT came out.

So you were getting used to the 6-9 songs format then.. They haven't done an album with 11-tracks-at-least since SFaM..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 10, 2015, 08:44:45 AM
SDOIT has 13 tracks :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 10, 2015, 09:32:25 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 10, 2015, 08:44:45 AM
SDOIT has 13 tracks :neverusethis:

Ok, then:

"They haven't done an album with 11-tracks-songs-at-least since SFaM.."

Fixed that by me..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: wolven74 on November 10, 2015, 09:38:17 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 09, 2015, 09:15:27 PM
Are they really going to have a song called Lord Nafaryus? This is TCOT level stuff here.

Possibly Lord Nafaryus is an instrumental... though considering how close to the Overture it is, probably not. Could be a cool track that doesn't have a cheesy chorus.....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: rumborak on November 10, 2015, 09:52:56 AM
Lord Nafaryus,
your deeds are precarious,
Lord Nafaryus,
you were born an Aquarius. Aquarius, Aquarius!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 10, 2015, 10:10:08 AM
Quote from: The Letter M on November 09, 2015, 12:27:15 PM
AWWWW YEAH, Nafaryus gets his own track!!!

I'm a bit late to the party, but this was my first thought when I saw the titles.

Quote from: The Curious Orange on November 10, 2015, 08:05:10 AM
I can only hope "Lord Nafaryus" is an instrumental...

I really hope it's not, it would be a waste. Can't wait to see what the band has come up with on this song, preferably with the lyrics. :lol

Oh, and I guess the man's name can also rhyme with hilarious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 10:22:00 AM
Lord Nafaryus. He's Hilarious. Born under the sign of Aquarius.

Something funny going on.

Hilarious Nafaryus.

Something fishy going on.

Aquarius Nafaryus.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Cedar redaC on November 10, 2015, 10:23:47 AM
Quote from: rumborak on November 10, 2015, 09:52:56 AM
Lord Nafaryus,
your deeds are precarious,
Lord Nafaryus,
you were born an Aquarius. Aquarius, Aquarius!!

"Insert Haken cameo here"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 10, 2015, 10:32:28 AM
I'll be Astonished if this isn't full of cheese.

 :yarr
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 10, 2015, 10:36:48 AM
ugh

all of this is  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: nattmorker on November 10, 2015, 10:51:33 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 10:22:00 AM
Lord Nafaryus. He's Hilarious. Born inside the Aquarius.

Something funny going on.

Hilarious Nafaryus.

Something fishy going on.

Aquarius Nafaryus.

FTFM

Hilarious Aquarius Nafaryus  :rollin :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 10, 2015, 10:54:50 AM
"Cos I gotta have Faythe, ooh I gotta have Faythe"

:neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 10, 2015, 11:00:18 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 10, 2015, 10:54:50 AM
"Cos I gotta have Faythe, ooh I gotta have Faythe"

:neverusethis:

George Michael guest spot on the track?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 11:16:21 AM
Quote from: Lucien on November 10, 2015, 10:36:48 AM
ugh

all of this is  :facepalm:

If DT play it completely straight faced it could be terrible. If it's tongue in cheek then it could be amazing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 11:18:37 AM
Which was the last album where we got a good solid In The Studio DVD ?

Was it Systematic Chaos in 2007 ?

Because we're well overdue another one and this album is crying out for it. :beg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mike099 on November 10, 2015, 11:21:34 AM
Quote from: sneakyblueberry on November 09, 2015, 11:48:04 PM
this album better be astonishing

I know that it will be majestic.   :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: 1neeto on November 10, 2015, 11:32:48 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 11:18:37 AM
Which was the last album where we got a good solid In The Studio DVD ?

Was it Systematic Chaos in 2007 ?

Because we're well overdue another one and this album is crying out for it. :beg:

That was so cheesy, but entertaining to watch.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 10, 2015, 11:42:55 AM
I don't think Lord Nafaryus will be an instrumental, but maybe the character won't be mentioned in the lyrics. Or it won't be at the end of the lyrics so it won't have to rhyme  :D

We'll know in due time, I'm sure we're in for something tasteful and captivating and not cringeworthy  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 10, 2015, 11:50:31 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 10, 2015, 11:42:55 AM
We'll know in due time, I'm sure we're in for something tasteful and captivating and not cringeworthy  :hat

Unfortunately, I don't share your confidence.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 10, 2015, 11:56:16 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 10, 2015, 11:42:55 AM
I'm sure we're in for something tasteful and captivating and not cringeworthy  :hat
It's as if you stopped listening after Systematic Chaos.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 10, 2015, 12:00:44 PM
I hope we get track lengths in near future, means a lot more than the title
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 10, 2015, 12:05:23 PM
Quote from: Pax on November 10, 2015, 12:00:44 PM
I hope we get track lengths in near future, means a lot more than the title

Not a lot more, but I agree that we need the lenghts...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: sfam2112 on November 10, 2015, 12:16:14 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 10, 2015, 12:05:23 PM
Quote from: Pax on November 10, 2015, 12:00:44 PM
I hope we get track lengths in near future, means a lot more than the title

Not a lot more, but I agree that we need the lenghts...

That's what she......nevermind.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Calvin6s on November 10, 2015, 12:24:26 PM
Definitely has the chance of being some epic milestone praised for the rest of their fans' lives or the release that fans pretend never happened.  If the latter, they will say "this was all Mangini.  This is why we didn't let him write on 11 & 12 !!!"  And then the path will divide with the return of Lord Nafaryus (sp?), I mean Mike Portnoy coming back into the fold.

And this is why I really try not to pay too much attention to pre-release news on albums for any band.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on November 10, 2015, 12:31:10 PM
What if this whole thing was a front to throw us off from what the real album is gonna be? hahahaha

Totally kidding obviously, but that would be pretty epic.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 10, 2015, 12:42:17 PM
Lengths have never been revealed - usually I'm the one that leaks those ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jdprsaga on November 10, 2015, 12:44:01 PM
Quote from: The Curious Orange on November 10, 2015, 08:05:10 AM
I can only hope "Lord Nafaryus" is an instrumental...

Also - "The Hovering Sourjon" - what sort of a title is that??

And I can only assume "Three Days" is a cover of the Jane's Addiction song... (That would be so kewl!)  :hat

Maybe Sourjon is the name of another Character.. like nafaryus and Arhyse.. it sounds like a Surgeon,  maybe the one who makes the implants.  :corn


edit: keep thinking of it..  why would a person be hovering.. and why is there a Nomac next to the name... maybe it's like a next generation Nomac much more advanced than the previous one designed to kill the savior and any rebel.. introducing him there is a good way to end the first act...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 10, 2015, 12:50:01 PM
Quote from: jdprsaga on November 10, 2015, 12:44:01 PM
Quote from: The Curious Orange on November 10, 2015, 08:05:10 AM
I can only hope "Lord Nafaryus" is an instrumental...

Also - "The Hovering Sourjon" - what sort of a title is that??

And I can only assume "Three Days" is a cover of the Jane's Addiction song... (That would be so kewl!)  :hat

Maybe Sourjon is the name of another Character.. like nafaryus and Arhyse.. it sounds like a Surgeon,  maybe the one who makes the implants.  :corn

Sojourn is a legit word though.

Sour Jon is a great character name though, I'll give you that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 12:51:36 PM
sojourn |ˈsōjərn| formal
noun
a temporary stay: her sojourn in Rome.
verb [ no obj. ]
stay somewhere temporarily: she had sojourned once in Egypt.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 10, 2015, 12:51:48 PM
Means something like temporary stay.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 12:52:05 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 10, 2015, 12:51:48 PM
Means something like temporary stay.

:ninja:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 10, 2015, 01:00:51 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 11:16:21 AM
Quote from: Lucien on November 10, 2015, 10:36:48 AM
ugh

all of this is  :facepalm:

If DT play it completely straight faced it could be terrible. If it's tongue in cheek then it could be amazing.

I'm talking about you guys, not the song titles  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 01:03:22 PM
NO FUN ALLOWED :bosk1:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: AboutToCrash on November 10, 2015, 01:12:26 PM
Cheesy or not they have taken a huge risk and diverted completely from the usual lyrics about personal experiences and such (Minus SC)., however this turns out I admire the boldness of the band for doing this. They have cemented their name in Prog metal history and want to try and push the boundaries once again, this is awesome... Got my London ticket now so can't wait... If they're playing the whole album and nothing else I sure hope it's epic! I do think they had to mix things up this time though before things got potentially stale.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 01:14:20 PM
Yup. All the talk on this board about them just going through the motions and then they do this.

Makes you think that ADTOE & DT12 were deliberately safe and familiar just so they could get Mangini comfortable with the band first.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 10, 2015, 01:23:44 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 01:14:20 PM
Yup. All the talk on this board about them just going through the motions and then they do this.

Makes you think that ADTOE & DT12 were deliberately safe and familiar just so they could get Mangini comfortable with the band first.

I'm thinking that they could have started planning this on the Adtoe tour. Kept planning it while recording and touring for DT12.
Somthing ambitious like this feels like it should take a long time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: tofee35 on November 10, 2015, 01:25:26 PM
I'm having trouble understanding how, in the future, the English language will regress back to medieval-speak where heroes are honored in the town square and leaders are 'Lords', yet bed and breakfasts float in midair/or somebody's undecided on whether or not to stay in Rome... this is confusing

If the album is played with lutes and fifes, I won't be surprised.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Thematt202 on November 10, 2015, 01:25:40 PM
Ah, fuck sake.  I always miss the unauthorised info.  Is there an alternative DT forum that's slightly less anal?  I can understand not sharing leaked music, but random tidbits of information?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 01:26:36 PM
I think it would have been too much to do a Double Concept Album as Mangini's first album and their first album after Portnoy left.

It might have smacked of desperation.

You may be right about the early planning. In that infamous LaBrie and Petrucci laughing video - ( I think it's that video ) - they mention discussing doing another concept album " at some point ".

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 10, 2015, 01:28:22 PM
Quote from: sfam2112 on November 10, 2015, 12:16:14 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 10, 2015, 12:05:23 PM
Quote from: Pax on November 10, 2015, 12:00:44 PM
I hope we get track lengths in near future, means a lot more than the title

Not a lot more, but I agree that we need the lenghts...

That's what she......nevermind.  :biggrin:

*he

And, btw/to be clear, while he thinks the lengths give more info about the songs' nature, I don't.. Knowing the band, according the titles we can make predictions like the one MirrorMask did, with which I mostly agree, and thus having good chances to guess correctly than only according to the track lengths..

A 7 minute song doesn't say anything about its style or type of song (at least not a DT song), whereas that a name like "Dystopian Overture" it's clearly implying something.. That is an overture, and also sounds like an instrumental.. I'd say that even the place a track is in (when we know its title, obviously) give us more clues about the style than its length..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: 425 on November 10, 2015, 02:11:29 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on November 10, 2015, 01:25:40 PM
Ah, fuck sake.  I always miss the unauthorised info.  Is there an alternative DT forum that's slightly less anal?  I can understand not sharing leaked music, but random tidbits of information?

The fact that you can't talk about an unauthorized tidbit of information has you seeking out another forum? Really?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirzekDT on November 10, 2015, 02:15:45 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 10, 2015, 01:28:22 PM
Quote from: sfam2112 on November 10, 2015, 12:16:14 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 10, 2015, 12:05:23 PM
Quote from: Pax on November 10, 2015, 12:00:44 PM
I hope we get track lengths in near future, means a lot more than the title

Not a lot more, but I agree that we need the lenghts...

That's what she......nevermind.  :biggrin:

*he

And, btw/to be clear, while he thinks the lengths give more info about the songs' nature, I don't.. Knowing the band, according the titles we can make predictions like the one MirrorMask did, with which I mostly agree, and thus having good chances to guess correctly than only according to the track lengths..

A 7 minute song doesn't say anything about its style or type of song (at least not a DT song), whereas that a name like "Dystopian Overture" it's clearly implying something.. That is an overture, and also sounds like an instrumental.. I'd say that even the place a track is in (when we know its title, obviously) give us more clues about the style than its length..

Well, I guess you can get a lot of information from very short and very long lengths. Like this song will be some kind of interlude/intro/outro and this song will be a long epic with multiple movements (probably), but I agree that there's not much to get from ordinary song lengths.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 10, 2015, 02:20:49 PM
hey guys. pls look to ch8. back of the picture we have one clock.that we only see  4 number. ( 0-1-1-2) i think the char 8 tell to us the release date of album.01/1/2016.  the number 12 hidden by the head of character.this was my idea. pls txt ur idea about the char8 pls. in 8th cha dt hide the secret about the album and story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 02:24:43 PM
I don't think the album will drop on January 1st.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 10, 2015, 02:25:47 PM
if we cut the char8 head. we have 7 number.(0-11-12-1-2) whats thats mean? why the char 8 satying front the clock.whats the clock meaning in the picture?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 02:26:30 PM
Probably a clock :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 10, 2015, 02:34:44 PM
0111212. is it the morse code?huh? myabe this code on the morse tell the name of char? i cant play with morse code.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 10, 2015, 02:41:17 PM
:1967:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 10, 2015, 02:42:59 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 02:24:43 PM
I don't think the album will drop on January 1st.

I agree. Absolutely no chance it will happen as "I slutet av januari släpper det amerikanska progmetalbandet Dream Theater sin nya skiva" from the Swedish Cirkus website about the performance (one with the leaking of the title and other credible info) specifies a late January release. As for the clock thing... well, your clock would be a bit odd if instead of 10 it said 22 (not if it was a 24 hour one obviously). Those numbers...

TELL THE TIME.  :omg:

Quote from: hadi-persian on November 10, 2015, 02:34:44 PM
0111212. is it the morse code?huh? myabe this code on the morse tell the name of char? i cant play with morse code.

what

 :facepalm: :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 02:59:30 PM
Can I Play With Madness Morse Code ? :chino:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 10, 2015, 03:05:35 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 02:59:30 PM
Can I Play With Madness Morse Code ? :chino:

He said you're blind! Too blind to see (the nuggetz)!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 10, 2015, 03:10:53 PM
Heard "Sojourn" mentioned in a TV show, immediately thought of DT  :biggrin:

Quote from: tofee35 on November 10, 2015, 01:25:26 PM
I'm having trouble understanding how, in the future, the English language will regress back to medieval-speak

Counter-revolution after all the internet abbreviations were killing grammar worldwide.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 10, 2015, 03:11:21 PM
0 1 1 1 2 1 2 morse code is:( drumms line rythm or guitar rythm or another secret or nothing).
whats that mean: 0: -----  1: .---- 1: .---- 1: .---- 2: ..--- 1: .---- 2: ..---   stop.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 03:15:31 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 10, 2015, 03:10:53 PM

Counter-revolution after all the internet abbreviations were killing grammar worldwide.

Ye I am down with that. Verily. My Liege.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 03:15:49 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 10, 2015, 03:11:21 PM
stop.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 10, 2015, 03:29:14 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 10, 2015, 02:25:47 PM
if we cut the char8 head. we have 7 number.(0-11-12-1-2) whats thats mean? why the char 8 satying front the clock.whats the clock meaning in the picture?

He's obviously going to Take the Time

 :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 10, 2015, 03:31:18 PM
Quote from: tofee35 on November 10, 2015, 01:25:26 PM
I'm having trouble understanding how, in the future, the English language will regress back to medieval-speak where heroes are honored in the town square and leaders are 'Lords', yet bed and breakfasts float in midair/or somebody's undecided on whether or not to stay in Rome... this is confusing

If the album is played with lutes and fifes, I won't be surprised.

I think we have to suspend disbelief given that that would probably be part of the grand atmosphere that DT want to create along with the fact that this is a dystopian sci-fi album with giant floating balls called NOMACS roaming around with the Majesty logo as their skeleton. It's fair to say that they are not going for realism.

I don't really mind this regression in language because it's not really supposed to be grounded in real life just like Rush's 2112 and Cygnus stories. They are escapist fantasies which, while they had their fair share of cheese, were very emotional and compelling. This is why I have confidence in the new album, as they already pulled off SFaM 16 years ago and did it with a similarly weighty and strange concept (if not more so considering that SFaM has elements of the supernatural and spiritual while TA seemingly does not). If they could do it then, they can do it now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 03:39:57 PM
It's set a long, long time ago in an Octavarium far,far, away !!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 10, 2015, 03:46:40 PM
Forget The Astonishing--the album I really want to hear is the inevitable prequel, where we find out how in hell the people let somebody named NAFARYUS come to power.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 03:55:59 PM
2016 - Lord Nafaryus

2012 - Emperor Suxxobad

2008 - General MayaSvelbeSatan

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 10, 2015, 04:00:13 PM
I wonder--is his birth name Nafaryus? Heck of a stigma to attach your kid to, if so. But if he adopted the name later, the connotations would be at odds with the benevolent exterior he seems to effect.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 04:04:15 PM
It's called Nominative determinism. :coolio
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 10, 2015, 04:05:51 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 10, 2015, 03:31:18 PM
Quote from: tofee35 on November 10, 2015, 01:25:26 PM
I'm having trouble understanding how, in the future, the English language will regress back to medieval-speak where heroes are honored in the town square and leaders are 'Lords', yet bed and breakfasts float in midair/or somebody's undecided on whether or not to stay in Rome... this is confusing

If the album is played with lutes and fifes, I won't be surprised.

I think we have to suspend disbelief given that that would probably be part of the grand atmosphere that DT want to create along with the fact that this is a dystopian sci-fi album with giant floating balls called NOMACS roaming around with the Majesty logo as their skeleton. It's fair to say that they are not going for realism.

I don't really mind this regression in language because it's not really supposed to be grounded in real life just like Rush's 2112 and Cygnus stories. They are escapist fantasies which, while they had their fair share of cheese, were very emotional and compelling. This is why I have confidence in the new album, as they already pulled off SFaM 16 years ago and did it with a similarly weighty and strange concept (if not more so considering that SFaM has elements of the supernatural and spiritual while TA seemingly does not). If they could do it then, they can do it now.
This sort of thing is not uncommon in dystopian stories.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 04:09:05 PM
I've noticed in metal especially - using thee and thou etc instead of "you". I guess they think it sounds more poetic or weighty I guess ?

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: rumborak on November 10, 2015, 04:23:04 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 10, 2015, 04:09:05 PM
I've noticed in metal especially - using thee and thou etc instead of "you". I guess they think it sounds more poetic or weighty I guess ?

I think it's ok-ish when you're writing/singing about olden times where thou was actually used (even though very different from its modern use). But this album plays in the future; would have been cool if they had created an " evolved English " style, kinda like NewSpeak.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DragonAttack on November 10, 2015, 08:45:45 PM
Well, whatever the album turns out to be, tickets to see the tour are selling extremely well [received via email at approx. NOON EST]

https://view.e.atlanticrecords.com/?j=fe8116787d610d7a72&m=fe9d12707467067e76&ls=fe2c12787d660679761571&l=fef11678726203&s=fe2715737563027a751379&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe5a1776716307757116&eml=2015November10/2885977/6013233&etsubid=130767079&r=0
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Fatal Tragedy on November 10, 2015, 11:11:51 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 10, 2015, 02:20:49 PM
hey guys. pls look to ch8. back of the picture we have one clock.that we only see  4 number. ( 0-1-1-2) i think the char 8 tell to us the release date of album.01/1/2016.  the number 12 hidden by the head of character.this was my idea. pls txt ur idea about the char8 pls. in 8th cha dt hide the secret about the album and story.
I don't think there is any connection besides being a coincidence. The image of the clock was simply reused from a previous work done by the artist, as seen on Jie Ma's website under the category of images labeled "Old Work."
(https://jiema.artp.cc/userfiles/5/2ba62f9e36c24029900e42799731e808_1600.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 10, 2015, 11:13:30 PM
Quote from: DragonAttack on November 10, 2015, 08:45:45 PM
Well, whatever the album turns out to be, tickets to see the tour are selling extremely well [received via email at approx. NOON EST]

https://view.e.atlanticrecords.com/?j=fe8116787d610d7a72&m=fe9d12707467067e76&ls=fe2c12787d660679761571&l=fef11678726203&s=fe2715737563027a751379&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe5a1776716307757116&eml=2015November10/2885977/6013233&etsubid=130767079&r=0

The venues are much smaller this tour so sold out concerts mean less tickets... on the other hand the prices are much higher so the revenue should be about the same
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 11, 2015, 12:22:34 AM
No, No,
Nafaryus!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on November 11, 2015, 12:44:21 AM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on November 10, 2015, 03:46:40 PM
Forget The Astonishing--the album I really want to hear is the inevitable prequel, where we find out how in hell the people let somebody named NAFARYUS come to power.

The prequel came out in 1989 when the Killing Hand caused this mourning.  Evil genius this secret plan, mercy dealt with the losing hand.  Will he ever fall?  --  One more name appears on the wall:  Lord Nefaryus.  I am the Killing Hand and so forth.

Or at least that's what popped in my head when I saw the (leaked?) picture of the close-up of a military gloved hand and cane. Hahaha!!! 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Calvin6s on November 11, 2015, 12:46:03 AM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on November 11, 2015, 12:44:21 AM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on November 10, 2015, 03:46:40 PM
Forget The Astonishing--the album I really want to hear is the inevitable prequel, where we find out how in hell the people let somebody named NAFARYUS come to power.

The prequel came out in 1989 when the Killing Hand caused this mourning.  Evil genius this secret plan, mercy dealt with the losing hand.  Will he ever fall?  --  One more name appears on the wall:  Lord Nefaryus.  I am the Killing Hand and so forth.

Or at least that's what popped in my head when I saw the (leaked?) picture of the close-up of a military gloved hand and cane. Hahaha!!!

Nice work.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 11, 2015, 02:38:05 AM
Do you think they're going to go so far as to wear costumes on stage?

I mean....

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Peter_Gabriel_The_Moonlight_Knight_%28cropped%29.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zydar on November 11, 2015, 02:40:59 AM
I don't know, it's hard to top Peter Gabriel dressed as a flower.


...A flower?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 11, 2015, 02:46:31 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 10, 2015, 04:05:51 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 10, 2015, 03:31:18 PM
Quote from: tofee35 on November 10, 2015, 01:25:26 PM
I'm having trouble understanding how, in the future, the English language will regress back to medieval-speak where heroes are honored in the town square and leaders are 'Lords', yet bed and breakfasts float in midair/or somebody's undecided on whether or not to stay in Rome... this is confusing

If the album is played with lutes and fifes, I won't be surprised.

I think we have to suspend disbelief given that that would probably be part of the grand atmosphere that DT want to create along with the fact that this is a dystopian sci-fi album with giant floating balls called NOMACS roaming around with the Majesty logo as their skeleton. It's fair to say that they are not going for realism.

I don't really mind this regression in language because it's not really supposed to be grounded in real life just like Rush's 2112 and Cygnus stories. They are escapist fantasies which, while they had their fair share of cheese, were very emotional and compelling. This is why I have confidence in the new album, as they already pulled off SFaM 16 years ago and did it with a similarly weighty and strange concept (if not more so considering that SFaM has elements of the supernatural and spiritual while TA seemingly does not). If they could do it then, they can do it now.
This sort of thing is not uncommon in dystopian stories.

Exactly. DT are going for a Dystopian feel from everything surrounding the story and even down to the title of the second track. 2112 was also a sci-fi dystopian story. The whole conformist thing is pushed with things like "THE EMPIRE IS OBEDIENT TO YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE OBEDIENT TO THE EMPIRE.". Kind of like Orwell's 1984 or something like that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Curious Orange on November 11, 2015, 03:24:30 AM
I'm just singing "This is the Dawning of the Age of Nefaryus..."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Moor on November 11, 2015, 03:49:01 AM
Quote from: jsbru on November 11, 2015, 02:38:05 AM
Do you think they're going to go so far as to wear costumes on stage?

I mean....

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Peter_Gabriel_The_Moonlight_Knight_%28cropped%29.png)

Yes, JLB would be disguised as Lord Nafaryus and Mangini would act as a disabled Nomac.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikeyd23 on November 11, 2015, 06:09:58 AM
So 11 tracks in the first Act? Anyone else think a couple of those might be short transitional songs (like Through My Words) or speaking tracks (like Regression)...? Even so, I feel like there's going to be a lot to digest when this album drops  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 06:43:18 AM
I'll take 22 tracks over 6.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 11, 2015, 08:41:48 AM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on November 11, 2015, 06:09:58 AM
So 11 tracks in the first Act? Anyone else think a couple of those might be short transitional songs (like Through My Words) or speaking tracks (like Regression)...? Even so, I feel like there's going to be a lot to digest when this album drops  :tup

That made think of this: is confirmed that it will be a double album? Or there's the probability of two albums as some has speculated?..

Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 06:43:18 AM
I'll take 22 tracks over 6.

I'll take quality over quantity..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 11, 2015, 08:43:58 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 11, 2015, 08:41:48 AM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on November 11, 2015, 06:09:58 AM
So 11 tracks in the first Act? Anyone else think a couple of those might be short transitional songs (like Through My Words) or speaking tracks (like Regression)...? Even so, I feel like there's going to be a lot to digest when this album drops  :tup

That made think of this: is confirmed that it will be a double album? Or there's the probability of two albums as some has speculated?..


I'm not sure if it's technically confirmed by the band yet, but it's all but confirmed from other sources.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 08:55:47 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 11, 2015, 08:41:48 AM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on November 11, 2015, 06:09:58 AM
So 11 tracks in the first Act? Anyone else think a couple of those might be short transitional songs (like Through My Words) or speaking tracks (like Regression)...? Even so, I feel like there's going to be a lot to digest when this album drops  :tup

That made think of this: is confirmed that it will be a double album? Or there's the probability of two albums as some has speculated?..

Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 06:43:18 AM
I'll take 22 tracks over 6.

I'll take quality over quantity..



And Black Clouds was 6 tracks of absolute A-grade quality :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 11, 2015, 09:07:14 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 11, 2015, 08:43:58 AM

I'm not sure if it's technically confirmed by the band yet, but it's all but confirmed from other sources.

It certainly seems to be heading that way, but I won't be fully satisfied until DT or RR confirm it through their official channels. I suppose the fact they haven't rushed to deny it is a pretty good sign.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 11, 2015, 09:10:20 AM
Plus there are 11 titles on Act 1. Some of them may be short atmospheric transitions, but that's still a lot get on one CD.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zook on November 11, 2015, 09:29:21 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 08:55:47 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 11, 2015, 08:41:48 AM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on November 11, 2015, 06:09:58 AM
So 11 tracks in the first Act? Anyone else think a couple of those might be short transitional songs (like Through My Words) or speaking tracks (like Regression)...? Even so, I feel like there's going to be a lot to digest when this album drops  :tup

That made think of this: is confirmed that it will be a double album? Or there's the probability of two albums as some has speculated?..

Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 06:43:18 AM
I'll take 22 tracks over 6.

I'll take quality over quantity..



And Black Clouds was 6 tracks of absolute A-grade quality :tup

:-X
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ResultsMayVary on November 11, 2015, 09:44:32 AM
At this point, I would be very surprised for this to turn out to not be a double album. 11 tracks in Act I alone? I just don't see 11+ tracks on one disc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: 425 on November 11, 2015, 09:52:54 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 08:55:47 AM
And Black Clouds was 6 tracks of absolute A-grade quality :tup

I know that you aren't being serious, but yes, yes it is. Their best six-song album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 11, 2015, 10:05:05 AM
Quote from: 425 on November 11, 2015, 09:52:54 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 08:55:47 AM
And Black Clouds was 6 tracks of absolute A-grade quality :tup

I know that you aren't being serious, but yes, yes it is. Their best six-song album.

It wasn't an A-grade quality material, but yeah, I would say it's probably better than SDOIT by a slim margin. I know I'm in the minority with this opinion though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 10:05:20 AM
Quote from: 425 on November 11, 2015, 09:52:54 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 08:55:47 AM
And Black Clouds was 6 tracks of absolute A-grade quality :tup

I know that you aren't being serious, but yes, yes it is. Their best six-song album.

:rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 10:06:13 AM
" by the grace of god above - every1 survive - RUOORORORORORORORORORORORORORORORHUH !!! " < - - - this alone makes it at least worse than Six Degrees.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 11, 2015, 10:08:46 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 10:06:13 AM
" by the grace of god above - every1 survive - RUOORORORORORORORORORORORORORORORHUH !!! " < - - - this alone makes it at least worse than Six Degrees.

The ending of The Count of Tuscany is alone better than anything written on Six Degrees.

And in my opinion, this ANTR section isn't as cringeworthy as everyone paints it. Lyrics on TBOT, now, that's another story.

Anyway, I'm out of this thread before we can derail it comparing these two albums. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 10:12:11 AM
Lets not compare one Top tier album with *another* lower tier album  :biggrin:



I'm all for The Astonishing having 22 "tracks". How many songs that is I don't care. If i've got more choice - it means the album won't get boring so quickly.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 11, 2015, 10:16:20 AM
Quote from: Evermind on November 11, 2015, 10:08:46 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 10:06:13 AM
" by the grace of god above - every1 survive - RUOORORORORORORORORORORORORORORORHUH !!! " < - - - this alone makes it at least worse than Six Degrees.

The ending of The Count of Tuscany is alone better than anything written on Six Degrees.

And in my opinion, this ANTR section isn't as cringeworthy as everyone paints it. Lyrics on TBOT, now, that's another story.

Anyway, I'm out of this thread before we can derail it comparing these two albums. :biggrin:

Sorry, had to chime in.

The Glass Prison - Amazing
Blind Faith - Amazing
Misunderstood - Pretty good
The Great Debate - Amazing
Disappear - One of their best ballads
Six Degrees - Majestic

A Nightmare to Remember - Would be amazing if it were 4 minutes shorter.
A Rite of Passage - Meh
Wither - Nice/Meh
The Shattered Fortress - Nice
The Best of Times - Mixed feelings on this one
The Count of Tuscany - Amazing

I don't think Black Clouds is that bad of an album as most folks in here put it, but it can't hold a candle against Six Degrees. Six Degrees is amazingly consistent, wheras Black Clouds isn't.

I'm throwing something in so this post doesn't derail too much from the new album.

Lord Nafaryus.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 11, 2015, 10:31:11 AM
Quote from: Evermind on November 11, 2015, 10:08:46 AM
And in my opinion, this ANTR section isn't as cringeworthy as everyone paints it. Lyrics on TBOT, now, that's another story.

It's not really cringeworthy, it's just laughably bad. That section is the best and worst joke of their entire discography. It's to DT's music what Batman & Robin or The Room is to movies.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 10:55:20 AM
LETS HOPE THE NEW ALBUM IS A NAFARYUS TO REMEMBER
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 11, 2015, 11:06:19 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 11, 2015, 10:31:11 AM
Quote from: Evermind on November 11, 2015, 10:08:46 AM
And in my opinion, this ANTR section isn't as cringeworthy as everyone paints it. Lyrics on TBOT, now, that's another story.

It's not really cringeworthy, it's just laughably bad. That section is the best and worst joke of their entire discography. It's to DT's music what Batman & Robin or The Room is to movies.

See, as averse as I am to harsh vocals, I actually enjoy the section musically. But it's the single section of the DT discography where I just can't get past the lyrics. Like, those words? That delivery? Why? Neither is problematic on its own, but they make no sense together.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikeyd23 on November 11, 2015, 11:07:14 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 11, 2015, 10:16:20 AM
Quote from: Evermind on November 11, 2015, 10:08:46 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 10:06:13 AM
" by the grace of god above - every1 survive - RUOORORORORORORORORORORORORORORORHUH !!! " < - - - this alone makes it at least worse than Six Degrees.

The ending of The Count of Tuscany is alone better than anything written on Six Degrees.

And in my opinion, this ANTR section isn't as cringeworthy as everyone paints it. Lyrics on TBOT, now, that's another story.

Anyway, I'm out of this thread before we can derail it comparing these two albums. :biggrin:

Sorry, had to chime in.

The Glass Prison - Amazing
Blind Faith - Amazing
Misunderstood - Pretty good
The Great Debate - Amazing
Disappear - One of their best ballads
Six Degrees - Majestic

A Nightmare to Remember - Would be amazing if it were 4 minutes shorter.
A Rite of Passage - Meh
Wither - Nice/Meh
The Shattered Fortress - Nice
The Best of Times - Mixed feelings on this one
The Count of Tuscany - Amazing

I don't think Black Clouds is that bad of an album as most folks in here put it, but it can't hold a candle against Six Degrees. Six Degrees is amazingly consistent, wheras Black Clouds isn't.

I'm throwing something in so this post doesn't derail too much from the new album.

Lord Nafaryus.

Spot on
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 11, 2015, 11:08:12 AM
I don't agree on 9/12 from these, but yeah, Lord Nafaryus.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 11, 2015, 11:10:18 AM
DT should use this thread as a barometer for when to release the next segment of info. When the last page of the thread has nothing to do with the album, time to drop the next bit!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Paddies on November 11, 2015, 11:25:30 AM
I like BC&SL. But that aside: Roger Waters The Wall 2015 edition has 16 songs/tracks on disc 1 alone. Just to point out that quality versus quantity discussion is rather pointless until we've heard the music and know the context of the whole product. I'm excited about the whole approach. Never expected something like this to happen at this point. I just hope the music is good.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 11, 2015, 11:51:13 AM
I will say I like the high-quantity aspect here. To me, DT is a band that will have more misses (to my very subjective taste) than, say, a really good power metal band, because they jump around so much. But when they hit, nobody can top them. To me, the great DT albums are where they hit that mark for more than, say, 30 minutes. The more music there is, the better chance they have of clearing that threshold. It would be one thing in the pre-digital era when listening to the album meant hauling the actual physical product around and having to skip through disliked tracks, but in the modern age, you take what you like and assemble things yourself, so the idea of the "bloated" double album isn't as much of a worry anymore.

That said, because it's a concept album, it's an open question as to how easy it will be to enjoy isolated tracks. Perhaps, as some have suggested, the whole thing will be one continuous piece of music. It could certainly be a gapless album even if it isn't fully continuous. Or maybe the lyrics will be odd out of the concept context. So as nice as the increased quantity might be, this album could potentially prove to be an exception--listening to the few "standout tracks" may not be feasible. But time will tell.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Calvin6s on November 11, 2015, 11:54:19 AM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on November 11, 2015, 11:10:18 AM
DT should use this thread as a barometer for when to release the next segment of info. When the last page of the thread has nothing to do with the album, time to drop the next bit!

So how's the weather?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Dublagent66 on November 11, 2015, 11:59:55 AM
Quote from: Calvin6s on November 11, 2015, 11:54:19 AM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on November 11, 2015, 11:10:18 AM
DT should use this thread as a barometer for when to release the next segment of info. When the last page of the thread has nothing to do with the album, time to drop the next bit!

So how's the weather?

Cloudy with a chance of goofballs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 11, 2015, 12:05:33 PM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on November 11, 2015, 11:10:18 AM
DT should use this thread as a barometer for when to release the next segment of info. When the last page of the thread has nothing to do with the album, time to drop the next bit!

Considering this, what was the waiting time between the first bit of info on the Act I tracks and the reveal of the complete Act I list?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikemangioy on November 11, 2015, 12:06:31 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 11, 2015, 10:16:20 AM
Quote from: Evermind on November 11, 2015, 10:08:46 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 10:06:13 AM
" by the grace of god above - every1 survive - RUOORORORORORORORORORORORORORORORHUH !!! " < - - - this alone makes it at least worse than Six Degrees.

The ending of The Count of Tuscany is alone better than anything written on Six Degrees.

And in my opinion, this ANTR section isn't as cringeworthy as everyone paints it. Lyrics on TBOT, now, that's another story.

Anyway, I'm out of this thread before we can derail it comparing these two albums. :biggrin:

Sorry, had to chime in.

The Glass Prison - Amazing
Blind Faith - Amazing
Misunderstood - Pretty good
The Great Debate - Amazing
Disappear - One of their best ballads
Six Degrees - Majestic

A Nightmare to Remember - Would be amazing if it were 4 minutes shorter.
A Rite of Passage - Meh
Wither - Nice/Meh
The Shattered Fortress - Nice
The Best of Times - Mixed feelings on this one
The Count of Tuscany - Amazing

I don't think Black Clouds is that bad of an album as most folks in here put it, but it can't hold a candle against Six Degrees. Six Degrees is amazingly consistent, wheras Black Clouds isn't.

I'm throwing something in so this post doesn't derail too much from the new album.

Lord Nafaryus.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 11, 2015, 12:18:17 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 11, 2015, 12:05:33 PM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on November 11, 2015, 11:10:18 AM
DT should use this thread as a barometer for when to release the next segment of info. When the last page of the thread has nothing to do with the album, time to drop the next bit!

Considering this, what was the waiting time between the first bit of info on the Act I tracks and the reveal of the complete Act I list?

Four days (from Nov 5th to 9th). We should get something on Friday if they carry on with that pattern, followed by a complete tracklist (with artwork maybe) on next Tuesday.

I wonder how many songs DT will release pre-stream and release for this album. We could get about three or four given the increased runtime of the album but then again, this is a concept album so they may want to keep the amount of plot revealed to a minimum.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 11, 2015, 12:27:14 PM
I think it's only logical by now that if they decide to release audio they will do it in some kind of clever way, avoiding the obvious "single release", not exactly sure how but I bet it has something to do with the video placeholders, and maybe with the NOMAC clickable red dots.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 11, 2015, 12:37:37 PM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on November 11, 2015, 11:51:13 AM
a really good power metal band
I am not sure that I have encountered this phrase before.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 11, 2015, 12:40:01 PM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on November 11, 2015, 06:09:58 AM
So 11 tracks in the first Act? Anyone else think a couple of those might be short transitional songs (like Through My Words) or speaking tracks (like Regression)...? Even so, I feel like there's going to be a lot to digest when this album drops  :tup

The more variety, the better! as said earlier I'm all for songs with weirdass structures where the music has to adapt itself to the story, rather than the usual Write a song / sneak in a jam as solo section / write lyrics 'cause James is in the band as well and he must have something to do approach they have for most of their songs. I long for an album where after 10 days I don't even remember half of the things going on  :coolio
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 11, 2015, 12:59:06 PM
the background of char8 can help us to some secret about the album. the act ll:1.The Astonishing with 11 or 12 part. have u any idea?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 01:00:25 PM
ITS A FUCKING CLOCK
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 01:01:22 PM
The album is probably out late January and Act II Probably also has 11 tracks since both boxes are spaced the same.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 11, 2015, 01:29:48 PM
it is a fucking clock or the discover clock.this is ur idea. we have very very ideas around the world that focused on the dt site. hey DT why u put the fucking clock back of char 8? huh? the FBI must take dt and punish DT. hey DT u need to prison for end of the world.cause you have 1 fucking clock. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nothingface on November 11, 2015, 01:31:36 PM
It would be hilarious if they moved it back a couple of months, because most of this speculation is some obsessive, borderline DaVinci Code-esque bullshit.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 11, 2015, 01:34:34 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 11, 2015, 01:29:48 PM
it is a fucking clock or the discover clock.this is ur idea. we have very very ideas around the world that focused on the dt site. hey DT why u put the fucking clock back of char 8? huh? the FBI must take dt and punish DT. hey DT u need to prison for end of the world.cause you have 1 fucking clock. :lol
I had a computer and access to the world wide web so what the fuck.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 01:38:30 PM
Petrucci : :) hey i like that clock pic - let's just put it behind the 8th character. It looks nice :)


A WEEK LATER

Petrucci : i'll just check DTF :) .... oh for fucks sake.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Octavarious on November 11, 2015, 01:46:12 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 01:38:30 PM
Petrucci : :) hey i like that clock pic - let's just put it behind the 8th character. It looks nice :)


A WEEK LATER

Petrucci : i'll just check DTF :) .... oh for fucks sake.
:rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 11, 2015, 01:57:36 PM
1 years later the jp will be say.hey guys we have one professional fan on the world that do not need the pic of clock. cause he undrestood that charcter8 is himself. oh god. im chatting with the char8 in DTF. but in pic of char8 he havent the HAT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 01:58:47 PM
:splodearms:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 11, 2015, 02:04:57 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 11, 2015, 01:57:36 PM
but in pic of char8 he havent the :hat.
FTFY
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikemangioy on November 11, 2015, 02:09:43 PM
Purest of golds
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 11, 2015, 02:31:33 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 11, 2015, 01:29:48 PM
it is a fucking clock or the discover clock.this is ur idea. we have very very ideas around the world that focused on the dt site. hey DT why u put the fucking clock back of char 8? huh? the FBI must take dt and punish DT. hey DT u need to prison for end of the world.cause you have 1 fucking clock. :lol
Have you, by chance, ever been to Indonesia?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 02:36:55 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on November 11, 2015, 02:31:33 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 11, 2015, 01:29:48 PM
it is a fucking clock or the discover clock.this is ur idea. we have very very ideas around the world that focused on the dt site. hey DT why u put the fucking clock back of char 8? huh? the FBI must take dt and punish DT. hey DT u need to prison for end of the world.cause you have 1 fucking clock. :lol
Have you, by chance, ever been to Indonesia?

hey there's an idea - maybe DT could play there - they wait long time best band history mangni drum god best in history so energy powah
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 11, 2015, 02:52:37 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on November 11, 2015, 02:31:33 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 11, 2015, 01:29:48 PM
it is a fucking clock or the discover clock.this is ur idea. we have very very ideas around the world that focused on the dt site. hey DT why u put the fucking clock back of char 8? huh? the FBI must take dt and punish DT. hey DT u need to prison for end of the world.cause you have 1 fucking clock. :lol
Have you, by chance, ever been to Indonesia?

 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 11, 2015, 03:22:39 PM
O.M.G GUISE. Don't you know Char8 is a kid waking up at 6 O'clock on Christmas Morning?

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 11, 2015, 03:42:42 PM
If the track "Lord Nafaryus" is not an elegant song OR a heavy imperial like march (yes, I'm looking at you, Star Wars), I will be severely disappointed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Tom Bombadil on November 11, 2015, 03:52:25 PM
I check this thread every 1 or 2 days just to see what's going on.

I always regret it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 11, 2015, 03:53:11 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 11, 2015, 03:42:42 PM
If the track "Lord Nafaryus" is not an elegant song OR a heavy imperial like march (yes, I'm looking at you, Star Wars), I will be severely disappointed.

I see a little silhouetto of a man
Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Lord Nafaryus?
thunderbolt and lightning,
Very, very frightening me.
(Galileo) Galileo.
(Galileo) Galileo,
Galileo Figaro
Majesty.


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 11, 2015, 03:58:08 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 01:01:22 PM
...and Act II Probably also has 11 tracks since both boxes are spaced the same.
Well, the evidence suggests that it has AT MOST 11 tracks. It could definitely have fewer.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 11, 2015, 03:59:33 PM
Quote from: ariich on November 11, 2015, 03:58:08 PM
Well, the evidence suggests that it has AT MOST 11 tracks. It could definitely have fewer.

Evidence suggests it could have more, if they use a smaller font.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Progmetty on November 11, 2015, 04:01:30 PM
Quote from: Tom Bombadil on November 11, 2015, 03:52:25 PM
I check this thread every 1 or 2 days just to see what's going on.

I always regret it.

A-fuckin-men brother  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 11, 2015, 04:42:38 PM
Quote from: Mindflux on November 11, 2015, 03:53:11 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 11, 2015, 03:42:42 PM
If the track "Lord Nafaryus" is not an elegant song OR a heavy imperial like march (yes, I'm looking at you, Star Wars), I will be severely disappointed.

I see a little silhouetto of a man
Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Lord Nafaryus?
thunderbolt and lightning,
Very, very frightening me.
(Galileo) Galileo.
(Galileo) Galileo,
Galileo Figaro
Majesty.

Nah, thanks. Was thinking about something nicer and more badass. xD (No offense to Queen ofc).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 11, 2015, 05:07:25 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 11, 2015, 04:42:38 PM

Nah, thanks. Was thinking about something nicer and more badass. xD (No offense to Queen ofc).

Down the castle stair
He disappears
He's the empire's heir
Nafaryus' here
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SystematicThought on November 11, 2015, 05:09:32 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 02:36:55 PM
hey there's an idea - maybe DT could play there - they wait long time best band history mangni drum god best in history so energy powah
It's actually DURM god
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 11, 2015, 05:16:41 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 11, 2015, 05:07:25 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 11, 2015, 04:42:38 PM

Nah, thanks. Was thinking about something nicer and more badass. xD (No offense to Queen ofc).

Down the castle stair
He disappears
He's the empire's heir
Nafaryus' here

Who wouldn't be frightened for their lives in that scenario?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 11, 2015, 06:41:18 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 11, 2015, 05:07:25 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 11, 2015, 04:42:38 PM

Nah, thanks. Was thinking about something nicer and more badass. xD (No offense to Queen ofc).

Down the castle stair
He disappears
He's the empire's heir
Nafaryus' here

Hey, hey! MUCH better! :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 11, 2015, 08:24:12 PM
Quote from: ariich on November 11, 2015, 03:58:08 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 01:01:22 PM
...and Act II Probably also has 11 tracks since both boxes are spaced the same.
Well, the evidence suggests that it has AT MOST 11 tracks. It could definitely have fewer.

I have a feeling the second act might have fewer tracks, with a longer epic at the end. Perhaps not Octavarium length epic, but at least Finally Free type epic.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: PetFish on November 11, 2015, 09:00:58 PM
Quote from: Tom Bombadil on November 11, 2015, 03:52:25 PM
I check this thread every 1 or 2 days just to see what's going on.

I always regret it.

I'm definitely in the same boat.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 11, 2015, 09:20:20 PM
Bosk should update the thread title with the date of the last update every time it updates so you guys won't say things like that :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 11, 2015, 10:42:55 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 11, 2015, 12:40:01 PM
The more variety, the better! as said earlier I'm all for songs with weirdass structures where the music has to adapt itself to the story, rather than the usual Write a song / sneak in a jam as solo section / write lyrics 'cause James is in the band as well and he must have something to do approach they have for most of their songs.

I think I agree with this.  If they're really focusing on having the music tell a big story, it forces it to be more dynamic, and maybe a little less guitar-driven.  I like DT's general dynamics.  I felt like their best balance was on I&W and Awake.  Awake gets dubbed as a heavy, somber album, but the only really heavy songs are CIAW and The Mirror/Lie, the latter of which is really just one long song.  The second half of SFAM was great, too.  But even their heavier albums that came later still have more dynamics than a lot of metal bands--just not enough for my taste.

I like that they're exploring the major scale again.  I hope it gets worked in to this album again somewhere.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 11, 2015, 11:29:55 PM
And, after all this hype, I forgot how much I really wanted the easter egg from DT12 to be turned into an entire song.

A few weeks ago, I read some interview (can't remember the specifics) about someone in DT listening to a Van Halen album that ended with a short melody/jam, and that they had really liked it, and hoped they would start the next album with that jam, but that it never happened.

If the easter egg were made into a song, which one would it be?

1. Descent of the NOMACS
2. Dystopian Overture
3. The Gift of Music
4. The Answer
5. A Better Life
6. Lord Nafaryus
7. A Savior in the Square
8. When Your Time Has Come
9. Act of Faythe
10. Three Days
11. The Hovering Sojourn

I'd say the first two are out, because that music doesn't fit descending NOMACS, and I expect this track to be a shorter soundcape/sound effects track before #2, which is likely to be a triumphant but dissonant instrumental.

I expect #6 to be more evil-sounding and/or heavy.  I also expect 7-8 to be more triumphant and/or uplifting, and the easter egg has a beautiful yet somber feel.

I think 3-4 are good candidates.  #5, A Better Life, could go either way, depending on the context.  If it's more quietly longing for a better life, than the easter egg might fit.  But if it's about people rising up and demanding a better life, the song may be more like Outcry, and be heavier and more in your face.

I could also see it being #10, as it could be a more silent waiting period.  #11 seems unlikely, but still possible.  Hovering Sojourn signifies a brief reprieve, but with more ominous overtones.  The easter egg is somber and reflective, but not ominous.

It's hard to tell what Act of Faythe will sound like without knowing more about the character, but it's possible the easter egg could fit here.

I think the highest probability is that the easter egg is the gift of music itself (if it shows up on the new album at all, of course).  The magic melody.  Wouldn't that be cool?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 11, 2015, 11:37:19 PM
While it would make a cool nugget, I doubt they've incorporated it into the new album. If they did, The Gift of Music would be a nice place to put it, with DT12 including this easter egg of the forgotten melody that becomes a big deal in this dystopian future. It would be some nice foreshadowing, and remind me of the meta-album idea.


UNLESS THE FORGOTTEN MELODY IS METROPOLIS BECAUSE IT'S METROPOLIS PART 3.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 11, 2015, 11:49:17 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 11, 2015, 11:37:19 PM
While it would make a cool nugget, I doubt they've incorporated it into the new album. If they did, The Gift of Music would be a nice place to put it, with DT12 including this easter egg of the forgotten melody that becomes a big deal in this dystopian future. It would be some nice foreshadowing, and remind me of the meta-album idea.

I forgot about this aspect.  It would make sense that the "forgotten melody" has already been played in the past.

This is all assuming that this theme from 2112 is precisely imported into the new DT album.

Still, didn't DT make comments that they had this concept in their mind for a while, well before they started recording?  That would at least be consistent with putting the easter egg on DT12 with the intent of incorporating it in their next album.  Because let's face it, the easter egg doesn't make a ton of sense where it is.  DT's not a band to put hidden tracks on albums.  A hidden 3 minutes or so of a beautiful melody that's plenty good enough to be developed further is a weird thing for them to do.  And let's face it, DT is the kind of band that develops stuff to a practically absurd extent.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 11, 2015, 11:54:31 PM
The easter egg isn't necessarily a randomly placed bit of music though. It fit in with the cinematic idea of DT12, with the false awakening suite intro opening the album, the the easter egg closing the album to wind down, which I recall was used live as the credits music. I think it was given enough context to not need further development. That's not evidence that they won't use it, but I don't think it needs it.

The scary thing is, the Metropolis joke makes much more sense.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 12, 2015, 12:05:47 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 11, 2015, 11:54:31 PM
The scary thing is, the Metropolis joke makes much more sense.

I really hope it's not the atonal/chromatic reverby synth fill.

Doo-doo-doo-deet  Doo-dunh-dunh-dunh.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 12, 2015, 12:09:52 AM
It took me a sec to figure out what bit you meant, but well done. :lol

For some reason (again, completely baseless speculation here), I imagine the forbidden melody being a longer, more beautiful melody. Something like the flute melody at the start of Octavarium. A lot of the epic-ier songs have that distinctive lead melody that gets reprised a few times. That's how I imagine this will be.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Paddies on November 12, 2015, 05:57:22 AM
I'm wondering how much of a collaboration this whole concept thing is. I hope LaBrie and Myung will bring some lyrics and songwriting to the table and that this is an effort of the whole band instead of it being taken care of by one or two members (Petrucci and Rudess most likely).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CoT67 on November 12, 2015, 08:32:55 AM
Quote from: CDrice on November 11, 2015, 05:07:25 PM

Down the castle stair
He disappears
He's the empire's heir
Nafaryus' here

This makes me think...

TRAPPED INSIDE!HE'S!LORDNA!FA!RY!US!
TRAPPED INSIDE!HE'S!LORDNA!FA!RY!US!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 12, 2015, 09:45:36 AM
Quote from: jsbru on November 12, 2015, 12:05:47 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 11, 2015, 11:54:31 PM
The scary thing is, the Metropolis joke makes much more sense.

I really hope it's not the atonal/chromatic reverby synth fill.

Doo-doo-doo-deet  Doo-dunh-dunh-dunh.  :biggrin:
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 12, 2015, 12:09:52 AM
It took me a sec to figure out what bit you meant, but well done. :lol

Same here.  Took me a sec, but not long.  Funny how that works REALLY well for a few riffs here and there.  Kinda like "Dugga-dugga-dun, da-dun-da-dun!  Dugga-dugga-dun, da-dun-da-dun--WEEEEE!"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 09:47:30 AM
I don't know which riff it is  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 12, 2015, 09:53:42 AM
BitS and TROAE I believe, second one is pretty obvious :P.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 10:03:48 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 12, 2015, 09:53:42 AM
BitS and TROAE I believe, second one is pretty obvious :P.

Yeah I meant the Metropolis riff . Second one is 12Step Suite riff :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: pdurbin22 on November 12, 2015, 10:06:27 AM
Forgive me if this was already discussed, but on the latest official Tracklisting there are NOMAC icons next to the first and and last track listed. Any clue as to what that signifies?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 12, 2015, 10:08:34 AM
Quote from: pdurbin22 on November 12, 2015, 10:06:27 AM
Forgive me if this was already discussed, but on the latest official Tracklisting there are NOMAC icons next to the first and and last track listed. Any clue as to what that signifies?

I assumed it was simply marking the first and last track, indicating there were no more to reveal in Act I. That's just a guess though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 12, 2015, 10:12:12 AM
Quote from: pdurbin22 on November 12, 2015, 10:06:27 AM
Forgive me if this was already discussed, but on the latest official Tracklisting there are NOMAC icons next to the first and and last track listed. Any clue as to what that signifies?

I'm gonna guess they are instrumentals because the NOMACs are trying to Hypnotize people with their "music"?

Maybe it signifies the beginning and the end of the Empire side of the story and Act II is focused on Ravenskill?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 12, 2015, 10:14:01 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 12, 2015, 10:12:12 AM
I'm gonna guess they are instrumentals because the NOMACs are trying to Hypnotize people with their "music"?

I think it's safe to say the Dystopian Overture is instrumental, which would go against that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 10:15:19 AM
PLOT TWIST

ACT I IS ENTIRELY INSTRUMENTAL AND ACT II IS ENTIRELY ACAPELLA AND YOU HAVE TO PLAY THEM BOTH AT THE SAME TIME
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Stray Seed on November 12, 2015, 10:32:37 AM
Pure genius.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Voices on November 12, 2015, 11:14:27 AM
My guess is that 'ACT I' has 3 instrumental tracks: Dystopian Overture, Lord Nafaryus and Three Days.  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 12, 2015, 12:32:40 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on November 12, 2015, 05:57:22 AM
I'm wondering how much of a collaboration this whole concept thing is. I hope LaBrie and Myung will bring some lyrics and songwriting to the table and that this is an effort of the whole band instead of it being taken care of by one or two members (Petrucci and Rudess most likely).

I certainly hope so! I wouldn't mind to have a couple of lyrics from James and one from Myung, after all SFAM was a collective effort lyric wise, I hope it won't be just JP's brainchild.

Quote from: Voices on November 12, 2015, 11:14:27 AM
My guess is that 'ACT I' has 3 instrumental tracks: Dystopian Overture, Lord Nafaryus and Three Days.  :corn

I think the instrumentals are Descent of the Nomacs and Dystopian Overture, and maybe The Hovering Sojourn. All the other titles look a bit too descriptive to be instrumental ones... It's easy to say it knowing it, but "The Dance of Eternity" is a fitting title for an instrumental, unlike for example Home (how do you describe a Home with music?) or One Last Time (one last time of what, if there are no lyrics to talk about it?)... maybe The Spirit Carries On could have been an evocative title for an instrumental, a moody melanchonic yet uplifting piece, but I can't imagine any other title on SFAM being fitting to an instrumental. Same for the other titles of Act I but of course how can we possibly know now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jdprsaga on November 12, 2015, 12:50:52 PM
Quote from: pdurbin22 on November 12, 2015, 10:06:27 AM
Forgive me if this was already discussed, but on the latest official Tracklisting there are NOMAC icons next to the first and and last track listed. Any clue as to what that signifies?

I was thinking of that too a couple day's ago, i posted maybe The Hovering Sojourn could be like a next generation Nomac designed to suppress  the new rebel millitia in ravenskin and kill the chosen one... Introducing this new "character" it is a nice way to end Act 1
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 12, 2015, 12:53:04 PM
Quote from: jsbru on November 11, 2015, 11:29:55 PM
A few weeks ago, I read some interview (can't remember the specifics) about someone in DT listening to a Van Halen album that ended with a short melody/jam, and that they had really liked it, and hoped they would start the next album with that jam, but that it never happened.

That was Mike Portnoy (of course, who else comes up with all these ideas?), it's what gave the inspiration to continue the albums one into the other from SFAM > Octavarium.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jdprsaga on November 12, 2015, 12:58:24 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 12, 2015, 10:12:12 AM
Quote from: pdurbin22 on November 12, 2015, 10:06:27 AM
Forgive me if this was already discussed, but on the latest official Tracklisting there are NOMAC icons next to the first and and last track listed. Any clue as to what that signifies?

I'm gonna guess they are instrumentals because the NOMACs are trying to Hypnotize people with their "music"?


Nice theory about trying to "mind control" people with music.... It would be really cool as a concept (not that i want DT to play it) if they throw some electronic/trance/dance music on it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 12, 2015, 01:04:09 PM
Hell yea I'll see Myung banging dat head to the trance beat on stage.  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 12, 2015, 01:07:55 PM
I've always had the feeling that the nomacs are something seperate. Like the empire thinks they are in control of them, but in the end, the rebels and the empire will have to join forces to fight the nomacs. Purely speculation though, I'm not even putting it forward as an actual theory of mine, it's just a feeling I've had for a while.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Progmetty on November 12, 2015, 01:15:28 PM
The deal with the NOMACs is a good excuse for Rudess to experience with some robotic dubsteish Bebot style noises, that could be fun if done right.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 12, 2015, 01:25:58 PM
All that I keep thinking is that I want an easter-egg with someone impersonating a Star Wars imperial officer saying: "BOW DOWN TO LORD NAFARYUS YOU REBEL SCUM!"  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: rumborak on November 12, 2015, 01:37:55 PM
Nah, I want my Nafaryus/Aqarius thing go into this: https://youtu.be/06X5HYynP5E?t=45
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 12, 2015, 02:12:31 PM
Quote from: rumborak on November 12, 2015, 01:37:55 PM
Nah, I want my Nafaryus/Aqarius thing go into this: https://youtu.be/06X5HYynP5E?t=45

I'm having flashbacks listening to that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Another_Won on November 12, 2015, 02:14:42 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on November 12, 2015, 02:12:31 PM
Quote from: rumborak on November 12, 2015, 01:37:55 PM
Nah, I want my Nafaryus/Aqarius thing go into this: https://youtu.be/06X5HYynP5E?t=45

I'm having flashbacks listening to that.
Ha ha, yea that's awesome.  My only exposure to them was an 8-track tape of Up Up and Away I found as a kid.  I thought it was great back in the 70's.  Obviously, I had no idea :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5akEgsZSfhg
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 12, 2015, 03:00:34 PM
Holy crap. More Act One tracks!  :omg:

1. Descent of the NOMACS
2. Dystopian Overture
3. The Gift of Music
4. The Answer
5. A Better Life
6. Lord Nafaryus
7. A Savior in the Square
8. When Your Time Has Come
9. Act of Faythe
10. Three Days
11. The Hovering Sojourn
12. Brother, Can You Hear Me?
13. A Life Left Behind
14. Ravenskill
15. Chosen
16. A Tempting Offer
17. Digital Discord

There's definitely going to be a few interludes there. I'm beginning to doubt the possibility of an epic and we also may not even have a track more than 10 mins. If this bodes well for the overall focus and coherency of the album, bring it on!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 03:02:50 PM
:dangerwillrobinson: :dangerwillrobinson: :dangerwillrobinson: :dangerwillrobinson: :dangerwillrobinson:

WHAAAAAAAT
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: metropofreak on November 12, 2015, 03:03:17 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 12, 2015, 03:00:34 PM
Holy crap. More Act One tracks!  :omg:

1. Descent of the NOMACS
2. Dystopian Overture
3. The Gift of Music
4. The Answer
5. A Better Life
6. Lord Nafaryus
7. A Savior in the Square
8. When Your Time Has Come
9. Act of Faythe
10. Three Days
11. The Hovering Sojourn
12. Brother, Can You Hear Me?
13. A Life Left Behind
14. Ravenskill
15. Chosen
16. A Tempting Offer
17. Digital Discord

There's definitely going to be a few interludes there.

Sweet lord, I was not prepared for that
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 03:05:45 PM
Could there possibly be 20 songs per disc ?!  :omg: :omg:


Holy Crap.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 03:07:35 PM
Now there's THREE (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/nomac_logo.png)




DAFUQ DT DAFUQ

:dangerwillrobinson:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 12, 2015, 03:07:54 PM
Mind blown.

Either a lot of interludes like Blind Guardian's Nightfall in Middle Earth, or we really do get a double album of 140 minutes.

Now imagine the tracklist for ACT II:

18. THE ASTONISHING

And that would be it. People would go freaking nuts  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 12, 2015, 03:09:39 PM
I thought you could be wrong when you said that the act I has 11 songs...
Damn, this looks like even less chance for +10 min songs... Let's hope for the act II
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Vandalism on November 12, 2015, 03:10:16 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 12, 2015, 03:00:34 PM
Holy crap. More Act One tracks!  :omg:

1. Descent of the NOMACS
2. Dystopian Overture
3. The Gift of Music
4. The Answer
5. A Better Life
6. Lord Nafaryus
7. A Savior in the Square
8. When Your Time Has Come
9. Act of Faythe
10. Three Days
11. The Hovering Sojourn
12. Brother, Can You Hear Me?
13. A Life Left Behind
14. Ravenskill
15. Chosen
16. A Tempting Offer
17. Digital Discord

There's definitely going to be a few interludes there. I'm beginning to doubt the possibility of an epic and we also may not even have a track more than 10 mins. If this bodes well for the overall focus and coherency of the album, bring it on!  :metal

Good God what are they upto?????

But More songs........More DT! Fine by me!  :tup

I guess the European shows will all be this album almost certainly!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 12, 2015, 03:14:40 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 12, 2015, 03:07:54 PM
Mind blown.

Either a lot of interludes like Blind Guardian's Nightfall in Middle Earth, or we really do get a double album of 140 minutes.

Probably both. I had expectations of a double album, but I think this will be an abolute colossus in terms of length. It would be very interesting to see DT release TWO albums at once that are ten minutes longer than DT12. I think many of the tracks will have a seamless flow reminiscent of Regression-O1928-SDV-TMW-FT except with small interludes making up track progressions that take the place of epics.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: liran95 on November 12, 2015, 03:16:14 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 12, 2015, 03:00:34 PM
Holy crap. More Act One tracks!  :omg:

1. Descent of the NOMACS
2. Dystopian Overture
3. The Gift of Music
4. The Answer
5. A Better Life
6. Lord Nafaryus
7. A Savior in the Square
8. When Your Time Has Come
9. Act of Faythe
10. Three Days
11. The Hovering Sojourn
12. Brother, Can You Hear Me?
13. A Life Left Behind
14. Ravenskill
15. Chosen
16. A Tempting Offer
17. Digital Discord

There's definitely going to be a few interludes there. I'm beginning to doubt the possibility of an epic and we also may not even have a track more than 10 mins. If this bodes well for the overall focus and coherency of the album, bring it on!  :metal

Must say I was NOT prepared for this one!

Think of it guys,
Let's say the average song length in this act is about 3+- min.
17 tracks means at least 51 minutes.
Now let's be realistic for a moment - there WILL be tracks longer than 3 minutes.
I'd say the most logical possibility is something like 60 minutes (at least) of music per disc.
That means (by my own logic of course) that we're bound to get at least 120 minutes of new DT material (assuming, of course, that both discs are equal in their lengths).

OMG.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: sdfdsv on November 12, 2015, 03:20:13 PM
There's always the possibility of having a silly number of tracks, like The Theory of Everything
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 12, 2015, 03:24:02 PM
My random attempt at guessing the songs:

1. Descent of the NOMACS -  non musical intro
2. Dystopian Overture - musical intro
3. The Gift of Music - first real song
4. The Answer / 5. A Better Life - one real song, one is an interlude, the first combo like Through My Words / Fatal Tragedy
6. Lord Nafaryus - Evil badass song
7. A Savior in the Square / 8. When Your Time Has Come - second possible combo, one is the intro one the "real" song
9. Act of Faythe / 10. Three Days - third possible combo
11. The Hovering Sojourn - instrumental
12. Brother, Can You Hear Me? - instrumental or even a very short, spoken interlude
13. A Life Left Behind - ballad
14. Ravenskill - instrumental that sets the "Ravenskill" theme
15. Chosen - crucial song
16. A Tempting Offer - instrumental, another short interlude
17. Digital Discord - instrumental, outro-ish
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: liran95 on November 12, 2015, 03:25:37 PM
You know, speaking of The Theory of Everything got me an idea about these NOMACS icons:

In TTOE there are 4 major songs divided to many short tracks. But in the end, there are just 4 songs.
Maybe that's the case here:

Tracks 1-10 - Song one.
Tracks 11-16 - Song two.
Track 17-X (could be drifting to the 2nd disc) - Song three.

And so forth.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 12, 2015, 03:26:48 PM
Quote from: liran95 on November 12, 2015, 03:16:14 PM
Must say I was NOT prepared for this one!

Think of it guys,
Let's say the average song length in this act is about 3+- min.
17 tracks means at least 51 minutes.
Now let's be realistic for a moment - there WILL be tracks longer than 3 minutes.
I'd say the most logical possibility is something like 60 minutes (at least) of music per disc.
That means (by my own logic of course) that we're bound to get at least 120 minutes of new DT material (assuming, of course, that both discs are equal in their lengths).

OMG.

I think the discs may be reaching the limit of the CD space, so if that's 78 minutes, the average song length would be about 4 mins 34 seconds and 3 mins 32 seconds for an hour long album. Both numbers leave a reasonable amount of deviation one way or another so I think we could potentially get a few tracks reaching towards 10 mins (though a 12min+ song highly unlikely for Act One).

Quote from: liran95 on November 12, 2015, 03:25:37 PM
You know, speaking of The Theory of Everything got me an idea about these NOMACS icons:

In TTOE there are 4 major songs divided to many short tracks. But in the end, there are just 4 songs.
Maybe that's the case here:

Tracks 1-10 - Song one.
Tracks 11-16 - Song two.
Track 17-X (could be drifting to the 2nd disc) - Song three.

And so forth.

I would've thought that if they did that, the songs would surely be ordered in the chunks they revealed them. Like this sort of ordering.

1. Yearning
I. Descent of the NOMACS
II. Dystopian Overture
III. The Gift of Music
IV. The Answer
V. A Better Life

2. The Empire
I. Lord Nafaryus
II. A Savior in the Square
III. When Your Time Has Come
IV. Act of Faythe
V. Three Days
VI. The Hovering Sojourn

3. Rebellion is Rising
I. Brother, Can You Hear Me?
II. A Life Left Behind
III. Ravenskill
IV. Chosen
V. A Tempting Offer
VI. Digital Discord

I suppose if the NOMACS signal the start of a new batch your idea would make sense, but I would think that they may just indicate narration.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 03:27:10 PM
Quote from: liran95 on November 12, 2015, 03:25:37 PM
You know, speaking of The Theory of Everything got me an idea about these NOMACS icons:

In TTOE there are 4 major songs divided to many short tracks. But in the end, there are just 4 songs.
Maybe that's the case here:

Tracks 1-10 - Song one.
Tracks 11-16 - Song two.
Track 17-X (could be drifting to the 2nd disc) - Song three.

And so forth.


Hey - as long as all 17 - 20 songs on each disc are selectable - i'm down.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 12, 2015, 03:30:02 PM
Cannot comprehend what's going on here, I'm not even going to guess anymore at this point lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 12, 2015, 03:32:18 PM
Those tracks with NOMAC symbols will be the sound of nomacs (cacophonous lull mentioned in the e-mail). Not instrumentals, not songs, just some sound effects getting more evil progressively, from track to track.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: liran95 on November 12, 2015, 03:36:21 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 12, 2015, 03:30:02 PM
Cannot comprehend what's going on here, I'm not even going to guess anymore at this point lol

II think that's the cool part of all of it :)

We were all hoping for something different and unexpected.
Well, it's safe to say we don't have the slightest clue of what's going on!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 03:36:51 PM
Quote from: liran95 on November 12, 2015, 03:36:21 PM

II

NUGGETZ
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 03:38:12 PM
So yeah - i'm guessing just for symmetry - there will be 20 tracks in ACT I

Either 20 tracks in ACT II as well or much less.

Could we be looking at a 40 track Double Album ? ! Is this real life ?! :p
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 12, 2015, 03:38:34 PM
Quote from: liran95 on November 12, 2015, 03:36:21 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 12, 2015, 03:30:02 PM
Cannot comprehend what's going on here, I'm not even going to guess anymore at this point lol

II think that's the cool part of all of it :)

We were all hoping for something different and unexpected.
Well, it's safe to say we don't have the slightest clue of what's going on!

Yeah, I love it! we're in for a mindfuck of an album  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: liran95 on November 12, 2015, 03:39:27 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 03:36:51 PM
Quote from: liran95 on November 12, 2015, 03:36:21 PM

II

NUGGETZ

Mistyped, but... Yeah, why not?

NUGGETZ CONFIRMED.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jdprsaga on November 12, 2015, 03:42:08 PM
Wow.. I wasn't expecting that!!! I would guess some of those tracks could be spoken/sound effects not topping the 1 minute mark.


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: pdurbin22 on November 12, 2015, 03:44:31 PM
Yeah, I love it! we're in for a mindfuck of an album  :metal
[/quote]

That is exactly what I'm hoping for! These are five super-smart guys and I always liked DT best when their lyrics and concepts challenged me. I mean, their music always makes me feel like an idiot...

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jdprsaga on November 12, 2015, 03:45:16 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 12, 2015, 03:26:48 PM

I would've thought that if they did that, the songs would surely be ordered in the chunks they revealed them. Like this sort of ordering.

1. Yearning
I. Descent of the NOMACS
II. Dystopian Overture
III. The Gift of Music
IV. The Answer
V. A Better Life

2. The Empire
I. Lord Nafaryus
II. A Savior in the Square
III. When Your Time Has Come
IV. Act of Faythe
V. Three Days
VI. The Hovering Sojourn

3. Rebellion is Rising
I. Brother, Can You Hear Me?
II. A Life Left Behind
III. Ravenskill
IV. Chosen
V. A Tempting Offer
VI. Digital Discord


[/size]

Make sense
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 03:45:29 PM
Descent of the NOMACS

The Hovering Soujorn

Digital Discord




Yeah they definitely sound like brief segue titles.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zook on November 12, 2015, 03:52:33 PM
A Dream Theater Power Metal album.


I dig.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 12, 2015, 03:53:13 PM
My excitement keeps building with every bit of info released :D This one might be really special.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 03:55:59 PM
I think even the people who expected something a bit out of left-field this time around didn't expect THIS !  :laugh:

So Kudos to DT for doing something completely out of the blue.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 12, 2015, 03:59:50 PM
Well, that was genuinely unexpected.

Cool!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 04:00:52 PM
I'm thinking either Act II has the same amount of tracks OR it's a much shorter disc overall. Like Porcupine Tree's The Incident.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: James.v6 on November 12, 2015, 04:16:58 PM
 :o  :huh:  ::)

Ohh God. Guys worked really hard.
Its going to be ehmm ..EPIC..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 04:21:13 PM
Fast forward to November 2016 :



" What if The Astonishing was one Album ? "



:neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: paulstfu on November 12, 2015, 04:29:27 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 12, 2015, 03:30:02 PM
Cannot comprehend what's going on here, I'm not even going to guess anymore at this point lol
THIS. Even if I wanted to guess a little more, it's not possible  :omg:

No one saw THAT coming. Everyone was guessing what would have been obvious in a double album scenario: 10 songs (maybe 1 or 2 more on CD2) in each CD with songs between 3 - 10 minutes. But now, the band is confirming this is an unexpected album
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Progmetty on November 12, 2015, 04:35:07 PM
shit ton of spoken word over keyboard atmospheric music, are what at least half these tracks are IMHO.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: AngelBack on November 12, 2015, 04:35:19 PM
Well that was a dramatic......thing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 12, 2015, 04:36:03 PM
holy fuck

like

what

This first CD has more tracks on it than any DT record, and it's the FIRST CD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 12, 2015, 04:37:10 PM
Speculation:

We're going to have a single from both CDs, each released sometime after each CD's tracklist is complete
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 04:41:07 PM
Quote from: Lucien on November 12, 2015, 04:36:03 PM
holy fuck

like

what

This first CD has more tracks on it than any DT record, and it's the FIRST CD


:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 12, 2015, 04:44:52 PM
Quote from: Lucien on November 12, 2015, 04:37:10 PM
Speculation:

We're going to have a single from both CDs, each released sometime after each CD's tracklist is complete

That would mean a new track in 3 or 4 days! I highly doubt though, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on November 12, 2015, 04:47:47 PM
This is officially getting out of hand......BUT I LOVE IT!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 12, 2015, 04:49:05 PM
The faythe I have in this album keeps increasing at every updates.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 12, 2015, 04:49:11 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 12, 2015, 04:44:52 PM
Quote from: Lucien on November 12, 2015, 04:37:10 PM
Speculation:

big text

That would mean a new track in 3 or 4 days! I highly doubt though, unfortunately.


Yeah, I doubt it too. I don't think they're done with the record.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 04:54:23 PM
They started mixing on October 13. That was pretty much a month ago.


It looks like a long record but i'd imagine they're done mixing it and possibly mastering too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: YtseJohn on November 12, 2015, 04:58:42 PM
What if there were no physical CD's and it's a digital only release...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zook on November 12, 2015, 05:00:46 PM
Quote from: YtseJohn on November 12, 2015, 04:58:42 PM
What if there were no physial CD's and it's a digital only release...

I'd hate that immensely.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pebsie on November 12, 2015, 05:19:43 PM
SEVENTEEN
E
V
E
N
T
E
E
N

WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 05:28:47 PM
17
7




That's what. 🤓
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 12, 2015, 05:31:13 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 08:55:47 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 11, 2015, 08:41:48 AM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on November 11, 2015, 06:09:58 AM
So 11 tracks in the first Act? Anyone else think a couple of those might be short transitional songs (like Through My Words) or speaking tracks (like Regression)...? Even so, I feel like there's going to be a lot to digest when this album drops  :tup

That made think of this: is confirmed that it will be a double album? Or there's the probability of two albums as some has speculated?..

Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 06:43:18 AM
I'll take 22 tracks over 6.

I'll take quality over quantity..


And Black Clouds was 6 tracks of absolute A-grade quality :tup

You couldn't have said it better... Oh, wait.. Yes, you could: without the sarcasm.. Because besides ToT, BC&SL is the best thing they have done.. But anyway, let's go back to the topic and leave personal opinions for another thread..

Now those 22 could be in a single album!!.. :lol

17 tracks?!... Or even more shocking: at least 17 tracks!? This new has horrified me.. In a good way.. :caffeine:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 05:31:42 PM
Quote from: Zook on November 12, 2015, 05:00:46 PM
Quote from: YtseJohn on November 12, 2015, 04:58:42 PM
What if there were no physial CD's and it's a digital only release...

I'd hate that immensely.

As would I. It's begging for a deluxe gatefold cd package with DVD.


Digital only ?  Meh I'll stream it. ::)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pebsie on November 12, 2015, 05:35:56 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 05:31:42 PM
Quote from: Zook on November 12, 2015, 05:00:46 PM
Quote from: YtseJohn on November 12, 2015, 04:58:42 PM
What if there were no physial CD's and it's a digital only release...

I'd hate that immensely.

As would I. It's begging for a deluxe gatefold cd package with DVD.


Digital only ?  Meh I'll stream it. ::)

I really really hope they release it on vinyl, if only for the collectible value. If each disk is an hour long, however, I doubt that they will.  :'(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: wideworldofmike on November 12, 2015, 05:38:41 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 04:54:23 PM
They started mixing on October 13. That was pretty much a month ago.


It looks like a long record but i'd imagine they're done mixing it and possibly mastering too.

I was at the John Petrucci Clinic at Sam Ash in NYC not too long ago, he made one comment about the record, that they were in the mixing stages and that it was "going"... w/ sort of like an inflection that they had a long road ahead of them.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 12, 2015, 05:48:35 PM
Have we passed the stage of not knowing if the album is gonna be released before the tour starts in February or are we still not sure?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jdprsaga on November 12, 2015, 05:53:23 PM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on November 12, 2015, 05:38:41 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 04:54:23 PM
They started mixing on October 13. That was pretty much a month ago.


It looks like a long record but i'd imagine they're done mixing it and possibly mastering too.

I was at the John Petrucci Clinic at Sam Ash in NYC not too long ago, he made one comment about the record, that they were in the mixing stages and that it was "going"... w/ sort of like an inflection that they had a long road ahead of them.

Yeah, but that doesn't mean the mix and master for the first single couldn't be done already.. maybe it was the first song they work in the mixing process
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 12, 2015, 05:55:52 PM
Act 2: the astonishing(making of the album) this is my idea!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 06:05:10 PM
The astonishing was YOUR idea? :o


Oh it's you mr clock man. ::)

;D



I think the clock is to tell us something !!!



Yes. Yes it is …




THE TIME ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: wideworldofmike on November 12, 2015, 06:07:53 PM
Quote from: jdprsaga on November 12, 2015, 05:53:23 PM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on November 12, 2015, 05:38:41 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 04:54:23 PM
They started mixing on October 13. That was pretty much a month ago.


It looks like a long record but i'd imagine they're done mixing it and possibly mastering too.

I was at the John Petrucci Clinic at Sam Ash in NYC not too long ago, he made one comment about the record, that they were in the mixing stages and that it was "going"... w/ sort of like an inflection that they had a long road ahead of them.

Yeah, but that doesn't mean the mix and master for the first single couldn't be done already.. maybe it was the first song they work in the mixing process

Very true. The whole project sounds like it would take 2 months to mix, at least IMO.

Quote from: RMGadelha on November 12, 2015, 05:48:35 PM
Have we passed the stage of not knowing if the album is gonna be released before the tour starts in February or are we still not sure?

From the advertising I think that they are implying that they are debuting the full album Live in London. Wish I could be there!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 12, 2015, 06:11:05 PM
Overture 1928
Overture
Dystopian Overture

The Answer Lies Within
The Answer

Afterlife
Beyond this Life
This is the Life
A Better Life
A Life Left Behind

Take the Time
One Last Time
Losing Time
The Best of Times
When Your Time Has Come

So except for these, we have a lot of new DT words in titles.. I feel already refreshed with all this, even before listen to any music (which is still the most important thing btw).. Looking forward to Act II's tracklist and lengths!..  :metal

Quote from: RMGadelha on November 12, 2015, 05:48:35 PM
Have we passed the stage of not knowing if the album is gonna be released before the tour starts in February or are we still not sure?

We're still not sure.. I think...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on November 12, 2015, 06:29:25 PM
Anyone else wonder why there are little NOMACS next to some of the tracks? Maybe instrumentals?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 12, 2015, 06:56:35 PM
Quote from: TheLordOfTheStrings on November 12, 2015, 06:29:25 PM
Anyone else wonder why there are little NOMACS next to some of the tracks? Maybe instrumentals?

Maybe it indicates spoken word sections, or maybe they'll become links to listen to some samples? No idea now.

With this many tracks, I think we'll get several either spoken word parts for the story, or maybe they've just split it into much smaller components, like the sections of their usual epics.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 12, 2015, 07:15:49 PM
After this:

Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 12, 2015, 10:08:34 AM
Quote from: pdurbin22 on November 12, 2015, 10:06:27 AM
Forgive me if this was already discussed, but on the latest official Tracklisting there are NOMAC icons next to the first and and last track listed. Any clue as to what that signifies?

I assumed it was simply marking the first and last track, indicating there were no more to reveal in Act I. That's just a guess though.

I kind of doubt of your assumptions, :lol.. But seriously, please don't be spoken word sections.. I want music!..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Jinx on November 12, 2015, 07:23:10 PM
Is it just me or is the silhouette of the person in front of the clock more transparent than the others? You can see through it to the background whereas the others are solid black. Maybe we are close to his/her unveiling!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on November 12, 2015, 07:24:46 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on November 12, 2015, 04:35:07 PM
shit ton of spoken word over keyboard atmospheric music, are what at least half these tracks are IMHO.

Exactly!  Ever listen to Surfin' MOD?  15 tracks of acting scenes and 5 songs.

But still, if it helps DT complete the full story of the rock opera, that's fine with me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dparrott on November 12, 2015, 07:34:56 PM
Wikipedia lists artwork done by Ma Jie.  Have they finally broken away from Hugh???

It also lists Chycki mastering, so prepared for another brickwalled CD.     ::)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: LCArenas on November 12, 2015, 07:59:09 PM
ACT ONE HAS SEVENTEEN FUCKING TRACKS

WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SOME QUADRUPLE ALBUM OR SOME SHIT THESE PEOPLE ARE INSANE AND I'M HYPED AS SHIT
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Letter M on November 12, 2015, 08:10:51 PM
Well folks, it looks like Dream Theater have gone FULL AYREON on us. I expect Act 2/Disc 2 to have at least a dozen tracks, maybe 13 in total, so the whole album will be a total of 30 tracks, ya know, for the band's 30th anniversary? Maybe? Also, Act 2 would have 13 tracks...

-Marc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nothingface on November 12, 2015, 08:46:44 PM
Quote from: LCArenas on November 12, 2015, 07:59:09 PM
ACT ONE HAS SEVENTEEN FUCKING TRACKS

WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SOME QUADRUPLE ALBUM OR SOME SHIT THESE PEOPLE ARE INSANE AND I'M HYPED AS SHIT

Whoa there, try not to make a mess.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Ben_Jamin on November 12, 2015, 08:52:39 PM
The NOMAC symbols likely are parts where they come into the story...The entire album sounds more of a narrative than SFAM, an actual Rock Opera in the vein of Ayreon, much like The Theory of Everything, which I enjoyed immensely.


It starts off with the NOMACS which will have a theme of their own, basically their songs.

Then, The Entire empire is introduced. I see an opening scene where they show a sky view of the city full of life. Everyone's doing things, a futuristic kind of Metropolis.

The gift of music. could be where the story really begins to form. As it plays for the citizens, one realizes its potential, beauty and power. He then figures out that the NOMACS which have songs to seduce people in a trance like state to conform. Thus finding out their is a better life than that of the Empire, 

At this moment we are introduced to the ruler the one lord Nefaryus, which could be a nice heavy song.

The rest is just too much for me to type up on my phone. but damn, This is gonna be one awesome album.

I feel it's gonna have a nice flow with a lot of transitions, which are broken by the NOMACS and their songs.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Aythesryche on November 12, 2015, 09:34:35 PM
Two discs for each act with 10 songs per disc. 4 discs in total.  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ResultsMayVary on November 12, 2015, 09:42:16 PM
When I think of spoken word or atmospheric sections, I think of Autumn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4xTXX_hS84) and Parallax (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhkFgqmz3x8) from Between The Buried and Me's "The Parallax II: Future Sequence" as a way to continue the story and keep the flow going.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 12, 2015, 09:46:11 PM
As I see it, there are three possibilities: 1) it's more than two discs (didn't JP or JR say "we've done a double album before" several months ago when someone asked? Though this wouldn't make sense with the live show...); 2) there are several interlude tracks, so it really isn't 17 (though that's very unlike DT), or 3) it's like that Beyond Twilight album where there were a few dozen tracks but it was all one continuous piece.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 12, 2015, 10:15:16 PM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on November 12, 2015, 09:46:11 PM
or 3) it's like that Beyond Twilight album where there were a few dozen tracks but it was all one continuous piece.

Yeah, that was the first album that came to my mind when I saw the 17 tracks.. The album (called "For the Love of Art and the Making") has 43 tracks between 0:09 and 3:01, with a total of 37:52..

TA will obviously have much more length than that, and there will be probably 10+ minute songs (I hope so), and even a 20 minute song (very unlikely, I know), but yes, probably there will be also a good bunch of pretty short ones (thus uncommon type of songs for DT).. I'm not implying the album would have ten second songs, but something like TMW, Regression, WFS or Vacant..

Most likely in this album we'll have the shortest song done by the band.. That, if I'm not mistaken, so far is Through My Words (in fact so short is that many do not consider it a song, but only part of a suite with FT; but I do ;))..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: gilpdawg on November 12, 2015, 11:47:14 PM
Isn't it possible that "act 1" actually covers more than one disc worth of music? Like, act 1 is 85 minutes or something and then act 2 is the rest of the second disc?

It's not like they've said that Act 1=Disc 1 and Act 2=Disc 2.

I don't think that's right, but everything here is speculation so whatevs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 13, 2015, 12:02:18 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 05:31:42 PM
Quote from: Zook on November 12, 2015, 05:00:46 PM
Quote from: YtseJohn on November 12, 2015, 04:58:42 PM
What if there were no physial CD's and it's a digital only release...

I'd hate that immensely.

As would I. It's begging for a deluxe gatefold cd package with DVD.


Digital only ?  Meh I'll stream it. ::)
Highly unlikely, I think DT are too big for that. It tends to be the more tier 2 (in terms of fame) bands like Haken and The Dear Hunter who get convinced by their label to release something digital only, and then end up releasing it physically later on anyway.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: V_R11 on November 13, 2015, 12:03:48 AM
I'm a little late to the party but HOLY CRAP 17!!!!

I was fine with 11 new DT tracks but now it seems like we'll get 30-ish

Fantastic,DT. Absolutely fantastic  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 13, 2015, 12:44:47 AM
Quote from: gilpdawg on November 12, 2015, 11:47:14 PM
Isn't it possible that "act 1" actually covers more than one disc worth of music? Like, act 1 is 85 minutes or something and then act 2 is the rest of the second disc?

It's not like they've said that Act 1=Disc 1 and Act 2=Disc 2.

I don't think that's right, but everything here is speculation so whatevs.

Sure, but I doubt it'll be so unbalanced as to render the 17-song act less unusual for them.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 01:00:11 AM
I'm surprised that no one has pointed out Brother from TCOT will make a return on this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Vandalism on November 13, 2015, 01:03:04 AM
So The Astonishing refers to the moment when ..........




















we get to know that Act I alone has 17 tracks!  :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: liran95 on November 13, 2015, 02:11:00 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 01:00:11 AM
I'm surprised that no one has pointed out Brother from TCOT will make a return on this album.

The count of Ravenskill!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ErHaO on November 13, 2015, 02:13:14 AM
I agree that having many seperately named tracks do not mean a longer album necessarily. For all we know some might be short interludes to tell the story. Think Blind Guardian's Nightfall in Middle Earth, which is basically a fairly normal 11-track album additionally featuring 10 tracks less than a minute long, with either spoken parts of some atmospheric sounds to conceive the story, and an intro of less than two minutes. Thus, that album has 22 individually listed and named tracks while it isn't a very long album.

Quote from: Pebsie on November 12, 2015, 05:35:56 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 12, 2015, 05:31:42 PM
Quote from: Zook on November 12, 2015, 05:00:46 PM
Quote from: YtseJohn on November 12, 2015, 04:58:42 PM
What if there were no physial CD's and it's a digital only release...

I'd hate that immensely.

As would I. It's begging for a deluxe gatefold cd package with DVD.


Digital only ?  Meh I'll stream it. ::)

I really really hope they release it on vinyl, if only for the collectible value. If each disk is an hour long, however, I doubt that they will.  :'(

Offcourse they will release it on vinyl. The lengthy Score and Budokan recently also got vinyl releases, I can't see a main new studio album not getting one because it's lenght is longer than usual. The price of those live releases isn't even that much higher over here either.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mike PornToy on November 13, 2015, 02:24:00 AM
opening The astonishing :

*snip*



Fake or not ?

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 02:25:22 AM
Most likely fake. If that's JR doing the choir then he forgot how to use nice sounding patches.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 02:26:49 AM
You're not supposed to post or discuss leaked material here, just giving you a heads up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 02:26:54 AM
Disabled Comments is usually a tell-tale sign.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 13, 2015, 02:30:30 AM
1. Of course it's fake. People who do this are just scamming for views, and the chance of a leak at this point are 0%. It's probably from a video game or something.
2. It's against the forum rules to post leaks anyway, so don't bother posting them, real or fake.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 13, 2015, 02:38:57 AM
Definitely fake, but I've snipped it anyway to make a point.

EVEN IF IT'S FAKE, DO NOT POST POTENTIAL LEAKS. This is the FINAL WARNING (I'm also going to update this thread's OP with the same point).

From now on, even posting potential leaks will get you at least a week off.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 13, 2015, 02:42:44 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 13, 2015, 02:38:57 AM
Definitely fake, but I've snipped it anyway to make a point.

EVEN IF IT'S FAKE, DO NOT POST POTENTIAL LEAKS. This is the FINAL WARNING (I'm also going to update this thread's OP with the same point).

From now on, even posting potential leaks will get you at least a week off.

I was going to suggest that in the past we've had a stickied thread for this, then saw we still do have a stickied thread for this. :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 02:45:56 AM
I still think it's 2 songs, 1 on each disc!

Those 17 songs are problaby just like Octavarium/ A Change Of Season/Six Deegres...different parts of the song. "Part V/song 5" could be 1 minute long and "part VIII" 5 minutes etc. 17 full songs on one disc is impossible. So I think we have a "dark side" disc and a "light side" disc...2 songs


Edit: didn't notice the icons behind 3 of the songs...does that indicate it's one song/icon...so it's maybe 3 songs on disc one?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: thosava on November 13, 2015, 02:46:16 AM
It is fake for certain. The same piece of music was posted as a snippet before DT12 was released (as a leak of Illumination Theory  :P).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 02:51:00 AM
Not discussing the music in that *snip* but the channel only had the 1 video.



I hope that all these tracks are selectable. But yeah it might end up 20 "pieces" with 4 selectable tracks per disc. Making up their normal 8 "songs" overall.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 13, 2015, 02:55:55 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 02:51:00 AM
I hope that all these tracks are selectable. But yeah it might end up 20 "pieces" with 4 selectable tracks per disc. Making up their normal 8 "songs" overall.

Since they're being listed with numbers, these would have to be the standard CD tracks. It's still possible they make up longer songs that aren't listed, but I don't see why that would be necessary given that it's all part of a whole already.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 03:00:15 AM
Yea for some reason it feels better if they'd have these selectable tracks marked by names to indicate different parts of the story, like the Scenes in SFAM.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 13, 2015, 03:00:30 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 13, 2015, 02:55:55 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 02:51:00 AM
I hope that all these tracks are selectable. But yeah it might end up 20 "pieces" with 4 selectable tracks per disc. Making up their normal 8 "songs" overall.

Since they're being listed with numbers, these would have to be the standard CD tracks. It's still possible they make up longer songs that aren't listed, but I don't see why that would be necessary given that it's all part of a whole already.

Yeah, I guess they would've been named with Roman numerals instead of numbers then. Or at least it would've had a different lay out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 13, 2015, 03:01:17 AM
That youtube account is the same account that kept posting fakes during the s/t runup. And instead of coming and asking whether something is real or fake, how about you try to run it through shazam or something first? It took me two seconds to find that this is "The Wars Of The Last Wolves" from Rurouni Kenshin. 

Don't trust anything you hear on the web. I would've thought people had learned after Crucify. I doubt we'll be hearing anything from the new album before december, and when we do get to hear something, it will be from the official channels first. I don't think anyone will even be able to leak this until december - and the people who will have the album early will (as always) have water marked copies which will be traceable by the record label. Right now, the people who do have access to the album are all under quite strict contracts and NDA's. Nobody wants to risk their job or relationships with the band just to be the first to leak some music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 03:12:44 AM
This:

1. Descent of the Nomacs

I. Dystophian Overture
II. The Gift of Music
III. The Answer
IV. A Better Life
V. Lord Nafaryus
VI. A Savior in the Square
VII. When Your Time Has Come
VIII. Act of Fayte
IX. Three Days

2. The Hovering Sojourn

I. Brother, Can You Hear Me
II. A Life Left Behind
III. Ravenskill
IV. Chosen
V. A Tempting Offer

3. Digital Discord (probably show up some more parts to this song)


Wouldn´t make sense if "Dysthopian Overture" was the 2:nd song, since it´s an overture...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 13, 2015, 03:14:55 AM
I think that makes sense.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 03:16:04 AM
My thoughts also, that would kinda explain the NOMAC symbols, but shouldn't they be part of the songs themselves? As they're part of the tracklisting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 03:26:38 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 03:16:04 AM
My thoughts also, that would kinda explain the NOMAC symbols, but shouldn't they be part of the songs themselves? As they're part of the tracklisting.

I hope not, i rather have 3 long songs  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 03:36:49 AM
They would still be 3 long songs if my comment would be the case.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Stef1 on November 13, 2015, 03:41:20 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 03:26:38 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 03:16:04 AM
My thoughts also, that would kinda explain the NOMAC symbols, but shouldn't they be part of the songs themselves? As they're part of the tracklisting.

I hope not, i rather have 3 long songs  :metal

Just an observation but could the 3 eyes on the left of the Nomac at the bottom of the web page be connected to the 3 Nomac's on the Tracklisting?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 13, 2015, 03:50:30 AM
At this point, I think we would all find it weird if the album does not have a normal length instrumental track in the veims of TDOE or Enigma Machine, right? It's a prog epic album afterall...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 13, 2015, 03:55:09 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 13, 2015, 03:50:30 AM
At this point, I think we would all find it weird if the album does not have a normal length instrumental track in the veims of TDOE or Enigma Machine, right? It's a prog epic album afterall...

17 tracks in the first act alone, and a double album. I'd be shocked if there wasn't at least a 5+ minute instrumental track snuck in there somewhere.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 13, 2015, 04:03:20 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 03:12:44 AM
Wouldn´t make sense if "Dysthopian Overture" was the 2:nd song, since it´s an overture...

Overture 1928 is the second track on SFAM and it's alright.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 13, 2015, 04:06:28 AM
Quote from: Evermind on November 13, 2015, 04:03:20 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 03:12:44 AM
Wouldn´t make sense if "Dysthopian Overture" was the 2:nd song, since it´s an overture...

Overture 1928 is the second track on SFAM and it's alright.

Which is why I think it will also work perfectly fine here. In context, I think track 1 won't be very musical. I'm imagining maybe some narration, maybe some sound effects to go along with the narration, maybe some synthy droney noises, under a minute long.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Curious Orange on November 13, 2015, 04:06:48 AM
Act 2 -

1. The Obsidian Tower
2. March of Glory
3. The Sundering of Hope
4. Mine is the Right
5. The NOMAC's Dream
6. The Only Way to Live
7. Heralds of the Future
9. The Revealing Tyde
10. The Shimmering Ovation








No, sorry, I just made those up. It's not a "leak" of "fake info" or anything - Please don't ban me for a week!  :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 04:07:10 AM
Quote from: Stef1 on November 13, 2015, 03:41:20 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 03:26:38 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 03:16:04 AM
My thoughts also, that would kinda explain the NOMAC symbols, but shouldn't they be part of the songs themselves? As they're part of the tracklisting.

I hope not, i rather have 3 long songs  :metal

Just an observation but could the 3 eyes on the left of the Nomac at the bottom of the web page be connected to the 3 Nomac's on the Tracklisting?


Oh cool, 3 eyes 3 songs on one side...3 eyes 3 songs on the other = 2 discs & 6 songs
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 13, 2015, 04:24:12 AM
Little bit late to the party, but......SEVENTEEN?!! :dangerwillrobinson:

I'm getting so pumped for this now!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 04:30:36 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 13, 2015, 04:24:12 AM
Little bit late to the party, but......SEVENTEEN?!! :dangerwillrobinson:

I'm getting so pumped for this now!

My guess it´ll problaby look like this:

1. Descent of the Nomacs

I. Dystophian Overture
II. The Gift of Music
III. The Answer
IV. A Better Life
V. Lord Nafaryus
VI. A Savior in the Square
VII. When Your Time Has Come
VIII. Act of Fayte
IX. Three Days

2. The Hovering Sojourn

I. Brother, Can You Hear Me
II. A Life Left Behind
III. Ravenskill
IV. Chosen
V. A Tempting Offer

3. Digital Discord (probably show up some more parts to this song)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 13, 2015, 04:34:26 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 03:12:44 AM
This:

1. Descent of the Nomacs

I. Dystophian Overture
II. The Gift of Music
III. The Answer
IV. A Better Life
V. Lord Nafaryus
VI. A Savior in the Square
VII. When Your Time Has Come
VIII. Act of Fayte
IX. Three Days

2. The Hovering Sojourn

I. Brother, Can You Hear Me
II. A Life Left Behind
III. Ravenskill
IV. Chosen
V. A Tempting Offer

3. Digital Discord (probably show up some more parts to this song)


Wouldn´t make sense if "Dysthopian Overture" was the 2:nd song, since it´s an overture...

Nice. I like that. You might be onto something.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 04:52:11 AM
Quote from: TAC on November 13, 2015, 04:34:26 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 03:12:44 AM
This:

1. Descent of the Nomacs

I. Dystophian Overture
II. The Gift of Music
III. The Answer
IV. A Better Life
V. Lord Nafaryus
VI. A Savior in the Square
VII. When Your Time Has Come
VIII. Act of Fayte
IX. Three Days

2. The Hovering Sojourn

I. Brother, Can You Hear Me
II. A Life Left Behind
III. Ravenskill
IV. Chosen
V. A Tempting Offer

3. Digital Discord (probably show up some more parts to this song)


Wouldn´t make sense if "Dysthopian Overture" was the 2:nd song, since it´s an overture...

Nice. I like that. You might be onto something.

Since the NOMAC icon is beside Descent of the Nomacs, The Hovering Sojourn, Digital Discord...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ledlemos08 on November 13, 2015, 05:16:36 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 04:30:36 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 13, 2015, 04:24:12 AM
Little bit late to the party, but......SEVENTEEN?!! :dangerwillrobinson:

I'm getting so pumped for this now!

My guess it´ll problaby look like this:

1. Descent of the Nomacs

I. Dystophian Overture
II. The Gift of Music
III. The Answer
IV. A Better Life
V. Lord Nafaryus
VI. A Savior in the Square
VII. When Your Time Has Come
VIII. Act of Fayte
IX. Three Days

2. The Hovering Sojourn

I. Brother, Can You Hear Me
II. A Life Left Behind
III. Ravenskill
IV. Chosen
V. A Tempting Offer

3. Digital Discord (probably show up some more parts to this song)

I really, really like this!!! Ohhh man... I'm nervous! hahahahah
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 13, 2015, 06:32:22 AM
Very interesting...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: thosava on November 13, 2015, 06:40:08 AM
Does anyone else think it's strange that we haven't gotten more than one character yet?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 13, 2015, 06:46:24 AM
Quote from: thosava on November 13, 2015, 06:40:08 AM
Does anyone else think it's strange that we haven't gotten more than one character yet?

I thought they were going to reveal part of every section with each update, but it seems like they might update it section by section instead, so it's not too strange.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 13, 2015, 06:48:58 AM
Quote from: Jinx on November 12, 2015, 07:23:10 PM
Is it just me or is the silhouette of the person in front of the clock more transparent than the others? You can see through it to the background whereas the others are solid black. Maybe we are close to his/her unveiling!

Maybe you already saw it but the links from the page images, characters, map, etc have the same url:

https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/char2.png
https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/map.png

Maybe we have to wait until December to see new images? Like characters or other part of the map?

I'm very excited! Let's share a snippet for us!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Yesmaestro on November 13, 2015, 07:03:49 AM
The Act I track listing reminds me of Rick Wakeman's Return To The Center Of The Earth. It was 22 tracks and every other one was narration. There were a couple of good songs in there, Buried Alive with Ozzy and Never Is A Long Long Time with Trevor Rabin.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: JediKnight1969 on November 13, 2015, 07:11:13 AM
Quote from: Yesmaestro on November 13, 2015, 07:03:49 AM
The Act I track listing reminds me of Rick Wakeman's Return To The Center Of The Earth. It was 22 tracks and every other one was narration. There were a couple of good songs in there, Buried Alive with Ozzy and Never Is A Long Long Time with Trevor Rabin.

I got that record. The spoken tracks, even by Patrick Stewart, are totally anticlimatic. You have to program the player (as RW himself sugests in the blooklet) to enjoy the music. Not his best work. Not even close.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dparrott on November 13, 2015, 07:39:01 AM
Most bands just come out and say "this is our album, it will be released _____, etc."  It must be fun for them to tease us all these months. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Vandalism on November 13, 2015, 07:50:37 AM
Quote from: dparrott on November 13, 2015, 07:39:01 AM
Most bands just come out and say "this is our album, it will be released _____, etc."  It must be fun for them to tease us all these months.

This! I am sick of poking the innocent looking NOMAC in the eye every 10 minutes!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 07:59:31 AM
I suspected I wasn't the only one who clicks the red dots every time they visit the website..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 13, 2015, 08:01:35 AM
Nomac
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 13, 2015, 08:08:35 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 13, 2015, 08:01:35 AM
Nomac
...yes???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 13, 2015, 08:11:28 AM
Nefaryus
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Vandalism on November 13, 2015, 08:19:52 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 13, 2015, 08:11:28 AM
Nefaryus

I guess we have varied poking preferences!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 13, 2015, 08:21:09 AM
Nream Neather?

Nhe Nastonishing?

I don't get it D:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 13, 2015, 08:26:24 AM
With this many tracks in Act 1, I don't think an individual track will be more than 7-8 minutes long. Some will be 4-5 mins, and one or more of the "NOMAC" tracks will be shorter than Through My Words.

To me, The Hovering Sojourn sounded like an end-of-act number, whereas Digital Discord doesn't. Is there more to be revealed for Act 1?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: genome on November 13, 2015, 08:26:52 AM
I think it's going to be like Ayreon's Theory of Everything (which coincidentally features JR), which is four songs (two per CD) split into several tracks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Theory_of_Everything_(Ayreon_album)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 08:30:40 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 13, 2015, 08:26:24 AM
With this many tracks in Act 1, I don't think an individual track will be more than 7-8 minutes long. Some will be 4-5 mins, and one or more of the "NOMAC" tracks will be shorter than Through My Words.

To me, The Hovering Sojourn sounded like an end-of-act number, whereas Digital Discord doesn't. Is there more to be revealed for Act 1?

I'm thinking either

1. 20 tracks on each disc

2. 20 tracks on Disc 1 and like 5 - 8 on Disc 2 ( much less anyway )

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: genome on November 13, 2015, 08:32:49 AM
17 Degrees of Inner Turbulence
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 13, 2015, 08:39:14 AM
Wow, seventeen tracks? Maybe that means they'll do Winger cover.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Stray Seed on November 13, 2015, 08:47:42 AM
My own speculations:

What if the "Hovering Sojourn" is about the Chosen One who infiltrates a NOMAC and uses it to broadcast his own stirring, forbidden melody? Just like a loudspeaker. That would be his Hovering Sojourn. After all, the NOMACs are huge, there might be some room within their structure. This would also explain the Majesty-shaped chassis, since the NOMACs are'n going to be a negative force forever, they will be hacked by Ravenskill and used against the Empire. This might also explain why the NOMAC is so important and such a recurrent theme: because it's going to play a main role in the story.

"Brother can you hear me" might be a first attempt to communicate via the NOMAC. Obviously, the first person he will try to get in touch with is most likely his brother.

"A life left behind", may just speak for itself. He's on a mission now, and will leave his life behind.

"Ravenskill" and "The Chosen": well, isn't he meant to be the Chosen of this faction? Maybe these tracks will tell us about the faction and about our hero; it may be his past or something about the character in general.

"A Tempting Offer" Let's assume we're getting close to the end of first disk: it's about time for a nice plot twist. The Empire tries to negotiate with him, to corrupt him in order to prevent him from destroying the whole system. Will they try to deceive him? To tell him lies to take him on their side? Or maybe some kind of confession (with some truth in it), to try and destabilize him?

"Digital Discord" might represent the uncertain end of the first disk, to make you eager to know how the story will develop in the future. Strange, disharmonic sounds that spring from him as he fights with himself while seeing things under a new light.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 08:51:59 AM
:lol this album had SO better not end on a cliffhanger !!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: JediKnight1969 on November 13, 2015, 09:05:28 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 07:59:31 AM
I suspected I wasn't the only one who clicks the red dots every time they visit the website..

 :lol

Guilty!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: NotePad on November 13, 2015, 09:30:36 AM
I gotta say, I'm not surprised they're doing a concept album/rock opera, again. Seems like the next logical step for the band, even through I personally prefer stuff like Awake and 8VM.  I'm really worried about the wank factor on this album. With the last album, it felt like they were finally learning...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 13, 2015, 09:33:47 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 03:12:44 AM
Wouldn´t make sense if "Dysthopian Overture" was the 2:nd song, since it´s an overture...
Yeah, it's not like DT have ever done that before or anything.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jdprsaga on November 13, 2015, 09:50:31 AM
As a side note, I'm glad all this talk about this rock opera/ 17 tracks sounding like with ayreon the theory of everything made me pick up that album for the first time... I'm really liking it!


Damn.. I'm just at Progressive Waves.. I'm Like.. who is this key/synth player :hefdaddy?? ...  went to wikipedia and mind blow!!!!!!!! Emerson and Rudess!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 13, 2015, 09:53:53 AM
Don't care much for Ayreon's stuff, aside from a few tracks here and there. Hopefully this won't be quite like that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: JediKnight1969 on November 13, 2015, 10:00:19 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 01:01:22 PM
The album is probably out late January and Act II Probably also has 11 tracks since both boxes are spaced the same.


Quote from: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 08:30:40 AM
I'm thinking either

1. 20 tracks on each disc

2. 20 tracks on Disc 1 and like 5 - 8 on Disc 2 ( much less anyway )

 :lol Chill out Kotowboy  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 10:04:05 AM
:dangerwillrobinson: CANNOT
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Setlist Scotty on November 13, 2015, 10:17:03 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 13, 2015, 08:11:28 AM
Nefaryus
Spelled wrong.  :loser:
 
 
 
 
 
 :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 13, 2015, 10:22:38 AM
So there's at least 17 new songs to add to DT the League next year then...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Stray Seed on November 13, 2015, 10:27:53 AM
I'd say at least 18 =D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on November 13, 2015, 10:37:25 AM
I feel the track titles feel less cheesy than the other stuff so far.  This is seriously epic in scope.  Some of these tracks have to be entirely spoken word, dialogue, or sound effects depicting a scene to bridge the songs.  They obviously can't all be actual songs.  They would have to average 3.6 minutes each if there were 22 tracks.  It is impossible for DT to have songs all be that short!   
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on November 13, 2015, 10:40:06 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 13, 2015, 10:22:38 AM
So there's at least 17 new songs to add to DT the League next year then...

Oh boy!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 13, 2015, 10:49:21 AM
Quote from: jdprsaga on November 13, 2015, 09:50:31 AM
As a side note, I'm glad all this talk about this rock opera/ 17 tracks sounding like with ayreon the theory of everything made me pick up that album for the first time... I'm really liking it!


Damn.. I'm just at Progressive Waves.. I'm Like.. who is this key/synth player :hefdaddy?? ...  went to wikipedia and mind blow!!!!!!!! Emerson and Rudess!!!

Glad to see another DTF person who started to appreciate Ayreon. The Theory of Everything is one of my favourite albums ever, despite being released only two years ago. It just connects with me in a way not a lot of albums do.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Architeuthis on November 13, 2015, 11:00:54 AM
Seems like it could be a 2112 inspired story, taking it up a notch.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 13, 2015, 11:04:44 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 04:34:26 AM
This:

1. Descent of the Nomacs

I. Dystophian Overture
II. The Gift of Music
III. The Answer
IV. A Better Life
V. Lord Nafaryus
VI. A Savior in the Square
VII. When Your Time Has Come
VIII. Act of Fayte
IX. Three Days

2. The Hovering Sojourn

I. Brother, Can You Hear Me
II. A Life Left Behind
III. Ravenskill
IV. Chosen
V. A Tempting Offer

3. Digital Discord (probably show up some more parts to this song)


Wouldn´t make sense if "Dysthopian Overture" was the 2:nd song, since it´s an overture...

Except that every title has its own assigned number..

1. Descent of the NOMACS (ok with this one)
2. Dystopian Overture (2, not "I")
3. The Gift of Music (3, not "II")
11. The Hovering Sojourn (11, not "2")
17. Digital Discord (17, not "3")

So the tracklist on DT's official page has to be a lie to make right your guess..  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 11:12:50 AM
Quote from: Architeuthis on November 13, 2015, 11:00:54 AM
Seems like it could be a 2112 inspired story, taking it up a notch.

2113
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 11:14:14 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 13, 2015, 11:04:44 AM
Except that every title has its own assigned number..

1. Descent of the NOMACS (ok with this one)
2. Dystopian Overture (2, not "I")
3. The Gift of Music (3, not "II")
11. The Hovering Sojourn (11, not "2")
17. Digital Discord (17, not "3")

So the tracklist on DT's official page has to be a lie to make right your guess..  ;)

Why are you closing out the possibility of it being fewer tracks with a total of 17 (maybe up to 20 or w/e) movements? There's 0 confirmation on whether these are separate tracks or not.

Quote from: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 11:12:50 AM
Quote from: Architeuthis on November 13, 2015, 11:00:54 AM
Seems like it could be a 2112 inspired story, taking it up a notch.

2113
Did you gather secret information from the clock?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 11:22:44 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 13, 2015, 11:04:44 AM
Quote from: TAC on November 13, 2015, 04:34:26 AM
This:

1. Descent of the Nomacs

I. Dystophian Overture
II. The Gift of Music
III. The Answer
IV. A Better Life
V. Lord Nafaryus
VI. A Savior in the Square
VII. When Your Time Has Come
VIII. Act of Fayte
IX. Three Days

2. The Hovering Sojourn

I. Brother, Can You Hear Me
II. A Life Left Behind
III. Ravenskill
IV. Chosen
V. A Tempting Offer

3. Digital Discord (probably show up some more parts to this song)


Wouldn´t make sense if "Dysthopian Overture" was the 2:nd song, since it´s an overture...

Except that every title has its own assigned number..

1. Descent of the NOMACS (ok with this one)
2. Dystopian Overture (2, not "I")
3. The Gift of Music (3, not "II")
11. The Hovering Sojourn (11, not "2")
17. Digital Discord (17, not "3")

So the tracklist on DT's official page has to be a lie to make right your guess..  ;)

Well, this is my guess if the Nomac icon that are on songs 1,2,3 Are actually the songs...and the other "track names" are parts in those songs. Assuming they've just listed all the separate tracks/parts. 😊
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 11:24:27 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 11:14:14 AM

Did you gather secret information from the clock?



I have an iranian..........source.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: GandL on November 13, 2015, 11:41:02 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 11:22:44 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 13, 2015, 11:04:44 AM
Quote from: TAC on November 13, 2015, 04:34:26 AM
This:

1. Descent of the Nomacs

I. Dystophian Overture
II. The Gift of Music
III. The Answer
IV. A Better Life
V. Lord Nafaryus
VI. A Savior in the Square
VII. When Your Time Has Come
VIII. Act of Fayte
IX. Three Days

2. The Hovering Sojourn

I. Brother, Can You Hear Me
II. A Life Left Behind
III. Ravenskill
IV. Chosen
V. A Tempting Offer

3. Digital Discord (probably show up some more parts to this song)


Wouldn´t make sense if "Dysthopian Overture" was the 2:nd song, since it´s an overture...

Except that every title has its own assigned number..

1. Descent of the NOMACS (ok with this one)
2. Dystopian Overture (2, not "I")
3. The Gift of Music (3, not "II")
11. The Hovering Sojourn (11, not "2")
17. Digital Discord (17, not "3")

So the tracklist on DT's official page has to be a lie to make right your guess..  ;)

Well, this is my guess if the Nomac icon that are on songs 1,2,3 Are actually the songs...and the other "track names" are parts in those songs. Assuming they've just listed all the separate tracks/parts. 😊

So we should expect more tracks for ACT 1 ...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 11:43:38 AM
Quote from: GandL on November 13, 2015, 11:41:02 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 11:22:44 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 13, 2015, 11:04:44 AM
Quote from: TAC on November 13, 2015, 04:34:26 AM
This:

1. Descent of the Nomacs

I. Dystophian Overture
II. The Gift of Music
III. The Answer
IV. A Better Life
V. Lord Nafaryus
VI. A Savior in the Square
VII. When Your Time Has Come
VIII. Act of Fayte
IX. Three Days

2. The Hovering Sojourn

I. Brother, Can You Hear Me
II. A Life Left Behind
III. Ravenskill
IV. Chosen
V. A Tempting Offer

3. Digital Discord (probably show up some more parts to this song)


Wouldn´t make sense if "Dysthopian Overture" was the 2:nd song, since it´s an overture...

Except that every title has its own assigned number..

1. Descent of the NOMACS (ok with this one)
2. Dystopian Overture (2, not "I")
3. The Gift of Music (3, not "II")
11. The Hovering Sojourn (11, not "2")
17. Digital Discord (17, not "3")

So the tracklist on DT's official page has to be a lie to make right your guess..  ;)

Well, this is my guess if the Nomac icon that are on songs 1,2,3 Are actually the songs...and the other "track names" are parts in those songs. Assuming they've just listed all the separate tracks/parts. 😊

So we should expect more tracks for ACT 1 ...

Yes, read after song nr.3 😉😜

OR song no.3 is just one song with no "parts"...and that would mean that the first two songs are at least 20 min each 😄😂
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 13, 2015, 11:47:19 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 11:22:44 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 13, 2015, 11:04:44 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 13, 2015, 04:34:26 AM
This:

1. Descent of the Nomacs

I. Dystophian Overture
II. The Gift of Music
III. The Answer
IV. A Better Life
V. Lord Nafaryus
VI. A Savior in the Square
VII. When Your Time Has Come
VIII. Act of Fayte
IX. Three Days

2. The Hovering Sojourn

I. Brother, Can You Hear Me
II. A Life Left Behind
III. Ravenskill
IV. Chosen
V. A Tempting Offer

3. Digital Discord (probably show up some more parts to this song)


Wouldn´t make sense if "Dysthopian Overture" was the 2:nd song, since it´s an overture...

Except that every title has its own assigned number..

1. Descent of the NOMACS (ok with this one)
2. Dystopian Overture (2, not "I")
3. The Gift of Music (3, not "II")
11. The Hovering Sojourn (11, not "2")
17. Digital Discord (17, not "3")

So the tracklist on DT's official page has to be a lie to make right your guess..  ;)

Well, this is my guess if the Nomac icon that are on songs 1,2,3 Are actually the songs...and the other "track names" are parts in those songs. Assuming they've just listed all the separate tracks/parts. 😊

Quote from: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 11:14:14 AM
Why are you closing out the possibility of it being fewer tracks with a total of 17 (maybe up to 20 or w/e) movements? There's 0 confirmation on whether these are separate tracks or not.

But there is confirmation on which number (whether be a track's number or a song's number) correspond to which name.. e.g: "Three Days" is track/song/movement 10.. I see it as a fact, since they have no reason to write a wrong tracklist and then change it for something like alexofsweden proposes, which is indeed interesting, but, again, contradictory with what we do know ("A Better Life" is 5 five, not IV or 4... something -track, song, whatever-)..

I remember when they revealed the DT12's tracklist, it was the actual and definitive tracklist.. It was like this:

1- False Awakening Suite
    I. Sleep Paralysis
    II. Night Terrors
    III. Lucid Dream
2- The Enemy Inside
3- The Looking Glass
           (etc)

It wasn't like this:

1- False Awakening Suite
2- Sleep Paralysis
3- Night Terrors
4- Lucid Dream
5- The Enemy Inside
6- The Looking Glass
            (etc)




[funny thing though that in DT12 there are also 17 different titles]
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 13, 2015, 11:53:15 AM
To think that just a couple of months ago the situation was "In the era of social media DT is silent and they tell us nothing at all"... and now THIS!

I love how basically every speculation could be right at this moment, since everything is so unusual and, truly, never-done-before so we have nothing but our wild guesses to rely on.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: rumborak on November 13, 2015, 11:54:54 AM
My guess is that Act II will all be about the battle between the Empire and the rebels.
I also get a distinct LOTR vibe from this, with maps depicting mountains ranges, one Chosen dude who will (likely) fell the Empire etc

EDIT: Ravenskill = Rivendell ?  :eek
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Sacul on November 13, 2015, 11:59:51 AM
(https://oi66.tinypic.com/2zjgsgp.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 12:01:11 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 13, 2015, 11:47:19 AM
But there is confirmation on which number (whether be a track's number or a song's number) correspond to which name.. e.g: "Three Days" is track/song/movement 10.. I see it as a fact, since they have no reason to write a wrong tracklist and then change it for something like alexofsweden proposes, which is indeed interesting, but, again, contradictory with what we do know ("A Better Life" is 5 five, not IV or 4... something -track, song, whatever-)..

I remember when they revealed the DT12's tracklist, it was the actual and definitive tracklist.. It was like this:

1- False Awakening Suite
    I. Sleep Paralysis
    II. Night Terrors
    III. Lucid Dream
2- The Enemy Inside
3- The Looking Glass
           (etc)

It wasn't like this:

1- False Awakening Suite
2- Sleep Paralysis
3- Night Terrors
4- Lucid Dream
5- The Enemy Inside
6- The Looking Glass
            (etc)




[funny thing though that in DT12 there are also 17 different titles]
Yeah you got a point, it should be me proving you wrong rather than you proving me wrong, because yours is more logical with the information given, I just can't understand how they'd do it the way you describe, but I'm not going to think too much into it, just waiting on more info.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: emtee on November 13, 2015, 12:11:25 PM
Maybe like Dog and Butterfly. One side mellow and more acoustic and the other balls and chunk. Doubtful though...

I predict a banjo makes it's first DT appearance  :-*

When I think about it I envision Ian Anderson circa Thick As A Brick era on stage in tights.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: nattmorker on November 13, 2015, 12:13:08 PM
Quote from: Evermind on November 13, 2015, 10:49:21 AM
Quote from: jdprsaga on November 13, 2015, 09:50:31 AM
As a side note, I'm glad all this talk about this rock opera/ 17 tracks sounding like with ayreon the theory of everything made me pick up that album for the first time... I'm really liking it!


Damn.. I'm just at Progressive Waves.. I'm Like.. who is this key/synth player :hefdaddy?? ...  went to wikipedia and mind blow!!!!!!!! Emerson and Rudess!!!

Glad to see another DTF person who started to appreciate Ayreon. The Theory of Everything is one of my favourite albums ever, despite being released only two years ago. It just connects with me in a way not a lot of albums do.

I really love The Theory of Everything, I like how there are 40 something little tracks, it's fun. But my favorite Ayreon album is The Human Equation, actually it is one of my favorite albums of all time, everything on it is perfect to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 13, 2015, 12:14:44 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 11:14:14 AM
Why are you closing out the possibility of it being fewer tracks with a total of 17 (maybe up to 20 or w/e) movements? There's 0 confirmation on whether these are separate tracks or not.

I've always assumed that the "tracklist" is meant to "list the tracks". Act I might be a continuous peice of music, or 3, but I'm fairly certain that there are in fact (at least) 17 tracks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 13, 2015, 12:18:10 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 13, 2015, 11:53:15 AM
To think that just a couple of months ago the situation was "In the era of social media DT is silent and they tell us nothing at all"... and now THIS!

Yeah, totally.. In fact that was just three weeks ago.. Wasn't in late October when they put the "The path will soon divide" thing on their page?..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 13, 2015, 12:26:23 PM
Quote from: nattmorker on November 13, 2015, 12:13:08 PM
Quote from: Evermind on November 13, 2015, 10:49:21 AM
Quote from: jdprsaga on November 13, 2015, 09:50:31 AM
As a side note, I'm glad all this talk about this rock opera/ 17 tracks sounding like with ayreon the theory of everything made me pick up that album for the first time... I'm really liking it!


Damn.. I'm just at Progressive Waves.. I'm Like.. who is this key/synth player :hefdaddy?? ...  went to wikipedia and mind blow!!!!!!!! Emerson and Rudess!!!

Glad to see another DTF person who started to appreciate Ayreon. The Theory of Everything is one of my favourite albums ever, despite being released only two years ago. It just connects with me in a way not a lot of albums do.

I really love The Theory of Everything, I like how there are 40 something little tracks, it's fun. But my favorite Ayreon album is The Human Equation, actually it is one of my favorite albums of all time, everything on it is perfect to me.

The Theory of Everything was #5 in my list of my favourite albums of all time, and The Human Equation was #4, so yeah, I agree with you indeed.

And live performance of The Human Equation this autumn was the best thing I've ever seen. I'm a big fan of Ayreon, yep.

Anyway, let's get back to new DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 13, 2015, 02:15:27 PM
I find it funny that people are suddenly saying TA will be like The Theory of Everything. Can't accept the idea of 17+ shorter songs instead of 8-9 longer ones? Maybe this is the "change in the universal flow" that JR referred to.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 13, 2015, 02:21:20 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 13, 2015, 02:15:27 PM
I find it funny that people are suddenly saying TA will be like The Theory of Everything. Can't accept the idea of 17+ shorter songs instead of 8-9 longer ones? Maybe this is the "change in the universal flow" that JR referred to.

Or maybe he's just building up more hype on us, using the generic unrelated speech that's usual before every new album release...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 13, 2015, 02:36:29 PM
Or maybe no one really knows.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Crow on November 13, 2015, 02:36:46 PM
i'm getting less and less hyped for this by the second  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on November 13, 2015, 02:38:01 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 11:12:50 AM
Quote from: Architeuthis on November 13, 2015, 11:00:54 AM
Seems like it could be a 2112 inspired story, taking it up a notch.

2113
Already done by Coheed & Cambria on their second album. That's the title of the hidden track. ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 13, 2015, 02:43:41 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on November 13, 2015, 02:36:29 PM
Or maybe no one really knows.

Except the band, and the record label...  :P

It's pretty cool though, all of this. They're generally defying our predictions/expectations for this. I'm not only excited by the prospect of hearing new DT music, but I'm also gripped by how the storyline will pan out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 13, 2015, 02:47:55 PM
Something strange I hadn't read (hope this hasn't already been posted. If so, feel free to delete dear admins). On yourmajesty.net, someone posted the following info as found on metalinjection :

"Dream Theater will be releasing its new album The Astonishing sometime early 2016 and, if you live in Europe, you can hear the whole thing in its entirety played live before the release date."

Here is the link to the entire article :

https://www.metalinjection.net/tour-dates/dream-theater-announce-new-double-album-rock-opera-the-astonishing-will-play-new-album-live-in-full-on-its-2016-european-tour (https://www.metalinjection.net/tour-dates/dream-theater-announce-new-double-album-rock-opera-the-astonishing-will-play-new-album-live-in-full-on-its-2016-european-tour)

What do you guys think? Playing The Astonishing live before releasing the album? Wow! A bold move if true.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 13, 2015, 02:52:15 PM
Don't know how they would get that information, but it's certainly the first time I've read that around here, and very plausible, but I still like to think we're only 3 months away from the album release max.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 13, 2015, 02:56:45 PM
I know for a fact that the album will be out before the shows in february.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 13, 2015, 03:02:05 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 13, 2015, 02:56:45 PM
I know for a fact that the album will be out before the shows in february.

Thanks, Noxon. Don't know where they got that info.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 13, 2015, 03:12:21 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 13, 2015, 02:56:45 PM
I know for a fact that the album will be out before the shows in february.

Yeah, this website says the release date will be late January:
https://www.cirkus.se/evenemang/visa/dream-theater#fndtn-event

I've quoted this about 3 times now and people still say that it's possible for DT to release the album after it's been played live. They won't do it. I'm pretty sure that the venue would be more aware of insider info than Metal Injection. Also, if they did play it live before release that would be a little dumb, as nobody has any clue if they will like what they hear and crowd participation would be impossible considering the audience will not know the songs.

Quote from: RoeDent on November 13, 2015, 02:15:27 PM
I find it funny that people are suddenly saying TA will be like The Theory of Everything. Can't accept the idea of 17+ shorter songs instead of 8-9 longer ones? Maybe this is the "change in the universal flow" that JR referred to.

Eh, I can't really imaging a Prog Metal band doing a concept album where all of the songs are around four minutes long. I think a similar layout to SfaM would be likely, but with a higher ratio of interludes / spoken parts to songs explaining the higher track count.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 13, 2015, 03:22:02 PM
It is not unheard of to play a concept album in it's entirity before it's released. I would love if they did that with this album, releasing it after the tour.

Pain of Salvation put up BE live about a year before the album was released. They did a run of shows in their hometown of Eskilstuna. One of the dates was filmed and later released on DVD. That concert was one of my favorite live experiences even though I had not heard a single sound before.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 13, 2015, 03:27:06 PM
Why would they let the audience sit through an entire unknown album at the shows, and having the first impression of said album given to the world by crappy YouTube videos? No way they're not gonna release this before the tour starts.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 13, 2015, 03:29:52 PM
10 tracks for act ll 100%
 :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 03:33:46 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 13, 2015, 03:29:52 PM
10 tracks for act ll 100%
 :metal

1. CLocks
2. CLocks
3. Clocks
4. Clocks
5. Clocks
6. Clocks
7. Clocks
8. Clocks
9. Clocks
10. The Astonishing Clocks
   i. clocks
   ii. clocks
  iii. clocks
   iv. clocks
    v. clocks
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mosh on November 13, 2015, 03:41:56 PM
It's kinda funny how everyone is mentioning Ayreon after looking at the tracklist. I remember when the DT12 tracklist went up, there were some comparisons to Symphony X in the song titles.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 13, 2015, 03:47:30 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 03:33:46 PM
1. CLocks
2. CLocks
3. Clocks
4. Clocks
5. Clocks
6. Clocks
7. Clocks
8. Clocks
9. Clocks
10. The Astonishing Clocks
   i. clocks
   ii. clocks
  iii. clocks
   iv. clocks
    v. clocks

Wrong. There are 12 hours on an analog clock and 24 in a day. There are obviously 1224 tracks in ACT II.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 13, 2015, 03:55:14 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 03:33:46 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 13, 2015, 03:29:52 PM
10 tracks for act ll 100%
 :metal

1. CLocks
2. CLocks
3. Clocks
4. Clocks
5. Clocks
6. Clocks
7. Clocks
8. Clocks
9. Clocks
10. The Astonishing Clocks
   i. clocks
   ii. clocks
  iii. clocks
   iv. clocks
    v. clocks


https://youtu.be/I-5RgaYJNHQ
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nothingface on November 13, 2015, 04:00:15 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 03:33:46 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 13, 2015, 03:29:52 PM
10 tracks for act ll 100%
 :metal

1. CLocks
2. CLocks
3. Clocks
4. Clocks
5. Clocks
6. Clocks
7. Clocks
8. Clocks
9. Clocks
10. The Astonishing Clocks
   i. clocks
   ii. clocks
  iii. clocks
   iv. clocks
    v. clocks

Act II: Beating a Dead Horse
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 04:01:59 PM
:deadhorse:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 13, 2015, 04:12:50 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 13, 2015, 03:12:21 PM
Yeah, this website says the release date will be late January:
https://www.cirkus.se/evenemang/visa/dream-theater#fndtn-event

I've quoted this about 3 times now and people still say that it's possible for DT to release the album after it's been played live. They won't do it. I'm pretty sure that the venue would be more aware of insider info than Metal Injection.

Okay, but two things:
1.  Even if we assume there is a definite release date in late January, it is only mid-November now.  It is VERY common in the music industry for release dates to get pushed back as the date approaches, and there are a LOT of reasons that that can happen.  Between now and late January, the date can change SEVERAL times, even if the band and label have a fixed date in mind right now.
2.  No, people at the venue are generally NOT aware of any inside information relating to the release of an album.  They have no idea of that type of information other than what the promoters tell them, and the promoters do not know anything other than what the label or management tell them.  People who run concert venues are not music insiders. 

That being said:

Quote from: Enigmachine on November 13, 2015, 03:12:21 PM
Also, if they did play it live before release that would be a little dumb, as nobody has any clue if they will like what they hear and crowd participation would be impossible considering the audience will not know the songs.

Very true.  For practical reasons, it does not seem like a good move to play the entire album live before it is released.  But you never know.  If they cut it close between the release date and the concert date, and circumstances beyond the band's control ended up pushing the release date out until after the show, the band might be upset, but there would not be much they could do about it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 13, 2015, 04:33:31 PM
i love you guys <33333333
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 04:35:35 PM
 :heart :heart :heart
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 13, 2015, 04:37:09 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 13, 2015, 04:12:50 PM
1.  Even if we assume there is a definite release date in late January, it is only mid-November now.  It is VERY common in the music industry for release dates to get pushed back as the date approaches, and there are a LOT of reasons that that can happen.  Between now and late January, the date can change SEVERAL times, even if the band and label have a fixed date in mind right now.

I mean, it could change, but I don't see how. I think that because they're revealing track names, they must be REALLY close to being completely done and say if the album comes out Jan 22 and the band reveal artwork and begin the next stage of promotion on Nov 22, I wouldn't see any reason to delay the album. I wouldn't know that much about the way this works though.

Quote from: bosk1 on November 13, 2015, 04:12:50 PM
2.  No, people at the venue are generally NOT aware of any inside information relating to the release of an album.  They have no idea of that type of information other than what the promoters tell them, and the promoters do not know anything other than what the label or management tell them.  People who run concert venues are not music insiders.
'Insider info' was definitely a poor word choice on my part, but what the promoters tell them is bound to be more correct than speculation on the part of a journalistic website such as MI which as far as I can gather, read the social media post about the tour then wrote the article taking the phrase 'debuting the album live' and not considering that it was talking about how the LIVE PERFORMANCE is going to debut on the 18th of February in London rather than the performance on the 18th being the first time the audience will listen to it.

I'm admittedly not really aware how any of this works and it's purely guesswork, but based on how far away late January still is, I would assume that everything is going according to plan. Well, apart from the title leak but I suppose that's what they get when they say they will perform the new album live without officially announcing the name. Do you know why DT announced the tour before the name?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 13, 2015, 04:40:21 PM
Yes, but the venue has gotten information from the label and the promoters (and by proxy DT's management) with regard to the concert. After all, the name of the album and the poster was released by venues prompting the band to confirm the name - so they were definitively privy to information we were not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 13, 2015, 04:44:26 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 13, 2015, 04:37:09 PM
Do you know why DT announced the tour before the name?

I would guess that shows tickets start to sell far more in advance than the release date of the album, so tourdates comes first while the details about an album that is still month away can wait.

You do need to know now that in 6 months DT will play in your city to decide if you wanna go, you don't need for hype and marketing strategy to know with that advance all the details of an album you won't be able to buy for several months yet.

But again as Noxon said... they should have seen it coming when allowing venues to use posters with the album title all over it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 13, 2015, 04:51:52 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 13, 2015, 04:40:21 PM
Yes, but the venue has gotten information from the label and the promoters (and by proxy DT's management) with regard to the concert. After all, the name of the album and the poster was released by venues prompting the band to confirm the name - so they were definitively privy to information we were not.

Right.  And as you point out, they are privy to information about the concert--not necessarily the album itself.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 04:54:15 PM
The Astonishing - Dream Theater's first Billboard Number 1 album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 05:00:42 PM
" DREAM THEATER WILL DEBUT THEIR NEW ALBUM LIVE IN ITS ENTIRETY

Dream Theater has announced new tour dates for a momentous European run that's set to kick off on February 18th at the Palladium in London, England. The tour will see the prog-titans delivering a one-of-a-kind show in which they premier their entire forthcoming album live. "

This sure looks like they're going to debut it live. But they can't DEBUT it at every show...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 13, 2015, 05:06:16 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 05:00:42 PM
" DREAM THEATER WILL DEBUT THEIR NEW ALBUM LIVE IN ITS ENTIRETY

Dream Theater has announced new tour dates for a momentous European run that's set to kick off on February 18th at the Palladium in London, England. The tour will see the prog-titans delivering a one-of-a-kind show in which they premier their entire forthcoming album live. "

This sure looks like they're going to debut it live. But they can't DEBUT it at every show...
That just means first live performance.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 13, 2015, 05:08:05 PM
Rich, correcting people on DTF forever. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 05:11:42 PM
Quote from: ariich on November 13, 2015, 05:06:16 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 05:00:42 PM
" DREAM THEATER WILL DEBUT THEIR NEW ALBUM LIVE IN ITS ENTIRETY

Dream Theater has announced new tour dates for a momentous European run that's set to kick off on February 18th at the Palladium in London, England. The tour will see the prog-titans delivering a one-of-a-kind show in which they premier their entire forthcoming album live. "

This sure looks like they're going to debut it live. But they can't DEBUT it at every show...
That just means first live performance.


Well obviously. But they can't really debut & premier it at every gig. I actually don't think the album will be out during or after the tour either. It's just strange wording.

It's easy to see how it could be mis-interpreted.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 13, 2015, 05:12:03 PM
Well, let's just say... I have some words that I've planned to write. And I know when I can do that...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 13, 2015, 05:30:26 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 13, 2015, 05:12:03 PM
Well, let's just say... I have some words that I've planned to write. And I know when I can do that...

 :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: sdfdsv on November 13, 2015, 06:09:16 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 13, 2015, 05:12:03 PM
Well, let's just say... I have some words that I've planned to write. And I know when I can do that...
:censored
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 13, 2015, 06:16:46 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 13, 2015, 05:12:03 PM
Well, let's just say... I have some words that I've planned to write. And I know when I can do that...

Will it be in three days? :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mosh on November 13, 2015, 06:40:19 PM
I think it'd be awesome if they premiered this live. I understand why that might not be the most practical idea, but it'd be bold and awesome. Plus DT live is remarkably close to the studio recordings so it would be really special to be in the audience for that, hearing the album for the first time played by DT themselves. Didn't Genesis tour The Lamb before that came out? WWGD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ori.elias5 on November 13, 2015, 06:44:04 PM
Just thought about it- maybe the Nomacs signs next to the 3 songs hint they are instrumentals?

I was hoping that the band will give us a big piece of info on friday the 13th..  :'(

A suggestion: maybe the admin will add a Nomac smiley ?  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mosh on November 13, 2015, 07:48:21 PM
:nomac:

Hey it worked! :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 13, 2015, 07:53:05 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 12, 2015, 06:56:35 PM
Quote from: TheLordOfTheStrings on November 12, 2015, 06:29:25 PM
Anyone else wonder why there are little NOMACS next to some of the tracks? Maybe instrumentals?

Maybe it indicates spoken word sections, or maybe they'll become links to listen to some samples? No idea now.

With this many tracks, I think we'll get several either spoken word parts for the story, or maybe they've just split it into much smaller components, like the sections of their usual epics.

It could symbolize music from the NOMACS themselves.  The titles all suggest they could be.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 13, 2015, 07:57:48 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on November 12, 2015, 01:15:28 PM
The deal with the NOMACs is a good excuse for Rudess to experience with some robotic dubsteish Bebot style noises, that could be fun if done right.

I was thinking the same thing.  There's potential for disaster here, but if done right, it could be really cool.

Aside from prog metal, I'm a pretty big electronic music fan--but I'm pretty picky about it.  No cheesey trance or bro house.  Chroma Key is awesome.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 13, 2015, 08:03:57 PM
Quote from: jsbru on November 13, 2015, 07:57:48 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on November 12, 2015, 01:15:28 PM
The deal with the NOMACs is a good excuse for Rudess to experience with some robotic dubsteish Bebot style noises, that could be fun if done right.

I was thinking the same thing.  There's potential for disaster here, but if done right, it could be really cool.

Aside from prog metal, I'm a pretty big electronic music fan--but I'm pretty picky about it.  No cheesey trance or bro house.  Chroma Key is awesome.


I think I only like electronic music in action movies, haha xD like the club shootout scene in John Wick.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erwinrafael on November 13, 2015, 08:37:34 PM
I think it takes guts for Dream Theater to sell shows for an album that nobody has heard yet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 13, 2015, 08:41:47 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 13, 2015, 08:11:28 AM
Nefaryus

Now I'm onto you. Well played.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 13, 2015, 08:42:03 PM
I don't think the mega-tracks theory makes much sense.  Or if there are mega-tracks, the titles haven't been released yet.  Because they wouldn't number the titles as if they were tracks right now.  There's just no reason for them to do so.

I think there's a good chance this album has a layout similar to The Wall.  We all know how much Pink Floyd has influenced these guys (they did an entire album live).  That album is 13 tracks on each side, and it doesn't even push the limits of the CDs length-wise.  There's just a lot of 1-2 minute atmosphere/segue pieces mixed in.

No reason why 2112 has to be the only influence on this album...this could be a combination of both, plus other stuff.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on November 13, 2015, 10:34:04 PM
Quote from: jsbru on November 13, 2015, 08:42:03 PM
I don't think the mega-tracks theory makes much sense.  Or if there are mega-tracks, the titles haven't been released yet.  Because they wouldn't number the titles as if they were tracks right now.  There's just no reason for them to do so.

Maybe they split them into multiple tracks, like Six Degrees.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nearmyth on November 14, 2015, 12:18:30 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 12, 2015, 03:07:54 PM
Mind blown.

Either a lot of interludes like Blind Guardian's Nightfall in Middle Earth, or we really do get a double album of 140 minutes.

Now imagine the tracklist for ACT II:

18. THE ASTONISHING

And that would be it. People would go freaking nuts  ;D

Holy shit that would make me lose my mind  :lol Don't get me too excited
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Laughingplace56 on November 14, 2015, 12:25:54 AM
When they put out DT12, they mentioned wanting to have the album out for a few months before going on tour, so people could digest the new material. That was for a 69 min album, and they didn't even play the whole thing. Now, for a seemingly 100+ min massive concept album, they're going to start touring with the entire concept mere weeks (if that) after it's release date. I find that kind of ironic  :lol

This concept has me more excited than any album ever has. It seems HUGE, and I trust the guys to make it interesting, fully developed, and above all, incredible in terms of musicianship. Really hoping for a single (that doesn't spoil a major plot point) real soon!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 14, 2015, 01:04:45 AM
Quote from: Parama on November 13, 2015, 02:36:46 PM
i'm getting less and less hyped for this by the second  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 14, 2015, 01:49:34 AM
Quote from: Laughingplace56 on November 14, 2015, 12:25:54 AM
When they put out DT12, they mentioned wanting to have the album out for a few months before going on tour, so people could digest the new material. That was for a 69 min album, and they didn't even play the whole thing. Now, for a seemingly 100+ min massive concept album, they're going to start touring with the entire concept mere weeks (if that) after it's release date. I find that kind of ironic  :lol

Well, it's going to be a theater performance, with hopefully clearer sound and all, making it easier to digest. People won't need to sing along there, and I guess it'll be more like a real presentation of the album instead of a usual live show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Stray Seed on November 14, 2015, 03:06:39 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 13, 2015, 02:56:45 PM
I know for a fact that the album will be out before the shows in february.
Guys... maybe you skipped this post.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zydar on November 14, 2015, 03:08:47 AM
I know for a fact that the album will be out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 14, 2015, 03:11:00 AM
Can´t help but thinking part of this stems from Labrie´s enthousiasm of working on Ayreon´s theater performance.  Guess it rubbed off on the other guys.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 14, 2015, 03:15:43 AM
Quote from: The Stray Seed on November 14, 2015, 03:06:39 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 13, 2015, 02:56:45 PM
I know for a fact that the album will be out before the shows in february.
Guys... maybe you skipped this post.

Quote
they're going to start touring with the entire concept mere weeks (if that) after it's release date.

I don't see what's so contradicting to noxon's statement.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 14, 2015, 03:48:57 AM
we need 3 more nomacs beside the tracks that working with the NOMACS! the act ll give to us another 3 nomacs!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 14, 2015, 03:54:03 AM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 14, 2015, 03:48:57 AM
we need 3 more nomacs beside the tracks that working with the NOMACS! the act ll give to us another 3 nomacs!

Wow! Because 3+3=6 and 6:00 is the first track of Awake, the first album cover to have a CLOCK on it? Great thinking man, you're 3 steps ahead of me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 14, 2015, 03:56:17 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 14, 2015, 03:54:03 AM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 14, 2015, 03:48:57 AM
we need 3 more nomacs beside the tracks that working with the NOMACS! the act ll give to us another 3 nomacs!

Wow! Because 3+3=6 and 6:00 is the first track of Awake, the first album cover to have a CLOCK on it? Great thinking man, you're 3 steps ahead of me.

:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 14, 2015, 03:59:16 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on November 14, 2015, 03:11:00 AM
Can´t help but thinking part of this stems from Labrie´s enthousiasm of working on Ayreon´s theater performance.  Guess it rubbed off on the other guys.

The timing is kinda off though. They started writing the material for this album during DT12 tour. They went into the studio in january, and was pretty much done recording the backing tracks (guitars, drums, bass and keys) in june. When I spoke to them in July, what was missing at that point were vocals, overdubs and "effects" (i'm guessing narration and embellishments). The Theater Equation was at the end of september. Last day of recording was september 25th. There's no way that the theater performance had any influence on the album.

If anything influenced the band, it'd be older stuff like the obvious (2112, The Wall) - but I also see newer stuff being in their arsenal (like Circle of Illusion's Jeremias, which was one of JRs featured albums back in may, or Ayreon's Theory of Everything which JR appeared on).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on November 14, 2015, 04:51:17 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 14, 2015, 03:59:16 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on November 14, 2015, 03:11:00 AM
Can´t help but thinking part of this stems from Labrie´s enthousiasm of working on Ayreon´s theater performance.  Guess it rubbed off on the other guys.

The timing is kinda off though. They started writing the material for this album during DT12 tour. They went into the studio in january, and was pretty much done recording the backing tracks (guitars, drums, bass and keys) in june. When I spoke to them in July, what was missing at that point were vocals, overdubs and "effects" (i'm guessing narration and embellishments). The Theater Equation was at the end of september. Last day of recording was september 25th. There's no way that the theater performance had any influence on the album.

If anything influenced the band, it'd be older stuff like the obvious (2112, The Wall) - but I also see newer stuff being in their arsenal (like Circle of Illusion's Jeremias, which was one of JRs featured albums back in may, or Ayreon's Theory of Everything which JR appeared on).
Not saying he was influenced but remember though that Labrie was booked for The Theater Equation in may 2014 and i'm pretty sure they pitched him the whole project/idea before he signed on. So he was well aware of the project and what was going to happen on the stage before entering the studio with DT. Dosen't mean he was influenced by this for DT13 though, i'm just saying...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: aurorablind on November 14, 2015, 05:32:38 AM
More songtitles on The Astonishing-page!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 14, 2015, 05:35:34 AM
I'm still seeing the same 17 for act I.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: aurorablind on November 14, 2015, 05:51:30 AM
Sorry... Didn't read enough of the thread :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 14, 2015, 05:54:28 AM
Quote from: aurorablind on November 14, 2015, 05:51:30 AM
Sorry... Didn't read enough of the thread :omg:

Having read the entire thread myself, I'd say you were probably better off that way. :lol

Do they even advertise these updates anywhere, or do they expect people to randomly check the page every so often? I haven't seen any updates mentioned on FB or Twitter since the page first went up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 14, 2015, 05:59:06 AM
I agree, it's really weird that we've had two shadow updates on the page with no other channels commenting on them...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Stef1 on November 14, 2015, 06:00:45 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 14, 2015, 05:54:28 AM
Quote from: aurorablind on November 14, 2015, 05:51:30 AM
Sorry... Didn't read enough of the thread :omg:

Having read the entire thread myself, I'd say you were probably better off that way. :lol

Do they even advertise these updates anywhere, or do they expect people to randomly check the page every so often? I haven't seen any updates mentioned on FB or Twitter since the page first went up.

To be honest if it were not for this thread I wouldn't know The Astonishing web page existed.

Logging onto the official DT web page at present is very frustrating as I'm now getting the choose sides front page again not the tour one.
If you try logging onto DT Astonishingtour you get you are not permitted to access.

You would assume with the growing interest the web page would be working properly.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 14, 2015, 06:01:57 AM
It's kind of cool.  I'm from the old days without the internet.   The anticipation was greater and made the first listen even better.  I can't stop myself now listening to samples, songs ect...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 14, 2015, 06:19:15 AM
However, I'm getting this web adress when refreshing: https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishing#char3_LB

Character 3 being finished or something? I'm not a code expert.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 14, 2015, 06:27:30 AM
:nomac:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikemangioy on November 14, 2015, 06:35:15 AM
Hell yeah :nomac:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ? on November 14, 2015, 06:54:00 AM
I've been out of the loop for a while and just saw the latest update in the tracklist... Act I has 17 tracks?! :eek Looks like the album will be similar to The Wall in terms of structure.
Quote from: Progmetty on November 12, 2015, 01:15:28 PM
The deal with the NOMACs is a good excuse for Rudess to experience with some robotic dubsteish Bebot style noises, that could be fun if done right.
When I read "robotic" I immediately thought you were going to say Jordan should learn robot dance moves, and it reminded me of this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8gffhbeUhs#t=3m2s). :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 14, 2015, 07:48:57 AM
For previous albums, we've had a "What we know so far" thread. All known album info in one place, without having to wade through our endless (and usually incorrect) speculation.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 14, 2015, 08:18:40 AM
Thinking they'll announce the 3rd character today or tomorrow, maybe along with more tracks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 14, 2015, 08:49:48 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 14, 2015, 08:18:40 AM
Thinking they'll announce the 3rd character today or tomorrow, maybe along with more tracks.

The last four updates have been on Mondays and Thursdays, so if they continue that, then the next update will be on Monday.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: YtseJamittaja on November 14, 2015, 09:09:23 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 14, 2015, 08:18:40 AM
Thinking they'll announce the 3rd character today or tomorrow, maybe along with more tracks.

3rd? I see only Emperor Nafaryus?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dparrott on November 14, 2015, 09:11:12 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 08:51:59 AM
:lol this album had SO better not end on a cliffhanger !!!!!

Heh, watch it will and DT14 will be the finale!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 14, 2015, 09:20:10 AM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on November 14, 2015, 09:09:23 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 14, 2015, 08:18:40 AM
Thinking they'll announce the 3rd character today or tomorrow, maybe along with more tracks.

3rd? I see only Emperor Nafaryus?
Yeah phrased that a little weird, I meant the #3 character, as in, the one to the right of Nafaryus.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 14, 2015, 09:24:48 AM
I wonder why "places" is locked up even though we can see what it says...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 14, 2015, 09:25:29 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 14, 2015, 07:48:57 AM
For previous albums, we've had a "What we know so far" thread. All known album info in one place, without having to wade through our endless (and usually incorrect) speculation.

Done.  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: YtseJamittaja on November 14, 2015, 09:26:41 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 14, 2015, 09:24:48 AM
I wonder why "places" is locked up even though we can see what it says...

Cause they wanna tease us.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 14, 2015, 09:29:44 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 14, 2015, 09:24:48 AM
I wonder why "places" is locked up even though we can see what it says...
We can't.  The section we can see is "Map" not "Places".  "Places" is locked, "Map" is not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 14, 2015, 09:40:21 AM
Quote from: Evermind on November 14, 2015, 01:49:34 AM
Quote from: Laughingplace56 on November 14, 2015, 12:25:54 AM
When they put out DT12, they mentioned wanting to have the album out for a few months before going on tour, so people could digest the new material. That was for a 69 min album, and they didn't even play the whole thing. Now, for a seemingly 100+ min massive concept album, they're going to start touring with the entire concept mere weeks (if that) after it's release date. I find that kind of ironic  :lol

Well, it's going to be a theater performance, with hopefully clearer sound and all, making it easier to digest. People won't need to sing along there, and I guess it'll be more like a real presentation of the album instead of a usual live show.

Exactly, and besides that, it's not ironic with what JP said in almost every interview when he was asked for the AFtR tour: "... we want to make it one big Dream Theater experience. When you enter the venue, you’re stepping into our world and we want to be able to transport people for a while. It might be a tall order, but that’s our goal on this tour and that’s why we’re calling it ‘Along for the Ride.’ We want to take people with us."

Anyway, Evermind, about the ppl singing along, he also said this: "The cool thing about our fans is that they're not just passive concert goers. They're all really into it and are singing along to every song. They're the perfect audiences to play for, and we're excited to have more time to play and deliver an exciting, powerful show."

I think they're turning the page.. Now they want another thing, something this band has never explored before.. And this time they prefer to do it instead of speaking of it in advance..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: V_R11 on November 14, 2015, 09:42:22 AM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on November 14, 2015, 09:26:41 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 14, 2015, 09:24:48 AM
I wonder why "places" is locked up even though we can see what it says...

Cause they wanna tease us.

This whole thing is a major tease. DT must be having fun
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 14, 2015, 09:43:51 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on November 14, 2015, 09:29:44 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 14, 2015, 09:24:48 AM
I wonder why "places" is locked up even though we can see what it says...
We can't.  The section we can see is "Map" not "Places".  "Places" is locked, "Map" is not.

Places is clearly legible under the padlock.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 14, 2015, 09:51:56 AM
But you can't see the section.  Because it is locked.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 14, 2015, 09:52:46 AM
OH MY GOD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Progmetty on November 14, 2015, 09:58:04 AM
What I was wondering about is how the page https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishing, is not accessible from the main website, there's no link to it there. I know we guessed the url after we found out the album name from the live shows announcements but I'm wondering if we stumbled across that page earlier than they wanted us to since the main website is not linking to it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 14, 2015, 10:17:30 AM
Quote from: Progmetty on November 14, 2015, 09:58:04 AM
What I was wondering about is how the page https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishing, is not accessible from the main website, there's no link to it there. I know we guessed the url after we found out the album name from the live shows announcements but I'm wondering if we stumbled across that page earlier than they wanted us to since the main website is not linking to it.

They linked to it from Facebook a couple of weeks ago...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ResultsMayVary on November 14, 2015, 10:47:47 AM
I'm pretty sure they've linked several times to it through posts on Facebook. I do remember it specifically when they confirmed the album title, for sure.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 14, 2015, 11:09:10 AM
On November 5, in their fb's page: " The path is dividing: flyt.it/TheAstonishing "
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 14, 2015, 11:38:40 AM
Remember, remember, the fifth of November
The astonishing revealed, surprise
I know of no reason why the speculation season
Should ever make sense.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Progmetty on November 14, 2015, 12:03:00 PM
Oh ok I see it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 14, 2015, 01:04:16 PM
from writing the elemans in spect element.the part of act l and act ll . the elements show to us the 10 part in espect element. before realising the 17 track in act l i active the espect elemnt that there was 17 empty part with 3 coloumn. and in act ll we have 10 part with 3 coloumn.guys pls scratch ur mind and dont tell about the DT's length of tracks. so w8 for listening to album.for u is very easy to get the see the live.but i'm live in iran.the country that the DT never come here.but it is not importanat.listening to album and see the DVD live is amazing! so dont tell a joke about dt and use from ur cheers days and new year!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 14, 2015, 01:06:23 PM
It's always clocks with you.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 14, 2015, 01:12:43 PM
u dont need to clock.cause u have not the job. u have always free time for siiting front of pc and txt for the new dt album? but ur hat is very astonishing. jp must buy it from u and using for recording new fuckin album :rollin :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 14, 2015, 01:14:24 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 14, 2015, 01:04:16 PM
from writing the elemans in spect element.the part of act l and act ll . the elements show to us the 10 part in espect element. before realising the 17 track in act l i active the espect elemnt that there was 17 empty part with 3 coloumn. and in act ll we have 10 part with 3 coloumn.guys pls scratch ur mind and dont tell about the DT's length of tracks. so w8 for listening to album.for u is very easy to get the see the live.but i'm live in iran.the country that the DT never come here.but it is not importanat.listening to album and see the DVD live is amazing! so dont tell a joke about dt and use from ur cheers days and new year!

Dude, no offense, but my brain hurts from reading your posts. It hardly needs scratching after that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ronnibran on November 14, 2015, 01:14:34 PM
I wonder if "places" will just be tour info. Probably not but who knows.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hadi-persian on November 14, 2015, 01:19:36 PM
what time is it? are u always online in dt forums? dont u have any job or other work?for Ex:flating ur hat. cuttimg ur nose with help of dr. and help to jp for playing fast solo. so sit and think about the clock behind the char8. one day u said: It's Fucking clock. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 14, 2015, 01:24:49 PM
I don't think I have ever had this much fun here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 14, 2015, 01:25:51 PM
Quote from: ronnibran on November 14, 2015, 01:14:34 PM
I wonder if "places" will just be tour info. Probably not but who knows.

Well, the tour has already been posted and the tickets are bought so...

I'm pretty sure it will detail places that are relevant to the story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: fischermasamune on November 14, 2015, 01:26:45 PM
I dreamed again with the upcoming album. DT was sending some puzzle boxes to people in order to promote the new album. There were supposed to be 4 boxes, each representing a different element (water, fire,...). I only remember getting the first, delivered by some red bird. The puzzle consisted in being able to make a thunder go through water. Other people were getting different puzzles, like creating some kind of vacuum somewhere. And there was that implicit rule that we couldn't use the internet to solve the puzzles.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ronnibran on November 14, 2015, 01:29:17 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 14, 2015, 01:19:36 PM
what time is it? are u always online in dt forums? dont u have any job or other work?for Ex:flating ur hat. cuttimg ur nose with help of dr. and help to jp for playing fast solo. so sit and think about the clock behind the char8. one day u said: It's Fucking clock. :lol

It's approximately 3:30 pm in my time zone. I've worked 6 days this week, but i appreciate your concern over my employment situation. Good luck with your clock adventures!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 14, 2015, 01:30:32 PM
Quote from: ronnibran on November 14, 2015, 01:14:34 PM
I wonder if "places" will just be tour info. Probably not but who knows.

I thought about something that could be cool concerning that this morning. I was watching a video of this artist called Anthony Jones who was working on an interactive online gallery where you could walk around and watch his digital sculptures and artworks. So maybe ''places'' could be an interactive section of the website where you can visit locations of the story. We could walk around Nafaryus throne room or Ravenskill's headquarters.

However it seems a bit complex so I doubt it will end up being that. It would be interesting to see though!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 14, 2015, 01:39:48 PM
Man do I love the clock man! Wouldn't want a DTF without him.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 14, 2015, 01:48:06 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 14, 2015, 01:12:43 PM
u dont need to clock.cause u have not the job. u have always free time for siiting front of pc and txt for the new dt album? but ur hat is very astonishing. jp must buy it from u and using for recording new fuckin album :rollin :lol


You leave my fabulous hat out of this !!!!!!!!!!! :getoffmylawn: :angry:




I do too have a job and since my audio interface stopped working and the weather went to crap -

- I relax by browsing online and playing PS4. :) x
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 14, 2015, 01:51:29 PM
And then, as the album comes to an end, we find that the clock somehow turns out to be the most important character of the whole ''Astonishing'' story...

Wait it all makes sense now! The hands of a clock move in circle and they end their journey where they began. The clock is the Octavarium!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Dave_Manchester on November 14, 2015, 01:53:19 PM
Clock Guy is very obviously a 'normal' person trolling the thread (blatant inconsistencies in his posting style), but to be honest it's very well done, impressive even, and I hope he carries on with it, he's genuinely funny.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 14, 2015, 02:00:32 PM
The expression "Clock Guy" reminded me of this: https://youtu.be/Kz3AbZ630kw?t=2006 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on November 14, 2015, 02:09:53 PM
Calling it: Tracks 1, 11 and 17 are instrumental because they are identified by a hovering NOMAC next to the title.  Thoughts?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 14, 2015, 02:15:08 PM
Train of Thoughts..

1 Instrumental track: Stream of Consciousness.. Track 6 + 11 minutes = 17..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 14, 2015, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 14, 2015, 01:51:29 PM
And then, as the album comes to an end, we find that the clock somehow turns out to be the most important character of the whole ''Astonishing'' story...

Wait it all makes sense now! The hands of a clock move in circle and they end their journey where they began. The clock is the Octavarium!

And that, my friends, is what is truly......Astonishing.

*the curtain falls*
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nothingface on November 14, 2015, 03:26:40 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 14, 2015, 01:19:36 PM
what time is it? are u always online in dt forums? dont u have any job or other work?for Ex:flating ur hat. cuttimg ur nose with help of dr. and help to jp for playing fast solo. so sit and think about the clock behind the char8. one day u said: It's Fucking clock. :lol

It's simply not enough that you're functionally illiterate, you must also be arrogant and belligerent.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 14, 2015, 03:37:24 PM
Quote from: Nothingface on November 14, 2015, 03:26:40 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 14, 2015, 01:19:36 PM
what time is it? are u always online in dt forums? dont u have any job or other work?for Ex:flating ur hat. cuttimg ur nose with help of dr. and help to jp for playing fast solo. so sit and think about the clock behind the char8. one day u said: It's Fucking clock. :lol

It's simply not enough that you're functionally illiterate, you must also be arrogant and belligerent.
Absolutely no need to be insulting someone just because English isn't their first language. Between this and some other recent posts of yours, you might want to have a read of the forum rules (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=7.0) regarding being respectful.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Thematt202 on November 14, 2015, 04:32:00 PM
About time somebody said something.  Anyone wondering why the vast majority of members are EU/UK/US have their answer right here...  :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaasMah on November 14, 2015, 04:45:02 PM
Hey all! long time lurker here, finally signing to the forum :)

Just wanted to say Im really exited for the album. A bit scary of it being too weird, but DT never failed me before.

I have a small question, Since it is kind of a dream and a life goal for me to see them live, Ive decided I have to see them this tour. That means traveling to EU specifically for this. Now, since Im kinda broke I have to plan this cheaply. Germany seems the perfect location, but currently there are no tour dates for it. Does any of you, who have experience with DT tours, know anything about whether they will arrive to Germany? I have to know because tickets are selling out and I need to book a show.  Any help or advice would be really much appreciated.

So thats it, Im eager to hear this album and start participate in your one of a kind endless forum debates and rankings ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 14, 2015, 05:14:04 PM
Clock guy should be a new emoticon lol.

Strangely, I agree with him, and somehow think the clock is relevant, but not to the album launch date or whathever.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: wizard of Thought on November 14, 2015, 05:35:05 PM
Quote from: RaasMah on November 14, 2015, 04:45:02 PM
Hey all! long time lurker here, finally signing to the forum :)

Just wanted to say Im really exited for the album. A bit scary of it being too weird, but DT never failed me before.

I have a small question, Since it is kind of a dream and a life goal for me to see them live, Ive decided I have to see them this tour. That means traveling to EU specifically for this. Now, since Im kinda broke I have to plan this cheaply. Germany seems the perfect location, but currently there are no tour dates for it. Does any of you, who have experience with DT tours, know anything about whether they will arrive to Germany? I have to know because tickets are selling out and I need to book a show.  Any help or advice would be really much appreciated.

So thats it, Im eager to hear this album and start participate in your one of a kind endless forum debates and rankings ;)

So, welcome to DTF at first.
Now I have to tell you, anything related to the tour can be seen on this thread: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=44873.0
There were concerts in Germany announced a few days ago. Funny enough they just disappeared from the band`s website recently what really confuses me since I was, like you, planning to buy tickets for a concert in Germany. So basically, we can just hope and wait for an (re-)announcement.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: AngelBack on November 14, 2015, 06:23:39 PM
Can I request a thread be started that only chaossystem and clock guy be allowed to post in?  I would pay....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 14, 2015, 06:35:36 PM
The number of posts is thinning. That means we need another update!

How's the weather? lel
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 14, 2015, 07:05:25 PM
Quote from: AngelBack on November 14, 2015, 06:23:39 PM
Can I request a thread be started that only chaossystem and clock guy be allowed to post in?  I would pay....

I wouldn't even have a word to describe what that would be like.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 14, 2015, 07:27:04 PM
PLZ GUIES NEED MOAR NU INFO

MY OCD ADD ADHD DEMANDS ITS

(https://yoursmiles.org/tsmile/crazy/t3729.gif) (https://yoursmiles.org/t-crazy.php)


(btw, why can't I find some of these cool emoticons in my reply options? And in the "more" option it appears only the "flamethrower" guy emoticon)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: WinterN on November 14, 2015, 11:04:38 PM
I think that the NOMAC tracks are probably short ambient tracks, maybe with dialogs, sfx or some kind of music.

Since this album is going to be played live, it's reasonable to think that was composed with that in mind. So, the 1st act could be a whole theme, with an intro, and outro and a small break in the middle. I imagine the start of the concert without the band, with some sfx, lasers and maybe an animation of the descent of the nomacs, and them having DT in the stage performing the Overture (2nd track).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 15, 2015, 12:34:03 AM
Quote from: wizard of Thought on November 14, 2015, 05:35:05 PM
Quote from: RaasMah on November 14, 2015, 04:45:02 PM
Hey all! long time lurker here, finally signing to the forum :)

Just wanted to say Im really exited for the album. A bit scary of it being too weird, but DT never failed me before.

I have a small question, Since it is kind of a dream and a life goal for me to see them live, Ive decided I have to see them this tour. That means traveling to EU specifically for this. Now, since Im kinda broke I have to plan this cheaply. Germany seems the perfect location, but currently there are no tour dates for it. Does any of you, who have experience with DT tours, know anything about whether they will arrive to Germany? I have to know because tickets are selling out and I need to book a show.  Any help or advice would be really much appreciated.

So thats it, Im eager to hear this album and start participate in your one of a kind endless forum debates and rankings ;)

So, welcome to DTF at first.
Now I have to tell you, anything related to the tour can be seen on this thread: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=44873.0
There were concerts in Germany announced a few days ago. Funny enough they just disappeared from the band`s website recently what really confuses me since I was, like you, planning to buy tickets for a concert in Germany. So basically, we can just hope and wait for an (re-)announcement.

Welcome to the forum.....

The tickets for this tour are not cheap.... 2-3 times more than on a normal tour. But it will be a very special event so it will be worth it I think.

I have a question regarding those german dates.
Does any one know if the places they had up for a short while have orchestra pits?
Someone mentioned that all of the booked theaters have pits. If those did not then there is a chance that this would be a reason perhaps.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 15, 2015, 01:52:17 AM
Quote from: dparrott on November 14, 2015, 09:11:12 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 08:51:59 AM
:lol this album had SO better not end on a cliffhanger !!!!!

Heh, watch it will and DT14 will be the finale!

DT14: Metropolis Pt. 3 - The Third Is Love
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 15, 2015, 01:55:10 AM
Quote from: V_R11 on November 14, 2015, 09:42:22 AM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on November 14, 2015, 09:26:41 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 14, 2015, 09:24:48 AM
I wonder why "places" is locked up even though we can see what it says...

Cause they wanna tease us.

This whole thing is a major tease. DT must be having fun

Deep down, we deserve this.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: wizard of Thought on November 15, 2015, 04:43:33 AM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on November 15, 2015, 12:34:03 AM
Quote from: wizard of Thought on November 14, 2015, 05:35:05 PM
Quote from: RaasMah on November 14, 2015, 04:45:02 PM
Hey all! long time lurker here, finally signing to the forum :)

Just wanted to say Im really exited for the album. A bit scary of it being too weird, but DT never failed me before.

I have a small question, Since it is kind of a dream and a life goal for me to see them live, Ive decided I have to see them this tour. That means traveling to EU specifically for this. Now, since Im kinda broke I have to plan this cheaply. Germany seems the perfect location, but currently there are no tour dates for it. Does any of you, who have experience with DT tours, know anything about whether they will arrive to Germany? I have to know because tickets are selling out and I need to book a show.  Any help or advice would be really much appreciated.

So thats it, Im eager to hear this album and start participate in your one of a kind endless forum debates and rankings ;)

So, welcome to DTF at first.
Now I have to tell you, anything related to the tour can be seen on this thread: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=44873.0
There were concerts in Germany announced a few days ago. Funny enough they just disappeared from the band`s website recently what really confuses me since I was, like you, planning to buy tickets for a concert in Germany. So basically, we can just hope and wait for an (re-)announcement.

Welcome to the forum.....

The tickets for this tour are not cheap.... 2-3 times more than on a normal tour. But it will be a very special event so it will be worth it I think.

I have a question regarding those german dates.
Does any one know if the places they had up for a short while have orchestra pits?
Someone mentioned that all of the booked theaters have pits. If those did not then there is a chance that this would be a reason perhaps.

I`m not 100% sure about this one, but I think the hall in Bochum has a pit. I don`t know about the other places though, but nevertheless why did they even appear on the website when they weren`t even planning to play there? I mean, it cannot be that they just realized, two days after the announcement: "Wait a second, the places in Germany we booked do not have a orchestra pit. Well let`s just cancel them again."

I have to admit, I`m a bit angry about that, because I honestly wanted to go to the concert in Bochum and I really don`t get it that they booked the venues just to see that they have no pit and cancel it 2 days after the shows were announced.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 15, 2015, 04:46:58 AM
I know for a fact that the Amsterdam Carré does not, this is what it looks like from the artists POV:

(https://www.theateradvies.nl/images/dia87.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on November 15, 2015, 04:55:59 AM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on November 14, 2015, 07:27:04 PM

(btw, why can't I find some of these cool emoticons in my reply options? And in the "more" option it appears only the "flamethrower" guy emoticon)
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=44889.0
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on November 15, 2015, 04:58:38 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 15, 2015, 04:46:58 AM
I know for a fact that the Amsterdam Carré does not, this is what it looks like from the artists POV:

(https://www.theateradvies.nl/images/dia87.jpg)
Neither does Cirkus in Stockholm as far as I know.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 15, 2015, 04:59:38 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 15, 2015, 04:46:58 AM
I know for a fact that the Amsterdam Carré does not, this is what it looks like from the artists POV:

(https://www.theateradvies.nl/images/dia87.jpg)

It does have an orchestra pit, it's a theater. But I double checked it on their website.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 15, 2015, 05:13:57 AM
Oh yea you're right.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nefarius on November 15, 2015, 05:16:52 AM
I'm pretty sure I just found the highly official astonishing promo pic! :biggrin:

(https://www.dreamshade.net/foren/dreamtheaterforums/astonishing_promo.jpg)

Greetings...
Nef (not related to the Emperor)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 15, 2015, 05:34:20 AM
Good job, Nef!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nefarius on November 15, 2015, 06:07:21 AM
Serious scientific research about the design and construction lineage of the NOMACs yielded unexpected findings:

(https://www.dreamshade.net/foren/dreamtheaterforums/nomac_lineage.jpg)

Greetings...
Nef (still not related to the Emperor)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 15, 2015, 06:11:36 AM
Quote from: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on November 15, 2015, 04:58:38 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 15, 2015, 04:46:58 AM
I know for a fact that the Amsterdam Carré does not, this is what it looks like from the artists POV:

(https://www.theateradvies.nl/images/dia87.jpg)
Neither does Cirkus in Stockholm as far as I know.

Circus in Stockholm does have a pit... all of the autumn 2016 "The Phantom of the Opera" will be played there. That one demands a pit.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TH1RT3EN on November 15, 2015, 06:46:40 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 14, 2015, 08:18:40 AM
Thinking they'll announce the 3rd character today or tomorrow, maybe along with more tracks.

Considering that the real image has already leaked, announcing that character next makes sense. I just don't think they'll do it today though, no updates have been made during the weekends (at least not yet).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaasMah on November 15, 2015, 06:51:44 AM
Quote from: wizard of Thought on November 14, 2015, 05:35:05 PM
Quote from: RaasMah on November 14, 2015, 04:45:02 PM
Hey all! long time lurker here, finally signing to the forum :)

Just wanted to say Im really exited for the album. A bit scary of it being too weird, but DT never failed me before.

I have a small question, Since it is kind of a dream and a life goal for me to see them live, Ive decided I have to see them this tour. That means traveling to EU specifically for this. Now, since Im kinda broke I have to plan this cheaply. Germany seems the perfect location, but currently there are no tour dates for it. Does any of you, who have experience with DT tours, know anything about whether they will arrive to Germany? I have to know because tickets are selling out and I need to book a show.  Any help or advice would be really much appreciated.

So thats it, Im eager to hear this album and start participate in your one of a kind endless forum debates and rankings ;)

So, welcome to DTF at first.
Now I have to tell you, anything related to the tour can be seen on this thread: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=44873.0
There were concerts in Germany announced a few days ago. Funny enough they just disappeared from the band`s website recently what really confuses me since I was, like you, planning to buy tickets for a concert in Germany. So basically, we can just hope and wait for an (re-)announcement.

Thanks!

I just wish there was someone we could ask, is there no one here somehow connected the band, who can tell us if they will eventually arrive to Germany?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 15, 2015, 06:56:47 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on November 15, 2015, 06:46:40 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 14, 2015, 08:18:40 AM
Thinking they'll announce the 3rd character today or tomorrow, maybe along with more tracks.

Considering that the real image has already leaked, announcing that character next makes sense. I just don't think they'll do it today though, no updates have been made during the weekends (at least not yet).
Oh I didn't know that the other revealed character was the 3rd, but I just thought it because "#char3_LB" was behind the astonishing web page adress 1 or 2 days ago, seemed suspicious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: YtseJamittaja on November 15, 2015, 07:06:45 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 15, 2015, 06:56:47 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on November 15, 2015, 06:46:40 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 14, 2015, 08:18:40 AM
Thinking they'll announce the 3rd character today or tomorrow, maybe along with more tracks.

Considering that the real image has already leaked, announcing that character next makes sense. I just don't think they'll do it today though, no updates have been made during the weekends (at least not yet).
Oh I didn't know that the other revealed character was the 3rd, but I just thought it because "#char3_LB" was behind the astonishing web page adress 1 or 2 days ago, seemed suspicious.

If you click 3rd character, the page is /char3_LB but if you click for example 5th character the page is /char5_LB so the web page change if you click characters... Don't know if you meant that..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Calvin6s on November 15, 2015, 07:26:39 AM
I'm sure somebody has already said this, but after reading the emails of the two factions, it really reminded me of Professor Chaos. 

I am Professor Chaos! Bringer of destruction and maker of doom! Those who do not know me yet shall know me very soon, for the hour of Chaos is at hand!
Title: Re: Dream Theater's "The Astonishing" - What We Know So Far
Post by: Calvin6s on November 15, 2015, 07:57:34 AM
Using the Empire email:
Present is 2285 AD, which is 257 years After C. (AC)
Making 0 AC, 2028 AD.

So what happened in 2028 that uses the letter C?
2028 corresponds with a Presidential year election.  So maybe a President was elected that then abolished the Senate and declared an Empire.  Is the AC referenced in nomACs?  After Choice?  After Corruption?  After Collective?

We at least have some dates that should be a fact of the story line.
Title: Re: Re: Dream Theater's "The Astonishing" - What We Know So Far
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 15, 2015, 08:04:19 AM
You know. 2028 is 100 years after 1928, but probably doesn't have anything to do with SFaM.
Title: Re: Re: Dream Theater's "The Astonishing" - What We Know So Far
Post by: Kotowboy on November 15, 2015, 08:08:37 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 15, 2015, 08:04:19 AM
You know. 2028 is 100 years after 1928, but probably doesn't have anything to do with SFaM.

I really hope not. I'd be slightly disappointed if it was. However - a slight nod to past albums would be alright.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dparrott on November 15, 2015, 09:32:31 AM
Quote from: Nefarius on November 15, 2015, 06:07:21 AM
Serious scientific research about the design and construction lineage of the NOMACs yielded unexpected findings:

(https://www.dreamshade.net/foren/dreamtheaterforums/nomac_lineage.jpg)



That seems very Hugh-ish!

Listening to Outcry last night, thinking how it would make a good song for Ravenskill.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Ben_Jamin on November 15, 2015, 09:39:18 AM
So there are three NOMAC symbols on three songs, each one most likely a different NOMAC. I wonder how many there'll be?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 15, 2015, 09:40:41 AM
Prediction of a TA's song title: Empire of the Black Clouds.. :2metal:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 15, 2015, 09:42:41 AM
Kotowboy probably knew all along with his artwork that there are indeed 3 NOMACS.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 15, 2015, 09:58:13 AM
:ninja:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dparrott on November 15, 2015, 10:35:09 AM
The Moderators of this board should now be called The Great Northern Empire :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 15, 2015, 10:51:23 AM
Why need of an orchestra when you have Korg Kronos?
Why need of Eren when you have '15 upgraded Jordan?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 15, 2015, 11:18:52 AM
Quote from: dparrott on November 15, 2015, 10:35:09 AM
The Moderators of this board should now be called The Great Northern Empire :)

Well...

Quote from: hefdaddy42 on October 23, 2015, 02:02:42 PM
I favor the Empire, but actually joined both.

Quote from: ariich on October 23, 2015, 02:28:47 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on October 23, 2015, 02:21:32 PM
Joined both, but before I knew I could do that, I joined the rebels first.
Same. Been feeling rebellious recently. :lol

Quote from: TempusVox on October 23, 2015, 04:19:34 PM
Both! :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 15, 2015, 11:23:32 AM
Lol. Empire for Life here, you rebel scum!  :flame:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: wizard of Thought on November 15, 2015, 11:53:04 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on November 15, 2015, 06:51:44 AM
Quote from: wizard of Thought on November 14, 2015, 05:35:05 PM
Quote from: RaasMah on November 14, 2015, 04:45:02 PM
Hey all! long time lurker here, finally signing to the forum :)

Just wanted to say Im really exited for the album. A bit scary of it being too weird, but DT never failed me before.

I have a small question, Since it is kind of a dream and a life goal for me to see them live, Ive decided I have to see them this tour. That means traveling to EU specifically for this. Now, since Im kinda broke I have to plan this cheaply. Germany seems the perfect location, but currently there are no tour dates for it. Does any of you, who have experience with DT tours, know anything about whether they will arrive to Germany? I have to know because tickets are selling out and I need to book a show.  Any help or advice would be really much appreciated.

So thats it, Im eager to hear this album and start participate in your one of a kind endless forum debates and rankings ;)

So, welcome to DTF at first.
Now I have to tell you, anything related to the tour can be seen on this thread: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=44873.0
There were concerts in Germany announced a few days ago. Funny enough they just disappeared from the band`s website recently what really confuses me since I was, like you, planning to buy tickets for a concert in Germany. So basically, we can just hope and wait for an (re-)announcement.

Thanks!

I just wish there was someone we could ask, is there no one here somehow connected the band, who can tell us if they will eventually arrive to Germany?

Oh, I also would like to ask somebody, but apperently no one really knows what`s up with that.

In addition, just for the protocol: The hall in Frankfurt definitely has an orchestra pit, because it`s an opera house.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 15, 2015, 11:55:38 AM
Quote from: Calvin6s on November 15, 2015, 07:57:34 AM
Using the Empire email:
Present is 2285 AD, which is 257 years After C. (AC)
Making 0 AC, 2028 AD.

So what happened in 2028 that uses the letter C?
2028 corresponds with a Presidential year election.  So maybe a President was elected that then abolished the Senate and declared an Empire.  Is the AC referenced in nomACs?  After Choice?  After Corruption?  After Collective?

We at least have some dates that should be a fact of the story line.
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 15, 2015, 08:08:37 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 15, 2015, 08:04:19 AM
You know. 2028 is 100 years after 1928, but probably doesn't have anything to do with SFaM.
I really hope not. I'd be slightly disappointed if it was. However - a slight nod to past albums would be alright.
Just to note that, as this is all speculation, I snipped it from the What We Know thread and merged it in here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Calvin6s on November 15, 2015, 12:00:03 PM
The dates aren't speculation though.  They are taken from the Empire email.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 15, 2015, 12:04:06 PM
Quote from: Calvin6s on November 15, 2015, 12:00:03 PM
The dates aren't speculation though.  They are taken from the Empire email.
Yes and the emails are referenced/linked in that thread, but the meaning of the dates is speculation. That's for this thread here. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 15, 2015, 12:15:44 PM
Yes. The dates are fact.

That it is related to SFAM is not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Calvin6s on November 15, 2015, 12:37:13 PM
But are NOMACS related to NO MA'AM?
(https://www.picture-reflex.de/daolpu/241350225800.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 15, 2015, 12:44:13 PM
No.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dvargas on November 15, 2015, 01:32:11 PM
I wonder how many of the characters are women.

Any idea?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 15, 2015, 01:58:10 PM
Quote from: dvargas on November 15, 2015, 01:32:11 PM
I wonder how many of the characters are women.

Any idea?

Considering that there's a song called Act of Faythe (which to me sounds like the name of a female character), I'll take a huge risk and say that there will be more than zero.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on November 15, 2015, 01:58:54 PM
Is it me or has more been added to the map?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 15, 2015, 02:12:02 PM
Quote from: TheLordOfTheStrings on November 15, 2015, 01:58:54 PM
Is it me or has more been added to the map?

There has not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 15, 2015, 02:19:50 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 15, 2015, 02:12:02 PM
Quote from: TheLordOfTheStrings on November 15, 2015, 01:58:54 PM
Is it me or has more been added to the map?

There has not.

It is him.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 15, 2015, 02:52:48 PM
It bothers me that the "s" in NOMACS is capitalized.  In the pluralization of an acronym, the "S" should be lower case.  And if the "S" is part of the acronym, than the "Descent of the NOMACS" means there is just one NOMACS.

It would be a petty grievance, but I'm trying to figure out what NOMACS might stand for, and it matters whether the S is part of the acronym or not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 15, 2015, 02:57:35 PM
Also, Emperor Nafaryus has a nice Mona Lisa thing going on.  Cover up the left side of his face, and he looks like an upstanding citizen.  Cover up the right side, and he looks like a disheveled evil villain.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 15, 2015, 03:39:41 PM
Quote from: jsbru on November 15, 2015, 02:57:35 PM
Also, Emperor Nafaryus has a nice Mona Lisa thing going on.  Cover up the left side of his face, and he looks like an upstanding citizen.  Cover up the right side, and he looks like a disheveled evil villain.

I think he's as charming as Sean Connery.  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TH1RT3EN on November 15, 2015, 08:30:36 PM
Quote from: jsbru on November 15, 2015, 02:52:48 PM
It bothers me that the "s" in NOMACS is capitalized.  In the pluralization of an acronym, the "S" should be lower case.  And if the "S" is part of the acronym, than the "Descent of the NOMACS" means there is just one NOMACS.

It would be a petty grievance, but I'm trying to figure out what NOMACS might stand for, and it matters whether the S is part of the acronym or not.

Glad to see I'm not the only one :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 15, 2015, 08:37:06 PM
That one has nagged at me too. From the emails, NOMACS is plural, rather than the S being part of the acronym and it being singular.

Maybe NOMAC isn't an acronym at all, but actually part of a glorious future where the PC master race has conquered, and Macs are outlawed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Aythesryche on November 15, 2015, 08:48:11 PM
Then they can use the 1984 Macintosh commercial clip in one of their music videos!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 15, 2015, 08:54:56 PM
Does the current pattern say that we will get more info this monday or tuesday/wednesday?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Letter M on November 15, 2015, 09:01:22 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 15, 2015, 08:54:56 PM
Does the current pattern say that we will get more info this monday or tuesday/wednesday?

Looks like we got tracklist updates on Thursday, Monday, and Thursday, so I'd assume we'll get some more tracks sometime tomorrow if we're following that pattern.

Assuming we have all the tracks for Act I, then we will likely get 3 updates for Act II, if the tracklists have roughly the same number of tracks.

If that's the case, we'll have the complete tracklist for the album by Monday the 23rd.

Of course, the tracklist has been the ONLY major update on the page at all, and we haven't gotten new characters or maps. I doubt we'll get samples of audio or video until closer to New Years, so if we get anymore updates between now and the end of the month, I'd like to see them finish the tracklist first, then introduce more of the map and characters through December, some samples in January, leading up to the eventual release.

I just hope pre-orders pop up before the end of the month.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Ħ on November 15, 2015, 09:42:19 PM
Can we have a running "what we know" post at the beginning of the thread? :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jakepriest on November 15, 2015, 10:04:46 PM
Quote from: Ħ on November 15, 2015, 09:42:19 PM
Can we have a running "what we know" post at the beginning of the thread? :)

Why, when there's a completely separate thread for it?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: V_R11 on November 15, 2015, 11:17:23 PM
It's Monday.

Possible new update today?    :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 16, 2015, 01:21:52 AM
Hoping if there's actually 20 tracks on the first act that they reveal atleast something else beside the 3 track names.  :sadpanda:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 16, 2015, 06:07:49 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 15, 2015, 08:37:06 PM
That one has nagged at me too. From the emails, NOMACS is plural, rather than the S being part of the acronym and it being singular.

Maybe NOMAC isn't an acronym at all, but actually part of a glorious future where the PC master race has conquered, and Macs are outlawed.

Considering how much Windows has been stealing from Linux as of late (or the Windows corporation using Linux-based servers), I would assume the glorious future would see no more PCs as well.  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 16, 2015, 06:11:29 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on November 16, 2015, 06:07:49 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 15, 2015, 08:37:06 PM
That one has nagged at me too. From the emails, NOMACS is plural, rather than the S being part of the acronym and it being singular.

Maybe NOMAC isn't an acronym at all, but actually part of a glorious future where the PC master race has conquered, and Macs are outlawed.

Considering how much Windows has been stealing from Linux as of late (or the Windows corporation using Linux-based servers), I would assume the glorious future would see no more PCs as well.  ;)

Loooooooooooooooool.

No. I assume a glorious future would involve being able to actually run software. :biggrin:

But NOMAC only specifically excludes Macs, so I'm sure Linux can continue to have some dank corner somewhere where some sub-human sewer dwellers still use Linux.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 16, 2015, 06:32:55 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 16, 2015, 06:11:29 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on November 16, 2015, 06:07:49 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 15, 2015, 08:37:06 PM
That one has nagged at me too. From the emails, NOMACS is plural, rather than the S being part of the acronym and it being singular.

Maybe NOMAC isn't an acronym at all, but actually part of a glorious future where the PC master race has conquered, and Macs are outlawed.

Considering how much Windows has been stealing from Linux as of late (or the Windows corporation using Linux-based servers), I would assume the glorious future would see no more PCs as well.  ;)

Loooooooooooooooool.

No. I assume a glorious future would involve being able to actually run software. :biggrin:

But NOMAC only specifically excludes Macs, so I'm sure Linux can continue to have some dank corner somewhere where some sub-human sewer dwellers still use Linux.

As long as they make good pizza, I'll silently take over the world with the mole people.  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 16, 2015, 06:41:03 AM
I swear, if there's a song in Act II called "Rise of the Mole People", I'm going to freak out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CoT67 on November 16, 2015, 07:00:11 AM
Quote from: Nefarius on November 15, 2015, 06:07:21 AM
Serious scientific research about the design and construction lineage of the NOMACs yielded unexpected findings:

(https://www.dreamshade.net/foren/dreamtheaterforums/nomac_lineage.jpg)

Greetings...
Nef (still not related to the Emperor)

It certainly reminds a bit of Portal... I thought the NOMAC looked vaguely like a Portal Personality Core  ;D

Or better, a cross between this:

(https://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120818022006/half-life/en/images/4/4b/Portal_2_Anger_Core_by_Needlemouse.png)

and this:

 (https://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110730230111/fallout/images/thumb/1/1e/Doctor_Klein.jpg/500px-Doctor_Klein.jpg)

Definitely inspired by videogames.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: EraVulgaris on November 16, 2015, 07:19:26 AM
Sneaky little NOMACSes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: rumborak on November 16, 2015, 07:38:57 AM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on November 16, 2015, 07:19:26 AM
Sneaky little NOMACSes.

(https://cdn.meme.am/instances/59516057.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 16, 2015, 07:41:42 AM
DT pliiis, it's monday, let us revive this thread ; D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 16, 2015, 08:01:32 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 16, 2015, 07:41:42 AM
DT pliiis, it's monday, let us revive this thread ; D

If these two posts represent the times of the updates, the last two (although the first likely also) came quite late in the day, at least in my timezone.

Quote from: hefdaddy42 on November 09, 2015, 12:24:22 PM
Oh yea - there are some new song titles up now.

Quote from: Enigmachine on November 12, 2015, 03:00:34 PM
Holy crap. More Act One tracks!  :omg:

1. Descent of the NOMACS
2. Dystopian Overture
3. The Gift of Music
4. The Answer
5. A Better Life
6. Lord Nafaryus
7. A Savior in the Square
8. When Your Time Has Come
9. Act of Faythe
10. Three Days
11. The Hovering Sojourn
12. Brother, Can You Hear Me?
13. A Life Left Behind
14. Ravenskill
15. Chosen
16. A Tempting Offer
17. Digital Discord

There's definitely going to be a few interludes there. I'm beginning to doubt the possibility of an epic and we also may not even have a track more than 10 mins. If this bodes well for the overall focus and coherency of the album, bring it on!  :metal

That's about four and seven hours from now respectively, so it will probably come today. We just have to be patient.
 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 16, 2015, 08:07:15 AM
(https://cdn.meme.am/instances/400x/30938524.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Sacul on November 16, 2015, 08:33:15 AM
At least we have a new JR solo album  (https://open.spotify.com/album/2tr8kJVuKH5qRPQHvEOG5Z)to listen to while we wait for news on DT13  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: sdfdsv on November 16, 2015, 10:07:44 AM
ACT II
1. 2285 Entr'acte
2. Moment of Betrayal
3. Heaven's Cove
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 16, 2015, 10:08:45 AM
And ACT I:

18. The X Aspect
19. A New Beginning
20. The Road to Revolution
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Shadow2222 on November 16, 2015, 10:09:25 AM
Are the above tracks speculation? I don't see any updates.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 16, 2015, 10:10:35 AM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on November 16, 2015, 10:09:25 AM
Are the above tracks speculation? I don't see any updates.

No, they're on the official page.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: sdfdsv on November 16, 2015, 10:10:54 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 16, 2015, 10:08:45 AM
And ACT I:

18. The X Aspect
19. A New Beginning
20. The Road to Revolution

Didn't even notice those! haha
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 16, 2015, 10:11:12 AM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on November 16, 2015, 10:09:25 AM
Are the above tracks speculation? I don't see any updates.

It's official. Go to :

https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishing (https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishing)

B.Lee

Damn! Ninja'ed! Btw, awesome titles!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 16, 2015, 10:11:40 AM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on November 16, 2015, 10:09:25 AM
Are the above tracks speculation? I don't see any updates.

I see an update. I think it was just posted when I saw it. 20 tracks on ACT I and 3 new on II.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Shadow2222 on November 16, 2015, 10:13:39 AM
Okay, that's really weird. I just cleared my cache and cookies, and tried a different browser, and I'm still just seeing the 17 tracks in Act 1. I definitely believe everyone, but I can't figure out why the update isn't showing.

EDIT: Of course, the very next refresh shows the update. Oh well, lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaasMah on November 16, 2015, 10:15:06 AM
The X Aspect is a really... odd name. It just doest fit right me thinks


No way these are all songs, and thats kinda relief. I wouldnt want to see so much 3-4 min songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 16, 2015, 10:15:35 AM
Did the NOMACS image get updated? I don't remember there being a "Red Dot" in the reflection above it's "eyes"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Shadow2222 on November 16, 2015, 10:17:43 AM
Quote from: Mindflux on November 16, 2015, 10:15:35 AM
Did the NOMACS image get updated? I don't remember there being a "Red Dot" in the reflection above it's "eyes"

Yeah, I definitely don't remember that being there previously.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zydar on November 16, 2015, 10:18:06 AM
That's a hell of a lot of tracks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: millahh on November 16, 2015, 10:18:14 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on November 16, 2015, 10:15:06 AM
The X Aspect is a really... odd name. It just doest fit right me thinks


X is the Roman numeral for 10 on a clock face....TEH CLOCKS!!1!!

(sorry, couldn't resist)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 16, 2015, 10:20:13 AM
Weird that Act 2 doesn't start with a NOMACS icon track... Nor does Act 1 end with one. There goes my theory of them being bookends..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 16, 2015, 10:23:37 AM
Also, Entr'acte pretty much means "intermission"... Weird to start Act 2 with an intermission...

"Entr'acte (or entracte [ɑ̃tʁakt]),[1] means "between the acts" (German: Zwischenspiel and Zwischenakt, Italian: Intermezzo, Spanish: Intermedio). It can mean a pause between two parts of a stage production, synonymous to an intermission (this is nowadays the more common meaning in French), but it more often (in English) indicates a piece of music performed between acts of a theatrical production. In the case of stage musicals, the entr'acte serves as the overture of act 2 (and sometimes acts 3 and 4, as in Carmen). In films that were meant to be shown with an intermission, there was frequently a specially recorded entr'acte on the soundtrack between the first and second half of the film, although this practice has died out in recent years."

Well, we're DEFINITIVELY way into Rock Opera territory here now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 16, 2015, 10:23:57 AM
Quote from: Mindflux on November 16, 2015, 10:15:35 AM
Did the NOMACS image get updated? I don't remember there being a "Red Dot" in the reflection above it's "eyes"

Definitely updated as well.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: V_R11 on November 16, 2015, 10:24:41 AM
Quote from: Zydar on November 16, 2015, 10:18:06 AM
That's a hell of a lot of tracks.

Indeed,and I love it :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 16, 2015, 10:25:10 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on November 16, 2015, 10:23:57 AM

Definitely updated as well.

B.Lee

NUGGETS!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 16, 2015, 10:26:12 AM
Just as weird as ending Act 1 with it. It's got to go somewhere, and that's surely the best place for it. The proper 'action' of Act 2 begins with Moment of Betrayal.

On another thought, we are gonna have a hell of a lot of songs to add to DT the League for 2017, aren't we?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 16, 2015, 10:27:52 AM
I've got to say I really like both The Road to Revolution and Moment of Betrayal titles.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: sdfdsv on November 16, 2015, 10:31:52 AM
I'm 100% sure the 3rd eye has always been there. This image is from the newsletter subscription page, from last month.

(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201510/DT-thanxbg.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Voices on November 16, 2015, 10:40:08 AM
Quote from: sdfdsv on November 16, 2015, 10:31:52 AM
I'm 100% sure the 3rd eye has always been there. This image is from the newsletter subscription page, from last month.

(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201510/DT-thanxbg.png)

Yep, nothing new on the NOMAC.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: onnet5 on November 16, 2015, 10:41:27 AM
The red dot was there before - I've been checking it because the 2 lit ones act as click-able links, but don't actually do anything yet and I'm intrigued as to why they change the cursor.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 16, 2015, 10:44:24 AM
Holy shit...

This is going to be 160 minutes of unadulterated concept album, isn't it
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 16, 2015, 10:46:05 AM
Ooops, I hadn't noticed it before! I'm getting old... :P

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 16, 2015, 10:46:28 AM
Some of the titles sound like film score cues to me, particularly "A Tempting Offer". I can imagine orchestral/instrumental music being written for that one.

I'm loving the title "The Road to Revolution". Sounds like the Ravenskill rebels making plans/negotiations, and then the Revolution must take place. It cannot be stopped.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 16, 2015, 10:47:29 AM
THIRD DOT APPEARS THEN THIRD ACT APPEARS THEN THIRD DISC IS CONFIRMED!!11111
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: AboutToCrash on November 16, 2015, 10:50:17 AM
It looks like it's 4 discs, for me it shows

Act 1:

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)

1) 11
2) 12
3) 13
4) 14
5) 15
6) 16
7) 17
8) 18
9) 19
10) 20

ACT 2

1) 1
2) 2
3) 3
4)
5)

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

EDIT: it's gone now so may have been an error, my bad!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 16, 2015, 10:52:33 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 16, 2015, 10:23:37 AM
Also, Entr'acte pretty much means "intermission"... Weird to start Act 2 with an intermission...

"Entr'acte (or entracte [ɑ̃tʁakt]),[1] means "between the acts" (German: Zwischenspiel and Zwischenakt, Italian: Intermezzo, Spanish: Intermedio). It can mean a pause between two parts of a stage production, synonymous to an intermission (this is nowadays the more common meaning in French), but it more often (in English) indicates a piece of music performed between acts of a theatrical production. In the case of stage musicals, the entr'acte serves as the overture of act 2 (and sometimes acts 3 and 4, as in Carmen). In films that were meant to be shown with an intermission, there was frequently a specially recorded entr'acte on the soundtrack between the first and second half of the film, although this practice has died out in recent years."

Well, we're DEFINITIVELY way into Rock Opera territory here now.
I imagine it probably effectively represents an Act II overture of sorts.

Also, 20 tracks on Act I, good lord.

DT survivors and so on are going to get interesting in future.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 16, 2015, 10:54:17 AM
Well, we know that it will be less than 2 hours and 40 minutes, which is about two full discs. So there could be more than two CD's, but that wouldn't be the sake of limited disc space.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 16, 2015, 10:54:45 AM
A bit disappointed it wasn't just only "The Astonishing" in the act II lol

Now I'm almost certain for some reason that we won't have a single "classic DT" song, those are probably all going to be some short songs connected to eachother that will be meh if listened as individual songs
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaasMah on November 16, 2015, 10:55:43 AM
It seems like they put massive amount of detail on the story, and thats great. However, unlike a book or a movie, the plot is really not he most important thing here. Music is about replay value for me, and the story isnt really the matter in it. So I hope they remember that music is above all here, even if they created the most epic storyline music industry saw.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: V_R11 on November 16, 2015, 10:59:21 AM
Quote from: Pax on November 16, 2015, 10:54:45 AM
A bit disappointed it wasn't just only "The Astonishing" in the act II lol

Now I'm almost certain for some reason that we won't have a single "classic DT" song, those are probably all going to be some short songs connected to eachother that will be meh if listened as individual songs

I'd put money on Act II having a title track in it
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on November 16, 2015, 11:00:28 AM
Really excited for this. Everything seems so huge. I'm astonished.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 16, 2015, 11:01:44 AM
Quote from: Destiny Of Chaos on November 16, 2015, 11:00:28 AM
Everything seems so huge.

lol



Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 16, 2015, 11:03:20 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 16, 2015, 10:47:29 AM
THIRD DOT APPEARS THEN THIRD ACT APPEARS THEN THIRD DISC IS CONFIRMED!!11111


There must be the third and last act
This one will last forever
Dream Theater watches and thoughtfully smiles
They're making Metropolis 3

I like that despite what has been revealed so far, we still have no real clue of what this album will be like  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikeyd23 on November 16, 2015, 11:03:36 AM
Wow, that's a lot of tracks! I'm growing more and more interested in this concept!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Vandalism on November 16, 2015, 11:04:33 AM
Lots of 'A' and 'The' with subjects and predicates in proper order! It feels more like some unimaginative novel chapters than song titles. (Brother, Can you hear me? and WYTHC are exceptions but still they are not doing much)

Makes me a bit apprehensive about expecting good lyrics here. But hey unimaginative titles have been around with DT forever! (notable exceptions are 8vm, Sacrified Sons, HTF and most parts for I&W and FII).

Maybe I am just splitting hairs here but like always for me its all on the music now!

EDIT : I realized I am indeed splitting hairs here! I am so pumped for this. It is really frustrating that the album is still 2 months away and all we can do is stare at the titles. I think JLB and JMX will be having way more lyrical duties than before in this one. So we ll be covered on the lyrics part. And Act 2 titles are pretty good.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 16, 2015, 11:07:32 AM
I am beginning to imagine these European concerts are just The Astonishing without any older material.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 16, 2015, 11:11:20 AM
Quote from: Lucien on November 16, 2015, 11:07:32 AM
I am beginning to imagine these European concerts are just The Astonishing without any older material.

Is it possible they add some more dates, because I reeealy want to go but I won't be able to if they don't come to Bulgaria.  :sad:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: YtseJamittaja on November 16, 2015, 11:24:19 AM
Wow, that's a lot of new acronyms for us to remember!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 16, 2015, 11:25:43 AM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on November 16, 2015, 11:24:19 AM
Wow, that's a lot of new acronyms for us to remember!

:beg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on November 16, 2015, 11:31:48 AM
Hoping Act II doesn't have as many as I. That way there can be short songs on I and some lengthier ones on II.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 16, 2015, 11:33:48 AM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on November 16, 2015, 11:24:19 AM
Wow, that's a lot of new acronyms for us to remember!

That'll surely be a nightmare... to remember XD

Also imagine the confusion when people will use the TA acronym. Will they be talking about the song The Answer or the album The Astonishing? And then it gets even more confusing if there's a song called The Astonishing   :eek
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 16, 2015, 11:34:04 AM
Quote from: fadetoblackdude7 on November 16, 2015, 11:31:48 AM
Hoping Act II doesn't have as many as I. That way there can be short songs on I and some lengthier ones on II.

Or one song might be divided up over three tracks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: V_R11 on November 16, 2015, 11:36:06 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 16, 2015, 11:11:20 AM
Quote from: Lucien on November 16, 2015, 11:07:32 AM
I am beginning to imagine these European concerts are just The Astonishing without any older material.

Is it possible they add some more dates, because I reeealy want to go but I won't be able to if they don't come to Bulgaria.  :sad:

I think they're still adding them. I'm praying for a Finland date  :mehlin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: GandL on November 16, 2015, 11:44:03 AM
when we click on the ''Tracklisting'' the URL changes for https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishing#mini_track, hummm mini-tracks...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 16, 2015, 11:50:57 AM
Quote from: GandL on November 16, 2015, 11:44:03 AM
when we click on the ''Tracklisting'' the URL changes for https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishing#mini_track, hummm mini-tracks...

Click on "Map" and it's mini_map. So mini is probably a generic prefix because images aren't blown up all the way.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: onnet5 on November 16, 2015, 11:53:03 AM
Quote from: GandL on November 16, 2015, 11:44:03 AM
when we click on the ''Tracklisting'' the URL changes for https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishing#mini_track, hummm mini-tracks...

It's just a reference to it being a miniature display of the tracklisting - every other menu item also begins with "mini_". It's just a reference to that particular item on the page within the website's code - wouldn't read anything in to it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: GandL on November 16, 2015, 11:54:24 AM
mini-track, mini-map, mini-fée https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdmKiII5HMs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdmKiII5HMs)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 16, 2015, 12:03:58 PM
Quote from: GandL on November 16, 2015, 11:44:03 AM
when we click on the ''Tracklisting'' the URL changes for https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishing#mini_track, hummm mini-tracks...

The "mini" prefix is applied to everything when you click the links at the top. This does not mean the tracks will be "miniature", though honestly I don't think anyone's doubting we'll have more than a couple 2 minute tracks.

EDIT, damn ninja'd three times over  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: EraVulgaris on November 16, 2015, 12:05:56 PM
Reminds me a lot of the latest Ayreon tracklist which is like 40 tracks, the longest one being just short of 4 minutes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 16, 2015, 12:12:42 PM
I love how with each update you can never know for sure  ;D I thought Act I could have had those 17 tracks, but now we know we're at a full whoppin' 20!!

"The X Aspect" may have been chosen because "The X Factor" was already taken I guess  ;D

Oh, and about the problem for the acronyms, I have a simple solution: JUST FRIGGIN' TYPE  :biggrin: Seriously, especially those posting from a computer and not a smartphone, what do you all do with the time you save by typing IT rather than Illumination Theory or even just Illumination? By the time you spell in your head the initials of every word of the seventh song on the debut album, you already wrote the actual title.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 16, 2015, 12:14:30 PM
My guess is that each act will be a single continous piece of music. The NOMACS at certain tracks simply mark very short speech tracks, possibly dividing the whole piece, but that's it.
This will probably the most "concept" album ever.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Peter Mc on November 16, 2015, 12:15:09 PM
Pretty sure some of these will be little 30 second interludes. A Tempting Offer has spoken word track written all over it for me. Favourite title so far is A Saviour In The Square which sounds totally epic.

Have certain trepidation about the story but, as others have said, the story is not really all that important. It's not a book and DT aren't celebrated novelists. It's not like I sit down and read Operation Mindcrime as a piece of literature.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 16, 2015, 12:15:55 PM
Oh my god... Maybe they're fans of the Hunger Games...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on November 16, 2015, 12:22:40 PM
Idk how I'd feel about a DT album full of 3-5 minute songs. It would just be.....weird. But at the end of the day, it's all about the music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 16, 2015, 12:23:31 PM
It would be a nightmare to hear at free Spotify.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 16, 2015, 12:24:20 PM
Everyone's talking about spoken word tracks, the very idea of which just puts me off something terribly.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 16, 2015, 12:26:08 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 16, 2015, 12:24:20 PM
Everyone's talking about spoken word tracks, the very idea of which just puts me off something terribly.

I have nothing against spoken tracks, because they really do nothing wrong.
Haggard does this, and so many other groups, and you still have plenty of great music, also, narrative with background music, that also happens, Rhapsody of Fire did that, so why not?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 16, 2015, 12:28:34 PM
Quote from: Peter Mc on November 16, 2015, 12:15:09 PM
Have certain trepidation about the story but, as others have said, the story is not really all that important. It's not a book and DT aren't celebrated novelists. It's not like I sit down and read Operation Mindcrime as a piece of literature.

Well, but Mindcrime still is a nice story, the story won't make or break the album but if it will be really crappy, it will take away a bit.

We'll just have to suspend disbelief, buy into the story and the dystopian world they created and enjoy the ride  :coolio
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Peter Griffin on November 16, 2015, 12:35:20 PM
just posting in an epic epic thread.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 16, 2015, 01:00:47 PM
I wonder how they wrote the album--start to finish, or jumping around here and there? One thing's for sure--JP's comment about "last-minute writing" makes a heck of a lot of sense now. And...not much else does.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nothingface on November 16, 2015, 01:04:24 PM
Quote from: Peter Mc on November 16, 2015, 12:15:09 PM
Have certain trepidation about the story but, as others have said, the story is not really all that important. It's not a book and DT aren't celebrated novelists. It's not like I sit down and read Operation Mindcrime as a piece of literature.

If we're talking about Scenes from a Memory, the rancid lyrical concept actually holds the music hostage.

Lyrics mean a great deal to me when I'm listening to progressive music (obviously), and much of these songs are just bloated vehicles used to deliver story exposition and scene descriptions.


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 16, 2015, 01:06:40 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 16, 2015, 06:41:03 AM
I swear, if there's a song in Act II called "Rise of the Mole People", I'm going to freak out.

Please let there be a song called Rise of the Mole People.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 16, 2015, 01:06:48 PM
The Astonishing is an analogy of how JP, JLB, JM and JR started a rebellion to get free of Portnoy's ironfist tyrannical rule.
So, the entire album is a sequel to Outcry, it wasn't Metropolis PT3, but Outcry PT2

"We suffered far too long... We gather now... Growing stronger... We will not be ignored, anymore, any longer..."
See?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 16, 2015, 01:07:22 PM
Wow! This pack of track titles is probably my favorite so far.
Oh and the theory of NOMAC symbols meaning some type of song introduction (which would leave Act I with 3 actual songs divided up into 20 tracks) still stands, although something in the story must've happened that somehow eliminated these NOMACs by the time Act II started :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirzekDT on November 16, 2015, 01:28:59 PM
Has anybody noticed that Emperor Nafaryus has an upper part of NOMAC in his background? Maybe it was already discussed, I didn't read through all the posts of this thread so I'm sorry if it was...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 16, 2015, 01:37:07 PM
Don't think it has, but IMO it doesn't look that similar to a NOMAC.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 16, 2015, 01:42:33 PM
It could just be his throne, nothing really special.
Please don't become NOMAC guy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 16, 2015, 01:45:15 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 16, 2015, 01:37:07 PM
Don't think it has, but IMO it doesn't look that similar to a NOMAC.

It looks a lot like this part of the NOMAC. But it's probably there because they are sent out by the Empire.

 (https://i.imgur.com/yy5fkP7.jpg?1)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 16, 2015, 01:46:28 PM
What the...
Well, now we know the size of the NOMACS
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nefarius on November 16, 2015, 01:48:44 PM
Someone supposedly even deciphered mystical numbers behind character 8, which is a kid or maybe someone with a humongous mushroom helmet. Those were considered quite fashionable at the court of Lord Nafaryus this last year. Others discounted it as a simple clock, although it's obviously a Fibonacci sequence. :\

The other silhouettes are pretty clear too. Character 1 is Chewbacca, character 4 is Aragorn and character 6 (collar) is Doctor Strange. :chill

Greetings...
Nef (presumably the illegitimate bastard of Lord Naf and a sexy rogue NOMAC re-programmed by Zydar :zydar:)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 16, 2015, 01:52:28 PM
Quote from: Nefarius on November 16, 2015, 01:48:44 PM
Someone supposedly even deciphered mystical numbers behind character 8,
Hail persian Mr. Clock Man awake!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: EraVulgaris on November 16, 2015, 01:53:58 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 16, 2015, 01:07:22 PM
Oh and the theory of NOMAC symbols meaning some type of song introduction (which would leave Act I with 3 actual songs divided up into 20 tracks) still stands, although something in the story must've happened that somehow eliminated these NOMACs by the time Act II started :P

Maybe the NOMACS mean nothing and there are just some marketing dudes / web designers messing with us :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirzekDT on November 16, 2015, 02:02:27 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 16, 2015, 01:42:33 PM
It could just be his throne, nothing really special.
Please don't become NOMAC guy.

Just in case somebody else here wouldn't see it here is a clear comparison picture for you all. I think it's very obvious. It may be NOMAC shaped throne or whatever similar I guess, but it doesn't change the fact it's almost identical to the top of the NOMAC.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11014880/Nafaryus%20Nomac%20background.png)

And I don't think it's a big deal, it's just interesting little detail I saw.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zook on November 16, 2015, 02:04:09 PM
I imagine this album will be similar to Blind Guardian's Nightfall in Middle-Earth. Half short pointless interludes, half awesome music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 16, 2015, 02:23:32 PM
Heaven's Cove... My favorite song title so far. Brilliant. I hope the song lives up to the name.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikemangioy on November 16, 2015, 03:02:30 PM
How 'bout some speculation time?

I'm just gonna highlight the songs I think are full blown, and not transitional.

ACT I:

    1.Descent of the NOMACS
    2. Dystopian Overture
    3. The Gift of Music
    4. The Answer
    5. A Better Life
    6. Lord Nafaryus
    7. A Savior in the Square
    8. When Your Time Has Come
    9. Act of Faythe
    10. Three Days
    11. The Hovering Sojourn
    12. Brother, Can You Hear Me?
    13. A Life Left Behind
    14. Ravenskill
    15. Chosen
    16. A Tempting Offer
    17. Digital Discord
    18. The X Aspect
    19. A New Beginning
    20. The Road to Revolution

ACT II

    1. 2285 Entr'acte
    2. Moment of Betrayal
    3. Heaven's Cove


- So far, to me there are something like 14 actual songs. Some of them I think are actual two part things like A New Beginning is an intro to The Road To Revolution, or ASITS and WYTHC might form a two-part piece.
Favorite titles are: Digital Discord, Dystopian Overture, The Road To Revolution and Heaven's Cove.



Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: pdurbin22 on November 16, 2015, 03:07:38 PM
Quote from: Pax on November 16, 2015, 10:54:45 AM
A bit disappointed it wasn't just only "The Astonishing" in the act II lol

Now I'm almost certain for some reason that we won't have a single "classic DT" song, those are probably all going to be some short songs connected to eachother that will be meh if listened as individual songs

I wouldn't let this deter you. "The Wall" gave us Comfortably Numb, Another Brick in the Wall, etc. "Tommy" gave us Pinball Wizard. "Scenes from a Memory" gave us Home, and so forth.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Ben_Jamin on November 16, 2015, 03:30:08 PM
Quote from: MirzekDT on November 16, 2015, 02:02:27 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 16, 2015, 01:42:33 PM
It could just be his throne, nothing really special.
Please don't become NOMAC guy.

Just in case somebody else here wouldn't see it here is a clear comparison picture for you all. I think it's very obvious. It may be NOMAC shaped throne or whatever similar I guess, but it doesn't change the fact it's almost identical to the top of the NOMAC.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11014880/Nafaryus%20Nomac%20background.png)

And I don't think it's a big deal, it's just interesting little detail I saw.

What if, He's being projected by a NOMAC.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 16, 2015, 03:35:08 PM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on November 16, 2015, 03:30:08 PM
What if, He's being projected by a NOMAC.

What if, He stepped out of the NOMAC.  Like they can be driven.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dvargas on November 16, 2015, 03:37:27 PM
Has anybody thought about the word Astonishing here being used as a gerund?

An adjective without a subject wouldn't make much sense. 



Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 16, 2015, 03:38:23 PM
It's been discussed at length.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dvargas on November 16, 2015, 03:39:16 PM
Problem of a 29 page thread!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 16, 2015, 03:40:35 PM
A few of us have noted that it sounds like an event or a happening.

Like the time has come for The Great Astonishing.

Or The Astonishing is at hand.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 16, 2015, 03:53:36 PM
What's different is the top of the inner circle (above the two green circles in the right image). It's not there in the left image. Wonder what that means.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dvargas on November 16, 2015, 03:54:19 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 16, 2015, 03:40:35 PM
A few of us have noted that it sounds like an event or a happening.

Like the time has come for The Great Astonishing.

Or The Astonishing is at hand.
Agree.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Progmetty on November 16, 2015, 04:08:53 PM
Quote from: dvargas on November 16, 2015, 03:37:27 PM
Has anybody thought about the word Astonishing here being used as a gerund?

An adjective without a subject wouldn't make much sense.

It's Dream Theater - The Astonishing, like Spiderman - The Amazing

(https://www.toonopedia.com/yosemite.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nearmyth on November 16, 2015, 05:37:45 PM
I can't help but think of South Park's "The Startling"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erwinrafael on November 16, 2015, 05:44:58 PM
Quote from: dvargas on November 16, 2015, 03:37:27 PM
Has anybody thought about the word Astonishing here being used as a gerund?

An adjective without a subject wouldn't make much sense.

That's not uncommon in English.

The Brave. The Bold. The Beautiful. The Mighty. The Powerful.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dvargas on November 16, 2015, 05:51:48 PM
Quote from: erwinrafael on November 16, 2015, 05:44:58 PM
Quote from: dvargas on November 16, 2015, 03:37:27 PM
Has anybody thought about the word Astonishing here being used as a gerund?

An adjective without a subject wouldn't make much sense.

That's not uncommon in English.

The Brave. The Bold. The Beautiful. The Mighty. The Powerful.

Yes.  But a gerund works, as astonish is a verb as well.  For instance "the killing", "the stoning" etc.

But I completely agree with you that u don't need the subject for the adjective to work.  That's my bad.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 16, 2015, 06:01:19 PM
He's got a point.
You don't "beautiful" someone, yet you do "Astonish" people.
I find no connection between The Astonishing and the plot that the tracklist appears to reveal, however,
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Peter Mc on November 16, 2015, 06:37:18 PM
Quote from: Nothingface on November 16, 2015, 01:04:24 PM
Quote from: Peter Mc on November 16, 2015, 12:15:09 PM
Have certain trepidation about the story but, as others have said, the story is not really all that important. It's not a book and DT aren't celebrated novelists. It's not like I sit down and read Operation Mindcrime as a piece of literature.

If we're talking about Scenes from a Memory, the rancid lyrical concept actually holds the music hostage.

Lyrics mean a great deal to me when I'm listening to progressive music (obviously), and much of these songs are just bloated vehicles used to deliver story exposition and scene descriptions.

I agree that lyrics are important and I love some of the lyrics in Mindcrime but the overall story is pretty basic generic stuff. It's cool that there is a story but the actual quality of the story does not make or break the album. Mindcrime also had it's spoken word moments which worked pretty well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 16, 2015, 08:25:09 PM
What if... The two videos on the "Astonishing" page are some kind of production to be played along the songs, like a "screentrack" instead of a soundtrack?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 16, 2015, 08:33:14 PM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on November 16, 2015, 08:25:09 PM
What if... The two videos on the "Astonishing" page are some kind of production to be played along the songs, like a "screentrack" instead of a soundtrack?

I think anything lengthy would be reserved for the live show, but we may see bits like that if it's a music video / lyric video.

I'm thinking possibly more along the lines of behind the scenes footage with some teasers, or the band discussing the concept/music, that kind of thing. Similar to what we got last time with DT12 perhaps.

I don't know, this whole thing is so different to usual, that I wouldn't want to bet either way.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on November 16, 2015, 09:38:26 PM
Quote from: Mindflux on November 16, 2015, 03:35:08 PM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on November 16, 2015, 03:30:08 PM
What if, He's being projected by a NOMAC.

What if, He stepped out of the NOMAC.  Like they can be driven.

That's what I was thinking, maybe he's on the inside of a NOMAC, piloting it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ResultsMayVary on November 16, 2015, 09:43:50 PM
The funny thing about this album with DT is that I don't know what to think. I can't think of another album cycle I've been through (fan since 8VM) where I've had almost no clue of what was happening.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dparrott on November 16, 2015, 10:00:12 PM
Seems like this album is going to need some special packaging.  I can't picture all of these tracks fitting on the back cover of a CD.  Probably will have to use two panels inside.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Crow on November 16, 2015, 10:18:01 PM
i wonder how they're going to release any singles
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 16, 2015, 10:51:22 PM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on November 16, 2015, 10:17:43 AM
Quote from: Mindflux on November 16, 2015, 10:15:35 AM
Did the NOMACS image get updated? I don't remember there being a "Red Dot" in the reflection above it's "eyes"

Yeah, I definitely don't remember that being there previously.

I do remember it being there previously.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 16, 2015, 10:52:47 PM
I remember it being there, because I remember wondering if it would eventually light up as a third button or something.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 16, 2015, 11:10:53 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 16, 2015, 08:33:14 PM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on November 16, 2015, 08:25:09 PM
What if... The two videos on the "Astonishing" page are some kind of production to be played along the songs, like a "screentrack" instead of a soundtrack?

I think anything lengthy would be reserved for the live show, but we may see bits like that if it's a music video / lyric video.

I'm thinking possibly more along the lines of behind the scenes footage with some teasers, or the band discussing the concept/music, that kind of thing. Similar to what we got last time with DT12 perhaps.

I don't know, this whole thing is so different to usual, that I wouldn't want to bet either way.

For a minute, I thought that maybe it WILL be a triple album, but the third disc would be a DVD/BluRay, and you could watch the story unfold.  That way, the length would still be 160 minutes.

But the only way for them to accomplish this without word leaking out would be to do some sort of animation or something.  You couldn't hire a group of actors and expect none of them to leak to their friend that they're working on a DT production.  We would have heard something already.  You could reasonably expect one animator/artist to keep a lid on it (this new artist just for the album art seems to have done so).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikemangioy on November 16, 2015, 11:12:40 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 16, 2015, 10:18:01 PM
i wonder when they're going to release any singles

FTFM
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 16, 2015, 11:27:07 PM
Anyway, there's a betrayal here.  Who is betraying whom?

Does Ahrys sell out to the Empire?

BTW, I love how we now just assume it's the Empire that is the evil ones, even though the original e-mail signups had the "good side" being the empire.  But that, of course, could have been Newspeak.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 16, 2015, 11:32:35 PM
I wouldn't be surprised if neither side is actually evil (or maybe both are evil)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 16, 2015, 11:34:48 PM
What part of Lord Nafaryus needs further explanation? :lol

It seems like a pretty standard story of dystopian oppression to me, with a musical twist for the rebels.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Viking of the Sagas on November 16, 2015, 11:38:58 PM
Plot twist: Nafaryus just tried to protect the people from evil NOMACs
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 17, 2015, 12:41:52 AM
Quote from: Lucien on November 16, 2015, 11:32:35 PM
I wouldn't be surprised if neither side is actually evil (or maybe both are evil)

I would hope that's the case.  Or that it's more in line with the Dune story (where the protagonist ends up being less than a hero) than with something Ayn Rand wrote (supposedly the motivation for 2112).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: scorpa65 on November 17, 2015, 12:58:07 AM
There are 20 songs on Act 1 and 3 songs listed so far on Act 2. These might be shorter songs. And maybe some epocs pn Act2. We will see as the track listing grows I've been checking every few days from my source. Which is from DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: alexofsweden on November 17, 2015, 02:04:47 AM
I´ll continue to speculate around my theories, that the nomacs are the actual songs and the rest are parts. Yes i know there´s no Nomac icon in the 2:nd act...but maybe they´ll show in the next update.

Btw, look at the Nomac...there´s 3 eyes on both sides...3 speakers...3 eyes= 2 discs with 3 songs on each disc. ACT 1is the "The Great Northern Empire" and disc 2 "The Ravenskill Rebel Militia"..."choose your side"

ACT I

1. Descent of the Nomacs (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/nomac_logo.png)

I. Dystophian Overture
II. The Gift of Music
III. The Answer
IV. A Better Life
V. Lord Nafaryus
VI. A Savior in the Square
VII. When Your Time Has Come
VIII. Act of Fayte
IX. Three Days

2. The Hovering Sojourn (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/nomac_logo.png)

I. Brother, Can You Hear Me
II. A Life Left Behind
III. Ravenskill
IV. Chosen
V. A Tempting Offer

3. Digital Discord (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/nomac_logo.png)

I. The X Aspect
II. A New Beginning
III. The Road To Revolution


ACT II

1. 2285 entr´acte (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/nomac_logo.png)

I. Moment Of Betrayal
II. Heaven´s Cove
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nefarius on November 17, 2015, 02:08:51 AM
We've had some fun theories in this post and its evil predecessor.

But trying to stay realistic I would guess the tracks are primarily there for navigating the story, not necessarily for individual songs, with a high probability of plot sections seguing into each other and not too many breaks of silence between tracks.

Of course that's perfectly fine for a story driven album like The Astonishing obviously will be. But it may turn out to be a little cumbersome discussing individual parts of the music that span more than one track. And I won't even begin to imagine the never ending posts about which parts of the album actually constitute a proper song and which parts don't. :lol

Something I've always loved about DT are recurring themes, chord progressions, and melodies. With an album structured like this one I really hope we're about to get some of those again.

Greetings...
Nef (a.k.a. "The N Aspect")
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 17, 2015, 02:59:56 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 17, 2015, 02:04:47 AM
ACT II

1. 2285 entr´acte (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/nomac_logo.png)

I. Moment Of Betrayal
II. Heaven´s Cove

"Entr'acte" is another way to say "Intermission", "Overture", etc, it's the middle of an act during a play. No way a "real" long song is gonna be called Entr'acte, just like a suite wouldn't be called "Dystopian Overture". Overture = beginning, Entr'acte = middle.

Furthermore, as someone pointed out, the self titled tracklist was definitive; False Awakenings was track 1 and had three movements. Thes 20 tracks will be 20 songs on the CD.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Stray Seed on November 17, 2015, 03:08:34 AM
Quote from: IDontNotDoThings on November 16, 2015, 09:38:26 PM
Quote from: Mindflux on November 16, 2015, 03:35:08 PM
What if, He stepped out of the NOMAC.  Like they can be driven.

That's what I was thinking, maybe he's on the inside of a NOMAC, piloting it.

About the theory of driven NOMACs, I wrote something some ten pages ago. Maybe it just got lost. Here:

Quote from: The Stray Seed on November 13, 2015, 08:47:42 AM
My own speculations:

What if the "Hovering Sojourn" is about the Chosen One who infiltrates a NOMAC and uses it to broadcast his own stirring, forbidden melody? Just like a loudspeaker. That would be his Hovering Sojourn. After all, the NOMACs are huge, there might be some room within their structure. This would also explain the Majesty-shaped chassis, since the NOMACs are'n going to be a negative force forever, they will be hacked by Ravenskill and used against the Empire. This might also explain why the NOMAC is so important and such a recurrent theme: because it's going to play a main role in the story.

"Brother can you hear me" might be a first attempt to communicate via the NOMAC. Obviously, the first person he will try to get in touch with is most likely his brother.

"A life left behind", may just speak for itself. He's on a mission now, and will leave his life behind.

"Ravenskill" and "The Chosen": well, isn't he meant to be the Chosen of this faction? Maybe these tracks will tell us about the faction and about our hero; it may be his past or something about the character in general.

"A Tempting Offer" Let's assume we're getting close to the end of first disk: it's about time for a nice plot twist. The Empire tries to negotiate with him, to corrupt him in order to prevent him from destroying the whole system. Will they try to deceive him? To tell him lies to take him on their side? Or maybe some kind of confession (with some truth in it), to try and destabilize him?

"Digital Discord" might represent the uncertain end of the first disk, to make you eager to know how the story will develop in the future. Strange, disharmonic sounds that spring from him as he fights with himself while seeing things under a new light.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on November 17, 2015, 03:24:40 AM
^I must admit, I kinda tl;dr'd that post, but after reading it, that is quite an interesting theory. I'd definitely buy it if it was proposed as some kind of story leak. Then again, I am kinda gullible... :justjen
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Stray Seed on November 17, 2015, 03:57:10 AM
Now we know "Digital Discord" is not the end of the first act, since three more track titles were published, but we know for sure that there will be a "Moment of Betrayal". So, "A Tempting Offer" might definitely be related to this treason.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: emtee on November 17, 2015, 04:27:10 AM
This is certainly something "different"...

Props for that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on November 17, 2015, 04:31:36 AM
Quote from: The Stray Seed on November 17, 2015, 03:57:10 AM
Now we know "Digital Discord" is not the end of the first act, since three more track titles were published, but we know for sure that there will be a "Moment of Betrayal". So, "A Tempting Offer" might definitely be related to this treason.

If I may expand on your theory:
The X Aspect - Chosen One sees new possibilities in joining the GNE & becomes corrupt with power, just as the previous ruler had.
A New Beginning - Ravenskill carries on with a new Chosen One, who ends up failing to live up to the efforts of the previous one, meanwhile GNE carries on a new beginning in tactics with their newfound ally.
The Road To Revolution - Ravenskill & GNE prepare to go to war with each other, Ravenskill frustrated with their former efforts failing.
2285 Entr'acte - Battle is played out in instrumentals (like By-Tor & The Snow Dog).
Moment Of Betrayal - Just as the Rebel Militia are about to lose, a member [probably the ruler] of the GNE attempts to murder the Chosen One in fear that he may have never been on their side in the first place &/or may change sides again. He is saved however by one of his former friends in Ravenskill.
Heaven's Cove - The Chosen One & his old friend exchange dialogue about the former events in a place they used to go as children (before either of these factions had formed). The Chosen One eventually makes some important decision about something that ends up happening later [though that we don't know yet].
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Vandalism on November 17, 2015, 04:39:20 AM
I think the whole Act I is sort of a prelude to the Album timeline. It ends right at the point of time when the 'mails' are sent out.

That would mean Tracks 6-8 might be portraying the rise of Lord Nafaryus to Emperor! Then the story moves on to Ravenskill where 'Brother, Can you hear me?' introduces Arhys and the Chosen One followed by a song about Ravenskill. Then he gets chosen and the road to revolution starts manifesting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: AboutToCrash on November 17, 2015, 05:46:39 AM
I personally think the NOMAC icon next to certain tracks signifies the start of a larger divided track or suite. The idea that there are 3 large tracks in the first act divided into sections makes a lot more sense to me than a band of this progressive level putting out 20 short singular compositions. Also if the counter argument is 'how doesn't act 2/disc 2 begin with a NOMAC symbol?' Well there are a couple of possibilities to this theory; Disc 1 could end with track 16; 'A tempting offer' or disc 2 could begin with Act 2's interlude track '2285 Entr'acte' but with a transition that can divide the track without loosing momentum, like ITPOE Pt2 or the middle of IT. I think this is the most likely imo, but being dream theater and this album seeming so very different to the past I could be on a completely different wavelength!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Another_Won on November 17, 2015, 05:47:21 AM
I'm sure people must see a pattern developing for how the tracks are released - maybe someone already pointed it out.

I'm guessing we should have all the tracks by the 30th.  Maybe something like this . . . .

Thu 5     Tracks 1-5
Mon 9     Tracks 6-11
Thu 12    Tracks 12-17
Mon 16    Tracks 18-20 1-3
-------------------------
Thu 19    Tracks 4-8?
Mon 23    Tracks 9-13?
Thu 26      Tracks 14-19?
Mon 30      Track 20?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 17, 2015, 05:50:33 AM
I guess since it's always been either 5 or 6 tracks they could also do one more 6 track update instead of 5 and skip that last date with only the 20th track revealed, that is, if there's 20 tracks on the 2nd act.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 17, 2015, 06:02:55 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on November 17, 2015, 05:46:39 AM
I personally think the NOMAC icon next to certain tracks signifies the start of a larger divided track or suite. The idea that there are 3 large tracks in the first act divided into sections makes a lot more sense to me than a band of this progressive level putting out 20 short singular compositions. Also if the counter argument is 'how doesn't act 2/disc 2 begin with a NOMAC symbol?' Well there are a couple of possibilities to this theory; Disc 1 could end with track 16; 'A tempting offer' or disc 2 could begin with Act 2's interlude track '2285 Entr'acte' but with a transition that can divide the track without loosing momentum, like ITPOE Pt2 or the middle of IT. I think this is the most likely imo, but being dream theater and this album seeming so very different to the past I could be on a completely different wavelength!

I personally don't see the point of a symbol to denote a song. Why not just give the "song" name in the reveal? And what's with everyone's ginormous prog boner for wanting obscenely long songs on this anyway? It's already a multi-disc concept album that forms a cohesive whole, why would it need to be grouped into long songs? SFAM didn't do it, it was just grouped by nameless "scenes" where they flowed into each other, which even then wasn't really necessary.

I have no idea what the NOMAC symbol is, but I don't think this fits. Why would you have an act split in the middle of a "song"? And why would you have something called 2283 Entr'acte in the middle of a song? That sounds like too definitive a split point to me, which it is as the start of Act II.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 17, 2015, 06:09:59 AM
Not really buying that theory either.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: AboutToCrash on November 17, 2015, 06:12:02 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 17, 2015, 06:02:55 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on November 17, 2015, 05:46:39 AM
I personally think the NOMAC icon next to certain tracks signifies the start of a larger divided track or suite. The idea that there are 3 large tracks in the first act divided into sections makes a lot more sense to me than a band of this progressive level putting out 20 short singular compositions. Also if the counter argument is 'how doesn't act 2/disc 2 begin with a NOMAC symbol?' Well there are a couple of possibilities to this theory; Disc 1 could end with track 16; 'A tempting offer' or disc 2 could begin with Act 2's interlude track '2285 Entr'acte' but with a transition that can divide the track without loosing momentum, like ITPOE Pt2 or the middle of IT. I think this is the most likely imo, but being dream theater and this album seeming so very different to the past I could be on a completely different wavelength!

I personally don't see the point of a symbol to denote a song. Why not just give the "song" name in the reveal? And what's with everyone's ginormous prog boner for wanting obscenely long songs on this anyway? It's already a multi-disc concept album that forms a cohesive whole, why would it need to be grouped into long songs? SFAM didn't do it, it was just grouped by nameless "scenes" where they flowed into each other, which even then wasn't really necessary.

I have no idea what the NOMAC symbol is, but I don't think this fits. Why would you have an act split in the middle of a "song"? And why would you have something called 2283 Entr'acte in the middle of a song? That sounds like too definitive a split point to me, which it is as the start of Act II.

Yeah I understand that. I'm just curious as to what it means and speculating, I am not obsessed with the overly long songs... It's just something DT tend to do. They love lengthy compositions, Even SFAM had 3 songs over 11 and a half minutes so I'm just wondering how it'll pan out. Will each act flow completely from track to track or will the NOMAC icon symbolise the beginning of a new suite? that was more what I was getting at. It could be anything really, I just can't imagine 20 individual verse/chorus compositions on each act following a 2-5 minute structure... That's a hell of a lot of work for the band to do, I think the way Ayreon did the Theory of Everything is the type of structure im trying to get at.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 17, 2015, 06:20:22 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on November 17, 2015, 06:12:02 AM

Yeah I understand that. I'm just curious as to what it means and speculating, I am not obsessed with the overly long songs... It's just something DT tend to do. They love lengthy compositions, Even SFAM had 3 songs over 11 and a half minutes so I'm just wondering how it'll pan out. Will each act flow completely from track to track or will the NOMAC icon symbolise the beginning of a new suite? that was more what I was getting at. It could be anything really, I just can't imagine 20 individual verse/chorus compositions on each act following a 2-5 minute structure... That's a hell of a lot of work for the band to do, I think the way Ayreon did the Theory of Everything is the type of structure im trying to get at.

That comment about the overly long songs wasn't aimed specifically at you, a lot of people have mentioned it, so I'm not picking on you or anything. :lol

With this many tracks, I'm sure a lot of it will flow together regardless of how it's classified, perhaps more so than SFAM. Given the apparent story-driven nature of it, I think there could be several really short tracks for just story, with narration and sound effects, maybe some subtle music underneath to bridge the surrounding tracks together. I imagine Descent of the NOMACS could be under a minute. It's just before the Overture, so I can't see it being anything too "meaty" musically.

I agree it probably won't be a ton of shorter songs in a standard structure of unique verse and chorus, a lot of it could be bridging sections like Through My Words, shorter songs composed of the recurring themes, more of a free flowing structure. SFAM utilizes a lot of recurring melodies and repeated choruses.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 17, 2015, 06:31:48 AM
What if the chosen is the son of Lord Nafaryus? or the brother of Arhys?

What if Lord Nafaryus and Arhys are relatives?

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: AboutToCrash on November 17, 2015, 06:33:48 AM
Yeah that makes sense! I am intrigued though, It's interesting to see how the whole album will flow given the vast amount of tracks... Very exciting, Most excited I've been for an album before release since Systematic Chaos (Which went brilliantly haha)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pettor on November 17, 2015, 06:41:06 AM
Holy damn this album has got me excited. The number of tracks just makes my mind go wild. I really hope for a really diverse album with good flow between the tracks. This is toooooo good for me to handle  :mehlin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: JediKnight1969 on November 17, 2015, 06:45:19 AM
Quote from: Pettor on November 17, 2015, 06:41:06 AM
Holy damn this album has got me excited. The number of tracks just makes my mind go wild. I really hope for a really diverse album with good flow between the tracks. This is toooooo good for me to handle  :mehlin

Yeah! I'm expecting a cross between "The Wall" meets "Game of Thrones".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 17, 2015, 06:47:01 AM
I'm calling it. Epic.  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 17, 2015, 06:49:37 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on November 17, 2015, 06:47:01 AM
I'm calling it. Epic.  :hat


Link ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nest777 on November 17, 2015, 06:57:48 AM
Quote from: r3d86 on November 17, 2015, 06:31:48 AM
What if the chosen is the son of Lord Nafaryus? or the brother of Arhys?

What if Lord Nafaryus and Arhys are relatives?
Well, the chosen one is IN FACT Arhys' brother:

Quote
I am here to tell you that not only is this Chosen One real, and not a fiction as the Emperor’s messengers insist, but this Chosen One is, in fact, my blood, and my brother.

And I don't think Nafaryus is a relative of Arhys and the Chosen One:

Quote
I am Arhys, Son of Marhys, one of three remaining heirs to the displaced, forgotten, and forbidden Legion Of Sorrowful Song.

Marhys Nafaryus is a too horrible name for just one person  :lol
But yes, I think they may be related in some way, but they're not direct relatives. Maybe an 'I'm your uncle' thing?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Podaar on November 17, 2015, 07:06:59 AM
The updates are just coming too slow for me. Someone wake me when they announce the date that the "Game Master's Guide" and "Player's Handbook" will be released.

Oh, and will there be a computer simulation release by Wizdom software. If so, I hope it's a RTS and not that fuc*&% turn based crap.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 17, 2015, 07:14:51 AM
If I ever caught myself thing that 2-3 updates a week was too slow, I would hope I would have the self-awareness to have my ADD meds upped a notch.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Podaar on November 17, 2015, 07:20:07 AM
Sorry, my previous post should have been in green. I assumed that would be apparent. My mistake.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 17, 2015, 07:25:51 AM
Quote from: Nest777 on November 17, 2015, 06:57:48 AM
Quote from: r3d86 on November 17, 2015, 06:31:48 AM
What if the chosen is the son of Lord Nafaryus? or the brother of Arhys?

What if Lord Nafaryus and Arhys are relatives?
Well, the chosen one is IN FACT Arhys' brother:

Quote
I am here to tell you that not only is this Chosen One real, and not a fiction as the Emperor’s messengers insist, but this Chosen One is, in fact, my blood, and my brother.

And I don't think Nafaryus is a relative of Arhys and the Chosen One:

Quote
I am Arhys, Son of Marhys, one of three remaining heirs to the displaced, forgotten, and forbidden Legion Of Sorrowful Song.

Marhys Nafaryus is a too horrible name for just one person  :lol
But yes, I think they may be related in some way, but they're not direct relatives. Maybe an 'I'm your uncle' thing?

Maybe Marhys and Nafaryus are brothers, and could be and "I'm your uncle" thing.

I think we will have to wait until December to see the face of another character, but it would be great to see some other before and maybe another part of the map.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Chino on November 17, 2015, 07:33:59 AM
I'm almost ashamed to admit that I know nothing about this album other than the fact that it's called The Astonishing and will be two discs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erciccio on November 17, 2015, 07:42:37 AM
Quote from: Chino on November 17, 2015, 07:33:59 AM
I'm almost ashamed to admit that I know nothing about this album other than the fact that it's called The Astonishing and will be two discs.
50% of what you know might even be false, as far as we know now... :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 17, 2015, 07:44:27 AM
^ :lol 40 tracks on one disc. 2 minutes per track.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erciccio on November 17, 2015, 07:47:01 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 17, 2015, 07:44:27 AM
^ :lol 40 tracks on one disc. 2 minutes per track.
What we know for sure:
 - >=23 tracks
 - >=1 disc
 - >=2 "acts"
 - >=1 NOMACS (99% sure it will be >1 and not 1, reading the emails)
 - >=3 "NOMACS" tracks
All the rest will be astonishing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 17, 2015, 07:56:27 AM
The greater than or equal to sign does work I think.

Quote from: erciccio on November 17, 2015, 07:47:01 AM
What we know for sure:

≥23 tracks
≥1 disc
≥2 "acts"
≥1 NOMACS
≥3 "NOMACS" tracks
All the rest will be astonishing
To which I would add:
≥5 performers
≥1 producer
≥8 characters
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Whrobmp on November 17, 2015, 08:29:39 AM
Quote from: IDontNotDoThings on November 17, 2015, 04:31:36 AM
Quote from: The Stray Seed on November 17, 2015, 03:57:10 AM
Now we know "Digital Discord" is not the end of the first act, since three more track titles were published, but we know for sure that there will be a "Moment of Betrayal". So, "A Tempting Offer" might definitely be related to this treason.

If I may expand on your theory:
The X Aspect - Chosen One sees new possibilities in joining the GNE & becomes corrupt with power, just as the previous ruler had.
A New Beginning - Ravenskill carries on with a new Chosen One, who ends up failing to live up to the efforts of the previous one, meanwhile GNE carries on a new beginning in tactics with their newfound ally.
The Road To Revolution - Ravenskill & GNE prepare to go to war with each other, Ravenskill frustrated with their former efforts failing.
2285 Entr'acte - Battle is played out in instrumentals (like By-Tor & The Snow Dog).
Moment Of Betrayal - Just as the Rebel Militia are about to lose, a member [probably the ruler] of the GNE attempts to murder the Chosen One in fear that he may have never been on their side in the first place &/or may change sides again. He is saved however by one of his former friends in Ravenskill.
Heaven's Cove - The Chosen One & his old friend exchange dialogue about the former events in a place they used to go as children (before either of these factions had formed). The Chosen One eventually makes some important decision about something that ends up happening later [though that we don't know yet].

I think everyone is trying to figure out the plot with only 3 of the 8 characters that appears on the DT page. I suppose and expect the story to be more complicated involving all the characters and not only Nafaryus, Arhys and the Chosen One.

PD: Hi from Spain! This is my first post :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 17, 2015, 08:39:24 AM
I think there may have guest artists representing the characters, as Ayreon

Perhaps, supporting characters?

Is insane to think about it?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: YtseJamittaja on November 17, 2015, 08:42:09 AM
Haha, so much speculation here.

Welcome to DTF  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 17, 2015, 09:03:41 AM
Just because Act 1 has 20 tracks and Act 2's 'square' is the same size, doesn't necessarily mean there will actually be 20 tracks on Act 2. In fact, I think it's highly unlikely there will be that many. 12-13 maybe, with the album's climax and longest track (maybe 10-12 minutes) near or at the end.

Unless there is not a 10-min+ song here. That would be a first since WDADU.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 17, 2015, 09:08:33 AM
Quote from: Whrobmp on November 17, 2015, 08:29:39 AM

PD: Hi from Spain! This is my first post :)

Buenos tardes !! Bienvenido !!!! I am Kotowboy :emo:

That's BlobVanDam :blob: and this is Jay :JayOctavarium:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 17, 2015, 09:19:29 AM
Hola, me llamo Señor Eskelto, y tu?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Sacul on November 17, 2015, 09:47:37 AM
Bienvenido al sitio de especulación sobre Dream Theater por excelencia. 30 páginas de teorías, y aproximadamente 1 de información verídica. Disfruta tu estadía ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: JediKnight1969 on November 17, 2015, 09:47:58 AM
 :lol Payasos...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 17, 2015, 10:07:26 AM
Je ai appelé
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ResultsMayVary on November 17, 2015, 10:09:10 AM
NO
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 17, 2015, 10:31:54 AM
Quote from: r3d86 on November 17, 2015, 08:39:24 AM
I think there may have guest artists representing the characters, as Ayreon

Perhaps, supporting characters?

Is insane to think about it?

That would be fun. Russell Allen is probably the guest singer on The X Aspect. Perhaps Jorn Lande is voicing Lord Nafaryus (because apparently the obvious evil characters is his knack for the last few years). Any other suggestions?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 17, 2015, 10:38:57 AM
Daniel Gildenlow as the sister
Neal Morse as the faithful dog
Steven Wilson as the nagging englishman
Mike Patton as the NOMACS
Devin Townsend as Devin Townsend
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 17, 2015, 10:43:44 AM
Nicky Spanjaards as The Chosen One.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 17, 2015, 10:44:06 AM
It's about time we get another character.  We already know Ahrys exists...he even has a twitter account.  Just put his picture up already.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 17, 2015, 10:50:19 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 17, 2015, 10:43:44 AM
Nicky Spanjaards as The Chosen One.

His first appearance will obviously be on The Gift of Music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 17, 2015, 11:00:39 AM
James LaBrie as... ohhh no... sorry.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 17, 2015, 11:02:58 AM
How about the female characters? How many there will be?

I like Floor Jansen from one of those characters
Maybe Sharon den Adel?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 17, 2015, 11:09:19 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 17, 2015, 07:14:51 AM
If I ever caught myself thing that 2-3 updates a week was too slow, I would hope I would have the self-awareness to have my ADD meds upped a notch.

You bet! Excatly what I was thinking. :lol

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 17, 2015, 11:32:36 AM
*insert Tool reference here*.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: taylorimpromptu on November 17, 2015, 11:41:47 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 17, 2015, 11:32:36 AM
*insert Tool reference here*.
Right? I'm going to both Texas shows.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: JediKnight1969 on November 17, 2015, 12:02:39 PM
It would be cool if they use Ronnie Romero, lead singer of Lords of Black and new singer for Rainbow's 2016 live dates.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 17, 2015, 12:34:54 PM
Quote from: JediKnight1969 on November 17, 2015, 12:02:39 PM
It would be cool if they use Ronnie Romero, lead singer of Lords of Black and new singer for Rainbow's 2016 live dates.

Really good singer, this guy!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on November 17, 2015, 01:55:20 PM
Quote from: Bertielee on November 17, 2015, 12:34:54 PM
Quote from: JediKnight1969 on November 17, 2015, 12:02:39 PM
It would be cool if they use Ronnie Romero, lead singer of Lords of Black and new singer for Rainbow's 2016 live dates.

Really good singer, this guy!
Ha! I needed to check I wasn't listening to Jørn Lande.  :lol Great voice and interesting band, will check out them more.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 17, 2015, 02:03:00 PM
Quote from: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on November 17, 2015, 01:55:20 PM
Quote from: Bertielee on November 17, 2015, 12:34:54 PM
Quote from: JediKnight1969 on November 17, 2015, 12:02:39 PM
It would be cool if they use Ronnie Romero, lead singer of Lords of Black and new singer for Rainbow's 2016 live dates.

Really good singer, this guy!
Ha! I needed to check I wasn't listening to Jørn Lande.  :lol Great voice and interesting band, will check out them more.

Exactly what I was thinking too. He sounds like Jorn. Listen to Lords of Black track Lords of Black, it's obvious. Btw, the track sounds as if it was taken from a Masterplan album. No wonder here as roland Grapow produces.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: OsMosis2259 on November 17, 2015, 03:28:10 PM
I'm imagining Labrie singing "LORD NAFARYUSSSSSSSSSS"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 17, 2015, 03:52:10 PM
Funny, that's my ringtone...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jonny108 on November 17, 2015, 04:40:41 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 17, 2015, 03:52:10 PM
Funny, that's my ringtone...

You are far too cryptic for my liking :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 17, 2015, 06:37:58 PM
I don't wanna sound annoying or antiquated or whatever you call it, but... no guest artists please. Leave it to Ayreon (which I really like, btw)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 17, 2015, 06:44:27 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 17, 2015, 06:37:58 PM
I don't wanna sound annoying or antiquated or whatever you call it, but... no guest artists please. Leave it to Ayreon (which I really like, btw)

This^6x10²³
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DreamerTV on November 17, 2015, 06:48:20 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 17, 2015, 03:52:10 PM
Funny, that's my ringtone...


So xmas has already arrived up there, i guess...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 17, 2015, 10:46:27 PM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on November 17, 2015, 06:44:27 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 17, 2015, 06:37:58 PM
I don't wanna sound annoying or antiquated or whatever you call it, but... no guest artists please. Leave it to Ayreon (which I really like, btw)

This^6x10²³

Agreed. One or two short guest spots might be fine, but like 10 different often recurring characters played by other people? No thanks. This is still Dream Theater after all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 17, 2015, 10:59:58 PM
Quote from: DreamerTV on November 17, 2015, 06:48:20 PM

So xmas has already arrived up there, i guess...

Depending on your views, I guess. Some say it's like getting a curse.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Fiery Winds on November 17, 2015, 11:01:01 PM
Don't think I've posted yet in this thread.


I'm really excited for what DT has planned, especially since it's so out of the ordinary. Due to the number of tracks, I'm hopeful that the album will be diverse musically, each song(s) focusing more on a particular genre. More heavy metal here, more prog fusion there, etc.


Sitting in class for work today bored out of my mind, I pulled out a notebook and sketched this as the new album has been on my mind:


(https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t34.0-12/12270454_10153247901307957_536170555_n.jpg?oh=55fad04eefcb4d476aaefcccd387d48f&oe=564E0074)


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Curious Orange on November 18, 2015, 01:04:06 AM
It still grates on me when James sings the female parts on SFAM - "I ran into Julian, he said we'd be together soon..." - I just wish they'd brought a femal vocalist in for those bits. I feel exactly the same way about Daltrey singing the female parts on Tommy, mind. So yeah, plus 1 for the guest vocalist idea, providing it's justthe odd verse and not overdone.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 18, 2015, 02:02:17 AM
Just the odd section would be fine, but the problem with going full-on rock opera and using a full cast is how it makes it basically impossible to reproduce properly live, other than at the occasional special show. Ok they have this European theatre tour that could easily use guest musicians, but they'll want to be able to play the songs in future as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 18, 2015, 02:13:42 AM
I agree with ariich. The odd section is fine, if it were something like LSFNY with Theresa, or the chorus on LITS, but I mostly want to hear JLB. I'm too fussy with vocalists to want to worry about other singers fouling it up.
I'm all for other guest musicians though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 18, 2015, 02:17:15 AM
If the story is descriptive, it would not make sense for them to have a lot of guest vocalists. If it's dialogue-driven they probably could, but it would just be jarring to hear those songs played outside of context with other inflections if James were going to try to emulate those other vocalists. No, I don't think there are any outside of the band doing main vocals.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 18, 2015, 02:39:25 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 18, 2015, 02:17:15 AM
If the story is descriptive, it would not make sense for them to have a lot of guest vocalists. If it's dialogue-driven they probably could, but it would just be jarring to hear those songs played outside of context with other inflections if James were going to try to emulate those other vocalists. No, I don't think there are any outside of the band doing main vocals.
Given all the "rock opera" descriptions and the cast of characters, I would guess that it will be dialogue based like with SFAM.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 18, 2015, 04:57:08 AM
Quote from: Fiery Winds on November 17, 2015, 11:01:01 PM

(https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t34.0-12/12270454_10153247901307957_536170555_n.jpg?oh=55fad04eefcb4d476aaefcccd387d48f&oe=564E0074)

:2metal:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: nikatapi on November 18, 2015, 05:37:51 AM
I really don't care much about the concept, but i can appreciate all the extra effort. I just hope the music is good.
So hopefully a single will come as soon as possible to give us a first taste of what's to come. Hopefully with a decent production this time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Another_Won on November 18, 2015, 05:56:04 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 18, 2015, 04:57:08 AM
Quote from: Fiery Winds on November 17, 2015, 11:01:01 PM

*snip*

:2metal:
um, dude . . you can get banned for posting leaked artwork.

 :) JK, obviously. 

Nicely done!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ErHaO on November 18, 2015, 05:56:18 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 18, 2015, 02:02:17 AM
Just the odd section would be fine, but the problem with going full-on rock opera and using a full cast is how it makes it basically impossible to reproduce properly live, other than at the occasional special show. Ok they have this European theatre tour that could easily use guest musicians, but they'll want to be able to play the songs in future as well.

Every Ayreon album still has at least a few tracks that (would) work well with one vocalist, be it alternate versions. Even Theory of Everything I'd argue. I do not see why having a few relatively prominent guests would detract from possible future Labrie-only performances. I don't want DT to go all Ayreon here, but having females do the female vocals (if present) would be nice.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: emtee on November 18, 2015, 06:20:31 AM
If...big if, they do have guest vocalists I need to force myself to be open minded and give it an honest try. Previous albums I've owned
that had multiple vocalists have not fared well for me vs. the test of time. I spin George Lynch's solo album once in awhile but that
is the only one I can think of.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 18, 2015, 06:58:23 AM
Personally, I'd love to hear Labrie do some multi-layered track harmonizing. Can't remember him doing much of that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 18, 2015, 07:10:37 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on November 18, 2015, 06:58:23 AM
Personally, I'd love to hear Labrie do some multi-layered track harmonizing. Can't remember him doing much of that.

I think there's actually a fair amount of that in DT history, but it's rarely emphasized in the mix.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaasMah on November 18, 2015, 07:22:57 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on November 18, 2015, 06:58:23 AM
Personally, I'd love to hear Labrie do some multi-layered track harmonizing. Can't remember him doing much of that.

Does the screams in the chorus of Build me Up Break me Down counts as what youre talking about?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 18, 2015, 07:36:15 AM
No, not really. More like really layered overdubbed choral stuff.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 18, 2015, 07:37:54 AM
Well, then live guests then.

Was an update on the tracklist last wednesday? Or we should wait until tomorrow or friday?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: V_R11 on November 18, 2015, 08:04:17 AM
Quote from: r3d86 on November 18, 2015, 07:37:54 AM
Well, then live guests then.

Was an update on the tracklist last wednesday? Or we should wait until tomorrow or friday?

I say tomorrow
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 18, 2015, 08:06:07 AM
Quote from: V_R11 on November 18, 2015, 08:04:17 AM
Quote from: r3d86 on November 18, 2015, 07:37:54 AM
Well, then live guests then.

Was an update on the tracklist last wednesday? Or we should wait until tomorrow or friday?

I say tomorrow

Yep! And Until December characters and more map  :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 18, 2015, 08:10:34 AM
Bold prediction, tomorrow will be the last tracklist update, making the second act complete with 8-9 tracks, although chances are this will be another 20 track disc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 18, 2015, 08:12:41 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 18, 2015, 08:10:34 AM
Bold prediction, tomorrow will be the last tracklist update, making the second act complete with 8-9 tracks, although chances are this will be another 20 track disc.

mmm, maybe 10+ tracks on the ACT II as well. I don't think of 20 but maybe 14-15 tracks
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ZirconBlue on November 18, 2015, 08:43:29 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on November 18, 2015, 06:58:23 AM
Personally, I'd love to hear Labrie do some multi-layered track harmonizing. Can't remember him doing much of that.

Check out the Frameshift album he did.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 18, 2015, 08:53:12 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on November 18, 2015, 07:36:15 AM
No, not really. More like really layered overdubbed choral stuff.

I think The Count of Tuscany's chorus counts as that?

Anyway, which tracks do you guys consider to be single canditates, or rather, which tracks do you WANT to have as singles? I want at least The Gift of Music because I really like the name.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 18, 2015, 08:57:03 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 18, 2015, 08:53:12 AM
Anyway, which tracks do you guys consider to be single canditates, or rather, which tracks do you WANT to have as singles? I want at least The Gift of Music because I really like the name.

Lord Nafaryus, obviously. I know there's a fair chance of it being an instrumental, but in case it's a full-blown song, I want it to be the first single.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 18, 2015, 08:59:15 AM
Quote from: Evermind on November 18, 2015, 08:57:03 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 18, 2015, 08:53:12 AM
Anyway, which tracks do you guys consider to be single canditates, or rather, which tracks do you WANT to have as singles? I want at least The Gift of Music because I really like the name.

Lord Nafaryus, obviously. I know there's a fair chance of it being an instrumental, but in case it's a full-blown song, I want it to be the first single.

Oh yeah, definitely! I hope it's either badass heavy or at least has like a... imperial march feeling, if you know what I mean.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 18, 2015, 09:40:30 AM
Singles are usually the most accessible tracks, so I kind of doubt that they'll release a track like lord nafaryus as the single.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 18, 2015, 09:47:20 AM
How about:

The Gift Of Music or The Answer for single?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 18, 2015, 09:49:42 AM
I really don't see logic in predicting which songs are single type, instrumentals, epics, interludes or so just by their titles...

Sometimes I just forget I'm in DTF, so...  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 18, 2015, 09:52:06 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on November 18, 2015, 07:36:15 AM
No, not really. More like really layered overdubbed choral stuff.

I think you mean like Savatage with Chance, The Wake of Magellan, One Child and the likes, right?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 18, 2015, 09:53:04 AM
Guys guys GUYS.

" A Life Left Behind " is *clearly* the first single. Based on absolutely NOTHING.

NOTHING I SAY.


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 18, 2015, 09:54:39 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 18, 2015, 09:52:06 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on November 18, 2015, 07:36:15 AM
No, not really. More like really layered overdubbed choral stuff.

I think you mean like Savatage with Chance, The Wake of Magellan, One Child and the likes, right?

I think it's something more like "As A Man Thinks" of JLB's MullMuzzler Keep It To Yourself...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 18, 2015, 10:22:37 AM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on November 18, 2015, 09:49:42 AM
I really don't see logic in predicting which songs are single type, instrumentals, epics, interludes or so just by their titles...

Sometimes I just forget I'm in DTF, so...  :facepalm:
Same goes for almost all of this thread. People have been extrapolating entirely plot lines and what happens in each song from the titles and the very limited setting information that we have.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 18, 2015, 10:26:48 AM
^ ::) Pfft. As soon as they said they were entering the studio in January / February I was like " ok. Double Concept album with at least 23 songs on it. NEXT " .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 18, 2015, 10:28:04 AM
That's cuz we bored.  And impatient.  DT, let's get a sample of one of the songs already!  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 18, 2015, 10:33:51 AM
DISSS
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 18, 2015, 10:36:36 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 18, 2015, 09:40:30 AM
Singles are usually the most accessible tracks, so I kind of doubt that they'll release a track like lord nafaryus as the single.

Grrrrrrrr  >:( xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: sdfdsv on November 18, 2015, 10:41:00 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 18, 2015, 09:40:30 AM
Singles are usually the most accessible tracks, so I kind of doubt that they'll release a track like lord nafaryus as the single.
Are most of the tracks just short songs?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 18, 2015, 10:52:03 AM
I wouldn't be able to tell you that if I knew.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: countoftuscany42 on November 18, 2015, 11:01:28 AM
i can't tell if you actually have insider info, or just love trolling everyone  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Panar on November 18, 2015, 11:10:55 AM
The whole concept it might be a movie actually. This is what I think.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 18, 2015, 11:18:26 AM
Quote from: countoftuscany42 on November 18, 2015, 11:01:28 AM
i can't tell if you actually have insider info, or just love trolling everyone  :lol

You can ask anyone who know me around here about my credentials and whether it's likely that I have insider info.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SystematicThought on November 18, 2015, 11:21:34 AM
Noxon is legit.

I remember you having all kinds of tidbits about the last album and then you were at the listening party and you helped build up anticipation. That was fun. Looks like your doing the same for this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: sdfdsv on November 18, 2015, 11:31:57 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 18, 2015, 11:18:26 AM
Quote from: countoftuscany42 on November 18, 2015, 11:01:28 AM
i can't tell if you actually have insider info, or just love trolling everyone  :lol

You can ask anyone who know me around here about my credentials and whether it's likely that I have insider info.

So did you get to listen to a couple songs? snippets? full album?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 18, 2015, 11:34:30 AM
Someone must remix this and include NAFAAAARYUS or GNE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onhFH7jpq2c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onhFH7jpq2c)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Progressive Metal Fusion on November 18, 2015, 11:56:16 AM
If noxon is able to listen to The Astonishing, this implies that they are already done with mixing and mastering, or I'm missing something?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 18, 2015, 12:11:45 PM
I would hope so since they started mixing October 13 ??

I know the album is extra long this time but one month should be plenty.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on November 18, 2015, 12:17:58 PM
I have a feeling that 'when your time has come' will be the first single.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 18, 2015, 01:31:09 PM
I can vouch for Noxon's credentials.  Pretty sure he has not heard any of the new album.  But he is privy to much of the same info I am privy to, and he knows what he is talking about.

Speaking of which, keep an eye on your emails and Twitter, folks.  Apparently, Arhys is not pleased.  :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 18, 2015, 01:34:51 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 18, 2015, 01:31:09 PM
Speaking of which, keep an eye on your emails and Twitter, folks.  Apparently, is not pleased.  :)
Free full album stream via Twitter link confirmed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jdprsaga on November 18, 2015, 01:35:40 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 18, 2015, 01:31:09 PM
I can vouch for Noxon's credentials.  Pretty sure he has not heard any of the new album.  But he is privy to much of the same info I am privy to, and he knows what he is talking about.

Speaking of which, keep an eye on your emails and Twitter, folks.  Apparently, is not pleased.  :)

Damn.. so this afternoon I'm going to be refreshing DTF every 5 min, gmail every 5, twitter every 5 min..

my boss is going to fire me!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 18, 2015, 01:42:45 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 18, 2015, 01:31:09 PM
I can vouch for Noxon's credentials.   
And I can vouch for Bosk's credentials! :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater's "The Astonishing" - What We Know So Far
Post by: SystematicThought on November 18, 2015, 01:42:57 PM
So the NOMACs are spreading the Empire's music and Arhys doesn't like that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SystematicThought on November 18, 2015, 01:48:48 PM
From Arhys:

"Fair citizenry , all who thirst for freedom and fairness! It is I, Arhys, Son of Marhys, heir to the forbidden Legion Of Sorrowful Song. Once again by means most inscrutable, we have biohacked the arcane technocratic wizardry of the Empire, revealing truths of equal incredulity and immutability. Serve not the NOMACS, because they do not serve you! Our just and noble intrigue hath uncovered a conspiracy most foul, a mistruth born of the Age of Perilous Judgment wrought by our ancestry. Fear not, heed not, the endless drone of the NOMACS, these foul Noise Machines, as they serve only to perpetuate our enduring oppression. Break free from the shackles of complicity, yield to the melodious siren call from distant Ravenskill, for I have heard it, and it shall shatter all that we know in service of all that must be. Examine these unearthed and exposed schematics for the NOMACS, revealing their true purpose most deceitful and profane. Weapons of our oppression are they, tools of an Empire that has run amok with undeserved power! Resist the NOMACS! Resist and be free! Stay vigilant for more communications from those most loyal to the Chosen One. My brothers and sisters across the Realm, the Rebellion continues to strengthen, and soon will arise! Prepare!"

(https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/vBFyG-1xclRSoA8dDkXaNiwQpdERz0Owe8cwdxwXhk2HcsBc1oD3zQgEk62jPn1AdfuqmPnLEfCR_RzQ4qoty92Yd1l9-lyY3dVd80KV3PVQQf5uqJXtKW9OgaKZW9PJ6nDBgqVFlvLx=s0-d-e1-ft#https://image.e.atlanticrecords.com/lib/fe9d12707467067e76/m/1/580_NoMacS_Sketch.jpg)

Maybe some music is coming soon
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaasMah on November 18, 2015, 01:53:18 PM
Its so nerdy, I love it! :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 18, 2015, 01:57:23 PM
Quote from: TAC on November 18, 2015, 01:42:45 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 18, 2015, 01:31:09 PM
I can vouch for Noxon's credentials.   
And I can vouch for Bosk's credentials! :D
I can vouch for TAC's credentials.

:TAC:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: sdfdsv on November 18, 2015, 02:00:51 PM
So now we know, NOMAC = Noise Machine
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: vtgrad on November 18, 2015, 02:02:00 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on November 18, 2015, 01:57:23 PM
Quote from: TAC on November 18, 2015, 01:42:45 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 18, 2015, 01:31:09 PM
I can vouch for Noxon's credentials.   
And I can vouch for Bosk's credentials! :D
I can vouch for TAC's credentials.

:TAC:


Actually Hef, those be my credentials... I'll own it!  TAC has shamed me a few times...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SystematicThought on November 18, 2015, 02:02:41 PM
Quote from: sdfdsv on November 18, 2015, 02:00:51 PM
So now we know, NOMAC = Noise Machine
Didn't even put two and two together. Cool!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Shadow2222 on November 18, 2015, 02:13:34 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on November 18, 2015, 02:02:41 PM
Quote from: sdfdsv on November 18, 2015, 02:00:51 PM
So now we know, NOMAC = Noise Machine
Didn't even put two and two together. Cool!

Yeah, nice catch!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 18, 2015, 02:15:43 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on November 18, 2015, 02:02:41 PM
Quote from: sdfdsv on November 18, 2015, 02:00:51 PM
So now we know, NOMAC = Noise Machine
Didn't even put two and two together. Cool!

Didn't either. Thanks, sdfdsv!

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 18, 2015, 02:26:32 PM
Did you guys see that person for scale between the bottom middle and bottom left NOMAC? Those things are huge!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikemangioy on November 18, 2015, 02:38:20 PM
What if once they finish revealing the tracklist, they reveal half the characters, half the maps and one video, followed by artwork and release date the week after?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 18, 2015, 02:39:25 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 18, 2015, 02:26:32 PM
Did you guys see that person for scale between the bottom middle and bottom left NOMAC? Those things are huge!

This was discussed at some point before.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 18, 2015, 03:09:45 PM
Noise Machines... brilliant find!

So, they're like many small "big brothers" watching the population and "keeping them safe" while instead they spy on them or something? they make noise and sound is forbidden?

I hope that music will play a part in the storyline... it would be nice if the message that comes out of it is that a society is better if there's music in it. Like I said in what was probably the nuked thread, Fahrenheit 451 was about banned books, maybe this is about banned music and how the new discovering of it will lead people to be free from tyranny.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Shadow2222 on November 18, 2015, 03:12:16 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 18, 2015, 03:09:45 PM
I hope that music will play a part in the storyline... it would be nice if the message that comes out of it is that a society is better if there's music in it. Like I said in what was probably the nuked thread, Fahrenheit 451 was about banned books, maybe this is about banned music and how the new discovering of it will lead people to be free from tyranny.

I think music playing a part in the story is guaranteed. Not only do all of the messages from Arhys and Nafaryus reference sound/music ("Legion of Sorrowful Song," "melodious siren song," "seek the Songs for yourself"), but there is a song/track entitled The Gift of Music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erwinrafael on November 18, 2015, 03:56:32 PM
NOMACS pieces: JR weird noises or MM doing crazy solos?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 18, 2015, 04:09:16 PM
Quote from: erwinrafael on November 18, 2015, 03:56:32 PM
NOMACS pieces: JR weird noises or MM doing crazy solos?

Either both together, or the former. The later NOMAC tracks could be 'reminders', as it were. They're still there watching everything unfold.

Also, all this guessing/speculation is fun! I mean, the revealing of actual information is better, but guessing based on what we know so far will bide the time well enough until that infomation is revealed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 18, 2015, 04:13:44 PM
I don't know what you think, but for me, these NOMACs and Tech stuff are totally connected to the new Geoshred.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: shredd on November 18, 2015, 06:00:46 PM
So on the topic of The Astonishing being Metropolis Part 3,
What if...
Lord Nafaryus = The Miracle/Edward/Hypnotherapist
Arhys = The Sleeper/Julian/The Old Man (who I speculate was Julian's reincarnation)
The Melody = Metropolis/Victoria/Nicholas (Coz she was a city first so why not a melody)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 18, 2015, 06:05:06 PM
no
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ResultsMayVary on November 18, 2015, 06:07:36 PM
Very interesting, Arhys. Very interesting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 18, 2015, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: sdfdsv on November 18, 2015, 02:00:51 PM
So now we know, NOMAC = Noise Machine

Nice catch.

The "s" should still be lowercase, though!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 18, 2015, 07:08:17 PM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 17, 2015, 02:04:47 AM
1. 2285 entr´acte (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/nomac_logo.png)

Except "2285 Entr'acte" doesn't have the NOMAC symbol..  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 18, 2015, 07:21:33 PM
So this probably means the first track is indeed going to be some sort of noise swell.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on November 18, 2015, 07:31:40 PM
Quite possibly the Northern Empire themed songs will be dissonant, unstructured "noise inspired" and Ravenskill songs will be melodic and orchestrated.

Reminiscent of 6 Degrees, where disc 1 focused on minor keys with heavy guitar presence and disc 2 was upbeat major, keyboard dominant.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 18, 2015, 07:43:43 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on November 18, 2015, 07:31:40 PM
Quite possibly the Northern Empire themed songs will be dissonant, unstructured "noise inspired" and Ravenskill songs will be melodic and orchestrated.

Reminiscent of 6 Degrees, where disc 1 focused on minor keys with heavy guitar presence and disc 2 was upbeat major, keyboard dominant.

I on the other hand think that the Empire themed songs should be epic, orchestrated, pompous, exaggerated, intimidating... It's an empire afterall, or maybe that's just my Star Wars inner nerd speaking,  :rollin

Also, Lord Nafaryus uses the word NOMACS to describe, well... the NOMACS. Why would the Empire call something that's usefull to them and supposedly work in their favor as... Noise machines? Sounds a bit derogatory to me   :huh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Voices on November 18, 2015, 07:53:25 PM
I'm starting to think that the 'Empire songs' will be heavier, but still full of orchestral elements, and lots and lots of strings. The 'Rebel songs' will be "proggier", with a more medieval vibe. Just guessing here...hyped as hell! Looking forward to what's going to happen  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 18, 2015, 07:57:50 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 18, 2015, 07:43:43 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on November 18, 2015, 07:31:40 PM
Quite possibly the Northern Empire themed songs will be dissonant, unstructured "noise inspired" and Ravenskill songs will be melodic and orchestrated.

Reminiscent of 6 Degrees, where disc 1 focused on minor keys with heavy guitar presence and disc 2 was upbeat major, keyboard dominant.

I on the other hand think that the Empire themed songs should be epic, orchestrated, pompous, exaggerated, intimidating... It's an empire afterall, or maybe that's just my Star Wars inner nerd speaking,  :rollin

Also, Lord Nafaryus uses the word NOMACS to describe, well... the NOMACS. Why would the Empire call something that's usefull to them and supposedly work in their favor as... Noise machines? Sounds a bit derogatory to me   :huh:

It's Commander Arhys who calls them noise machines in the email, not Nafaryus.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 18, 2015, 08:05:00 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 18, 2015, 07:57:50 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 18, 2015, 07:43:43 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on November 18, 2015, 07:31:40 PM
Quite possibly the Northern Empire themed songs will be dissonant, unstructured "noise inspired" and Ravenskill songs will be melodic and orchestrated.

Reminiscent of 6 Degrees, where disc 1 focused on minor keys with heavy guitar presence and disc 2 was upbeat major, keyboard dominant.

I on the other hand think that the Empire themed songs should be epic, orchestrated, pompous, exaggerated, intimidating... It's an empire afterall, or maybe that's just my Star Wars inner nerd speaking,  :rollin

Also, Lord Nafaryus uses the word NOMACS to describe, well... the NOMACS. Why would the Empire call something that's usefull to them and supposedly work in their favor as... Noise machines? Sounds a bit derogatory to me   :huh:

It's Commander Arhys who calls them noise machines in the email, not Nafaryus.

I know. What I mean is that people are guessing that NOMACS oficially stand for Noise Machines, and Nafaryus calls them NOMACS... unless it's just the "official" name that only the rebels will use, and it actually means something completely different for the empire.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 18, 2015, 08:15:39 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 18, 2015, 08:05:00 PM
I know. What I mean is that people are guessing that NOMACS oficially stand for Noise Machines, and Nafaryus calls them NOMACS... unless it's just the "official" name that only the rebels will use, and it actually means something completely different for the empire.

Sorry, just woke up. Brain not worky good. :lol
I didn't even make the connection that NOMAC is a smooshing of NOise MAChine. From the empire's POV, I don't think noise machine would necessarily be a derogatory term, since that noise is considered good. It's also possible the true meaning of NOMAC is largely lost to time to most of the people in the empire.

And I didn't realize how big the NOMACs would be. I was expecting somewhere from 1-4 feet diameter. Not that it makes a difference, although it's more ominous.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 18, 2015, 08:18:30 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 18, 2015, 08:15:39 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 18, 2015, 08:05:00 PM
I know. What I mean is that people are guessing that NOMACS oficially stand for Noise Machines, and Nafaryus calls them NOMACS... unless it's just the "official" name that only the rebels will use, and it actually means something completely different for the empire.

Sorry, just woke up. Brain not worky good. :lol
I didn't even make the connection that NOMAC is a smooshing of NOise MAChine. From the empire's POV, I don't think noise machine would necessarily be a derogatory term, since that noise is considered good. It's also possible the true meaning of NOMAC is largely lost to time to most of the people in the empire.

Yeah, that makes sense :) The Empire uses the NOMACS to produce noise and overwhelm the Rebellion's "sorrowfull song"... Or is it the NOMACS that are using the Empire? :OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 18, 2015, 08:23:59 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 18, 2015, 06:05:06 PM
no
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Setlist Scotty on November 18, 2015, 08:26:32 PM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on November 18, 2015, 03:12:16 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 18, 2015, 03:09:45 PM
I hope that music will play a part in the storyline... it would be nice if the message that comes out of it is that a society is better if there's music in it. Like I said in what was probably the nuked thread, Fahrenheit 451 was about banned books, maybe this is about banned music and how the new discovering of it will lead people to be free from tyranny.
I think music playing a part in the story is guaranteed. Not only do all of the messages from Arhys and Nafaryus reference sound/music ("Legion of Sorrowful Song," "melodious siren song," "seek the Songs for yourself"), but there is a song/track entitled The Gift of Music.
Definitely seems like their own take on 2112.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jjfumbly on November 18, 2015, 10:21:12 PM
That's what I thought!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 18, 2015, 11:12:32 PM
Quote from: jsbru on November 18, 2015, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: sdfdsv on November 18, 2015, 02:00:51 PM
So now we know, NOMAC = Noise Machine

Nice catch.

The "s" should still be lowercase, though!

I don't think so. Look, NOMACS is not an acronym, it's an abbreviation ;  with the other letters as capital letters, I don't see why the "s" shouldn't be a capital letter as well.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 18, 2015, 11:41:47 PM
Or, you know, it's just what the rebels call them since it fits...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: alexofsweden on November 19, 2015, 01:09:24 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 18, 2015, 07:08:17 PM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 17, 2015, 02:04:47 AM
1. 2285 entr´acte (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/nomac_logo.png)

Except "2285 Entr'acte" doesn't have the NOMAC symbol..  ;)

Did you read the whole post?  ::)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: alexofsweden on November 19, 2015, 01:35:34 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 17, 2015, 02:04:47 AM
I´ll continue to speculate around my theories, that the nomacs are the actual songs and the rest are parts. Yes i know there´s no Nomac icon in the 2:nd act...but maybe they´ll show in the next update.

Btw, look at the Nomac...there´s 3 eyes on both sides...3 speakers...3 eyes= 2 discs with 3 songs on each disc. ACT 1is the "The Great Northern Empire" and disc 2 "The Ravenskill Rebel Militia"..."choose your side"

ACT I

1. Descent of the Nomacs (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/nomac_logo.png)

I. Dystophian Overture
II. The Gift of Music
III. The Answer
IV. A Better Life
V. Lord Nafaryus
VI. A Savior in the Square
VII. When Your Time Has Come
VIII. Act of Fayte
IX. Three Days

2. The Hovering Sojourn (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/nomac_logo.png)

I. Brother, Can You Hear Me
II. A Life Left Behind
III. Ravenskill
IV. Chosen
V. A Tempting Offer

3. Digital Discord (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/nomac_logo.png)

I. The X Aspect
II. A New Beginning
III. The Road To Revolution


ACT II

1. 2285 entr´acte (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/nomac_logo.png)

I. Moment Of Betrayal
II. Heaven´s Cove


NOMAC = Noise Machine...hm that makes my theory even more possible, right? They´ve written NOMACS, that would mean there´s not just one NOMAC but many NOMACS...Sooooo, a noise machine could indicate a song! We´ll see in the next update if they´ll include a NOMAC icon after "2285 entr´acte"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on November 19, 2015, 01:45:13 AM
In my first impression of the NOMACS I thought of the "Rovers" from the British TV series "The Prisoner," and I wonder if they serve the Northern Empire in a similar policing role.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 19, 2015, 02:06:19 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 19, 2015, 01:35:34 AM
NOMAC = Sound Machine...
SOMAC
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 19, 2015, 02:11:20 AM
So, I'm getting emails from Commander Arhys now. Love it! Also, will there be full-scale NOMACS in the theater tour? That would be AWESOME!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: alexofsweden on November 19, 2015, 02:18:02 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 19, 2015, 02:06:19 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 19, 2015, 01:35:34 AM
NOMAC = Sound Machine...
SOMAC

Haha...sorry, Noise Machine ofcourse  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 19, 2015, 02:26:45 AM
But Alex, there are some problems with your theory... namely:

- The NOMAC icon is not there. It appeared immediately for all the other tracks that have it.
- The tracklist is presented with the number of the tracks, which very likely will be the tracks of the CD. If there were a different order, or sub-sections like with False Awakening Suite and Illumination Theory, why would they withold it?
- Entr'acte means a musical intermission between two acts. At the beginning you have the overture, in the middle you have an entr'acte. Imagine you would see a tentative tracklist for the second disc of Six Degrees, with track 1 Overture, track 2 About to Crash, track 3 War Inside My Head etc etc - you'd be assuming, because of a NOMAC icon next to the Overture, that Overture is the name to the entire piece and that the first real song is About to Crash.

There's no way a longer epic with many tracks is called Entr'acte just as there is no way that it would be called Overture. 2285 Entr'Acte will be an instrumental that starts up the second disc, that's all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 19, 2015, 02:38:42 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 19, 2015, 02:26:45 AM
But Alex, there are some problems with your theory... namely:

- everything
Fixed.

All the speculation in this thread is pretty silly (and fun of course), but Alex wins in that regard I think.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: aurorablind on November 19, 2015, 02:44:27 AM
My guess is that each act is divided into parts, like Transatlantic - The Whirlwind.
The difference is that The Whirlwind is ment to be one song divided into sections.
In the case of The Astonishing I think each act is more or less one large chunk of music that flows together. Some parts are short instrumental transitions, some parts longer pieces of music and some tracks are individual songs dedicated to one particular character and/or event.
It seems the shape of the album is ment to be like a musical (or rock opera in this case).
I really don't think one song, say "Digital Discord" (just an example) will be divided into:
Digital Discord:
I. The X Aspect
II. A New Beginning
III. The Road to Revolution

I'ts really interesting to see what the NOMACS-symbol behind some songs mean.
Maybe it's just noises from the NOMACS. Maybe instrumental transitions.
The whole thing is really exciting!

2285 Entr'acte is definitely intermission music. Probably an overture to the second act, or made as a piece of music that gets played over the speakers during the intermission of the live-show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: alexofsweden on November 19, 2015, 02:44:41 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 19, 2015, 02:26:45 AM
But Alex, there are some problems with your theory... namely:

- The NOMAC icon is not there. It appeared immediately for all the other tracks that have it.
- The tracklist is presented with the number of the tracks, which very likely will be the tracks of the CD. If there were a different order, or sub-sections like with False Awakening Suite and Illumination Theory, why would they withold it?
- Entr'acte means a musical intermission between two acts. At the beginning you have the overture, in the middle you have an entr'acte. Imagine you would see a tentative tracklist for the second disc of Six Degrees, with track 1 Overture, track 2 About to Crash, track 3 War Inside My Head etc etc - you'd be assuming, because of a NOMAC icon next to the Overture, that Overture is the name to the entire piece and that the first real song is About to Crash.

There's no way a longer epic with many tracks is called Entr'acte just as there is no way that it would be called Overture. 2285 Entr'Acte will be an instrumental that starts up the second disc, that's all.

You´re porblaby right  ;) But i´m kinda hoping they´re trolling us with tracklisting  :metal making us speculate
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: alexofsweden on November 19, 2015, 02:47:04 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 19, 2015, 02:38:42 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 19, 2015, 02:26:45 AM
But Alex, there are some problems with your theory... namely:

- everything
Fixed.

All the speculation in this thread is pretty silly (and fun of course), but Alex wins in that regard I think.

 :lol haha yeah my theory is silly, kinda fun though  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nefarius on November 19, 2015, 02:55:41 AM
"...yield to the melodious siren call from distant Ravenskill..."

melodious

MELODIOUS

(https://www.dreamshade.net/foren/dreamtheaterforums/melodious.png)

Greetings...
Nef
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 19, 2015, 04:34:51 AM
What if... When more tracks show up the NOMACS (NOise MACShine   ;D ) icon appears in Moment of Betrayal? It could really be a double act in a single CD, with the 2285 Entr'Acte dividing it, possibily being a 8/9 song album in the end.

BUTT nonetheless, I'm still intrigued with the abscence of roman numerals, so who knows...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 04:35:57 AM
I don't think there's any way this isn't a double album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 19, 2015, 05:25:29 AM
theres no way this album is shorter than 2 hours
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: shredd on November 19, 2015, 05:36:06 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 18, 2015, 06:05:06 PM
no


I was just speculating like everybody else is right now Kotowboy, but hey thanks for the warm welcome to DTF
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 19, 2015, 05:38:20 AM
People are really starting to bend the evidence towards what they want, rather than what the evidence actually suggests. That is, in my experience, one of the very best ways to end up disappointed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 05:41:44 AM
Quote from: shredd on November 19, 2015, 05:36:06 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 18, 2015, 06:05:06 PM
no


I was just speculating like everybody else is right now Kotowboy, but hey thanks for the warm welcome to DTF

:) Sorry about that but we've had pages and pages of people guessing Metropolis 3 based on nothing :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 19, 2015, 05:44:16 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 19, 2015, 05:38:20 AM
People are really starting to bend the evidence towards what they want, rather than what the evidence actually suggests. That is, in my experience, one of the very best ways to end up disappointed.

People have been bending the evidence (and often the lack thereof) since before DT entered the studio. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 19, 2015, 05:49:14 AM
Quote from: vtgrad on November 18, 2015, 02:02:00 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on November 18, 2015, 01:57:23 PM
Quote from: TAC on November 18, 2015, 01:42:45 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 18, 2015, 01:31:09 PM
I can vouch for Noxon's credentials.   
And I can vouch for Bosk's credentials! :D
I can vouch for TAC's credentials.

:TAC:


Actually Hef, those be my credentials... I'll own it!  TAC has shamed me a few times...

You can have it bro! :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 05:50:28 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 19, 2015, 05:44:16 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 19, 2015, 05:38:20 AM
People are really starting to bend the evidence towards what they want, rather than what the evidence actually suggests. That is, in my experience, one of the very best ways to end up disappointed.

People have been bending the evidence (and often the lack thereof) since before DT entered the studio. :lol

Every new album cycle - everyone says the next album will be a concept album. Wonder what they'll say next time  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: shredd on November 19, 2015, 05:52:10 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 05:41:44 AM
Quote from: shredd on November 19, 2015, 05:36:06 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 18, 2015, 06:05:06 PM
no


I was just speculating like everybody else is right now Kotowboy, but hey thanks for the warm welcome to DTF

:) Sorry about that but we've had pages and pages of people guessing Metropolis 3 based on nothing :lol

All good man  :metal
People have been guessing A LOT based on nothing so I though I'd throw my 2 cents in
For example the people who think "The Gift Of Music" will be the most accessible track/first single
For all we know it could be the heaviest song DT has ever made (doubtful though, I know)

Anyway I'm super pumped regardless of anything!  :coolio
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 06:07:17 AM
I PREDICT THAT I WILL PURCHASE THIS ALBUM
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 19, 2015, 06:23:30 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 19, 2015, 05:44:16 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 19, 2015, 05:38:20 AM
People are really starting to bend the evidence towards what they want, rather than what the evidence actually suggests. That is, in my experience, one of the very best ways to end up disappointed.

People have been bending the evidence (and often the lack thereof) since before DT entered the studio. :lol
Rather irritatingly, though, people have been speculating on concept album, double album and Metropolis 3. The first is confirmed and the second is pretty much confirmed. Odds on the third?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 19, 2015, 06:28:02 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 19, 2015, 06:23:30 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 19, 2015, 05:44:16 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 19, 2015, 05:38:20 AM
People are really starting to bend the evidence towards what they want, rather than what the evidence actually suggests. That is, in my experience, one of the very best ways to end up disappointed.

People have been bending the evidence (and often the lack thereof) since before DT entered the studio. :lol
Rather irritatingly, though, people have been speculating on concept album, double album and Metropolis 3. The first is confirmed and the second is pretty much confirmed. Odds on the third?

Yeah, I know what you mean. The thing is I don't/didn't want any of those three options, and as you said, the first two are basically confirmed at this point, and some of the evidence for the third isn't as far-fetched as I would like.
I worry that some of the secrecy may be for a reason, with still no officially confirmed album cover that I'm aware of despite the artwork all floating around. Hiding the full title perhaps? :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 06:51:25 AM
Calling it Metropolis Part 3 would be for nostalgia reasons only.

And for the hope of some bonus sales.

The same way Mike Oldfield releases a "Tubular Bells" once in a while.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 19, 2015, 06:59:50 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 19, 2015, 06:28:02 AM
Yeah, I know what you mean. The thing is I don't/didn't want any of those three options, and as you said, the first two are basically confirmed at this point, and some of the evidence for the third isn't as far-fetched as I would like.
I worry that some of the secrecy may be for a reason, with still no officially confirmed album cover that I'm aware of despite the artwork all floating around. Hiding the full title perhaps? :P
It would be kinda hilarious. Thousands of fanboys across the world would explode with excitement.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 19, 2015, 07:01:23 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 19, 2015, 06:59:50 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 19, 2015, 06:28:02 AM
Yeah, I know what you mean. The thing is I don't/didn't want any of those three options, and as you said, the first two are basically confirmed at this point, and some of the evidence for the third isn't as far-fetched as I would like.
I worry that some of the secrecy may be for a reason, with still no officially confirmed album cover that I'm aware of despite the artwork all floating around. Hiding the full title perhaps? :P
It would be kinda hilarious. Thousands of fanboys across the world would explode with excitement.

It's concerning that there could be thousands of people wanting that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erciccio on November 19, 2015, 07:04:20 AM
The Astonishing Victoria Page, Daughter of Marhys, heiress to the forbidden Legion Of Sorrowful Song.
 :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: WinterN on November 19, 2015, 07:07:06 AM
Quote from: shredd on November 18, 2015, 06:00:46 PM
So on the topic of The Astonishing being Metropolis Part 3,
What if...
Lord Nafaryus = The Miracle/Edward/Hypnotherapist
Arhys = The Sleeper/Julian/The Old Man (who I speculate was Julian's reincarnation)
The Melody = Metropolis/Victoria/Nicholas (Coz she was a city first so why not a melody)
That sounds like Cloud Atlas film... interesting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 19, 2015, 07:09:18 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on November 18, 2015, 11:12:32 PM
Look, NOMACS is not an acronym, it's an abbreviation
We don't know that.

Quote from: noxon on November 18, 2015, 11:41:47 PM
Or, you know, it's just what the rebels call them since it fits...
This exactly. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 19, 2015, 07:17:12 AM
I guess NOMAC doesn't have to stand for Noise Machines, that's maybe how the rebels call them.

And yeah, now I'm more certain in my theory that I have mentioned like three times already: NOMAC symbol next to the song means the song symbolises the noise NOMACS make.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 19, 2015, 07:41:50 AM
We're supposed to have news today, right?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 19, 2015, 07:47:22 AM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on November 19, 2015, 07:41:50 AM
We're supposed to have news today, right?
Maybe.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 19, 2015, 08:03:09 AM
Yea I'm still hoping we get another tracklist update tomorrow despite getting that Arhys mail yesterday.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Letter M on November 19, 2015, 08:12:04 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 19, 2015, 08:03:09 AM
Yea I'm still hoping we get another tracklist update tomorrow despite getting that Arhys mail yesterday.

If the pattern holds up, we SHOULD get another tracklist update today. They have updated on the previous two Mondays and Thursdays, so today is right in line for another update.

I imagine they'll update all of the tracks until those are done every Monday and Thursday, then give us a new character and/or map-piece with each Mon/Thurs update. If the album comes out at the end of January, we have 9 more weeks (after this week) of updates, or 18 more updates total, so there's plenty of time for them to put stuff out.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: 425 on November 19, 2015, 08:16:08 AM
I'm waiting for a song title that might be a Metropolis reference but might not be, just to freak people out. Something like "Last Forever" or "No More Freedom."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 19, 2015, 08:17:45 AM
Lake of Fire would be pretty badass.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 19, 2015, 08:19:43 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 19, 2015, 01:09:24 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 18, 2015, 07:08:17 PM
Quote from: alexofsweden on November 17, 2015, 02:04:47 AM
1. 2285 entr´acte (https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/nomac_logo.png)

Except "2285 Entr'acte" doesn't have the NOMAC symbol..  ;)

Did you read the whole post?  ::)

Yes, I did.. Especially this part: "Yes i know there´s no Nomac icon in the 2:nd act...but maybe they´ll show in the next update." And that's precisely why I said that: "Except "2285 Entr'acte" doesn't have the NOMAC symbol..".. The symbols have appeared each time they updated the tracklisting, so there's no reason why they'd add one now next to a song title (or parts of a larger song, whatever they are) they have already showed..

EDIT: Someone already said it early:

Quote from: MirrorMask on November 19, 2015, 02:26:45 AM
- The NOMAC icon is not there. It appeared immediately for all the other tracks that have it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 19, 2015, 08:24:39 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 19, 2015, 08:17:45 AM
Lake of Fire would be pretty badass.

Or 'The First Dancing Turtle'
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Progmetty on November 19, 2015, 08:28:20 AM
I'd like this to be Metropolis related but I'm pretty positive that it's not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: 425 on November 19, 2015, 08:34:05 AM
What if this is Another Day, Pt. 2: Surrender to the Astonishing Secret Whale?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 19, 2015, 08:37:35 AM
New Millennium Pt. 2: A New Beginning
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: 425 on November 19, 2015, 08:41:01 AM
The Count of Tuscany, Pt. 2: Mah Brutha, Can You Hear Me?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 19, 2015, 08:41:38 AM
OR, maybe:

'Metropolis pt 2' PT 2: Scenes from a NOMAC
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dparrott on November 19, 2015, 08:47:33 AM
How many records would the vinyl version be?  5? 6? 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 19, 2015, 08:54:35 AM
Quote from: dparrott on November 19, 2015, 08:47:33 AM
How many records would the vinyl version be?  5? 6?

I guess 3. TFK's Stardust We Are is crammed full of music, and the vinyl version of that is 3 discs. ß
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erciccio on November 19, 2015, 08:56:23 AM
The astonishing: when Empire and rebels unite
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Voices on November 19, 2015, 09:00:30 AM
NOMACtavarium
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 09:03:53 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on November 19, 2015, 08:54:35 AM
Quote from: dparrott on November 19, 2015, 08:47:33 AM
How many records would the vinyl version be?  5? 6?

I guess 3. TFK's Stardust We Are is crammed full of music, and the vinyl version of that is 3 discs. ß

if this album is really really good then I might actually splash out on Vinyl. I don't own a turntable but I could get one. :)

I think the packaging and the expanded artwork would look great for a three disc vinyl.







And if the album sounds like DT12 would you really want it wasted on a Metropolis part 3 ?

Apart from the title - it doesn't mean that the writing will be as good as Scenes From A Memory. It doesn't mean that if they decided to do Metropolis 3 that

it's magically going to be as good as SFAM.



Plus it will always be compared to Metropolis and Scenes From A Memory and I can't imagine they'd want that.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 19, 2015, 09:08:55 AM
dudz, what's the point on trapping the band in a past successful formula? Metropolis (song) is awesome? Hell it is! SFAM is awesome? A CLASSIC! But doesn't it restrain the band when it's about creativity? Look what happened to Geoff Tate, he survives only because of the Operation: Mindcrime stories, repeats the same concept over and over and so on... At some point, it gets banal, becomes uninteresting.


I know 90% or more comments about it here are jokes, but there's always those who desperately wants for a Metropolis sequel... GET OVER IT GUIEZZZ
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 19, 2015, 09:11:09 AM
I guess next tracklist update will be something important since they had to mail us the letter just before it
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 09:11:34 AM
" Dream Theater Presents : Metropolis Part III : The Astonishing ".


Cue every album someone going IS IT GOING TO BE MOTROPLIS PART FOUR ?! !? !? !!


forever.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 09:12:34 AM
Quote from: Pax on November 19, 2015, 09:11:09 AM
I guess next tracklist update will be something important since they had to mail us the letter just before it

To be honest - I don't want Map or Characters to Update before all the tracks have been revealed.

I also want actual album art after tracklist THEN everything else
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 19, 2015, 09:12:56 AM
Quote from: Pax on November 19, 2015, 09:11:09 AM
I guess next tracklist update will be something important since they had to mail us the letter just before it

They're almost done with the tracklisting, so if not that, there's probably a more significant update on the site after that. Still a lot on there to reveal.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 09:14:42 AM
Remember when we thought the GNE and RRM was the album art ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 19, 2015, 09:18:50 AM
People thought that?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 19, 2015, 09:26:18 AM
A release date would be nice as well.

Another thought I've just had...what about a movie-trailer-style promo video? This seems like the sort of album where that would be pretty awesome! "Coming soon to a CD player near you..."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 19, 2015, 09:28:25 AM
The tracklist is not that important when it comes to the concept. It's also one of the items that will be most easily leaked - since when people do actually get to hear it they'll also be able to leak the tracklist - so they want the tracklist out there in a controller manner rather than through rumors and leaks.

When they're building a rock opera, there's a lot of story involved, and revealing too much of the story too soon will make us excited NOW, but it'll be like eating dessert first.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 09:28:43 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 19, 2015, 09:26:18 AM
A release date would be nice as well.

Let's ask Lars Ulrich !

" Um..I can tell you that um...it's y'know...coming...It'll be here before you know it...And Um...Like...we're working on it...We're progressing shall we say ? And Um... Um.... we're taking our time..

..it's all good. t's all good. "
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: JediKnight1969 on November 19, 2015, 09:32:24 AM
The only reason why I'm not losing my head in anxiety is because Star Wars VII is coming. THAT (32 years) wait is killing me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 09:34:04 AM
Quote from: JediKnight1969 on November 19, 2015, 09:32:24 AM
The only reason why I'm not losing my head in anxiety is because Star Wars VII is coming. THAT (32 years) wait is killing me.

I'm not either. The last two albums were decent. A far cry from the glory years of SFAM - Octavarium. But still pretty good.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: JediKnight1969 on November 19, 2015, 09:39:27 AM
Quote from: JediKnight1969 on November 13, 2015, 10:00:19 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 11, 2015, 01:01:22 PM
The album is probably out late January and Act II Probably also has 11 tracks since both boxes are spaced the same.


Quote from: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 08:30:40 AM
I'm thinking either

1. 20 tracks on each disc

2. 20 tracks on Disc 1 and like 5 - 8 on Disc 2 ( much less anyway )

 :lol Chill out Kotowboy  ;)

Quote from: Kotowboy on November 13, 2015, 10:04:05 AM
:dangerwillrobinson: CANNOT

Sorry... What?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 19, 2015, 09:58:08 AM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on November 19, 2015, 09:08:55 AM
dudz, what's the point on trapping the band in a past successful formula? Metropolis (song) is awesome? Hell it is! SFAM is awesome? A CLASSIC! But doesn't it restrain the band when it's about creativity? Look what happened to Geoff Tate, he survives only because of the Operation: Mindcrime stories, repeats the same concept over and over and so on... At some point, it gets banal, becomes uninteresting.
Possibly controversial, but I don't think Metropolis is one of DT's best songs (though it is still really good) and I think SFAM is one of DT's weakest albums. So if they DID do a part III, it's definitely possible that it could end up being my favourite. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: nikatapi on November 19, 2015, 10:12:57 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 19, 2015, 09:58:08 AM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on November 19, 2015, 09:08:55 AM
dudz, what's the point on trapping the band in a past successful formula? Metropolis (song) is awesome? Hell it is! SFAM is awesome? A CLASSIC! But doesn't it restrain the band when it's about creativity? Look what happened to Geoff Tate, he survives only because of the Operation: Mindcrime stories, repeats the same concept over and over and so on... At some point, it gets banal, becomes uninteresting.
Possibly controversial, but I don't think Metropolis is one of DT's best songs (though it is still really good) and I think SFAM is one of DT's weakest albums. So if they DID do a part III, it's definitely possible that it could end up being my favourite. :lol

more like definitely  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Setlist Scotty on November 19, 2015, 10:37:30 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 19, 2015, 09:58:08 AM
Possibly controversial, but I don't think Metropolis is one of DT's best songs (though it is still really good)
Not controversial at all - I don't really understand why this song is that much of a fan favorite. It's a decent enough song, but not one comes anywhere near my top 20.
 
 
Quote from: ariich on November 19, 2015, 09:58:08 AM
I think SFAM is one of DT's weakest albums.
Now that my friend is fighting words!!! Love SFaM - definitely one of their 3 best albums, IMO.
 
 
Quote from: Voices on November 19, 2015, 09:00:30 AM
NOMACtavarium
NOMACtavariopolis!
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/SetlistScotty/stupid%20fun.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 10:40:41 AM
How about we do a "create your perfect DT Hybrid album" !!!

I'd like : The Production of Octavarium or Falling Into Infinity.

The length of Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence

The Songs of Scenes From A Memory.

The structures of A Dramatic Turn Of Events ( no super long epic ).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 19, 2015, 11:02:02 AM
I don't want a Metropolis part III. I love SFAM MUSICALLY, but I really, really don't like the theme for reasons I'm not allowed to discuss :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 19, 2015, 11:05:52 AM
Quote from: Voices on November 19, 2015, 09:00:30 AM
NOMACtavarium

The Astonishing: When Images Awake Falling From Turbulence Of Octavarium Chaos And Dramatic Dream

Also maybe I'm the only one, but I'd take a new character art reveal over new songs title. I'd like to finally know what Arhys looks like.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 11:09:18 AM
Someone figured out how to reveal the hidden characters in the old thread but it seems DT have fixed that problem.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Sacul on November 19, 2015, 11:13:28 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 19, 2015, 09:28:25 AM
The tracklist is not that important when it comes to the concept. It's also one of the items that will be most easily leaked - since when people do actually get to hear it they'll also be able to leak the tracklist - so they want the tracklist out there in a controller manner rather than through rumors and leaks.
I think I may have seen a possible leak around, but dunno if it's legit or just someone trolling people. Will not share it here of course  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 19, 2015, 11:15:23 AM
It seems that the last update was like at 5:00 pm GMT. It is now 6:00 pm GMT. Hmmmm... Then again, I didn't check the times of all of the other updates. This is just my anxious worried fanboy speaking xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Sacul on November 19, 2015, 11:35:22 AM
UPDATE




















:neverusethis:


when?  :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 19, 2015, 11:39:49 AM
Quote from: Sacul on November 19, 2015, 11:35:22 AM
UPDATE




















:neverusethis:


when?  :(

Lol. Or as we say in my land: HUEHUEHUE.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 19, 2015, 11:40:14 AM
Ha! You can't get me! I've been clicking the refresh button constantly for the last 2 hours...   
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Sacul on November 19, 2015, 11:49:56 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 19, 2015, 11:39:49 AM
Lol. Or as we say in my land: HUEHUEHUE.
kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 19, 2015, 11:57:22 AM
Quote from: Sacul on November 19, 2015, 11:49:56 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 19, 2015, 11:39:49 AM
Lol. Or as we say in my land: HUEHUEHUE.
kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

RMGadelha e Sacul são BR? KKKKKKKK

(https://sites.levelupgames.com.br/forum/combatarms/attachment.php?attachmentid=4072&d=1412439998)



F5-ing the Astonishing page 10 times per second... :caffeine: :caffeine:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 19, 2015, 11:58:08 AM
I keep imagining JP and JR checking this thread and seeing all the anxious people and going like: LOL  :rollin

Quote from: lucasembarbosa on November 19, 2015, 11:57:22 AM
Quote from: Sacul on November 19, 2015, 11:49:56 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 19, 2015, 11:39:49 AM
Lol. Or as we say in my land: HUEHUEHUE.
kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

RMGadelha e Sacul são BR? KKKKKKKK

F5-ing the Astonishing page 10 times per second... :caffeine: :caffeine:

I'm from Rio and his profile says Argentina (which I don't mind. Football hooligans are stupid. Argentina is nice). I guess we should keep it in English though :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mike099 on November 19, 2015, 12:11:26 PM
If anyone here gets bored waiting, you can always check out the DT Hair thread. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Setlist Scotty on November 19, 2015, 12:18:10 PM
Quote from: Sacul on November 19, 2015, 11:49:56 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 19, 2015, 11:39:49 AM
Lol. Or as we say in my land: HUEHUEHUE.
kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
As Mrs. Setlist would say: RSRSRSRSRSRSRSRSRSRSRSRSRSRSRSRS!!!   :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on November 19, 2015, 12:22:53 PM
Metropolis Part 2 Part 2: Shit Gets Real
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 19, 2015, 12:26:26 PM
This gonna be very obvious but we will have to wait until tomorrow for an update, right?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 19, 2015, 12:29:16 PM
Not sure if I should say it out loud so I'll stay as vague as possible to not piss off anybody but... a coworker of mine is in the italian fanclub, or he was in the italian fanclub and he stayed in touch with the people there (I remember he told me he listened to Scenes from a Memory at a release party standing next to Petrucci). He showed me a screenshot of a comment that was forwarded to him. What comment? well, a comment about what we all long for, I'll say no more  :biggrin:

Now, PLEASE: Do not read this as a suggestion that something is or may be out there. Far from it. Whatever is being shared with selected people I'm pretty sure that is very guarded. But maybe the time where we'll get some endorsed and approved early reviews may be not terribly distant in the future.

Again, innocent trivia of info, "something is moving on all fronts" kind of thing, not wanting to piss anyone off!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 12:33:34 PM
So basically before and after your post we still have the same info and will continue to have the same info until more is released as it would have been anyway.


:tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SystematicThought on November 19, 2015, 12:35:01 PM
Pretty much
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 19, 2015, 12:35:57 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on November 19, 2015, 12:26:26 PM
This gonna be very obvious but we will have to wait until tomorrow for an update, right?

Depends when your tomorrow is. I mean, it's already tomorrow in Australia. There's still 4h25m left until tomorrow here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Voices on November 19, 2015, 12:37:39 PM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on November 19, 2015, 11:57:22 AM
Quote from: Sacul on November 19, 2015, 11:49:56 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 19, 2015, 11:39:49 AM
Lol. Or as we say in my land: HUEHUEHUE.
kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

RMGadelha e Sacul são BR? KKKKKKKK

(https://sites.levelupgames.com.br/forum/combatarms/attachment.php?attachmentid=4072&d=1412439998)



F5-ing the Astonishing page 10 times per second... :caffeine: :caffeine:

HUEHUE BRBR  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikemangioy on November 19, 2015, 12:42:48 PM
I have a fever
And the only prescription
IS MORE INFO
N O W
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TheOutlawXanadu on November 19, 2015, 12:44:03 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 19, 2015, 12:29:16 PM
Not sure if I should say it out loud so I'll stay as vague as possible to not piss off anybody but... a coworker of mine is in the italian fanclub, or he was in the italian fanclub and he stayed in touch with the people there (I remember he told me he listened to Scenes from a Memory at a release party standing next to Petrucci). He showed me a screenshot of a comment that was forwarded to him. What comment? well, a comment about what we all long for, I'll say no more  :biggrin:

Now, PLEASE: Do not read this as a suggestion that something is or may be out there. Far from it. Whatever is being shared with selected people I'm pretty sure that is very guarded. But maybe the time where we'll get some endorsed and approved early reviews may be not terribly distant in the future.

Again, innocent trivia of info, "something is moving on all fronts" kind of thing, not wanting to piss anyone off!

This is a fun bit of info. The anticipation rises...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 19, 2015, 12:46:28 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 19, 2015, 12:35:57 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on November 19, 2015, 12:26:26 PM
This gonna be very obvious but we will have to wait until tomorrow for an update, right?

Depends when your tomorrow is. I mean, it's already tomorrow in Australia. There's still 4h25m left until tomorrow here.

Yes, of course. Here in Uruguay are 04:45 PM, so it's left a lot until tomorrow
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Another_Won on November 19, 2015, 12:50:46 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 19, 2015, 12:29:16 PM
Not sure if I should say it out loud so I'll stay as vague as possible to not piss off anybody but... a coworker of mine is in the italian fanclub, or he was in the italian fanclub and he stayed in touch with the people there (I remember he told me he listened to Scenes from a Memory at a release party standing next to Petrucci). He showed me a screenshot of a comment that was forwarded to him. What comment? well, a comment about what we all long for, I'll say no more  :biggrin:

Now, PLEASE: Do not read this as a suggestion that something is or may be out there. Far from it. Whatever is being shared with selected people I'm pretty sure that is very guarded. But maybe the time where we'll get some endorsed and approved early reviews may be not terribly distant in the future.

Again, innocent trivia of info, "something is moving on all fronts" kind of thing, not wanting to piss anyone off!
But if reviews came out before all the reveals of characters etc, wouldn't that ruin revealing them?  I'm sure any review would be full of spoilers about the story, right?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaasMah on November 19, 2015, 12:52:11 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 19, 2015, 12:29:16 PM
Not sure if I should say it out loud so I'll stay as vague as possible to not piss off anybody but... a coworker of mine is in the italian fanclub, or he was in the italian fanclub and he stayed in touch with the people there (I remember he told me he listened to Scenes from a Memory at a release party standing next to Petrucci). He showed me a screenshot of a comment that was forwarded to him. What comment? well, a comment about what we all long for, I'll say no more  :biggrin:

Now, PLEASE: Do not read this as a suggestion that something is or may be out there. Far from it. Whatever is being shared with selected people I'm pretty sure that is very guarded. But maybe the time where we'll get some endorsed and approved early reviews may be not terribly distant in the future.

Again, innocent trivia of info, "something is moving on all fronts" kind of thing, not wanting to piss anyone off!

Metropolis 3 confirmed!




Seriously though you managed to get me hyped without even knowing what im hyped for
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 19, 2015, 12:56:22 PM
Quote from: Another_Won on November 19, 2015, 12:50:46 PM
But if reviews came out before all the reveals of characters etc, wouldn't that ruin revealing them?  I'm sure any review would be full of spoilers about the story, right?

Well, the more the release date approaches, the higher chances are that the various webzines and magazines will be invited to what I assume will be closely guarded listening sessions. Usually in those listening sessions you have a pen and a paper to write your impressions and you listen the album once, so those reviewers will focus on the music instead, the story will be complex and difficult to grasp at first.

Back in 1999 the internet was not so massive and I remember the famous "veil of secrecy" about SFAM, but I don't think anyone who heard the album beforehand only once came out and said "Omg there's this long heavy song which is a newspaper article but it's really all made up by the real assassin!"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 19, 2015, 01:00:10 PM
Hmm, very curious, because I know that the italian fanclub doesn't have anything...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 19, 2015, 01:05:48 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 19, 2015, 01:00:10 PM
Hmm, very curious, because I know that the italian fanclub doesn't have anything...

Honestly: It was one brief moment before work. Coworker / DT concert buddy calls me at his desk before the working day starts, and shows me his phone to let me see the screenshot of the brief comment about the new record. He did not go into a detailed explanation of who forwarded it to him, I mentioned his (either present or past) connection in the fanclub just to show that he did not made up the story but that he was being informed by second, third or fourth hand.

I sincerely don't even know nor I was told if someone is being granted to listen to the whole thing, or just selected tracks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Another_Won on November 19, 2015, 01:08:53 PM
Sure.  So possibly people are getting advanced copies and preparing reviews for a specific date when they can publish them.  To me though, a proper review needs to have the artwork, lyrics etc. because those componants are part of the review.  Would someone publish a music-only review?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 19, 2015, 01:09:37 PM
MirrorMask: would you mind sending this information on pm?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 19, 2015, 01:30:40 PM
Quote from: Setlist Scotty on November 19, 2015, 10:37:30 AM

NOMACtavariopolis!
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/SetlistScotty/stupid%20fun.jpg)

 :lol

 :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 19, 2015, 01:32:51 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 19, 2015, 01:09:37 PM
MirrorMask: would you mind sending this information on pm?

Done. Thanks for enligthening me in the reply, early reviews are bound to arrive sooner or later but I don't think they're just around the corner now. Back to waiting for the next update of the tracklist!  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 19, 2015, 01:37:29 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 19, 2015, 01:32:51 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 19, 2015, 01:09:37 PM
MirrorMask: would you mind sending this information on pm?

Done. Thanks for enligthening me in the reply, early reviews are bound to arrive sooner or later but I don't think they're just around the corner now. Back to waiting for the next update of the tracklist!  :D

If the early reviews were to arrive later, would they still be early reviews?

:neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 19, 2015, 02:02:29 PM
Jeez, people still haven't figured out I like to joke a bit around with the fact that I've done reviews in the past. They post stuff that I make up as jokes and consider that to be reality. No, guys, DT isn't doing a country folk bebop album...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 19, 2015, 02:05:29 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 19, 2015, 02:02:29 PM
No, guys, DT isn't doing a country folk bebop album...

I am now highly disappointed.  :tdwn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 19, 2015, 02:09:56 PM
What if, after all, TA was DT's world music album? Nothing to back up that thought whatsoever! :lol

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Setlist Scotty on November 19, 2015, 02:24:12 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 19, 2015, 02:05:29 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 19, 2015, 02:02:29 PM
No, guys, DT isn't doing a country folk bebop album...
I am now highly disappointed.  :tdwn
What if it was a death metal polka album with acid jazz accents?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 19, 2015, 02:38:09 PM
Quote from: Setlist Scotty on November 19, 2015, 02:24:12 PM

What if it was a death metal polka album with acid jazz accents?

I dunno man I was kinda hoping for a trip funk album with post ska influences.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: paulstfu on November 19, 2015, 02:41:55 PM
Quote from: Setlist Scotty on November 19, 2015, 02:24:12 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 19, 2015, 02:05:29 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 19, 2015, 02:02:29 PM
No, guys, DT isn't doing a country folk bebop album...
I am now highly disappointed.  :tdwn
What if it was a death metal polka album with acid jazz accents?

Then DT would be HAKEN  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 19, 2015, 02:45:41 PM
I have to say... I'm disappointed. I would have prefered more track names than that Arhys message. Not that DT promised us anything, but hey. xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Awake77 on November 19, 2015, 02:53:57 PM
Since we're probably going to have small instrumental interludes between different songs, I would really like to have some of them performed by one instrument only. Something like JP for parts connected with the GNE, JM for RRM, JR for the Chosen One, MM for NOMACS.
I would be eager to know especially what JM would come up with, in case he had to write a bass-solo interlude.
Then these themes could resurface, combined together, in the actual songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jdprsaga on November 19, 2015, 03:10:57 PM
Quote from: Awake77 on November 19, 2015, 02:53:57 PM
Since we're probably going to have small instrumental interludes between different songs, I would really like to have some of them performed by one instrument only. Something like JP for parts connected with the GNE, JM for RRM, JR for the Chosen One, MM for NOMACS.
I would be eager to know especially what JM would come up with, in case he had to write a bass-solo interlude.
Then these themes could resurface, combined together, in the actual songs.

This sound cool..

And I would love to see JM playing some chapman stick and his pedal bass with distortion as background..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 19, 2015, 03:29:44 PM
Or, you know, it's actually possible that the album is just shorter songs. 20 songs on 74 minutes (redbook standard) gives us a little over 3.5 minutes per song. I'll assume that the NOMAC symbol tracks are shorter "intermissions", and that some fuse together like through my words - fatal tragedy. Considering it's a rock opera, this makes sense. I don't think there will be much of any instrumentals, excepting the overture and the entr'acte. I think we'll definitively see a lot of reoccuring themes, as is normal in rock operas. Remember, what we know about this album is that it'll basically be nothing like the other DT albums.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Octavarious on November 19, 2015, 03:55:46 PM
Luv da spekyuleshon tred!
 :tup
Nugget: Arhys is the anagram of Syrah... Do they want us to think that this character loves music because he loves to sing along when he has his few glasses of red wine?
Are then Nomacs sober i.e halal machines? Maybe patrolling the Empire by checking everyone is strictly following  the 12 steps? Nugget!
Yeah I know what you think, just wanted to align with the rest of "I don't know a single thing but I will have my own say anyway so I discovered this..." thread posts. :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 03:58:44 PM
SPECULATION !!! OUT OF GODD DAMN NOWHEREEEE !!!!

DISC 2 WILL HAVE 40 TRACKS... I KNOW THIS TO BE FALSE !


I HAVE NO SOURCE BUT TRUST ME ON THIS !!!!!!!

ALSO JOHN PETRUCCI WILL PLAY GUITAR



TRUST ME YOU'LL SEE I'M RIGHT.....!!!!!!!1
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 19, 2015, 04:01:38 PM
Wait, no update today? Wha?  :huh:

Quote from: noxon on November 19, 2015, 03:29:44 PM
Or, you know, it's actually possible that the album is just shorter songs. 20 songs on 74 minutes (redbook standard) gives us a little over 3.5 minutes per song. I'll assume that the NOMAC symbol tracks are shorter "intermissions", and that some fuse together like through my words - fatal tragedy. Considering it's a rock opera, this makes sense. I don't think there will be much of any instrumentals, excepting the overture and the entr'acte. I think we'll definitively see a lot of reoccuring themes, as is normal in rock operas. Remember, what we know about this album is that it'll basically be nothing like the other DT albums.

If DT12 could be considered to start a trend of writing more compact songs, I could see how this happen. I wonder if, for storytelling purposes, they will make more songs like Surrounded, StR and FT that change organically throughout the length rather than a strict verse-chorus approach. Also, while the songs could be shorter in general, I still think there could be some relatively long songs about the length of TBP for climactic points in the plot, as well as some short instrumental mood pieces (I could imagine Heaven's Cove or A Savior in the Square fitting this).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 19, 2015, 04:22:48 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 19, 2015, 04:01:38 PM
Wait, no update today? Wha?  :huh:

Why do people think there is going to be an update today?  We just got something yesterday.  It is a long time until album release, and trust me when I say that there are a LOT of planned releases of info, in various forms.  But we are not going to get info every day, and there isn't really a strict pattern (for example, every Tuesday and Thursday) for release of info.  But we have gotten a lot for how early it is, and there is definitely more coming.  Keep checking back here and checking your email, Twitter feed, and other sources.

BTW, anyone notice our snazzy new splash page?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Shadow2222 on November 19, 2015, 04:30:26 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 19, 2015, 04:22:48 PM
BTW, anyone notice our snazzy new splash page?

Looks good!  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 19, 2015, 04:31:28 PM
Thanks as always to our very own XJDenton.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Shadow2222 on November 19, 2015, 04:39:58 PM
How far back do the splash pages with a nod to the previous album go? I know there was one for ADToE, but I can't remember if Black Clouds got one, and I wasn't around before that album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 19, 2015, 04:41:03 PM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on November 19, 2015, 04:39:58 PM
How far back do the splash pages with a nod to the previous album go? I know there was one for ADToE, but I can't remember if Black Clouds got one, and I wasn't around before that album.

Got curious about this too... Can we see the older splash pages?  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 19, 2015, 04:42:05 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 19, 2015, 04:22:48 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 19, 2015, 04:01:38 PM
Wait, no update today? Wha?  :huh:

Why do people think there is going to be an update today?  We just got something yesterday.  It is a long time until album release, and trust me when I say that there are a LOT of planned releases of info, in various forms.  But we are not going to get info every day, and there isn't really a strict pattern (for example, every Tuesday and Thursday) for release of info.  But we have gotten a lot for how early it is, and there is definitely more coming.  Keep checking back here and checking your email, Twitter feed, and other sources.

BTW, anyone notice our snazzy new splash page?

It's just that we've been getting info each Monday and Thursday in a nice predictable pattern that hasn't changed since the 2nd and now it's kind of thrown off, yeah it's only three weeks but idk I guess I just like knowing when we're going to get something. I think the hype is making me impatient.  :lol

I saw the splash page and well, I think it could look better. The NOMAC doesn't fit the picture to my eyes. I like the link to DT12 though, the planet fits in nicely.

Quote from: lucasembarbosa on November 19, 2015, 04:41:03 PM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on November 19, 2015, 04:39:58 PM
How far back do the splash pages with a nod to the previous album go? I know there was one for ADToE, but I can't remember if Black Clouds got one, and I wasn't around before that album.

Got curious about this too... Can we see the older splash pages?  ;D

Wayback Machine: https://archive.org/web/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Crow on November 19, 2015, 04:52:57 PM
i can confirm that, for this album, the band members all changed up their instruments
mangini is on guitars, ruddess is on drums, labrie is doing keys, petrucci is doing bass, and ofc myung is the vocalist this time

also there are actually 58 tracks total (nuggetz) and each disc is double-sided so you can play both the top and the bottom of the disc, that's how they were able to fit it onto two discs

and hugh syme is doing the production work
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 04:54:30 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 19, 2015, 04:52:57 PM

and hugh syme is doing the production work

the clincher.  :rollin :rollin :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 19, 2015, 04:56:54 PM
@Enigmachine: Thanks!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 19, 2015, 05:05:24 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 19, 2015, 04:52:57 PM
and hugh syme is doing the production work

So the new album will be entirely made of song sections cut and pasted from previous Dream Theater albums?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 05:06:08 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 19, 2015, 05:05:24 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 19, 2015, 04:52:57 PM
and hugh syme is doing the production work

So the new album will be entirely made of song sections cut and pasted from previous Dream Theater albums?

Not just Dream Theater albums :neverusethis: Circus Maximus too !
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Dave_Manchester on November 19, 2015, 05:27:14 PM
Never mind
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 19, 2015, 05:40:59 PM
 :huh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 19, 2015, 05:50:49 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 19, 2015, 11:58:08 AM
I keep imagining JP and JR checking this thread and seeing all the anxious people and going like: LOL  :rollin

If they have any heart, they would just release everything right now.  Case and point--the collective mental illness that is this thread.  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: devieira73 on November 19, 2015, 05:53:05 PM
thor=MirrorMask link=topic=44903.msg2040293#msg2040293 date=1447961356]
He showed me a screenshot of a comment that was forwarded to him. What comment? well, a comment about what we all long for, I'll say no more 
[/quote]
I'm curious... is there anything about this album we all want it the same in  this forum?  Even  metropolis  part  3 is not  a consensus.   By the  way,  personally I hope it's not the case.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 19, 2015, 06:13:24 PM
There is a good chance we'll get another update to the Astonishing page soon. They've all been happening early or late in the week, and considering the trend so far, it looks like we'll probably get more track names.

I have a really random guess at what one of the last tracks will be. It's a total shot in the dark, but I just thought of it and I think it's actually really creative.





The Astonishing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 19, 2015, 06:19:22 PM
Quote from: Bertielee on November 18, 2015, 11:12:32 PM
Quote from: jsbru on November 18, 2015, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: sdfdsv on November 18, 2015, 02:00:51 PM
So now we know, NOMAC = Noise Machine

Nice catch.

The "s" should still be lowercase, though!

I don't think so. Look, NOMACS is not an acronym, it's an abbreviation ;  with the other letters as capital letters, I don't see why the "s" shouldn't be a capital letter as well.

B.Lee

Even if it's an abbreviation (and not an acronym), the "s" should be lower case.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 19, 2015, 06:39:50 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 19, 2015, 04:31:28 PM
Thanks as always to our very own XJDenton.

Oh good. I thought Emperor Nafaryus was spying on us.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 19, 2015, 07:42:45 PM
Quote from: devieira73 on November 19, 2015, 05:53:05 PM
I'm curious... is there anything about this album we all want it the same in  this forum?  Even  metropolis  part  3 is not  a consensus.   By the  way,  personally I hope it's not the case.

I'm strongly against the idea of a Metropolis pt III. And I think revisiting the past would not be a great move for them.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dparrott on November 19, 2015, 08:06:19 PM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on November 19, 2015, 08:54:35 AM
Quote from: dparrott on November 19, 2015, 08:47:33 AM
How many records would the vinyl version be?  5? 6?

I guess 3. TFK's Stardust We Are is crammed full of music, and the vinyl version of that is 3 discs. ß

Yea, my math was off.  Two full CDs equal 4 vinyls tops.

This is the kind of album that requires picture discs!  Like the NOMACS logo!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 19, 2015, 08:59:27 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 05:06:08 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 19, 2015, 05:05:24 PM
Quote from: Parama on November 19, 2015, 04:52:57 PM
and hugh syme is doing the production work

So the new album will be entirely made of song sections cut and pasted from previous Dream Theater albums?

Not just Dream Theater albums :neverusethis: Circus Maximus too !
The Astonishing Chapter?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: sfam2112 on November 19, 2015, 09:17:13 PM
Quote from: devieira73 on November 19, 2015, 05:53:05 PM

I'm curious... is there anything about this album we all want it the same in  this forum?  Even  metropolis  part  3 is not  a consensus.   By the  way,  personally I hope it's not the case.

I was going to say an outside producer but I don't believe there's a consensus there either.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: serrano on November 19, 2015, 10:19:10 PM
Probably the only thing we all want is a new album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 19, 2015, 11:56:37 PM
Quote from: jsbru on November 19, 2015, 06:19:22 PM
Quote from: Bertielee on November 18, 2015, 11:12:32 PM
Quote from: jsbru on November 18, 2015, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: sdfdsv on November 18, 2015, 02:00:51 PM
So now we know, NOMAC = Noise Machine

Nice catch.

The "s" should still be lowercase, though!

I don't think so. Look, NOMACS is not an acronym, it's an abbreviation ;  with the other letters as capital letters, I don't see why the "s" shouldn't be a capital letter as well.

B.Lee

Even if it's an abbreviation (and not an acronym), the "s" should be lower case.

OK, my bad then. The capital "s" didn't bother me at all, that's why.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 20, 2015, 12:16:59 AM
I honestly don't get the fascination with having metropolis part three. Part two was already hamfisted in trying to tie it to part two. And this concept doesn't seem to connect at all. Other than the classical "good vs evil" story.

And whether they've chose to tag the album as metropolis part three makes absolutely no difference to the story. It's not going to add to my enjoyment, nor is it going to detract.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Moor on November 20, 2015, 01:18:02 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 19, 2015, 09:28:43 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 19, 2015, 09:26:18 AM
A release date would be nice as well.

Let's ask Lars Ulrich !

" Um..I can tell you that um...it's y'know...coming...It'll be here before you know it...And Um...Like...we're working on it...We're progressing shall we say ? And Um... Um.... we're taking our time..

..it's all good. t's all good. But first we have to find Kirk's lost iPhone ... "

Edited  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Astonished on November 20, 2015, 01:51:31 AM
I don't think many people have to worry about "The Astonishing" having too many short tracks. I personally think that there will be twelve actual tracks on the first Act. I've put a minus sign on what I think will be interludes and a plus sign on what I think will be actual tracks, based on the titles.  ;D


Act I

    1. Descent of the NOMACS -
    2. Dystopian Overture -
    3. The Gift of Music +
    4. The Answer -
    5. A Better Life +
    6. Lord Nafaryus -
    7. A Savior in the Square +
    8. When Your Time Has Come +
    9. Act of Faythe +
    10. Three Days  +
    11. The Hovering Sojourn -
    12. Brother, Can You Hear Me? -
    13. A Life Left Behind +
    14. Ravenskill +
    15. Chosen +
    16. A Tempting Offer -
    17. Digital Discord -
    18. The X Aspect +
    19. A New Beginning +
    20. The Road to Revolution +

Act II

    1. 2285 Entr'acte -
    2. Moment of Betrayal -
    3. Heaven's Cove +
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on November 20, 2015, 02:25:37 AM
Quote from: JP
"This new album is definitely not like anything else we’ve done before"

"The new album will be a further progression of the band's creative identity"
Even though we know this album will be a bit diffrent given what we've seen from their PR campaign, seeing these quotes makes me even more excited.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 20, 2015, 02:33:26 AM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on November 19, 2015, 04:39:58 PM
How far back do the splash pages with a nod to the previous album go? I know there was one for ADToE, but I can't remember if Black Clouds got one, and I wasn't around before that album.
Black Clouds was the first.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 20, 2015, 02:42:11 AM
The only "safe to assume" interludes in the tracklist would be the NOMACS symbols, and even those are a stretch. I think you have to look at more traditional rock opera structure to see how this album will play out. I think you have to look at albums like The Wall or Tommy, or go to even more traditional stage rock operas like Rocky Horror, Jesus Christ Superstar or Chess. They have some tracks at 1-2 minutes, but most tracks are 4 minutes, with the occasional exception of the long track reaching all the way up to 6 minutes. The overture will definitively be at least 2 minutes long - after all, the purpose of the overture is to introduce some of the main themes, and you cant do that under 2 minutes if you have a 2 hour plus rock opera...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kix on November 20, 2015, 04:03:36 AM
Got to say, I do love reading all the speculation around each reveal. I love that this is all so creative. Much fun!  :corn Taking a while to get my head round it all. Hoping the tour will have cool production as well (will be at the Palladium dates).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Stray Seed on November 20, 2015, 04:27:27 AM
Welcome to DTF, Kix :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 20, 2015, 04:57:47 AM
Regular operatic structure is something like this :

Firstly, we'll have an overture. Dystopian Overture won't be 2 min short, it will probably be much longer, as it presents many of the themes, and the "feel" to the whole album. Overtures are generally something like first movement of the symphony. After that, we will have scenes, every scene usually consists of recitative (spoken, narrative part), aria (which has song structure, more melodic, it is sung by characters as a reaction to recitative) and chorus (reaction of a choir (resembles community) to the events).
I guess you can conclude from the tracklist what will be narrative and what won't. Those scenes (like 5 of them) form an act.
I also guess DT added NOMAC symbols next to tracks to symbolise a new point of view: machine's.
Also, there is a decent chance DT included real choir in the recording
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 20, 2015, 05:14:58 AM
By looking at the song titles, my guess is act I will consist of exactly 5 scenes
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Calvin6s on November 20, 2015, 05:15:41 AM
Just hope they don't go full on opera / broadway.  It could turn into The Nightman Cometh (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR4zefzP7d0).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 20, 2015, 05:23:52 AM
You gotta pay the troll toll, if you want to get into that boy's hole!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 20, 2015, 05:31:50 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 20, 2015, 05:23:52 AM
You gotta pay the troll toll, if you want to get into that boy's hole!

what
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 20, 2015, 06:05:58 AM
Your soul better belong to Jesus because your ass belongs to me!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Another_Won on November 20, 2015, 06:08:29 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 20, 2015, 02:33:26 AM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on November 19, 2015, 04:39:58 PM
How far back do the splash pages with a nod to the previous album go? I know there was one for ADToE, but I can't remember if Black Clouds got one, and I wasn't around before that album.
Black Clouds was the first.
I would have thought that since the discography section is SC themed that it would have gone at least that far back, no?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 20, 2015, 06:14:11 AM
Quote from: The Astonished on November 20, 2015, 01:51:31 AM
*snip*

You're so vain. I bet you things this album is about you.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jonnybaxy on November 20, 2015, 06:45:46 AM
I bet Nafaryus and Arhys are brothers.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 20, 2015, 06:53:47 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on November 20, 2015, 06:05:58 AM
Your soul better belong to Jesus because your ass belongs to me!
Aaah now I know where Megadeth got their inspiration.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: JediKnight1969 on November 20, 2015, 07:51:51 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on November 20, 2015, 06:14:11 AM
Quote from: The Astonished on November 20, 2015, 01:51:31 AM
*snip*

You're so vain. I bet you think this album is about you.

 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: porcacultor on November 20, 2015, 08:15:10 AM
Guys, this forum is really cool but I registered here after having so much fun reading all the 38 pages of speculation and information/disinformation. This sure is an interesting place!

My 2 cents on the thing revolve around the NOMACs. Arhys said:

"Fear not, heed not, the endless drone of the NOMACS, these foul Noise Machines, as they serve only to perpetuate our enduring oppression."

So I'm guessing their "sound" may be a distinct metallic drone (probably played by JR), and that may be included in the songs marked with the NOMAC symbol (but not only that. I feel like there's going to be band or orchestral music played around the NOMAC noise, illustrating whatever scene that's happening).

So damn curious for how this will play out!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 20, 2015, 08:40:25 AM
What if the noise machines are anti-phase noises, like the noise cancelling headphones, so while they are generating noise, it's antiphase with the ambient noise such as music so that music is just completely blocked out...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: AboutToCrash on November 20, 2015, 09:00:07 AM
"Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation
Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation
Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation
We have assumed control.
We have assumed control.
We have assumed control."

this is all I can think of when i imagine how NOMACS will sound hahahahaha
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Podaar on November 20, 2015, 09:06:20 AM
This is all I can think of when I imagine how NOMACS will sound. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljnT49jU9vM)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Another_Won on November 20, 2015, 09:12:47 AM
I'm thinking the sound at 18:35 in A Change of Seasons.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mindflux on November 20, 2015, 09:19:37 AM
Quote from: Podaar on November 20, 2015, 09:06:20 AM
This is all I can think of when I imagine how NOMACS will sound. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljnT49jU9vM)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cVlTeIATBs
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Podaar on November 20, 2015, 09:23:48 AM
Okay, I admit that was my second thought.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zook on November 20, 2015, 09:59:08 AM
Quote from: jonnybaxy on November 20, 2015, 06:45:46 AM
I bet Nafaryus and Arhys are brothers.

They're best friends. Dream Theater ripped off the battle of Gettysburg and that short lived mediocre TV show, Revolution.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TH1RT3EN on November 20, 2015, 10:13:06 AM
Quote from: Mindflux on November 20, 2015, 09:19:37 AM
Quote from: Podaar on November 20, 2015, 09:06:20 AM
This is all I can think of when I imagine how NOMACS will sound. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljnT49jU9vM)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cVlTeIATBs

I actually thought of Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music (although I really hope it doesn't sound any close to that).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 20, 2015, 10:16:31 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on November 20, 2015, 10:13:06 AM
Quote from: Mindflux on November 20, 2015, 09:19:37 AM
Quote from: Podaar on November 20, 2015, 09:06:20 AM
This is all I can think of when I imagine how NOMACS will sound. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljnT49jU9vM)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cVlTeIATBs

I actually thought of Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music (although I really hope it doesn't sound any close to that).

Which is the Lou Reed album that all the hate for Lulu should be directed towards.

Compared to MMM - Lulu is like Master Of Puppets by comparison.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 20, 2015, 12:26:38 PM
https://www.facebook.com/dreamtheater/posts/10153100545757181

'time is getting short'

Hmm, I know this is probably a generic phrase to continue the hype, but it's getting me optimistic for a big update within the next week (I'm thinking artwork and full tracklist).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 20, 2015, 03:20:45 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 20, 2015, 12:26:38 PM
https://www.facebook.com/dreamtheater/posts/10153100545757181

'time is getting short'

Hmm, I know this is probably a generic phrase to continue the hype, but it's getting me optimistic for a big update within the next week (I'm thinking artwork and full tracklist).

Yeah, I'm hoping this is the reason they didn't give us anything Nov 19th...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Calvin6s on November 20, 2015, 04:18:10 PM
Quote from: Another_Won on November 20, 2015, 09:12:47 AM
I'm thinking the sound at 18:35 in A Change of Seasons.
I'm almost positive I know what you are talking about without time checking.  Let's see.

Yup.  Right on the money.  That sound was so perfect the first time that your short description is all that is needed.  Even if you never broke down ACOS by time in any manner prior.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Calvin6s on November 20, 2015, 04:22:46 PM
I was thinking something like the phase cancelling or pink/white noise for the NOMACS.  But I'm really not following all that closely.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ResultsMayVary on November 20, 2015, 04:41:03 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 20, 2015, 12:26:38 PM
https://www.facebook.com/dreamtheater/posts/10153100545757181

'time is getting short'

Hmm, I know this is probably a generic phrase to continue the hype, but it's getting me optimistic for a big update within the next week (I'm thinking artwork and full tracklist).
Yea, generic for sure. But it makes me wonder because we're due for an update, if their previous update schedule is anything to trust. I really hope we get the artwork and the full tracklist. Maybe even the release date. That's really all I want. I can live with the rest of the concept being revealed piece by piece.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 20, 2015, 04:45:31 PM
I suppose we'll get the tracklist piece by piece as they're doing now. What should they release 5 songs at a time and then go "uh, whatever, here's the whole thing"? (assuming that the second act has a similar amount of tracks, not exactly 20 but not certainly just 7 or 8)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 20, 2015, 04:51:25 PM
That should keep me satisfied until the next update. Perhaps by the end of the month we'll have the full tracklisting. I'm gonna guess that there's 15 songs on the second act.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 20, 2015, 07:09:44 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 20, 2015, 04:45:31 PM
I suppose we'll get the tracklist piece by piece as they're doing now. What should they release 5 songs at a time and then go "uh, whatever, here's the whole thing"? (assuming that the second act has a similar amount of tracks, not exactly 20 but not certainly just 7 or 8)

This.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 21, 2015, 02:22:38 AM
Quote from: Another_Won on November 20, 2015, 09:12:47 AM
I'm thinking the sound at 18:35 in A Change of Seasons.
Reminded me of Fates Warning's Disconnected.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 21, 2015, 04:06:23 AM
Quote from: Calvin6s on November 20, 2015, 04:18:10 PM
Quote from: Another_Won on November 20, 2015, 09:12:47 AM
I'm thinking the sound at 18:35 in A Change of Seasons.
I'm almost positive I know what you are talking about without time checking.  Let's see.

Yup.  Right on the money.  That sound was so perfect the first time that your short description is all that is needed.  Even if you never broke down ACOS by time in any manner prior.

that sound in that part is one of the best things DT has ever done
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 21, 2015, 06:33:45 AM
It surprised me the first time I listened to ACOS. I was like "What's this sound?", but it kinda amps you up for the rest of the song. It wouldn't sound out of place for a Noise Machine to make that kind of distorted robotic sound, but I think instead they'll be repeating messages over and over again, to constantly brainwash the civilians. That would kinda fit in the story, wouldn't it?

EDIT: Also, maybe I just haven't been paying attention, but have the NOMAC's eyes always pulsated like that?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 21, 2015, 06:42:47 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on November 21, 2015, 06:33:45 AM
EDIT: Also, maybe I just haven't been paying attention, but have the NOMAC's eyes always pulsated like that?

Yes. They're also buttons of some kind, but do nothing at this point.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 21, 2015, 07:25:20 AM
The more I think about it, the more I think Brave New World is one of the sources of inspiration for this album. There's a lot of similarities.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brave_New_World
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: chwik on November 21, 2015, 07:49:15 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 21, 2015, 07:25:20 AM
The more I think about it, the more I think Brave New World is one of the sources of inspiration for this album. There's a lot of similarities.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brave_New_World

If that's the case, looking forward to the "randy" nightclub scenes with a dash of "Soma" ;-)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 21, 2015, 09:28:14 AM
Been a while since I read BNW but yeah, the empire looks like a "benign" one where everything is super controlled and Ravenskill's village reminds of the place where the Savages lived. Could really be one of the inspirations for this...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: porcacultor on November 21, 2015, 09:34:54 AM
I must say, rereading the letters sent by Arhys and Nafaryus, I'm actually growing fond of the story! Sure, there's familiar elements, but it sure seems like this will be a rich and creative universe. Yeah, I'm excited!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: JediKnight1969 on November 21, 2015, 09:59:52 AM
My biggest intrigue: WHY 6 EYES ON THE NOMAC? :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 21, 2015, 10:45:59 AM
Six Degrees of Astonishing Turbulence...  :omg: :omg: :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 21, 2015, 12:23:41 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 21, 2015, 10:45:59 AM
Six Degrees of Astonishing Thoughtbulence...  :omg: :omg: :omg:

FTFU :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Cat Of Tuscany on November 21, 2015, 12:38:27 PM
I don't know if this has been said already or not...but I suspect, given the song titles "Dystopian Overture" and "2285 Entr'acte" that this will be set in the future.  Also, it appears that there may be 7 tracks left to name...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 21, 2015, 12:40:17 PM
That the album will be set in the future is confirmed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DragonAttack on November 21, 2015, 01:53:11 PM
Just throwing this out there...

How would you feel if the first three tracks of the next LP were similar to the first three on DT12? 

A more expanded FASuite (similar to Six Degrees) , sets a mood and is the overture of course.  TEInside....the harsh, oppressive 'regime'.  And then TLGlass...the upbeat response from the (I assume) oppressed.

It wouldn't make for a bad start....or would it?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Aythesryche on November 21, 2015, 02:01:56 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 21, 2015, 12:40:17 PM
That the album will be set in the future is confirmed.

Last time I looked up in the sky, I hadn't seen any massive globes with glowing red eyes the size of a small moon using the latest anti gravity techniques hovering about. Don't think we're quite there yet. Pretty easy deduction!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Cat Of Tuscany on November 21, 2015, 02:02:35 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 21, 2015, 12:40:17 PM
That the album will be set in the future is confirmed.
I guess what I meant is that it might be set in the year 2285.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 21, 2015, 02:08:09 PM
Quote from: The Cat Of Tuscany on November 21, 2015, 02:02:35 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 21, 2015, 12:40:17 PM
That the album will be set in the future is confirmed.
I guess what I meant is that it might be set in the year 2285.

Which has also been confirmed. At least part of the album is set there--how long the timeline is is less clear.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 21, 2015, 02:16:09 PM
Quote from: DragonAttack on November 21, 2015, 01:53:11 PM
Just throwing this out there...

How would you feel if the first three tracks of the next LP were similar to the first three on DT12? 

A more expanded FASuite (similar to Six Degrees) , sets a mood and is the overture of course.  TEInside....the harsh, oppressive 'regime'.  And then TLGlass...the upbeat response from the (I assume) oppressed.

It wouldn't make for a bad start....or would it?

I'd be more than satisfied with an interlude like FAS followed by a solid heavier track like TEI, TLG is also great but not as good IMO.
Title: Re: Dream Theater's "The Astonishing" - What We Know So Far
Post by: Nothingface on November 21, 2015, 02:16:27 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on November 18, 2015, 01:42:57 PM
So the NOMACs are spreading the Empire's music and Arhys doesn't like that.

I believe this album is a macrocosm of your typical Dream Theater fan, especially of the special sort you run across on YouTube.

The Empire is spreading the word that their music is the most superior art form in all the land, and restricting other musical acts from performing, while the Rebels are like: "I don't get it."

Then, the Empire sends out these abrasive, intellectually impaired NOMAC things to accost the rebels with diatribe such as "LOOK HOW SUPER TECHNICAL THIS MUSIC IS! IF YOU DONT GET IT, YOU MUST BE IMMATURE OR UNINTELLIGENT!"

Not all of the NOMACS are this aggressive though, no sir. When the Rebels say, "I appreciate the talent involved, but it's not for me", these special NOMACS continually spam the rebels with links that according to them, "you'll surely love this one!"

But within the Empire, there is a man without a face that does not share the Empire's fascist ideologies. To him, their music is one of the greatest of it's kind, but not liking it is in no way a sign of mental deficiency - music is entirely subjective to the listener.

This hero will eventually bring the two warring nations together and teach the two to respect each other's personal preferences, or some gay shit like that.

•bzzz• "I mean, man, its so, like, deep you know? It has like a story and stuff. And they play really fast" •mechanical whirring/robotic sfx•
 



Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: 425 on November 21, 2015, 03:21:36 PM
Quote from: Pax on November 21, 2015, 04:06:23 AM
Quote from: Calvin6s on November 20, 2015, 04:18:10 PM
Quote from: Another_Won on November 20, 2015, 09:12:47 AM
I'm thinking the sound at 18:35 in A Change of Seasons.
I'm almost positive I know what you are talking about without time checking.  Let's see.

Yup.  Right on the money.  That sound was so perfect the first time that your short description is all that is needed.  Even if you never broke down ACOS by time in any manner prior.

that sound in that part is one of the best things DT has ever done

Yes. I absolutely love that part. I'm one of those crazy people who says that ACOS is not exactly a top 10 or top 20 song, but that moment  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 21, 2015, 04:14:20 PM
I need to hear this part.



And yes. I have listened to ACOS twice and each time i've been like :dunno: meh...






EDIT : BWAAHHHHHHHH !!!!!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SystematicThought on November 21, 2015, 04:18:24 PM
I've always thought it sounded like a semi truck driving by. Assuming we are talking about the same part.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 21, 2015, 07:30:06 PM
It sounds like a prison break alarm, a huge and scandalous alarm... Loved the idea, btw
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 22, 2015, 01:05:16 AM
I kind of like the ACOS demo better than the official, other than the acoustic intro and a few melodies here and there.  That sound is meh to me.   Also, that sound is to aggressive for NOMACs, IMO.

I think just the concept of noise machine overlords gives them an excuse to pursue some atmospheric sound effects/tracks that they've never tried before.  I can't help but wonder if Jordan's continuum is involved somehow.  Either way, I'm pretty convinced that parts of this album will be fairly unlike any other DT we've heard before.  Which is good.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 22, 2015, 02:14:22 AM
Well the obvious fact that Derek Sherinian came up with the sound feeds the rumour he might play a guest role on this album....







 ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 22, 2015, 04:27:34 AM
Another fake on Youtube. Someone on twitter linked me and said " it has James on it though ! "

Disabled comments is never a good sign !

But one Siri query later and he tells me it's Red Barchette by James LaBrie & Steve Morse from 1996 !

:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 22, 2015, 04:38:22 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 22, 2015, 04:27:34 AM
Another fake on Youtube. Someone on twitter linked me and said " it has James on it though ! "

Disabled comments is never a good sign !

But one Siri query later and he tells me it's Red Barchette by James LaBrie & Steve Morse from 1996 !

:lol

You mean Red Barchetta, from the Working Man tribute to Rush?


Not judging on that you didn't recognize one of the most famous Rush songs though  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 22, 2015, 05:29:35 AM
I wouldn't recognize any Rush song, although I still wouldn't get fooled by anything up on Youtube.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 22, 2015, 05:38:58 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 22, 2015, 05:29:35 AM
I wouldn't recognize any Rush song, although I still wouldn't get fooled by anything up on Youtube.

That's because Rush doesn't have "snow" in their videos.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 22, 2015, 08:35:35 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 22, 2015, 05:29:35 AM
I wouldn't recognize any Rush song, although I still wouldn't get fooled by anything up on Youtube.

Indeed. I personally cannot stand Rush but that's for a different thread.

But you can tell instantly it's not Dream Theater. None of the instruments sound like who they're supposed to be played by.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 22, 2015, 08:51:16 AM
IF there were to be a leak on youtube, it would be gone within a few hours after people discovered it. Plus any leak at this point in time would be traceable by the record company, so whoever leaks any music will be sued.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TH1RT3EN on November 22, 2015, 09:21:23 AM
Well, let's see… a friend of mine was already a DT fan when they released 6DoIT, but he never told me anything about the album leaking before its official release date. The Train of Thought "leaks" were another band's material, Octavarium's were James' Elements of Persuasion, no leaks from Systematic Chaos either (as far as I remember). The Black Clouds & Silver Linings tracks did leak, but just a few days before the album's release date. They appeared one at a time, but all in the same day. I didn't keep track of the A Dramatic Turn of Events release, so I don't know if there were any leaks from it, but I never heard of anything like that either (maybe James' Static Impulse?). Finally, DT12 only "leaked" when the band put the entire album via streaming on their website. The only thing that fits in that definition was a short piece of Surrender to Reason that JP played on an EB/MM video to describe and demonstrate his JP13 model and the Illuminator pickups, so I don't think any of that counts either.

In other words, except for Black Clouds & Silver Linings, no real leaks have happened since at least 6DoIT, although I'm not sure about ADToE. I might be wrong about one album or another (if I made any mistakes, someone please correct me), but based on that, I'd be extremely skeptical about any YouTube leaks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 22, 2015, 09:32:00 AM
Octavarium was leaked in an unfinished version (the end to the octavarium track finishes differently from the cd version).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TH1RT3EN on November 22, 2015, 09:40:56 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 22, 2015, 09:32:00 AM
Octavarium was leaked in an unfinished version (the end to the octavarium track finishes differently from the cd version).

Damn, I'm so traumatized by the Elements of Persuasion/Octavarium confusion that I always forget about that one :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DreamerTV on November 22, 2015, 10:48:14 AM
AFAIK every album you mentioned leaked before its official release date.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 22, 2015, 10:55:19 AM
There's always a point before an albums release where they'll not be able to hinder a leak. But now it's much closer to the release date than it was 10 years ago, due to watermarked promos etc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: thunderdog10 on November 22, 2015, 10:57:23 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 22, 2015, 08:51:16 AM
IF there were to be a leak on youtube, it would be gone within a few hours after people discovered it. Plus any leak at this point in time would be traceable by the record company, so whoever leaks any music will be sued.

This is why I think people who pre-order the album should get the same advance copy that reviewers, etc get as it can be traced if leaked. It drives me nuts that I pay for a release and have to wait to hear it while reviewers get to hear it 1 to 2 months in advance for free. I understand they are trying to get press for the album but who better to hype the album than the fans.  If they offered fans who pre-ordered the chance to hear it when they pre-order they would sell more of those.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DreamerTV on November 22, 2015, 11:04:38 AM
Quote from: thunderdog10 on November 22, 2015, 10:57:23 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 22, 2015, 08:51:16 AM
IF there were to be a leak on youtube, it would be gone within a few hours after people discovered it. Plus any leak at this point in time would be traceable by the record company, so whoever leaks any music will be sued.

This is why I think people who pre-order the album should get the same advance copy that reviewers, etc get as it can be traced if leaked. It drives me nuts that I pay for a release and have to wait to hear it while reviewers get to hear it 1 to 2 months in advance for free. I understand they are trying to get press for the album but who better to hype the album than the fans.  If they offered fans who pre-ordered the chance to hear it when they pre-order they would sell more of those.

Public opinion could be dangerous, though.

I mean, you can choose which "expert" review publicize more than some others, or you can send it to people you know in advance will have a favorable opinion about it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 22, 2015, 11:06:23 AM
Yeah, except that you pay for that.
It's not something people "can't" get, they just chose not to do it, their problem
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 22, 2015, 11:11:51 AM
The reason for promos 1-2 months in advance is not that the reviewers are privileged, it's because of the nature of magazines and press. It takes time to listen and absorb an album, and write a coherent piece talking about the album as well as printing the magazine etc. So to have a magazine in the shops near the actual release of the album which has a review of the album means you have to give reviewers it a few months in advance. It's always been this way, and it's just a fact. It's the same thing with movies! A lot of people get previews of movies many months before release, even unfinished versions with maybe effects not fully done. Even regular audiences gets screenings, because the studios want to be able to polish the movies before actual release.

I've been lucky enough to be in the recipient list for promos for several DT albums. This time around, they REALLY want people to be surprised at the effort they've made, so I'm not free to discuss stuff the same way I've done before, and for that reason I am mostly on the same level as most of you are.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 22, 2015, 11:13:44 AM
Yeah I always wondered if magazines write reviews of albums after just one listen.

Sometimes it can take years to appreciate an album.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 22, 2015, 11:14:01 AM
Quote
I understand they are trying to get press for the album but who better to hype the album than the fans.

And, well, I don't see why those two should be mutually exclusive. A lot of reviews are done by the people who are more or less fans of the band.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 22, 2015, 11:16:09 AM
And to be fair, I've been your resident "hyper" since Systematic Chaos.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 22, 2015, 11:21:42 AM
Hope we get an update tomorrow. First one in a week if we do.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 22, 2015, 11:27:19 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 22, 2015, 11:21:42 AM
Hope we get an update tomorrow. First one in a week if we do.

Seconded. I really want to see the rest of those track names, and find out exactly how many there are. it's important, damnit!  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 22, 2015, 11:33:59 AM
Of course, being a week without a track update while it was originally done every monday and tuesday could mean that the tracklisting is already complete, but personally I don't think so.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 22, 2015, 11:40:10 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 22, 2015, 11:33:59 AM
Of course, being a week without a track update while it was originally done every monday and tuesday could mean that the tracklisting is already complete, but personally I don't think so.

Yeah I don't think they'd have 2 songs after an interval.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: paulstfu on November 22, 2015, 01:29:32 PM
While we wait for another won update, here are some venezuelan guys doing a brutal tribute to Metropolis WITH ORCHESTRA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwqLoGoeOcg
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Calvin6s on November 22, 2015, 01:46:24 PM
So the double CD release is like the Awake Japanese double CD release.

(https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.M7dfaafd20a10d8bfd771c1d9529c7bfbo0&pid=15.1)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 22, 2015, 01:50:15 PM
Either they haven't finished the reveal yet or there's an interval after most of the album then two more songs. Which I doubt.

Unless those two songs are like 20 mins each.

Especially since one of them is called Moment of Betrayal. . 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: EraVulgaris on November 22, 2015, 02:19:33 PM
Quote from: paulstfu on November 22, 2015, 01:29:32 PM
While we wait for another won update, here are some venezuelan guys doing a brutal tribute to Metropolis WITH ORCHESTRA

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

That sound is grinding my skull.  :blush
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 22, 2015, 03:10:18 PM
I'm not sure if this would count as a leak, but I found this off of this website (https://dreamtheater.com.ve/) (which seems relatively official) and one of the thumbnails look like this:

(https://dreamtheater.com.ve/files/23c6a15aa8.jpg)

It looks like the posters and the facebook / twitter header but it has both a smaller distance between the NOMAC and title and no red 'live'. While I'm not going to jump to conclusions (and won't put this on my info thread), I wouldn't be that surprised if this was what the the album cover looked like (though obviously with an equal height and width). It could also just be someone lifting the NOMAC up in one of the posters (like this: https://www.triffidanddanger.se/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/TADC_DreamTheater_Web.jpg) over the other details.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 22, 2015, 03:33:23 PM
I'm wondering if there will be a more obvious inclusion of the Majesty symbol. I can see how the NOMAC looks a bit like it from behind, but from the front it looks nothing like it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 22, 2015, 04:33:55 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 22, 2015, 03:33:23 PM
I'm wondering if there will be a more obvious inclusion of the Majesty symbol. I can see how the NOMAC looks a bit like it from behind, but from the front it looks nothing like it.

I've always thought that the connections between the NOMACS and the Majesty logo were pretty clear even when from the front (when viewed as a whole), but I think the NOMAC on the posters is probably a bit too close-up to get the similarities. The floating one on the official website makes it much easier to tell.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: chudm on November 22, 2015, 06:41:32 PM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on November 22, 2015, 02:19:33 PM
Quote from: paulstfu on November 22, 2015, 01:29:32 PM
While we wait for another won update, here are some venezuelan guys doing a brutal tribute to Metropolis WITH ORCHESTRA

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

That sound is grinding my skull.  :blush

Ill be posting tonight the rudess-Glem jam with sbd audio :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: |KirK| on November 23, 2015, 02:43:32 AM
I really hope they're gonna give us something concrete soon.. I don't care so much about the characters, the map or whatever...Ok, maybe it's too early for the single, but I'd love to hear something from one of them about the album!! My only hope is that this silence one day will become a "behind-the-scenes"!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nest777 on November 23, 2015, 04:05:08 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 22, 2015, 03:10:18 PM
I'm not sure if this would count as a leak, but I found this off of this website (https://dreamtheater.com.ve/) (which seems relatively official) and one of the thumbnails look like this:

(https://dreamtheater.com.ve/files/23c6a15aa8.jpg)

It looks like the posters and the facebook / twitter header but it has both a smaller distance between the NOMAC and title and no red 'live'. While I'm not going to jump to conclusions (and won't put this on my info thread), I wouldn't be that surprised if this was what the the album cover looked like (though obviously with an equal height and width). It could also just be someone lifting the NOMAC up in one of the posters (like this: https://www.triffidanddanger.se/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/TADC_DreamTheater_Web.jpg) over the other details.

That image is photoshopped. Look at these:

(https://i.imgur.com/8VbH4ey.jpg)

EDIT: looking at it closely, I think that could be the NOMAC in the dreamtheater.net/theastonishing web, though. Oh well.

The background, the NOMAC, the logos... it was al taken from the official DT web ( https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishingtour , it shows a "Not Authorized" message now) I myself did a version of that one (more polished if you ask me  :P ) and it's the one I use as profile picture for my fan-page:

(https://i.imgur.com/3xkGZjE.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: AboutToCrash on November 23, 2015, 06:39:00 AM
I like that as an album cover. Still think it'll be a bit more detailed than that by such a good artist
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 23, 2015, 07:19:25 AM
Quote from: Nest777 on November 23, 2015, 04:05:08 AM
That image is photoshopped. Look at these:

*snip*

EDIT: looking at it closely, I think that could be the NOMAC in the dreamtheater.net/theastonishing web, though. Oh well.

The background, the NOMAC, the logos... it was al taken from the official DT web ( https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishingtour , it shows a "Not Authorized" message now) I myself did a version of that one (more polished if you ask me  :P ) and it's the one I use as profile picture for my fan-page:

*snip*

Yeah, I didn't think it was likely to be the official album cover. It wouldn't be terrible if it was though, but I agree with this:
Quote from: AboutToCrash on November 23, 2015, 06:39:00 AM
Still think it'll be a bit more detailed than that by such a good artist
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 08:57:00 AM
I'd be ok with that. It reminds me of Octavarium with the colours.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 23, 2015, 09:19:23 AM
The Astonishing Astonishing speculation thread!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 09:21:29 AM
WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR !!!!!!!!!

THIS ALBUM IS COMING :soon:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 23, 2015, 09:41:41 AM
(https://imageshack.com/a/img905/9822/RMZ9bS.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 23, 2015, 09:50:11 AM
What am I looking at?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zydar on November 23, 2015, 09:50:42 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 23, 2015, 09:50:11 AM
What am I looking at?

Your computer screen.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 23, 2015, 09:51:11 AM
Quote from: Zydar on November 23, 2015, 09:50:42 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 23, 2015, 09:50:11 AM
What am I looking at?

Your computer screen.

I thought it was a window. ??? You mean this isn't real life?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: JediKnight1969 on November 23, 2015, 09:56:20 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 23, 2015, 09:51:11 AM
Quote from: Zydar on November 23, 2015, 09:50:42 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 23, 2015, 09:50:11 AM
What am I looking at?

Your computer screen.

I thought it was a window. ??? You mean this isn't real life?

What do the voices in you head tell you?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 23, 2015, 09:56:47 AM
:soon:, it probably belonged in the Nuggetz Corner though, that's my bad.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikemangioy on November 23, 2015, 10:10:55 AM
The map has a new section.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 23, 2015, 10:16:04 AM
Well, among new character reveal, new map section, new tracks and some track-lengths, the new map section is the thing I wasn't excited about at all. But hey, that's something.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikemangioy on November 23, 2015, 10:18:39 AM
Quote from: Evermind on November 23, 2015, 10:16:04 AM
Well, among new character reveal, new map section, new tracks and some track-lengths, the new map section is the thing I wasn't excited about at all. But hey, that's something.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikemangioy on November 23, 2015, 10:20:58 AM
OH GOD NEW TRACKS AND ARHYS


ACT II

    1. 2285 Entr'acte
    2. Moment of Betrayal
    3. Heaven's Cove
    4. Begin Again
    5. The Path That Divides
    6. Machine Chatter
    7. The Walking Shadow
    8. My Last Farewell
    9. Losing Faythe
    10. Whispers on the Wind
    11. Hymn of a Thousand Voices
    12. Our New World
    13. Power Down
    14. Astonishing

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 10:29:12 AM
Well that has to be it doesn't it ?

And i've already seen Arhys due to some jiggery pokery in the old thread. :ninja:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 23, 2015, 10:33:44 AM
Quote from: mikemangioy on November 23, 2015, 10:20:58 AM
    14. Astonishing

oh god
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 10:34:04 AM
Quote
10. Whispers on the Wind

Quote from: Kotowboy
3. As The Wind Blows

Quote
5. The Path That Divides

Quote from: Kotowboy
12. Crossed Paths &  iv. The Path Less Travelled


 :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 23, 2015, 10:34:40 AM
Quote from: mikemangioy on November 23, 2015, 10:20:58 AM
9. Losing Faythe

Spoiler?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 23, 2015, 10:35:14 AM
11. Hymn of a Thousand Voices

I predict this song will be fucking awesome
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 10:35:15 AM
:emo: Goodbye Faythe.


We knew fuck all about you.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Sacul on November 23, 2015, 10:35:32 AM
20 & 14 TRACKS THE FUCK IS GOING ON DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 23, 2015, 10:38:23 AM
Quote from: Evermind on November 23, 2015, 10:16:04 AM
...some track-lengths...

Wait, am I missing something?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 23, 2015, 10:38:59 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 23, 2015, 10:38:23 AM
Quote from: Evermind on November 23, 2015, 10:16:04 AM
...some track-lengths...

Wait, am I missing something?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikemangioy on November 23, 2015, 10:39:27 AM
I predict that the title-track will last like six songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 10:40:15 AM
Quote from: Lucien on November 23, 2015, 10:38:59 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 23, 2015, 10:38:23 AM
Quote from: Evermind on November 23, 2015, 10:16:04 AM
...some track-lengths...

Wait, am I missing something?

Maybe he meant titles but typed lengths.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ErHaO on November 23, 2015, 10:40:45 AM
I've got to say I like the song titles so far. Wonder when we actually get to hear something  ;D (teaser?).

Quote from: Lucien on November 23, 2015, 10:35:14 AM
11. Hymn of a Thousand Voices

I predict this song will be fucking awesome

It sure sounds epic. I wonder if they stay true to that name and go all bombastic on us with choirs and/or overdubs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 23, 2015, 10:41:14 AM
Wow, now we're talking!

Arhys looks a bit... clueless? I dunno, but from two revealed character photos alone, I'm inclined to root for Nafaryus.

I like the Act II track titles a lot more than Act I. Except for Losing Faythe, that is.

Quote from: BlackInk on November 23, 2015, 10:34:40 AM
Quote from: mikemangioy on November 23, 2015, 10:20:58 AM
9. Losing Faythe

Spoiler?

My first thought when I saw this, so maybe it's not that obvious and something else happens.

Quote from: Lucien on November 23, 2015, 10:38:59 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 23, 2015, 10:38:23 AM
Quote from: Evermind on November 23, 2015, 10:16:04 AM
...some track-lengths...

Wait, am I missing something?

No, no. I've been hoping that maybe they'll start revealing some track-lengths.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikemangioy on November 23, 2015, 10:42:51 AM
"The path that divides"
 :justjen
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 23, 2015, 10:43:46 AM
Damn, that's got to be a wrap for the tracklisting with 11 new titles. I don't think anyone initially expected 34 tracks. Didn't expect a title track either, especially because we haven't had one since Octavarium and concept albums don't tend to have them as far as I know.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 23, 2015, 10:44:28 AM
Ah, okay.

Also, it looks more and more that those NOMAC symbols indicate short transitions between tracks. "Machine Chatter" doesn't seem like a good song title.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 23, 2015, 10:44:58 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 23, 2015, 10:43:46 AM
Damn, that's got to be a wrap for the tracklisting with 11 new titles. I don't think anyone initially expected 34 tracks. Didn't expect a title track either, especially because we haven't had one since Octavarium and concept albums don't tend to have them as far as I know.

Well technically it's not a title track since it's missing "the". :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: thosava on November 23, 2015, 10:45:23 AM
Prediction of the story:

Losing Faythe - The darkest point in the story, the people loosing both Faythe and faith

Whispers on the Wind - A few whispers of the "music to save the world"

Hymn of a Thousand Voices - The whispers have spread to "a thousand voices"

Our New World - The beginning of a construction of the new world without the empire

Power Down - The sound of the nomacs shutting down

Astonishing - ending/epilogue
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BelichickFan on November 23, 2015, 10:46:01 AM
I'm expecting a 2112 storyline meets The Wall stylistically with lots of short pieces.  Not very original on my part, it's kind of obvious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 10:46:08 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 23, 2015, 10:44:28 AM
Ah, okay.

Also, it looks more and more that those NOMAC symbols indicate short transitions between tracks. "Machine Chatter" doesn't seem like a good song title.

Nor does Power Down.

That and then Astonishing has a definite sense of finality to it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: aurorablind on November 23, 2015, 10:50:27 AM
I predict these tracks will be the "major" tracks on the album (just by looking at the titles):

- The Gift of Music
- When Your Time Has Come
- Brother, Can You Hear Me?
- The Road to Revolution
- Heaven's Cove
- Hymn of a Thousand Voices
- Astonishing

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 10:52:19 AM
5 :nomac: Tracks.

13th album.

NUGGETZ
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 23, 2015, 10:57:16 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 10:52:19 AM
5 :nomac: Tracks.

13th album.

NUGGETZ

Bet you they are 13 seconds long (short).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erwinrafael on November 23, 2015, 11:08:12 AM
9th song of ACT I is Act of Faythe

9th song of ACT II is Losing Faythe
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on November 23, 2015, 11:12:26 AM
Astonishing without The? Interesting I say.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erwinrafael on November 23, 2015, 11:14:00 AM
I think the track list is not yet complete.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 23, 2015, 11:14:31 AM
So I think it's safe to say now that there's not going to be more songs huh?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikeyd23 on November 23, 2015, 11:15:06 AM
Lots of cool track names in this batch!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 11:18:06 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on November 23, 2015, 11:14:00 AM
I think the track list is not yet complete.

13. Power Down :nomac:
14. Astonishing



I think that's it. Unless Astonishing has sub-tracks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaasMah on November 23, 2015, 11:19:25 AM
The Astonishing was fine and kinda cool. Just "Astonishing" doenst work for me a song title. Its just... doesnt flow.


All in all cool titles, Im highly hyped for this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 11:24:40 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on November 23, 2015, 11:19:25 AM
The Astonishing was fine and kinda cool. Just "Astonishing" doenst work for me a song title. Its just... doesnt flow.


All in all cool titles, Im highly hyped for this album.

I still think it works.

it's like " Rapture " or " Subjugation " ..

Prepare for Astonishing !!


I think Astonishing will either be a long finale type song a la Finally Free or a really short wrap-up type song a la Easter Egg.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaasMah on November 23, 2015, 11:32:03 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 11:24:40 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on November 23, 2015, 11:19:25 AM
The Astonishing was fine and kinda cool. Just "Astonishing" doenst work for me a song title. Its just... doesnt flow.


All in all cool titles, Im highly hyped for this album.

I still think it works.

it's like " Rapture " or " Subjugation " ..

Prepare for Astonishing !!


I think Astonishing will either be a long finale type song a la Finally Free or a really short wrap-up type song a la Easter Egg.

I hope for a 20 min, bombastic, over the top epic that is climatic like hell, like ITNOG, COS, or Octavarium
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 23, 2015, 11:36:30 AM
Aaaaaaaaaaaand the hype train has arrived.

I  believe the title track will account for the lesser number of songs on act II.

Then again, I wouldn't be surprised at all if the tracklist is not done, but since they updated the map and the characters, I believe they're done with that and they'll move on with the rest of the page.

34 songs on a DT album!!!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 23, 2015, 11:40:04 AM
Our New World makes me wonder if the factions will reunite through music, destroying the NOMACs (Power Down) and Astonishing is a song celebrating the power of music to bring about peace.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 11:42:04 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 23, 2015, 11:36:30 AM

34 tracks on a DT album!!!!!!


FTFY. If there were 34 songs - each song would have to be 2minutes 20 seconds each.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Voices on November 23, 2015, 11:43:21 AM
Really, really hyped!
I think the tracklist is complete by now. Next updates might envolve the map, the characters and the videos. I'm really looking forward to hear a few bits of this album  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 11:45:27 AM
Quote from: Voices on November 23, 2015, 11:43:21 AM
Really, really hyped!
I think the tracklist is complete by now. Next updates might envolve the map, the characters and the videos. I'm really looking forward to hear a few bits of this album  :metal

 :hefdaddy Please Jesus - let the two videos be 30 minutes each and be the making of The Astonishing part 1 & 2 Studio Vids.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 23, 2015, 11:46:44 AM
I think the videos will be messages from each group, the Empire and the Militia.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SystematicThought on November 23, 2015, 11:47:41 AM
The new map piece looks interesting. I could only make out New Pavonya
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 11:47:45 AM
I'll be a bit disappointed if there's no DVD with this album. Surely this album is crying out for one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 23, 2015, 11:50:15 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 11:45:27 AM
:hefdaddy Please Jesus - let the two videos be 30 minutes each and be the making of The Astonishing part 1 & 2 Studio Vids.

Yes, please. These are so great. The SC one has helped me through some boring times.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 23, 2015, 11:50:56 AM
Quote from: SystematicThought on November 23, 2015, 11:47:41 AM
The new map piece looks interesting. I could only make out New Pavonya
I'll add Victory Isleland and Endless Isleland to that, is Isleland some ancient/futuristic way of spelling island?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 23, 2015, 11:51:24 AM
If Astonishing is a +20 min song, mark my fucking words: it's going to be as great song as Octavarium/ACOS
By the way, remember venue promoters said concert will last 2h40min? Now I guess whole album will last that long, 80 min both disks. I also guess they will incorporate something great in the concerts (live choir/orchestra) since the tickets are very expensive...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Voices on November 23, 2015, 11:53:06 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 11:47:45 AM
I'll be a bit disappointed if there's no DVD with this album. Surely this album is crying out for one.
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 11:45:27 AM
Quote from: Voices on November 23, 2015, 11:43:21 AM
Really, really hyped!
I think the tracklist is complete by now. Next updates might envolve the map, the characters and the videos. I'm really looking forward to hear a few bits of this album  :metal

 :hefdaddy Please Jesus - let the two videos be 30 minutes each and be the making of The Astonishing part 1 & 2 Studio Vids.

THIS! There's been so long since we don't have a decent making of. And considering the concept they have created, it would be cool to know how they developed the ideas behind this album. But lets wait and see...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: V_R11 on November 23, 2015, 11:53:53 AM
1. I knew this album would have a title track! (Yeah, "The" is missing but I consider it a title track)
2. I'm 99.9% sure the track list is now complete (34 songs!!!!)
3. Finally updates in other sections too!
4. Since half of DTF already knew what Arhys looks like,I'm looking forward to more characters. This Faythe girl sounds interesting. Even if she'll be likely to die
5. All of this sounds really epic and I'm extremely hyped  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on November 23, 2015, 11:54:53 AM
I AM EXCITE
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 23, 2015, 12:01:30 PM
Well. DT has done their balls to the walls metal album. They've done the prog album. But the album they've never done is the power ballad album. I think we're there now. Power Ballad Musical.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 23, 2015, 12:07:09 PM
Quote from: Pax on November 23, 2015, 11:51:24 AM
If Astonishing is a +20 min song, mark my fucking words: it's going to be as great song as Octavarium/ACOS
By the way, remember venue promoters said concert will last 2h40min? Now I guess whole album will last that long, 80 min both disks. I also guess they will incorporate something great in the concerts (live choir/orchestra) since the tickets are very expensive...

It was "2h40min with 15 minute pause" - the usual length of an Evening With show.

I still think act I and II will be set 1 and 2 of the show, but what remains will be a somehow long encore.

I remember back in the SFAM tour they didn't stop after SFAM, they played the whole album, then some songs, and then the encore. Given the very theatrical and story-driven way the new album is shaping up it may be anticlimatic to end the whole thing and then play a random song or two before closing the set and then come back for the encore, but we'll see.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 23, 2015, 12:17:32 PM
Our new world keeps spinning me around
And this is all that can be
Our new world is ahead of me now
This is all that I've found

...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: arkdtmp on November 23, 2015, 12:17:53 PM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 23, 2015, 11:50:15 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 11:45:27 AM
:hefdaddy Please Jesus - let the two videos be 30 minutes each and be the making of The Astonishing part 1 & 2 Studio Vids.

Yes, please. These are so great. The SC one has helped me through some boring times.

I second your seconded motion! There hasn't been any real behind-the-scenes/making of videos since MP left,I hope they let Jordan go wild with his video camera on this one..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 23, 2015, 12:18:45 PM
I also think that this is the complete tracklist. Like kotow said, to have it end with "Power Down" and then a title track makes the most sense.

And I agree with someone who said they liked the Act II titles more than I. There's good on both, but II had the cooler ones I'd say.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Ben_Jamin on November 23, 2015, 12:22:54 PM
Im even more excited now. We are getting more closer now, only two months. Itd be awesome to have a song next week. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Letter M on November 23, 2015, 12:23:42 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 11:42:04 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 23, 2015, 11:36:30 AM

34 tracks on a DT album!!!!!!


FTFY. If there were 34 songs - each song would have to be 2minutes 20 seconds each.

??? How do you figure? Is there anywhere that says "Albums MUST BE THIS LENGTH" that you can calculate how long songs would be given the number of them? Like Album = Songs X Length?!

An album is as long or short as an album needs to be, whether it takes two vinyls, one cassette, or three CDs, an album is an album is an album. They're all albums, no matter the length. SDOIT is one album, LAB is one album, doesn't matter what the physical medium is, or how many of them there are.

As for tracks versus songs, we can't be too sure yet, until we hear the music or if the tracklist is expanded upon.

The title track could have subsections, or the given track titles could be lumped together to form movements of larger songs or suites, kind of how "Through My Words" and "Fatal Tragedy" form "Scene Three".

As of now, we can only assume that the album will have 34 tracks, looking at what we've been given. It's safe to bet that the album will be two CDs, each disc containing one Act each, with each Act quite possibly as long as a CD holds (78 or so minute of music).

-Marc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mebert78 on November 23, 2015, 12:27:22 PM
Arhys seems to have some facial similarities to Emperor Nafaryus.  I predict it's his son.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: thosava on November 23, 2015, 12:33:40 PM
Quote from: Mebert78 on November 23, 2015, 12:27:22 PM
Arhys seems to have some facial similarities to Emperor Nafaryus.  I predict it's his son.

They are actually very similar!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: GandL on November 23, 2015, 12:38:15 PM
''Great People, I am Arhys, Son of Marhys, one of the three remaining, heirs........
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 12:46:47 PM
Quote from: The Letter M on November 23, 2015, 12:23:42 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 11:42:04 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 23, 2015, 11:36:30 AM

34 tracks on a DT album!!!!!!


FTFY. If there were 34 songs - each song would have to be 2minutes 20 seconds each.

??? How do you figure? Is there anywhere that says "Albums MUST BE THIS LENGTH"


I'm just guessing that the CDs will both be full. If each CD is 60 mins then that's still only 3.5 mins per song.

Dream Theater albums are usually around 75 mins and CDs can hold up to 80 mins.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 12:47:23 PM
Quote from: GandL on November 23, 2015, 12:38:15 PM
''Great People, I am Arhys, Son of Marhys, one of the three remaining, heirs........

I am Jordan Rudess's head. One of three remaining hairs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zook on November 23, 2015, 12:52:04 PM
Haven't we already seen Arhys?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 23, 2015, 12:54:54 PM
Quote from: Zook on November 23, 2015, 12:52:04 PM
Haven't we already seen Arhys?

not legally
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zook on November 23, 2015, 12:56:19 PM
Quote from: Lucien on November 23, 2015, 12:54:54 PM
Quote from: Zook on November 23, 2015, 12:52:04 PM
Haven't we already seen Arhys?

not legally

I see. I was not aware. How was the picture found?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: 7enderbender on November 23, 2015, 12:59:17 PM
I'm pretty sure nobody cares but I just saw the information about the new album and I feel like I have to vent. I've been a DT fan since the very early days when they toured small clubs (or not at all at times). Some albums are part of my favorite music, others are alright. Very few I don't like at all - I didn't like the last one and I never understood the hype around Scenes from a Memory. A few good songs, awful concept based on one of the most ridiculous movies ever. Can't listen to that album. Without going further down that rabbit hole - I think the new album will top everything else in that vein as far as ridiculousness goes (and I'll include KISS The Elder in that...). I can't stand all the hobbit, Tolkien, dwarf & sword stuff. I can't stand video games. This has Game of Thrones cr*p written all over it already - I don't even want to hear the music and lyrics. And I also suspect that Jordan Rudess went in to program a bunch of fake symphony orchestras again like on Six Degrees and the last album that completely ruin it for me. I liked DT better before he joined. He's a great player but I don't think much of his sounds.

Sorry, just had to get this out of my system since it's always sad to kind of lose a favorite band.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 23, 2015, 01:01:19 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on November 23, 2015, 12:59:17 PM
This has Game of Thrones cr*p written all over it already - I don't even want to hear the music and lyrics.

Then don't, and never ever find out if you may like the album after all.

 :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 23, 2015, 01:02:56 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on November 23, 2015, 12:59:17 PM
I'm pretty sure nobody cares but I just saw the information about the new album and I feel like I have to vent. I've been a DT fan since the very early days when they toured small clubs (or not at all at times). Some albums are part of my favorite music, others are alright. Very few I don't like at all - I didn't like the last one and I never understood the hype around Scenes from a Memory. A few good songs, awful concept based on one of the most ridiculous movies ever. Can't listen to that album. Without going further down that rabbit hole - I think the new album will top everything else in that vein as far as ridiculousness goes (and I'll include KISS The Elder in that...). I can't stand all the hobbit, Tolkien, dwarf & sword stuff. I can't stand video games. This has Game of Thrones cr*p written all over it already - I don't even want to hear the music and lyrics. And I also suspect that Jordan Rudess went in to program a bunch of fake symphony orchestras again like on Six Degrees and the last album that completely ruin it for me. I liked DT better before he joined. He's a great player but I don't think much of his sounds.

Sorry, just had to get this out of my system since it's always sad to kind of lose a favorite band.

Mike?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 23, 2015, 01:03:17 PM
OK then. Thanks for stopping by.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: 7enderbender on November 23, 2015, 01:03:30 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 23, 2015, 01:01:19 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on November 23, 2015, 12:59:17 PM
This has Game of Thrones cr*p written all over it already - I don't even want to hear the music and lyrics.

Then don't, and never ever find out if you may like the album after all.

 :P

Of course I will find out ;-) But it does actually happen that I stop buying albums from artists I love when they move into a direction that doesn't register with me. Just like the recent David Gilmour solo album. One listen on youtube and I knew it was worse than the last one. He remains my favorite guitar player but not with that stuff.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 23, 2015, 01:04:04 PM
Why would they program fake orchestra when they have their resident orchestral dude in Eren???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jakepriest on November 23, 2015, 01:05:54 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on November 23, 2015, 12:59:17 PM
I never understood the hype around Scenes from a Memory. A few good songs, awful concept based on one of the most ridiculous movies ever. Can't listen to that album. Without going further down that rabbit hole - I think the new album will top everything else in that vein as far as ridiculousness goes (and I'll include KISS The Elder in that...). I can't stand all the hobbit, Tolkien, dwarf & sword stuff. I can't stand video games. This has Game of Thrones cr*p written all over it already - I don't even want to hear the music and lyrics. And I also suspect that Jordan Rudess went in to program a bunch of fake symphony orchestras again like on Six Degrees and the last album that completely ruin it for me. I liked DT better before he joined. He's a great player but I don't think much of his sounds.

Not even gonna comment on how close-minded I find this entire paragraph.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: 7enderbender on November 23, 2015, 01:09:05 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on November 23, 2015, 01:02:56 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on November 23, 2015, 12:59:17 PM
I'm pretty sure nobody cares but I just saw the information about the new album and I feel like I have to vent. I've been a DT fan since the very early days when they toured small clubs (or not at all at times). Some albums are part of my favorite music, others are alright. Very few I don't like at all - I didn't like the last one and I never understood the hype around Scenes from a Memory. A few good songs, awful concept based on one of the most ridiculous movies ever. Can't listen to that album. Without going further down that rabbit hole - I think the new album will top everything else in that vein as far as ridiculousness goes (and I'll include KISS The Elder in that...). I can't stand all the hobbit, Tolkien, dwarf & sword stuff. I can't stand video games. This has Game of Thrones cr*p written all over it already - I don't even want to hear the music and lyrics. And I also suspect that Jordan Rudess went in to program a bunch of fake symphony orchestras again like on Six Degrees and the last album that completely ruin it for me. I liked DT better before he joined. He's a great player but I don't think much of his sounds.

Sorry, just had to get this out of my system since it's always sad to kind of lose a favorite band.

Mike?

Nope. though I wonder what he thinks about all this. I like him in the Winery Dogs. I like Mangini too though. That was never an issue for me. I very much like Dramatic Turn of Events actually.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 23, 2015, 01:09:36 PM
Arhys is one handsome dude.

So I guess Faythe may be the chosen one and her death will somehow bring everyone together... or something like that.

And now that the tracklist is most likely finally all revealed, I'm really looking forward to all the other stuff they have in store for us!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 01:13:35 PM
Quote from: Zook on November 23, 2015, 12:56:19 PM
Quote from: Lucien on November 23, 2015, 12:54:54 PM
Quote from: Zook on November 23, 2015, 12:52:04 PM
Haven't we already seen Arhys?

not legally

I see. I was not aware. How was the picture found?

Someone guessed the filename.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 23, 2015, 01:15:10 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 01:13:35 PM
Quote from: Zook on November 23, 2015, 12:56:19 PM
I see. I was not aware. How was the picture found?
Someone guessed the filename.

I remember on the Iron Maiden website when the greatest hits Edward the Great was coming out, they posted the top half of the cover, something like blablablaurl/tophalf.jpg. Someone looked up for the picture named topbottom.jpg and it was a white image with "Sorry, we're not THAT dumb" written over it  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 23, 2015, 01:16:14 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 23, 2015, 01:15:10 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 01:13:35 PM
Quote from: Zook on November 23, 2015, 12:56:19 PM
I see. I was not aware. How was the picture found?
Someone guessed the filename.

I remember on the Iron Maiden website when the greatest hits Edward the Great was coming out, they posted the top half of the cover, something like blablablaurl/tophalf.jpg. Someone looked up for the picture named topbottom.jpg and it was a white image with "Sorry, we're not THAT dumb" written over it  ;D

 :lol

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 01:17:36 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on November 23, 2015, 01:05:54 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on November 23, 2015, 12:59:17 PM
I never understood the hype around Scenes from a Memory. A few good songs, awful concept based on one of the most ridiculous movies ever. Can't listen to that album. Without going further down that rabbit hole - I think the new album will top everything else in that vein as far as ridiculousness goes (and I'll include KISS The Elder in that...). I can't stand all the hobbit, Tolkien, dwarf & sword stuff. I can't stand video games. This has Game of Thrones cr*p written all over it already - I don't even want to hear the music and lyrics. And I also suspect that Jordan Rudess went in to program a bunch of fake symphony orchestras again like on Six Degrees and the last album that completely ruin it for me. I liked DT better before he joined. He's a great player but I don't think much of his sounds.

Not even gonna comment on how close-minded I find this entire paragraph.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 23, 2015, 01:33:17 PM
Thank you for your contribution Mr. EnderBender, I will definitely take your story about goblins and dwarfs into account when giving this album my first spin!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 23, 2015, 01:36:27 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 23, 2015, 12:01:30 PM
Well. DT has done their balls to the walls metal album. They've done the prog album. But the album they've never done is the power ballad album. I think we're there now. Power Ballad Musical.

That's because they do Metal, and Prog.. They're a prog metal band.. And if they've never done a power ballad album, is because... wait a second... they're not a power ballad band..

Of course that that would be cool I guess, and they would shine with something like that but I don't see that happening at all.. Besides: it's not confirmed that it would be a (prog) ROCK (metal too I hope) OPERA?..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 23, 2015, 01:37:45 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 23, 2015, 01:36:27 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 23, 2015, 12:01:30 PM
Well. DT has done their balls to the walls metal album. They've done the prog album. But the album they've never done is the power ballad album. I think we're there now. Power Ballad Musical.

That's because they do Metal, and Prog.. They're a prog metal band.. And if they've never done a power ballad album, is because... wait a second... they're not a power ballad band..

Of course that that would be cool I guess, and they would shine with something like that but I don't see that happening at all.. Besides: it's not confirmed that it would be a (prog) ROCK (metal too I hope) OPERA?..
I can't work out if you're playing along or thought noxon was serious...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 23, 2015, 01:38:39 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 23, 2015, 01:09:36 PM
So I guess Faythe may be the chosen one and her death will somehow bring everyone together... or something like that.

Arhys said in the first e-mail that the chosen one was his "brother".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 23, 2015, 01:42:55 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 23, 2015, 01:38:39 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 23, 2015, 01:09:36 PM
So I guess Faythe may be the chosen one and her death will somehow bring everyone together... or something like that.

Arhys said in the first e-mail that the chosen one was his "brother".

A bearded gentleman? Historian?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 23, 2015, 01:54:54 PM
Quote from: ariich on November 23, 2015, 01:37:45 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 23, 2015, 01:36:27 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 23, 2015, 12:01:30 PM
Well. DT has done their balls to the walls metal album. They've done the prog album. But the album they've never done is the power ballad album. I think we're there now. Power Ballad Musical.

That's because they do Metal, and Prog.. They're a prog metal band.. And if they've never done a power ballad album, is because... wait a second... they're not a power ballad band..

Of course that that would be cool I guess, and they would shine with something like that but I don't see that happening at all.. Besides: it's not confirmed that it would be a (prog) ROCK (metal too I hope) OPERA?..
I can't work out if you're playing along or thought noxon was serious...

I think he was.. But now that you mention it, yeah, maybe he wasn't..

I had almost the same discussion the other day with this DT fan, friend of mine.. He was saying that they will do (and should do according to him) something different, considering the aspect of all these strange news we're are getting for the last couple of weeks.. And he actually said they'll probably add some progressive power metal onto this album.. Maybe that's why I answered almost mechanically and without even thinking it might have been a joke.. I'm still not sure though..

So no, I definitely wasn't "playing along".. :lol

Quote from: BlackInk on November 23, 2015, 01:38:39 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 23, 2015, 01:09:36 PM
So I guess Faythe may be the chosen one and her death will somehow bring everyone together... or something like that.

Arhys said in the first e-mail that the chosen one was his "brother".

Exactly.. "Brother, Can You Hear Me?" should be from her point of view I suppose..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 23, 2015, 02:03:45 PM
For those asking about the track listing, yes, we now have the complete track list.  But there is still lots of other information planned for release, so stay tuned...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 23, 2015, 02:04:54 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 23, 2015, 02:03:45 PM
For those asking about the track listing, yes, we now have the complete track list.  But there is still lots of other information planned for release, so stay tuned...

Nice, I'm eager to see what's around the corner.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 23, 2015, 02:07:24 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 23, 2015, 02:03:45 PM
For those asking about the track listing, yes, we now have the complete track list. 

:tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ThatOneGuy2112 on November 23, 2015, 02:08:31 PM
Cool. I'm most eager for the track lengths and album art next. With the amount of tracks we have now, assuming each act is a separate CD, then none of the tracks here will be too terribly long, an astonishing change of pace for DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 23, 2015, 02:08:38 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 23, 2015, 02:04:54 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 23, 2015, 02:03:45 PM
For those asking about the track listing, yes, we now have the complete track list.  But there is still lots of other information planned for release, so stay tuned...

Nice, I'm eager to see what's around the corner.

I can't tell you in terms of the substance (well, I could tell you, but then I'd be in a lot of trouble, so I won't).  But in terms of timing, you can expect pretty much the same schedule:  more info every few days for the next little while. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 23, 2015, 02:17:11 PM
Quote from: ThatOneGuy2112 on November 23, 2015, 02:08:31 PM
Cool. I'm most eager for the track lengths and album art next.

Agreed. Aside from hearing the actual album, these are the things I'm most interested in at the moment now that the tracklist is complete. I'd include the release date but we sort of already know that, just not the exact day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 23, 2015, 02:17:22 PM
Quote from: GandL on November 23, 2015, 12:38:15 PM
''Great People, I am Arhys, Son of Marhys, one of the three remaining, heirs........

You don't know who is "Marhys" so it can be Nafaryus, maybe before he become Emperor.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 23, 2015, 02:20:01 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 23, 2015, 02:08:38 PM
I can't tell you in terms of the substance (well, I could tell you, but then I'd be in a lot of trouble, so I won't).  But in terms of timing, you can expect pretty much the same schedule:  more info every few days for the next little while.

Sounds good. Nice to know that we're still on course to get info every week.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mebert78 on November 23, 2015, 02:20:38 PM
Hmm, I just googled "Arhys" because it  seems like an odd name and I wanted to see if there is a meaning of some sort.  The top result was from Urban Dictionary: "Very beautiful girl has a big ass and loves to play on the bed but is very gentle and loving she is very loyal she will say that she does not like you but she will end up liking you because she will notice how great you are and than she will realize that she's loved you sense day one."

This is definitely a new side of DT!  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 23, 2015, 02:22:05 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 23, 2015, 01:09:36 PM
Arhys is one handsome dude.

So I guess Faythe may be the chosen one and her death will somehow bring everyone together... or something like that.

And now that the tracklist is most likely finally all revealed, I'm really looking forward to all the other stuff they have in store for us!

I won't be glad if Faythe is the chosen one. "They have to maintain the faith on Faythe , he's gonna save the world", mmm god please no!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 23, 2015, 02:27:19 PM
The reason for the power ballad joke is actually an old description I picked up somewhere, I think in an interview - that described DT-fandom  as three-pronged: progfans, metalfans, and the girlfriends that likes the power ballads. As a matter of fact, -my- first purchase of a Dream Theater song was a compilation album called "Even More Power Ballads". And to be fair, they've always done ballady stuff. So why not a full album of it? :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 23, 2015, 02:29:19 PM
Also, I can't remember track lengths EVER having been released by the band. For the last 4 albums -I- have been the one to release track times.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikemangioy on November 23, 2015, 02:30:10 PM
Certain titles are fairly similar between each other.
Like 'A new beginning' and 'Begin again'
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 23, 2015, 02:34:23 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 23, 2015, 02:03:45 PM
For those asking about the track listing, yes, we now have the complete track list.   

Thanks Bosk for the facts! :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 23, 2015, 02:55:23 PM
I feel like we're about to enter a bosk vs noxon battle for who can generate the most hype with hints at their insider knowledge. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 23, 2015, 03:00:15 PM
Quote from: ariich on November 23, 2015, 02:55:23 PM
I feel like we're about to enter a bosk vs noxon battle for who can generate the most hype with hints at their insider knowledge. :lol
Nice, either way, us (the fanbase) wins.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 23, 2015, 03:02:03 PM
i know nothing (said as Emanuel from fawlty towers)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 23, 2015, 03:02:24 PM
Wow, a triple (double if you count Craphys) update, really nice! I like all of the track titles, except anything with Faythe, which looks bad imo. My OCD (not really) is going nuts because I wanted the map to be filled by connecting something with the already existing part.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 23, 2015, 03:04:35 PM
Quote from: ariich on November 23, 2015, 02:55:23 PM
I feel like we're about to enter a bosk vs noxon battle for who can generate the most hype with hints at their insider knowledge. :lol

:lol  We both have a good deal of information, but we have different types of information.  And not to be a stick in the mud, but folks can rest assured that any "hints" I might give will not consist of anything the band or label is not ready for the public to know.  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Whrobmp on November 23, 2015, 03:07:25 PM
Quote from: Mebert78 on November 23, 2015, 12:27:22 PM
Arhys seems to have some facial similarities to Emperor Nafaryus.  I predict it's his son.

For me it seems that Arhys's face is way less detailed than Nafaryus. Looks more like a cheap videogame rather than well worked CGI.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 23, 2015, 03:17:07 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 23, 2015, 02:03:45 PM
For those asking about the track listing, yes, we now have the complete track list.  But there is still lots of other information planned for release, so stay tuned...

So the new album will have 34 tracks.

Their first albums from the debut up until Falling Into Infinity have 38, the four of them.

It took them from Six Degrees in 2002 to Black Clouds in 2009 to relase 35 studio tracks, only one more.

And you have to put together the three of their previous albums with most tracks (Awake, FII and SFAM) to reach 34 songs.

Just to put things into perspective... then again, it's a given we'll get many interludes, and I wonder if the NOMACS tracks will be proper music, or just cacophonic sounds... I already imagine a poll "What's your favorite NOMACS track" actually  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 23, 2015, 03:20:50 PM
If Arhys' father is called Marhys, what are the odds that his son (in a hypothetical future beyond this album) would be called Rhys?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 23, 2015, 03:23:49 PM
Why is it a given? Scenes doesn't have many interludes. Six degrees (the song) doesn't have many interludes. I'm thinking it's safe to assume that the NOMACS-marked tracks are somewhat non-musical, but I don't think the rest till be small tracks. I'm thinking it's songs between 2 and 6 minutes, all of them. Excepting maybe a longer one on disc two which'll act as a winddown track (similar to finally free on sfam, i'm thinking). I would say The Wall as a structure makes a lot more sense than several long tracks with short interludes between them.

(and before anyone asks - no, i do not -know- this, with regards to the song lengths for most tracks i'm just as much in the dark as you are at this point. - I'm speculating just as much as you.)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 23, 2015, 03:28:49 PM
Well, maybe it will not be filled with Through My Words kind of songs, but still for DT "between 2 and 6 minutes" means they'll have to very concise with some songs.

Disc 2 has 14 songs, SFAM has 12 and it's filled to the brink of a CD format, and it has 2 very short songs (Regression and Through My Words) and one kinda short with a very unusual structure that is there for storytelling purpouses (One Last Time). To reach 20, or even 17 (take away the three NOMACS tracks) you still don't have lot of room for DT standards.

Oh well, we'll learn in due time I guess  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 23, 2015, 03:31:55 PM
I thought that was the point that the band has tried to get across several times already... This ISN'T an album with DT standards...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 23, 2015, 03:37:22 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 23, 2015, 03:20:50 PM
If Arhys' father is called Marhys, what are the odds that his son (in a hypothetical future beyond this album) would be called Rhys?
It would make more sense that Arhys' mother would be Marhys and his father would be Parhys.


:neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 23, 2015, 03:59:15 PM
What an exciting update! It's so hard to predict track lengths for a DT album, but I think "Our New World" is gonna be over 10 minutes. "Astonishing" is also a good name for a long epic, but since it comes after "Power Down", I'm inclined to believe that it'll be a fairly short closer.

Also, I wonder if maybe all the characters from the Empire will be on the left half of the portraits while the people from Ravenskill will be on the right. Not an entirely useful bit of speculation but it's something I guess... It seems some people in here have already seen portraits that weren't supposed to come out yet.

I think this map will become a lot more important once the album is out. We may need it to follow the story and really get a grasp of the world that DT has created. And wow, 34 tracks? I'm already more excited for this album than any other that has been released since I became a fan in 2006.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jdprsaga on November 23, 2015, 04:02:17 PM
so is it going to be an austin powers rendition or the names are just dutch??

Marhys is going to be Arhys and Nafaryus' Faythe!

(https://www.rankopedia.com/CandidatePix/63886.gif)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaasMah on November 23, 2015, 04:05:33 PM
Ill be kinda disappointed if it turns out to be many 3-6 min songs, with a clear ending between them. The thing that got me into DT were the long 9-15 songs, which takes to time to build up, and its just not the same if I can tell the whole disk is split. For instance for me Through my words and FT are 2 different songs, and I really hope Disk 1 is not all like that.


Its also why I like DT12 less then their overall albums, because they forced themselves to write short songs, and I just think they shine the most with the long ones.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 23, 2015, 04:41:32 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 23, 2015, 03:02:03 PM
i know nothing (said as Emanuel from fawlty towers)

What is witnit?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Jinx on November 23, 2015, 04:43:55 PM
What's crazy is we are trying to work out where 3 characters play into the story. There's 7 more characters to unveil yet (I think). This story could go deep and complicated!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 23, 2015, 04:57:48 PM
Can we expect track lengths (from noxon) in near future? That's the only piece of info I'm waiting for very hard (artwork comes second) :'D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 23, 2015, 05:03:01 PM
No. You can't expect anything from me in the near future. I won't be able to tell you anything. The band/label is being extra careful this time around. Don't expect much of anything from me with regards to actual information.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 23, 2015, 05:17:48 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 23, 2015, 01:38:39 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 23, 2015, 01:09:36 PM
So I guess Faythe may be the chosen one and her death will somehow bring everyone together... or something like that.

Arhys said in the first e-mail that the chosen one was his "brother".

:facepalm: You're right, I totally forgot about that.

So I guess that would make Faythe Arhys' brother. This imply that Arhys is the Count of Tuscany and Nafarhyus the Dark Master. So the remaining 5 other characters to be revealed should be the vampire from Forsaken, the lost soul still wandering, the heretic, the angel from the temple and the uninvited stranger...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jayvee3 on November 23, 2015, 05:18:42 PM
What I will say, with all the characters, maps, story etc, is that the CD booklet will have to be like a short novel...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on November 23, 2015, 06:03:15 PM
Quote from: jayvee3 on November 23, 2015, 05:18:42 PM
What I will say, with all the characters, maps, story etc, is that the CD booklet will have to be like a short novel...

......which will mean that the packaging will have to be different/unique to FIT said short novel inside it!  :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 23, 2015, 06:43:59 PM
First people were complaining about it being "The" Astonishing, now they're complaining about the track simply being "Astonishing". You can't win. :lol

This information fits with my thought that The Astonishing is the big event at the end of the story, and that it's likely an epic to finish off the story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 23, 2015, 06:51:50 PM
The Blob is right. You da man Blob.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 23, 2015, 07:04:09 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 23, 2015, 06:43:59 PM
First people were complaining about it being "The" Astonishing, now they're complaining about the track simply being "Astonishing". You can't win. :lol

Except they weren't the same people.. But yeah..

You can't have it both ways.. And when you can, things like these happen.. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erwinrafael on November 23, 2015, 07:07:13 PM
For some reason, I am wishing that Astonishing would have the same vibe as YES' Endless Dream.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 23, 2015, 07:12:43 PM
I really hope it includes pornography ala Home.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 23, 2015, 07:13:19 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 23, 2015, 07:04:09 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 23, 2015, 06:43:59 PM
First people were complaining about it being "The" Astonishing, now they're complaining about the track simply being "Astonishing". You can't win. :lol

Except they weren't the same people.. But yeah..

You can't have it both ways.. And when you can, things like these happen.. :lol


I'm not exactly keeping track of who's complaining about what. :lol I just found it mildly humorous.

Without hearing the album, I'm still not bothered by either usage.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 23, 2015, 07:17:28 PM
Shame on your status skills Blob.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: KevShmev on November 23, 2015, 07:30:29 PM
I hope these 34 tracks are spread out across three or four CDs. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Dream Team on November 23, 2015, 07:48:00 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on November 23, 2015, 07:30:29 PM
I hope these 34 tracks are spread out across three or four CDs. :lol :lol

I think they almost have to be. Even for 2 CDs the average song length would be only 4.7 minutes.

Regardless, I'm proud of DT for tackling something this huge.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 23, 2015, 07:51:52 PM
Quote from: TAC on November 23, 2015, 02:34:23 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 23, 2015, 02:03:45 PM
For those asking about the track listing, yes, we now have the complete track list.   

Thanks Bosk for the facts! :tup

Over the Edge. Those were the days.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 23, 2015, 07:57:42 PM
Quote from: Dream Team on November 23, 2015, 07:48:00 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on November 23, 2015, 07:30:29 PM
I hope these 34 tracks are spread out across three or four CDs. :lol :lol

I think they almost have to be. Even for 2 CDs the average song length would be only 4.7 minutes.

Regardless, I'm proud of DT for tackling something this huge.

Given the length of the live shows where they'll be playing the album in its entirety, and sites DT has linked that called it a double album, I think it will only be 2 discs. That makes me think there will be several shorter bridging tracks maybe with some narration or something.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 23, 2015, 09:26:03 PM
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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 23, 2015, 09:46:52 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 23, 2015, 09:26:03 PM
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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Mastermax0213 on November 23, 2015, 09:47:31 PM
Quote from: Dream Team on November 23, 2015, 07:48:00 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on November 23, 2015, 07:30:29 PM
I hope these 34 tracks are spread out across three or four CDs. :lol :lol

I think they almost have to be. Even for 2 CDs the average song length would be only 4.7 minutes.

Regardless, I'm proud of DT for tackling something this huge.
Itd still be nice to have songs that are well over 8 minutes. Longer songs stick out to me way more.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 23, 2015, 09:56:08 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 21, 2015, 07:25:20 AM
The more I think about it, the more I think Brave New World is one of the sources of inspiration for this album. There's a lot of similarities.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brave_New_World

Quote from: mikemangioy on November 23, 2015, 10:20:58 AM
    4. Begin Again
    5. The Path That Divides
    6. Machine Chatter
    7. The Walking Shadow
    8. My Last Farewell
    9. Losing Faythe
    10. Whispers on the Wind
    11. Hymn of a Thousand Voices
    12. Our New World
    13. Power Down
    14. Astonishing

Nailed it!..

Unless you already knew about that... :justjen
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dparrott on November 24, 2015, 12:53:08 AM
Quote from: Dream Team on November 23, 2015, 07:48:00 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on November 23, 2015, 07:30:29 PM
I hope these 34 tracks are spread out across three or four CDs. :lol :lol

I think they almost have to be. Even for 2 CDs the average song length would be only 4.7 minutes.

Regardless, I'm proud of DT for tackling something this huge.

Yea, I was thinking just because there are acts 1 and 2 doesn't automatically make it 2 CD's.  It could be 2 CD's for act 1 and one CD for act 2. 

4.7 minutes avg per song?  That would be a huge change! 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 24, 2015, 01:36:59 AM
I've been thinking of albums with a similar number of tracks to each disc of The Astonishing, that are over 70 minutes, and it's quite possible to get a few decent-length songs into the mix, especially if the NOMAC tracks are under 2 minutes. And even then, if each disc plays continuously, it will feel like one long song anyway. And what does it matter if they don't? DT have been doing this for 30 years; at this stage of their career, surely they can do whatever they like.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 24, 2015, 01:42:35 AM
I really think that there are longer pieces, divided by the songs we've seen. Not like Six Degrees, more like The Dark Side of the Moon, or Neal Morse's Testimony. The songs segue, forming larger pieces, but they are still standalone tracks themselves too. That would make it totally possible for songs to be one or two minutes long.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 24, 2015, 01:46:34 AM
People seem to forget that we're talking rock opera here - which in and of itself is a huge change. Structure wise, you're trying to tell a story, and you have to do this through the music. What's the difference if you call it a long epic, or you break it up? Six degrees CD2 is probably the CD I would think is the most like the structure I would assume to find on "The Astonishing". It all flows together as a whole, but with seperate and very distinct tracks that can stand on its own. Scenes from a memory is probably also a good fit structurewise. Most songs are shorter tracks. So it's actually not that unprecedented.

You can probably assume reoccurring themes. The tracklisting suggests a very strong connection to musical theatre, with act 1 having an overture, and act 2 having an entr'acte.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 24, 2015, 02:20:42 AM
I think it will be more like SFAM than SDOIT, perhaps split down even further with more variation, with more emphasis on story. I think some short bridging tracks with narration/story would account well for the abundance of tracks, and fit with the rock opera thing.
I don't think this will be like anything else they've done though, so I don't think it will be too similar to either SFAM or SDOIT structurally.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 24, 2015, 02:32:29 AM
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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 24, 2015, 02:35:00 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on November 24, 2015, 02:32:29 AM
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. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 24, 2015, 02:52:40 AM
 :flame:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 24, 2015, 02:55:51 AM
If it makes it any better, I like Rhapsody of Fire, and I love cheese, both figurative and literal.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 24, 2015, 02:58:37 AM
The more I find out, the more I'm stoked to see them perform it in a theatre! Or Theater.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 24, 2015, 02:59:33 AM
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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pettor on November 24, 2015, 03:01:42 AM
I think the best spoken dialogue in a concept album is Blind Guardian's Nightfall In Middle Earth. That was brilliant voice acting :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 24, 2015, 03:55:18 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on November 24, 2015, 02:59:33 AM
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?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 24, 2015, 04:28:18 AM
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. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 24, 2015, 04:36:39 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 24, 2015, 03:55:18 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on November 24, 2015, 02:59:33 AM
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. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 24, 2015, 06:02:50 AM
Quote from: Lucien on November 23, 2015, 09:46:52 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 23, 2015, 09:26:03 PM
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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: AboutToCrash on November 24, 2015, 06:25:08 AM
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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 24, 2015, 06:26:29 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on November 24, 2015, 06:25:08 AM
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".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Cyclopssss on November 24, 2015, 06:29:19 AM
I just hope I get the opportunity to get enough listens in before the tour starts!  ::)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: wolven74 on November 24, 2015, 06:30:16 AM
^Unless that song is an intentional unreleased track that could conceivably go on the next album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 24, 2015, 06:32:45 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 24, 2015, 06:26:29 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on November 24, 2015, 06:25:08 AM
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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 24, 2015, 06:36:08 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 24, 2015, 06:32:45 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 24, 2015, 06:26:29 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on November 24, 2015, 06:25:08 AM
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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Podaar on November 24, 2015, 06:41:16 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 24, 2015, 06:32:45 AM
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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 24, 2015, 06:46:05 AM
Quote from: Podaar on November 24, 2015, 06:41:16 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 24, 2015, 06:32:45 AM
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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: AboutToCrash on November 24, 2015, 06:48:41 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 24, 2015, 06:26:29 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on November 24, 2015, 06:25:08 AM
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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 24, 2015, 07:49:39 AM
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 ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 24, 2015, 07:59:24 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 24, 2015, 07:49:39 AM
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 ;)

 :lol

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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 24, 2015, 08:08:09 AM
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).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 24, 2015, 08:31:56 AM
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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 24, 2015, 08:36:31 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on November 24, 2015, 08:31:56 AM
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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Dublagent66 on November 24, 2015, 08:43:58 AM
(https://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss308/Zulan8r/Oblivion_zps28s7p7hp.jpg) (https://s586.photobucket.com/user/Zulan8r/media/Oblivion_zps28s7p7hp.jpg.html)

So much for original ideas.  Not looking forward to this album even in the slightest.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Ben_Jamin on November 24, 2015, 08:46:18 AM
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).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 24, 2015, 08:54:10 AM
I so want to go to this show. The problem for me is that I don't think they'll come to Bulgaria. : (
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on November 24, 2015, 08:58:19 AM
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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Frankgate on November 24, 2015, 09:24:59 AM
Hello guys, this is Francesco from Italy.  :heart

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?)  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 24, 2015, 09:31:10 AM
About the titles, I would prefer if they named album "Astonishing" and song "The Astonishing "

And yeah, new tweet from Arhys
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 24, 2015, 09:35:21 AM
Quote from: Dublagent66 on November 24, 2015, 08:43:58 AM
*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!"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 24, 2015, 09:46:21 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on November 24, 2015, 09:24:59 AM
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?)  ;D

Good catch! That's hilarious!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMIe4qQYr_k
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 24, 2015, 09:55:36 AM
[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.  :lol [/off topic]
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Frankgate on November 24, 2015, 09:58:22 AM
;D
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"  :laugh:

Most of all, I want to preview a FULL song....... NOW!  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 24, 2015, 10:04:44 AM
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.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 24, 2015, 10:06:33 AM
That tweet from Arhys isn't new. It was tweeted yesterday, not long after all the new info was revealed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 24, 2015, 10:29:18 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 24, 2015, 10:06:33 AM
That tweet from Arhys isn't new. It was tweeted yesterday, not long after all the new info was revealed.
New for me, lol. Yesterday is a short time ago.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 10:30:45 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 24, 2015, 10:29:18 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 24, 2015, 10:06:33 AM
That tweet from Arhys isn't new. It was tweeted yesterday, not long after all the new info was revealed.
New for me, lol. Yesterday is a short time ago.

Yesterday for Blob is two days ago :neverusethis: :blob:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 24, 2015, 10:34:57 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 24, 2015, 09:55:36 AM
[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.  :lol [/off topic]

Well, I've added you to a group you should check out...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 24, 2015, 10:51:47 AM
The fact that the shows will be such a special and probably a unique experience made me interested in going to the Stockholm show. But it was just too much money for me to spend on Dream Theater at the moment, so I'll regretably miss this one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 24, 2015, 10:54:00 AM
I bought 2 tickets for the friday show in Oslo, 2 tickets for the saturday show, 2 tickets for the sunday show, and a meet and greet pass for the sunday show...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Gappie on November 24, 2015, 11:02:28 AM
Awesome! i am going to the show in Amsterdam carré. Very excited!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 24, 2015, 11:03:07 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 24, 2015, 10:54:00 AM
I bought 2 tickets for the friday show in Oslo, 2 tickets for the saturday show, 2 tickets for the sunday show, and a meet and greet pass for the sunday show...

Got tickets to Stocholm.... if they add another date I would get tickets for that too....
If I were younger and did not have kids and family I would probably travel to see them a few times more.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Frankgate on November 24, 2015, 11:06:24 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 24, 2015, 10:54:00 AM
I bought 2 tickets for the friday show in Oslo, 2 tickets for the saturday show, 2 tickets for the sunday show, and a meet and greet pass for the sunday show...

you're joking....... aren't you?  :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 11:07:08 AM
:lol i'll buy the CD and at a push - the vinyl too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Frankgate on November 24, 2015, 11:15:06 AM
Anyway, the shows are sold-out almost everywhere, should they fail, the audience would throw a lot of tomatoes   :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: emtee on November 24, 2015, 11:15:24 AM
I'll buy the CD if the reports on the sound quality are favorable.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 24, 2015, 11:18:15 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on November 24, 2015, 11:06:24 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 24, 2015, 10:54:00 AM
I bought 2 tickets for the friday show in Oslo, 2 tickets for the saturday show, 2 tickets for the sunday show, and a meet and greet pass for the sunday show...

you're joking....... aren't you?  :omg:
No, he's not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 24, 2015, 11:19:24 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on November 24, 2015, 11:18:15 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on November 24, 2015, 11:06:24 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 24, 2015, 10:54:00 AM
I bought 2 tickets for the friday show in Oslo, 2 tickets for the saturday show, 2 tickets for the sunday show, and a meet and greet pass for the sunday show...

you're joking....... aren't you?  :omg:
No, he's not.

And don't call me Shirley.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 24, 2015, 11:29:04 AM
Why would I joke? I've been doing the fanclub for like 13 years now, I wouldn't be doing that if I was not dedicated ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 24, 2015, 11:38:46 AM
So... Previously, on DTF's The Astonishing Thread: (yeah, a reference for AMC's TWD)

Quote from: ThatOneGuy2112 on November 23, 2015, 02:08:31 PM
With the amount of tracks we have now, assuming each act is a separate CD, then none of the tracks here will be too terribly long, an astonishing change of pace for DT.

Quote from: noxon on November 23, 2015, 03:23:49 PM
I'm thinking it's songs between 2 and 6 minutes, all of them. Excepting maybe a longer one on disc two which'll act as a winddown track (similar to finally free on sfam, i'm thinking).

Quote from: MirrorMask on November 23, 2015, 03:28:49 PM
To reach 20, or even 17 [tracks] (take away the three NOMACS tracks) you still don't have lot of room for DT standards.

Quote from: Dream Team on November 23, 2015, 07:48:00 PM
Even for 2 CDs the average song length would be only 4.7 minutes.

Quote from: Mastermax0213 on November 23, 2015, 09:47:31 PM
Itd still be nice to have songs that are well over 8 minutes. Longer songs stick out to me way more.


Talking about full length albums (which is what they almost always have done) we actually do have room for DT standards.. And even if the "average" is 4.7 minutes, that doesn't mean they have to be all 3 to 5 minute songs, and not even 2 to 6, or 1 to 7..

With a full length double-album, we might still have something like this:


ACT I - 20 tracks

-Seven 1 minute songs (intro and short interludes, not like SFaM I'd say, but like 8V's negative times)
-Five 2 minute songs (shorts but with JLB, like Regression, TMW or WIMH)
-Three 3 minute songs (short instrumental -probably the overture-, and/or songs like Vacant or TSM)
-Two 5-6 minute songs (DT actually has a lot of these kind of songs)
-One 7-8 minute song (even more average DT song's length)
-One 11-13 minute song (we do need some of these, and there's room for it)
-One 17-20 minute song (and there's even room for an epic)

Total length: from 71 to 79 minutes..

ACT II - 14 tracks

-Four 1 minute songs
-Two 2 minute songs
-One 3 minute song
-Three 5-6 minute songs
-Two 7-8 minute songs
-One 11-13 minute song
-One 17-21 minute song

Total length: from 68 to 79 minutes..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Frankgate on November 24, 2015, 11:42:44 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 24, 2015, 11:29:04 AM
Why would I joke? I've been doing the fanclub for like 13 years now, I wouldn't be doing that if I was not dedicated ;)

of course  ;)

let's hope for a great album, a great show and a Bluray also.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 24, 2015, 11:59:57 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 24, 2015, 10:04:44 AM
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.

Well, TBP, Surrender to Reason and The Best of Times are the only songs that hasn't been played yet.. And since I don't see at all TBoT being played (even less this time around) I guess those two DT12's songs are the only reasonable..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: rumborak on November 24, 2015, 12:02:27 PM
Anyone notice how there's a "[something] Yorke" in the new map snippet, and a Long ... err ... "Endless Isleland" to the northeast of it?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Gpals71 on November 24, 2015, 12:06:35 PM
I am so looking forward to the show in Amsterdam. Got myself a Meet & Greet Pass  ;D
Have seen all their shows in Norway since 93.
Unfortunately I am out of the county for all their shows in Oslo 2016. If not, I would have ended up seeing them 3 times there too  :metal
Wouldn't miss this tour, so I had to get ticket in Amsterdam. The concert will be Astonishing & Epic.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Gappie on November 24, 2015, 12:10:08 PM
See you there bro! :metal :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 12:15:27 PM
Quote from: rumborak on November 24, 2015, 12:02:27 PM
Anyone notice how there's a "[something] Yorke" in the new map snippet, and a Long ... err ... "Endless Isleland" to the northeast of it?


Yorkie Land. Chocolate Guitar Tone Confirmed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: rumborak on November 24, 2015, 12:17:08 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 12:15:27 PM
Quote from: rumborak on November 24, 2015, 12:02:27 PM
Anyone notice how there's a "[something] Yorke" in the new map snippet, and a Long ... err ... "Endless Isleland" to the northeast of it?


Yorkie Land. Chocolate Guitar Tone Confirmed.

Don't know if the allusion was clear enough, but it's obviously a "NYC with Long Island to the northeast". They are from Long Island.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 12:23:57 PM
Ooh arr i'm from that there Eng-er-land I be.. I don't know nowt bout no New York !
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Aythesryche on November 24, 2015, 12:40:30 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 24, 2015, 10:54:00 AM
I bought 2 tickets for the friday show in Oslo, 2 tickets for the saturday show, 2 tickets for the sunday show, and a meet and greet pass for the sunday show...

2 tickets, eh? I'll fly out to Oslo. However, think you could drop me off at the trailhead of Trolltunga after the shows? I'm going to have a lot of energy pent up, I think I'll have to scream on top of my lungs on that ledge.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: T-ski on November 24, 2015, 01:15:10 PM
Quote from: rumborak on November 24, 2015, 12:02:27 PM
Anyone notice how there's a "[something] Yorke" in the new map snippet, and a Long ... err ... "Endless Isleland" to the northeast of it?

Thom Yorke, guest vocalist.

Championship!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 24, 2015, 01:30:47 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 24, 2015, 10:51:47 AM
The fact that the shows will be such a special and probably a unique experience made me interested in going to the Stockholm show. But it was just too much money for me to spend on Dream Theater at the moment, so I'll regretably miss this one.
Exactly the same here, the prices were pretty crazy.

Quote from: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 12:23:57 PM
Ooh arr i'm from that there Eng-er-land I be.. I don't know nowt bout no New York !
'ere lover, we need more o' that gurt west country talkin' round 'ere.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 24, 2015, 01:34:06 PM
Quote from: Aythesryche on November 24, 2015, 12:40:30 PM
2 tickets, eh? I'll fly out to Oslo. However, think you could drop me off at the trailhead of Trolltunga after the shows? I'm going to have a lot of energy pent up, I think I'll have to scream on top of my lungs on that ledge.

Sure...


Speaking of Trolltunga: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGwBp7Yr0Oo
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 24, 2015, 01:50:13 PM
Holy crap, and I thought TesseracT had a cool sax solo..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 02:51:17 PM
Hey guys, newbie to the forums . . . been keeping up with this thread for new info/discussion on the album and figured I might as well just join. Super excited to hear this new album in its entirety!  ;D

Anything new since yesterday's updates? Or are we just playing the waiting game again . . .



Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 03:01:42 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 02:51:17 PM
Hey guys, newbie to the forums . . . been keeping up with this thread for new info/discussion on the album and figured I might as well just join. Super excited to hear this new album in its entirety!  ;D

Anything new since yesterday's updates? Or are we just playing the waiting game again . . .

Bosk says there will continue to be updates every few days.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Laughingplace56 on November 24, 2015, 03:02:59 PM
I really, really hope they plan on bringing a full "Astonishing" show to the state, especially if there's an orchestra/etc. involved with the live production. However, judging by where they're playing in Europe, I have little faith that they'll decide to hit the southeast US this time around...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 03:09:00 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 24, 2015, 11:38:46 AM
So... Previously, on DTF's The Astonishing Thread: (yeah, a reference for AMC's TWD)

Quote from: ThatOneGuy2112 on November 23, 2015, 02:08:31 PM
With the amount of tracks we have now, assuming each act is a separate CD, then none of the tracks here will be too terribly long, an astonishing change of pace for DT.

Quote from: noxon on November 23, 2015, 03:23:49 PM
I'm thinking it's songs between 2 and 6 minutes, all of them. Excepting maybe a longer one on disc two which'll act as a winddown track (similar to finally free on sfam, i'm thinking).

Quote from: MirrorMask on November 23, 2015, 03:28:49 PM
To reach 20, or even 17 [tracks] (take away the three NOMACS tracks) you still don't have lot of room for DT standards.

Quote from: Dream Team on November 23, 2015, 07:48:00 PM
Even for 2 CDs the average song length would be only 4.7 minutes.

Quote from: Mastermax0213 on November 23, 2015, 09:47:31 PM
Itd still be nice to have songs that are well over 8 minutes. Longer songs stick out to me way more.


Talking about full length albums (which is what they almost always have done) we actually do have room for DT standards.. And even if the "average" is 4.7 minutes, that doesn't mean they have to be all 3 to 5 minute songs, and not even 2 to 6, or 1 to 7..

With a full length double-album, we might still have something like this:


ACT I - 20 tracks

-Seven 1 minute songs (intro and short interludes, not like SFaM I'd say, but like 8V's negative times)
-Five 2 minute songs (shorts but with JLB, like Regression, TMW or WIMH)
-Three 3 minute songs (short instrumental -probably the overture-, and/or songs like Vacant or TSM)
-Two 5-6 minute songs (DT actually has a lot of these kind of songs)
-One 7-8 minute song (even more average DT song's length)
-One 11-13 minute song (we do need some of these, and there's room for it)
-One 17-20 minute song (and there's even room for an epic)

Total length: from 71 to 79 minutes..

ACT II - 14 tracks

-Four 1 minute songs
-Two 2 minute songs
-One 3 minute song
-Three 5-6 minute songs
-Two 7-8 minute songs
-One 11-13 minute song
-One 17-21 minute song

Total length: from 68 to 79 minutes..

Never thought of it possibly being like that before . . . that's pretty epic!

I figured each track would be 3-5 minutes but be more like parts that seamlessly flowed together . . .

But forget that - like your idea much more!!! Two 20-minute songs on one album would be awesome ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 03:09:40 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 03:01:42 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 02:51:17 PM
Hey guys, newbie to the forums . . . been keeping up with this thread for new info/discussion on the album and figured I might as well just join. Super excited to hear this new album in its entirety!  ;D

Anything new since yesterday's updates? Or are we just playing the waiting game again . . .

Bosk says there will continue to be updates every few days.

Cool thanks for the info!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 03:28:06 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 03:09:40 PM

Cool thanks for the facts!

FTFY !



( forum meme )  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Dublagent66 on November 24, 2015, 03:34:50 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on November 24, 2015, 09:35:21 AM
Quote from: Dublagent66 on November 24, 2015, 08:43:58 AM
*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!"

Based on what I've heard from the previous album, the title of the album before that, and the cover of the new album.  Seems to be a trend developing.  Of course I'll eventually find out when it's released.  Nevertheless, doesn't really give me much to look forward to.  Would rather wait 5 more years for the next Symphony X album. :p
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 03:35:53 PM
Massive all powerful orbs is hardly a new idea. Phantasm. The Prisoner.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 03:46:13 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 03:28:06 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 03:09:40 PM

Cool thanks for the facts!

FTFY !



( forum meme )  ;D

Looks like I have a lot to learn lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 03:54:47 PM
For the promo for Live at Luna Park - Over The Edge news updates would get posted here and everyone would reply

Thanks to Over The Edge for the facts !

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 24, 2015, 04:08:21 PM
Or post something like this,

Thanks to Kotowboy for posting about that fact! :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 04:15:28 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on November 24, 2015, 04:08:21 PM
Or post something like this,

Thanks to Kotowboy for posting about that fact! :lol

And don't forget the crying girl meme !


(https://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/34433539.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 04:23:42 PM
haha I see now . . . Yep thanks to Kotowboy!  :lol

And yet another internet thread I've somehow managed to move completely off topic - sorry bout that xD

Anyways really cool forum you all have here, def gonna stick around a while longer!

Now back to the DT album discussion ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 24, 2015, 04:25:30 PM
You just missed the album discussion, need to go back about 45 pages for that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 24, 2015, 04:35:52 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 04:23:42 PM
haha I see now . . . Yep thanks to Kotowboy!  :lol

And yet another internet thread I've somehow managed to move completely off topic - sorry bout that xD

Anyways really cool forum you all have here, def gonna stick around a while longer!

Now back to the DT album discussion ;)

What are your thoughts on the concept of the album? It seems to be a really divisive thing where most people either embrace it or hate it with very few people in the middle. I embrace the idea as I like Rhapsody of Fire, so concept cheese is hardly going to bother me if the music is awesome.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 04:45:33 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 24, 2015, 04:35:52 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 04:23:42 PM
haha I see now . . . Yep thanks to Kotowboy!  :lol

And yet another internet thread I've somehow managed to move completely off topic - sorry bout that xD

Anyways really cool forum you all have here, def gonna stick around a while longer!

Now back to the DT album discussion ;)

What are your thoughts on the concept of the album? It seems to be a really divisive thing where most people either embrace it or hate it with very few people in the middle. I embrace the idea as I like Rhapsody of Fire, so concept cheese is hardly going to bother me if the music is awesome.

Yeah I've seen some of the arguments on here  :lol

I'm always excited for a concept album - as soon as I heard this would be one it was like a dream come true (as I am a younger fan and was very young at the time SFaM came out). To be honest I'm not the hugest fan of sci-fi stuff and the like, but you know what it's Dream Theater - I know they're going to do something awesome with it. So I'm excited not just for the music, but the story as well. Just like Symphony X with all the mythological stuff - that might not be some people's thing but the music is so good it kind of makes you a fan of the story anyways. So yes I'm embracing it - can't wait till they reveal more of the story!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 04:48:04 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 24, 2015, 04:25:30 PM
You just missed the album discussion, need to go back about 45 pages for that.

 :lol :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 24, 2015, 04:52:20 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 04:45:33 PM
Yeah I've seen some of the arguments on here  :lol

I'm always excited for a concept album - as soon as I heard this would be one it was like a dream come true (as I am a younger fan and was very young at the time SFaM came out). To be honest I'm not the hugest fan of sci-fi stuff and the like, but you know what it's Dream Theater - I know they're going to do something awesome with it. So I'm excited not just for the music, but the story as well. Just like Symphony X with all the mythological stuff - that might not be some people's thing but the music is so good it kind of makes you a fan of the story anyways. So yes I'm embracing it - can't wait till they reveal more of the story!

It's interesting how with many concept albums, on paper they sound either ridiculous or impossible to pull off but the end result is always enhanced so much by the quality of the music. I bet this will be the case for the new album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 24, 2015, 05:08:32 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 24, 2015, 04:35:52 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 04:23:42 PM
haha I see now . . . Yep thanks to Kotowboy!  :lol

And yet another internet thread I've somehow managed to move completely off topic - sorry bout that xD

Anyways really cool forum you all have here, def gonna stick around a while longer!

Now back to the DT album discussion ;)

What are your thoughts on the concept of the album? It seems to be a really divisive thing where most people either embrace it or hate it with very few people in the middle. I embrace the idea as I like Rhapsody of Fire, so concept cheese is hardly going to bother me if the music is awesome.

The interesting thing is, I'm loving this concept yet I absolutely hate Rhapsody of Fire, Avantasia and I'll throw in Final Fantasy (since I saw some people mentioned games somewhere). I also don't like Pink Floyd *ducks behind a rock* but idk, I think DT can do it without making me cringe :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 05:13:59 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 24, 2015, 04:52:20 PM
It's interesting how with many concept albums, on paper they sound either ridiculous or impossible to pull off but the end result is always enhanced so much by the quality of the music. I bet this will be the case for the new album.

I agree! Definitely something ambitious for DT (from the story to the fact that there's 34 SONGS!!!) but in the end Dream Theater will be Dream Theater  ;) . . . so I'm betting on this being a fan favorite!

Metropolis is one of my favorites by the band personally so I can imagine what how much I'll like this . . . we already know that it'll be the longest album to date so we'll have plenty of material.

Some of the songs I really can't wait to hear . . . Astonishing of course is a must, and a part of me is wishing that Digital Discord is the next Dance of Eternity - just the perfect name for it!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 24, 2015, 05:16:08 PM
Anyone here remembers how was it when SFAM was going to be launched?
Did you know it was concept?
How were your thoughts then about it?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 05:32:34 PM
I don't care if it's a concept album if the songs and production are both great.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 24, 2015, 05:42:42 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 05:32:34 PM
I don't care if it's a concept album if the songs and production are both great.

Same. I really don't care/like the concept of SFAM for my lack of religious inclinations, but I love the album. I hope the opposite doesn't happen this time, because I'm liking the concept xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 05:50:04 PM
Yeah that's all that matters in the end, whether it's good or not; rather have just a bunch of terrific songs than a concept album that's no good. Although it's still always nice once in a while to have a really ambitious project like this - I personally feel it brings out the best in bands when it succeeds!

And yeah, SFaM was not an award-winning concept but still amazing music. We'll just have to see how the music turns out on this one - I have high hopes ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mike099 on November 24, 2015, 06:07:36 PM
Quote from: Laughingplace56 on November 24, 2015, 03:02:59 PM
I really, really hope they plan on bringing a full "Astonishing" show to the state, especially if there's an orchestra/etc. involved with the live production. However, judging by where they're playing in Europe, I have little faith that they'll decide to hit the southeast US this time around...

No, they will be touring the same cities as last year in the US, then fly over the Southeast US to Cuba, then to Central and South America.  ;D  I have faith that they will hit Atlanta this time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 24, 2015, 06:11:59 PM
Quote from: mike099 on November 24, 2015, 06:07:36 PM
Quote from: Laughingplace56 on November 24, 2015, 03:02:59 PM
I really, really hope they plan on bringing a full "Astonishing" show to the state, especially if there's an orchestra/etc. involved with the live production. However, judging by where they're playing in Europe, I have little faith that they'll decide to hit the southeast US this time around...

No, they will be touring the same cities as last year in the US, then fly over the Southeast US to Cuba, then to Central and South America.  ;D  I have faith that they will hit Atlanta this time.

I doubt that they will bring the orchestra and everything else to my beautiful and chaotic South America though :/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dvargas on November 24, 2015, 06:13:56 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 24, 2015, 05:16:08 PM
Anyone here remembers how was it when SFAM was going to be launched?
Did you know it was concept?
How were your thoughts then about it?

I read about it in a magazine before it came out. Got me super excited. 

When It came out-- I was beyond amazed. Granted, I was younger and more easily impressed. While I don't consider it their best album, I still think SFAM is a phenomenal musical journey.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 24, 2015, 06:19:44 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 24, 2015, 05:16:08 PM
Anyone here remembers how was it when SFAM was going to be launched?
Did you know it was concept?
How were your thoughts then about it?

Good question.. I hope someone could answer it.. :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jammindude on November 24, 2015, 06:29:07 PM
I remember it....mostly.

I can't remember if we had been told it was a concept or not.   There had been speculation that Met Part 2 would most likely be *on* the album, but the fact that the entire album WAS Met Part 2 was a complete shock.   They managed to keep that nugget close to the chest until the pre-sale demos started going out a few weeks before.   And even then, the word spread a bit slower than things tend to spread today. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: JediKnight1969 on November 24, 2015, 06:31:15 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 24, 2015, 06:11:59 PM
Quote from: mike099 on November 24, 2015, 06:07:36 PM
Quote from: Laughingplace56 on November 24, 2015, 03:02:59 PM
I really, really hope they plan on bringing a full "Astonishing" show to the state, especially if there's an orchestra/etc. involved with the live production. However, judging by where they're playing in Europe, I have little faith that they'll decide to hit the southeast US this time around...

No, they will be touring the same cities as last year in the US, then fly over the Southeast US to Cuba, then to Central and South America.  ;D  I have faith that they will hit Atlanta this time.

I doubt that they will bring the orchestra and everything else to my beautiful and chaotic South America though :/

When Deep Purple tour the world (south america included) with their "Concert for group and orchestra 30th anniversary", they used local musicians. No one would travel with a full orchestra.

Besides... Why chaotic?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 24, 2015, 07:12:05 PM
Well, no need to start a political debate. I consider it chaotic and I'll leave it at that. ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 24, 2015, 07:13:09 PM
Hello, I'm new here but I've been following DTF for a while and here I am.
Something I've been meaning to get an opinion on whether The Astonishing will be a sequel (of sorts) to Outcry, what are peoples thoughts on this? Because apart from the sci-fi/fantasy theme in TA, it seems to match the oppression/uprising subject.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 07:19:40 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 24, 2015, 07:13:09 PM
Hello, I'm new here but I've been following DTF for a while and here I am.
Something I've been meaning to get an opinion on whether The Astonishing will be a sequel (of sorts) to Outcry, what are peoples thoughts on this? Because apart from the sci-fi/fantasy theme in TA, it seems to match the oppression/uprising subject.

Hey there, just joined today as well - welcome!   :)

That's an interesting theory - can't believe I hadn't thought of that. I think it would make perfect sense if so, but whether or not that's what they have in mind idk. You know there are a lot of similarities between IAW and ADTOE, so maybe they're continuing the trend of mirroring what they've done before? If that's what they're going for and they're going to taking musical influence from that song then I can't wait, because that's my favorite song by Dream Theater so far this decade. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jayvee3 on November 24, 2015, 07:44:37 PM
I dunno - Being a fan from I&W and finding things to enjoy about all their releases, I just kind of like to go with it these days, without going nuts on the speculation and expectation. All I know is it's a big concept album with as far as we know some really fun ideas. I really enjoy good stage show musicals, so I'm sure there will be a nice combo of longer songs, shorter songs, dialogue and sound effects etc to make up the story. All cool with me. I've loved much of what they have done for 25 or so years, some more than others, and I have no doubt this album will have some great things to enjoy. So I'm just happy to sit back and enjoy the ride  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 24, 2015, 07:51:33 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 24, 2015, 07:13:09 PM
Hello, I'm new here but I've been following DTF for a while and here I am.
Something I've been meaning to get an opinion on whether The Astonishing will be a sequel (of sorts) to Outcry, what are peoples thoughts on this? Because apart from the sci-fi/fantasy theme in TA, it seems to match the oppression/uprising subject.

That's funny because, even when it doesn't look so irrational, this came inevitable to my mind:

Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 16, 2015, 01:06:48 PM
The Astonishing is an analogy of how JP, JLB, JM and JR started a rebellion to get free of Portnoy's ironfist tyrannical rule.
So, the entire album is a sequel to Outcry, it wasn't Metropolis PT3, but Outcry PT2

"We suffered far too long... We gather now... Growing stronger... We will not be ignored, anymore, any longer..."
See?

Quote from: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 03:09:00 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 24, 2015, 11:38:46 AM
*snip*

Never thought of it possibly being like that before . . . that's pretty epic!

I figured each track would be 3-5 minutes but be more like parts that seamlessly flowed together . . .

But forget that - like your idea much more!!! Two 20-minute songs on one album would be awesome ;)

Thanks!.. Appreciate you like it... Hey, I appreciate you've even read all that!.. :lol

Also:

Quote from: Nomaniac on November 24, 2015, 07:19:40 PM
(Outcry) that's my favorite song by Dream Theater so far this decade since MM has joined the band. 

FTFM.. But that was close.. Outcry is awesome!.. :hefdaddy

PS: as you can see, I'm the long-posts-guy.. ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 24, 2015, 08:09:20 PM
If it where a sequel to Outcry, they could do some cool things like the "rise up be counted...." part of Outcry could be chanted by a choir in 'Hymn Of A Thousand Voices' (for example.) Whatever they're doing behind the scenes, hope its GREAT and not "meh"  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 24, 2015, 08:21:40 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 03:54:47 PM
For the promo for Live at Luna Park - Over The Edge news updates would get posted here and everyone would reply

Thanks to Over The Edge for the facts !
Actually, DT themselves wrote 'Thanks to Over the Edge for the facts!" after they posted somewhat silly facts, like: DT played two nights in Buenos Aires, with different setlists in each night!
Thank you for the facts, indeed.

Great times, mait.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 24, 2015, 08:34:33 PM
Actually I'd be fucking sexually aroused if I heard the Outcry chorus near TA ending, that would be like... the king of reprises, even though I don't really like Outcry.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 24, 2015, 08:40:24 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 24, 2015, 06:19:44 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 24, 2015, 05:16:08 PM
Anyone here remembers how was it when SFAM was going to be launched?
Did you know it was concept?
How were your thoughts then about it?

Good question.. I hope someone could answer it.. :corn

Same here, really curious about it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 24, 2015, 09:19:10 PM
Quote from: rumborak on November 24, 2015, 12:17:08 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 24, 2015, 12:15:27 PM
Quote from: rumborak on November 24, 2015, 12:02:27 PM
Anyone notice how there's a "[something] Yorke" in the new map snippet, and a Long ... err ... "Endless Isleland" to the northeast of it?


Yorkie Land. Chocolate Guitar Tone Confirmed.

Don't know if the allusion was clear enough, but it's obviously a "NYC with Long Island to the northeast". They are from Long Island.

That's pretty funny, and it makes sense given that it's set in America (The Great Northern Empire of the Americas), so over time the location names have become bastardized.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on November 24, 2015, 09:44:37 PM
Similarities in themes to Outcry, enough to be considered a spiritual successor.
Outcry was criticised for having structural similarities to Metropolis Pt. 1.

The Astonishing IS Metrpoplis Pt. 3 after all! :justjen
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 24, 2015, 10:58:41 PM
Outcry was about everything going on in the middle east and all the revolutions going on down there. That's a pretty serious subject. To follow that up with a pretty over the top fantasy story would just feel... Wrong. So I wouldn't bet on it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 24, 2015, 11:05:34 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 24, 2015, 05:16:08 PM
Anyone here remembers how was it when SFAM was going to be launched?
Did you know it was concept?
How were your thoughts then about it?

I only knew the releasedate for SFAM so I went in to a recordstore and pixked up the album on that day.
It was only when I saw the cover that I knew it was a concept album. Smiled all the way home to the stereo...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MajorBoobage on November 25, 2015, 03:10:07 AM
Maybe that nugget at the end of Illumination theory has some connection with the new album  :eek
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 25, 2015, 03:56:50 AM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on November 24, 2015, 11:05:34 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 24, 2015, 05:16:08 PM
Anyone here remembers how was it when SFAM was going to be launched?
Did you know it was concept?
How were your thoughts then about it?

I only knew the releasedate for SFAM so I went in to a recordstore and pixked up the album on that day.
It was only when I saw the cover that I knew it was a concept album. Smiled all the way home to the stereo...

Same here. I will never forget it  :coolio walking into the store knowing only (it was the pre-internet days) that on said that the "new DT album" was out, and finding out only there in the store it was Metropolis pt.2  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 25, 2015, 05:29:23 AM
Yeah, about that Outcry pt 2:

There definitely are many ADTOE/IAW similarities, we proved that many times until now. Those structural similarities couldn't be pure coincidence, and DT had to be aware of them, not only aware, they INTENTIONALLY made the albums similar. And guess what, Petrucci was asked about those similarities in an interview, and again guess what, he denied them. I wouldn't be surprised if they actually planned this for some time (since 2011 at least): they were going to make a concept album based on a song, since Outcry has similarities with Metropolis, the new album may actually be called Outcry pt 2: The Astonishing.
 There are also more things adding up to the hypothesis, like similarities between self-titled and Awake, as well as FII was intended to be a double album, including the song Metropolis pt 2, but they weren't allowed to do that. And now that they're allowed...

This is all pure speculation (not that random though), and I'm saying don't be that surprised if DT comes one day and announces full album name actually is Outcry pt. 2: The Astonishing
I mean, I will definitely be hyped AF, but not surprised. :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 25, 2015, 05:30:57 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQCU36pkH7c
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 25, 2015, 05:36:59 AM
I mean, other than there being blue, silver, and black on both album covers, I don't really see any similarities between Awake and DT12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 05:40:45 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 25, 2015, 05:30:57 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQCU36pkH7c


:getoffmylawn: you made me watch 35 seconds of an Adam Sandler movie.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on November 25, 2015, 05:43:05 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 24, 2015, 05:16:08 PM
Anyone here remembers how was it when SFAM was going to be launched?
Did you know it was concept?
How were your thoughts then about it?
I too remember there was a confusion about Met. pt.2 being on the album and it being THE album. But when I purchased it I was aware of what it was. In my case, the fact of being a concept was overshadowed by being Metropolis pt.2. The musical concept (recurring motifs and variations of Pt. 1 throughout the whole album) was much more important to me than the lyrical, the storyline. There was so much to discover, musically.
I hope the new album works with recurring themes, too (not necessarily Metropolis themes, but new ones)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 25, 2015, 05:45:20 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 05:40:45 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 25, 2015, 05:30:57 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQCU36pkH7c


:getoffmylawn: you made me watch 35 seconds of an Adam Sandler movie.

I'm so sorry I forced you to watch an entire half minute Youtube video of something you prejudged to hate based on the inclusion of an actor who was in it for a total of 2 seconds at the end. Life must be really hard for you. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 05:57:46 AM
Your favourite movie is Jack and Jill isn't it.

FESS UP !
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 25, 2015, 06:01:05 AM
:lol Never seen it, or any Adam Sandler movie past 2000.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 06:02:46 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 25, 2015, 06:01:05 AM
:lol Never seen it, or any Adam Sandler movie past 2000.

:hifive:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 25, 2015, 06:08:36 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 06:02:46 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 25, 2015, 06:01:05 AM
:lol Never seen it, or any Adam Sandler movie past 2000.

:hifive:

He made movies after 2000?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 25, 2015, 06:27:14 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on November 25, 2015, 06:08:36 AM

He made movies after 2000?

It's more like he "attempted" to make movies after 2000.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Frankgate on November 25, 2015, 06:45:23 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on November 25, 2015, 06:08:36 AM
He made movies?

 ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 06:51:35 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on November 25, 2015, 06:27:14 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on November 25, 2015, 06:08:36 AM

He made movies after 2000?

It's more like he "attempted" to make movies after 2000.

Everything after 2000 is just cash grabs paid for by massive product placement in his films and corporate endorsements.

I kinda want to watch Jack & Jill to see just how bad it is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 25, 2015, 06:54:44 AM
The fun thing about google is that they've saved all the newsgroups communications from waaaay back when.

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/alt.music.dream-theater/XpnlCNBi-yw

You can search through it to find waht people talked about during an albums release.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: vazquez on November 25, 2015, 08:24:45 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 25, 2015, 05:36:59 AM
I mean, other than there being blue, silver, and black on both album covers, I don't really see any similarities between Awake and DT12.

I don´t think ADToE is a carbon copy of I&W as some people say, but ok, I admit ADToE is the album closest in spirit to I&W.

But DT12 and Awake don´t have almost anything is common... one lyric by Myung in each?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 25, 2015, 09:23:28 AM
Quote from: vazquez on November 25, 2015, 08:24:45 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 25, 2015, 05:36:59 AM
I mean, other than there being blue, silver, and black on both album covers, I don't really see any similarities between Awake and DT12.

I don´t think ADToE is a carbon copy of I&W as some people say

Good, because it isn't, and the few people that try to make that argument are either WAY overstating their point or don't really understand music.  But there is a separate thread for that if people still want to talk about it.  Let's keep this one on topic please.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 25, 2015, 09:33:48 AM
Yeah c'mon vazquez, we were clearly talking about the very serious topic of Adam Sandler's post-2k acting career.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 09:48:00 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 25, 2015, 06:54:44 AM
The fun thing about google is that they've saved all the newsgroups communications from waaaay back when.

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/alt.music.dream-theater/XpnlCNBi-yw

You can search through it to find waht people talked about during an albums release.

Woah . . . and I thought this forum had a lot of threads  :lol

Cool stuff Noxon, very interesting to look back at that discussion!

But yeah everyone let's get back on topic . . . I apologize for starting the whole IAW is like ADTOE thing  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 09:54:16 AM
So here's a question . . .

Based solely on the song titles, which track off the new album do you guys want to hear the most???

And you can't say "Astonishing" because I know everyone's gonna pick that  :lol So other than that one  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on November 25, 2015, 09:57:26 AM
Hymn of a Thousand Voices
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 25, 2015, 10:00:44 AM
No idea.  :lol  Seriously, I just can't pick when I know nothing about the songs.  Never can.  I guess the exception would be Redemption's upcoming album.  Those have to be some of the best sounding, most intriguing song titles I have ever seen.  But that is a clear exception to the rule.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Evermind on November 25, 2015, 10:07:27 AM
Lord Nafaryus, of course.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 10:07:37 AM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 09:54:16 AM
So here's a question . . .

Based solely on the song titles, which track off the new album do you guys want to hear the most???

And you can't say "Astonishing" because I know everyone's gonna pick that  :lol So other than that one  ;)

Descent of the NOMACS :nomac:

And then the other 33 after that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 25, 2015, 10:36:03 AM
Prequel cover art showing invading NOMACs released:

(https://assets.blabbermouth.net.s3.amazonaws.com/media/megadethdystopiawithtitle.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 10:39:24 AM
Those look more like the ones from Oblivion than the Nomacs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 25, 2015, 10:41:24 AM
Well, I think that is because they are T-1 models during the initial invasion.  By the time of The Astonishing, I think they are T-800's. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 10:44:47 AM
In no reality would I ever want Dream Theater to sound like Megadeth :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 25, 2015, 10:56:07 AM
I'm sure you once said "In no reality would I ever want peanut butter in my chocolate" too, so...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: porcacultor on November 25, 2015, 10:56:20 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 10:44:47 AM
In no reality would I ever want Dream Theater to sound like Megadeth :lol

Tough luck with the middle of This Dying Soul and the verses in Behind the Veil, huh?  ;D

I kid, I think that's just LaBrie being ~edgy~ (I like it)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Frankgate on November 25, 2015, 10:59:46 AM
BTW i don't think that the music of new Megadeth's album compares to the beautiful cover....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:08:13 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on November 25, 2015, 10:59:46 AM
BTW i don't think that the music of new Megadeth's album compares to the beautiful cover....
I like the Ghost In The Machine style LED font.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kix on November 25, 2015, 11:12:27 AM
If you could ask the band one question at this stage about the new record, what would it be?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:14:36 AM
Quote from: Kix on November 25, 2015, 11:12:27 AM
If you could ask the band one question at this stage about the new record, what would it be?

HAVE YOU NAILED THE PRODUCTION THIS TIME ?!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: wolven74 on November 25, 2015, 11:16:48 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on November 25, 2015, 10:59:46 AM
BTW i don't think that the music of new Megadeth's album compares to the beautiful cover....

I wonder why it is that with DT in particular it is so easy to judge the music by the cover? I mean, honestly I wouldn't have been able to say from the cover of I&W that it would be as epic as it is. If I hadn't heard PMU before I bought it, I probably would have not picked it up. Similarly, I don't think the cover of SFAM is indicative of the quality of the music therein.

I think we as fans have gotten used to DT producing awesome music and their covers have become more iconic to us, so we hope for amazing covers that would reflect the awesomeness of the music.

That being said.... I don't know what to expect from TA's cover, since I have no idea, really, of what the NOMACS represent in the story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 11:17:51 AM
Quote from: Kix on November 25, 2015, 11:12:27 AM
If you could ask the band one question at this stage about the new record, what would it be?

Good question! (Welcome to the forums btw  :) )

I'm not sure really what I'd ask at this point (since I know they're going to slowly be revealing new stuff). Perhaps I'd ask them which direction they feel like they're gravitating towards in terms of genre and style and what influences they'll be incorporating into this album.

But most importantly . . .

Are there lyrics by Myung??? (Those are always my favorite songs  ;) )
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:19:17 AM
I'm just anxious to hear the first snippet / single.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 25, 2015, 11:19:55 AM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 11:17:51 AM
Are there lyrics by Myung??? (Those are always my favorite songs  ;) )

I do not have inside info on that and want to make it clear that I am just speculating when I say this:  Given how many tracks there are and the fact that he has been contributing again, I would say it is almost a certainty.

Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:14:36 AM
Quote from: Kix on November 25, 2015, 11:12:27 AM
If you could ask the band one question at this stage about the new record, what would it be?

HAVE YOU NAILED THE PRODUCTION THIS TIME ?!

I sort of asked JP that in connection with DT12 and BTFW (although more tactfully and indirect), and the response both times was along the lines of "I think it sounds great!"  So...  :dunno:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 11:23:56 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:19:17 AM
I'm just anxious to hear the first snippet / single.

 :tup to that . . . We need a single!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:24:37 AM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 11:23:56 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:19:17 AM
I'm just anxious to hear the first snippet / single.

 :tup to that . . . We need a single!!!

They ended recording late Sep and began mixing Oct 13.

I don't think a teaser or snippet is too far away.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 25, 2015, 11:27:20 AM
To be fair, they also thought DT12 sounded great...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:30:46 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 25, 2015, 11:19:55 AM

I sort of asked JP that in connection with DT12 and BTFW (although more tactfully and indirect), and the response both times was along the lines of "I think it sounds great!"  So...  :dunno:

Apart from Noel Gallagher *** - i don't think i've seen any artist belittle their latest album after it's just come out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:31:36 AM
*** - Standing on The Shoulder of Giants had just come out and someone asked him what it was like and he said :

" i'd give it 8 out of 10. There's two shit songs on it ".

:lol gotta love Noel.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: GandL on November 25, 2015, 11:34:56 AM
Will there be any violin in ''Whispers on the Wind'' ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 11:38:36 AM
Quote from: GandL on November 25, 2015, 11:34:56 AM
Will there be any violin in ''Whispers on the Wind'' ?

idk . . . sounds like a cool idea for the title though!

I don't think we know anything about the music yet . . .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:39:41 AM
I'll be happy if it sounds like SFAM musically.

I'm dreading a lot of medieval sounding music with lutes and flutes and shit.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 11:40:06 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:31:36 AM
*** - Standing on The Shoulder of Giants had just come out and someone asked him what it was like and he said :

" i'd give it 8 out of 10. There's two shit songs on it ".

:lol gotta love Noel.

That's just too awesome!  :lol :rollin

Yep, definitely got to love that level of honesty xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 11:41:03 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:39:41 AM
I'll be happy if it sounds like SFAM musically.

I'm dreading a lot of medieval sounding music with lutes and flutes and shit.

If they try that a few times here and there I wouldn't mind, but all over the place . . . yeah wouldn't want that either!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 25, 2015, 11:48:04 AM
Quote from: Kix on November 25, 2015, 11:12:27 AM
If you could ask the band one question at this stage about the new record, what would it be?

Probably either how many songs over 8 minutes there are, or how continuous the tracks are.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: V_R11 on November 25, 2015, 11:50:50 AM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on November 25, 2015, 11:48:04 AM
Quote from: Kix on November 25, 2015, 11:12:27 AM
If you could ask the band one question at this stage about the new record, what would it be?

Probably either how many songs over 8 minutes there are, or how continuous the tracks are.

This
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 25, 2015, 11:52:26 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:30:46 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 25, 2015, 11:19:55 AM

I sort of asked JP that in connection with DT12 and BTFW (although more tactfully and indirect), and the response both times was along the lines of "I think it sounds great!"  So...  :dunno:

Apart from Noel Gallagher *** - i don't think i've seen any artist belittle their latest album after it's just come out.

:lol  I hear you.  I wouldn't expect that either.  But on the other hand, if John wasn't happy with the production, given that those were just private conversations between he and I, I would think he would say something along the lines of, "We are really happy with the songs, but hearing the final version, the final sound isn't 100% to where I would like it."  But he seemed genuinely happy with it.  That isn't to say he is wrong.  I'm just saying that, going back to the original question, I think if we were to ask the band whether they nailed the production this time, they would just say "yes" because it seems that they have been happy with where the production has been in the past, regardless what some of us might think.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:55:07 AM
Mangini at least has been very vocal about his dissatisfaction with his drum sounds.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 25, 2015, 12:00:14 PM
Quote from: Kix on November 25, 2015, 11:12:27 AM
If you could ask the band one question at this stage about the new record, what would it be?

How did you discover Jie Ma and why did you chose to have him do the artwork for the new album instead of going with Hugh Syme?

Yes I care more about the artwork than the content of the album  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 12:02:14 PM
I don't think we could have taken another go around of " What has Hugh fucked up / half-assed this time ? "
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Voices on November 25, 2015, 12:04:03 PM
Quote from: Kix on November 25, 2015, 11:12:27 AM
If you could ask the band one question at this stage about the new record, what would it be?

Did JP used his baritone this time?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 25, 2015, 12:05:02 PM
Where has Mangini talked about the drum sound on dt12? I'm curious. 'Cause that mechanical triggered snare... It's not by mistake.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 12:06:47 PM
I've seen snippets of interviews where he says he didn't like the snare sound on DT12 and he was too quiet on ADTOE.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on November 25, 2015, 12:10:04 PM
Also he replied to my comment.
(https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/18108_10204938106366898_5172891883974330874_n.jpg?oh=edb61dafb458e52d0abc42bba2c7a187&oe=56B29CCB)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 25, 2015, 12:18:12 PM
Nice.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 25, 2015, 12:24:08 PM
That comment/reply was from months ago, but yeah, cool.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 25, 2015, 12:26:21 PM
Quote from: Kix on November 25, 2015, 11:12:27 AM
If you could ask the band one question at this stage about the new record, what would it be?

Tracks length!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 25, 2015, 12:27:13 PM
Well, my problem with the snare isn't the sound itself, it's the fact that it's so mechanical sounding - every hit is identical. So if he's still using a triggered snare sound, I'm not too hopeful.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 25, 2015, 12:32:04 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 25, 2015, 12:27:13 PM
Well, my problem with the snare isn't the sound itself, it's the fact that it's so mechanical sounding - every hit is identical. So if he's still using a triggered snare sound, I'm not too hopeful.

That's a Mangini thing, not a triggered snare thing. He's far too precise with every snare hit, and that was kind of annoying for me in songs like The Bigger Picture.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Voices on November 25, 2015, 12:38:12 PM
He's the damn trigger.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Octavarious on November 25, 2015, 01:09:01 PM
One thing I would like to know if with the last updates that's it for the European Tour, i.e. no Eastern Europe at all (and no South-West) or if this is just the 1st (bigger) pre-Easter go, and a second shorter will follow early April.
I secured a perfect central seat for Sat 19 in Milan, but wanted to be sure I wouldn't eventually sell it to buy a ticket in Rome in case they will come here as well later on - with same show. This leads to the doubt if it's not the case to buy NOW a discounted train ticket to Milan saving a lot of money...
Yeah you couldn't care less I know ;D , but just wanted to get your advise.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Frankgate on November 25, 2015, 01:22:07 PM
My question would be: are you sure you got enough good songs to fill 2 CDs? Hope so.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Paintbox on November 25, 2015, 01:25:25 PM
Quote from: Octavarious on November 25, 2015, 01:09:01 PM
One thing I would like to know if with the last updates that's it for the European Tour, i.e. no Eastern Europe at all (and no South-West) or if this is just the 1st (bigger) pre-Easter go, and a second shorter will follow early April.
I secured a perfect central seat for Sat 19 in Milan, but wanted to be sure I wouldn't eventually sell it to buy a ticket in Rome in case they will come here as well later on - with same show. This leads to the doubt if it's not the case to buy NOW a discounted train ticket to Milan saving a lot of money...
Yeah you couldn't care less I know ;D , but just wanted to get your advise.
They were in Milano in 2014 and came in Rome this year so I think they'll skip 2016. But since they're probably going to play only songs from The Astonishing maybe they'll add some dates
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: nikatapi on November 25, 2015, 01:37:11 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 25, 2015, 12:05:02 PM
Where has Mangini talked about the drum sound on dt12? I'm curious. 'Cause that mechanical triggered snare... It's not by mistake.

He also talked to me about it when i interviewed him about a year ago. He also said that he wasn't happy with ADTOE sound, and he said that he just went with the DT12 snare sound to follow the general vision of the album. The only thing that frightens me is having extensively triggered drums this time, i think the last tour had something of a mix between triggers and real sound, at least on the bass drums.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: fischermasamune on November 25, 2015, 01:44:56 PM
I would ask since when have the ideas of the album been around, both the concept and the music. Is this album the result of jams during the previous tour? Does the story of TA involve, in some germinal stage, Portnoy?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: porcacultor on November 25, 2015, 01:47:59 PM
Quote from: Voices on November 25, 2015, 12:04:03 PM
Quote from: Kix on November 25, 2015, 11:12:27 AM
If you could ask the band one question at this stage about the new record, what would it be?

Did JP used his baritone this time?

Yeah I'd love to know that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 25, 2015, 01:52:54 PM
Quote from: Frankgate on November 25, 2015, 01:22:07 PM
My question would be: are you sure you got enough good songs to fill 2 CDs? Hope so.

The just said the hell with it if the songs are half assed.  We want to put out a double album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 01:58:42 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on November 25, 2015, 01:52:54 PM
Quote from: Frankgate on November 25, 2015, 01:22:07 PM
My question would be: are you sure you got enough good songs to fill 2 CDs? Hope so.

The just said the hell with it if the songs are half assed.  We want to put out a double album.

They wrote a normal album and quarter-assed it so it's a double album. :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 25, 2015, 02:05:42 PM
Quote from: fischermasamune on November 25, 2015, 01:44:56 PM
I would ask since when have the ideas of the album been around, both the concept and the music. Is this album the result of jams during the previous tour? Does the story of TA involve, in some germinal stage, Portnoy?

Yes the origin of the ideas and how long they have been working on this concept/music would be very interresting to know.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 02:12:36 PM
Wouldn't it be something if we read the credits and one lyric credit said "Portnoy" on it . . .

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 02:14:51 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 02:12:36 PM
Wouldn't it be something if we read the credits and one lyric credit said "Portnoy" on it . . .

Portnoy should co-produce.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: arkdtmp on November 25, 2015, 03:16:28 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 02:14:51 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 02:12:36 PM
Wouldn't it be something if we read the credits and one lyric credit said "Portnoy" on it . . .

Portnoy should co-produce.

He should do a wee bit more than that  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 03:17:40 PM
Quote from: arkdtmp on November 25, 2015, 03:16:28 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 02:14:51 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 02:12:36 PM
Wouldn't it be something if we read the credits and one lyric credit said "Portnoy" on it . . .

Portnoy should co-produce.

He should do a wee bit more than that  :hat

Co-Produce AND then fuck off.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: porcacultor on November 25, 2015, 03:22:23 PM
If Portnoy was involved I can't imagine him not talking about it already in his social media accounts. Unless a gag order was involved, then I guess he wouldn't talk about it. But still.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 03:27:19 PM
Quote from: porcacultor on November 25, 2015, 03:22:23 PM
If Portnoy was involved I can't imagine him not talking about it already in his social media accounts. Unless a gag order was involved, then I guess he wouldn't talk about it. But still.

Yeah you got a point there . . . I was mainly just adding to what someone else said about Portnoy being involved, all wild speculation  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 25, 2015, 03:40:09 PM
It's not even speculation.  There is no way he is involved.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 03:50:42 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 25, 2015, 03:40:09 PM
It's not even speculation.  There is no way he is involved.

True  :lol The other member was just speculating if the idea was bouncing around since when he was in the band (unless I misunderstood) and then my crazy brain took it one step further  :lol :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaasMah on November 25, 2015, 04:31:12 PM
Quote from: Voices on November 25, 2015, 12:04:03 PM
Quote from: Kix on November 25, 2015, 11:12:27 AM
If you could ask the band one question at this stage about the new record, what would it be?

Did JP used his baritone this time?

Idk about the baritone, but im pretty sure he used the double neck 12 strings he used in Six Degrees. He had a post about that guitar a while ago but i dont think it made any appearance in their recent tour, so im guessing he used that in the recording.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 25, 2015, 04:45:57 PM
Every track will be a Nightmare to be Remembered.
They will be bloeated as fuck.
3 hour long album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: porcacultor on November 25, 2015, 04:50:17 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 03:27:19 PM
Quote from: porcacultor on November 25, 2015, 03:22:23 PM
If Portnoy was involved I can't imagine him not talking about it already in his social media accounts. Unless a gag order was involved, then I guess he wouldn't talk about it. But still.

Yeah you got a point there . . . I was mainly just adding to what someone else said about Portnoy being involved, all wild speculation  ;D

I didn't mean to be a spoilsport either! Anything goes at this point  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 04:56:02 PM
Portnoy already went 5 years ago. ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 25, 2015, 05:02:26 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 04:56:02 PM
Portnoy already went 5 years ago. ;)

Where?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 05:07:02 PM
10 other bands.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 25, 2015, 05:07:58 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 25, 2015, 05:02:26 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 04:56:02 PM
Portnoy already went 5 years ago. ;)

Where?

He needed a dose of adrenaline, so he joined the Mob.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Peter Mc on November 25, 2015, 05:22:08 PM
Going back to the question about SFAM, it was nothing like this. I had no clue it was a concept album until it came out. I wasn't on the internet anywhere near as much back then so maybe it was more obvious to those who were. First thing I saw about the album was review in Classic Rock. They didn't mention that the album was a concept album and didn't mention Metropolis pt 2. Album was just referred to as Scenes From a Memory. That immediately made me think of Metropolis and when they mentioned another track called The Dance of Eternity, I got more excited. It was not until day of release that I discovered the full album was Metropolis pt 2. I phoned up HMV to check they had the new DT album and the guy looked on his computer and said "you mean Metropolis Pt 2. I left work as early as I possibly could that day!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 05:34:25 PM
Quote from: porcacultor on November 25, 2015, 04:50:17 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 25, 2015, 03:27:19 PM
Quote from: porcacultor on November 25, 2015, 03:22:23 PM
If Portnoy was involved I can't imagine him not talking about it already in his social media accounts. Unless a gag order was involved, then I guess he wouldn't talk about it. But still.

Yeah you got a point there . . . I was mainly just adding to what someone else said about Portnoy being involved, all wild speculation  ;D

I didn't mean to be a spoilsport either! Anything goes at this point  ;)

haha no need to apologize - it's me being the ridiculous one  :lol

That's what happens when I'm on the Internet too long xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: chaossystem on November 25, 2015, 07:51:59 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 01:58:42 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on November 25, 2015, 01:52:54 PM
Quote from: Frankgate on November 25, 2015, 01:22:07 PM
My question would be: are you sure you got enough good songs to fill 2 CDs? Hope so.

The just said the hell with it if the songs are half assed.  We want to put out a double album.

They wrote a normal album and quarter-assed it so it's a double album. :neverusethis:

What would that be if they played it all in 1/8, 1/16 & 1/32 notes?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: |KirK| on November 25, 2015, 11:59:39 PM
Quote from: Peter Mc on November 25, 2015, 05:22:08 PM
Going back to the question about SFAM, it was nothing like this. I had no clue it was a concept album until it came out. I wasn't on the internet anywhere near as much back then so maybe it was more obvious to those who were. First thing I saw about the album was review in Classic Rock. They didn't mention that the album was a concept album and didn't mention Metropolis pt 2. Album was just referred to as Scenes From a Memory. That immediately made me think of Metropolis and when they mentioned another track called The Dance of Eternity, I got more excited. It was not until day of release that I discovered the full album was Metropolis pt 2. I phoned up HMV to check they had the new DT album and the guy looked on his computer and said "you mean Metropolis Pt 2. I left work as early as I possibly could that day!
So this could be "Metropolis pt.3: The Astonishing"!!! :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MajorBoobage on November 26, 2015, 07:34:23 AM
https://www.facebook.com/jordanrudessofficial/posts/10153364573007989 (https://www.facebook.com/jordanrudessofficial/posts/10153364573007989)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zydar on November 26, 2015, 07:47:18 AM
Cool pics, I especially like the one with JMX :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 26, 2015, 07:49:29 AM
Seeing some lighting setups and stuff, are they maybe in the process of recording a video?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 26, 2015, 07:53:14 AM
(https://orig11.deviantart.net/4452/f/2015/330/7/6/johnmyung_basssolo_by_cdrice-d9i2rap.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 26, 2015, 08:22:30 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 26, 2015, 07:49:29 AM
Seeing some lighting setups and stuff, are they maybe in the process of recording a video?

If there was a proper video done for a song (as opposed to a lyric video), I wonder if the band would actually appear in it, or would they just have actors playing out that part of the storyline?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 26, 2015, 08:25:41 AM
I was actually thinking about some sort of album teaser video, but that could be cool for a music video indeed!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 26, 2015, 08:27:44 AM
I think this was just for photos, but I'd like to see some videos too. I don't know how soon the two videos will be revealed or whether this is part of that or not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: |KirK| on November 26, 2015, 08:29:14 AM
It seems more a photo shoot than a video to me... All the stuff that it is visible is for taking photos....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on November 26, 2015, 08:32:22 AM
Plus, Jordan said it was a photo shoot.  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 26, 2015, 09:08:20 AM
Quote from: TAC on November 26, 2015, 08:32:22 AM
Plus, Jordan said it was a photo shoot.  ;D
Yeah, suggesting otherwise is taking DTF speculation to the extreme.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 26, 2015, 09:39:48 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 26, 2015, 09:08:20 AM
Quote from: TAC on November 26, 2015, 08:32:22 AM
Plus, Jordan said it was a photo shoot.  ;D
Yeah, suggesting otherwise is taking DTF speculation to the extreme.

JR also said "Scenes from a photoshoot". METROP0L1S PT. 3 CONF1MRED!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: porcacultor on November 26, 2015, 09:48:15 AM
What is a video if not sequential photos...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: AboutToCrash on November 26, 2015, 10:06:37 AM
C SHARP POWERCHORD CONFIRMED  :lol :lol :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dparrott on November 26, 2015, 10:18:19 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:31:36 AM
*** - Standing on The Shoulder of Giants had just come out and someone asked him what it was like and he said :

" i'd give it 8 out of 10. There's two shit songs on it ".

:lol gotta love Noel.

Heh...he also said that about Dig Out Your Soul.  B-sides on an album just make it worse.  Don't get the logic just having them as filler unless there is an album length requirement.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 26, 2015, 10:22:04 AM
Quote from: dparrott on November 26, 2015, 10:18:19 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 25, 2015, 11:31:36 AM
*** - Standing on The Shoulder of Giants had just come out and someone asked him what it was like and he said :

" i'd give it 8 out of 10. There's two shit songs on it ".

:lol gotta love Noel.

Heh...he also said that about Dig Out Your Soul.  B-sides on an album just make it worse.  Don't get the logic just having them as filler unless there is an album length requirement.

Dig Out Your Soul was a really good album bar the last two songs. The Nature Of Reality and Soldier On really hurt that album. It could have been great but in the end it was merely good and following

the return-to-form of Don't Believe The Truth it was a slight letdown. But at least they ended after two pretty decent albums instead of splitting after Be Here Now and Standing On The Shoulder of

Giants and tarnishing their legacy entirely.


Some bands have one or two classics only go on to release terrible albums and never recover.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: KevShmev on November 26, 2015, 10:27:26 AM
Quote from: Kix on November 25, 2015, 11:12:27 AM
If you could ask the band one question at this stage about the new record, what would it be?

Is the volume on the new record going to be "one louder" than it was on DT12?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 26, 2015, 10:28:45 AM
Quote from: KevShmev on November 26, 2015, 10:27:26 AM
Quote from: Kix on November 25, 2015, 11:12:27 AM
If you could ask the band one question at this stage about the new record, what would it be?

Is the volume on the new record going to be "one louder" than it was on DT12?

There's no volume louder than 12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 26, 2015, 11:02:51 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on November 26, 2015, 10:06:37 AM
C SHARP POWERCHORD CONFIRMED  :lol :lol :lol
Unless it is in a different tuning. :P

Quote from: RoeDent on November 26, 2015, 09:39:48 AM
JR also said "Scenes from a photoshoot". METROP0L1S PT. 3 CONF1MRED!!!  ;D
OH LORDY
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 26, 2015, 11:08:16 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 26, 2015, 11:02:51 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on November 26, 2015, 10:06:37 AM
C SHARP POWERCHORD CONFIRMED  :lol :lol :lol
Unless it is in a different tuning. :P


Depends if you're one of those musicians that plays an open G shape chord in a lower tuning and still calls it a G chord ( regardless of pitch ).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 26, 2015, 11:13:21 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 26, 2015, 11:08:16 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 26, 2015, 11:02:51 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on November 26, 2015, 10:06:37 AM
C SHARP POWERCHORD CONFIRMED  :lol :lol :lol
Unless it is in a different tuning. :P


Depends if you're one of those musicians that plays an open G shape chord in a lower tuning and still calls it a G chord ( regardless of pitch ).

It's a G chord based on the notes not the shape or positioning...obviously.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: home on November 26, 2015, 11:13:41 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 26, 2015, 11:08:16 AM
Quote from: ariich on November 26, 2015, 11:02:51 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on November 26, 2015, 10:06:37 AM
C SHARP POWERCHORD CONFIRMED  :lol :lol :lol
Unless it is in a different tuning. :P


Depends if you're one of those musicians that plays an open G shape chord in a lower tuning and still calls it a G chord ( regardless of pitch ).

That's just not right, it might be called a g-shape chord, but it's not a g chord
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 26, 2015, 11:15:15 AM
If the guitar is tuned to D std and i'm trying to teach someone a song.

I would say the chords are C G and D because it's less confusing than saying Bb, F and C .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: home on November 26, 2015, 11:18:51 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 26, 2015, 11:15:15 AM
If the guitar is tuned to D std and i'm trying to teach someone a song.

I would say the chords are C G and D because it's less confusing than saying Bb, F and C .

But then you are talking about the shape/positioning not about the chord itself.

And oh what a usefull discussion :p
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: thosava on November 26, 2015, 12:12:39 PM
Are we only getting updates on mondays now, or will we get a new update today?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 26, 2015, 12:16:46 PM
Quote from: home on November 26, 2015, 11:18:51 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 26, 2015, 11:15:15 AM
If the guitar is tuned to D std and i'm trying to teach someone a song.

I would say the chords are C G and D because it's less confusing than saying Bb, F and C .

But then you are talking about the shape/positioning not about the chord itself.



That's what I am saying.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 26, 2015, 12:19:40 PM
Quote from: thosava on November 26, 2015, 12:12:39 PM
Are we only getting updates on mondays now, or will we get a new update today?

I was wondering the same . . .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 26, 2015, 12:20:30 PM
I'm pretty sure bosk said there will still be updates in roughly the same pattern as before, so I expect it to be the usual Monday and Thursday, but could be a few days later idk.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 26, 2015, 12:25:00 PM
Perhaps it has something to do with the holidays . . . maybe they take a day off from updating?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: thosava on November 26, 2015, 12:37:17 PM
For three weeks or something they updated every monday and thursday. But then there was no update last thursday, and a bigger one this monday.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 26, 2015, 12:54:17 PM
I'm getting Romeo & Juliet vibes from Act 2, in that the death of Faythe (My Last Farewell/Losing Faythe) brings the GNE and the RRM back together, or at least sets it in motion.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 26, 2015, 01:20:02 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 26, 2015, 12:54:17 PM
I'm getting Romeo & Juliet vibes from Act 2, in that the death of Faythe (My Last Farewell/Losing Faythe) brings the GNE and the RRM back together, or at least sets it in motion.

In my case, I want the rebel scum to perish  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: the_silent_man on November 26, 2015, 02:03:27 PM
So wikipedia has the album release date of Jan 29th. Has this been confirmed by the band? Or is it just nonsense someone made up on wikipedia?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 26, 2015, 02:07:05 PM
Quote from: the_silent_man on November 26, 2015, 02:03:27 PM
So wikipedia has the album release date of Jan 29th. Has this been confirmed by the band? Or is it just nonsense someone made up on wikipedia?

Well it is a Friday so who knows.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 26, 2015, 02:09:35 PM
Quote from: the_silent_man on November 26, 2015, 02:03:27 PM
So wikipedia has the album release date of Jan 29th. Has this been confirmed by the band? Or is it just nonsense someone made up on wikipedia?

It's taken from the German Amazon page for the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 26, 2015, 02:10:25 PM
https://www.amazon.de/Astonishing-Dream-Theater/dp/B018H6M7CW/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1448478357&sr=1-1&keywords=dream%20theater
Here's the reference
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 26, 2015, 02:31:29 PM
Nothing is 100% set in stone, but you can assume that date is quite likely the release date in europe.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nihil-Morari on November 26, 2015, 02:33:09 PM
So, that means we can build a countdown clock somewhere  :lol

I remember making the countdown to ToT (or possibly Octavarium, can't be sure) the screensaver on my computer.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 26, 2015, 03:10:28 PM
Albums are released on the same day worldwide these days.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 26, 2015, 03:21:56 PM
Often it is, but it's not necessarily always so.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: countoftuscany42 on November 26, 2015, 05:57:20 PM
That is a lot of the reason why the date moved to Friday, now it's far more consistent worldwide. There are exceptions, but in general everything is out at the same time now
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CharlesPL on November 26, 2015, 06:42:59 PM
29th January - SDoIT It sounds similar.Just like FII and DT12 issued on the same day :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ResultsMayVary on November 26, 2015, 11:20:16 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 26, 2015, 03:21:56 PM
Often it is, but it's not necessarily always so.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the industry changed most releases to Fridays this past July to keep a simultaneous worldwide release schedule.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Prog Snob on November 27, 2015, 12:20:49 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on November 26, 2015, 11:20:16 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 26, 2015, 03:21:56 PM
Often it is, but it's not necessarily always so.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the industry changed most releases to Fridays this past July to keep a simultaneous worldwide release schedule.

You are correct.

https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2015/07/10/421483599/goodbye-music-tuesday-starting-today-albums-come-out-on-friday
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 27, 2015, 01:45:45 AM
That's it. So if there is a difference between release dates in different areas, 1. it will go against the general tide of how things are done now, and 2. the difference will probably be a full week either way.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Frankgate on November 27, 2015, 03:59:50 AM
Amazon's release dates sometimes differ from the "actual ones"
I wouldn't consider January 29 as a fact.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ErHaO on November 27, 2015, 05:05:42 AM
I hope that I will get the album at least a few weeks prior to the show, as DT albums often require time to sink in for me. I'm expecting release during Januari. And maybe a full/partial stream? They did that with DT12 right? I recall something like that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DreamerTV on November 27, 2015, 05:21:49 AM
And this is Gabriel

(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/gabriel.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: thosava on November 27, 2015, 05:22:44 AM
New character, Gabriel of the Ravenskill rebel militia!

(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/271115_large.jpg)

Edit: ninja'd
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 27, 2015, 05:24:25 AM
Sexy. :zydar:

I don't really have any interest in some character names and pictures though, without much background information. Ok, someone named Gabriel is going to be mentioned on the lyrics.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 05:25:03 AM
Not the followup you'd expect after "Nafaryus" and "Arhys", but me likes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Curious Orange on November 27, 2015, 05:31:33 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 26, 2015, 10:28:45 AM
There's no volume louder than 12.

13?  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 27, 2015, 05:32:24 AM
Should be Gabryel really.  :P

I think we're going to have a few story-related updates (characters and maps) rather than album info (confirmed release date, artwork, single) for the next little while.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 27, 2015, 05:33:47 AM
The longer they hold off on an official reveal of the cover, the more terrified I become.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zydar on November 27, 2015, 05:39:05 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 27, 2015, 05:33:47 AM
The longer they hold off on an official reveal of the cover, the more terrified I become.

You haven't been contacted to do some cool animations? Or maybe you're not allowed to tell :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 27, 2015, 05:41:45 AM
Quote from: Zydar on November 27, 2015, 05:39:05 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 27, 2015, 05:33:47 AM
The longer they hold off on an official reveal of the cover, the more terrified I become.

You haven't been contacted to do some cool animations? Or maybe you're not allowed to tell :P

I don't have any useful information at this point either way.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zydar on November 27, 2015, 05:46:23 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 27, 2015, 05:41:45 AM
Quote from: Zydar on November 27, 2015, 05:39:05 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 27, 2015, 05:33:47 AM
The longer they hold off on an official reveal of the cover, the more terrified I become.

You haven't been contacted to do some cool animations? Or maybe you're not allowed to tell :P

I don't have any useful information at this point either way.


Roger that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TH1RT3EN on November 27, 2015, 05:57:13 AM
Quote from: ErHaO on November 27, 2015, 05:05:42 AM
I hope that I will get the album at least a few weeks prior to the show, as DT albums often require time to sink in for me. I'm expecting release during January. And maybe a full/partial stream? They did that with DT12 right? I recall something like that.

They did stream the album the week prior to the release date.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 27, 2015, 06:01:37 AM
Quote from: Zydar on November 27, 2015, 05:46:23 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 27, 2015, 05:41:45 AM
Quote from: Zydar on November 27, 2015, 05:39:05 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 27, 2015, 05:33:47 AM
The longer they hold off on an official reveal of the cover, the more terrified I become.

You haven't been contacted to do some cool animations? Or maybe you're not allowed to tell :P

I don't have any useful information at this point either way.


Roger that.

Over

Under

Dunn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zydar on November 27, 2015, 06:03:00 AM
We have clearance, Clarence.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 06:04:26 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on November 27, 2015, 03:59:50 AM
Amazon's release dates sometimes differ from the "actual ones"
I wouldn't consider January 29 as a fact.

It could actually be released before that. Wouldn't that be amazing?  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 27, 2015, 06:04:52 AM
What can you make out of this Zydar?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 27, 2015, 06:20:23 AM
So far, nothing I didn't already know ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Zydar on November 27, 2015, 06:23:01 AM
miracle (n.)
.....from mirari "to wonder at, marvel, be astonished," .......

In the email from Arhys, it says-
"By means almost indescribable, we have biohacked the receivers implanted into the flesh so many generations ago, jamming the cacophonous lull of the NOMACS for however much longer our primitive tech will abide."

Lull means to put to sleep, as in sleeper.

The sleepers are awoken by the miracle, ie. The Astonishing?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 27, 2015, 06:27:30 AM
stop
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 27, 2015, 06:41:14 AM
 :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 27, 2015, 07:03:13 AM
There goes my theory of all the Rebels being on the right half of the portraits. The only way to make up for that is... make another theory!  :lol

I predict Gabriel will be responsible for at least one huge decision in this story. Perhaps there will be a moment where he considers joining the Empire... Maybe he'll betray Arhys and kill him. Maybe he's the character that has the most influence on Arhys.

Or maybe I'm completely wrong again.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 27, 2015, 07:11:52 AM
I predict that Gabriel is Arhys brother, being that its the only other character we've thus far have heard of in the emails. Which would make Gabriel the chosen one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: porcacultor on November 27, 2015, 07:12:51 AM
Gabriel may at least be true to the angelic nature of his name... Or, as the angel was, a messenger of sorts. I wouldn't initially bet on him being the chosen one (I'd put my chips on "faythe" so far), but it could be a curve ball. Maybe he's the bringer of "good news"... which could be the "siren's call" or not.

 :corn

EDIT: On second thought, Gabriel was revealed on Black Friday. Maybe he's the cheapo who sells Ravenskill out to the empire?  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 27, 2015, 07:16:17 AM
Faythe sounds like a feminine name. And the chosen one has already been revealed to be Arhys' brother.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: porcacultor on November 27, 2015, 07:21:34 AM
That is true. He seems younger and more "innocent" than Arhys too, somehow.

I wonder if the "sorrowful song" is a recurring motif during the album. It seems like it took so little time to make this album for it to seem so complex! I'm glad it seems pretty long at least, because all of this is throwing my expectations way up high.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 27, 2015, 07:22:00 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 27, 2015, 07:16:17 AM
Faythe sounds like a feminine name. And the chosen one has already been revealed to be Arhys' brother.

Faythe is Gabriel's crush
Gabriel gets in trouble
Faythe sacrifices herself to save him
She dies, but saves the humanity


The Ministry of Lost Souls Pt. 2 CONFIRMED!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ErHaO on November 27, 2015, 07:50:25 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on November 27, 2015, 05:57:13 AM
Quote from: ErHaO on November 27, 2015, 05:05:42 AM
I hope that I will get the album at least a few weeks prior to the show, as DT albums often require time to sink in for me. I'm expecting release during January. And maybe a full/partial stream? They did that with DT12 right? I recall something like that.

They did stream the album the week prior to the release date.

Ah, thanks. Then I hope they will do something similar now ! Or maybe just stream the first disc in advance and leave the second one as a cliffhanger for full release  ;D From marketing perspective that would keep the "new album soon!" hype spread out longer as well. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 27, 2015, 08:05:11 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 27, 2015, 07:16:17 AM
Faythe sounds like a feminine name. And the chosen one has already been revealed to be Arhys' brother.

They might not necessarily be blood brothers. Might just be brothers in the sense they share the same ideals, dreams etc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 08:10:34 AM
Finally! I had finished reading the 52 pages! This is so exiting! Hello to everyone... greetings from Venezuela!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 08:19:51 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 08:10:34 AM
Finally! I had finished reading the 52 pages! This is so exiting! Hello to everyone... greetings from Venezuela!

Man, that takes some real patience to read 52 pages, congrats! Welcome and greetings from your neighbour, Brazil!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: alexofsweden on November 27, 2015, 08:22:03 AM
Is this the new Game of Thrones album?  :police:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 27, 2015, 08:24:06 AM
"but this Chosen One is, in fact, my blood, and my brother."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 27, 2015, 08:37:28 AM
Faythe grew with Gabriel and Arhys but one day she finds out that she is the daughter of Nafaryus and she's got to be the princess of GNEA, but she's in love with Gabriel so she has to decide between GNEA or stay with Gabriel joining the Rebel movement. Maybe she dies in battle or she sacrifices herself to save the world.

That's my humble prediction.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: r3d86 on November 27, 2015, 08:39:42 AM
Beyond prediction, I want to see a new character! And of course listen to some of the CD! :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 08:45:04 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 08:19:51 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 08:10:34 AM
Finally! I had finished reading the 52 pages! This is so exiting! Hello to everyone... greetings from Venezuela!

Man, that takes some real patience to read 52 pages, congrats! Welcome and greetings from your neighbour, Brazil!

Thanks bro!  ;D

This album for me, represents what SFAM was after the "FII years", they HAVE to make it GREAT!

I personally have a great feeling about The Astonishing.

 :yarr

#RavenskillRebelMilitia
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 27, 2015, 08:47:55 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 27, 2015, 08:24:06 AM
"but this Chosen One is, in fact, my blood, and my brother."

 :facepalm: Must've missed that bit. I stand corrected.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Frankgate on November 27, 2015, 09:03:42 AM
If the guys don't release a full new song by the end of next week I'll kill myself.  :yeahright
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 09:04:21 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 08:45:04 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 08:19:51 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 08:10:34 AM
Finally! I had finished reading the 52 pages! This is so exiting! Hello to everyone... greetings from Venezuela!

Man, that takes some real patience to read 52 pages, congrats! Welcome and greetings from your neighbour, Brazil!

Thanks bro!  ;D

This album for me, represents what SFAM was after the "FII years", they HAVE to make it GREAT!

I personally have a great feeling about The Astonishing.

 :yarr

#RavenskillRebelMilitia
For future reference, I recommend going to the "What we know so far" thread, this one's 90% bogus, 9% educated guesses and 1% clock theories. Unless you, like me, enjoy whacky conversations. Anyways welcome to DTF!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 09:33:41 AM
Dream Theater just confirmed on Facebook that Gabriel is indeed The Chosen.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 27, 2015, 09:39:36 AM
Yep, Gabriel confirmed as the chosen one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 09:42:25 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on November 27, 2015, 09:39:36 AM
Yep, Gabriel confirmed as the chosen one.

I'd choose him any day :zydar:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on November 27, 2015, 09:43:33 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on November 27, 2015, 09:39:36 AM
Yep, Gabriel confirmed as the chosen one.
And I was sure the chosen one was the silhouette in the right lower corner, that looks like a child.
Can we be sure Faythe is a person and not just a funny way of spelling 'faith'?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 27, 2015, 09:44:07 AM
Right then. So Gabriel is the Chosen One, Arhys' blood, his brother.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Crow on November 27, 2015, 09:45:06 AM
and confirmed on twitter too
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 27, 2015, 09:48:56 AM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on November 27, 2015, 09:43:33 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on November 27, 2015, 09:39:36 AM
Yep, Gabriel confirmed as the chosen one.
And I was sure the chosen one was the silhouette in the right lower corner, that looks like a child.
Can we be sure Faythe is a person and not just a funny way of spelling 'faith'?

There is a person called Nafaryus, so I have no doubt Faythe is also gonna be a person.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ResultsMayVary on November 27, 2015, 09:50:23 AM
I'd be very surprised if Faythe wasn't a character.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 27, 2015, 09:51:14 AM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on November 27, 2015, 09:43:33 AM
And I was sure the chosen one was the silhouette in the right lower corner, that looks like a child.
Can we be sure Faythe is a person and not just a funny way of spelling 'faith'?

1. I actually think that silhouette looks like an alien. Either that, or that guy's got a huge scalp. Or an afro...

2. Why else would they spell it Faythe and not faith? It only seems like the names of characters are spelt unusually.

3. Cool username. :clap:  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on November 27, 2015, 09:53:29 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 27, 2015, 09:48:56 AM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on November 27, 2015, 09:43:33 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on November 27, 2015, 09:39:36 AM
Yep, Gabriel confirmed as the chosen one.
And I was sure the chosen one was the silhouette in the right lower corner, that looks like a child.
Can we be sure Faythe is a person and not just a funny way of spelling 'faith'?

There is a person called Nafaryus, so I have no doubt Faythe is also gonna be a person.

Good point.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: liran95 on November 27, 2015, 09:54:23 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 09:04:21 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 08:45:04 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 08:19:51 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 08:10:34 AM
Finally! I had finished reading the 52 pages! This is so exiting! Hello to everyone... greetings from Venezuela!

Man, that takes some real patience to read 52 pages, congrats! Welcome and greetings from your neighbour, Brazil!

Thanks bro!  ;D

This album for me, represents what SFAM was after the "FII years", they HAVE to make it GREAT!

I personally have a great feeling about The Astonishing.

 :yarr

#RavenskillRebelMilitia
For future reference, I recommend going to the "What we know so far" thread, this one's 90% bogus, 9% educated guesses and 1% clock theories. Unless you, like me, enjoy whacky conversations. Anyways welcome to DTF!

Are you kidding me? I've just read through 53 pages only wishing to find some nonsense conversation. If I'd wanna get some solid info I would just refer to the thread you've mentioned  :lol

Speculation time = Fun time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Sacul on November 27, 2015, 09:55:05 AM
Wait, Gabriel looks similar to Kevin Moore  :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on November 27, 2015, 09:56:33 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 27, 2015, 09:51:14 AM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on November 27, 2015, 09:43:33 AM
And I was sure the chosen one was the silhouette in the right lower corner, that looks like a child.
Can we be sure Faythe is a person and not just a funny way of spelling 'faith'?

1. I actually think that silhouette looks like an alien. Either that, or that guy's got a huge scalp. Or an afro...

2. Why else would they spell it Faythe and not faith? It only seems like the names of characters are spelt unusually.

3. Cool username. :clap:  :tup

I didn't make it up by myself. Stole it from cheesy lyrics on an obscure concept album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 09:58:03 AM
Quote from: Sacul on November 27, 2015, 09:55:05 AM
Wait, Gabriel looks similar to Kevin Moore  :o

GUEST APPEARANCE COMFIRMED!!!  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 10:00:50 AM
Quote from: Sacul on November 27, 2015, 09:55:05 AM
Wait, Gabriel looks similar to Kevin Moore  :o

I actually had the same feeling that he looked like someone from DT when I first saw him. At first I thought Mangini but then that would be kind of a stretch . . . couldn't put my finger on it
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 10:03:38 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 09:04:21 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 08:45:04 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 08:19:51 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 08:10:34 AM
Finally! I had finished reading the 52 pages! This is so exiting! Hello to everyone... greetings from Venezuela!

Man, that takes some real patience to read 52 pages, congrats! Welcome and greetings from your neighbour, Brazil!

Thanks bro!  ;D

This album for me, represents what SFAM was after the "FII years", they HAVE to make it GREAT!

I personally have a great feeling about The Astonishing.

 :yarr

#RavenskillRebelMilitia
For future reference, I recommend going to the "What we know so far" thread, this one's 90% bogus, 9% educated guesses and 1% clock theories. Unless you, like me, enjoy whacky conversations. Anyways welcome to DTF!

 :tup to that comment  :lol :rollin

Welcome to the forums btw Jose  :smiley:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 10:25:17 AM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 10:03:38 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 09:04:21 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 08:45:04 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 08:19:51 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 08:10:34 AM
Finally! I had finished reading the 52 pages! This is so exiting! Hello to everyone... greetings from Venezuela!

Man, that takes some real patience to read 52 pages, congrats! Welcome and greetings from your neighbour, Brazil!

Thanks bro!  ;D

This album for me, represents what SFAM was after the "FII years", they HAVE to make it GREAT!

I personally have a great feeling about The Astonishing.

 :yarr

#RavenskillRebelMilitia
For future reference, I recommend going to the "What we know so far" thread, this one's 90% bogus, 9% educated guesses and 1% clock theories. Unless you, like me, enjoy whacky conversations. Anyways welcome to DTF!

 :tup to that comment  :lol :rollin

Welcome to the forums btw Jose  :smiley:

thank you guys i really enjoyed this whacky conversations! hahahahaha

so... we have a savior huh?

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 10:31:06 AM
No. We have a traitor to our Great Empire. SEIZE HIM AT ONCE!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 27, 2015, 10:52:54 AM
So Gabriel is the chosen one. I wonder if his name has anything to do with the Archangel Gabriel who I believe is sometimes associated with the trumpet sound on judgement day. If that's the case, maybe we'll have a trumpet solo somewhere on the album  :omg:

Quote from: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 09:04:21 AM
For future reference, I recommend going to the "What we know so far" thread, this one's 90% bogus, 9% educated guesses and 1% clock theories. Unless you, like me, enjoy whacky conversations. Anyways welcome to DTF!

Speaking of which, where is Clock Guy? It's been a while since I last saw him.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TH1RT3EN on November 27, 2015, 10:59:50 AM
Believing Nafaryus to be responsible for his love interest's death (Losing Faythe), Gabriel is convinced by Arhys to join him in his plan to attack the Empire's fortress (Whispers on the Wind). They manage to destroy the NOMACS, break in Nafaryus' castle and defeat him. Right after that, Arhys knocks Gabriel down, locks him and Nafaryus in the dungeons and autoproclaims himself as the new emperor. Turns out Arhys was the real villain the whole time and the NOMACS were the only thing keeping the Empire safe from his tyranny and his brain-washing music. He was actually Faythe's murderer and used Gabriel's rage to make him join his side, only to clear the path for a coup d'etat. The remaining Ravenskill survivors rescue the two prisoners and Nafaryus lead them to rebuild the NOMACS in order to take Arhys down and reclaim the throne (Hymn of a Thousand Voices). They attack Arhys and finally manage to kill him, but Nafaryus is fatally wounded during the final battle. Just before dying, he chooses Gabriel as heir to the throne (Our New World). With no threat against the Empire anymore, the NOMACS are dismantled (Power Down). The Ravenskill rebels, upon realizing they were being manipulated by a fake leader the whole time, join the empire and serve as Gabriel's loyal army. Peace finally rules the land and, to everyone's astonishment, The Great Northern Empire and The Ravenskill Rebel Militia finally become one (Astonishing).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 11:01:30 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 10:31:06 AM
No. We have a traitor to our Great Empire. SEIZE HIM AT ONCE!

Wait for the outcry!
Resistance is calling tonight!

Ravenskill Rebel
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 27, 2015, 11:16:50 AM
Remember the path that divides. This has been the main theme since the beginning of communication - the path dividing. This is obviously important to the plot when there's even a song named such.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ledlemos08 on November 27, 2015, 11:19:07 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on November 27, 2015, 10:59:50 AM
Believing Nafaryus to be responsible for his love interest's death (Losing Faythe), Gabriel is convinced by Arhys to join him in his plan to attack the Empire's fortress (Whispers on the Wind). They manage to destroy the NOMACS, break in Nafaryus' castle and defeat him. Right after that, Arhys knocks Gabriel down, locks him and Nafaryus in the dungeons and autoproclaims himself as the new emperor. Turns out Arhys was the real villain the whole time and the NOMACS were the only thing keeping the Empire safe from his tyranny and his brain-washing music. He was actually Faythe's murderer and used Gabriel's rage to make him join his side, only to clear the path for a coup d'etat. The remaining Ravenskill survivors rescue the two prisoners and Nafaryus lead them to rebuild the NOMACS in order to take Arhys down and reclaim the throne (Hymn of a Thousand Voices). They attack Arhys and finally manage to kill him, but Nafaryus is fatally wounded during the final battle. Just before dying, he chooses Gabriel as heir to the throne (Our New World). With no threat against the Empire anymore, the NOMACS are dismantled (Power Down). The Ravenskill rebels, upon realizing they were being manipulated by a fake leader the whole time, join the empire and serve as Gabriel's loyal army. Peace finally rules the land and, to everyone's astonishment, The Great Northern Empire and The Ravenskill Rebel Militia finally become one (Astonishing).

I really enjoy this history!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on November 27, 2015, 11:33:36 AM
there are a lot of new members in here wow

Y'all noobs should head on over to GMD whenever you get a chance and hang out with us.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ledlemos08 on November 27, 2015, 11:36:11 AM
Of course this is fake, but I really like it... Anyone know what is that?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qRqUyibXLI
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 11:36:38 AM
Quote from: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on November 27, 2015, 11:33:36 AM
there are a lot of new members in here wow

Y'all noobs should head on over to GMD whenever you get a chance and hang out with us.

Sure! Would be nice to know what that is, though xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 11:38:12 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 11:36:38 AM
Quote from: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on November 27, 2015, 11:33:36 AM
there are a lot of new members in here wow

Y'all noobs should head on over to GMD whenever you get a chance and hang out with us.

Sure! Would be nice to know what that is, though xD

Yeah, because we ARE noobs  :lol

Would be happy to join in  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 11:39:34 AM
Quote from: ledlemos08 on November 27, 2015, 11:36:11 AM
Of course this is fake, but I really like it... Anyone know what is that?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qRqUyibXLI

Have no clue . . . but it rocks!!! Want to listen to the band who came up with that  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 11:40:11 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 11:36:38 AM
Quote from: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on November 27, 2015, 11:33:36 AM
there are a lot of new members in here wow

Y'all noobs should head on over to GMD whenever you get a chance and hang out with us.

Sure! Would be nice to know what that is, though xD
General Music Discussion subforum, any music discussions non-DT related.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 11:41:25 AM
Oh okay . . . thanks Train of Naught  :smiley:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 11:51:20 AM
Quote from: ledlemos08 on November 27, 2015, 11:36:11 AM
Of course this is fake, but I really like it... Anyone know what is that?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qRqUyibXLI

Siri says it's from Final fantasy 8. Piece is called " Force Your Way ".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ledlemos08 on November 27, 2015, 11:52:28 AM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 11:39:34 AM
Quote from: ledlemos08 on November 27, 2015, 11:36:11 AM
Of course this is fake, but I really like it... Anyone know what is that?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qRqUyibXLI

Have no clue . . . but it rocks!!! Want to listen to the band who came up with that  :metal

Me too!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 11:55:16 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 11:51:20 AM
Quote from: ledlemos08 on November 27, 2015, 11:36:11 AM
Of course this is fake, but I really like it... Anyone know what is that?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qRqUyibXLI

Siri says it's from Final fantasy 8. Piece is called " Force Your Way ".

Oh no...  :-[
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 27, 2015, 12:01:51 PM
This page "CoveSound Glen Cove" shows up with the same fakes EVERY SINGLE DT RELEASE... Sometimes it's a videogame soundtrack or the sound of some demonstration JR did with a new key-dget or the latest patch of Omisphere at NAMM
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TioJorge on November 27, 2015, 12:09:17 PM
Siri is correct...Nobuo Uematsu came up with that and he is a beautiful mastermind of the musics. That is a remix, though I'm not sure if it's official or fan-made, I'm guessing fan-made.

Here is the original (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZMWszd5SRk) for those interested and liking it. There are a plethora of other amazing tracks through the Final Fantasy games.

ED: Actually, I did recognize it as official, it's Uematsu's prog-rock oriented band called The Black Mages playing it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zev79FxRjO4). (Towards the end of the song is where the snippit from the douchebag posted it)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 27, 2015, 12:23:05 PM
I love rock/metal remixes of video game tracks... So epic..

It looks like I was sorta on the right track with my vague theory. As the Chosen One, Gabriel will almost certainly be responsible for some big decisions related to the conflict between the Empire and the Rebels. As the brother of Arhys, he will likely have plenty of influence on him.

The seed of curiosity continues to grow.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 12:29:16 PM
I'm 100% sure that I won't understand anything of the story the first time that I listen to the album. I'll be paying so much attention to the music that I will forget to actually listen to every word that James will be singing, lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: GandL on November 27, 2015, 12:35:32 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 12:29:16 PM
I'm 100% sure that I won't understand anything of the story the first time that I listen to the album. I'll be paying so much attention to the music that I will forget to actually listen to every word that James will be singing, lol.

I'm in your camp.... Lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Thematt202 on November 27, 2015, 12:35:42 PM
The Path Devides will clearly be the first single.  I'm pretty sure that's what they've been teasing all this time...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 12:35:57 PM
Pretty sure there is actually a passage in a DT song that sounds like the beach landing from FF8
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 12:36:10 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 12:29:16 PM
I'm 100% sure that I won't understand anything of the story the first time that I listen to the album. I'll be paying so much attention to the music that I will forget to actually listen to every word that James will be singing, lol.
This. Will mainly focus on the music the first time, after all, that's what forms my first impression with every other band aswell.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 12:37:31 PM
How do Mods feel about us posting links to youtube clips that are *clearly* fakes and we post them as such ?

I think it's funny hearing what people post on YT with comments neatly disabled - and pass off as new DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 27, 2015, 12:43:49 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 12:35:57 PM
Pretty sure there is actually a passage in a DT song that sounds like the beach landing from FF8

Wasn't it Bridges in the Sky?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 27, 2015, 12:55:00 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 27, 2015, 12:43:49 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 12:35:57 PM
Pretty sure there is actually a passage in a DT song that sounds like the beach landing from FF8

Wasn't it Bridges in the Sky?
Yeah that section after the first "Shaman take my hand" is pure Final Fantasy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ledlemos08 on November 27, 2015, 01:03:13 PM
Quote from: TioJorge on November 27, 2015, 12:09:17 PM
Siri is correct...Nobuo Uematsu came up with that and he is a beautiful mastermind of the musics. That is a remix, though I'm not sure if it's official or fan-made, I'm guessing fan-made.

Here is the original (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZMWszd5SRk) for those interested and liking it. There are a plethora of other amazing tracks through the Final Fantasy games.

ED: Actually, I did recognize it as official, it's Uematsu's prog-rock oriented band called The Black Mages playing it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zev79FxRjO4). (Towards the end of the song is where the snippit from the douchebag posted it)

Amazing version!!! Thanks
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 01:12:07 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 12:36:10 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 12:29:16 PM
I'm 100% sure that I won't understand anything of the story the first time that I listen to the album. I'll be paying so much attention to the music that I will forget to actually listen to every word that James will be singing, lol.
This. Will mainly focus on the music the first time, after all, that's what forms my first impression with every other band aswell.

Indeed. if the music and production is A+ then I probably won't give a crap about the lyrics.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 27, 2015, 01:15:07 PM
More speculation, but as I'm looking at their pictures, I actually reckon that Nafaryus might be Arhys' father. They certainly share some facial similarities.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 01:18:37 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 27, 2015, 01:15:07 PM
More speculation, but as I'm looking at their pictures, I actually reckon that Nafaryus might be Arhys' father. They certainly share some facial similarities.

That's actually been discussed before on this thread, definitely some similarities there . . . would be a plot twist for sure!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 01:21:01 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 27, 2015, 01:15:07 PM
More speculation, but as I'm looking at their pictures, I actually reckon that Nafaryus might be Arhys' father. They certainly share some facial similarities.

Shurely you can't be Sherious ? !
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 27, 2015, 01:26:17 PM
With what little information we have, it's not out of the realms of possibility yet. Son, possibly even heir to the Empire's throne, realises there is a better life away from the tyranny and forms a rebellion.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 27, 2015, 01:28:42 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 01:21:01 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 27, 2015, 01:15:07 PM
More speculation, but as I'm looking at their pictures, I actually reckon that Nafaryus might be Arhys' father. They certainly share some facial similarities.

Shurely you can't be Sherious ? !

I agree with him. They both have two eyes, a nose and a mouth. They also both have hair too. Arhys is even trying to grow a beard like Nafaryus. That can't be a coincidence! I do see what RoeDent means though. We'll see if it turns out to be true.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 01:36:43 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 27, 2015, 01:28:42 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 01:21:01 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on November 27, 2015, 01:15:07 PM
More speculation, but as I'm looking at their pictures, I actually reckon that Nafaryus might be Arhys' father. They certainly share some facial similarities.

Shurely you can't be Sherious ? !

I agree with him. They both have two eyes, a nose and a mouth. They also both have hair too. Arhys is even trying to grow a beard like Nafaryus. That can't be a coincidence! I do see what RoeDent means though. We'll see if it turns out to be true.




I was referring more to the fact that Nafaryus looks like Sean Connery.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 27, 2015, 01:43:33 PM
Kotowboy, I'm shitting here on a rock!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 01:44:53 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on November 27, 2015, 01:43:33 PM
Kotowboy, I'm shitting here on a rock!

I musht be dreaming.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 01:54:43 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 11:38:12 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 11:36:38 AM
Quote from: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on November 27, 2015, 11:33:36 AM
there are a lot of new members in here wow

Y'all noobs should head on over to GMD whenever you get a chance and hang out with us.

Sure! Would be nice to know what that is, though xD

Yeah, because we ARE noobs  :lol

Would be happy to join in  ;D

Yeah! what is that?
 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on November 27, 2015, 02:01:55 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 27, 2015, 10:52:54 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 09:04:21 AM
For future reference, I recommend going to the "What we know so far" thread, this one's 90% bogus, 9% educated guesses and 1% clock theories. Unless you, like me, enjoy whacky conversations. Anyways welcome to DTF!

Speaking of which, where is Clock Guy? It's been a while since I last saw him.

Yeah, I miss clock guy. It was becoming routine for me and my friend to read his new posts every morning.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on November 27, 2015, 02:06:00 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on November 27, 2015, 01:43:33 PM
Kotowboy, I'm shitting here on a rock!

Thish ijn't even poshible!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 02:11:52 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 01:54:43 PM
Yeah! what is that?
 :lol



Quote from: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 11:40:11 AM
General Music Discussion subforum, any music discussions non-DT related.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 27, 2015, 02:19:33 PM
Guys, just thought of something:

Heaven's Cove, from the 2nd act is an instrumental piece.

Heaven's Cove

Hell's Kitchen


Hell's Kitchen is the neighborhood of Avatar Studios, where DT recorded FII

Cove --> Cove City Sound Studios, Glen Cove, where DT recorded the last albums including TA


I really wish they put in it the new intro they created to Trial of Tears while on the last tour...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 27, 2015, 02:38:43 PM
Great news everybody, but when do we suspect a single will be released? (if they do....)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 27, 2015, 02:49:02 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 27, 2015, 02:38:43 PM
Great news everybody, but when do we suspect a single will be released? (if they do....)

I call January 1st. Start the year of release on a high, and a few weeks of promo before the album release.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 02:49:17 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 27, 2015, 02:38:43 PM
Great news everybody, but when do we suspect a single will be released? (if they do....)

Something before january is my bet, lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 27, 2015, 02:51:24 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 02:49:17 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 27, 2015, 02:38:43 PM
Great news everybody, but when do we suspect a single will be released? (if they do....)

Something before january is my bet, lol.

December 25th? :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 02:52:26 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 27, 2015, 02:51:24 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 02:49:17 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 27, 2015, 02:38:43 PM
Great news everybody, but when do we suspect a single will be released? (if they do....)

Something before january is my bet, lol.

December 25th? :lol

Wouldn't that be nice? Something decent happening Dec 25th other than good food and relatives that don't give a crap phoning you :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 03:04:38 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on November 27, 2015, 02:01:55 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 27, 2015, 10:52:54 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 09:04:21 AM
For future reference, I recommend going to the "What we know so far" thread, this one's 90% bogus, 9% educated guesses and 1% clock theories. Unless you, like me, enjoy whacky conversations. Anyways welcome to DTF!

Speaking of which, where is Clock Guy? It's been a while since I last saw him.

Yeah, I miss clock guy. It was becoming routine for me and my friend to read his new posts every morning.

He came - he talked a fuck load of bollocks - he clocked out :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 03:19:49 PM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on November 27, 2015, 02:19:33 PM
Guys, just thought of something:

Heaven's Cove, from the 2nd act is an instrumental piece.

Heaven's Cove

Hell's Kitchen


Hell's Kitchen is the neighborhood of Avatar Studios, where DT recorded FII

Cove --> Cove City Sound Studios, Glen Cove, where DT recorded the last albums including TA


I really wish they put in it the new intro they created to Trial of Tears while on the last tour...

Hey you might be on to something there!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 03:22:10 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 02:49:17 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 27, 2015, 02:38:43 PM
Great news everybody, but when do we suspect a single will be released? (if they do....)

Something before january is my bet, lol.

Yeah I agree . . . sometime mid to late December is when I think it'll be released . . .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: chego_voice on November 27, 2015, 03:22:38 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 12:37:31 PM
How do Mods feel about us posting links to youtube clips that are *clearly* fakes and we post them as such ?

I think it's funny hearing what people post on YT with comments neatly disabled - and pass off as new DT.

I'm in!  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on November 27, 2015, 03:30:05 PM
No, and certainly not in this thread.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: me7 on November 27, 2015, 03:36:51 PM
Maybe they'll pull a Pain of Salvation and premier their new concept album live before releasing the CD.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 27, 2015, 04:00:15 PM
Wether it's (Astonishing) a part 2 to anything is another question, but do you think we'll see some continuity with past works on this album? Or will it be closed off completely as it's own work?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 04:02:24 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 27, 2015, 04:00:15 PM
Wether it's (Astonishing) a part 2 to anything is another question, but do you think we'll see some continuity with past works on this album? Or will it be closed off completely as it's own work?

I think the album itself will be in a vacuum. However - I don't completely rule out hints to previous works.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: wizard of Thought on November 27, 2015, 04:08:31 PM
New map segment!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 27, 2015, 04:09:57 PM
Quote from: wizard of Thought on November 27, 2015, 04:08:31 PM
New map segment!

I noticed that too, speculation away!!!!!  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 04:15:49 PM
Not so much speculation, just like to throw this out there: Crooked Lake and Bullhead Corners are awesome names.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 27, 2015, 04:17:08 PM
I like how all three map segments have a unique colour scheme and yet the two parts at the right seem to transition smoothly.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on November 27, 2015, 04:26:04 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 04:15:49 PM
Not so much speculation, just like to throw this out there: Crooked Lake and Bullhead Corners are awesome names.

"Don't cross the Crooked Lake".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 04:36:56 PM
Quote from: YouMakeMeSick on November 27, 2015, 04:26:04 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 04:15:49 PM
Not so much speculation, just like to throw this out there: Crooked Lake and Bullhead Corners are awesome names.

"Don't cross the Crooked Lake".

 :biggrin:  This Dying Sail
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 04:37:24 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 04:15:49 PM
Not so much speculation, just like to throw this out there:

... I'm predicting...



The Map will be fully revealed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 27, 2015, 04:41:02 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 04:37:24 PM
... I'm predicting...
Either one or both of the video's will be
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 04:37:24 PM
revealed
by mid December.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 27, 2015, 04:47:16 PM
Actually I think the two glowing Nomac eyes will link to streams of Acts I or II closer to album time.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erwinrafael on November 27, 2015, 08:02:23 PM
With the music vs. noise theme, I think this album would not be sci-fi but more of a metaphor using fantasy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on November 27, 2015, 08:20:19 PM
There's an area called "Borderland". Video game confirmed.  :lol

But seriously, I'm loving the steady stream of updates. It keeps the hype level high, and I hope it continues to rise as the album release draws closer.

I'm itching to hear new music  :) I'm guessing that won't happen until after the map and the characters are fully revealed, though... Can there even be a single for such a project?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 27, 2015, 09:15:39 PM
I know we've moved on in the discussion since the new characters have been revealed, but I just want to add, with an average track length of 4 minutes on Act 1, all it would take is 4-5 transition/NOMAC sound effects tracks of 1-2 minutes on that side to make room for two or three 8-10-minute tracks, etc.

I mean, here's The Wall's layout, and this ended up being 80 minutes total for BOTH sides combined, 26 tracks total:

Quote
In the Flesh?
3:20
The Thin Ice
2:30
Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1
3:11
The Happiest Days of Our Lives
1:51
Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2
4:01
Mother
5:34
Goodbye Blue Sky
2:47
Empty Spaces
2:07
Young Lust
3:31
One of My Turns
3:35
Don't Leave Me Now
4:17
Another Brick in the Wall, Part 3
1:43
Goodbye Cruel World
1:15
Hey You
4:39
Is There Anybody Out There?
2:43
Nobody Home
3:27
Vera
1:36
Bring the Boys Back Home
1:29
Comfortably Numb
6:26
The Show Must Go On
1:38
In the Flesh
4:17
Run Like Hell
3:03
Waiting for the Worms
4:00
Stop
0:32
The Trial
5:22
Outside the Wall
1:44
Master of Ceremonies
1:16
What Shall We Do Now?
1:43
The Last Few Bricks
3:28

The Astonishing will have 8 more tracks, but 80 more minutes to work with (assuming the concert length of 2 hours and 40 minutes is for the whole album and nothing more).  That's basically The Wall's layout (which already has a 5 and 6 minute song) plus 8 additional 10 minute songs.  Or 4 additional 5-minute songs and 4 additional 15-minute songs...you get the picture.

So it's absolutely not a foregone conclusion that we won't see any longer songs on this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Vandalism on November 27, 2015, 09:23:13 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 03:22:10 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 27, 2015, 02:49:17 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 27, 2015, 02:38:43 PM
Great news everybody, but when do we suspect a single will be released? (if they do....)

Something before january is my bet, lol.

Yeah I agree . . . sometime mid to late December is when I think it'll be released . . .

6 o'clock on a Christmas Morning!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 27, 2015, 09:28:24 PM
That's as good a time as any.  You know damn well fans would go apeshit over a 6:00 Christmas Morning release of a single.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 10:03:17 PM
Oh man I'd go crazy if that happened!!! :lol

I hope they're looking at the forums because that would be a great idea!

But what timezone?  :huh:

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 10:04:43 PM
Quote from: jsbru on November 27, 2015, 09:15:39 PM
I know we've moved on in the discussion since the new characters have been revealed, but I just want to add, with an average track length of 4 minutes on Act 1, all it would take is 4-5 transition/NOMAC sound effects tracks of 1-2 minutes on that side to make room for two or three 8-10-minute tracks, etc.

I mean, here's The Wall's layout, and this ended up being 80 minutes total for BOTH sides combined, 26 tracks total:

Quote
In the Flesh?
3:20
The Thin Ice
2:30
Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1
3:11
The Happiest Days of Our Lives
1:51
Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2
4:01
Mother
5:34
Goodbye Blue Sky
2:47
Empty Spaces
2:07
Young Lust
3:31
One of My Turns
3:35
Don't Leave Me Now
4:17
Another Brick in the Wall, Part 3
1:43
Goodbye Cruel World
1:15
Hey You
4:39
Is There Anybody Out There?
2:43
Nobody Home
3:27
Vera
1:36
Bring the Boys Back Home
1:29
Comfortably Numb
6:26
The Show Must Go On
1:38
In the Flesh
4:17
Run Like Hell
3:03
Waiting for the Worms
4:00
Stop
0:32
The Trial
5:22
Outside the Wall
1:44
Master of Ceremonies
1:16
What Shall We Do Now?
1:43
The Last Few Bricks
3:28

The Astonishing will have 8 more tracks, but 80 more minutes to work with (assuming the concert length of 2 hours and 40 minutes is for the whole album and nothing more).  That's basically The Wall's layout (which already has a 5 and 6 minute song) plus 8 additional 10 minute songs.  Or 4 additional 5-minute songs and 4 additional 15-minute songs...you get the picture.

So it's absolutely not a foregone conclusion that we won't see any longer songs on this album.

Finally someone does the math for us lazy brains . . . thank you!!! :hefdaddy

That's great to hear  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 27, 2015, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 10:03:17 PM
But what timezone?  :huh:

Yorkeland, of course!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 27, 2015, 10:17:16 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 27, 2015, 10:03:17 PM
Oh man I'd go crazy if that happened!!! :lol

I hope they're looking at the forums because that would be a great idea!

But what timezone?  :huh:

This slow-drip of information about the new album has been elite-level trolling/teasing of fans, especially with all the nuggets of information like the year 2285 with the year numbering change starting in 2028, etc.

If they've gone this far, they might as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 27, 2015, 10:49:51 PM
I'd say is more likely we do have 10+ minute songs and even longer songs than we haven't.. Obviously they're not going to release an album full of short tracks.. Remember is DT after all.. This is how I feel is going to be:

ACT I - 20 tracks

-Seven 1 minute songs
-Five 2 minute songs
-Three 3 minute songs
-Two 5-6 minute songs
-One 7-8 minute song
-One 11-13 minute song
-One 17-20 minute song

Total length: from 71 to 79 minutes..

ACT II - 14 tracks

-Four 1 minute songs
-Two 2 minute songs
-One 3 minute song
-Three 5-6 minute songs
-Two 7-8 minute songs
-One 11-13 minute song
-One 17-21 minute song

Total length: from 68 to 79 minutes..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 27, 2015, 11:00:02 PM
That's a total of 12 of the 20 songs on the first CD being ~2 minutes or less, and 15 being ~3 minutes or less.  That would definitely be more like the second disc of The Wall, then, with over half of the tracks being short/transition tracks.

I'm kind of hoping we get a little more than 5 legit songs of the first album, and that it's a little more balanced than that.  But it could work if there are 2 or so "pairs" of smaller songs that sort of blend together as one, like Empty Spaces/Young Lust, or like on Dark Side of the Moon: Speak to Me/Breathe and Brain Damage/Eclipse.

Or from a DT context, Vacant/Stream of Consciousness and Through My Words/Fatal Tragedy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 27, 2015, 11:11:45 PM
But I'm giving you 12 songs between 5 and 21! minutes.. That's more songs that they have done in any of their previous albums, except SFaM.. I think it's a lot.. And, plus that, we have the short tracks..

I think no one can complain about it if it's something like that..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 27, 2015, 11:17:13 PM
For me, I think the less "real" songs the better. The only longer "epic" the album needs is Astonishing to finish it off, and I think a smaller number of substantial songs with a lot of short bridging/story tracks will be a lot more memorable than 40 legit shorter songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 27, 2015, 11:28:30 PM
Lets hope they don't pull a sly one, where all tracks are 2.00  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 27, 2015, 11:30:49 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 27, 2015, 11:11:45 PM
But I'm giving you 12 songs between 5 and 21! minutes.. That's more songs that they have done in any of their previous albums, except SFaM.. I think it's a lot.. And, plus that, we have the short tracks..

I think no one can complain about it if it's something like that..

That's true.  If you throw in at least two "pairs" of shorter songs forming in effect one longer song, then we have a deal.  ;D

If there's too many of those short tracks that go nowhere, it gets boring and annoying, because most of the time, good music takes at least some time to develop.  On The Wall, Goodbye Blue Sky and Vera are really good despite this, but most of the other short tracks that don't pair up with a longer song are skippable filler.

At the same time, I simply do not believe a band can come up with 34 album-worthy 4 minute songs in about a year's time in the studio.  Nobody's that much of a creative genius, even DT.  If these really are all independent songs in and of themselves, it's almost a certainty that a good chunk of them should have seen the cutting room floor.

I hope it's somewhere in between.  Despite having 26 "tracks," The Wall has only 6-8 songs or song-pairs.  They could have gotten more out of 80 minutes of music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: chego_voice on November 28, 2015, 12:48:19 AM
Quote from: jsbru on November 27, 2015, 09:28:24 PM
That's as good a time as any.  You know damn well fans would go apeshit over a 6:00 Christmas Morning release of a single.

THIS!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jayvee3 on November 28, 2015, 03:33:49 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 27, 2015, 10:49:51 PM
I'd say is more likely we do have 10+ minute songs and even longer songs than we haven't.. Obviously they're not going to release an album full of short tracks.. Remember is DT after all.. This is how I feel is going to be:

ACT I - 20 tracks

-Seven 1 minute songs
-Five 2 minute songs
-Three 3 minute songs
-Two 5-6 minute songs
-One 7-8 minute song
-One 11-13 minute song
-One 17-20 minute song

Total length: from 71 to 79 minutes..

ACT II - 14 tracks

-Four 1 minute songs
-Two 2 minute songs
-One 3 minute song
-Three 5-6 minute songs
-Two 7-8 minute songs
-One 11-13 minute song
-One 17-21 minute song

Total length: from 68 to 79 minutes..

You would have to consider though that there may be a bunch of tracks (sound effects, talking etc) that help bridge the story that are well under the minute mark. Think 'Drones' by Muse for example, where the track 'Drill Sergeant' is 21 seconds of a Drill Sergeant (surprise, surprise) yelling and leading into the 3rd song 'Psycho'. And later in the album, JFK is simply samples of about 54 seconds or the like. There may be many of these type of story-telling tracks that are short and concise, allowing for more longer tracks. The NOMAC stuff may just be 10-15 seconds of NOMAC sounds (whatever that ends up being) that simply signify their presence or departure etc... I just think that it's so open at the moment, with so many options, that trying to over analyse it too much gives me a stomach ache..  :laugh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 28, 2015, 04:06:44 AM
Remember, this is very different from anything DT has ever done. All bets are off.

I think the longest track you'll see on the disc is right around the 10 minute mark, and it's at the end of Act 2. The rest will be 3-6 minutes long, aside from the NOMACS tracks which will be half a minute to two minutes long. Some of the tracks will be kinda like through my words/fatal tragedy, but the vast majority of the tracks will be averaging 4 minutes. What we will see is a lot of repeating themes. Remember, this is a rock opera! It doesn't need a lot of long songs, because the short songs is a part of the whole.

If you expect epics going in to this album, you WILL be disappointed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 28, 2015, 04:18:21 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 28, 2015, 04:06:44 AM
If you expect epics going in to this album, you WILL be disappointed.

Unless you count the whole concept as one big Epic...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 28, 2015, 04:36:32 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 28, 2015, 04:06:44 AM
Remember, this is very different from anything DT has ever done. All bets are off.

I think the longest track you'll see on the disc is right around the 10 minute mark, and it's at the end of Act 2. The rest will be 3-6 minutes long, aside from the NOMACS tracks which will be half a minute to two minutes long. Some of the tracks will be kinda like through my words/fatal tragedy, but the vast majority of the tracks will be averaging 4 minutes. What we will see is a lot of repeating themes. Remember, this is a rock opera! It doesn't need a lot of long songs, because the short songs is a part of the whole.

If you expect epics going in to this album, you WILL be disappointed.

I'm not so sure why everyone wants a big epic on a concept album anyway, because SfaM didn't really have an epic and it's considered one of their best albums. I'm repeating what I said earlier in the thread, but if they are cutting song lengths down further, I think we would probably getting more short songs that feel vast despite not being an epic like TtT, Surrounded, TMW / FT, TBP and StR. However, I do think that there is a possibility of longer songs if the NOMAC tracks are about 30 seconds each and if there are some 1 - 3 minute transition songs that group up with a longer song, there could be a possibility of a few tracks reaching above ten minutes or more tracks in the 8 - 9 minute range.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: npiazza91 on November 28, 2015, 04:55:50 AM
Well SFAM had Home and Finally Free, which even though they're not exactly epics, they're still above 10 minutes which I don't think we should complain about (if it's the same case for this album).  What bothers me more are those less than 3 minute songs that lead directly into another, or they have empty space and sound effects.  SFAM pulled it off by having a very emotional story that flowed perfectly, not to mention only Regression and Through My Words were the only intro songs.  This story could surprise me, but by the looks of it, it seems more fantasy based which doesn't pull me in as much.  Also, there's one thing when you have a small "intro song" or two to bridge the gap, but when it gets out of hand like Ayreon's "The Theory of Everything" or Linkin Park's "A Thousand Suns", I lose interest because the whole album might as well be condensed into like 6-8 songs.

I'll just have to see how the whole story/album plays out, I guess. Still remaining optimistic because it's Dream Theater.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Paintbox on November 28, 2015, 05:26:50 AM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on November 28, 2015, 04:18:21 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 28, 2015, 04:06:44 AM
If you expect epics going in to this album, you WILL be disappointed.

Unless you count the whole concept as one big Epic...
Then I'm a bit disappointed, I'd love to hear a new epic track because listening to one single track, even if 15-20 min long, will happen more often than listening to the whole 3h long album.
At least, if the tracks are short, I hope some of them will be connected (and not isolated like for example SDOIT)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 28, 2015, 05:44:18 AM
Most rock operas have all the songs directly segue into the next one, so they flow as one continuous piece of music. For example, the only pause (and a very minimal one at that) on SFAM is between Through Her Eyes and Home, where Act 1 becomes Act 2. So a shorter interlude, when viewed from this context, would be like an instrumental break on a longer song. How hard is it to view the whole as one piece?

Quote from: Paintbox on November 28, 2015, 05:26:50 AM

At least, if the tracks are short, I hope some of them will be connected (and not isolated like for example SDOIT)

Umm...all the 'tracks' on SDOIT are connected, even on Disc 1.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 28, 2015, 06:12:07 AM
I like too the unpredictability of the songs length, I think we'll see a mix of everything: Nomacs songs will be the shortest ones, there may be one or two intros like Through My Words, some more concise songs that serve as chapters of a bigger storyline like One Last Time, and "normal" songs with the occasional longer one. I predict too the title track will be the longest. But noxon said... all bets are off, and I like it!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jayvee3 on November 28, 2015, 06:34:41 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 28, 2015, 06:12:07 AM
I like too the unpredictability of the songs length, I think we'll see a mix of everything: Nomacs songs will be the shortest ones, there may be one or two intros like Through My Words, some more concise songs that serve as chapters of a bigger storyline like One Last Time, and "normal" songs with the occasional longer one. I predict too the title track will be the longest. But noxon said... all bets are off, and I like it!

This is what I'm leaning towards also. I don't necessarily think it will be a bunch of shorter songs, I just think there will be a pretty diverse range of track lengths. And while more concise tracks may allow for some lengthier tracks between the 6 and 10 minute mark (which is the range I really enjoy anyway), I don't necessarily feel there will be multiple, big epics. I'd say the title track may be the closest we'll get to that, but a with a concept of this scale, the whole darn thing is an epic. It's all guesswork at this stage of the game, and I'm actually really excited and really like where it all seems to be headed. :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: JediKnight1969 on November 28, 2015, 07:18:32 AM
Quote from: noxon on November 28, 2015, 04:06:44 AM
If you expect epics going in to this album, you WILL be disappointed.

Who need epics when you have concept? A concept album is the mother of all epics.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mike099 on November 28, 2015, 08:23:54 AM
Quote from: me7 on November 27, 2015, 03:36:51 PM
Maybe they'll pull a Pain of Salvation and premier their new concept album live before releasing the CD.

That would be a great idea.  Even better would be a live stream of the show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: T-ski on November 28, 2015, 09:00:27 AM
curious if they put out some kind of movie-like trailer soon.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: millahh on November 28, 2015, 10:03:58 AM
People disappointed about the potential lack of an epic (or takes issue with overall shorter "songs") need to go listen to Tommy, then report back.  Seriously.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on November 28, 2015, 10:36:18 AM
I'm expecting a lot of 3-6 minute songs with quite a few interludes. However, I'm HOPING for a couple 8-10 minute songs, as well a 15+ minute epic at the end.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: liran95 on November 28, 2015, 10:45:54 AM
Quote from: T-ski on November 28, 2015, 09:00:27 AM
curious if they put out some kind of movie-like trailer soon.

I'm curious about that one too. But I'm not sure I'll be watching it.
Since this album's gonna be a huge epic concept album, I promised myself I won't be listening to ANY bit of new music before I could listen to the whole piece.

Guess I'll have to wait and see if the 2 videos consist of new material, and if so, sucks to be me  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 28, 2015, 10:52:14 AM
Quote from: millahh on November 28, 2015, 10:03:58 AM
People disappointed about the potential lack of an epic (or overall shorter "songs") need to go listen to Tommy, then report back.  Seriously.

I think Tommy is alright, but Quadrophenia crushes it. I think Tommy suffers from the annoying filler on the second half such as 'Fiddle About' and 'Tommy's Holiday Camp' while Quadrophenia never lost its focus like that. I don't mind transition songs as I like Pink Floyd's The Wall, as the quality of the music is never actually compromised (maybe despite ideas not being fully developed). I would like it to be modeled after Quadrophenia and The Wall on the Rock / Prog Rock side and Nightfall in Middle Earth (Blind Guardian) and The Human Equation (Ayreon) on the Metal / Prog Metal side.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 28, 2015, 10:59:53 AM
The "main story" is most likely to end with Our New World/Power Down, and Astonishing is some kind of an epilogue.

Still, I hope it's long and features no plot twists.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: King Postwhore on November 28, 2015, 11:03:50 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 28, 2015, 10:52:14 AM
Quote from: millahh on November 28, 2015, 10:03:58 AM
People disappointed about the potential lack of an epic (or overall shorter "songs") need to go listen to Tommy, then report back.  Seriously.

I think Tommy is alright, but Quadrophenia crushes it. I think Tommy suffers from the annoying filler on the second half such as 'Fiddle About' and 'Tommy's Holiday Camp' while Quadrophenia never lost its focus like that. I don't mind transition songs as I like Pink Floyd's The Wall, as the quality of the music is never actually compromised (maybe despite ideas not being fully developed). I would like it to be modeled after Quadrophenia and The Wall on the Rock / Prog Rock side and Nightfall in Middle Earth (Blind Guardian) and The Human Equation (Ayreon) on the Metal / Prog Metal side.

millahh, you should have known you would get a response like this. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 28, 2015, 12:24:19 PM
Leading the empire, brutal and heartless
Vanishing further into the darkness
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 28, 2015, 12:28:15 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 28, 2015, 10:59:53 AM
The "main story" is most likely to end with Our New World/Power Down, and Astonishing is some kind of an epilogue.

Still, I hope it's long and features no plot twists.

SFAM had a plot twist because it was a murder / mystery story, this looks like the classic rebellion against tyranny thing and it hardly fits a plot twist. Maybe a good guy being really evil but nothing mindblowing like SFAM.

Anyway, when the album is out, I think we should have a thread dedicated entirely to the storyline of the album, to help each other comprehend the whole story behind the record  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 12:31:38 PM
Personally I would like a few songs that are 8-10 minutes just to listen to by themselves when I'm not in the mood to sit down and listen to a full album, but I don't think this needs a super long epic. If it does have one that's great, if not I won't be bothered. Like this guy said:

Quote from: JediKnight1969 on November 28, 2015, 07:18:32 AM
Who need epics when you have concept? A concept album is the mother of all epics.

No offense meant to anyone though, we can disagree and still be civilized :lol ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 12:34:26 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 28, 2015, 12:24:19 PM
Leading the empire, brutal and heartless
Vanishing further into the darkness

The Astonishing = Lost Not Forgotten Pt. 2 CONFIRMED!!!  :lol :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 28, 2015, 12:38:09 PM
The only thing I'm hoping for is that they don't follow their idea from the last album (challenge themselves to make short songs)
There are great parts on the last album (i.e. surrender to reason riff, ) which appear only once and are not developed further
If that's not the case, I know I won't be disappointed
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 28, 2015, 12:40:06 PM
The Astonishing is clearly ADTOE sequel.

Americans are mentiones in OTBOA
This is the life, a better life, get it?

Lost not Forgotten is the tale of Nafaryus told by himself in his mind.
Outcry is the theme of the rebels.

It's very clear.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ResultsMayVary on November 28, 2015, 12:41:15 PM
I'm not one to be 'disappointed' at this juncture about what the album may or may not include. As long as it features the five guys from Dream Theater and they write the music like they want, then I'm cool with whatever they want to put out with the release.

This concept, in particular, is great for us. A rock opera which is likely a double album. That's a lot of music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 28, 2015, 12:42:48 PM
Quote from: npiazza91 on November 28, 2015, 04:55:50 AM
Well SFAM had Home and Finally Free, which even though they're not exactly epics, they're still above 10 minutes

You forgot the best of the three 10 minute songs of that album..

Quote from: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 12:31:38 PM
Personally I would like a few songs that are 8-10 minutes just to listen to by themselves when I'm not in the mood to sit down and listen to a full album, but I don't think this needs a super long epic.

At least my point was not to say that we need one, but that there's room for it..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 12:43:19 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 28, 2015, 12:40:06 PM
The Astonishing is clearly ADTOE sequel.

Americans are mentiones in OTBOA
This is the life, a better life, get it?

Lost not Forgotten is the tale of Nafaryus told by himself in his mind.
Outcry is the theme of the rebels.

It's very clear.

You know it actually doesn't sound that crazy when you put it that way . . . interested to see if there are more connections revealed  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ToT-147 on November 28, 2015, 12:45:12 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on November 28, 2015, 12:41:15 PM
I'm not one to be 'disappointed' at this juncture about what the album may or may not include. As long as it features the five guys from Dream Theater and they write the music like they want, then I'm cool with whatever they want to put out with the release.

This concept, in particular, is great for us. A rock opera which is likely a double album. That's a lot of music.

All this exactly..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 12:46:31 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on November 28, 2015, 12:41:15 PM
I'm not one to be 'disappointed' at this juncture about what the album may or may not include. As long as it features the five guys from Dream Theater and they write the music like they want, then I'm cool with whatever they want to put out with the release.

Great comment. Seriously! :tup

Quote from: ToT-147 on November 28, 2015, 12:42:48 PM
At least my point was not to say that we need one, but that there's room for it..

Yep and I'd definitely be thrilled if there was epics on the album - like I said really like your layout!  :)

Not trying to target anyone individually (don't get me wrong), just sharing my opinion  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 28, 2015, 12:48:56 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 12:43:19 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 28, 2015, 12:40:06 PM
The Astonishing is clearly ADTOE sequel.

Americans are mentiones in OTBOA
This is the life, a better life, get it?

Lost not Forgotten is the tale of Nafaryus told by himself in his mind.
Outcry is the theme of the rebels.

It's very clear.

You know it actually doesn't sound that crazy when you put it that way . . . interested to see if there are more connections revealed  :corn


An Astonishing Turn of Events :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: millahh on November 28, 2015, 12:51:13 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on November 28, 2015, 11:03:50 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on November 28, 2015, 10:52:14 AM
Quote from: millahh on November 28, 2015, 10:03:58 AM
People disappointed about the potential lack of an epic (or overall shorter "songs") need to go listen to Tommy, then report back.  Seriously.

I think Tommy is alright, but Quadrophenia crushes it. I think Tommy suffers from the annoying filler on the second half such as 'Fiddle About' and 'Tommy's Holiday Camp' while Quadrophenia never lost its focus like that. I don't mind transition songs as I like Pink Floyd's The Wall, as the quality of the music is never actually compromised (maybe despite ideas not being fully developed). I would like it to be modeled after Quadrophenia and The Wall on the Rock / Prog Rock side and Nightfall in Middle Earth (Blind Guardian) and The Human Equation (Ayreon) on the Metal / Prog Metal side.

millahh, you should have known you would get a response like this. :lol

Yeah :)  I'm not thinking that Tommy is the be-all-end-all, just trying to counter the people, who are pre-emptively slagging the album at the prospect of no traditional epics, all the while having no idea what a rock opera even is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 12:59:49 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 28, 2015, 12:48:56 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 12:43:19 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 28, 2015, 12:40:06 PM
The Astonishing is clearly ADTOE sequel.

Americans are mentiones in OTBOA
This is the life, a better life, get it?

Lost not Forgotten is the tale of Nafaryus told by himself in his mind.
Outcry is the theme of the rebels.

It's very clear.

You know it actually doesn't sound that crazy when you put it that way . . . interested to see if there are more connections revealed  :corn


An Astonishing Turn of Events :neverusethis:

 :lol

It might be purely coincidental these connections, but hey whatever, I'm still keeping an open mind ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 28, 2015, 01:01:10 PM
Quote from: millahh on November 28, 2015, 12:51:13 PM
Yeah :)  I'm not thinking that Tommy is the be-all-end-all, just trying to counter the people, who are pre-emptively slagging the album at the prospect of no traditional epics, all the while having no idea what a rock opera even is.

Ah, sorry for missing your point there. I do think the album is a good example of a Rock Opera, even if I don't think it retains quality all the way through. On the subject of not having an epic, isn't 'Underture' an epic? A ten minute piece (which is certainly long for The Who) with changing moods and an atypical structure sounds quite a lot like an epic to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: YtseJamittaja on November 28, 2015, 01:17:29 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 28, 2015, 12:48:56 PM
An The Astonishing Turn of Events :neverusethis:

FTFY ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RaasMah on November 28, 2015, 01:23:42 PM
Im really curious how they would handle so many characters. Will James sing all of them? I know he did that in SFAM, and I never had a problem with, but I think a fresh voice here and there will be pretty cool.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 28, 2015, 01:24:54 PM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on November 28, 2015, 01:17:29 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 28, 2015, 12:48:56 PM
An The Astonishing Turn of FU  :angry:

FTFU :angry:











just kidding ;) x
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 01:28:06 PM
Quote from: RaasMah on November 28, 2015, 01:23:42 PM
Im really curious how they would handle so many characters. Will James sing all of them? I know he did that in SFAM, and I never had a problem with, but I think a fresh voice here and there will be pretty cool.

There's been some speculation . . . most not really that serious :lol . . . that there'll be some guests on the album. Maybe it's all just joke and no reality, but it might be interesting if they have that in mind . . .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Thematt202 on November 28, 2015, 02:00:41 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 28, 2015, 04:06:44 AM
Remember, this is very different from anything DT has ever done. All bets are off.

I think the longest track you'll see on the disc is right around the 10 minute mark, and it's at the end of Act 2. The rest will be 3-6 minutes long, aside from the NOMACS tracks which will be half a minute to two minutes long. Some of the tracks will be kinda like through my words/fatal tragedy, but the vast majority of the tracks will be averaging 4 minutes. What we will see is a lot of repeating themes. Remember, this is a rock opera! It doesn't need a lot of long songs, because the short songs is a part of the whole.

If you expect epics going in to this album, you WILL be disappointed.

Is this hard facts, or speculation?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 28, 2015, 02:08:53 PM
FACTULATIONS
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on November 28, 2015, 03:13:15 PM
I can't wait til the band starts shedding some light on the story/world they've created via press interviews and the locked videos on the website. It'll be interesting to find out exactly what this album is about.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 28, 2015, 03:44:39 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 28, 2015, 12:40:06 PM
The Astonishing is clearly ADTOE sequel.

Americans are mentiones in OTBOA
This is the life, a better life, get it?

Lost not Forgotten is the tale of Nafaryus told by himself in his mind.
Outcry is the theme of the rebels.

It's very clear.

Call it what you will but that actually makes a lot of sense!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 28, 2015, 04:01:18 PM
Am I the only one who thinks that Darkstarshades was very clearly sarcastic?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 04:04:43 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 28, 2015, 04:01:18 PM
Am I the only one who thinks that Darkstarshades was very clearly sarcastic?

I thought he was joking as well . . . but it still kind of makes sense to my mind :P

Or maybe I'm just crazy like that :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DoctorAction on November 28, 2015, 04:26:51 PM
I'm pleased they're marketing this album differently. Infers a bit of change, which is definitely welcome to me. Apart from that, I have to say all the detail so far is pretty unappealing. Echoes of 2112 - how fresh... Does offer glints of Rush influence, mind, and I really dig em in that mode. Who knows!?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 28, 2015, 04:38:34 PM
I was joking and being sarcastic, but not for the reasons you may think.

I'm convinced that there's totally a connection between these two, or that there might be, but I'm also aware that that's extremely unlikely to be, as this is just a revolution story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 28, 2015, 07:04:53 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 28, 2015, 12:42:48 PM
Quote from: npiazza91 on November 28, 2015, 04:55:50 AM
Well SFAM had Home and Finally Free, which even though they're not exactly epics, they're still above 10 minutes

You forgot the best of the three 10 minute songs of that album..
This made me smile since I am very attached to that song you're referring to :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 28, 2015, 07:27:12 PM
Quote from: fadetoblackdude7 on November 28, 2015, 03:13:15 PM
I can't wait til the band starts shedding some light on the story/world they've created via press interviews and the locked videos on the website. It'll be interesting to find out exactly what this album is about.

This. But most of all... I WANT SNIPPETZZZZZZZZZ!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CharlesPL on November 28, 2015, 07:31:43 PM
29th January on the french amazon also :

https://www.amazon.fr/Astonishing-Dream-Theater/dp/B018H6M7CW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448737471&sr=8-1&keywords=dream+theater+the+astonishing%C2%A0

But... 1 disc :P



Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SystematicThought on November 28, 2015, 07:33:48 PM
Maybe because it's not officially announced, it's just a placeholder.

I know it doesn't mean anything, but, it seems like too big of concept and all of this work for 80 minutes of music. I still think it will be a two disc album
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 28, 2015, 08:06:54 PM
I hope this isn't a single disc  :(
But I thought it was confirmed as a double album? ???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 28, 2015, 09:21:19 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 28, 2015, 08:06:54 PM
I hope this isn't a single disc  :(
But I thought it was confirmed as a double album? ???

I don't think it's been officially confirmed first-hand by the band. The closest I'm aware of is Mangini sharing a link about the album/tour that called it a double album. That may or may constitute proof.
With this many tracks, I think there's no way it's a single disc. I wouldn't even be surprised at this point if it ended up being 3. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 09:27:50 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 28, 2015, 09:21:19 PM
With this many tracks, I think there's no way it's a single disc. I wouldn't even be surprised at this point if it ended up being 3. :lol

Man, that would be amazing . . . 4 hours of DT!

That would extend the average song length to 7 minutes too, so no worrying about too many short songs . . .

Think that's too good to be true though :lol :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 28, 2015, 09:35:07 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 09:27:50 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 28, 2015, 09:21:19 PM
With this many tracks, I think there's no way it's a single disc. I wouldn't even be surprised at this point if it ended up being 3. :lol

Man, that would be amazing . . . 4 hours of DT!

That would extend the average song length to 7 minutes too, so no worrying about too many short songs . . .

Think that's too good to be true though :lol :rollin

Once it gets that big though, it can be really risky. Even for DT, how many fans will have the attention to listen to 4 hours of music in one sitting and stay interested?
I'm not opposed to it but it is something to consider   :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 28, 2015, 09:35:39 PM
It was just a joke. :biggrin:
There's no way it's 4 hours, since that would be ridiculous, and also because their live show is already confirmed to be 2 hours and 40 minutes, so that's your max. I'm concerned enough about it being two discs of material, let alone more.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 09:39:16 PM
I know, a part of me just wanted to believe that it was seriously gonna happen :lol

That would be my Dream come true, but yeah some others may not have the attention span . . .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 28, 2015, 09:39:44 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on November 28, 2015, 09:35:39 PM
It was just a joke. :biggrin:
There's no way it's 4 hours, since that would be ridiculous, and also because their live show is already confirmed to be 2 hours and 40 minutes, so that's your max. I'm concerned enough about it being two discs of material, let alone more.

2 sets, 2 hours eh.  :laugh: well it's definitely a double album  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 28, 2015, 09:41:42 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 09:39:16 PM
I know, a part of me just wanted to believe that it was seriously gonna happen :lol


I guess we both get a little hyped on speculation then...   :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 09:44:21 PM
Yeah :lol

Not speaking for you, but there are times I definitely need to :chill on this forum xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 28, 2015, 09:56:06 PM
Well, I definitely wouldn't want a 4 disc album o_o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 28, 2015, 09:59:10 PM
For me, the more discs the better :lol . . .

. . . as long as the quality doesn't go down when the quantity goes up ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: dparrott on November 28, 2015, 10:02:47 PM
It took me a while to have the attention span to digest ACOS.  Breaking it up on the live album helped me separate the parts.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 28, 2015, 10:06:28 PM
Ok, what would you think if when the Astonishing came out, it had a 'part 1' tagged onto the title? (and it's a double album)  :eek
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Illegalastronaught on November 28, 2015, 10:23:01 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 28, 2015, 10:06:28 PM
Ok, what would you think if when the Astonishing came out, it had a 'part 1' tagged onto the title? (and it's a double album)  :eek

That would be AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so hyped!!!!!!!!  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Illegalastronaught on November 28, 2015, 10:25:45 PM
I predict there will be a guitar solo?  :censored
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 28, 2015, 10:49:57 PM
I hadn't noticed that there were multiple choruses following James's voice throughout the entire ITPOE Pt1
Awesome.

Now that I've made my nonrelated post, I can relate.

JR recently made a Kronos review, where he plays a very medieval thing, is this from any of his projects ot is it a small foreshadow of the album?

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 28, 2015, 11:24:00 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 28, 2015, 10:49:57 PM
JR recently made a Kronos review, where he plays a very medieval thing, is this from any of his projects ot is it a small foreshadow of the album?

Well if I can say anything, it doesn't sound improvised...
...  :eek
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: npiazza91 on November 28, 2015, 11:43:45 PM
Quote from: Pax on November 28, 2015, 07:04:53 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on November 28, 2015, 12:42:48 PM
Quote from: npiazza91 on November 28, 2015, 04:55:50 AM
Well SFAM had Home and Finally Free, which even though they're not exactly epics, they're still above 10 minutes

You forgot the best of the three 10 minute songs of that album..
This made me smile since I am very attached to that song you're referring to :)

Oh my God, I can't believe I forgot about BTL.  It's funny, because I actually like BTL more than Home (Home is overrated IMO).  Home just stands out more, I don't know why.  FF is the best of the three though  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 28, 2015, 11:57:05 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 28, 2015, 11:24:00 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 28, 2015, 10:49:57 PM
JR recently made a Kronos review, where he plays a very medieval thing, is this from any of his projects ot is it a small foreshadow of the album?

Well if I can say anything, it doesn't sound improvised...
...  :eek

It could definitely fit with the upcoming concept and how they present it in mails....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 29, 2015, 01:47:00 AM
Considering the story is set in the future (2285), all the place and people names and the way they're spelt make them sound Olde Worlde, iykwIm.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Thematt202 on November 29, 2015, 03:44:49 AM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on November 28, 2015, 11:57:05 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 28, 2015, 11:24:00 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 28, 2015, 10:49:57 PM
JR recently made a Kronos review, where he plays a very medieval thing, is this from any of his projects ot is it a small foreshadow of the album?

Well if I can say anything, it doesn't sound improvised...
...  :eek

It could definitely fit with the upcoming concept and how they present it in mails....

Anyone have a link?  Spent ages looking at Kronos demos and I'm not sure which you're all referring to.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 29, 2015, 03:46:21 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on November 29, 2015, 03:44:49 AM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on November 28, 2015, 11:57:05 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 28, 2015, 11:24:00 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 28, 2015, 10:49:57 PM
JR recently made a Kronos review, where he plays a very medieval thing, is this from any of his projects ot is it a small foreshadow of the album?

Well if I can say anything, it doesn't sound improvised...
...  :eek

It could definitely fit with the upcoming concept and how they present it in mails....

Anyone have a link?  Spent ages looking at Kronos demos and I'm not sure which you're all referring to.

I found it on Jordans Facebook...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: me7 on November 29, 2015, 03:54:19 AM
Nice find. Here's the direct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC1pXlIYbOc
Doesn't sound improvised to me either.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 29, 2015, 03:55:35 AM
*Jordan randomly plays a vaguely medieval tune on his keyboard whilst at soundcheck*

Petrucci: That was kinda cool - LETS WRITE A FUTURISTIC YET MEDIEVAL DOUBLE CONCEPT ALBUM BASED AROUND THAT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 29, 2015, 04:01:09 AM
 
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 29, 2015, 03:55:35 AM
*Jordan randomly plays a vaguely medieval tune on his keyboard whilst at soundcheck*

Petrucci: That was kinda cool - LETS WRITE A FUTURISTIC YET MEDIEVAL DOUBLE CONCEPT ALBUM BASED AROUND THAT.
:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 29, 2015, 04:12:13 AM
Quote from: me7 on November 29, 2015, 03:54:19 AM
Nice find. Here's the direct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC1pXlIYbOc
Doesn't sound improvised to me either.

I think its improvised. You guys may be underestimating his skill in that regard, as his improvs are often more intricate than his actual written parts. Look at this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-5rSmGQoTc
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 29, 2015, 04:13:12 AM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 28, 2015, 10:06:28 PM
Ok, what would you think if when the Astonishing came out, it had a 'part 1' tagged onto the title? (and it's a double album)  :eek

Or, even better - or worse, depending on points of view - the last song and the lyrics end on a total cliffhanger. And the story is resolved with a 30 minutes epic on the next album yet  :biggrin:

Quote from: Kotowboy on November 29, 2015, 03:55:35 AM
*Jordan randomly plays a vaguely medieval tune on his keyboard whilst at soundcheck*

Petrucci: That was kinda cool - LETS WRITE A FUTURISTIC YET MEDIEVAL DOUBLE CONCEPT ALBUM BASED AROUND THAT.

I will believe this is how it all went down until confirmed otherwise.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TH1RT3EN on November 29, 2015, 07:36:20 AM
Quote from: me7 on November 29, 2015, 03:54:19 AM
Nice find. Here's the direct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC1pXlIYbOc
Doesn't sound improvised to me either.

In fact, that seems structured as a composition instead of an improvisation. Also, EB/MM released a video of JP demonstrating his JP13 model and he played a small piece of Surrender to Reason just a few weeks before DT12's release. This is nothing more than speculation, but so is pretty much everything else in this thread, right? :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 29, 2015, 07:41:04 AM
SDOIT confirmed for the tour! :neverusethis:

I hope that other bit is on the album, but it probably won't be. I often prefer JR's pre-album noodlings to the albums. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: AboutToCrash on November 29, 2015, 08:25:49 AM
2 60 minute discs and end the show with SDOIT in its entirety? That would be epic as SDOIT is practically a 42 minute flowing concept (I suppose it's 1 track but feels like a short concept album)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on November 29, 2015, 08:27:35 AM
If they're playing anything else on the tour, I doubt it will be their longest song. :lol If they have that much time left in the set, I expect they'll want a bit of variety to cover some live staples.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 29, 2015, 08:52:36 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on November 29, 2015, 07:36:20 AM
Quote from: me7 on November 29, 2015, 03:54:19 AM
Nice find. Here's the direct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC1pXlIYbOc
Doesn't sound improvised to me either.

In fact, that seems structured as a composition instead of an improvisation. Also, EB/MM released a video of JP demonstrating his JP13 model and he played a small piece of Surrender to Reason just a few weeks before DT12's release. This is nothing more than speculation, but so is pretty much everything else in this thread, right? :biggrin:

I think it was This Is The Life intro.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: V_R11 on November 29, 2015, 11:53:23 AM
Quote from: me7 on November 29, 2015, 03:54:19 AM
Nice find. Here's the direct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC1pXlIYbOc
Doesn't sound improvised to me either.

Given how talented Jordan is,it could easily be improvised. But I hope not. I really liked it
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 11:59:00 AM
I doubt it is fully improvised simple because of how many effects and combinations it uses.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 01:39:00 PM
I just saw that interview Jordan done with Sweetwater (it's like an hour long) around the 40 min mark he starts to play stuff, anyone think they might be nuggets there?? :yarr
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ResultsMayVary on November 29, 2015, 01:43:30 PM
That part he played sounded a lot like something you'd hear from an overture (no I'm not talking about him playing the SDOIT part at the beginning  :lol).

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 29, 2015, 01:45:47 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 11:59:00 AM
I doubt it is fully improvised simple because of how many effects and combinations it uses.
Or it could be a small composition used to showcase the Kronos. Nothing is certain.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 29, 2015, 01:46:09 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 29, 2015, 01:45:47 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 11:59:00 AM
I doubt it is fully improvised simple because of how many effects and combinations it uses.
Or it could be a small composition used to showcase the Kronos. Nothing is certain.

Is anything certain in life ? :emo:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 01:49:14 PM
It could be a small composition to showcase the Kronos....
Using a style and sounds thought for the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 29, 2015, 01:56:02 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 01:49:14 PM
It could be a small composition to showcase the Kronos....
Using a style and sounds thought for the album.
Or it could be nothing. My money is on nothing, given how cautious and secretive they've been about the new record.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 01:59:29 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 29, 2015, 01:56:02 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 01:49:14 PM
It could be a small composition to showcase the Kronos....
Using a style and sounds thought for the album.
Or it could be nothing. My money is on nothing, given how cautious and secretive they've been about the new record.

Plot twist.
Every single one of JR's improv, including the LA LTE Universal Mind extended solo, are used on the new record somehow.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MajorBoobage on November 29, 2015, 02:19:49 PM
https://www.facebook.com/johnpetrucciFB/photos/a.133462500039104.42405.126844294034258/1054823121236366/?type=3&theater
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 29, 2015, 02:24:56 PM
If mixing process started in mid-october and they still are not finished, there must have LOT of stuff in there...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 29, 2015, 02:28:33 PM
Maybe the 3-disk theory is not so crazy after all :lol :rollin

But seriously, if they're taking this long, I'm hoping they get that drum sound right this time . . . ;D

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 29, 2015, 02:37:45 PM
Quote from: me7 on November 29, 2015, 03:54:19 AM
Nice find. Here's the direct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC1pXlIYbOc
Doesn't sound improvised to me either.

I hope it's not! That snippet ROCKS!!! :metal

But of course never put it past the Keyboard Wizard to be able to come up with ingenious pieces on the fly ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 29, 2015, 02:52:11 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 29, 2015, 02:37:45 PM
Quote from: me7 on November 29, 2015, 03:54:19 AM
Nice find. Here's the direct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC1pXlIYbOc
Doesn't sound improvised to me either.

I hope it's not! That snippet CLOCKS!!! :metal

FTFClocksGuy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 29, 2015, 02:58:24 PM
 :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 29, 2015, 03:04:54 PM
 :lol :rollin

Well played sir ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 29, 2015, 03:05:04 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 13, 2015, 03:29:52 PM
10 tracks for act ll 100%
 :metal

clocks guy was wrong ?! Who saw THAT coming ?! :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 29, 2015, 03:09:44 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on November 11, 2015, 01:29:48 PM
hey Kotowboy why u put the fucking clock back of char 8? huh? the FBI must take dt and punish DT. hey Kotowboy u need to prison for end of the world.cause you have 1 fucking clock. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on November 29, 2015, 03:11:12 PM
This is with regard to those who wish Steven Wilson would produce the new DT album.   I give you exhibit A.   Listen to "take shelter" on Anathema's album Distant Satellites then listen to the same song on their new live record "a sort of homecoming"      This is proof that we don't want Steven Wilson anywhere near a Dream Theater album.  ALL of the distant sattelite songs sound better on the new live album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ne9149 on November 29, 2015, 03:15:05 PM
https://www.facebook.com/johnpetrucciFB/photos/a.133462500039104.42405.126844294034258/1054823121236366/?type=3
strings and choir  :metal :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 29, 2015, 03:15:51 PM
Good spot !  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 29, 2015, 03:20:25 PM
And it also says Brass..

I guess there's a reason why they need concert halls and theatres this tour...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: thosava on November 29, 2015, 03:22:11 PM
And doesn't the one next to that say surf (something)? Strange  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SwedishGoose on November 29, 2015, 03:23:20 PM
Quote from: ne9149 on November 29, 2015, 03:15:05 PM
https://www.facebook.com/johnpetrucciFB/photos/a.133462500039104.42405.126844294034258/1054823121236366/?type=3
strings and choir  :metal :metal

Niceley spotted.... this will be soo interresting... can't wait to see this live on the 1st and 2nd of March...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Another_Won on November 29, 2015, 03:37:14 PM
Is that actual strings and choir?  Could that be parts done by Jordan, with effects on the keyboard?  I only ask because I'm assuming someone here knows it those would be separated out if they were only done by Jordan.  If so, it turns out to be a welcome discovery, imo, and also not that unexpected given the nature of the release.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on November 29, 2015, 03:45:02 PM
Having real orchestral and choir elements throughout the album would be awesome! Please let it be that  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 29, 2015, 03:51:41 PM
I'm not that surprised that mixing a double album would take about a month and a half. I think the strings and choir may be real and they may want another to collaborate once more with with Eren's Berklee orchestra and integrate it more fully into the album as a whole. It would be very interesting to see DT do that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: countoftuscany42 on November 29, 2015, 04:16:03 PM
I had heard a rumor months ago through a friend that he knew someone who had a connection to the studio DT recorded at and believed this album was going to be very special and elaborate, specifically mentioning an orchestra.  whether that's the case or not who knows, but with everything else happening for TA i'd like to believe it  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Fatal Tragedy on November 29, 2015, 04:24:52 PM
Hmm... I didn't know we could post stuff like this. In that case, I've been keeping track of potential studio material that Jordan Rudess has been recently playing at numerous keyboard demonstrations, all of which I think does not sound improvised.
The first video took place right after a studio session sometime in April.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jshQWP0gQ-k (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jshQWP0gQ-k)
Keep track of everything Jordan Rudess plays without Marco Parisi during the video. The most interesting spot is at the 12 minute mark. Here he talks about and demonstrates a pipe organ sound that he and DT wanted to use for the new album.

Here's two other demo's that Rudess did at Drum Fest 2015. To me, the style of music does match what I would expect to be on the new album in one way or another.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 29, 2015, 04:39:22 PM
Quote from: The Fatal Tragedy on November 29, 2015, 04:24:52 PM
Hmm... I didn't know we could post stuff like this. In that case, I've been keeping track of potential studio material that Jordan Rudess has been recently playing at numerous keyboard demonstrations, all of which I think does not sound improvised.
The first video took place right after a studio session sometime in April.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jshQWP0gQ-k (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jshQWP0gQ-k)
Keep track of everything Jordan Rudess plays without Marco Parisi during the video. The most interesting spot is at the 12 minute mark. Here he talks about and demonstrates a pipe organ sound that he and DT wanted to use for the new album.

Here's two other demo's that Rudess did at Drum Fest 2015. To me, the style of music does match what I would expect to be on the new album in one way or another.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ)

Wow that's some awesome stuff! Whether or not they're actually gonna use these snippets, if this is the style and sound they're going for I'm definitely hyped :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 29, 2015, 04:41:12 PM
I doubt the first one is anything new, as Jordan specifically says he is showing sections of an orchestral library.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 04:42:52 PM
Quote from: The Fatal Tragedy on November 29, 2015, 04:24:52 PM
Here's two other demo's that Rudess did at Drum Fest 2015. To me, the style of music does match what I would expect to be on the new album in one way or another.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ)

Holy shit!  :eek
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on November 29, 2015, 04:48:50 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/IE8ilCl.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 29, 2015, 04:50:29 PM
Quote from: The Fatal Tragedy on November 29, 2015, 04:24:52 PM
Hmm... I didn't know we could post stuff like this. In that case, I've been keeping track of potential studio material that Jordan Rudess has been recently playing at numerous keyboard demonstrations, all of which I think does not sound improvised.
The first video took place right after a studio session sometime in April.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jshQWP0gQ-k (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jshQWP0gQ-k)
Keep track of everything Jordan Rudess plays without Marco Parisi during the video. The most interesting spot is at the 12 minute mark. Here he talks about and demonstrates a pipe organ sound that he and DT wanted to use for the new album.

Here's two other demo's that Rudess did at Drum Fest 2015. To me, the style of music does match what I would expect to be on the new album in one way or another.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ)

That last one is totally awesome.  If that's the kind of stuff that's going to be setting the mood/tone for this upcoming album, I'm officially really excited.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jsbru on November 29, 2015, 04:53:09 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 29, 2015, 04:41:12 PM
I doubt the first one is anything new, as Jordan specifically says he is showing sections of an orchestral library.

The first one (with the pipe organ) also starts out very similar to I Get Up, I Get Down of Close to the Edge (which also has a similar pipe organ), so it almost sounds like he starts playing that and then goes off and does a tangent improv off of that chord structure.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 04:58:11 PM
When will these videos be unlocked!!!!   :sad:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 29, 2015, 05:02:39 PM
Unless the band trolls us by adding micro islands on each of the next map updates, I think it's safe to say that we'll need at least 4 or 5 (maybe 3?) more updates for the full map.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ResultsMayVary on November 29, 2015, 05:55:26 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 29, 2015, 04:48:50 PM
*snip*
JP solos confirmed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on November 29, 2015, 06:06:52 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on November 29, 2015, 05:55:26 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 29, 2015, 04:48:50 PM
*snip*
JP solos confirmed.

Pads of some kind confirmed as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: seasonsinthesky on November 29, 2015, 06:09:59 PM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on November 29, 2015, 03:11:12 PM
This is with regard to those who wish Steven Wilson would produce the new DT album.   I give you exhibit A.   Listen to "take shelter" on Anathema's album Distant Satellites then listen to the same song on their new live record "a sort of homecoming"      This is proof that we don't want Steven Wilson anywhere near a Dream Theater album.  ALL of the distant sattelite songs sound better on the new live album.

Bit hard to blame SW when the band completely rearranged the songs for minimalist acoustic arrangements on A Sort of Homecoming. The difference has nothing to do with the mixing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: lucasembarbosa on November 29, 2015, 06:27:55 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 29, 2015, 05:02:39 PM
Unless the band trolls us by adding micro islands on each of the next map updates, I think it's safe to say that we'll need at least 4 or 5 (maybe 3?) more updates for the full map.

The map is divided in 8 pieces, same number of the characters. Right now we have 3 pieces and 3 chars.. Considering that we're having 2 updates per week, in less than 3 weeks we'll have it all!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 06:39:09 PM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on November 29, 2015, 06:27:55 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 29, 2015, 05:02:39 PM
Unless the band trolls us by adding micro islands on each of the next map updates, I think it's safe to say that we'll need at least 4 or 5 (maybe 3?) more updates for the full map.

The map is divided in 8 pieces, same number of the characters. Right now we have 3 pieces and 3 chars.. Considering that we're having 2 updates per week, in less than 3 weeks we'll have it all!

I'm waiting.....
 :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 07:16:38 PM
I miss clockguy lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 07:28:32 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 07:16:38 PM
I miss clockguy lol

Who was that? I haven't been here long enough to know....   ???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 29, 2015, 07:37:52 PM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on November 29, 2015, 06:06:52 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on November 29, 2015, 05:55:26 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 29, 2015, 04:48:50 PM
*snip*
JP solos confirmed.

Pads of some kind confirmed as well.

New album confirmed!

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 07:39:17 PM
Clock guy was a non-english speaking user who was convinced that the clock behind the last character had some connection to the album, and that it was a secret. He was fairly insistent, but he was extremely funny.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 29, 2015, 07:39:25 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 07:28:32 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 07:16:38 PM
I miss clockguy lol

Who was that? I haven't been here long enough to know....   ???

I present you Clock Guy

Quote from: hadi-persian on November 10, 2015, 02:20:49 PM
hey guys. pls look to ch8. back of the picture we have one clock.that we only see  4 number. ( 0-1-1-2) i think the char 8 tell to us the release date of album.01/1/2016.  the number 12 hidden by the head of character.this was my idea. pls txt ur idea about the char8 pls. in 8th cha dt hide the secret about the album and story.

I think this was the first post that started his legacy as Clock Guy. He'll probably come back when the character with the clock in the background will be revealed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 07:40:32 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 29, 2015, 07:37:52 PM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on November 29, 2015, 06:06:52 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on November 29, 2015, 05:55:26 PM
Quote from: noxon on November 29, 2015, 04:48:50 PM
*snip*
JP solos confirmed.

Pads of some kind confirmed as well.

New album confirmed!

Did you hear the Mike Portnoy is leaving Dream Theater??  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 29, 2015, 07:46:59 PM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on November 29, 2015, 06:27:55 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 29, 2015, 05:02:39 PM
Unless the band trolls us by adding micro islands on each of the next map updates, I think it's safe to say that we'll need at least 4 or 5 (maybe 3?) more updates for the full map.

The map is divided in 8 pieces, same number of the characters. Right now we have 3 pieces and 3 chars.. Considering that we're having 2 updates per week, in less than 3 weeks we'll have it all!

So then a new character and map piece tomorrow, right?

Is there a set time that is revealed btw? I'm in California and it's always there when I wake up on the days new info is revealed  . . .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 29, 2015, 07:48:19 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 07:40:32 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 29, 2015, 07:37:52 PM

New album confirmed!

Did you hear the Mike Portnoy is leaving Dream Theater ??????  :rollin

What!?  :omg:
Was it because of the tensions between him and Kevin Moore? 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 29, 2015, 07:49:25 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 29, 2015, 07:48:19 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 07:40:32 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 29, 2015, 07:37:52 PM

New album confirmed!

Did you hear the Mike Portnoy is leaving Dream Theater ??????  :rollin

What!?  :omg:
Was it because of the tensions between him and Kevin Moore?

Darn you beat me to it (about KM) . . . :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 07:50:59 PM
I tho it was because his son Max had just been born and he took paternal time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 07:53:59 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 29, 2015, 07:39:25 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 07:28:32 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 07:16:38 PM
I miss clockguy lol

Who was that? I haven't been here long enough to know....   ???

I present you Clock Guy

Quote from: hadi-persian on November 10, 2015, 02:20:49 PM
hey guys. pls look to ch8. back of the picture we have one clock.that we only see  4 number. ( 0-1-1-2) i think the char 8 tell to us the release date of album.01/1/2016.  the number 12 hidden by the head of character.this was my idea. pls txt ur idea about the char8 pls. in 8th cha dt hide the secret about the album and story.

I think this was the first post that started his legacy as Clock Guy. He'll probably come back when the character with the clock in the background will be revealed.

Ok. Thanks  :yarr
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 07:56:22 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 07:50:59 PM
I tho it was because his son Max had just been born and he took paternal time.

I thought it was because it Mike Was stressed they couldn't find a new singer after the booted Dominici, so he quit?  or aren't I up to date?  :corn :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 29, 2015, 07:59:47 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 07:56:22 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 07:50:59 PM
I tho it was because his son Max had just been born and he took paternal time.

I thought it was because it Mike Was stressed they couldn't find a new singer after the booted Dominici, so he quit?  or aren't I up to date?  :corn :rollin

Dominici? Who's that guy? I think you meant Chris Collins.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 08:00:43 PM
What happened to Majesty Forums?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 29, 2015, 08:01:33 PM
You guys are going to go back before the invention of prog eventually :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on November 29, 2015, 08:03:18 PM
I heard Mozart died last year. Can anybody tell me if that's actually true?

Okay I'll stop now XD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 08:05:11 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 29, 2015, 08:03:18 PM
I heard Mozart died last year. Can anybody tell me if that's actually true?

Okay I'll stop now XD

What's this device and medium we're chatting on?
Is it magic?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 08:23:16 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 08:05:11 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 29, 2015, 08:03:18 PM
I heard Mozart died last year. Can anybody tell me if that's actually true?

Okay I'll stop now XD

What's this device and medium we're chatting on?
Is it magic?

Its witchcraft!  :angel:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 08:24:48 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 29, 2015, 08:03:18 PM
I heard Mozart died last year. Can anybody tell me if that's actually true?

Okay I'll stop now XD

What's a Mozart??  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 08:31:10 PM
We need more updates... lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 08:31:56 PM
JR just uploaded on FB the greatest tease ever.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Illegalastronaught on November 29, 2015, 08:33:07 PM
 
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 08:31:56 PM
JR just uploaded on FB the greatest tease ever.

 :laugh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DreamerTV on November 29, 2015, 08:36:21 PM
To me, those videos tell that the album will have JR all over it.
Directly or/and through an orchestra.
If this is true, i hope it will be similar, somehow, to SDOIT disc 2.
I'd really like to have songs ala about to crash (both of them).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Sacul on November 29, 2015, 08:36:45 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 08:24:48 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 29, 2015, 08:03:18 PM
I heard Mozart died last year. Can anybody tell me if that's actually true?

Okay I'll stop now XD

What's a Mozart??  :corn
I think it's some sort of lute.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 29, 2015, 08:46:26 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 08:31:10 PM
We need more updates... lol

ikr :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Illegalastronaught on November 29, 2015, 08:55:07 PM
Quote from: Sacul on November 29, 2015, 08:36:45 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 08:24:48 PM
Quote from: CDrice on November 29, 2015, 08:03:18 PM
I heard Mozart died last year. Can anybody tell me if that's actually true?

Okay I'll stop now XD

What's a Mozart??  :corn
I think it's some sort of lute.

What is a lute? Is it a device used by my ancestors when they mate with apes?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 08:55:54 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on November 29, 2015, 08:46:26 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 08:31:10 PM
We need more updates... lol

ikr :lol

I'm dying here  :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 29, 2015, 10:13:51 PM
Quote from: The Fatal Tragedy on November 29, 2015, 04:24:52 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ)

I predict the introduction of both of these are the sorts of sounds we'll hear from the NOMACS. But I think only the first one has any substantial material from the new album. It honestly sounds chock-full of DT music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on November 29, 2015, 10:20:30 PM
Quote from: Lucien on November 29, 2015, 10:13:51 PM
Quote from: The Fatal Tragedy on November 29, 2015, 04:24:52 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ)

I predict the introduction of both of these are the sorts of sounds we'll hear from the NOMACS. But I think only the first one has any substantial material from the new album. It honestly sounds chock-full of DT music.

I feel like speculation so bad!!  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Sacul on November 29, 2015, 11:47:03 PM
Quote from: Lucien on November 29, 2015, 10:13:51 PM
It honestly sounds clock-full of DT music.
THE CLOCKGUY WAS RIGHT OMG

:dangerwillrobinson:
 
:panicattack:
 
:caffeine:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 30, 2015, 12:37:48 AM
Quote from: Sacul on November 29, 2015, 11:47:03 PM
Quote from: Lucien on November 29, 2015, 10:13:51 PM
It honestly sounds clock-full of DT music.
THE CLOCKGUY WAS RIGHT OMG


Time will tell.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: |KirK| on November 30, 2015, 03:14:53 AM
I've been thinking about this for the entire weekend... That face was familiar to me, but I couldn't figure out.. now everything is so clear... Gabriel, The Chosen One...is KEVIN MOORE!!!! :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Frankgate on November 30, 2015, 03:35:49 AM
i would be funny to hear harpsicord solos on next album  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: shredd on November 30, 2015, 04:41:56 AM
Quote from: |KirK| on November 30, 2015, 03:14:53 AM
I've been thinking about this for the entire weekend... That face was familiar to me, but I couldn't figure out.. now everything is so clear... Gabriel, The Chosen One...is KEVIN MOORE!!!! :omg:

Holy shit you may be onto something there... after all there are 6 eyes in the NOMACS......

KEVIN MOORE ON NEW ALBUM CONFIRMED

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 30, 2015, 09:02:20 AM
I'm curious about the update we might get today. If it's a new character, it will be one we haven't heard about yet (unless it's Faythe) considering we already knew about Nafaryus, Arhys and Gabriel (well, at least we heard about the Chosen, but not his name).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 30, 2015, 09:08:53 AM
Really the only character I care about at this point is "char8"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 30, 2015, 09:13:08 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 30, 2015, 09:08:53 AM
Really the only character I care about at this point is "char8"

WHEN OF REVEL HE IZ, WE KNOUS RELEZ DEIT OF CLOCK ALBUM?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 30, 2015, 10:17:11 AM
Good grief
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 30, 2015, 10:20:50 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on November 30, 2015, 10:17:11 AM
Good grief
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on November 30, 2015, 10:23:24 AM
How important will the locations and map be on the album? Will places get mentioned in the lyrics? (Don't cross the Crooked Lake? I know we joke about it, but that could be a feasible lyric here.)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pax on November 30, 2015, 10:40:34 AM
Quote from: Lucien on November 29, 2015, 10:13:51 PM
Quote from: The Fatal Tragedy on November 29, 2015, 04:24:52 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ)

I predict the introduction of both of these are the sorts of sounds we'll hear from the NOMACS. But I think only the first one has any substantial material from the new album. It honestly sounds chock-full of DT music.
I predict the first one actually is first two songs (nomac one and Dystopian Overture)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on November 30, 2015, 10:48:31 AM
Quote from: Pax on November 30, 2015, 10:40:34 AM
Quote from: Lucien on November 29, 2015, 10:13:51 PM
Quote from: The Fatal Tragedy on November 29, 2015, 04:24:52 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ)

I predict the introduction of both of these are the sorts of sounds we'll hear from the NOMACS. But I think only the first one has any substantial material from the new album. It honestly sounds chock-full of DT music.
I predict the first one actually is first two songs (nomac one and Dystopian Overture)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 30, 2015, 11:48:59 AM
No new info yet? :huh:

We really need clock guy to keep us sane now :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on November 30, 2015, 11:52:56 AM
The monday updates usually came when I was at school the past few weeks, which would be somewhere between now and 2 hours from now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 30, 2015, 12:10:43 PM
Monday updates are the only ones they haven't ''skipped'' so far, I think. Only thursdays?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on November 30, 2015, 12:14:13 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on November 30, 2015, 11:52:56 AM
The monday updates usually came when I was at school the past few weeks, which would be somewhere between now and 2 hours from now.

Oh okay . . . thanks for the info :)

Quote from: RMGadelha on November 30, 2015, 12:10:43 PM
Monday updates are the only ones they haven't ''skipped'' so far, I think. Only thursdays?

Yes I believe so . . .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: McNugg on November 30, 2015, 12:21:38 PM
Quote from: The Fatal Tragedy on November 29, 2015, 04:24:52 PM


Here's two other demo's that Rudess did at Drum Fest 2015. To me, the style of music does match what I would expect to be on the new album in one way or another.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUL_BBICQQ)

The beginning of that second clip sounds like he could be in some kind of cove...HEAVEN'S COVE ALMOST......
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on November 30, 2015, 12:26:33 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 30, 2015, 09:02:20 AM
I'm curious about the update we might get today. If it's a new character, it will be one we haven't heard about yet (unless it's Faythe) considering we already knew about Nafaryus, Arhys and Gabriel (well, at least we heard about the Chosen, but not his name).

Gabriel IS the chosen, he's been confirmed as such by DT's FB page as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 30, 2015, 12:34:21 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on November 30, 2015, 12:26:33 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on November 30, 2015, 09:02:20 AM
I'm curious about the update we might get today. If it's a new character, it will be one we haven't heard about yet (unless it's Faythe) considering we already knew about Nafaryus, Arhys and Gabriel (well, at least we heard about the Chosen, but not his name).

Gabriel IS the chosen, he's been confirmed as such by DT's FB page as well.

I know. What I meant is that we knew there was a chosen but we did not know THEN that his name was Gabriel.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Octavarious on November 30, 2015, 12:51:08 PM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on November 29, 2015, 03:11:12 PM
This is with regard to those who wish Steven Wilson would produce the new DT album.   I give you exhibit A.   Listen to "take shelter" on Anathema's album Distant Satellites then listen to the same song on their new live record "a sort of homecoming"      This is proof that we don't want Steven Wilson anywhere near a Dream Theater album.  ALL of the distant sattelite songs sound better on the new live album.
SW only mixed that song and another one on that album. ALL the other songs and the overall production of the album was not SW's job, so that peculiar sound choice is due to the producer (CA Cederberg).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 30, 2015, 01:21:13 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on November 29, 2015, 08:31:56 PM
JR just uploaded on FB the greatest tease ever.

 :lol What a troll, getting people thinking that there is a snippet then just uploading complete silence.

Quote from: RoeDent on November 30, 2015, 10:23:24 AM
How important will the locations and map be on the album? Will places get mentioned in the lyrics? (Don't cross the Crooked Lake? I know we joke about it, but that could be a feasible lyric here.)

I think that, like in SfaM, those kind of things will be mentioned within the booklet with a few references here and there in the lyrics.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 30, 2015, 01:31:35 PM
DT plis... upd8 m8...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on November 30, 2015, 01:49:51 PM
Pretty much just characters and map to update. I think the videos will be last.

It's a bit hard to get excited about those.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on November 30, 2015, 01:52:56 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 30, 2015, 01:49:51 PM
Pretty much just characters and map to update. I think the videos will be last.

It's a bit hard to get excited about those.

I guess it's one of the only things to string us along though. It's almost like a countdown to a video in that regard.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RMGadelha on November 30, 2015, 01:55:21 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on November 30, 2015, 01:49:51 PM
Pretty much just characters and map to update. I think the videos will be last.

It's a bit hard to get excited about those.

Yeah, but I'm at the point that even the crappiest character name and design would please me. xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on November 30, 2015, 03:15:32 PM
Quote from: the_silent_man on November 26, 2015, 02:03:27 PM
So wikipedia has the album release date of Jan 29th. Has this been confirmed by the band? Or is it just nonsense someone made up on wikipedia?

Seems like every album release cycle, I have to point out that even if this is the planned release date, that information is at least a month old, and we are still a good 2 months away from that date.  In the last 12 weeks before an album release, it is VERY common for the release date to be changed.  And sometimes it changes more than once.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Gpals71 on November 30, 2015, 04:29:28 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 30, 2015, 03:15:32 PM
Quote from: the_silent_man on November 26, 2015, 02:03:27 PM
So wikipedia has the album release date of Jan 29th. Has this been confirmed by the band? Or is it just nonsense someone made up on wikipedia?

Seems like every album release cycle, I have to point out that even if this is the planned release date, that information is at least a month old, and we are still a good 2 months away from that date.  In the last 12 weeks before an album release, it is VERY common for the release date to be changed.  And sometimes it changes more than once.

Then please let the release date change to early January  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: wolfking on November 30, 2015, 07:01:20 PM
Quote from: Gpals71 on November 30, 2015, 04:29:28 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 30, 2015, 03:15:32 PM
Quote from: the_silent_man on November 26, 2015, 02:03:27 PM
So wikipedia has the album release date of Jan 29th. Has this been confirmed by the band? Or is it just nonsense someone made up on wikipedia?

Seems like every album release cycle, I have to point out that even if this is the planned release date, that information is at least a month old, and we are still a good 2 months away from that date.  In the last 12 weeks before an album release, it is VERY common for the release date to be changed.  And sometimes it changes more than once.

Then please let the release date change to early January  :hefdaddy

Um, that's not going to happen.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: chego_voice on November 30, 2015, 07:27:22 PM
so much silence...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: liran95 on December 01, 2015, 12:51:19 AM
Ok guys. So, I've been thinking about it for a while now, and I think I FINALLY GET IT.

So char8 stands in front of a clock, right?
And it already came up that clock guy is just trolling us with his theories. Okay, bare with me cause this is where it gets complicated:

Clock guy is actually JP trying to tell us the actual theme of the album.
Since Gabriel is known as an angel in religous beliefs, and adding that to the clock thing, I think it's now safe to say:

CLOCKWORK ANGELS PART 2 CONFIRMED   :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Curious Orange on December 01, 2015, 01:43:35 AM
Quote from: McNugg on November 30, 2015, 12:21:38 PM
The beginning of that second clip sounds like he could be in some kind of cove...HEAVEN'S COVE ALMOST......

OMG! STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN PART TWO CONFIRMED!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: The Stray Seed on December 01, 2015, 02:38:51 AM
Quote from: Gpals71 on November 30, 2015, 04:29:28 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 30, 2015, 03:15:32 PM
Quote from: the_silent_man on November 26, 2015, 02:03:27 PM
So wikipedia has the album release date of Jan 29th. Has this been confirmed by the band? Or is it just nonsense someone made up on wikipedia?

Seems like every album release cycle, I have to point out that even if this is the planned release date, that information is at least a month old, and we are still a good 2 months away from that date.  In the last 12 weeks before an album release, it is VERY common for the release date to be changed.  And sometimes it changes more than once.

Then please let the release date change to early January  :hefdaddy

Why not today?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on December 01, 2015, 05:01:10 AM
Tbh, now the full tracklist is out, I don't really care for the character/map reveals. I just want to know when I can buy the album, what some of it sounds like, what the cover looks like, and how long the songs are. That's all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 05:06:46 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 01, 2015, 05:01:10 AM
Tbh, now the full tracklist is out, I don't really care for the character/map reveals. I just want to know when I can buy the album, what some of it sounds like, what the cover looks like, and how long the songs are. That's all.

Ditto. I couldn't care less about a map or a picture of a character. My interest is minimal until I hear some music now.
By the looks of DT side, I think many people are getting restless at this point. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 01, 2015, 05:40:20 AM
Don't know if this'll get me banned, but local online vendour says 29-1-2016 is releasedate. TA.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on December 01, 2015, 06:08:14 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on December 01, 2015, 05:40:20 AM
Don't know if this'll get me banned, but local online vendour says 29-1-2016 is releasedate. TA.

If that ends up being the actual date, I don't think any of us will be surprised.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on December 01, 2015, 06:20:04 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 05:06:46 AM
Ditto. I couldn't care less about a map or a picture of a character. My interest is minimal until I hear some music now.
By the looks of DT side, I think many people are getting restless at this point. :lol

I was (the only) one that was excited to see Arhys, but yeah at this point it's hard to feel excited for characters and locations we know nothing about. That could change though, if they release some more background story where they drop hints about new characters or places that play an important part in the story.

If they don't, I think the only other thing that could keep the updates interesting to me is if some unusual things are revealed. Like a big chunk of land randomly missing in the middle of the map or a character that is non-human (or is showing non-human features)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ZirconBlue on December 01, 2015, 06:56:16 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on December 01, 2015, 05:40:20 AM
Don't know if this'll get me banned, but local online vendour says 29-1-2016 is releasedate. TA.

The first of Icosikaiheptember?   ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 08:23:26 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 05:06:46 AM
By the looks of DT side, I think many people are getting restless at this point. :lol

If so, then people need to grow an attention span (not to mention some gratitude, given how much information has been released and is scheduled to be released).  But patience will be rewarded.  ...especially this week.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Panar on December 01, 2015, 08:29:08 AM
...especially this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikemangioy on December 01, 2015, 08:29:15 AM
I like Bosk's updates more than the recent ones from the band.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 08:49:39 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 08:23:26 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 05:06:46 AM
By the looks of DT side, I think many people are getting restless at this point. :lol

If so, then people need to grow an attention span (not to mention some gratitude, given how much information has been released and is scheduled to be released).  But patience will be rewarded.  ...especially this week.

It's not as much information as it seems, it's mostly just drawn out over a long time. It doesn't usually take them a span of a week or two to reveal the song titles, and the rest is beyond trivial stuff to me. Until I hear actual music, I don't see my excitement or expectations improving at all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SystematicThought on December 01, 2015, 09:05:50 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 08:23:26 AM
If so, then people need to grow an attention span (not to mention some gratitude, given how much information has been released and is scheduled to be released).  But patience will be rewarded.  ...especially this week.
I took a bit of issue with this until I read your small print. Then I got really excited. Thanks Bosk!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MajorBoobage on December 01, 2015, 09:16:00 AM
(https://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/48663315.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on December 01, 2015, 09:21:41 AM
Quote from: Panar on December 01, 2015, 08:29:08 AM
...especially this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on December 01, 2015, 09:39:24 AM
I decided I'm going to listen to the entirety of DT12 the day before The Astonishing comes out, to truly get a sense of how they have evolved. Maybe even ADTOE as well..

It's easy for me to stay patient between updates because I know there has been at least one every week (usually two). I trust in whatever their release schedule is, and we know it's being released in approximately two months. That means the final two months of buildup will contain the best information and the juiciest teasers. From here on in, it only gets more exciting and I can't wait to see what we find out this week. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Lucien on December 01, 2015, 09:39:57 AM
I predict a video.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: SuperTaco on December 01, 2015, 09:47:25 AM
Quote from: Lucien on December 01, 2015, 09:39:57 AM
I predict a video.

I predict that those NOMAC eyes will lead us to something. I still click them a lot...  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on December 01, 2015, 09:48:24 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 08:49:39 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 08:23:26 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 05:06:46 AM
By the looks of DT side, I think many people are getting restless at this point. :lol

If so, then people need to grow an attention span (not to mention some gratitude, given how much information has been released and is scheduled to be released).  But patience will be rewarded.  ...especially this week.

It's not as much information as it seems, it's mostly just drawn out over a long time. It doesn't usually take them a span of a week or two to reveal the song titles, and the rest is beyond trivial stuff to me. Until I hear actual music, I don't see my excitement or expectations improving at all.

And Grumpy strikes again! :biggrin:

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 09:53:05 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on December 01, 2015, 09:48:24 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 08:49:39 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 08:23:26 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 05:06:46 AM
By the looks of DT side, I think many people are getting restless at this point. :lol

If so, then people need to grow an attention span (not to mention some gratitude, given how much information has been released and is scheduled to be released).  But patience will be rewarded.  ...especially this week.

It's not as much information as it seems, it's mostly just drawn out over a long time. It doesn't usually take them a span of a week or two to reveal the song titles, and the rest is beyond trivial stuff to me. Until I hear actual music, I don't see my excitement or expectations improving at all.

And Grumpy strikes again! :biggrin:

B.Lee

That was a very useful addition to this conversation! :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Bertielee on December 01, 2015, 10:12:18 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 09:53:05 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on December 01, 2015, 09:48:24 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 08:49:39 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 08:23:26 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 05:06:46 AM
By the looks of DT side, I think many people are getting restless at this point. :lol

If so, then people need to grow an attention span (not to mention some gratitude, given how much information has been released and is scheduled to be released).  But patience will be rewarded.  ...especially this week.

It's not as much information as it seems, it's mostly just drawn out over a long time. It doesn't usually take them a span of a week or two to reveal the song titles, and the rest is beyond trivial stuff to me. Until I hear actual music, I don't see my excitement or expectations improving at all.

And Grumpy strikes again! :biggrin:

B.Lee

That was a very useful addition to this conversation! :biggrin:

It was only in jest.

I for one am really happy at the way things are turning out. So any update is good for me.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 10:15:12 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on December 01, 2015, 10:12:18 AM
It was only in jest.


Mine was supposed to be.

I am not grumpy. :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: jdprsaga on December 01, 2015, 10:19:26 AM
maybe it'll be the tracks length.. I would be more than happy with that
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 10:20:45 AM
I agree. The lengths are what I'm most interested to see at this point (though any update is fine) ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 10:24:48 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 08:23:26 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 05:06:46 AM
By the looks of DT side, I think many people are getting restless at this point. :lol

If so, then people need to grow an attention span (not to mention some gratitude, given how much information has been released and is scheduled to be released).  But patience will be rewarded.  ...especially this week.

Yeah . . . sorry if I'm sounding ungrateful, most of my hype has been in joke . . .

Great to hear btw! :biggrin:

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 10:28:46 AM
Quote from: liran95 on December 01, 2015, 12:51:19 AM
Ok guys. So, I've been thinking about it for a while now, and I think I FINALLY GET IT.

So char8 stands in front of a clock, right?
And it already came up that clock guy is just trolling us with his theories. Okay, bare with me cause this is where it gets complicated:

Clock guy is actually JP trying to tell us the actual theme of the album.
Since Gabriel is known as an angel in religous beliefs, and adding that to the clock thing, I think it's now safe to say:

CLOCKWORK ANGELS PART 2 CONFIRMED   :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

Quote from: The Curious Orange on December 01, 2015, 01:43:35 AM
Quote from: McNugg on November 30, 2015, 12:21:38 PM
The beginning of that second clip sounds like he could be in some kind of cove...HEAVEN'S COVE ALMOST......

OMG! STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN PART TWO CONFIRMED!!!!

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Stairway To Clockwork Angels Heaven Pt. 2: The Astonishing :lol :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: wolven74 on December 01, 2015, 11:22:22 AM
Quote
I agree. The lengths are what I'm most interested to see at this point (though any update is fine) ;D

I could agree with this, though I'm wondering if maybe this release won't have ALL the track lengths. There's a good chance, with this being a rock opera, that some of the shorter tracks could be spoken parts ala Queensryche's Operation Mindcrime, hence only seconds long.

Then again, if there are spoken parts like Mindcrime, those could be combined with other tracks.... who knows?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: noxon on December 01, 2015, 12:06:36 PM
I reiterate: Track lengths have _NEVER EVER_ been released by the band.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 12:08:03 PM
Oh . . .

Sorry I've only been a hardcore DT fan since 2012 (when I was 15), I'm still learning a lot of things :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on December 01, 2015, 12:23:24 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 01, 2015, 12:06:36 PM
I reiterate: Track lengths have _NEVER EVER_ been released by the band.

They've been revealed somehow though, usually through pre-order websites such as Amazon. I've known the lengths for the last two albums several weeks before release day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: BlackInk on December 01, 2015, 12:26:59 PM
However it's being revealed, be it from Amazon or noxon, track lengths are what I'm most excited for too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 01, 2015, 12:29:28 PM
Right, its just not usually something the band officially reveals, I don't think.

Personally, I'm much more interested in the two videos on the web page. I'm very curious to see what direction the videos take... Are they part of the story, do they support the music and will be played on screens during the live shows, are they behind-the-scenes making of the album videos? Lots of possibilities.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Kotowboy on December 01, 2015, 12:34:41 PM
I want those videos to be two 30-minute ( at least  ) in the studio videos that will be revealed when the album is out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Frankgate on December 01, 2015, 12:43:20 PM
will never understand the point in NOT revealing track lenghts

DT are not the only ones, btw
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on December 01, 2015, 12:45:08 PM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on December 01, 2015, 12:29:28 PM
Right, its just not usually something the band officially reveals, I don't think.

I wonder why... people are going to find out anyway from preorder sites, are they afraid of the endless speculation that will follow? This song is too long, it will have a pointless solo, there are to many short songs, they went pop etc??? we have a thread about the album after this one and people maximise the photos from the studio to read the tiny writings on the mix, they should know we will speculate about anything anyway  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on December 01, 2015, 12:50:41 PM
That reminds me, I wonder when they will announce pre-sale dates/when the pre-sales start, stoked for that!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 12:58:12 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 01, 2015, 12:45:08 PM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on December 01, 2015, 12:29:28 PM
Right, its just not usually something the band officially reveals, I don't think.

I wonder why... people are going to find out anyway from preorder sites, are they afraid of the endless speculation that will follow? This song is too long, it will have a pointless solo, there are to many short songs, they went pop etc??? we have a thread about the album after this one and people maximise the photos from the studio to read the tiny writings on the mix, they should know we will speculate about anything anyway  :lol

I could be wrong, but I don't think that's it at all.  I think it's just something that isn't even on their radar.  MOST bands don't release track lengths simply because they really don't even think about it since track length isn't something most people care about knowing before an album comes out anyway.  Honestly, I find it a bit odd that anyone's expectations of a forthcoming album could possibly be moved one direction or the other if they were to find out that track x is 4:50 as opposed to 4:30 or 4:40 or some other random number that tells you nothing whatsoever about the content of the song itself.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on December 01, 2015, 01:05:39 PM
Iron Maiden did publish the track lengths for The Book of Souls, but probably to build hype about Empire of the Clouds being it their longest ever song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 01:11:16 PM
I'm not saying there aren't exceptions.  But announcing track lengths IS the exception rather than the rule.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on December 01, 2015, 01:14:24 PM
Cover art confirmed on the DT facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/dreamtheater/photos/a.487625947180.264700.7677942180/10153118178087181/?type=3&theater

HYPE
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: V_R11 on December 01, 2015, 01:15:36 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 01, 2015, 01:14:24 PM
Cover art confirmed on the DT facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/dreamtheater/photos/a.487625947180.264700.7677942180/10153118178087181/?type=3&theater

HYPE

Was just about to post this but you beat me to it! Digging the album art  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 01, 2015, 01:16:14 PM
Awesome cover!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Train of Naught on December 01, 2015, 01:16:32 PM
Might just be my favorite DT album cover, it looks so awesome :dangerwillrobinson:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: TAC on December 01, 2015, 01:17:07 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 01:11:16 PM
I'm not saying there aren't exceptions.  But announcing track lengths IS the exception rather than the rule.

Personally, I don't care, but hasn't DT typically included track lengths with track announcements? Perhaps that is coming when the full release info is announced, as there really hasn't been an official announcement of any kind.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 01, 2015, 01:19:05 PM
(https://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i238/hefdaddy42/other/THEASTONISHING_zpsuutnreo1.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MirrorMask on December 01, 2015, 01:20:07 PM
Always imagined the cover would further expand on the Nomacs we had already seen on the tour poster... I like it!

The palace below is clearly the seat of Lord Nafaryus  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: RoeDent on December 01, 2015, 01:21:53 PM
Notice the Majesty symbol on the closest NOMAC to the right of the centre one. It's probably on all of them, but that's the most obvious one I can see.

Wonderful cover though!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: ariich on December 01, 2015, 01:22:52 PM
Sweet!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Enigmachine on December 01, 2015, 01:24:30 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 01, 2015, 01:14:24 PM
Cover art confirmed on the DT facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/dreamtheater/photos/a.487625947180.264700.7677942180/10153118178087181/?type=3&theater

HYPE

 :hefdaddy

That is beautiful. I knew that the cover art wouldn't dissappoint with a new artist.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: erciccio on December 01, 2015, 01:25:55 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 01, 2015, 01:19:05 PM
(https://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i238/hefdaddy42/other/THEASTONISHING_zpsuutnreo1.jpg)
Just...astonishing!
 :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :tup

...8 NOMACS!!! NUGGET!!!!!

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: LastShoot on December 01, 2015, 01:27:09 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 01, 2015, 01:19:05 PM
(https://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i238/hefdaddy42/other/THEASTONISHING_zpsuutnreo1.jpg)

There are 8 nomacs on the album cover, OCTAVARIUM PT 2: THE ASTONISHING CONFIRMED  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 01, 2015, 01:27:34 PM
Wow.. that's a neat cover!  :metal
Also, notice the palace shaped like the GNE logo.. just beautiful, and diverse.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 01, 2015, 01:29:08 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on December 01, 2015, 01:27:34 PM
Also, notice the palace shaped like the GNE logo.. just beautiful, and diverse.

Good catch! Nice to see that level of detail.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 01:30:20 PM
It's not a palace.  It's a NOMAC hotel.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 01, 2015, 01:31:34 PM
Can anyone with a good eye for these kind of things make an extimate of how big the Nomacs could be? they look HUGE!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Randaran on December 01, 2015, 01:33:09 PM
This is easily my favorite cover of theirs since SFAM.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on December 01, 2015, 01:33:20 PM
In your face, Hugh Syme! :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Flurokazoo on December 01, 2015, 01:33:58 PM
I'm sorry if this has been posted here before. After I saw the album's cover I was wondering who did the artwork. According to Wikipedia it's a person called Ma Jie.

So I googled the name to see what came up, and I found this:

https://www.behance.net/gallery/23074511/Commercial-project (https://www.behance.net/gallery/23074511/Commercial-project)

Look familiar? I'm inclined to say this is official artwork.

Again, if this was posted here before, I'm sorry :p

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: TAC on December 01, 2015, 01:34:24 PM
I feel like I'm in Hero's Duty from Wreck It Ralph.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: paulstfu on December 01, 2015, 01:34:30 PM
Quote from: LastShoot on December 01, 2015, 01:27:09 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 01, 2015, 01:19:05 PM
(https://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i238/hefdaddy42/other/THEASTONISHING_zpsuutnreo1.jpg)

There are 8 nomacs on the album cover, OCTAVARIUM PT 2: THE ASTONISHING CONFIRMED


OCTAVARIUM PT 2: THE ASTONISHING CONFIRMED
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 01, 2015, 01:37:33 PM
Quote from: Flurokazoo on December 01, 2015, 01:33:58 PM
I'm sorry if this has been posted here before. After I saw the album's cover I was wondering who did the artwork. According to Wikipedia it's a person called Ma Jie.

So I googled the name to see what came up, and I found this:

https://www.behance.net/gallery/23074511/Commercial-project (https://www.behance.net/gallery/23074511/Commercial-project)

Look familiar? I'm inclined to say this is official artwork.

Again, if this was posted here before, I'm sorry :p

 :lol Ma Jie is definitely not familiar with the fanbase of Dream Theater if he thinks he can upload something without being noticed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on December 01, 2015, 01:38:29 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 01, 2015, 01:31:34 PM
Can anyone with a good eye for these kind of things make an extimate of how big the Nomacs could be? they look HUGE!

In fact, they really are huge. Remember those NOMACS blueprints from Arhys' message? There's a person for scale on the left side of the image, check it out when you can.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 01:39:31 PM
Quote from: Flurokazoo on December 01, 2015, 01:33:58 PM
I'm sorry if this has been posted here before. After I saw the album's cover I was wondering who did the artwork. According to Wikipedia it's a person called Ma Jie.

So I googled the name to see what came up, and I found this:

https://www.behance.net/gallery/23074511/Commercial-project (https://www.behance.net/gallery/23074511/Commercial-project)

Look familiar? I'm inclined to say this is official artwork.

Again, if this was posted here before, I'm sorry :p



I am not following you.  Are you saying that you think some of the other pieces in that link could also be official album art?  I so, sure, that is entirely possible. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CDrice on December 01, 2015, 01:40:14 PM
Quote from: LastShoot on December 01, 2015, 01:27:09 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 01, 2015, 01:19:05 PM
*Awesome album cover*

There are 8 nomacs on the album cover, OCTAVARIUM PT 2: THE ASTONISHING CONFIRMED

That's not all... they're also floating over a metropolis...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Flurokazoo on December 01, 2015, 01:41:21 PM
Quote
I am not following you.  Are you saying that you think some of the other pieces in that link could also be official album art?  I so, sure, that is entirely possible.

Yes, I meant that. Not suggesting it's all from DT, but some of those city shots look very familiar.

Again, it could also be that DT was impressed with this artwork, and hired the person to create something similar for the album.

Or, it could be a total coincidence :p
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 01, 2015, 01:42:03 PM
This is just plain awesome news. Now on with the release date, and a SINGLE PLS
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 01, 2015, 01:45:12 PM
OH WOW IT'S FAR BETTER THAN I WAS EVEN EXPECTING   :omg: :omg: :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: CDrice on December 01, 2015, 01:46:37 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 01, 2015, 01:31:34 PM
Can anyone with a good eye for these kind of things make an extimate of how big the Nomacs could be? they look HUGE!

I think it would be kind of hard to do accurately because the Nomacs are not overlapping any of the buildings, so it's hard to gauge the distance where they are. However I would guess they're meant to be huge.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 01, 2015, 01:48:40 PM
(https://i64.tinypic.com/2n06hau.jpg)

Ravenskill maybe?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 01, 2015, 01:54:03 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 01, 2015, 01:48:40 PM
*snip*

Ravenskill maybe?

I'm thinking Winterfell evolved
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: paulstfu on December 01, 2015, 01:54:17 PM
Eight balls (Newton's Cradle) on the cover of Octavarium.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1131/1342159520_2e112bab62_b.jpg)


Eight NOMACS, huge machines ball shaped, on the cover of The Astonishing

(https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlt1/v/t1.0-9/12274498_10153118178087181_7364854270494537911_n.jpg?oh=d09fe2d2d5c7c56fe0670e575a919474&oe=56D9C463)


Is it time to make up a theory of THE SLEEPING NOMACS??  :omg: :omg: :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 01, 2015, 01:57:15 PM
Wonderful cover..... love the detail.....

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 01:57:59 PM
Quote from: paulstfu on December 01, 2015, 01:54:17 PM
Eight balls (Newton's Cradle) on the cover of Octavarium.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1131/1342159520_2e112bab62_b.jpg)


Eight NOMACS, huge machines ball shaped, on the cover of The Astonishing

(https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlt1/v/t1.0-9/12274498_10153118178087181_7364854270494537911_n.jpg?oh=d09fe2d2d5c7c56fe0670e575a919474&oe=56D9C463)




:omg:  I TOTALLY DID NOT REALIZE THAT!!!!















































Oh, wait.  Yes I did, since it was posted twice on the previous page.
Quote from: LastShoot on December 01, 2015, 01:27:09 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 01, 2015, 01:19:05 PM
(https://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i238/hefdaddy42/other/THEASTONISHING_zpsuutnreo1.jpg)

There are 8 nomacs on the album cover, OCTAVARIUM PT 2: THE ASTONISHING CONFIRMED
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: lonestar on December 01, 2015, 01:58:31 PM
Fucking sweet. :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 01:59:10 PM
Quote from: lonestar on December 01, 2015, 01:58:31 PM
Fucking sweet. :metal :metal :metal

YOU LEAVE MY FANTASIES ABOUT MICHAEL AND ROBERT OUT OF THIS THREAD!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 01, 2015, 02:00:45 PM
Cool cover  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: thunderdog10 on December 01, 2015, 02:09:52 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 01:59:10 PM
Quote from: lonestar on December 01, 2015, 01:58:31 PM
Fucking sweet. :metal :metal :metal

YOU LEAVE MY FANTASIES ABOUT MICHAEL AND ROBERT OUT OF THIS THREAD!

is your fantasy in the yellow and black spandex?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 01, 2015, 02:11:44 PM
My OCD is pleased with the way the "O" in "ASTONISHING" aligns with the road below.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 02:13:19 PM
Quote from: thunderdog10 on December 01, 2015, 02:09:52 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 01:59:10 PM
Quote from: lonestar on December 01, 2015, 01:58:31 PM
Fucking sweet. :metal :metal :metal

YOU LEAVE MY FANTASIES ABOUT MICHAEL AND ROBERT OUT OF THIS THREAD!

is your fantasy in the yellow and black spandex?

Honestly?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: TAC on December 01, 2015, 02:19:29 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 02:13:19 PM
Quote from: thunderdog10 on December 01, 2015, 02:09:52 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 01:59:10 PM
Quote from: lonestar on December 01, 2015, 01:58:31 PM
Fucking sweet. :metal :metal :metal

YOU LEAVE MY FANTASIES ABOUT MICHAEL AND ROBERT OUT OF THIS THREAD!

is your fantasy in the yellow and black spandex?

Honestly?
Well, you know what to do.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:23:25 PM
Hey guys, just came back to my computer after a few hours offline. How's everything . . .



. . . OH MY GOD!!!!! ALBUM COVER!!! :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 01, 2015, 02:24:07 PM
Dumping Syme was a wise, wise choice.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 02:24:34 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:23:25 PM
Hey guys, just came back to my computer after a few hours offline. How's everything . . .



. . . OH MY GOD!!!!! ALBUM COVER!!! :omg:

Ahem!  You are interrupting our Stryper discussion.  Please keep the thread on topic.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 01, 2015, 02:28:36 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 01:39:31 PM
Quote from: Flurokazoo on December 01, 2015, 01:33:58 PM
I'm sorry if this has been posted here before. After I saw the album's cover I was wondering who did the artwork. According to Wikipedia it's a person called Ma Jie.

So I googled the name to see what came up, and I found this:

https://www.behance.net/gallery/23074511/Commercial-project (https://www.behance.net/gallery/23074511/Commercial-project)

Look familiar? I'm inclined to say this is official artwork.

Again, if this was posted here before, I'm sorry :p



I am not following you.  Are you saying that you think some of the other pieces in that link could also be official album art?  I so, sure, that is entirely possible.
This might be something the band will release under the "Places" tab on the Astonishing webpage.

Anyone else thinking each of the two disks might have their own separate artwork to them? I mean, DT have previously released separate artwork for each individual song, but it might be cool to also do that for the two disks as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Cedar redaC on December 01, 2015, 02:30:03 PM
All aboard the hype train! Next stop: Pre-Ordered Deluxe Edition-Ville.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:31:07 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 02:24:34 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:23:25 PM
Hey guys, just came back to my computer after a few hours offline. How's everything . . .



. . . OH MY GOD!!!!! ALBUM COVER!!! :omg:

Ahem!  You are interrupting our Stryper discussion.  Please keep the thread on topic.

My bad :lol :rollin

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 01, 2015, 02:33:47 PM
Nice! Fucking epic cover!! :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:34:00 PM
Man that is some album art!!!  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

Whoever Ja Mie is they should have him/her design every album cover! I personally love all DT's album covers, but this has to be my favorite since the good ol' days of IAW and Awake ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: seasonsinthesky on December 01, 2015, 02:35:06 PM
Quote from: CDrice on December 01, 2015, 01:46:37 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 01, 2015, 01:31:34 PM
Can anyone with a good eye for these kind of things make an extimate of how big the Nomacs could be? they look HUGE!

I think it would be kind of hard to do accurately because the Nomacs are not overlapping any of the buildings, so it's hard to gauge the distance where they are. However I would guess they're meant to be huge.

We already know they're huge – the background image on the mini-site has a schematic at the bottom with a human figure standing next to it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:36:03 PM
Quote from: CDrice on December 01, 2015, 01:40:14 PM
Quote from: LastShoot on December 01, 2015, 01:27:09 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 01, 2015, 01:19:05 PM
*Awesome album cover*

There are 8 nomacs on the album cover, OCTAVARIUM PT 2: THE ASTONISHING CONFIRMED

That's not all... they're also floating over a metropolis...

The speculation is true after all!!! Metropolis Pt. 3 Octavarium Pt. 2: The Astonishing!!!  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Mebert78 on December 01, 2015, 02:36:40 PM
Quote from: paulstfu on December 01, 2015, 01:54:17 PM
(https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlt1/v/t1.0-9/12274498_10153118178087181_7364854270494537911_n.jpg?oh=d09fe2d2d5c7c56fe0670e575a919474&oe=56D9C463)

 :omg:

(https://s2.quickmeme.com/img/ab/ab709e0a6410c5cedf8b59dc1f7fcedf3b9faf43f040004186aae8204023f752.jpg)


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: nikatapi on December 01, 2015, 02:37:01 PM
Nice album cover. I don't really like the colour of the Dream Theater logo but overall it's pretty cool. Can't wait to hear some music!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 01, 2015, 02:37:52 PM
Quote from: nikatapi on December 01, 2015, 02:37:01 PM
Nice album cover. I don't really like the colour of the Dream Theater logo but overall it's pretty cool. Can't wait to hear some music!

I think the color of the logo is perfect. Amazing composition, this is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Paintbox on December 01, 2015, 02:38:24 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:23:25 PM
Hey guys, just came back to my computer after a few hours offline. How's everything . . .

. . . OH MY GOD!!!!! ALBUM COVER!!! :omg:
Same ahahahah everytime I disconnect, some news come up...

Quote from: MirrorMask on December 01, 2015, 01:31:34 PM
Can anyone with a good eye for these kind of things make an extimate of how big the Nomacs could be? they look HUGE!
To me they look around 20 meters tall
Edit: I think 20 m is right https://image.e.atlanticrecords.com/lib/fe9d12707467067e76/m/1/580_NoMacS_Sketch.jpg

Anyway the artwork is amazing! Octavarium is probably my favourite, so this could be the second. Maybe there're are too many NOMACs, but the style is really awesome
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:39:26 PM
Quote from: Cedar redaC on December 01, 2015, 02:30:03 PM
All aboard the hype train! Next stop: Pre-Ordered Deluxe Edition-Ville.

Choo-choo!!! ;D

Hope there's a single going to be released-ville on the way!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 01, 2015, 02:39:55 PM
So much details

ENERGY

POWAH

Me likes it


I'm not really into the DT logo as well... Maybe it's the embossed effect on the letters, or the texture. In overall seems ok, pretty decent artwork.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 01, 2015, 02:45:27 PM
When thinking about the possible scenery for the album, I pictured an old mossy castle atop a mountain in an otherwise wasteland. The cover gives it a lot more modernity. I wonder if the big building in the middle is the Emperor's palace.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 02:46:01 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 01, 2015, 02:45:27 PM
I wonder if the big building in the middle is the Emperor's palace.

I'm telling you, NOMAC hotel.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 01, 2015, 02:46:31 PM
I think I just wet my pants and had a seizure when I saw that artwork  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: thosava on December 01, 2015, 02:53:11 PM
From the facebook post: "is a bold harbinger of the visual components and...".
Visual components? Seems like the visuals will be more important than ever!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 01, 2015, 02:56:26 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 01, 2015, 02:53:11 PM
From the facebook post: "is a bold harbinger of the visual components and...".
Visual components? Seems like the visuals will be more important than ever!

Full visuals on the tour.... imagine the animations Jie Ma has been/is doing to bring this world alive.... 😱😎😈
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:58:29 PM
Imagine if they went Pink Floyd on us with how the concerts are going to be done . . . with all the special effects, theatrics, Giant Pigs (or Nomacs in this case) . . . wouldn't that be amazing?! That's probably too good to be true though :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: TAC on December 01, 2015, 02:59:26 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:58:29 PM
Imagine if they went Pink Floyd on us with how the concerts are going to be done . . . with all the special effects, theatrics, Giant Pigs (or Nomacs in this case) . . . wouldn't that be amazing?! 

That would be amazing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 03:01:22 PM
Quote from: TAC on December 01, 2015, 02:59:26 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:58:29 PM
Imagine if they went Pink Floyd on us with how the concerts are going to be done . . . with all the special effects, theatrics, Giant Pigs (or Nomacs in this case) . . . wouldn't that be amazing?! 

That would be amazing astonishing.

Especially if the NOMAC were in giant pig costumes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Paintbox on December 01, 2015, 03:02:55 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:58:29 PM
Imagine if they went Pink Floyd on us with how the concerts are going to be done . . . with all the special effects, theatrics, Giant Pigs (or Nomacs in this case) . . . wouldn't that be amazing?! That's probably too good to be true though :lol
NOMACs would be something like the opening sphere of the Pulse tour
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: chrisbDTM on December 01, 2015, 03:04:43 PM
Looks great. I'm afraid everything I've seen for this album is too close to the hunger games. Well hopefully DT will have a better ending
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: jsbru on December 01, 2015, 03:05:59 PM
I don't know if others immediately realized this and I just missed it, but those circular things on the bottom of the NOMACs (lowercase "s") appear to be the speakers from which they broadcast their free thought-suppressing drone-noise all over civilization.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: liran95 on December 01, 2015, 03:06:40 PM
Quote from: TAC on December 01, 2015, 02:59:26 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:58:29 PM
Imagine if they went Pink Floyd on us with how the concerts are going to be done . . . with all the special effects, theatrics, Giant Pigs (or Nomacs in this case) . . . wouldn't that be amazing?! 

That would be amazing.

I would give both my kidneys and one of my lungs to see an actual FULL SIZED NOMAC.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 01, 2015, 03:06:51 PM
Quote from: paulstfu on December 01, 2015, 01:54:17 PM
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1131/1342159520_2e112bab62_b.jpg)

Why this hasn't been Octavarium's actual album cover? I love it!

And I want a Nomac toy to place on my desk or something  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Podaar on December 01, 2015, 03:08:14 PM
Cue Zydar's "MS Paint Thread"...in...three...two...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Art on December 01, 2015, 03:09:54 PM
Love the cover. Choke on it, Hugh Syme!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 03:13:42 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 03:01:22 PM
Quote from: TAC on December 01, 2015, 02:59:26 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:58:29 PM
Imagine if they went Pink Floyd on us with how the concerts are going to be done . . . with all the special effects, theatrics, Giant Pigs (or Nomacs in this case) . . . wouldn't that be amazing?! 

That would be amazing astonishing.

Especially if the NOMAC were in giant pig costumes.

That could work :lol

Quote from: Paintbox on December 01, 2015, 03:02:55 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:58:29 PM
Imagine if they went Pink Floyd on us with how the concerts are going to be done . . . with all the special effects, theatrics, Giant Pigs (or Nomacs in this case) . . . wouldn't that be amazing?! That's probably too good to be true though :lol
NOMACs wold be something like the opening sphere of the Pulse tour

Cool idea! ;D

Quote from: liran95 on December 01, 2015, 03:06:40 PM
Quote from: TAC on December 01, 2015, 02:59:26 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 02:58:29 PM
Imagine if they went Pink Floyd on us with how the concerts are going to be done . . . with all the special effects, theatrics, Giant Pigs (or Nomacs in this case) . . . wouldn't that be amazing?! 

That would be amazing.

I would give both my kidneys and one of my lungs to see an actual FULL SIZED NOMAC.

Oh I know . . . that would be incredible!!! Would be the best concert ever ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 01, 2015, 03:14:32 PM
Quote from: Podaar on December 01, 2015, 03:08:14 PM
Cue Zydar's "MS Paint Thread"...in...three...two...

:zydar: 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Progmetty on December 01, 2015, 03:15:33 PM
I'm so excited about new DT music, all this stuff got me so pumped that I went through their discography twice during the last 2 weeks and now that I'm out I'm branching out to British DT and Norwegian DT, good times!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 03:16:39 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 01, 2015, 03:06:51 PM
I want a Nomac toy to place on my desk or something  ;D

Must. Have. Keychain ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Pax on December 01, 2015, 03:17:04 PM
DT also said this is their most ambitious creative work up to date
I'm very hyped... This may be the best time ever to be a DT fan
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: liran95 on December 01, 2015, 03:20:15 PM
Quote from: Pax on December 01, 2015, 03:17:04 PM
DT also said this is their most ambitious creative work up to date
I'm very hyped... This may be the best time ever to be a DT fan

Yeah... I wouldn't get too excited about this saying.
As previously mentioned here, almost every band says it about almost every album they release.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Pax on December 01, 2015, 03:25:03 PM
Quote from: liran95 on December 01, 2015, 03:20:15 PM
Quote from: Pax on December 01, 2015, 03:17:04 PM
DT also said this is their most ambitious creative work up to date
I'm very hyped... This may be the best time ever to be a DT fan

Yeah... I wouldn't get too excited about this saying.
As previously mentioned here, almost every band says it about almost every album they release.
I know, but just think about it, this really looks like they may not be telling empty words this time
I just have that feeling

And about the artwork, I really like it. That art from upper half of theastonishing webpage was a bit better IMO, but it may not fit to be the album art
I'll dare to say this is my favourite dt artwork after Awake and Systematic Chaos
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 01, 2015, 03:31:24 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 03:16:39 PM


Must. Have. Keychain ;D

Hmm, that's actually a good idea. I want one now too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 01, 2015, 03:31:45 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 02:46:01 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 01, 2015, 02:45:27 PM
I wonder if the big building in the middle is the Emperor's palace.

I'm telling you, NOMAC hotel.

Such a lovely place.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: liran95 on December 01, 2015, 03:36:47 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 01, 2015, 03:31:45 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 02:46:01 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 01, 2015, 02:45:27 PM
I wonder if the big building in the middle is the Emperor's palace.

I'm telling you, NOMAC hotel.

Such a lovely place.

On a dark dystopian highway.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 01, 2015, 03:40:39 PM
The difference in the detail of the album covers of DT12 and The Astonishing is staggering. (or Astonishing)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: CoT67 on December 01, 2015, 03:43:14 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 01, 2015, 01:19:05 PM
(https://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i238/hefdaddy42/other/THEASTONISHING_zpsuutnreo1.jpg)

Manginied. That's how I'm feeling.   :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kix on December 01, 2015, 03:45:31 PM
Cool artwork huh? I love it. Everything about this record is awesome.

So you remember back on page 49 I asked what question you'd ask the band right now if you could? And some folks posted some? (Thanks for that) As it happens I ran a press day with 3 of DT today and included some time to put a few of those questions to them! Answers to come. It was also much fun having dinner with them this eve when the cover was revealed and reading them some of the comments!  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 03:48:32 PM
Quote from: Kix on December 01, 2015, 03:45:31 PM
Cool artwork huh? I love it. Everything about this record is awesome.

So you remember back on page 49 I asked what question you'd ask the band right now if you could? And some folks posted some? (Thanks for that) As it happens I ran a press day with 3 of DT today and included some time to put a few of those questions to them! Answers to come. It was also much fun having dinner with them this eve when the cover was revealed and reading them some of the comments!  :D

That's awesome . . . please link us to the interview when it's up!!! ;D

Thank you  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 03:51:46 PM
Oh cool . . . I was actually one of the people who responded to you. Interested to see whether my question made it to the interview or not (of course no problem at all if not ;)).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on December 01, 2015, 03:55:40 PM
GORGEOUS album cover, easily the best one since SFAM. And I was hoping they weren't gonna put Dream Theater PRESENTS The Astonishing.  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 01, 2015, 04:10:21 PM
(https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/disp/eba1a523074511.5631cd83cb75a.jpg)

This one is my favorite of the bunch. Nice view out an airplane window, and there's a lot to look at.

The album cover looks great :) No complaints at all here. it turns out that the first image we ever saw of the NOMAC has become the focal point for the cover. Can't wait to have this beautiful imagery in my CD collection.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: mccloud on December 01, 2015, 04:19:08 PM
Hmmm...The Great Northern Empire's logo on that building  :eek
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Sacul on December 01, 2015, 04:25:26 PM
Am I the only one who feels underwhelmed by the new cover?  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 01, 2015, 04:25:49 PM
Quote from: mccloud on December 01, 2015, 04:19:08 PM
Hmmm...The Great Northern Empire's logo on that building  :eek

Another fresh face :) Welcome.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 01, 2015, 04:27:44 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 01, 2015, 04:10:21 PM
(https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/disp/eba1a523074511.5631cd83cb75a.jpg)

My jaw just dropped to the floor...  :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 04:31:32 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 01, 2015, 04:25:26 PM
Am I the only one who feels underwhelmed by the new cover?  :P

Yes :P :lol

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 04:32:13 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 01, 2015, 04:25:49 PM
Quote from: mccloud on December 01, 2015, 04:19:08 PM
Hmmm...The Great Northern Empire's logo on that building  :eek

Another fresh face :) Welcome.

 :tup Welcome mccloud!!! :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 04:32:46 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 01, 2015, 04:27:44 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 01, 2015, 04:10:21 PM
(https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/disp/eba1a523074511.5631cd83cb75a.jpg)

My jaw just dropped to the floor...  :omg:

ikr . . . this artwork Is UNBELIEVABLE!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Stadler on December 01, 2015, 04:45:27 PM
Quote from: liran95 on December 01, 2015, 03:36:47 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 01, 2015, 03:31:45 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 02:46:01 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 01, 2015, 02:45:27 PM
I wonder if the big building in the middle is the Emperor's palace.

I'm telling you, NOMAC hotel.

Such a lovely place.

On a dark dystopian highway.

Cool wind in my metal battle helmet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 01, 2015, 04:52:06 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 04:31:32 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 01, 2015, 04:25:26 PM
Am I the only one who feels underwhelmed by the new cover?  :P

Yes :P :lol

I hear Hugh Syme isn't that fussed with it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: mccloud on December 01, 2015, 04:56:56 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 01, 2015, 02:45:27 PM
I wonder if the big building in the middle is the Emperor's palace.

"Hmmm...The Great Northern Empire's logo on that building  :eek"
...or in front of the building.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 01, 2015, 05:39:29 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 04:32:46 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 01, 2015, 04:27:44 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 01, 2015, 04:10:21 PM
(https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/disp/eba1a523074511.5631cd83cb75a.jpg)

My jaw just dropped to the floor...  :omg:

ikr . . . this artwork Is UNBELIEVABLE!!!

My question is, are those round things other versions of NOMACs, or something different? Because...I knew the NOMACs were huge, but buildings ON them?!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: JediKnight1969 on December 01, 2015, 05:44:43 PM
That image is from the same artist, but I don't think is part of the official artwork.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Peter Mc on December 01, 2015, 05:48:42 PM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on December 01, 2015, 05:39:29 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 01, 2015, 04:32:46 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 01, 2015, 04:27:44 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 01, 2015, 04:10:21 PM
(https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/disp/eba1a523074511.5631cd83cb75a.jpg)

My jaw just dropped to the floor...  :omg:

ikr . . . this artwork Is UNBELIEVABLE!!!

My question is, are those round things other versions of NOMACs, or something different? Because...I knew the NOMACs were huge, but buildings ON them?!

It's not confirmed that this is actually album art, it's just something from the same artist.

As for the actual cover, I love the artwork but not the DT logo.  I think it's a bit too big for one thing but also don't like the colour.  Everything else on the cover is pristine and the DT logo is a dirty grainy yellow, it just doesn't fit to me and the size of it makes it stand out even more.  If that was smaller and plain yellow like I&W or SFAM, I would be happier
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Cedar redaC on December 01, 2015, 05:49:10 PM
Whether or not it's album art, it's gorgeous.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 01, 2015, 05:51:10 PM
I just noticed something about this picture


(https://puu.sh/lG3eG.jpg)

Wot
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: CDrice on December 01, 2015, 05:53:11 PM
I just check on his Artstation page and that picture was posted one year ago, so I doubt it's for the album. Also the design of the spheres is not quite the same than the Nomacs we've seen so far. So I'd say it's most likely a personnal piece by the artist.

But it's a great piece nonetheless!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 01, 2015, 05:56:51 PM
Just done a little Web search and found this:

https://inspirationhut.net/inspiration/astonishing-digital-art-by-jie-ma/

Is this related to DT13? Or just coincidence?

Either way he's an astonishing artist  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: CDrice on December 01, 2015, 06:13:04 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 01, 2015, 05:56:51 PM
Just done a little Web search and found this:

https://inspirationhut.net/inspiration/astonishing-digital-art-by-jie-ma/

Is this related to DT13? Or just coincidence?

Either way he's an astonishing artist  :lol


The work presented on the site are (again according to his Artsation page) 10 months to 2 years old. So some could be for the new album (especially the more recent ones), but I don't think he would have posted them that long before the marketing of the album started.

But yeah, that article title  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: TempusVox on December 01, 2015, 06:16:45 PM
It's amazing...but it reminds me of Oblivion every time I look at it. Which isn't a bother since I loved that movie. But, yeah...I can't shake it.  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 01, 2015, 06:18:11 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 01, 2015, 05:56:51 PM
Just done a little Web search and found this:

https://inspirationhut.net/inspiration/astonishing-digital-art-by-jie-ma/

Is this related to DT13? Or just coincidence?

Either way he's an astonishing artist  :lol

I'm gonna guess....no. It doesn't have the same visual feel as the cover art, and I don't see anything that would relate to what we know so far. As "astonishing" is an adjective, I'm guessing that's all that's being said about the art. It is after all, beautiful, astonishing work.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: chego_voice on December 01, 2015, 06:22:02 PM
Best Dream Theater artwork since SFAM!!!!!

  :o :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :o

(https://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i238/hefdaddy42/other/THEASTONISHING_zpsuutnreo1.jpg)

 :yarr

This album is a MUST!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: gm5k on December 01, 2015, 06:24:19 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on December 01, 2015, 06:22:02 PM
Best Dream Theater artwork since SFAM!!!!!

 

Agreed.  Absolutely love it  :tup  The art has got me boarded on the hype train. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 06:39:50 PM
Here is a tangent, but I thought this was cool and somewhat related to the new album discussion.  So, by way of background for those who are new to the forum, at the release of DT12, I organized a video chat with the band where they answered questions that were compiled by members of the forum, and the video was saved on YouTube.  A link to the thread is here:  https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=39047.0

The YouTube link is here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx8cLlXnHpA&feature=youtu.be 

SO many cool things discussed.  Some of the highlights are:  Lots of cool discussion about DT12; John Myung speaks; John Petrucci on smoking and rubbing his chicken; etc.  But the reason I am posting it again in this thread is because there is interesting discussion at 13:06 about how the band feels about maybe some day writing a double album.  Pretty cool.  :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ToT-147 on December 01, 2015, 06:41:32 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 01, 2015, 04:25:26 PM
Am I the only one who feels underwhelmed by the new cover?  :P

No, you're not..

I mean, I like the art cover.. But: another sky on a DT album cover?.. Seriously guys?.. I think that with ACoS, FII, 8V and ADtOE we had enough of those.. Not to mention I&W, Awake and BC&SL, in which it also appears.. Looks very redundant to me..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 06:43:58 PM
Yeah, I agree.  The sky sucks.  It should NEVER be included in anything.  No more sky.  Ever.  From anyone.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 01, 2015, 06:46:47 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on December 01, 2015, 06:41:32 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 01, 2015, 04:25:26 PM
Am I the only one who feels underwhelmed by the new cover?  :P

No, you're not..

I mean, I like the art cover.. But: another sky on a DT album cover?.. Seriously guys?.. I think that with ACoS, FII, 8V and ADtOE we had enough of those.. Not to mention I&W, Awake and BC&SL, in which it also appears.. Looks very redundant to me..

That's probably because they're still lost in it....

:neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: CDrice on December 01, 2015, 06:49:18 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 01, 2015, 06:46:47 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on December 01, 2015, 06:41:32 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 01, 2015, 04:25:26 PM
Am I the only one who feels underwhelmed by the new cover?  :P

No, you're not..

I mean, I like the art cover.. But: another sky on a DT album cover?.. Seriously guys?.. I think that with ACoS, FII, 8V and ADtOE we had enough of those.. Not to mention I&W, Awake and BC&SL, in which it also appears.. Looks very redundant to me..

That's probably because they're still lost in it....

:neverusethis:

That's because the sky has so many bridges to cross.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ToT-147 on December 01, 2015, 06:50:51 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 06:39:50 PM
The YouTube link is here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx8cLlXnHpA&feature=youtu.be 

at 13:06 about how the band feels about maybe some day writing a double album.  Pretty cool.  :)

:omg: We've given them the idea...


"John Myung speaks"
So basic..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ToT-147 on December 01, 2015, 06:54:02 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 06:43:58 PM
Yeah, I agree.  The sky sucks.  It should NEVER be included in anything.  No more sky.  Ever.  From anyone.

I didn't mean to say that every time the sky was a bad thing.. I just don't like it in this particular cover..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 07:13:28 PM
No, no.  Seriously, the sky is a terrible thing and it must be stopped.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ReaPsTA on December 01, 2015, 07:18:54 PM
Nice cover.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 07:22:41 PM
Nice cover, probably my favourite since SC (which I think is excellent despite the technical issues).
I just noticed the NOMACS have the Majesty symbol on the side as well as the bracing being in the same shape.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 01, 2015, 07:23:31 PM
What is the fascination will finding something to bash in anything DT releases?




TOO MUCH SKY ON ARTWORK
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 01, 2015, 07:24:44 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 07:22:41 PM
Nice cover, probably my favourite since SC (which I think is excellent despite the technical issues).
I just noticed the NOMACS have the Majesty symbol on the side as well as the bracing being in the same shape.
You can see part of the majesty symbol on each side of the NOMAC on the webpage for The Astonishing's info. But I don't think anyone looked hard enough to be able to discern those marks as the Majesty symbol before seeing it on the side of the NOMACs on the cover artwork.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: chego_voice on December 01, 2015, 07:31:39 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 01, 2015, 06:46:47 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on December 01, 2015, 06:41:32 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 01, 2015, 04:25:26 PM
Am I the only one who feels underwhelmed by the new cover?  :P

No, you're not..

I mean, I like the art cover.. But: another sky on a DT album cover?.. Seriously guys?.. I think that with ACoS, FII, 8V and ADtOE we had enough of those.. Not to mention I&W, Awake and BC&SL, in which it also appears.. Looks very redundant to me..

That's probably because they're still lost in it....

:neverusethis:

 :lol :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on December 01, 2015, 08:25:46 PM
@Bosk - Speaking of those video chats, which were really great, any hope of another one in the future? They had a lighthearted feel that reminded me of the DVD commentaries that they sadly no longer do.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: jayvee3 on December 01, 2015, 08:29:29 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on December 01, 2015, 06:41:32 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 01, 2015, 04:25:26 PM
Am I the only one who feels underwhelmed by the new cover?  :P

No, you're not..

I mean, I like the art cover.. But: another sky on a DT album cover?.. Seriously guys?.. I think that with ACoS, FII, 8V and ADtOE we had enough of those.. Not to mention I&W, Awake and BC&SL, in which it also appears.. Looks very redundant to me..

Just a thought, but maybe its because those covers featured landscapes in them which were kind of.... outside. In my experience, the sky generally tends to feature in things that are outside.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: CrimsonSunrise on December 01, 2015, 08:32:12 PM
Color me excited....  nice artwork!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 01, 2015, 08:33:46 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 06:39:50 PM
Here is a tangent, but I thought this was cool and somewhat related to the new album discussion.  So, by way of background for those who are new to the forum, at the release of DT12, I organized a video chat with the band where they answered questions that were compiled by members of the forum, and the video was saved on YouTube.  A link to the thread is here:  https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=39047.0

The YouTube link is here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx8cLlXnHpA&feature=youtu.be

"You can pull your chicken any time!"

Oh you, JP... :neverusethis:

I will go as far as saying this is my absolute favorite DT album cover already. Buildings and more buildings, lots of details, NOMAC, NOMAC hotel (lol) and GNE's logo! HAIL THE EMPERAAAAAH! *palpatine laughter*
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ToT-147 on December 01, 2015, 08:50:29 PM
Quote from: jayvee3 on December 01, 2015, 08:29:29 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on December 01, 2015, 06:41:32 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 01, 2015, 04:25:26 PM
Am I the only one who feels underwhelmed by the new cover?  :P

No, you're not..

I mean, I like the art cover.. But: another sky on a DT album cover?.. Seriously guys?.. I think that with ACoS, FII, 8V and ADtOE we had enough of those.. Not to mention I&W, Awake and BC&SL, in which it also appears.. Looks very redundant to me..

Just a thought, but maybe its because those covers featured landscapes in them which were kind of.... outside. In my experience, the sky generally tends to feature in things that are outside.

I can give you dozens and dozens of examples of album covers showing outside's places and where are not skies.. I think you mean that those DT covers feature panoramic landscapes, which is a different thing..

The number of possible elements that can be included in a cover is enormous.. That's why it seems a waste to insist on the same element in so many different albums..

Mine is just a thought too though.. We're nothing but thoughts.. Actually we're more than that, but the phrase looks cool..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: wolfking on December 01, 2015, 08:55:02 PM
Cool cover.

Reminds me a lot of Maiden's Brave New World.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 01, 2015, 09:07:47 PM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on December 01, 2015, 08:25:46 PM
@Bosk - Speaking of those video chats, which were really great, any hope of another one in the future? They had a lighthearted feel that reminded me of the DVD commentaries that they sadly no longer do.
Absolutely this. I would love if the band did something like that a day or two after the album was released to answer questions from the fans and to discuss the themes and motivations behind the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: CharlesPL on December 01, 2015, 09:12:20 PM
Quote from: wolfking on December 01, 2015, 08:55:02 PM
Reminds me a lot of Maiden's Brave New World.

This.Great artwork best since 8V IMO.

Quote from: ToT-147 on December 01, 2015, 06:41:32 PM
another sky on a DT album cover?.. Seriously guys?.

I agreed.a little too much,
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: LCArenas on December 01, 2015, 09:19:28 PM
First, a bit of nitpicking: That Dream Theater textured color looks terrible.

That being said, Loving the artwork. Really different from what we've been getting. I like it a lot.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Lucien on December 01, 2015, 09:50:10 PM
very cool
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Aythesryche on December 01, 2015, 10:04:59 PM
Track times and number of disks leaked:

(https://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/llamabearduck/dtboxsetlol1_zpscqjbwwme.jpg~original)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 01, 2015, 10:08:33 PM
Quote from: Aythesryche on December 01, 2015, 10:04:59 PM
Track times and number of disks leaked:

Ha ha ha... would be hard to put that into an evening with show though...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 10:25:02 PM
You came SO close to being banned before I looked a little closer.  Well played.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: LCArenas on December 01, 2015, 10:27:11 PM
 :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 01, 2015, 10:28:21 PM
OMG Machine Chatter 80:00
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Sacul on December 01, 2015, 10:31:08 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 01, 2015, 10:28:21 PM
OMG Machine Chatter 80:00
I'm sure it's a spoken-word ambient track with JR playing some pads while Myung retells the astonishing story of how he did a bass solo in a bass solo.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 01, 2015, 10:33:47 PM
Absolutely brilliant. Definitely the post of the album cycle so far, for sure.

And LOL @ Bosk for being in "ban everything" mode there for a solid minute.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: LCArenas on December 01, 2015, 10:41:41 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 01, 2015, 10:31:08 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 01, 2015, 10:28:21 PM
OMG Machine Chatter 80:00
I'm sure it's a spoken-word ambient track with JR playing some pads while Myung retells the astonishing story of how he did a bass solo in a bass solo.
And the Bebot. Don't forget the Bebot.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 01, 2015, 10:51:15 PM
Quote from: Aythesryche on December 01, 2015, 10:04:59 PM
Track times and number of disks leaked:

(https://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/llamabearduck/dtboxsetlol1_zpscqjbwwme.jpg~original)

 :rollin  :rollin  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: liran95 on December 02, 2015, 12:23:31 AM
Quote from: Aythesryche on December 01, 2015, 10:04:59 PM
Track times and number of disks leaked:

(https://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/llamabearduck/dtboxsetlol1_zpscqjbwwme.jpg~original)

Clearly, it's a fake.





4 sec song? No, sir.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 02, 2015, 12:30:34 AM
Quote from: Aythesryche on December 01, 2015, 10:04:59 PM
Track times and number of disks leaked:

(https://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/llamabearduck/dtboxsetlol1_zpscqjbwwme.jpg~original)

Makes me really psyched for WYTHC.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Zydar on December 02, 2015, 12:36:10 AM
Quote from: Podaar on December 01, 2015, 03:08:14 PM
Cue Zydar's "MS Paint Thread"...in...three...two...

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=45132.0
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 02, 2015, 12:39:21 AM
Come on DT give us as least 1 video already!!!  >:(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: porcacultor on December 02, 2015, 01:07:34 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 06:39:50 PM
Here is a tangent, but I thought this was cool and somewhat related to the new album discussion.  So, by way of background for those who are new to the forum, at the release of DT12, I organized a video chat with the band where they answered questions that were compiled by members of the forum, and the video was saved on YouTube.  A link to the thread is here:  https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=39047.0

The YouTube link is here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx8cLlXnHpA&feature=youtu.be 

SO many cool things discussed.  Some of the highlights are:  Lots of cool discussion about DT12; John Myung speaks; John Petrucci on smoking and rubbing his chicken; etc.  But the reason I am posting it again in this thread is because there is interesting discussion at 13:06 about how the band feels about maybe some day writing a double album.  Pretty cool.  :)

So you're the guy who ran this interview! Nice job, you're a great host!

Hoping to see what type of press you did with the band  :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Mladen on December 02, 2015, 01:34:45 AM
The artwork looks really cool.  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Lowdz on December 02, 2015, 01:45:32 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 01, 2015, 06:46:47 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on December 01, 2015, 06:41:32 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 01, 2015, 04:25:26 PM
Am I the only one who feels underwhelmed by the new cover?  :P

No, you're not..

I mean, I like the art cover.. But: another sky on a DT album cover?.. Seriously guys?.. I think that with ACoS, FII, 8V and ADtOE we had enough of those.. Not to mention I&W, Awake and BC&SL, in which it also appears.. Looks very redundant to me..

That's probably because they're still lost in it....

:neverusethis:

 :tup :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: thosava on December 02, 2015, 01:47:19 AM
The album cover doesn't say "Metropolis Pt. 3: The Astonishing", so it's pretty much confirmed that it's not pt. 3  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Lucien on December 02, 2015, 01:47:58 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 02, 2015, 01:47:19 AM
The album cover doesn't say "Metropolis Pt. 3: The Astonishing", so it's pretty much confirmed that it's not pt. 3  :P

only dumb people thought it would be metropolis pt. 3
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: thosava on December 02, 2015, 02:02:06 AM
And now they have no reason to "hope" for it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Pebsie on December 02, 2015, 04:39:03 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 02, 2015, 01:47:19 AM
The album cover doesn't say "Metropolis Pt. 3: The Astonishing", so it's pretty much confirmed that it's not pt. 3  :P

Well there's certainly a metropolis of some sort int he background there... hmmm...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: MajorBoobage on December 02, 2015, 05:02:48 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 08:23:26 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 05:06:46 AM
By the looks of DT side, I think many people are getting restless at this point. :lol

If so, then people need to grow an attention span (not to mention some gratitude, given how much information has been released and is scheduled to be released).  But patience will be rewarded.  ...especially this week.

Now i wonder was the cover this what bosk was talking about :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Edergilmour on December 02, 2015, 05:18:31 AM
Quote from: MajorBoobage on December 02, 2015, 05:02:48 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 08:23:26 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 01, 2015, 05:06:46 AM
By the looks of DT side, I think many people are getting restless at this point. :lol

If so, then people need to grow an attention span (not to mention some gratitude, given how much information has been released and is scheduled to be released).  But patience will be rewarded.  ...especially this week.

Now i wonder was the cover this what bosk was talking about :D


I was just going to post this! haha

Is it?  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 02, 2015, 05:29:10 AM
Probably.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 02, 2015, 05:30:40 AM
Quote from: Aythesryche on December 01, 2015, 10:04:59 PM
Track times and number of disks leaked:

(https://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/llamabearduck/dtboxsetlol1_zpscqjbwwme.jpg~original)

Anyone care to Taaaaaaaake the ttiiiiiiiiime to add up what this would come to ?

20 hours ? :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: The Curious Orange on December 02, 2015, 05:32:04 AM
Reminds me of the cover of Maiden's Brave New World.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: CoT67 on December 02, 2015, 05:45:54 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 02, 2015, 01:47:19 AM
The album cover doesn't say "Metropolis Pt. 3: The Astonishing", so it's pretty much confirmed that it's not pt. 3  :P

With the 8 spherical NOMACS and the Metropolis in the background, it's definitely Octavariopolis 2: part 3, The Astonishing is just a proxy :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 02, 2015, 06:02:58 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 02, 2015, 05:30:40 AM
Anyone care to Taaaaaaaake the ttiiiiiiiiime to add up what this would come to ?

20 hours ? :P

18 hours, 43 minutes and 32 seconds.

Act 1: 10:24:29
Act 2: 8:19:03
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 02, 2015, 06:03:24 AM
I'm not going back through 60 plus pages of posts to see if anyone mentioned this but if someone did, I'll mention it again. Are we to assume that the NOMACS are more advanced versions of drones?


Quote from: porcacultor on December 02, 2015, 01:07:34 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 01, 2015, 06:39:50 PM
Here is a tangent, but I thought this was cool and somewhat related to the new album discussion.  So, by way of background for those who are new to the forum, at the release of DT12, I organized a video chat with the band where they answered questions that were compiled by members of the forum, and the video was saved on YouTube.  A link to the thread is here:  https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=39047.0

The YouTube link is here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx8cLlXnHpA&feature=youtu.be 

SO many cool things discussed.  Some of the highlights are:  Lots of cool discussion about DT12; John Myung speaks; John Petrucci on smoking and rubbing his chicken; etc.  But the reason I am posting it again in this thread is because there is interesting discussion at 13:06 about how the band feels about maybe some day writing a double album.  Pretty cool.  :)

So you're the guy who ran this interview! Nice job, you're a great host!

Hoping to see what type of press you did with the band  :)

The interview was actually done by Weymolith.

Quote from: Lucien on December 02, 2015, 01:47:58 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 02, 2015, 01:47:19 AM
The album cover doesn't say "Metropolis Pt. 3: The Astonishing", so it's pretty much confirmed that it's not pt. 3  :P

only dumb people thought it would be metropolis pt. 3

Clearly.  Everybody knows this is Octavarium Part 2.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Another_Won on December 02, 2015, 06:37:41 AM
Let me be yet another one to say that I think this artwork is awesome.  One of their best yet.  We need a hi res version so we can explore the city/metropolis :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: nikatapi on December 02, 2015, 06:44:27 AM
Also, 8 NOMACs and 8 characters. Maybe NOMACs are human driven vehicles?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Peter Mc on December 02, 2015, 06:47:06 AM
Starting to get used to the DT writing now, really is an awesome cover.  Awake is probably my favourite up to now but this may top it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: jayvee3 on December 02, 2015, 07:15:55 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on December 01, 2015, 08:50:29 PM
Quote from: jayvee3 on December 01, 2015, 08:29:29 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on December 01, 2015, 06:41:32 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 01, 2015, 04:25:26 PM
Am I the only one who feels underwhelmed by the new cover?  :P

No, you're not..

I mean, I like the art cover.. But: another sky on a DT album cover?.. Seriously guys?.. I think that with ACoS, FII, 8V and ADtOE we had enough of those.. Not to mention I&W, Awake and BC&SL, in which it also appears.. Looks very redundant to me..

Just a thought, but maybe its because those covers featured landscapes in them which were kind of.... outside. In my experience, the sky generally tends to feature in things that are outside.

I can give you dozens and dozens of examples of album covers showing outside's places and where are not skies.. I think you mean that those DT covers feature panoramic landscapes, which is a different thing..

The number of possible elements that can be included in a cover is enormous.. That's why it seems a waste to insist on the same element in so many different albums..

Mine is just a thought too though.. We're nothing but thoughts.. Actually we're more than that, but the phrase looks cool..

Ahh, welcome to DT Forum - a place where you can get corrected for saying 'landscapes' instead of 'panoramic landscapes', and having the sky in too many album covers is dealt with cries of disenchantment. How can you not love it?  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 02, 2015, 07:36:30 AM
Quote from: nikatapi on December 02, 2015, 06:44:27 AM
Also, 8 NOMACs and 8 characters. Maybe NOMACs are human driven vehicles?

The theory was hinted at already but, yeah, good point. I'm also intrigued at the 6 different eyes on the green screens. Could it be these machines are mentally driven by 6 different persons?

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 02, 2015, 08:06:41 AM
Quote from: Aythesryche on December 01, 2015, 10:04:59 PM
Track times and number of disks leaked:

(https://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/llamabearduck/dtboxsetlol1_zpscqjbwwme.jpg~original)

When your time has come, .04, genius.  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: dparrott on December 02, 2015, 08:23:37 AM
 :omg: Best. Cover art. Ever.  That needs to be a poster! I might have to cough up the $$$ for the vinyl just for that!

Those track times!  :lol 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 02, 2015, 08:58:17 AM
Can we speculate on the videos? Will it be for just two songs, or is it Act I and Act II?

:tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 02, 2015, 09:00:14 AM
I'm with kotowboy, kinda hoping that they're making-of videos.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 02, 2015, 09:02:46 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on December 02, 2015, 09:00:14 AM
I'm with kotowboy, kinda hoping that they're making-of videos.

Absolutely, I think for this type of project, making-of videos would be incredibly interesting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 02, 2015, 09:16:04 AM
I'm not saying there won't be making of videos (It would certainly be interesting), but given how everything else on The Astonishing page is to do with the concept, to me it seems more likely that those videos there will be concept-related. One might be a call-to-arms from Arhys, then a response from the Emperor, or something along those lines.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 02, 2015, 09:38:22 AM
A third show in Amsterdam. They're really trying to get me to buy tickets, aren't they?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 09:45:18 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on December 02, 2015, 09:38:22 AM
A third show in Amsterdam. They're really trying to get me to buy tickets, aren't they?

I really think you should do all you can to go.  I know you are on the fence now, but I really think you will be kicking yourself down the road if you had an opportunity to go and did not.  Trust me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 02, 2015, 09:55:46 AM
So, was this what Bosk was hinting at, or do we have more to come this week?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 02, 2015, 10:03:52 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 09:45:18 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on December 02, 2015, 09:38:22 AM
A third show in Amsterdam. They're really trying to get me to buy tickets, aren't they?

I really think you should do all you can to go.  I know you are on the fence now, but I really think you will be kicking yourself down the road if you had an opportunity to go and did not.  Trust me.
Just to put my mind at ease...do you know of any plans to bring the full Astonishing production they're putting together in Europe to North America? I'll travel all over the continent if I have to, but can't afford to go to Europe. This seems like it's going to be a MASSIVE production, regardless of the quality of the album (which I'm sure I'll love, because there's not a DT song existence that I find bad), and I can't miss it.

I hope those 2 videos aren't "making of" specials. I want a 60 min+ DVD with the deluxe edition of the album as a making of documentary. This is a huge concept. 2 YouTube videos won't cut it imo.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 02, 2015, 10:09:01 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on December 02, 2015, 09:55:46 AM
So, was this what Bosk was hinting at, or do we have more to come this week?

There's one way to find out....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 02, 2015, 10:10:05 AM
Quote from: Laughingplace56 on December 02, 2015, 10:03:52 AM

I hope those 2 videos aren't "making of" specials. I want a 60 min+ DVD with the deluxe edition of the album as a making of documentary. This is a huge concept. 2 YouTube videos won't cut it imo.

I hope they are BUT i'd prefer a 90 minute in the studio doc. This album is crying out for one. SURELY.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 02, 2015, 10:14:42 AM
Someone with nice photo editing skills should grab a nice picture of Sean Connery and transform him into Nafaryus, hair style and all. Somehow I wish they'd hire some actors for those pictures instead of computer design stuff, but it looks cool already :)

I'm sure someone else here already mentioned his resemblance with Sean Connery?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 10:16:40 AM
Quote from: Laughingplace56 on December 02, 2015, 10:03:52 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 09:45:18 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on December 02, 2015, 09:38:22 AM
A third show in Amsterdam. They're really trying to get me to buy tickets, aren't they?

I really think you should do all you can to go.  I know you are on the fence now, but I really think you will be kicking yourself down the road if you had an opportunity to go and did not.  Trust me.
Just to put my mind at ease...do you know of any plans to bring the full Astonishing production they're putting together in Europe to North America?

I honestly have no idea.  I would guess that they will do something similar in the U.S., but I do not have any inside info one way or the other.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 02, 2015, 10:16:54 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 09:45:18 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on December 02, 2015, 09:38:22 AM
A third show in Amsterdam. They're really trying to get me to buy tickets, aren't they?

I really think you should do all you can to go.  I know you are on the fence now, but I really think you will be kicking yourself down the road if you had an opportunity to go and did not.  Trust me.

Well. Damn. I know I don't like to buy tickets to a show before I hear the music. And I know I don't like to pay that much money for a live concert. I'll think about it. Or do you have some inside information to get me to rush to the online store?

'Their most Zappa-esque album to date'
 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 02, 2015, 10:35:00 AM
I think that´s unprecedented, isn´t it? I can´t remember DT ever even playing a venue in The Netherlands TWICE, let alone Thrice!  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: TempusVox on December 02, 2015, 10:35:26 AM
The Nomacs are coming...run

https://fanart.tv/movie/75612/oblivion/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: BelichickFan on December 02, 2015, 10:38:10 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on December 02, 2015, 10:16:54 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 09:45:18 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on December 02, 2015, 09:38:22 AM
A third show in Amsterdam. They're really trying to get me to buy tickets, aren't they?

I really think you should do all you can to go.  I know you are on the fence now, but I really think you will be kicking yourself down the road if you had an opportunity to go and did not.  Trust me.

Well. Damn. I know I don't like to buy tickets to a show before I hear the music. And I know I don't like to pay that much money for a live concert. I'll think about it. Or do you have some inside information to get me to rush to the online store?
I'd go if I were you, the wide assumption, though not certainty, is the CDs will be out a few weeks before the tour begins.  Unless you're hit and miss with DT, there's a good chance you'll like it.  There's nothing DT has done that I don't like (I like some more than others, of course) so as long as I would be familiar with the music going in the risk would be very, very small.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 02, 2015, 10:52:18 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on December 02, 2015, 10:35:00 AM
I think that´s unprecedented, isn´t it? I can´t remember DT ever even playing a venue in The Netherlands TWICE, let alone Thrice!  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

Twice in the HMH 2010 (I believe, I was there!)

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ToT-147 on December 02, 2015, 10:57:25 AM
Quote from: jayvee3 on December 02, 2015, 07:15:55 AM
Ahh, welcome to DT Forum - a place where you can get corrected for saying 'landscapes' instead of 'panoramic landscapes', and having the sky in too many album covers is dealt with cries of disenchantment. How can you not love it?  ;D

I'm certainly not crying.. And people correcting each other is something that happens all over the internet, and also... wait... where have I seen that too?..... Oh, in real life.. If you live under the DTF rock, that's you..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 02, 2015, 11:03:04 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 02, 2015, 09:16:04 AM
I'm not saying there won't be making of videos (It would certainly be interesting), but given how everything else on The Astonishing page is to do with the concept, to me it seems more likely that those videos there will be concept-related. One might be a call-to-arms from Arhys, then a response from the Emperor, or something along those lines.

That's actually a really good point. I'd be cool with concept related videos on the web page and a special edition of the album with a DVD making-of documentary.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 02, 2015, 11:11:58 AM
8 NOMACs on the album cover. 5 on the tracklist. HMMMMMMMM...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on December 02, 2015, 11:51:56 AM
This whole thing, this album and all of the extras being built up around it,... this is just fantastic.  Consider the amount of time that has to be invested to not just writing and recording all of this material, but all of the investment in developing characters, world(s), and the story!  Plus the thought that has to go into the artwork, and all the extra bits (maps, videos).  Man...

I don't mean to ramble, I just got through catching up on the last 10 pages of this thread, and after seeing the album artwork so many times, I'm feeling pretty pumped.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 02, 2015, 11:57:35 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 09:45:18 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on December 02, 2015, 09:38:22 AM
A third show in Amsterdam. They're really trying to get me to buy tickets, aren't they?

I really think you should do all you can to go.  I know you are on the fence now, but I really think you will be kicking yourself down the road if you had an opportunity to go and did not.  Trust me.

I think this will be really special... I will go to both shows in Stockholm. ..
Get your ticket to Amsterdam or regret it later on...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: noxon on December 02, 2015, 12:15:23 PM
Trust me. You do not want to miss this.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Jinx on December 02, 2015, 12:19:56 PM
From Tom Russell's facebook:

Quote
I've just been listening to some of the new Dream Theater album - It's called The Astonishing and in my opinion, it is truly Astonishing
You'll be able to hear tracks from it and an interview with the band soon on RealRadioXS

Bosk does this sound right to you? I'm aware this guy doesn't actually give a date but seems like it could be pretty soon
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 12:28:37 PM
I'm not specifically aware of what he may be able to play on his show in terms of interviews or music.  But it is my understanding that some music from it will be available before too long, just as they have made music from other albums available prior to release.  I really cannot say more than that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 02, 2015, 12:36:12 PM
Quote from: Jinx on December 02, 2015, 12:19:56 PM
From Tom Russell's facebook:

Quote
I've just been listening to some of the new Dream Theater album - It's called The Astonishing and in my opinion, it is truly Astonishing
You'll be able to hear tracks from it and an interview with the band soon on RealRadioXS

Bosk does this sound right to you? I'm aware this guy doesn't actually give a date but seems like it could be pretty soon

Who is this Tom Russel.....? Can't find his FB
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: TAC on December 02, 2015, 12:39:34 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 12:28:37 PM
I'm not specifically aware of what he may be able to play on his show in terms of interviews or music.  But it is my understanding that some music from it will be available before too long, just as they have made music from other albums available prior to release.  I really cannot say more than that.

Sure you can! :D


Honestly, the only thing I'd be wondering at this point is that if the US will get the "album in its entirety" tour.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 02, 2015, 12:46:04 PM
I wonder if there will be a "normal" tour after that for this album... they played all of SFAM worldwide, and then went back and played further gigs with songs from all the albums, that's actually the second time I saw them back in 2000, a summer show with a "normal" setlist. Too early to tell but I wonder if there will be regular concerts in venues and festivals with only some songs off The Astonishing while it is still the most recent album released.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: noxon on December 02, 2015, 12:50:55 PM
Crisis averted - the interview and the tracks will air in january.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on December 02, 2015, 12:55:32 PM
Quote from: TAC on December 02, 2015, 12:39:34 PM
Honestly, the only thing I'd be wondering at this point is that if the US will get the "album in its entirety" tour.

I'd be really upset if we missed out on whatever Europe is getting.

Quote from: noxon on December 02, 2015, 12:50:55 PM
Crisis averted - the interview and the tracks will air in january.

I wouldn't call that "crisis averted"  :lol

What if I WANT to hear a snippet/song now?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Lucien on December 02, 2015, 12:58:44 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 02, 2015, 12:50:55 PM
Crisis averted - the interview and the tracks will air in january.

why delay an already-recorded interview's release to january
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 01:01:14 PM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on December 01, 2015, 08:25:46 PM
@Bosk - Speaking of those video chats, which were really great, any hope of another one in the future? They had a lighthearted feel that reminded me of the DVD commentaries that they sadly no longer do.

Funny you should ask.  I have been thinking about that lately and would really like to.  But there are some logistical difficulties that I do not think will allow it this time around.  I am talking to folks to see whether or not it can happen, and I personally would like to see it happen, but I am thinking it probably won't work this time around.  We'll see.  If not, I have some other ideas I am working on as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 02, 2015, 01:03:33 PM
Quote from: Lucien on December 02, 2015, 12:58:44 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 02, 2015, 12:50:55 PM
Crisis averted - the interview and the tracks will air in january.

why delay an already-recorded interview's release to january

Just like albums are recorded and movies are filmed way before their release, the interviews are being contractually scheduled to be released when the band / the label wants interviews, reviews and song snippets to be released. Maybe by the time they want the interviews out they can't do interviews to be released the day after 'cause they're already busy with rehearsals.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 02, 2015, 01:04:45 PM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on December 02, 2015, 12:36:12 PM
Quote from: Jinx on December 02, 2015, 12:19:56 PM
From Tom Russell's facebook:

Quote
I've just been listening to some of the new Dream Theater album - It's called The Astonishing and in my opinion, it is truly Astonishing
You'll be able to hear tracks from it and an interview with the band soon on RealRadioXS

Bosk does this sound right to you? I'm aware this guy doesn't actually give a date but seems like it could be pretty soon

Who is this Tom Russel.....? Can't find his FB

https://www.facebook.com/tom.russell.967
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 02, 2015, 01:08:13 PM
I didn't buy any tickets for any show for the same reason as a few others, but all this talk about "you do not want to miss this" has me doubting. Dammit that a super expensive DT show comes along right when I really don't have the money for that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ToT-147 on December 02, 2015, 01:17:40 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 02, 2015, 01:03:33 PM
Quote from: Lucien on December 02, 2015, 12:58:44 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 02, 2015, 12:50:55 PM
Crisis averted - the interview and the tracks will air in january.

why delay an already-recorded interview's release to january

Just like albums are recorded and movies are filmed way before their release, the interviews are being contractually scheduled to be released when the band / the label wants interviews, reviews and song snippets to be released. Maybe by the time they want the interviews out they can't do interviews to be released the day after 'cause they're already busy with rehearsals.

[on fb]

Guy: "When is this show going to be on Tom?"

Tom Russell: "They've asked me to hold the interview till the album is released in January"


He also said this: "Album sounds fantastic"..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on December 02, 2015, 01:21:38 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 01:01:14 PM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on December 01, 2015, 08:25:46 PM
@Bosk - Speaking of those video chats, which were really great, any hope of another one in the future? They had a lighthearted feel that reminded me of the DVD commentaries that they sadly no longer do.

Funny you should ask.  I have been thinking about that lately and would really like to.  But there are some logistical difficulties that I do not think will allow it this time around.  I am talking to folks to see whether or not it can happen, and I personally would like to see it happen, but I am thinking it probably won't work this time around.  We'll see.  If not, I have some other ideas I am working on as well.

Thanks for the information! I'm looking forward to whatever might happen :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 02, 2015, 01:28:20 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 12:28:37 PM
I'm not specifically aware of what he may be able to play on his show in terms of interviews or music.  But it is my understanding that some music from it will be available before too long, just as they have made music from other albums available prior to release.  I really cannot say more than that.
You could, but I understand there would almost be some quite severe repercussions for you.

Very interesting, though. I'm very much looking forward to hearing some music from the new album soon.

:soon:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 02, 2015, 01:58:48 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 02, 2015, 12:15:23 PM
Trust me. You do not want to miss this.

Believe me. I don't want to miss this. But it seems I am going to because they don't have any shows near me (BG).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: JediKnight1969 on December 02, 2015, 02:26:30 PM
Again...

WHY 6 EYES?

It has to be a guest. Mostly sure a keyboard player for this kind of adventure. I'm wondering if those tweets between James & Kevin have something to do with this...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 02, 2015, 02:35:50 PM
Quote from: JediKnight1969 on December 02, 2015, 02:26:30 PM
Again...

WHY 6 EYES?

It has to be a guest. Mostly sure a keyboard player for this kind of adventure. I'm wondering if those tweets between James & Kevin have something to do with this...

But it's only three pairs of eyes.....

Female eyes I think ...

Guest vocals confirmed!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: MegaDTSX on December 02, 2015, 02:42:29 PM
Quote from: JediKnight1969 on December 02, 2015, 02:26:30 PM
Again...

WHY 6 EYES?

It has to be a guest. Mostly sure a keyboard player for this kind of adventure. I'm wondering if those tweets between James & Kevin have something to do with this...

I think I would explode with excitement if this was a collaboration with Kevin Moore....but I highly doubt that :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 02, 2015, 02:49:28 PM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on December 02, 2015, 02:35:50 PM
Quote from: JediKnight1969 on December 02, 2015, 02:26:30 PM
Again...

WHY 6 EYES?

It has to be a guest. Mostly sure a keyboard player for this kind of adventure. I'm wondering if those tweets between James & Kevin have something to do with this...

But it's only three pairs of eyes.....

Female eyes I think ...

Guest vocals confirmed!!!!!!!!!!

It seems only two of the eyes "match" each other. The other 4 seem to be eyes from different people.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 02, 2015, 02:53:49 PM
Quote from: MegaDTSX on December 02, 2015, 02:42:29 PM
Quote from: JediKnight1969 on December 02, 2015, 02:26:30 PM
Again...

WHY 6 EYES?

It has to be a guest. Mostly sure a keyboard player for this kind of adventure. I'm wondering if those tweets between James & Kevin have something to do with this...

I think I would explode with excitement if this was a collaboration with Kevin Moore....but I highly doubt that :(
I highly doubt Kevin Moore would participate in a retro-futuristic-2112-Oblivion-dystopian progressive metal concept album these days.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: jsbru on December 02, 2015, 03:16:21 PM
Quote from: JediKnight1969 on December 02, 2015, 02:26:30 PM
Again...

WHY 6 EYES?

It has to be a guest. Mostly sure a keyboard player for this kind of adventure. I'm wondering if those tweets between James & Kevin have something to do with this...

The idea of the band reuniting with Kevin Moore being wishful thinking at best notwithstanding, what tweets were these?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 02, 2015, 03:29:08 PM
They tweeted each other some time ago, normal "Hey 'sup dude next time you're in my area give me a call".

No way this translates into Kevin Moore playing on the new DT album, which was well underway by the time of those courtesy messages between two former band mates.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 02, 2015, 03:32:25 PM
And that's what people are going crazy about? ???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 04:09:09 PM
"People" are not going crazy about it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 02, 2015, 04:16:57 PM
We've had a lot of new members recently. I can't wait to see their reactions on April 1.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 02, 2015, 04:21:25 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 04:09:09 PM
"People" are not going crazy about it.

Quote from: Kotowboy on December 02, 2015, 04:16:57 PM
We've had a lot of new members recently. I can't wait to see their reactions on April 1.

 :huh:

I'm all confused now :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 02, 2015, 05:12:44 PM
April 1st here is glorious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 02, 2015, 05:19:34 PM
It's Vlasto Day
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 02, 2015, 05:22:07 PM
Where are our updates????
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 02, 2015, 05:27:22 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 02, 2015, 05:22:07 PM
Where are our updates????

they're always near. You just have to know where to look.

(https://cdn5.howtogeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/image7.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Sacul on December 02, 2015, 05:30:36 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 02, 2015, 04:21:25 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 02, 2015, 04:16:57 PM
We've had a lot of new members recently. I can't wait to see their reactions on April 1.

 :huh:

I'm all confused now :lol
Let's say that last April 1st was both horrible and fantastic. Both a bless and a suffering - our dark master bosk still wears the scars of that day (his avatar) :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 06:30:51 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 02, 2015, 05:30:36 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 02, 2015, 04:21:25 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 02, 2015, 04:16:57 PM
We've had a lot of new members recently. I can't wait to see their reactions on April 1.

 :huh:

I'm all confused now :lol
Let's say that last April 1st was both horrible and fantastic. Both a bless and a suffering - our dark master bosk still wears the scars of that day (his avatar) :P

Make fun all you want, but I happen to know that a certain past or current member of a certain band that a certain fan forum is named after still currently uses an AOL email address.  ;)
Title: Hint, it has it's own emoticon.
Post by: Podaar on December 02, 2015, 06:55:09 PM
 :lol

If America has AOL (America On Line) what does Lithuania have?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: goo-goo on December 02, 2015, 06:59:45 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 06:30:51 PM
Make fun all you want, but I happen to know that a certain past or current member of a certain band that a certain fan forum is named after still currently uses an AOL email address.  ;)

Yep, I can confirm this. I have that email address. I wrote to him several years ago and got a response. I also  have an AOL address.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 02, 2015, 08:24:19 PM
Isn't it Petrucci? Didn't they make fun of him for it?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: wolfking on December 02, 2015, 08:24:57 PM
Good lord I just saw the confirmed tracklist.  Could be like 4 cd's long.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Sacul on December 02, 2015, 08:46:26 PM
What if, a few days before they stream it, they reveal a new, hidden track?  :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 02, 2015, 08:55:20 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 02, 2015, 08:46:26 PM
What if, a few days before they stream it, they reveal a new, hidden track?  :o

It's track 34, called "The."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Progmetty on December 02, 2015, 08:56:02 PM
I know we can't insert logic into this but I'm gonna go ahead and say it's gonna be 2 CDs and 40 to 50% -if not more- of these tracks are going to be short spoken word over atmospheric keyboards to advance the story line or maybe actual dialogue, but let's leave logic out of this and still discuss the possibility that these are all songs. /buzzkill
I made the dumb mistake of checking out the tracklist even though I knew it was a concept album with a story line, there's a couple of track titles towards the end that spoils the ending of the story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: chego_voice on December 02, 2015, 09:11:27 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 06:30:51 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 02, 2015, 05:30:36 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 02, 2015, 04:21:25 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 02, 2015, 04:16:57 PM
We've had a lot of new members recently. I can't wait to see their reactions on April 1.

 :huh:

I'm all confused now :lol
Let's say that last April 1st was both horrible and fantastic. Both a bless and a suffering - our dark master bosk still wears the scars of that day (his avatar) :P

Make fun all you want, but I happen to know that a certain past or current member of a certain band that a certain fan forum is named after still currently uses an AOL email address.  ;)

PLEASE! Tell us the story!... (harp_sound.Mp3)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 02, 2015, 10:06:50 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on December 02, 2015, 09:11:27 PM

Once upon a time...

The rebellion was crushed!

THE END.

 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on December 02, 2015, 10:19:19 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on December 02, 2015, 09:11:27 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 06:30:51 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 02, 2015, 05:30:36 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 02, 2015, 04:21:25 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 02, 2015, 04:16:57 PM
We've had a lot of new members recently. I can't wait to see their reactions on April 1.

 :huh:

I'm all confused now :lol
Let's say that last April 1st was both horrible and fantastic. Both a bless and a suffering - our dark master bosk still wears the scars of that day (his avatar) :P

Make fun all you want, but I happen to know that a certain past or current member of a certain band that a certain fan forum is named after still currently uses an AOL email address.  ;)

PLEASE! Tell us the story!... (harp_sound.Mp3)

It's just my birthday, the best birthday present ever.  :angel:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: noxon on December 02, 2015, 11:29:29 PM
5 members, past or current, still uses aol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: dparrott on December 02, 2015, 11:57:57 PM
Quote from: goo-goo on December 02, 2015, 06:59:45 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 02, 2015, 06:30:51 PM
Make fun all you want, but I happen to know that a certain past or current member of a certain band that a certain fan forum is named after still currently uses an AOL email address.  ;)

Yep, I can confirm this. I have that email address. I wrote to him several years ago and got a response. I also  have an AOL address.
I have customers at work that still use an AOL browser.  Why? I have no idea.   Get with the times, people! ::)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: liran95 on December 03, 2015, 12:10:34 AM
Question:

Is anyone else here planning on not hearing any snippet/single/whatsoever before the actual release?

With DT12, I had only heard TEI once beforeI got to listen to the whole album.
But I think this time I would be more harsh with myself, and make sure the first time I hear any of this album will be it's whole.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nest777 on December 03, 2015, 12:28:11 AM
If there was any doubt about it, here you go: it IS a double album https://twitter.com/chycki/status/671796025787555840

Just 2 CDs, not 3, nor 4... nor 5 nor 8  :millahhhh
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nel on December 03, 2015, 12:38:51 AM
After seeing the Nomac, the album art turned out to be everything I'd hoped it'd be.

Haven't really paid attention to any of the lore or story of this album, these days the music itself is all I care about. But it's still cool to see them doing a project this in depth. Not something I ever expected DT to do.

34 tracks. Exciting to see. Day one purchase definitely.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: |KirK| on December 03, 2015, 12:40:37 AM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 02, 2015, 03:32:25 PM
And that's what people are going crazy about? ???
Mostly because James wrote to Kevin(Moore, not Labrie ;D) "Maybe one day our paths will cross again".
So the path won't divide them... Maybe because they've chosen the same side!! :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 01:07:39 AM
Quote from: liran95 on December 03, 2015, 12:10:34 AM
Question:

Is anyone else here planning on not hearing any snippet/single/whatsoever before the actual release?

With DT12, I had only heard TEI once beforeI got to listen to the whole album.
But I think this time I would be more harsh with myself, and make sure the first time I hear any of this album will be it's whole.

That's my plan.  No singles, no snippets, no Spotify, no doing what everybody does but should not talk about it here... I want to go to the store on release day, get the album and hear it from beginning to end for the first and complete time.

Did this for Iron Maiden's The Book of Souls, it was a rewarding experience  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 03, 2015, 02:24:43 AM
Quote from: liran95 on December 03, 2015, 12:10:34 AM
Question:

Is anyone else here planning on not hearing any snippet/single/whatsoever before the actual release?

With DT12, I had only heard TEI once beforeI got to listen to the whole album.
But I think this time I would be more harsh with myself, and make sure the first time I hear any of this album will be it's whole.

I'm thinking about not listening to anything before attending the show! But that means not listening to the album for a month or so after release. And in general I enjoy a show better when I know the songs, but I imagine it especially special to see a DT show full of music thats completely new to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kix on December 03, 2015, 02:52:32 AM
Today feels like a good Dream Theater sort of day. Yes, yes it does.  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: |KirK| on December 03, 2015, 03:07:15 AM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 03, 2015, 02:24:43 AM
Quote from: liran95 on December 03, 2015, 12:10:34 AM
Question:

Is anyone else here planning on not hearing any snippet/single/whatsoever before the actual release?

With DT12, I had only heard TEI once beforeI got to listen to the whole album.
But I think this time I would be more harsh with myself, and make sure the first time I hear any of this album will be it's whole.

I'm thinking about not listening to anything before attending the show! But that means not listening to the album for a month or so after release. And in general I enjoy a show better when I know the songs, but I imagine it especially special to see a DT show full of music thats completely new to me.
I agree but I don't think I could resist.. So, at this point, we can say that the album will be released before the European tour? I'm just a bit confused...Have they changed their minds?!  :huh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 03, 2015, 03:14:37 AM
My estimate is end of january release, three weeks before the european tour shows start.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 03, 2015, 03:21:35 AM
There have been a few unofficial sources saying the 29th of January, so I'm taking that as a tentative release date for now. I expect we'll have an official confirmation pretty soon one way or another, along with a single in the not too distant future.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 03, 2015, 03:32:43 AM
I'll listen to singles and snippets. I don't care as much about "spoilers" when it comes to music as I do movies or TV shows. As long as there's something for me to listen to that I can enjoy, I will.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 03:36:07 AM
Yeah i'm not bothered about snippets etc.

It won't be like Black Clouds where Nightmare and Passage leaked and then when the album came out you only had 4 new songs...

We just need to know the production is stellar to go along with everything else.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Frankgate on December 03, 2015, 04:10:55 AM
previewing songs helps you avoid buying albums you DON'T like
in fact, I didn't buy Systematic Chaos and Black Clouds when they came out (later at bargain price)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: wolfking on December 03, 2015, 04:37:03 AM
It seems quite unusual to have info, tracklist and teh artwork but no set release date.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 04:48:08 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on December 03, 2015, 04:10:55 AM
previewing songs helps you avoid buying albums you DON'T like
in fact, I didn't buy Systematic Chaos and Black Clouds when they came out (later at bargain price)

Completely understandable.

However, for me, I always liked anything Dream Theater ever put out. Some stuff I just love, some others I merely appreciate, but they never put out an album that, to my ears and for my tastes, is a total and complete turd. They never wrote their own Risk or St. Anger or a truly very crappy album, they're serious and talented musicians devoted to their music, I feel like rewarding them with "blind faith" when it comes to a new album, if and when - so far it never happened - they'll put out a record that will make me go "OMG what the bloody hell is this horrible and unlisteneable abomination" I'll reconsider next time around.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: dream416 on December 03, 2015, 06:22:45 AM
Just waiting to pre-order the super deluxe box set lol. I'm guessing ( hoping ) it's going to
be awesome!!!!!   ;D  Love the album cover.   :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Sacul on December 03, 2015, 08:07:53 AM
lol at all those fake leaks. They're either rush covers or some lame songs that don't even sound like DT :lol

I mean, how can the album be even leaked at this point? I think mixing/mastering ain't even finished.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: jdprsaga on December 03, 2015, 08:12:58 AM
Quote from: Nest777 on December 03, 2015, 12:28:11 AM
If there was any doubt about it, here you go: it IS a double album https://twitter.com/chycki/status/671796025787555840

Just 2 CDs, not 3, nor 4... nor 5 nor 8  :millahhhh

Hahah love Chycki, I imagine him like.. everyone wants to know.. i don't care i'll just tell
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 08:13:33 AM
Quote from: Sacul on December 03, 2015, 08:07:53 AM
lol at all those fake leaks. They're either rush covers or some lame songs that don't even sound like DT :lol

I mean, how can the album be even leaked at this point? I think mixing/mastering ain't even finished.

A single are problaby mixed and mastered already
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 08:16:05 AM
there will be a single soon enough
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 03, 2015, 08:19:30 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 08:16:05 AM
there will be a single soon enough

Is this fact or fiction.......?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 03, 2015, 08:24:59 AM
Noxon and bosk1 have intimate knowledge on DT.  Trust their info.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Paintbox on December 03, 2015, 08:27:23 AM
Quote from: Sacul on December 03, 2015, 08:07:53 AM
lol at all those fake leaks. They're either rush covers or some lame songs that don't even sound like DT :lol

I mean, how can the album be even leaked at this point? I think mixing/mastering ain't even finished.
Leaking is absolutely possible at this point, and it would be easy to recognise Mangini's drum sound and to understand if the lyrics are inherent to what we know about the concept.

I wonder how tracks leak, does the band know about it? Are they ok with that?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Mindflux on December 03, 2015, 08:32:50 AM
Quote from: Paintbox on December 03, 2015, 08:27:23 AM
I wonder how tracks leak, does the band know about it? Are they ok with that?

Tracks leak because someone along the way does them the disservice.

I'm sure they are not ok with it unless it's an "intentional leak".. which I'm sure has happened to some bands to add hype to the whole release process.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 08:39:06 AM
Yea people are already deciphering fake lyrics for a fake leak on the interwebs, ridiculous how impatient some people get  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Pax on December 03, 2015, 08:48:49 AM
I actually never bought an album myself (here in Serbia it's not as easy and common to buy albums via Internet). But I decided to buy this new album. What's the difference if I pre-order it or not? If I buy it like that, will I only get to download the album (like some game on Steam) or will it come to my address? I know these are stupid questions, but I have to ask somewhere.. .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 08:50:43 AM
I imagine you get a physical copy sent to your adress, unless DT have gone Protest the Hero all over us.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 03, 2015, 08:52:42 AM
Quote from:  Forum rules
2b. With regard to "leaked" material, you are not allowed to discuss the leaking or sharing of an album by any artist, or that an album has leaked.  In addition to the above, with regard to Dream Theater and side-projects by the members of Dream Theater, you may not discuss the leaked material whatsoever.  For other bands, you can in most cases discuss the content of the leaked material as long as you do not reference the leak, where you obtained the material, or sharing the leaked material.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Fritzinger on December 03, 2015, 09:25:23 AM
Hellay, I am new here, I will just join in with the discussion :)

I decided NOT to listen to any pre released material, such as singles and stuff. I want to experience the full thing. Maybe just watch in the studio videos if they release some. I could never hold myself back the last times, but this time I WILL!!!!  >:(
Once the album is out, there will be The Astonishing and nothing but The Astonishing on my iPhone and iPod because I will not listen to anything different anyway. :D So I will be prepared for the concert ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Dellers on December 03, 2015, 09:30:15 AM
I don't think I'll actually buy this album. I was so disappointed by the sound of the latest one that I have only listened to it a few times. I have a lot of music that doesn't sound particularly great, including stuff I have mixed myself, but I actively dislike the DT mix. At least the HD download didn't have the brickwalled master on top. Sorry for being so negative, but I really look forward to the live show though  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Lucien on December 03, 2015, 09:30:22 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 08:16:05 AM
there will be a single soon enough

I think we'll get it today, actually.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 09:37:13 AM
 
Quote from: Dellers on December 03, 2015, 09:30:15 AM
I don't think I'll actually buy this album. I was so disappointed by the sound of the latest one that I have only listened to it a few times. I have a lot of music that doesn't sound particularly great, including stuff I have mixed myself, but I actively dislike the DT mix. At least the HD download didn't have the brickwalled master on top. Sorry for being so negative, but I really look forward to the live show though  :tup

How can you judge an album you haven't even heard a single note from yet? Trust me, this album WILL sound quite different from the previous, because it's nothing like it! They're going for "rock opera" not "cinematic", which leaves it much more open for soaring melodies and emotional/dramatic orchestration. As the picture from the mixing board showed - there's whole tracks (as in the pro tools type of track, not song type of track)  filled with just choirs, orchestra and brass. It's a given that they can't have this be as loud and as busy as the last one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 09:45:49 AM
Quote from: Dellers on December 03, 2015, 09:30:15 AM
I don't think I'll actually buy this album. I was so disappointed by the sound of the latest one that I have only listened to it a few times. I have a lot of music that doesn't sound particularly great, including stuff I have mixed myself, but I actively dislike the DT mix. At least the HD download didn't have the brickwalled master on top. Sorry for being so negative, but I really look forward to the live show though  :tup
Because this makes sense.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Voices on December 03, 2015, 10:05:48 AM
Is there any plans for a official release this week?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on December 03, 2015, 10:15:19 AM
Hey guys! For good measure, probably just don't talk about leaks at all, fake or otherwise.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Sacul on December 03, 2015, 10:18:05 AM
So this album won't be a 4-disc release? I'm disappoint :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: AleBl4st on December 03, 2015, 10:19:35 AM
Looks like the single will be (officially) released tomorrow:

https://myspace.com/dreamtheater/music/album/the-gift-of-music-20776446
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ariich on December 03, 2015, 10:20:45 AM
Quote from: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on December 03, 2015, 10:15:19 AM
Hey guys! For good measure, probably just don't talk about leaks at all, fake or otherwise.
Correct.

Looks like I got me some banning to do.

Everyone else: literally just stop talking about leaks. It really is not difficult.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 10:20:57 AM
I'm so excited to finally get an actual double album from DT. SDOIT was close, but I don't think it was officially recognized as a double album because it didn't get to the length requirement for a double album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: theseoafs on December 03, 2015, 10:22:58 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 10:20:57 AM
I'm so excited to finally get an actual double album from DT. SDOIT was close, but I don't think it was officially recognized as a double album because it didn't get to the length requirement for a double album.

SDOIT is 90 minutes long.  That's more than enough to warrant 2 discs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Sacul on December 03, 2015, 10:24:07 AM
Quote from: ariich on December 03, 2015, 10:20:45 AM
Looks like I got me some banning to do.
Oh boy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 03, 2015, 10:24:15 AM
Quote from: AleBl4st on December 03, 2015, 10:19:35 AM
Looks like the single will be (officially) released tomorrow:

https://myspace.com/dreamtheater/music/album/the-gift-of-music-20776446

Can the mods confirm this?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 10:24:58 AM
Quote from: theseoafs on December 03, 2015, 10:22:58 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 10:20:57 AM
I'm so excited to finally get an actual double album from DT. SDOIT was close, but I don't think it was officially recognized as a double album because it didn't get to the length requirement for a double album.

SDOIT is 90 minutes long.  That's more than enough to warrant 2 discs.

You misunderstand.

I believe for a double album to be counted as two albums for sales purposes, it needs to reach a certain length. And I do not believe SDOIT was long enough.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: olddtfan51@gmail.com on December 03, 2015, 10:25:25 AM
Cant wait till tomorrow then. :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: liran95 on December 03, 2015, 10:25:34 AM
The real challenge starts tomorrow (?) when the single will be released.
I will probably have to avoid the internet for a while in order to avoid spoilers.

I hope that the folks who WILL listen to the single will be able to discuss it in a designated thread, and keep this one spoiler-free.

Thanks!  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: liran95 on December 03, 2015, 10:26:32 AM
Double post by mistake.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 10:27:09 AM
Quote from: liran95 on December 03, 2015, 10:25:34 AM
The real challenge starts tomorrow (?) when the single will be released.
I will probably have to avoid the internet for while in order to pavoid spoilers.

I hope that the folks who WILL listen to the single will be able to discuss it in a designated thread, and keep this one spoiler-free.

Thanks!  ;D
If an official single is released, there most likely will be a thread dedicated to it's discussion to reduce spoilers. This has been before on this forum.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 10:28:18 AM
I cannot confirm that a single will be released tomorrow. I can confirm that it is planned for release within reasonable time. I would not take the odds of betting against it being released tomorrow.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: liran95 on December 03, 2015, 10:29:04 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 10:27:09 AM
Quote from: liran95 on December 03, 2015, 10:25:34 AM
The real challenge starts tomorrow (?) when the single will be released.
I will probably have to avoid the internet for while in order to pavoid spoilers.

I hope that the folks who WILL listen to the single will be able to discuss it in a designated thread, and keep this one spoiler-free.

Thanks!  ;D
If an official single is released, there most likely will be a thread dedicated to it's discussion to reduce spoilers. This has been before on this forum.

Maybe the OP should add "Spoiler free discussion" in the topic in order to assure it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Tomislav95 on December 03, 2015, 10:40:50 AM
Hi, guys. I think I didn't yet write there, I just want to tell I'm really hyped. And I have to say, I'm hyped much more than for last two albums because this looks huge and I know this is going to be special release :) Hope we'll get single soon (not :soon:)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 10:45:52 AM
Quote from: |KirK| on December 03, 2015, 12:40:37 AM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 02, 2015, 03:32:25 PM
And that's what people are going crazy about? ???
Mostly because James wrote to Kevin(Moore, not Labrie ;D) "Maybe one day our paths will cross again".
So the path won't divide them... Maybe because they've chosen the same side!! :lol

Oh I didn't know about that part . . . I understand now.

Well far be it from me to decry crazy theories :lol :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ariich on December 03, 2015, 10:46:41 AM
I didn't even know that myspace was still a thing!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 03, 2015, 10:47:37 AM
Quote from: ariich on December 03, 2015, 10:46:41 AM
I didn't even know that myspace was still a thing!
That's probably why they put it there  :lol No one was supposed to know
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Tomislav95 on December 03, 2015, 10:49:43 AM
Quote from: SystematicThought on December 03, 2015, 10:47:37 AM
Quote from: ariich on December 03, 2015, 10:46:41 AM
I didn't even know that myspace was still a thing!
That's probably why they put it there  :lol No one was supposed to know
They underestimated the power of DTF  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 03, 2015, 10:53:39 AM
Quote from: AleBl4st on December 03, 2015, 10:19:35 AM
Looks like the single will be (officially) released tomorrow:

https://myspace.com/dreamtheater/music/album/the-gift-of-music-20776446

myspacelol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 10:53:54 AM
Wow I'm so hyped for the single!!! :metal Have they said what song it's gonna be???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 10:55:06 AM
Oh wait, it says it on the MySpace link. Dumb me :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: AleBl4st on December 03, 2015, 10:59:04 AM
Well, their website is no longer showing any link to their myspace. But it looks like it's their official page since it's followed by 82k people ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 11:00:10 AM
I have a feeling this album cycle may break Ariich.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Madman Shepherd on December 03, 2015, 11:02:40 AM
Myspace?

I thought the album was supposed to take place 200 years in the future not 10 years in the past. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 11:03:20 AM
Quote from: Madman Shepherd on December 03, 2015, 11:02:40 AM
Myspace?

I thought the album was supposed to take place 200 years in the future not 10 years in the past.

 :lol Best comment of the thread!!! :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Evermind on December 03, 2015, 11:03:56 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 11:00:10 AM
I have a feeling this album cycle may break Ariich.  :facepalm:

This.

But hey, I'm looking forward for getting home from work tomorrow and listening to the officially released single.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on December 03, 2015, 11:06:03 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 10:24:58 AM
I believe for a double album to be counted as two albums for sales purposes, it needs to reach a certain length. And I do not believe SDOIT was long enough.

Is that true, that one purchase of a double album counts as two sales? If so, that may give DT a real shot at hitting number one on the charts (of course depending on what else is being released that week).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Architeuthis on December 03, 2015, 11:08:31 AM
I don't want to hear a single. I want to listen to the whole album as a whole, fresh from start to finish.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Mladen on December 03, 2015, 11:10:09 AM
Holy shit, tomorrow might be the day, huh? If that's the case, I'm very excited about this.  :metal

But then again, the info was put on MySpace, which is like what the hell?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 11:11:51 AM
The genre of The Gift of Music on MySpace is listed as "Pop" . . .

Not sure how I feel about that :lol But hey, if anyone can pull off "Prog" and "Pop", it's DT ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: millahh on December 03, 2015, 11:12:22 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 08:16:05 AM
there will be a single soon enough

That's not soon enough!

:)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 11:15:15 AM
I keep reading The Gift of Guilt, this new Death Metal DT single is gonna be epic  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: nikatapi on December 03, 2015, 11:16:19 AM
Ok, so what would you like? Something more metal like TEI, or more prog rock like TLG? Usually they release the more typical metal song as a single...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 11:18:56 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 11:15:15 AM
I keep reading The Gift of Guilt, this new Death Metal DT single is gonna be epic  :metal

Would love to hear JLB try that :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: CDrice on December 03, 2015, 11:24:08 AM
Hey guys! I don't know if anyone was aware, but this band Dream Theater is working on their 13th album. Some are already saying that it will be a double concept album, but that's way too far-fetched, even for them.

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to hear the cool drum parts that Mike Portnoy will come up with this time!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 03, 2015, 11:25:29 AM
It's amusing when people keep ignoring rules even when they're mentioned multiple times.

I'm on the fence about whether I should listen to a single or not. It would be a better experience to wait until I have the full album in my hands. I might just break down and listen if it does indeed come out tomorrow though... Gotta fight the urge  :lol


What do you guys think I should do?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 11:26:49 AM
Quote from: CDrice on December 03, 2015, 11:24:08 AM
Hey guys! I don't know if anyone was aware, but this band Dream Theater is working on their 13th album. Some are already saying that it will be a double concept album, but that's way too far-fetched, even for them.

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to hear the cool drum parts that Mike Portnoy will come up with this time!

Can't wait to hear what Kevin Moore comes up with as well! Space-Dye Vest was killer ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 11:27:19 AM
Quote from: millahh on December 03, 2015, 11:12:22 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 08:16:05 AM
there will be a single soon enough

That's not soon enough!

:)

Futurama reference. ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Voices on December 03, 2015, 11:28:47 AM
They should release the damn album tomorrow. I'd be happier that way.  :angry:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 11:29:47 AM
I can confirm that, at least according to the last version of the rollout schedule I have, The Gift of Music WILL be available to listen to soon.  As far as I know, the site that posted it early was not authorized to do so.  As always, if it is not through an official source, assume it is not safe to post or discuss.  If you need clarification on what is or is not fair game, PM me or a mod BEFORE posting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 11:30:39 AM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 11:29:37 AM
Quote from: genome on December 03, 2015, 11:25:10 AM
Apologies, I thought it was just sharing of links and not discussion.

I'll edit my posts, not sure I can delete them.

Well the mods make the final decision . . . but good on you to edit it out :)

Yes, but if someone makes a mistake and posts something they shouldn't, if they edit it out before we catch it, they will not be banned.  If they leave it up and say, "eh, I'll just let the mods deal with it," we will "deal with it" by issuing a ban.

Even though we do not have an "official" affiliation with the band, we have a great relationship with the band and management and are part of the unofficial DT marketing team because we take the band's wishes very seriously and do our best to follow them.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: genome on December 03, 2015, 11:31:50 AM
Duly noted, I don't visit much so I'm not familiar.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on December 03, 2015, 11:31:57 AM
I have been following this thread daily, but due to the potential of spoilers will cease to visit the Dream Theater forum until I have this astonishing new album in my hands, and have a chance to listen to it for myself, start to stop.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 11:33:24 AM
Quote from: Destiny Of Chaos on December 03, 2015, 11:31:57 AM
I have been following this thread daily, but due to the potential of spoilers will cease to visit the Dream Theater forum until I have this astonishing new album in my hands, and have a chance to listen to it for myself, start to stop.

Understood, Chris.  I admire your self-control.  Sometimes, I wish I had the luxury of being able to stay away.  But given my position here, I kind of have to be somewhat on top of all the latest news so I can help weed out leaks and fakes and just generally do my job.  It is my curse, and I gladly accept it.  :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 11:35:16 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 11:29:47 AM
I can confirm that, at least according to the last version of the rollout schedule I have, The Gift of Music WILL be available to listen to soon.  As far as I know, the site that posted it early was not authorized to do so.  As always, if it is not through an official source, assume it is not safe to post or discuss.  If you need clarification on what is or is not fair game, PM me or a mod BEFORE posting.

Noted Bosk. I'll make sure to just ignore them from now on to be safe . . . no more responding for me!

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Architeuthis on December 03, 2015, 11:35:38 AM
Anyone notice the similarities to the new Meagadeth album cover (Dystopia). Looks like Nomacs hovering in a futuristic setting. I wonder if it's the same artist. Btw, the cover looks awesome on the new Megadeth and DT albums..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on December 03, 2015, 11:36:49 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 11:33:24 AM
Quote from: Destiny Of Chaos on December 03, 2015, 11:31:57 AM
I have been following this thread daily, but due to the potential of spoilers will cease to visit the Dream Theater forum until I have this astonishing new album in my hands, and have a chance to listen to it for myself, start to stop.

Understood, Chris.  I admire your self-control.  Sometimes, I wish I had the luxury of being able to stay away.  But given my position here, I kind of have to be somewhat on top of all the latest news so I can help weed out leaks and fakes and just generally do my job.  It is my curse, and I gladly accept it.  :)

You're a better man than I. Best of luck to you and the team in keeping everything under control here.  I seem to recall a mandatory shutdown prior to the release of Octavarium. I'm sure that nobody wants to see something like that happen here and now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 11:39:00 AM
Quote from: Architeuthis on December 03, 2015, 11:35:38 AM
Anyone notice the similarities to the new Meagadeth album cover (Dystopia). Looks like Nomacs hovering in a futuristic setting. I wonder if it's the same artist. Btw, the cover looks awesome on the new Megadeth and DT albums..

It has been discussed actually . . . wonder if it is related :huh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 11:42:01 AM
TO HELL WITH IT.

 click here for new music (https://davidoakes.bandcamp.com/releases) :neverusethis: :nomac:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: Destiny Of Chaos on December 03, 2015, 11:31:57 AM
I have been following this thread daily, but due to the potential of spoilers will cease to visit the Dream Theater forum until I have this astonishing new album in my hands, and have a chance to listen to it for myself, start to stop.
No DT league?  :'( Or are you talking about this subforum solely?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on December 03, 2015, 11:43:51 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: Destiny Of Chaos on December 03, 2015, 11:31:57 AM
I have been following this thread daily, but due to the potential of spoilers will cease to visit the Dream Theater forum until I have this astonishing new album in my hands, and have a chance to listen to it for myself, start to stop.
No DT league?  :'( Or are you talking about this subforum solely?

This subforum. The league is full speed ahead! I could never stay away from  the Polls & Survivors forum.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 03, 2015, 11:43:58 AM
I'm pretty sure I'm just gonna cave in and listen to the single when it's released. The urge for new Dream Theater music trumps my patience. I cannot wait 2 more months.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 11:45:10 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 11:42:01 AM
TO HELL WITH IT.

 click here for new music (https://davidoakes.bandcamp.com/releases) :neverusethis: :nomac:

 :lol well played sir! :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 11:45:39 AM
Some suggestions for the possible or future leaks... treat downloading music as masturbation. Everybody does it? yes. Do people talk about it in public? hell no.

 ;D

If I would give in to the temptation, I would just keep my mouth shut, or actually, my fingers away from the keyboard, it's not THAT hard. But my plan is to listen to the album after the purchaase on release date so I will skip the single when it will be officially released. Just say it's the least impressive song on the record, I don't want to spend two months thinking "Meh, I've already paid to see a concert of this album that I might not like".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Madman Shepherd on December 03, 2015, 11:46:03 AM
If they do release the single, I would assume they would also issue a release date for the album.  It would be kind of weird to release the single and say, "If you like the single, be sure to pick up the new album at some point next year!"

I'm shocked they were still mixing and mastering last week. 

This is DT's Chinese Democracy! (Give or take 15 years)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 11:46:23 AM
Enjoy it !! :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: CDrice on December 03, 2015, 11:47:19 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 11:42:01 AM
TO HELL WITH IT.

 click here for new music (https://davidoakes.bandcamp.com/releases) :neverusethis: :nomac:

Man DT's new music really took a big dip in quality.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 11:48:02 AM
Quote from: CDrice on December 03, 2015, 11:47:19 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 11:42:01 AM
TO HELL WITH IT.

 click here for new music (https://davidoakes.bandcamp.com/releases) :neverusethis: :nomac:

Man DT's new music really took a big dip in quality.


:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 11:48:21 AM
Quote from: Mike PornToy on December 03, 2015, 11:41:27 AM
*snip*

:bosk1:

Buh-bye now!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 11:48:39 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 11:45:39 AM
Some suggestions for the possible or future leaks... treat downloading music as masturbation. Everybody does it? yes. Do people talk about it in public? hell no.

 ;D

Words of wisdom!!! :lol

But seriously . . . good advice. And if it takes the concept of masturbation for it to hit home to some of these people, so be it xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 03, 2015, 11:50:19 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 11:45:39 AM
treat downloading music as masturbation. Everybody does it? yes. Do people talk about it in public? hell no.

Try going to the mall in my neighborhood  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 03, 2015, 11:50:24 AM
Quote from: ariich on December 03, 2015, 10:46:41 AM
I didn't even know that myspace was still a thing!

This is why I have a hard time believing that the single will be TGOM.... or that it'll be released tomorrow. How is it possible that any band, let alone DT, would "leak" a first single to an all but defunct service like Myspace?  :huh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ariich on December 03, 2015, 11:51:30 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 11:00:10 AM
I have a feeling this album cycle may break Ariich.  :facepalm:
FFS. :lol

Thread cleared a bit more. Might be some more bans once I'm home and am not posting from my phone.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 03, 2015, 11:53:42 AM
Quote from: ariich on December 03, 2015, 11:51:30 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 11:00:10 AM
I have a feeling this album cycle may break Ariich.  :facepalm:
FFS. :lol

Thread cleared a bit more. Might be some more bans once I'm home and am not posting from my phone.

So your power is limited!   :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: LCArenas on December 03, 2015, 11:56:28 AM
Really loving the leaked track. I didn't think JLB was capable of reaching the high notes anymore until I heard the "CRUCIFYYY" chorus.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on December 03, 2015, 11:56:49 AM
I'm not sure if anyone here is familiar, but every time I look at the NOMACs I can't help but think of the servitors from Destiny.

(https://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140610174930/destinypedia/images/e/e1/Sepiks_Prime_Closeup.png)

Forgive me if this comparison was made before, I haven't read all 71 pages!  Haha
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 11:58:12 AM
Quote from: theanalogkid7 on December 03, 2015, 11:56:49 AM
I'm not sure if anyone here is familiar, but every time I look at the NOMACs I can't help but think of the servitors from Destiny.

Forgive me if this comparison was made before, I haven't read all 71 pages!  Haha

No problem . . . that simply means, unlike some of us, you have a life :lol

It does look kind of similar btw! :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kix on December 03, 2015, 11:58:19 AM
A Rolling Stone gathers no moss. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 12:01:36 PM
Dammit Kristin!  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 03, 2015, 12:03:18 PM
Quote from: LCArenas on December 03, 2015, 11:56:28 AM
Really loving the leaked track. I didn't think JLB was capable of reaching the high notes anymore until I heard the "CRUCIFYYY" chorus.
https://youtu.be/p8jKFJsXWpM

I'd hope it's fake, whatever it is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 12:06:25 PM
Quote from: wolven74 on December 03, 2015, 12:03:18 PM
Quote from: LCArenas on December 03, 2015, 11:56:28 AM
Really loving the leaked track. I didn't think JLB was capable of reaching the high notes anymore until I heard the "CRUCIFYYY" chorus.
https://youtu.be/p8jKFJsXWpM

I'd hope it's fake, whatever it is.

It's a joke from when around the Octavarium era songs from James' solo album were passed off as DT's, Crucify is the opening track of Elements of Persuasion.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Architeuthis on December 03, 2015, 12:10:32 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 11:39:00 AM
Quote from: Architeuthis on December 03, 2015, 11:35:38 AM
Anyone notice the similarities to the new Meagadeth album cover (Dystopia). Looks like Nomacs hovering in a futuristic setting. I wonder if it's the same artist. Btw, the cover looks awesome on the new Megadeth and DT albums..

It has been discussed actually . . . wonder if it is related :huh:
Excuse me for not reading all 71 pages on this thread..   :\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 03, 2015, 12:14:16 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 12:06:25 PM
Quote from: wolven74 on December 03, 2015, 12:03:18 PM
Quote from: LCArenas on December 03, 2015, 11:56:28 AM
Really loving the leaked track. I didn't think JLB was capable of reaching the high notes anymore until I heard the "CRUCIFYYY" chorus.
https://youtu.be/p8jKFJsXWpM

I'd hope it's fake, whatever it is.

It's a joke from when around the Octavarium era songs from James' solo album were passed off as DT's, Crucify is the opening track of Elements of Persuasion.

Ok now I feel like a moron. I remember that, but with all the talk of leaks (apparently serious ones) I was like, "where's the ban button?" :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nothingface on December 03, 2015, 12:14:24 PM
Among the largest of the planet
The giant squid - the architeuthis
How can this massive creature
Escape the hordes of searching eyes
Escape the wisdom of the wise
Escape the sonar, the bathyscaphe
Returns with countless plotted graphs?

Architeuthis - show yourself to us!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 12:14:37 PM
Who will find it first?  :corn:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 12:15:30 PM
Well, i could win that, but i'm disqualified since i already know ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 12:15:52 PM
Quote from: Architeuthis on December 03, 2015, 12:10:32 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 11:39:00 AM
Quote from: Architeuthis on December 03, 2015, 11:35:38 AM
Anyone notice the similarities to the new Meagadeth album cover (Dystopia). Looks like Nomacs hovering in a futuristic setting. I wonder if it's the same artist. Btw, the cover looks awesome on the new Megadeth and DT albums..

It has been discussed actually . . . wonder if it is related :huh:
Excuse me for not reading all 71 pages on this thread..   :\

I was just saying it has been discussed matter-of-factly, not trying to attack you ;)

I don't blame you . . . like I've said I wouldn't wish reading this whole thread on anyone :lol

I just meant "I wonder if it is related" as in the two album covers. No worries . . . sorry for the misunderstanding :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 12:16:06 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 12:15:30 PM
Well, i could win that, but i'm disqualified since i already know ;)

:bosk1:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kix on December 03, 2015, 12:17:14 PM


 :angel:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Architeuthis on December 03, 2015, 12:19:40 PM
Quote from: Nothingface on December 03, 2015, 12:14:24 PM
Among the largest of the planet
The giant squid - the architeuthis
How can this massive creature
Escape the hordes of searching eyes
Escape the wisdom of the wise
Escape the sonar, the bathyscaphe
Returns with countless plotted graphs?

Architeuthis - show yourself to us!
That's why I don't post very often, always deep down in the shadowy depths hiding in the abyss. Gotta write a epic song about this..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 12:20:50 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 12:14:37 PM
Who will find it first?  :corn:

Assuming that a mod is not talking about leaked material... find WHAT?  :eek
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 12:22:06 PM
Quote
Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)

 :justjen
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Madman Shepherd on December 03, 2015, 12:23:42 PM
Quote from: LCArenas on December 03, 2015, 11:56:28 AM
Really loving the leaked track. I didn't think JLB was capable of reaching the high notes anymore until I heard the "CRUCIFYYY" chorus.

*shakes fist*

POOOOOOORRRTNOOOOYYYYYY!!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Architeuthis on December 03, 2015, 12:24:12 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 12:15:52 PM
Quote from: Architeuthis on December 03, 2015, 12:10:32 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 11:39:00 AM
Quote from: Architeuthis on December 03, 2015, 11:35:38 AM
Anyone notice the similarities to the new Meagadeth album cover (Dystopia). Looks like Nomacs hovering in a futuristic setting. I wonder if it's the same artist. Btw, the cover looks awesome on the new Megadeth and DT albums..

It has been discussed actually . . . wonder if it is related :huh:
Excuse me for not reading all 71 pages on this thread..   :\

I was just saying it has been discussed matter-of-factly, not trying to attack you ;)

I don't blame you . . . like I've said I wouldn't wish reading this whole thread on anyone :lol

I just meant "I wonder if it is related" as in the two album covers. No worries . . . sorry for the misunderstanding :)
Oh shoot, sorry I misinterpreted what you said (my bad). Thanks for clarifying,  it's all good. :blush
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Madman Shepherd on December 03, 2015, 12:27:08 PM
Quote from: theanalogkid7 on December 03, 2015, 11:56:49 AM
I'm not sure if anyone here is familiar, but every time I look at the NOMACs I can't help but think of the servitors from Destiny.

(https://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140610174930/destinypedia/images/e/e1/Sepiks_Prime_Closeup.png)

Forgive me if this comparison was made before, I haven't read all 71 pages!  Haha

And I can't help but think of Flight of the Navigator.

Compliance!

(https://cdn.wegotthiscovered.com/wp-content/uploads/flight-of-the-navigator-towatchpile.jpeg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on December 03, 2015, 12:28:16 PM
Quote from: Madman Shepherd on December 03, 2015, 12:27:08 PM
Quote from: theanalogkid7 on December 03, 2015, 11:56:49 AM
I'm not sure if anyone here is familiar, but every time I look at the NOMACs I can't help but think of the servitors from Destiny.

(https://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140610174930/destinypedia/images/e/e1/Sepiks_Prime_Closeup.png)

Forgive me if this comparison was made before, I haven't read all 71 pages!  Haha

And I can't help but think of Flight of the Navigator.

Compliance!

(https://cdn.wegotthiscovered.com/wp-content/uploads/flight-of-the-navigator-towatchpile.jpeg)

 :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 12:30:04 PM
Is no one curious why bosk changed the title? I can't find the single   :| tried the obvious by clicking the :nomac: eyes
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 12:30:28 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 12:30:04 PM
Is no one curious why bosk changed the title? I can't find the single   :| tried the obvious by clicking the :nomac: eyes

ASK AND BE BANNED !!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 03, 2015, 12:30:59 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 12:30:04 PM
tried the obvious by clicking the :nomac: eyes

I think that we all tried that haha  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 03, 2015, 12:32:02 PM
After today, I have no clue what's going on anymore.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: LCArenas on December 03, 2015, 12:32:11 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 12:30:04 PM
Is no one curious why bosk changed the title? I can't find the single   :| tried the obvious by clicking the :nomac: eyes
:itsatrap:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Saxman on December 03, 2015, 12:32:59 PM
I wish I knew what I was allowed to discuss :mehlin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 03, 2015, 12:34:01 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 12:30:04 PM
Is no one curious why bosk changed the title? I can't find the single   :| tried the obvious by clicking the :nomac: eyes

Trolling us is the most obvious answer  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 12:34:47 PM
Quote from: CDrice on December 03, 2015, 12:34:01 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 12:30:04 PM
Is no one curious why bosk changed the title? I can't find the single   :| tried the obvious by clicking the :nomac: eyes

Trolling us is the most obvious answer  :biggrin:
Trolling us by confirming the title of the first single.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 12:35:11 PM
Quote from: Saxman on December 03, 2015, 12:32:59 PM
I wish I knew what I was allowed to discuss :mehlin

if you aren't sure. Don't discuss anything. And definitely don't link to any music on youtube or elsewhere.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 03, 2015, 12:36:30 PM
Must... resist... this is so hard!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 12:38:07 PM
Quote from: Architeuthis on December 03, 2015, 12:24:12 PM
Oh shoot, sorry I misinterpreted what you said (my bad). Thanks for clarifying,  it's all good. :blush

I could have worded that better as well. But yeah no worries, things like that happen when you're not talking face to face, everything's good :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 12:39:21 PM
Quote from: Saxman on December 03, 2015, 12:32:59 PM
I wish I knew what I was allowed to discuss :mehlin

Read this (I'm guilty of skimming it over before today, so no worries :)):

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=7.0
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on December 03, 2015, 12:39:34 PM
The fact that they release The Gift of Music as the first single also hints towards the idea that the first two songs a) won't be actual songs or b) will be instrumental, just because it wouldn't make sense to release a song from a rock opera that's set somewhere in the middle of the story. At least that's how I see it, I don't know how they handled that with SFAM.

Like a few people already said, I think Descent of the NOMACS will probably be some sort of introduction to the NOMACS (heavy, weird opening to the album) while Dystopian Overture will be serve the function Overture 1928 had on SFAM (thus, being instrumental).

I feel like the songs marked with the NOMACS will be tied together (using the same riffs or variations thereof) and am fairly certain that they will be some sort of music, but not the pretty kind. Maybe something heavily distorted,  maybe even noise or industrial-ish? It's also notable that the marked songs all sound like they would be NOMACS songs, even if there were no little NOMACS next to them (Descent of the NOMACS, The Hovering Sojourn, Digital Discord, Machine Chatter and Power Down all relate to the machines in some way)

Judging from the track list, I would guess that at least these songs are actual, longer songs:

The Gift of Music
A Savior in the Square
Heaven's Cove
Whispers on the Wind
Hymn of a Thousand Voices

Thats just 5 songs, but thats because I'm only listing the ones where I feel certain that they could be indeed actual, standalone songs. There probably are a few more. Judging from the structure of the last few tracks, I'm also feeling that Astonishing (even though it's the title track) won't be an overly long epic, but more of an epilogue. If I had to bet money on it, I would guess that Hymn of a Thousand Voices is the climax of the story. Our New World could be a short spoken intermission, Power Down will probably be the ending of the NOMACS (being the final part of the 5 part NOMACS "song") - the story would be pretty much over by this point. I can't see how Astonishing would make sense as a final kick-ass epic song here. It could be a lot like the latest Muse album where Drones (also the title track) feels a lot like it's the last part of the song before (The Globalist) and basically serves as a moody way to end the story.

That's just my thoughts. Oh, and I don't like the album cover that much.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nothingface on December 03, 2015, 12:40:07 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 12:35:11 PM
Quote from: Saxman on December 03, 2015, 12:32:59 PM
I wish I knew what I was allowed to discuss :mehlin

if you aren't sure. Don't discuss anything. And definitely don't link to any music on youtube or elsewhere.

SEIG HEIL - ALL HAIL! SEIG HEIL!  :police:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 12:44:59 PM
Just keep looking.  A gift of music awaits.  :corn:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mirko_metal_88 on December 03, 2015, 12:45:13 PM
I've listened to the song....and i love it.

I really like how they went in a kinda "soft" direction with sounds and riffs in general, it fits James' voice very well...looking forward to hear the whole thing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 03, 2015, 12:46:03 PM
Pretty retro stuff.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on December 03, 2015, 12:47:35 PM
I already found it. I know obviously not to link it hear but for those who haven't heard it yet, just know that it's awesome. I'm more excited for this album than I already was and that's saying a lot.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 12:48:10 PM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on December 03, 2015, 12:39:34 PM
The fact that they release The Gift of Music as the first single also hints towards the idea that the first two songs a) won't be actual songs or b) will be instrumental, just because it wouldn't make sense to release a song from a rock opera that's set somewhere in the middle of the story. At least that's how I see it, I don't know how they handled that with SFAM.

An heavily edited version of Home with all the musical and lyrical references to Metropolis removed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 03, 2015, 12:51:19 PM
Maybe someone can start a thread to discuss the single and if they share another song, in order to not spoil the ones who wants to hear the whole album.

What do you think?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 12:55:09 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 12:16:06 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 12:15:30 PM
Well, i could win that, but i'm disqualified since i already know ;)

:bosk1:
Bosk is out of control. No, Noxon, NOOOO!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 12:56:48 PM
https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishing

somethings going on at that site...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 12:57:00 PM
I'm dead. Enjoy the gift.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: countoftuscany42 on December 03, 2015, 12:57:17 PM
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/inside-dream-theaters-wildly-ambitious-new-concept-lp-20151203

this link seems as official as any  :tup

but if not ill take it down, not trying to face the ban hammer...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on December 03, 2015, 12:57:26 PM
Quote from: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 12:56:48 PM
https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishing

somethings going on at that site...

Looks normal to me.  What are you seeing?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 12:58:07 PM
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/inside-dream-theaters-wildly-ambitious-new-concept-lp-20151203

Linked by DT's FB.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nothingface on December 03, 2015, 12:58:34 PM
lraC sI a htapohcysP - ebuTuoY
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 12:58:39 PM
Quote from: countoftuscany42 on December 03, 2015, 12:57:17 PM
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/inside-dream-theaters-wildly-ambitious-new-concept-lp-20151203

this link seems as official as any  :tup

but if not ill take it down, not trying to face the ban hammer...

Yes, that is the official premier link.  Discuss away.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Scrub206 on December 03, 2015, 12:59:00 PM
I'm digging this track   :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 12:59:06 PM
Damn, I just found it and thought I was going to win something cool.

And no Bosk, I wouldn't have won a ban.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: LCArenas on December 03, 2015, 12:59:13 PM
Wait, does that mean that the people who posted the leaks were banned for publishing the song just hours before the band itself released it?
 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Stef1 on December 03, 2015, 12:59:21 PM
As the first released track from the album its much better than TEI.
Need time to fully digest it though, but hopes are now high for the rest of the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on December 03, 2015, 12:59:28 PM
My body is ready... reading and listening now!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MarkFitDT on December 03, 2015, 12:59:36 PM
its now on the official YouTube Page :-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdPn1mCmqoE&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 03, 2015, 12:59:51 PM
I love this song!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 03, 2015, 01:00:56 PM
Not a fan of the instrumental at the end, but everything before that is awesome!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: FlyingBIZKIT on December 03, 2015, 01:01:07 PM
Not really sure. Good song I suppose but nothing really grabs me. My expectations for this album aren't too high but hopefully it'll surpass that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MarkFitDT on December 03, 2015, 01:01:12 PM
Amazing song!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 01:01:24 PM
Quote from: LCArenas on December 03, 2015, 12:59:13 PM
Wait, does that mean that the people who posted the leaks were banned for publishing the song just hours before the band itself released it?
 :lol

Yes.

That's what you get for opening Christmas presents before the family gathers on 25th December to do it all together.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 01:02:08 PM
Just listen to those choirs!

The whole song gives off this nice SDOIT vibe.

I still don't like the snare.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Viking of the Sagas on December 03, 2015, 01:02:35 PM
The beginning caught me.

I love this song!! Awesome!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Madman Shepherd on December 03, 2015, 01:02:49 PM
At first I had reservations about the "rock opera" tag.  I didn't want it to be too theatrical because I thought that would take away from the metalness of it all.

I was wrong.  It *does* have a rock opera feel but it is subtle. There is some amazing guitar work by Petrucci.  Everyone is on their game.  I'm listening to it on a laptop so it's not ideal.  The mix sounds similar to DT12.  I'm ok with that. 

All in all, this song rocks and The Astonishing is going to be amazing. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 01:03:10 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 01:01:24 PM
Quote from: LCArenas on December 03, 2015, 12:59:13 PM
Wait, does that mean that the people who posted the leaks were banned for publishing the song just hours before the band itself released it?
 :lol

Yes.

That's what you get for opening Christmas presents before the family gathers on 25th December to do it all together.

Correct. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 03, 2015, 01:03:32 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 01:02:08 PM
Just listen to those choirs!

The whole song gives off this nice SDOIT vibe.

I still don't like the snare.
Yeah, the snare and kicks all sound the same. But it sounds fresh. Those choirs are awesome
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AngelBack on December 03, 2015, 01:03:53 PM
Guys I get a feel of some of the old magic....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: countoftuscany42 on December 03, 2015, 01:04:12 PM
also, confirmation for January 29th.

seeing the cover closeup in that video i noticed the majesty symbol on the palace drapes, i dig it  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: LCArenas on December 03, 2015, 01:04:31 PM
Lovin' it. It has some SFAM/Six Degrees vibe to it I'm liking a lot.

And I really hope we can hear more Gospel Choir parts in the songs as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 03, 2015, 01:05:20 PM
Very good song!

Great JP solo and some really nice double bass work from MM. Appears to be a much better drum sound also!

NICE
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Voices on December 03, 2015, 01:05:47 PM
The mix is thousand times better than DT12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Viking of the Sagas on December 03, 2015, 01:06:23 PM
This sounds like SC and SDOIT to me... with a bit of SFAM and ADTOI on the solos.

The choirs are stupefying. Drums sound crisp and powerful. The guitar and keyboard mesh out really well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on December 03, 2015, 01:08:17 PM
"...you're talking, when all's said and done, probably two hours, 10 minutes worth of music..."

YES!!  :metal :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 03, 2015, 01:08:28 PM
We want to see Arabelle!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 03, 2015, 01:08:37 PM
Amazing, awesome, incredible song. Album going to kick ass....

But can we talk about the horrible pitch correction at 1:22 on the word "time"? So unnatural! Really hoping that they fix this for the album. Also on also most obvious on 1:16 " the lions share" on "lions"... even at :22 the word "in". Oi vey hope that's not through the whole album.

Sounds amazing though otherwise so much magic on those drums and guitars!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 03, 2015, 01:09:07 PM
Definitely some really cool parts in there. Choir part was the best. One of the better MM-era JP solos, too. Drawbacks are that James sounds pretty strained at times, the snare still is tuned quite low (though the overall clarity of the drums is better than DT12), and the ending is kind of strange. Definitely breeds optimism on the whole.

I guess now we know that TA isn't 160 minutes of continuous music, since the track has a very definitive start and end.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 01:11:42 PM
Well, now we know why they need concert halls during the tour, right?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 03, 2015, 01:12:20 PM
Really love it. Very different as far as lead singles go, and has a strong Rush/I&W feel. Choir??! Drums sound GREAT both composition and production wise (snare's still a little low, but sounds better), the 2 min instrumental that closes the song out is so good, OMG IM READY FOR THIS ALBUM
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: gulranek on December 03, 2015, 01:12:47 PM
Wow, new DT music! I love it, love the drum sound, it's so much more prominent than on DT12.

Interesting that they didn't invite Eren Basbug for the orchestration...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 01:12:56 PM
Hmmm…at 1:24 "timeeee", pretty obvious the vocals are melodyned (for those who does´t know what Melodyne is…kinda like auto-tune, but instead you can edit note/note) This particular part is very bad edit!!  :town Other than that…sounds fantastic, great mix
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 03, 2015, 01:13:38 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 12:58:39 PM
Quote from: countoftuscany42 on December 03, 2015, 12:57:17 PM
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/inside-dream-theaters-wildly-ambitious-new-concept-lp-20151203

this link seems as official as any  :tup

but if not ill take it down, not trying to face the ban hammer...

Yes, that is the official premier link.  Discuss away.

That was a really good interview. I really liked what JP said about LaBrie and how much he put into the various character's voices.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 03, 2015, 01:13:43 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 01:03:10 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 01:01:24 PM
Quote from: LCArenas on December 03, 2015, 12:59:13 PM
Wait, does that mean that the people who posted the leaks were banned for publishing the song just hours before the band itself released it?
 :lol

Yes.

That's what you get for opening Christmas presents before the family gathers on 25th December to do it all together.

Correct. 
Yup. I will add that, in light of discovering how soon the official release was planned anyway, I reduced the bans to a standard 1 week. But the rules are the rules, and they're really not difficult to follow.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 03, 2015, 01:13:45 PM
I'm digging the track. Probably one of the shortest singles they've ever done. Mangini's sound is by far the best of all three albums he's been on. Very intrigued by the NOMACS. :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: McNugg on December 03, 2015, 01:13:56 PM
JP - "I've honestly said this, and I'll say it again: I don't think there's any other singer but James who could have really pulled this off the way that he did. He's going to need some serious therapy — I think there's only one character that doesn't have a singing part, and he played all of them"

That rules out guest singers then.  Thank goodness for that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: nikatapi on December 03, 2015, 01:16:13 PM
Sounds good, i like prominent JR, still have issues with the drums and cymbals sound but it's better than DT12 as far as i can tell from a YouTube video.

Very promising start, let's hope it only gets better. :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 03, 2015, 01:16:32 PM
Oh, boy. Oh, boy. Oh, boy.

I really like it. It gives me hope this album will be a massive improvement on DT12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 01:17:15 PM
What really interested me about this JP interview with Rolling Stone is that they basically used an outside producer through David Campbell, who did A LOT of work on the orchestration. JP, in the interview, even says he changed things around from the demoes DT sent him and sometimes expanded on minimal parts for the orchestra in the demoes.

That is very, very interesting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on December 03, 2015, 01:17:28 PM
I was a little disappointed at first
After a couple of spins I got into it.
Not an amazing song but cool enough, love the drumming a lot. Also the "Queen part" and the final instrumentals that remind me a bit of Kansas.

Let's see what the future brings.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 03, 2015, 01:19:20 PM
Currently on my third listen in the last 20 minutes, in between trying to take everything in and just being relieved that something is happening after the sheer madness of the last few hours.

Song is awesome, needless to say. To me, the opening lyrics sound like they would be the first ones sung on the album, meaning that the first 2 tracks would be instrumentals.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Evermind on December 03, 2015, 01:19:53 PM
"Cool enough" is probably accurate. I'm not blown away but I kinda like the upbeat vibe of the new single. Nothing astonishing though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jakepriest on December 03, 2015, 01:20:10 PM
I'm not really impressed to be honest. There are some fine vocal melodies, but overall it all comes off as pretty weak. The best part is definitely the instrumental break with the snarling pig towards the end, I really dig that part. The weakest would definitely be the choir part. The drums sound better than DT12 and ADTOE but the snare is still terrible to my ears.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 03, 2015, 01:20:34 PM
I don't know if this is a bad behavior, but someone can share lyrics? I'm lost in some parts  :eek
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on December 03, 2015, 01:20:56 PM
Weird choice for single because that's not really memorable song with no chorus. But I love those positive vibes, almost LTE came to my mind !!  :)

But now I really think this will be good album. I'm getting good old vibes :azn:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Dublagent66 on December 03, 2015, 01:22:06 PM
My expectations have never been lower.  There was once a time in the mid to late 90's that I thought DT would replace Rush as my favorite band of all time.


:umno:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: T-ski on December 03, 2015, 01:22:49 PM
nothing groundbreaking with this track, it's pretty much color by numbers Dream Theater.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on December 03, 2015, 01:22:53 PM
Quote from: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 01:12:56 PM
Hmmm…at 1:24 "timeeee", pretty obvious the vocals are melodyned (for those who does´t know what Melodyne is…kinda like auto-tune, but instead you can edit note/note) This particular part is very bad edit!!  :town Other than that…sounds fantastic, great mix

God damn, now I can't unhear that. :|

The song is alright though. Might need some time to grow on me, so far it feels like a very basic DT song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 03, 2015, 01:23:18 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 01:02:08 PM
Just listen to those choirs!

The whole song gives off this nice SDOIT vibe.


That's the same feel I got from it.  It has that About to Crash kind of mood.

Quote from: RoeDent on December 03, 2015, 01:19:20 PM
Currently on my third listen in the last 20 minutes, in between trying to take everything in and just being relieved that something is happening after the sheer madness of the last few hours.

Song is awesome, needless to say. To me, the opening lyrics sound like they would be the first ones sung on the album, meaning that the first 2 tracks would be instrumentals.

Descent of the NOMACS will probably be some kind of computerized sound effects or some kind of commotion.
Dystopian Overture is obviously an instrumental
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 03, 2015, 01:23:23 PM
From that article you can tell they put a hell of a lot of work into this. Jeez. Huge props to JP. I think this album might be the one that
really brings me back into the fold again.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MarkFitDT on December 03, 2015, 01:24:41 PM
I absolutely LOVE the choir on this song.

Yet again, Dream Theater do not disappoint me. Absolutely love the song. Roll on the album!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 01:26:22 PM
Quote from: McNugg on December 03, 2015, 01:13:56 PM
JP - "I've honestly said this, and I'll say it again: I don't think there's any other singer but James who could have really pulled this off the way that he did. He's going to need some serious therapy — I think there's only one character that doesn't have a singing part, and he played all of them"

That rules out guest singers then.  Thank goodness for that.

Love this bit, as I love James. We also got final confirmation that Faythe is a female character, as everyone deeply suspected!

That interview got me pumped. Clearly they did not half-assed any aspect of it. The shows will be legendary and so the album!!! (I hope hehe!)

Also, he made that comment about someone showing up expecting to hear Pull Me Under... he said the album is maybe 130 minutes long, that leaves time at least for an encore of some sorts at the shows... they're bound to play something else, isn't it? or it is really just the album and that's it? probably he used Pull Me Under as a prime example of a well known song that you'd expect from a "normal" DT show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 01:27:52 PM
At least to me, it sounds like the only music being played at the shows will be the new album. That's the implication I'm getting from his comment about fans expecting Pull Me Under.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rumborak on December 03, 2015, 01:28:56 PM
I liked it I must say. Most pressing concern of mine right now, this is very wall-of-sound still.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamerTV on December 03, 2015, 01:29:13 PM
THAT CHOIR

As far as the ending, i guess we'll appreciate it better when put inside the flow of the concept.


Great, great vibe.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on December 03, 2015, 01:30:09 PM
Wow. Excellent song.

Comparing recent singles, it is miles better than The Enemy Inside and On the Backs of Angels, and I really liked those songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 03, 2015, 01:30:39 PM
Spite myself CAN'T STOP LISTENING. The rolling stone interview has me so pumped up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on December 03, 2015, 01:30:50 PM
This sounds a lot like Trent Gardners "The absolute man"
I have wanted DT to make an album like that for many years.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enalya on December 03, 2015, 01:32:13 PM
Quote from: McNugg on December 03, 2015, 01:13:56 PM
JP - "I've honestly said this, and I'll say it again: I don't think there's any other singer but James who could have really pulled this off the way that he did. He's going to need some serious therapy — I think there's only one character that doesn't have a singing part, and he played all of them"

That rules out guest singers then.  Thank goodness for that.

Wow that's really cool, thanks for sharing
I dig the track so much, I hunger for more  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 03, 2015, 01:32:37 PM
Drums sound alright, a lot better than DT12, but still not as good as most of MP's stuff.

As I said before, it has a pretty retro vibe. Someone mentioned I&W, and that's a feeling I get as well.

LaBrie sounds good, although those pitch correction moments some have already pointed out are pretty embarrassing.

NOMACs being AIs gives some more credit to my theory that they end up a third party, one that both the rebels and the empire will need to join forces to defeat.

Overall I'd say the track is fine, but nothing really special.

Quote from: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 01:26:22 PM
they're bound to play something else, isn't it? or it is really just the album and that's it?

I'd say a pretty definate no. They want to treat this like a show. Image you watching a play, and then after the play is done, the actors play one more scene from a different play. That would be a really weird thing to do.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on December 03, 2015, 01:33:15 PM
i JUST CRY LIKE A GIRL LISTENING THOSE CHOIRS!

 :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

HOLY SH#$%  :yarr
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 03, 2015, 01:33:47 PM
Apologies if it's already been mentioned in the preceding madness, but there's two new characters mentioned by John Petrucci. Well, one we kind of figured out (Faythe, "a female" - JP) and Arabelle ("an older female").
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 03, 2015, 01:33:49 PM
Quote from: rumborak on December 03, 2015, 01:28:56 PM
I liked it I must say. Most pressing concern of mine right now, this is very wall-of-sound still.
Yeah once it gets going it's all fairly high volume, but to me (and based on the youtube stream) it didn't seem ridiculously so. Normal-loud as it were, rather than loud-loud. Can't tell a great deal from this about how the album will end up sounding, as there's clearly going to be quite a bit of variety across it.

And yeah, I dig it. Choir section definitely my favourite part.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enalya on December 03, 2015, 01:34:09 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on December 03, 2015, 01:20:10 PM
I'm not really impressed to be honest. There are some fine vocal melodies, but overall it all comes off as pretty weak. The best part is definitely the instrumental break with the snarling pig towards the end, I really dig that part. The weakest would definitely be the choir part. The drums sound better than DT12 and ADTOE but the snare is still terrible to my ears.

That's subjective, the choir part is the best for me, being epic and all
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: LieLowTheWantedMan on December 03, 2015, 01:34:18 PM
I'll start off by saying I have absolutely no hopes for the album prior to this release, but this song wasn't bad. Pretty good actually.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MarkFitDT on December 03, 2015, 01:35:38 PM
Quote from: Enalya on December 03, 2015, 01:34:09 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on December 03, 2015, 01:20:10 PM
I'm not really impressed to be honest. There are some fine vocal melodies, but overall it all comes off as pretty weak. The best part is definitely the instrumental break with the snarling pig towards the end, I really dig that part. The weakest would definitely be the choir part. The drums sound better than DT12 and ADTOE but the snare is still terrible to my ears.

That's subjective, the choir part is the best for me, being epic and all
[/quote

Agree with you 100%. The choir adds so much.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on December 03, 2015, 01:35:43 PM
Quote from: rumborak on December 03, 2015, 01:28:56 PM
I liked it I must say. Most pressing concern of mine right now, this is very wall-of-sound still.

Yes, that is a real concern. I'm cautiously optimistic that the rest has a little bit more openness.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on December 03, 2015, 01:35:57 PM
So 2h 10mins of new music....

It's still 30mins of other music live... ::)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 03, 2015, 01:36:25 PM
Wow, I really enjoyed that!  Great song!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: snapple on December 03, 2015, 01:36:31 PM
I'm really thinking about listening to this song just a handful of times and then not revisiting it until the album comes out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 03, 2015, 01:36:48 PM
Now that's a good tune. Love the great sound, and the orchestra and the choir and finally a good snare sound.
Great single  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zantera on December 03, 2015, 01:37:07 PM
I'm surprised to say it, and some people here will be even more surprised, but I enjoyed the song. Gave me some SFAM-vibes, and I think it will fit even better in the context of the album. I know some people are disappointed by the fact that we probably won't have an epic (unless they fool us), but that's actually the main reason I'm excited for this album. Look at the best albums DT has done, SFAM and Awake are my personal favorites, but even I&W which is generally regarded their best, those albums doesn't really have epics. Sure, songs like Voices and Home clock in at over the 10 minute mark, but there's no Octavariums or Illumination Theories. I feel like when DT shifted focus to write longer songs, the albums suffered. The epics were usually good, but it felt like they focused so hard on writing the epics, that the rest suffered, like Octavarium, which for me is a very uneven album, but the title-track is good.

I still have very lukewarm hopes, because I thought DT12 was both underwhelming quality-wise, but also rather uninspired, this however feels like DT shifting focus to writing an album-album (first time I get that feeling since SDOIT really) and I guess in the end it could turn out a really pleasant surprise. It could be great, it could be mediocre or it could be bad, but the fact that it's 34 songs and hearing this first single makes me more positive than I was before.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: pcs90 on December 03, 2015, 01:37:27 PM
Both albums since MM has joined were some of their best of all time in my opinion, and based on this track, this one will also rank very high.
This will almost certainly be the first track on the album with lyrics.
The drum sound is better, though I wish the kick and snare were slightly quieter and cymbals slightly louder...those 2 drums still sound mechanical, but the sound is much more pleasant.
Instrumental section is awesome especially the guitar solo and the section after it w/ snarling pig and distorted organ.
Love the choir as well.
The overall mix sounds much more open than DT12 which is a welcome change. Still not anywhere close to the best mixes they've had, but definitely a big improvement.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 01:37:31 PM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on December 03, 2015, 01:35:57 PM
So 2h 10mins of new music....

It's still 30mins of other music live... ::)
The release that gives the 2 hour 40 minutes figure says it includes pauses. Whatever that means.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 01:38:44 PM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on December 03, 2015, 01:35:57 PM
So 2h 10mins of new music....

It's still 30mins of other music live... ::)

Yeah, that's why I was wondering about an encore... Set 1 will be Act I and set 2 will be Act II, and then 2-3 songs to round up the evening? well, the encore would be the icing on the cake, I wouldn't be disappointed if it will be only the album.

And 2h40 minutes is the length of an Evening With Shows. 3 hours minus 15 minutes of intermission. Which makes 2h45', ok, but we're there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: FsF on December 03, 2015, 01:39:08 PM
Quote
And that is an underlying theme; there's kind of a juxtaposition throughout the album of this sort of noise music, this music made by the Noise Machines, this artificial intelligence, and how that compares to the music that Dream Theater is playing as our musical score, which has real piano, real organ, real orchestra, real choir, real instruments.

Liked the song, looking forward to the album and all, but I'm freaking praying that they don't let Jordan go hog wild with goofy keyboard solos.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: pcs90 on December 03, 2015, 01:41:59 PM
Quote from: FsF on December 03, 2015, 01:39:08 PM
Liked the song, looking forward to the album and all, but I'm freaking praying that they don't let Jordan go hog wild with goofy keyboard solos.
It could also be that they will have musical pieces but played electronically to sound mechanical? Like a basic MIDI track? I'm sure there will be some kind of sfx section somewhere but hopefully not too long.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 03, 2015, 01:42:22 PM
I am happy.  Great little tune.  Loved the opening.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: theseoafs on December 03, 2015, 01:43:31 PM
It's very good. Honestly the goofy sci fi concept may be the best thing to happen to Dream Theater in a while.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 03, 2015, 01:43:34 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 01:38:44 PM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on December 03, 2015, 01:35:57 PM
So 2h 10mins of new music....

It's still 30mins of other music live... ::)

Yeah, that's why I was wondering about an encore... Set 1 will be Act I and set 2 will be Act II, and then 2-3 songs to round up the evening? well, the encore would be the icing on the cake, I wouldn't be disappointed if it will be only the album.

And 2h40 minutes is the length of an Evening With Shows. 3 hours minus 15 minutes of intermission. Which makes 2h45', ok, but we're there.
Didn't the various sites say the shows were 2h40 including intermission. Factor a bit of time between some of the songs for breathers, shifting sets around, etc., and there's time for maybe one short song at most as an encore.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 01:43:41 PM
I, personally, really enjoy the song. I get some Symphony X vibes with some of the vocals. The entire song itself sounds like they combined elements from SDOIT, Awake, and from the LTE albums. I feel like MM vastly improved the way the drums sounded versus the other two albums, which I really didn't have much issue with anyway. And I like the mix. MM is more prominent and the keyboards/choir/orchestra are cutting through, which is nice. JP and JLB are positioned where they usually are in the mix. And I can't really hear JM very well. I guess that isn't that shocking.

All in all, listening to this hypes the new album even more for me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on December 03, 2015, 01:44:51 PM
Only listened to the song a couple of times but my first impression was good.  Pretty typical DT.  I'm guessing that it was picked as a single because of the middle-of-the-road feel to it - approachable - kinda like that.  IMO the really good stuff will be in the other tracks.

Also, love seeing the NOMACs in action! 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 01:45:22 PM
Loving this song! I think I might be overplaying it but idc, instrumental section particularly standing out, Jordan especially.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Gonz on December 03, 2015, 01:46:46 PM
OH  MY GOD, DAT CHORUS.

DAT.


OH SHIT.

Just thanks DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: weezul on December 03, 2015, 01:47:02 PM
no one has the  t
                         i
                           m
                              e      to tune vocals properly any more.


anyone? no?

Apart from this, I think DT are on to a winner so far, and I wasn't keen on the idea of a whole fantasy thing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 01:47:13 PM
Being only four minutes and it feels very accessible, I think they made a good choice releasing this as the "single." And I feel the vocal melodies are very memorable from the first few listens, which is good. I caught myself humming the main vocal melody after the first few listens.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 03, 2015, 01:47:30 PM
A fine little tune. Great to hear some choir too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 03, 2015, 01:48:21 PM
Do you think JP wrote all the lyrics to this, or maybe some contribution was made by other members?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Dublagent66 on December 03, 2015, 01:49:22 PM
I don't know what was more hilarious, the song or the youtube comments.  One of them compared it to SDOIT.   :rollin   Bitch please...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 01:49:40 PM
Quote from: RaasMah on December 03, 2015, 01:48:21 PM
Do you think JP wrote all the lyrics to this, or maybe some contribution was made by other members?

SFAM had lyrics from everyone, I hope this will be the case as well. JP took time to explain to James the characters' personality for the vocals, maybe he also told him and Myung "Hey, this song should talk about this, have a go with the lyrics".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 03, 2015, 01:49:57 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 03, 2015, 01:20:34 PM
I don't know if this is a bad behavior, but someone can share lyrics? I'm lost in some parts  :eek

Someone? :blush
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 01:50:38 PM
Quote from: RaasMah on December 03, 2015, 01:48:21 PM
Do you think JP wrote all the lyrics to this, or maybe some contribution was made by other members?
According to the interview, it certainly would appear JP contributed a lot, if not all, to the story and subsequent lyrics.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 03, 2015, 01:52:21 PM
Pretty damn awesome. I loved it, really no chorus, has a nice smooth flow. Its gonna be good.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 03, 2015, 01:53:55 PM
Quote from: Enalya on December 03, 2015, 01:34:09 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on December 03, 2015, 01:20:10 PM
I'm not really impressed to be honest. There are some fine vocal melodies, but overall it all comes off as pretty weak. The best part is definitely the instrumental break with the snarling pig towards the end, I really dig that part. The weakest would definitely be the choir part. The drums sound better than DT12 and ADTOE but the snare is still terrible to my ears.

That's subjective, the choir part is the best for me, being epic and all

Agreed. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the choir.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on December 03, 2015, 01:54:26 PM
So did I read from that JP interview that there will be no guest singers OR orchestra in the live shows?  BUT there will be full video show with a kind of transforming set?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 03, 2015, 01:55:41 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 01:50:38 PM
Quote from: RaasMah on December 03, 2015, 01:48:21 PM
Do you think JP wrote all the lyrics to this, or maybe some contribution was made by other members?
According to the interview, it certainly would appear JP contributed a lot, if not all, to the story and subsequent lyrics.

Yeah it really sounds like its his work, and to tell the truth it just slightly puts me off. I would love to have diverse lyrics from all the band members.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Art on December 03, 2015, 01:55:48 PM
Wow, i really liked this! I totally agree with the SDOIT/SFAM vibes. Very promising.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 03, 2015, 01:56:58 PM
Quote from: Jinx on December 03, 2015, 01:54:26 PM
So did I read from that JP interview that there will be no guest singers OR orchestra in the live shows?  BUT there will be full video show with a kind of transforming set?

Yes, and the interview reveals a lot of great information, people are probably busy listening to the song, but I'd definitely encourage everyone to read the article as well.

As for the song itself, I really liked it. Great little short 4 minute DT song. The sonics sound pretty good (judging by YouTube). The band sounds great as always. Killer JP solo...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on December 03, 2015, 01:57:27 PM
"Will you be augmenting the band at all when you play The Astonishing live?
We're not going to be augmenting the band as far as other performers — if we were to film this for a DVD or do a really special location, that would be the instance where we'd have a live orchestra and choir. But we decided to take a lot of time and a lot of care to enlist a company that could create the visuals, so that this is as much of a visual show as it is an aural experience. Because this is character-driven and there are locations, we're going to try to make the stage almost like a transformative stage, an immersive stage, where the settings come to life, and a lot of the artwork is going to be animated. We wanted it to be the closest thing to watching a movie while the band is playing a live score, basically."

OH

MY

GOD!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 01:57:48 PM
Every time I leave my computer something like this happens . . . oh why??? :'( :lol

As for the song . . .


I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

I have a feeling this is going to be an freaking amazing album ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 02:00:00 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on December 03, 2015, 01:57:27 PM
"Will you be augmenting the band at all when you play The Astonishing live?
We're not going to be augmenting the band as far as other performers — if we were to film this for a DVD or do a really special location, that would be the instance where we'd have a live orchestra and choir. But we decided to take a lot of time and a lot of care to enlist a company that could create the visuals, so that this is as much of a visual show as it is an aural experience. Because this is character-driven and there are locations, we're going to try to make the stage almost like a transformative stage, an immersive stage, where the settings come to life, and a lot of the artwork is going to be animated. We wanted it to be the closest thing to watching a movie while the band is playing a live score, basically."

OH

MY

GOD!

 :omg: I don't care what I have to do. I'll even sell my organs if it's necessary :lol. When DT comes to Los Angeles, I am going!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on December 03, 2015, 02:01:59 PM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on December 03, 2015, 01:56:58 PM
Quote from: Jinx on December 03, 2015, 01:54:26 PM
So did I read from that JP interview that there will be no guest singers OR orchestra in the live shows?  BUT there will be full video show with a kind of transforming set?

Yes, and the interview reveals a lot of great information, people are probably busy listening to the song, but I'd definitely encourage everyone to read the article as well.

As for the song itself, I really liked it. Great little short 4 minute DT song. The sonics sound pretty good (judging by YouTube). The band sounds great as always. Killer JP solo...

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to see the live show setting even though I can't attendance any of the shows. Interesting interview indeed!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on December 03, 2015, 02:02:18 PM
Quote from: FsF on December 03, 2015, 01:39:08 PM
Quote
And that is an underlying theme; there's kind of a juxtaposition throughout the album of this sort of noise music, this music made by the Noise Machines, this artificial intelligence, and how that compares to the music that Dream Theater is playing as our musical score, which has real piano, real organ, real orchestra, real choir, real instruments.

Liked the song, looking forward to the album and all, but I'm freaking praying that they don't let Jordan go hog wild with goofy keyboard solos.

NOMACS sounds confirmed (https://youtu.be/ZvYuTc2zW5c?t=388)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 02:04:32 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on December 03, 2015, 01:57:27 PM
"Will you be augmenting the band at all when you play The Astonishing live?
We're not going to be augmenting the band as far as other performers — if we were to film this for a DVD or do a really special location [...]

Like they're not already thinking on where to film it and with how many guests  ;D

"We've already released a DVD of a regular concert for the first Mangini album and a DVD of another regular concert for the second Mangini album with an orchestra only in the last hour of the show. Surely people won't be interested in watching us play an entire goddamn rock opera with the most theatrical stage set and presentation ever"  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 03, 2015, 02:05:46 PM
It hasnt been an hour, and there is already solo cover on youtube :lol Man I wish I had that skill.

Really is a strong solo though, the beginning of it really reminds me another day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Madman Shepherd on December 03, 2015, 02:06:58 PM
Interesting point from the interview:

James recorded all his vocals in Canada again with minimal input from Petrucci. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chaossystem on December 03, 2015, 02:08:30 PM
Quote from: ariich on December 03, 2015, 01:43:34 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 01:38:44 PM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on December 03, 2015, 01:35:57 PM
So 2h 10mins of new music....

It's still 30mins of other music live... ::)

Yeah, that's why I was wondering about an encore... Set 1 will be Act I and set 2 will be Act II, and then 2-3 songs to round up the evening? well, the encore would be the icing on the cake, I wouldn't be disappointed if it will be only the album.

And 2h40 minutes is the length of an Evening With Shows. 3 hours minus 15 minutes of intermission. Which makes 2h45', ok, but we're there.
Didn't the various sites say the shows were 2h40 including intermission. Factor a bit of time between some of the songs for breathers, shifting sets around, etc., and there's time for maybe one short song at most as an encore.

Maybe they'll do a second tour with a mix of songs from The Astonishing and at least half of the show will be older songs.

Also, I've been wanting to say this for quite some time: I'm pretty much expecting them to do what they've always done, in that the album(s) will be a combination of at least one less than 7 minute "hard rock/metal" song, at least one ballad, at least one instrumental, and at least one "epic-ish" (over ten minutes) track on each disc. It may be that  a lot of the OTHER tracks are just little snippets of dialogue and/or music and/or sound effects that are just included to move the story along.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:08:56 PM
I really, really like this track.  But let me say this:  Although it would be inappropriate for me to give any details on the other tracks I have heard so far, The Gift of Music is nowhere near my favorite.  Those who, like myself, really liked this song are seriously in for a real treat with this album.  This song only scratches the surface.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 03, 2015, 02:09:54 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:08:56 PM
I really, really like this track.  But let me say this:  Although it would be inappropriate for me to give any details on the other tracks I have heard so far, The Gift of Music is nowhere near my favorite.  Those who, like myself, really liked this song are seriously in for a real treat with this album.  This song only scratches the surface.

Awesome! Can't wait to hear more  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 03, 2015, 02:10:00 PM
lol @ people complaining about Melodyne

Amazing track. I love this!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zook on December 03, 2015, 02:10:50 PM
Ok song. Sounds like it's a transitional song. Not like a segue or anything. More of a filler to keep the story going.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:11:18 PM
Quote from: Dublagent66 on December 03, 2015, 01:49:22 PM
I don't know what was more hilarious, the song or the youtube comments.  One of them compared it to SDOIT.   :rollin   Bitch please...

Well, I don't know whats so bad about that comparison? It's got a "about to crash" vibe.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 03, 2015, 02:11:31 PM
I like LaBrie 's voice, the first thing I said was also that it sounded like SDOIT (About to Crash/Blind Faith elements)
It is a decent song, but it's the first single, so we might expect this album to be insanely good. I loved that keyboard voice in the last solo

My speculations that choir and orchestra will appear all the time were true ^^
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 02:11:37 PM
Quote from: weezul on December 03, 2015, 01:47:02 PM
no one has the  t
                         i
                           m
                              e      to tune vocals properly any more.


anyone? no?

Apart from this, I think DT are on to a winner so far, and I wasn't keen on the idea of a whole fantasy thing


Hahahaha  :laugh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 03, 2015, 02:11:49 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:08:56 PM
I really, really like this track.  But let me say this:  Although it would be inappropriate for me to give any details on the other tracks I have heard so far, The Gift of Music is nowhere near my favorite.  Those who, like myself, really liked this song are seriously in for a real treat with this album.  This song only scratches the surface.

The tease is so strong!! :'( :'(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 02:11:53 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:08:56 PM
I really, really like this track.  But let me say this:  Although it would be inappropriate for me to give any details on the other tracks I have heard so far, The Gift of Music is nowhere near my favorite.  Those who, like myself, really liked this song are seriously in for a real treat with this album.  This song only scratches the surface.

Aaaaaaand this got me excited!!!!!!  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 02:12:48 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:08:56 PM
I really, really like this track.  But let me say this:  Although it would be inappropriate for me to give any details on the other tracks I have heard so far, The Gift of Music is nowhere near my favorite.  Those who, like myself, really liked this song are seriously in for a real treat with this album.  This song only scratches the surface.

Damn Bosk I'm sooooooo excited now!!! ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MarkFitDT on December 03, 2015, 02:13:11 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:11:18 PM
Quote from: Dublagent66 on December 03, 2015, 01:49:22 PM
I don't know what was more hilarious, the song or the youtube comments.  One of them compared it to SDOIT.   :rollin   Bitch please...

Well, I don't know whats so bad about that comparison? It's got a "about to crash" vibe.

agreed, I can hear SDOIT vibes aswell.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Arch Benemy on December 03, 2015, 02:13:25 PM
Cool track, snare a bit much but love the drums overall, great solo. I don't intend to follow the sci-fi story on the album but 2 hours of quality music like this would be enough for me
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: cramx3 on December 03, 2015, 02:13:49 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:08:56 PM
I really, really like this track.  But let me say this:  Although it would be inappropriate for me to give any details on the other tracks I have heard so far, The Gift of Music is nowhere near my favorite.  Those who, like myself, really liked this song are seriously in for a real treat with this album.  This song only scratches the surface.

What else is beneath the surface?! 

I haven't listened, will wait until I get home so I am not at work while I give this a listen.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 03, 2015, 02:14:13 PM
I like it a lot. The overall sound is better and there's a lot of energy. Like others have said, it has a classic feel to it... The band is definitely going in the right direction with this one.

I do sorta wish the drums sounded more natural, but they are an improvement. Also, I like how JP is sitting in the mix, because he's not overpowering the song. He's there without being THERE, know what I mean?

Trying to keep my expectations at a reasonable level, but I'm pretty confident that this will be better than DT12. I really like the idea of 130 minutes of music and this huge story that is being revealed little by little. It's like an adventure that will reach an exciting conclusion on January 29th and we're collecting small pieces to the final puzzle.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 02:16:08 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 03, 2015, 02:10:00 PM
lol @ people complaining about Melodyne

Amazing track. I love this!

Well, I love the track aswell...but I'm not complaining, just a bit shocked they let that one slip through
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zook on December 03, 2015, 02:17:04 PM
Quote from: Zook on December 03, 2015, 02:10:50 PM
Ok song. Sounds like it's a transitional song. Not like a segue or anything. More of a filler to keep the story going.

Then again, it's the first official song on the album, so I think I just need more listens.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:17:36 PM
Quote from: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 02:16:08 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 03, 2015, 02:10:00 PM
lol @ people complaining about Melodyne

Amazing track. I love this!

Well, I love the track aswell...but I'm not complaining, just a bit shocked they let that one slip through

I don't even notice it.  Not sure what the big deal is.  But I will pass it on.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chaossystem on December 03, 2015, 02:17:48 PM
Quote from: Zook on December 03, 2015, 02:10:50 PM
Ok song. Sounds like it's a transitional song. Not like a segue or anything. More of a filler to keep the story going.

I thought it was supposed to be more of an "intro" song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:17:54 PM
Also.

I've been hearing this track for weeks now. And I didn't even once bat my eye on Labries singing. Until you made me listen for the flaw. Now I can't unhear it. Damn you!


As for wall of sound... Not to worry. Whereas the s/t deafened me the first times i heard it, and i couldn't get a grasp of the music because of listeners fatigue, not so on what I've heard so far (which is the same thing bosk1 has heard, btw).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 03, 2015, 02:18:26 PM
Quote from: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 02:16:08 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 03, 2015, 02:10:00 PM
lol @ people complaining about Melodyne

Amazing track. I love this!

Well, I love the track aswell...but I'm not complaining, just a bit shocked they let that one slip through

It sounds fine to me. It doesn't sound as weird as some of the people that have complained about that have pointed out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: pcs90 on December 03, 2015, 02:19:28 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:08:56 PM
I really, really like this track.  But let me say this:  Although it would be inappropriate for me to give any details on the other tracks I have heard so far, The Gift of Music is nowhere near my favorite.  Those who, like myself, really liked this song are seriously in for a real treat with this album.  This song only scratches the surface.
I am now extremely excited and jealous at the same time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 03, 2015, 02:21:03 PM
I just compared this to DT12.

Such a pleasant and big difference! It's not as loud, and everything sounds much more balanced.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 03, 2015, 02:22:27 PM
I only notice the pitch correction stuff when I'm actually listening for it. If I take in the song as a whole and just feel the music, it's not really that noticeable. Like the song a lot and now the true wait begins :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 02:22:36 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:17:54 PM
Also.

I've been hearing this track for weeks now. And I didn't even once bat my eye on Labries singing. Until you made me listen for the flaw. Now I can't unhear it. Damn you!


As for wall of sound... Not to worry. Whereas the s/t deafened me the first times i heard it, and i couldn't get a grasp of the music because of listeners fatigue, not so on what I've heard so far (which is the same thing bosk1 has heard, btw).

Sorry, that was not my intention  :heart Hopefully there's time to edit it
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on December 03, 2015, 02:23:51 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:08:56 PM
I really, really like this track.  But let me say this:  Although it would be inappropriate for me to give any details on the other tracks I have heard so far, The Gift of Music is nowhere near my favorite.  Those who, like myself, really liked this song are seriously in for a real treat with this album.  This song only scratches the surface.

... :hefdaddy...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:25:17 PM
Quote from: chaossystem on December 03, 2015, 02:17:48 PM
Quote from: Zook on December 03, 2015, 02:10:50 PM
Ok song. Sounds like it's a transitional song. Not like a segue or anything. More of a filler to keep the story going.

I thought it was supposed to be more of an "intro" song.

Did you not read the interview? "Jordan and I wrote the music as really a prog-metal score to the story. We didn't sit down and say, "Let's write a song, here's the first chorus, whatever." We would go through the story and say, "What's happening here, where is it taking place?" We had to make sure the mythology was right, the timeline was right."

They focus on the story first and foremost, so the songs will be most likely be shorter in order to convey a part of the story, and with repating themes throughout like you'll hear in a movie score. The songs will be standalone, but yet be telling a whole story, and be designed to be played as a whole.

"The one instance that kept speaking to me — where a band had this presentation where it wasn't only about the album, but there was a movie connected to it, there were animations, and there was a show that was immersive — was when Pink Floyd did The Wall. At the same time, I purposely didn't want to really think too much about other concept albums or rock operas, and come from more of a storytelling perspective, take my love for everything — whether it be Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, Game of Thrones, Les [Miserables], Jesus Christ Superstar, Disney movies — and come from the perspective of the elements that make those things so special, and such a big part of our lives."

Think movie score and musical, rather than Dream Theater.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: metrojam on December 03, 2015, 02:27:54 PM
Quote from: chaossystem on December 03, 2015, 02:08:30 PM
Quote from: ariich on December 03, 2015, 01:43:34 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 01:38:44 PM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on December 03, 2015, 01:35:57 PM
So 2h 10mins of new music....

It's still 30mins of other music live... ::)

Yeah, that's why I was wondering about an encore... Set 1 will be Act I and set 2 will be Act II, and then 2-3 songs to round up the evening? well, the encore would be the icing on the cake, I wouldn't be disappointed if it will be only the album.

And 2h40 minutes is the length of an Evening With Shows. 3 hours minus 15 minutes of intermission. Which makes 2h45', ok, but we're there.
Didn't the various sites say the shows were 2h40 including intermission. Factor a bit of time between some of the songs for breathers, shifting sets around, etc., and there's time for maybe one short song at most as an encore.

Maybe they'll do a second tour with a mix of songs from The Astonishing and at least half of the show will be older songs.

Also, I've been wanting to say this for quite some time: I'm pretty much expecting them to do what they've always done, in that the album(s) will be a combination of at least one less than 7 minute "hard rock/metal" song, at least one ballad, at least one instrumental, and at least one "epic-ish" (over ten minutes) track on each disc. It may be that  a lot of the OTHER tracks are just little snippets of dialogue and/or music and/or sound effects that are just included to move the story along.

I don't really think it's a case of "it MAY BE"!!!!!......it WILL be of course. Surely no-one really expects 25 - 30+ full, proper songs do they?!!!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:29:09 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:17:54 PM
I've been hearing this track for weeks now. And I didn't even once bat my eye on Labries singing. Until you made me listen for the flaw. Now I can't unhear it. Damn you!

I listened to that time stamp a few times, and I still don't hear it.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:30:16 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdPn1mCmqoE&feature=youtu.be

Great song. Not sure about the video ... Who made it ? Blob ? :neverusethis: :nomac:









Just pulling yer chain m8 ! :blob: :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:30:39 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:29:09 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:17:54 PM
I've been hearing this track for weeks now. And I didn't even once bat my eye on Labries singing. Until you made me listen for the flaw. Now I can't unhear it. Damn you!

I listened to that time stamp a few times, and I still don't hear it.  :dunno:

Some people just love to criticise !
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TL on December 03, 2015, 02:31:09 PM
First impression;

I like it. I'm pretty excited about the musical direction of this album now.
The lyrics were a mixed bag for me, but that's coming from someone who isn't really into the concept at this point. If this song is an indication of the music style though, I think I'll be able to enjoy it regardless of what I think of the lyrics.

The drums (and mix in general) definitely sound better than on DT12. They have a good punch this time around.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:34:10 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:30:39 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:29:09 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:17:54 PM
I've been hearing this track for weeks now. And I didn't even once bat my eye on Labries singing. Until you made me listen for the flaw. Now I can't unhear it. Damn you!

I listened to that time stamp a few times, and I still don't hear it.  :dunno:

Some people just love to criticise !

If there is a legitimate editing error, I have no problem passing it along to let them know, because it might just be one of those things where it isn't obvious unless you are listening for it, but once you are aware it is glaring.  That happens.  Bands release albums all the time with things like that.  But in this case, even knowing right where it supposedly is, I just don't hear it. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chaossystem on December 03, 2015, 02:34:35 PM
Quote from: Dublagent66 on December 03, 2015, 01:49:22 PM
I don't know what was more hilarious, the song or the youtube comments.  One of them compared it to SDOIT.   :rollin   Bitch please...

Where/how did you find this on YouTube?

I just looked for it a little while ago, and all I found was a 38 second excerpt, with the commentary option disabled.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 02:34:52 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:30:39 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:29:09 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:17:54 PM
I've been hearing this track for weeks now. And I didn't even once bat my eye on Labries singing. Until you made me listen for the flaw. Now I can't unhear it. Damn you!

I listened to that time stamp a few times, and I still don't hear it.  :dunno:

Some people just love to criticise !

Again, it's neither complaining or criticism!!! Just something I noticed!!
What do you call when people talk about the mixing, drum sound etc etc?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jakepriest on December 03, 2015, 02:35:39 PM
I still don't hear the autotune even after focusing on it and replaying the part over and over.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MarkFitDT on December 03, 2015, 02:36:08 PM
Quote from: chaossystem on December 03, 2015, 02:34:35 PM
Quote from: Dublagent66 on December 03, 2015, 01:49:22 PM
I don't know what was more hilarious, the song or the youtube comments.  One of them compared it to SDOIT.   :rollin   Bitch please...

Where/how did you find this on YouTube?

I just looked for it a little while ago, and all I found was a 38 second excerpt, with the commentary option disabled.

Go to DTs official YouTube channel :-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdPn1mCmqoE&feature=youtu.be

and there ARE definite Six Degrees vibes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 03, 2015, 02:36:48 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:25:17 PM
Quote from: chaossystem on December 03, 2015, 02:17:48 PM
Quote from: Zook on December 03, 2015, 02:10:50 PM
Ok song. Sounds like it's a transitional song. Not like a segue or anything. More of a filler to keep the story going.

I thought it was supposed to be more of an "intro" song.

Did you not read the interview? "Jordan and I wrote the music as really a prog-metal score to the story. We didn't sit down and say, "Let's write a song, here's the first chorus, whatever." We would go through the story and say, "What's happening here, where is it taking place?" We had to make sure the mythology was right, the timeline was right."

They focus on the story first and foremost, so the songs will be most likely be shorter in order to convey a part of the story, and with repating themes throughout like you'll hear in a movie score. The songs will be standalone, but yet be telling a whole story, and be designed to be played as a whole.

"The one instance that kept speaking to me — where a band had this presentation where it wasn't only about the album, but there was a movie connected to it, there were animations, and there was a show that was immersive — was when Pink Floyd did The Wall. At the same time, I purposely didn't want to really think too much about other concept albums or rock operas, and come from more of a storytelling perspective, take my love for everything — whether it be Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, Game of Thrones, Les [Miserables], Jesus Christ Superstar, Disney movies — and come from the perspective of the elements that make those things so special, and such a big part of our lives."

Think movie score and musical, rather than Dream Theater.

I dont know why, but it kinda scare me that you say there wont be long tracks. I get that its a different concept, and I respect that. But after a while the story and all the surroundings will fade, and all we will be left with is the music. And I really think DT shines the most with the long songs. An album full of 4-5 min songs will just not age well with me I think. I get that this borders on Irrational thinking but I cant explain it, its just my feelings. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:37:44 PM
First impressions are that this is probably going to be ( at least ) the best sounding of the Mangini era.

Pretty good mix. No super heavy compressed in your face guitars. Snare sounds a lot nicer.




Sounds more like "classic" DT. If the whole album has this vibe - it will be the sound i've been missing since Octavarium.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 02:39:43 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:34:10 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:30:39 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:29:09 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:17:54 PM
I've been hearing this track for weeks now. And I didn't even once bat my eye on Labries singing. Until you made me listen for the flaw. Now I can't unhear it. Damn you!

I listened to that time stamp a few times, and I still don't hear it.  :dunno:

Some people just love to criticise !

If there is a legitimate editing error, I have no problem passing it along to let them know, because it might just be one of those things where it isn't obvious unless you are listening for it, but once you are aware it is glaring.  That happens.  Bands release albums all the time with things like that.  But in this case, even knowing right where it supposedly is, I just don't hear it.

I guess you will not hear the edit unless you're familiar with melodyne, and how that affects the sound. So lets just forget that I mentioned the mistake :-) Could be that it's supposed to sound that way/ they want it to sound that way 😊
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:40:37 PM
Problem is, if you know the software, you know the defect, so it will be apparent to you then if people point it out. There's a certain distortion which affects the vocals at that point. But I don't mind it, and I don't find it as glaring as certain other editing issues that have been left in the DT albums (like the mastering glitch on SFAM which was there for years (in fatal tragedy, a loud pop in the beginning).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 02:42:25 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on December 03, 2015, 02:35:39 PM
I still don't hear the autotune even after focusing on it and replaying the part over and over.
Same here for me. I've re-listened to the timestamp provided 10+ times and I got nothing.  :huh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 02:43:44 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 02:42:25 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on December 03, 2015, 02:35:39 PM
I still don't hear the autotune even after focusing on it and replaying the part over and over.
Same here for me. I'm re-listened to the timestamp provided 10+ times and I got nothing.  :huh:


All good then 😉
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:43:48 PM
Tuning vocals on modern rock records is really nothing new. it's been a thing for decades.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 02:44:47 PM
Quote from: RaasMah on December 03, 2015, 02:36:48 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:25:17 PM
Quote from: chaossystem on December 03, 2015, 02:17:48 PM
Quote from: Zook on December 03, 2015, 02:10:50 PM
Ok song. Sounds like it's a transitional song. Not like a segue or anything. More of a filler to keep the story going.

I thought it was supposed to be more of an "intro" song.

Did you not read the interview? "Jordan and I wrote the music as really a prog-metal score to the story. We didn't sit down and say, "Let's write a song, here's the first chorus, whatever." We would go through the story and say, "What's happening here, where is it taking place?" We had to make sure the mythology was right, the timeline was right."

They focus on the story first and foremost, so the songs will be most likely be shorter in order to convey a part of the story, and with repating themes throughout like you'll hear in a movie score. The songs will be standalone, but yet be telling a whole story, and be designed to be played as a whole.

"The one instance that kept speaking to me — where a band had this presentation where it wasn't only about the album, but there was a movie connected to it, there were animations, and there was a show that was immersive — was when Pink Floyd did The Wall. At the same time, I purposely didn't want to really think too much about other concept albums or rock operas, and come from more of a storytelling perspective, take my love for everything — whether it be Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, Game of Thrones, Les [Miserables], Jesus Christ Superstar, Disney movies — and come from the perspective of the elements that make those things so special, and such a big part of our lives."

Think movie score and musical, rather than Dream Theater.

I dont know why, but it kinda scare me that you say there wont be long tracks. I get that its a different concept, and I respect that. But after a while the story and all the surroundings will fade, and all we will be left with is the music. And I really think DT shines the most with the long songs. An album full of 4-5 min songs will just not age well with me I think. I get that this borders on Irrational thinking but I cant explain it, its just my feelings.
Let's reserve the song length bashing for when you find out if there are actually no songs over 4-5 minutes.

And there really hasn't been anything definitive from anyone on the topic of track lengths, besides people saying this likely doesn't leave any room for a long epic. But who knows. Bosk and Noxon can correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe anything has been released regarding the track lengths besides the song "The Gift of Music," which is 4:07.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: pcs90 on December 03, 2015, 02:45:32 PM
As soon as someone pointed out the autotune I heard it. Before that, I didn't notice it. But now it's incredibly obvious to me. It's not a big deal unless you listen for it, but it is there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on December 03, 2015, 02:45:38 PM
Quote from: RaasMah on December 03, 2015, 02:36:48 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:25:17 PM
Quote from: chaossystem on December 03, 2015, 02:17:48 PM
Quote from: Zook on December 03, 2015, 02:10:50 PM
Ok song. Sounds like it's a transitional song. Not like a segue or anything. More of a filler to keep the story going.

I thought it was supposed to be more of an "intro" song.

Did you not read the interview? "Jordan and I wrote the music as really a prog-metal score to the story. We didn't sit down and say, "Let's write a song, here's the first chorus, whatever." We would go through the story and say, "What's happening here, where is it taking place?" We had to make sure the mythology was right, the timeline was right."

They focus on the story first and foremost, so the songs will be most likely be shorter in order to convey a part of the story, and with repating themes throughout like you'll hear in a movie score. The songs will be standalone, but yet be telling a whole story, and be designed to be played as a whole.

"The one instance that kept speaking to me — where a band had this presentation where it wasn't only about the album, but there was a movie connected to it, there were animations, and there was a show that was immersive — was when Pink Floyd did The Wall. At the same time, I purposely didn't want to really think too much about other concept albums or rock operas, and come from more of a storytelling perspective, take my love for everything — whether it be Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, Game of Thrones, Les [Miserables], Jesus Christ Superstar, Disney movies — and come from the perspective of the elements that make those things so special, and such a big part of our lives."

Think movie score and musical, rather than Dream Theater.

I dont know why, but it kinda scare me that you say there wont be long tracks. I get that its a different concept, and I respect that. But after a while the story and all the surroundings will fade, and all we will be left with is the music. And I really think DT shines the most with the long songs. An album full of 4-5 min songs will just not age well with me I think. I get that this borders on Irrational thinking but I cant explain it, its just my feelings.
I'm a big fan of their longer tracks too.  I think that we'll be able to combine two or more tracks into a longer "song" similar to the way that can be done on other albums - I can't think of any right now but you guys know what I'm talking about, right?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on December 03, 2015, 02:46:03 PM
I can't hear it either :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 02:46:52 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:43:48 PM
Tuning vocals on modern rock records is really nothing new. it's been a thing for decades.

In the line "people just don't have the time for music anymore" the autotune gets a bit glitchy on the word "time" to my ears. Maybe I'm just mistaken.

I didn't notice it on the first listen either and it's nothing big anyways - nothing to complain over ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 03, 2015, 02:47:38 PM
JP said something about authentic instruments, and a wide range of them, in the album. Im really looking forward to hearing that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 03, 2015, 02:48:12 PM
Quote from: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 02:39:43 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:34:10 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:30:39 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:29:09 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:17:54 PM
I've been hearing this track for weeks now. And I didn't even once bat my eye on Labries singing. Until you made me listen for the flaw. Now I can't unhear it. Damn you!

I listened to that time stamp a few times, and I still don't hear it.  :dunno:

Some people just love to criticise !

If there is a legitimate editing error, I have no problem passing it along to let them know, because it might just be one of those things where it isn't obvious unless you are listening for it, but once you are aware it is glaring.  That happens.  Bands release albums all the time with things like that.  But in this case, even knowing right where it supposedly is, I just don't hear it.

I guess you will not hear the edit unless you're familiar with melodyne, and how that affects the sound. So lets just forget that I mentioned the mistake :-) Could be that it's supposed to sound that way/ they want it to sound that way 😊

I am right there with you, I do a lot of work w Melodyne, mentioned this as well on page 73, 1:22 on the word "time" the way it pitches down is really unnatural, they could give that another go hopefully before the record is released. Also 1:16 " the lions share" on "lions"... even at :22 the word "in" but that's really getting in deep.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 03, 2015, 02:48:17 PM
It's better than most of SC and BCSL, also felt like their older stuff most of the time.

Jamesman says: good job Dream Theater :) :) :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:49:52 PM
ResultsMayVary is correct.  There has been nothing released about song lengths, other than the fact that The Gift Of Music is 4:07 or thereabouts.  Nobody who has any additional information is authorized to say anything more about it. 

But that being said, IMO, there is a lot of cool stuff to discuss other than how long songs we have never heard might or might not be.  Lots of cool information this week, including our first taste of the music.  We also have a really cool album cover.  This has been a REALLY good week for DT fans.  (and it might not be done yet)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 03, 2015, 02:51:10 PM
As an older dude, with a collection of uncountable albums, many with total run times of 39-45 minutes and chock full of glorious
songs 4 minutes or less, I don't see any connection whatsoever between song length and song quality.

Further, IMO very long songs generally take many twists and turns, with sections seemingly unconnected to other sections
and thereby actually sound like a bunch of shorter songs.

An open mind is the key  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dvargas on December 03, 2015, 02:51:47 PM
We do know that it is 2 hours and 10 min of music.  Per JP on Rolling Stone
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 03, 2015, 02:51:57 PM
I have no idea what melodyne is, but the error on the word "time" really is glaring to me. I wouldn't back away from calling it critisism, in fact, it does sounds like a flat out mistake. But it doesn't really impact the track overall. I've listened maybe 5 times now and it's pretty good. But I am more excited to hear it in the context of the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 02:52:12 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:49:52 PM
(and it might not be done yet)

*GOES CRAZY*  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on December 03, 2015, 02:52:50 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 02:42:25 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on December 03, 2015, 02:35:39 PM
I still don't hear the autotune even after focusing on it and replaying the part over and over.
Same here for me. I've re-listened to the timestamp provided 10+ times and I got nothing.  :huh:

I just went back to it and there is just something off about it. It's like "...people have no time for music anymore..." and it sounds like they tried to lower the pitch when LaBrie sings "time", so it sounds like "time[uaauw]", just between 1:22 and 1:23
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 02:54:17 PM
Quote from: Aythesryche on December 01, 2015, 10:04:59 PM
Track times and number of disks leaked:

(https://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/llamabearduck/dtboxsetlol1_zpscqjbwwme.jpg~original)
Got pretty close there with The Gift of Music, let's see how you do with the rest of them.l
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:54:53 PM
I've always thought it weird that we tune guitars. we tune drums. we tune pianos.

but if we tune vocals on a studio album - people are like :dangerwillrobinson: dafuq
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with album cover!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:55:12 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 02:54:17 PM

Got pretty close there with The Gift of Music, let's see how you do with the rest of them.l


So Close ! :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 03, 2015, 02:55:32 PM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on December 03, 2015, 02:52:50 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 02:42:25 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on December 03, 2015, 02:35:39 PM
I still don't hear the autotune even after focusing on it and replaying the part over and over.
Same here for me. I've re-listened to the timestamp provided 10+ times and I got nothing.  :huh:

I just went back to it and there is just something off about it. It's like "...people have no time for music anymore..." and it sounds like they tried to lower the pitch when LaBrie sings "time", so it sounds like "time[uaauw]", just between 1:22 and 1:23

bingo. I heard it 1st listen. Really hope they can fix for the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ErHaO on December 03, 2015, 02:56:35 PM
I love it! Stoked for the album.

And regarding the so called "time" autotune bit? Is that really autotune? As a vocalist, it doesn't necessarily sound like something that is the result of software trickery to me?  Seems more like a stylistic choice of Labrie to me on first impression.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 02:56:58 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:54:53 PM
I've always thought it weird that we tune guitars. we tune drums. we tune pianos.

but if we tune vocals on a studio album - people are like :dangerwillrobinson: dafuq

ikr :lol

I agree with you there . . . what we're talking about though is a glitch in the tuning, not the tuning itself ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: T-ski on December 03, 2015, 02:57:30 PM
I was paying so much attention to the music I didn't hardly watch the video, but considering how much effort went into this whole concept, the video was a major letdown.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 02:58:33 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:54:53 PM
I've always thought it weird that we tune guitars. we tune drums. we tune pianos.

but if we tune vocals on a studio album - people are like :dangerwillrobinson: dafuq

Hey, there's no news that vocals are tuned...everyone do that these days..and it's ok! But a audible mistake isnt that common though
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 02:59:29 PM
Quote from: ErHaO on December 03, 2015, 02:56:35 PM
I love it! Stoked for the album.

And regarding the so called "time" autotune bit? Is that really autotune? As a vocalist, it doesn't necessarily sound like something that is the result of software trickery to me?  Seems more like a stylistic choice of Labrie to me on first impression.

It's not Auto-tune...it's Melodyne, big difference
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 03, 2015, 02:59:52 PM
Quote from: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 02:58:33 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:54:53 PM
I've always thought it weird that we tune guitars. we tune drums. we tune pianos.

but if we tune vocals on a studio album - people are like :dangerwillrobinson: dafuq

Hey, there's no news that vocals are tuned...everyone do that these days..and it's ok! But a audible mistake isnt that common though

I know I was like, this is DT not Red Hot Chilli Peppers lol. I hope they fix. I have never noticed on another DT record so it really stands out to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Paddies on December 03, 2015, 03:00:07 PM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on December 03, 2015, 01:30:50 PM
This sounds a lot like Trent Gardners "The absolute man"
I have wanted DT to make an album like that for many years.

This. And a bit of Madmen And Sinners as well. The singing especially, needless to say.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 03, 2015, 03:01:20 PM
This might be my last night reading this thread. I'm about to go to bed, and when I wake up there might be 10 or more new pages. That might just be more than I have the patience for.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chaossystem on December 03, 2015, 03:02:10 PM
Quote from: metrojam on December 03, 2015, 02:27:54 PM
Quote from: chaossystem on December 03, 2015, 02:08:30 PM
Quote from: ariich on December 03, 2015, 01:43:34 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 01:38:44 PM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on December 03, 2015, 01:35:57 PM
So 2h 10mins of new music....

It's still 30mins of other music live... ::)

Yeah, that's why I was wondering about an encore... Set 1 will be Act I and set 2 will be Act II, and then 2-3 songs to round up the evening? well, the encore would be the icing on the cake, I wouldn't be disappointed if it will be only the album.

And 2h40 minutes is the length of an Evening With Shows. 3 hours minus 15 minutes of intermission. Which makes 2h45', ok, but we're there.
Didn't the various sites say the shows were 2h40 including intermission. Factor a bit of time between some of the songs for breathers, shifting sets around, etc., and there's time for maybe one short song at most as an encore.

Maybe they'll do a second tour with a mix of songs from The Astonishing and at least half of the show will be older songs.

Also, I've been wanting to say this for quite some time: I'm pretty much expecting them to do what they've always done, in that the album(s) will be a combination of at least one less than 7 minute "hard rock/metal" song, at least one ballad, at least one instrumental, and at least one "epic-ish" (over ten minutes) track on each disc. It may be that  a lot of the OTHER tracks are just little snippets of dialogue and/or music and/or sound effects that are just included to move the story along.

I don't really think it's a case of "it MAY BE"!!!!!......it WILL be of course. Surely no-one really expects 25 - 30+ full, proper songs do they?!!!!!!

I'm not really sure what you mean.

There could be at least one song, or one on each disc that is anywhere from just under 15 to just over 20 minutes in length.

Other than that, what I meant was: Each disc will probably be about 80-90% the band playing the music, and the other 10 (maybe even 5) % what I said it would be, which is short little tracks that are something other than DT songs and instrumentals that are being used as part of the story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ErHaO on December 03, 2015, 03:04:27 PM
Vocalists are perfectly capable of changing their pitch within the same note. In fact, if I drop my larynx while singing a word I get a somewhat similar result. It may sound weird and people may argue improper singing technique, but that would not be an editing error. I highly doubt this is a blatant sound production edit they just left in like this. Seems like a stylistic choice.

Quote from: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 02:59:29 PM
Quote from: ErHaO on December 03, 2015, 02:56:35 PM
I love it! Stoked for the album.

And regarding the so called "time" autotune bit? Is that really autotune? As a vocalist, it doesn't necessarily sound like something that is the result of software trickery to me?  Seems more like a stylistic choice of Labrie to me on first impression.

It's not Auto-tune...it's Melodyne, big difference

Ok, sorry. But my question remains the same, what I hear sounds like something a singer can do with technique. Not saying the vocals did not get a "studio album" refinement, but the note in particular doesn't sound like an editing error to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on December 03, 2015, 03:05:43 PM
Min: 2:46"

This sounds like metropolis!!  :justjen
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MarkFitDT on December 03, 2015, 03:05:59 PM
Quote from: T-ski on December 03, 2015, 02:57:30 PM
I was paying so much attention to the music I didn't hardly watch the video, but considering how much effort went into this whole concept, the video was a major letdown.

I might be wrong but I don't think that it is a "video" as such as the description of the track is "The Gift of Music - audio".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 03:06:14 PM
Realistically, we assume we have 29 songs and 5 "NOMACS" tracks. And we know that the vocals are done by James Labrie singing in character. I don't think we'll see spoken words - Use the Gift of Music as reference, there's a lot of exposition in that track alone with regards to the lyric content, which would've been put in "spoken word" form if that existed on the album. And yet the song begins "Far in the distance future, beyond the pages of our time. Cold blooded wicked tyrants threaten the freedom of mankind. Corruption, lust and greed define the new nobility changing the course of history." etc etc.

130 minutes divided by 29 songs gives us an average of 4.5 minutes per song. Granted, some will probably be longer, some will probably be shorter. But I don't expect to see many song longer than 10 minutes, if any at all. Then again, why do they need to be? I prefer the songs that last 6 minutes over the longer songs - and this has been my main contention with the last few albums of DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 03, 2015, 03:06:51 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 02:44:47 PM
Quote from: RaasMah on December 03, 2015, 02:36:48 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:25:17 PM
Quote from: chaossystem on December 03, 2015, 02:17:48 PM
Quote from: Zook on December 03, 2015, 02:10:50 PM
Ok song. Sounds like it's a transitional song. Not like a segue or anything. More of a filler to keep the story going.

I thought it was supposed to be more of an "intro" song.

Did you not read the interview? "Jordan and I wrote the music as really a prog-metal score to the story. We didn't sit down and say, "Let's write a song, here's the first chorus, whatever." We would go through the story and say, "What's happening here, where is it taking place?" We had to make sure the mythology was right, the timeline was right."

They focus on the story first and foremost, so the songs will be most likely be shorter in order to convey a part of the story, and with repating themes throughout like you'll hear in a movie score. The songs will be standalone, but yet be telling a whole story, and be designed to be played as a whole.

"The one instance that kept speaking to me — where a band had this presentation where it wasn't only about the album, but there was a movie connected to it, there were animations, and there was a show that was immersive — was when Pink Floyd did The Wall. At the same time, I purposely didn't want to really think too much about other concept albums or rock operas, and come from more of a storytelling perspective, take my love for everything — whether it be Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, Game of Thrones, Les [Miserables], Jesus Christ Superstar, Disney movies — and come from the perspective of the elements that make those things so special, and such a big part of our lives."

Think movie score and musical, rather than Dream Theater.

I dont know why, but it kinda scare me that you say there wont be long tracks. I get that its a different concept, and I respect that. But after a while the story and all the surroundings will fade, and all we will be left with is the music. And I really think DT shines the most with the long songs. An album full of 4-5 min songs will just not age well with me I think. I get that this borders on Irrational thinking but I cant explain it, its just my feelings.
Let's reserve the song length bashing for when you find out if there are actually no songs over 4-5 minutes.

And there really hasn't been anything definitive from anyone on the topic of track lengths, besides people saying this likely doesn't leave any room for a long epic. But who knows. Bosk and Noxon can correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe anything has been released regarding the track lengths besides the song "The Gift of Music," which is 4:07.

Im certainly not bashing anyone. I also admitted its pretty Irrational to worry about that now. But what can I say, my mind doesnt always follow the strict rules :lol  Im just sharing my concerns. For some reason, thinking that the album might have much short songs gets me kinda edgy, I cant really explain why.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 03, 2015, 03:09:06 PM
Quote from: ErHaO on December 03, 2015, 03:04:27 PM
Vocalists are perfectly capable of changing their pitch within the same note. In fact, if I drop my larynx while singing a word I get a somewhat similar result. It may sound weird and people may argue improper singing technique, but that would not be an editing error. I highly doubt this is a blatant autotune edit they just left in like this. Seems like a stylistic choice.

Trust us from trained ears it is pitch correction. Now the actual reason for it sounding like that may be because the pitch editing program couldn't track whatever the original audio was in a way that it could get much better than that. He may have sung a completely different note or had different timing. Who knows without hearing/seeing the original audio track. But once you edit enough vocals you can hear it, there's no doubt.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 03:09:50 PM
Quote from: ErHaO on December 03, 2015, 03:04:27 PM
Vocalists are perfectly capable of changing their pitch within the same note. In fact, if I drop my larynx while singing a word I get a somewhat similar result. It may sound weird and people may argue improper singing technique, but that would not be an editing error. I highly doubt this is a blatant autotune edit they just left in like this. Seems like a stylistic choice.

No, it's definitely a MELODYNE edit mistake...not Auto-Tune!! Watch this video: https://youtu.be/aw5MHXQpsbk

If you tweak the notes to much...then you'll get that "timeeee" effect!! Trust me, I work/record/edit professionally...and there's no way you as a vocalist can naturally sound that way! If you actually can...then you're a living melodyne machine 😄😉
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamTension on December 03, 2015, 03:12:00 PM
Epic teaser that really leaves you wanting more!  To me, the snare sounds like I&W...better than last time for sure (felt distracting to me on DT12). Overall mix feels much more open than DT12.  My favorite part is when the dirty organ comes out to play, leading into the orchestra that slowly creeps into the guitar riff. :metal  Quality stuff!  Choir sounds great as well.  Also have mention I love Myung on this song! Pretty clean and in your face bass sound.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 03, 2015, 03:13:24 PM
 
Quote from: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 03:09:50 PM
Quote from: ErHaO on December 03, 2015, 03:04:27 PM
Vocalists are perfectly capable of changing their pitch within the same note. In fact, if I drop my larynx while singing a word I get a somewhat similar result. It may sound weird and people may argue improper singing technique, but that would not be an editing error. I highly doubt this is a blatant autotune edit they just left in like this. Seems like a stylistic choice.

No, it's definitely a MELODYNE edit mistake...not Auto-Tune!! Watch this video: https://youtu.be/aw5MHXQpsbk

If you tweak the notes to much...then you'll get that "timeeee" effect!! Trust me, I work/record/edit professionally...and there's no way you as a vocalist can naturally sound that way! If you actually can...then you're a living melodyne machine 😄😉
:tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 03:14:17 PM
Quote from: DreamTension on December 03, 2015, 03:12:00 PM
Epic teaser that really leaves you wanting more!  To me, the snare sounds like I&W...better than last time for sure (felt distracting to me on DT12). Overall mix feels much more open than DT12.  My favorite part is when the dirty organ comes out to play, leading into the orchestra that slowly creeps into the guitar riff. :metal  Quality stuff!  Choir sounds great as well.  Also have mention I love Myung on this song! Pretty clean and in your face bass sound.

I agree with the whole snare sounds like IAW idea . . . someone else pointed that out as a bad thing, and I was like "whaaat? I love the drum sound on that album" I guess it's all subjective but still I really like the direction the production is going in ;D ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 03, 2015, 03:14:36 PM
Why do I get the feeling they'll pull a huge plot twist at the end, where the Astonishing was just a bad dream Nicholas had  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 03:15:29 PM
I dunno. Why are people so obsessed with teh idea of this being MtroLOLis Part Le Third?!?!111
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 03:15:45 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 03, 2015, 03:14:36 PM
Why do I get the feeling they'll pull a huge plot twist at the end, where the Astonishing was just a bad dream Nicholas had  :rollin

Open your eyes, Nicholas!  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Whrobmp on December 03, 2015, 03:20:51 PM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on December 03, 2015, 02:52:50 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 02:42:25 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on December 03, 2015, 02:35:39 PM
I still don't hear the autotune even after focusing on it and replaying the part over and over.
Same here for me. I've re-listened to the timestamp provided 10+ times and I got nothing.  :huh:

I just went back to it and there is just something off about it. It's like "...people have no time for music anymore..." and it sounds like they tried to lower the pitch when LaBrie sings "time", so it sounds like "time[uaauw]", just between 1:22 and 1:23

Guys, It's has been made on purpose! Because people have no time for music anymoooaaahhhh

BTW, great single! :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: genome on December 03, 2015, 03:23:52 PM
Not a fan of the drum sound again, but better than anything off DT12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 03, 2015, 03:24:01 PM
Not worried in the least about shorter songs if their structure serve the story, like One Last Time and especially Finally Free.

Also, Act II has 6 songs less and it has the title track, that must account for something, assuming the acts will be somehow balanced.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 03, 2015, 03:25:53 PM
Quote from: Whrobmp on December 03, 2015, 03:20:51 PM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on December 03, 2015, 02:52:50 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 02:42:25 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on December 03, 2015, 02:35:39 PM
I still don't hear the autotune even after focusing on it and replaying the part over and over.
Same here for me. I've re-listened to the timestamp provided 10+ times and I got nothing.  :huh:

I just went back to it and there is just something off about it. It's like "...people have no time for music anymore..." and it sounds like they tried to lower the pitch when LaBrie sings "time", so it sounds like "time[uaauw]", just between 1:22 and 1:23

Guys, It's has been made on purpose! Because people have no time for music anymoooaaahhhh

BTW, great single! :)

 :rollin :rollin :lol :rollin :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 03:26:00 PM
Quote from: Whrobmp on December 03, 2015, 03:20:51 PM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on December 03, 2015, 02:52:50 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 02:42:25 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on December 03, 2015, 02:35:39 PM
I still don't hear the autotune even after focusing on it and replaying the part over and over.
Same here for me. I've re-listened to the timestamp provided 10+ times and I got nothing.  :huh:

I just went back to it and there is just something off about it. It's like "...people have no time for music anymore..." and it sounds like they tried to lower the pitch when LaBrie sings "time", so it sounds like "time[uaauw]", just between 1:22 and 1:23

Guys, It's has been made on purpose! Because people have no time for music anymoooaaahhhh

BTW, great single! :)

Actually, after listening a couple of times...the whole line "people just don't..." to the most audible "time" are actually wrongfully melodyned. Very very weird!! Why would they actually release a single with such a mistake! OR as you are saying...they might wanna make a statement within those lines
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on December 03, 2015, 03:27:17 PM
Quote from: ErHaO on December 03, 2015, 03:04:27 PM
Vocalists are perfectly capable of changing their pitch within the same note. In fact, if I drop my larynx while singing a word I get a somewhat similar result. It may sound weird and people may argue improper singing technique, but that would not be an editing error. I highly doubt this is a blatant sound production edit they just left in like this. Seems like a stylistic choice.

I'm not a professional, but it doesn't really sound like a human sound to me. This is more or less what I'm hearing:

(https://i.imgur.com/GHUkIhK.png)

The uaaww doesn't sound like something people could do with their voice.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 03, 2015, 03:27:36 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 03:15:45 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 03, 2015, 03:14:36 PM
Why do I get the feeling they'll pull a huge plot twist at the end, where the Astonishing was just a bad dream Nicholas had  :rollin

Open your eyes, Nicholas!  :lol

"Open your eyes, Nicholas. Look at the world around you, I am Gabriel your saviour. I will save you from the NOMACS and emperor Nafaryus. I will bring an end to the dark master"  :justjen
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Awake77 on December 03, 2015, 03:27:41 PM
I like the song, especially the instrumental part after 3:24 which has a cool Blind Faith vibe to me.
I guess the choice of the song was due to the fact that it's probably the first one sung, so it can introduce the overall theme without giving away the plot. Probably it's not the best one… but I think it is a nice starter.
The drum sound has definitely improved, and the overall mix too.
I am very curious to hear the "clutch of unorthodox instruments" on the album!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolfking on December 03, 2015, 03:28:46 PM
Quote from: Zook on December 03, 2015, 02:10:50 PM
Ok song. Sounds like it's a transitional song. Not like a segue or anything. More of a filler to keep the story going.

Exactly my thoughts too.  I don't think it's fair to really judge it as it will probably work a lot better in the context of the album.

I don't mind it, but only listened to it once, and don't really have much of an urge to repeat it.  I'd rather wait for the full album.  I get a heavy SDOIT, About to Crash vibe too.  The instrumental was really cool though.  Looking forward to the whole concept.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 03:30:32 PM
I know we all joke on here that The Astonishing would be the new Falling Into Infinity...

Because A Dramatic Turn of Events was Images and Words part 2


But FII was originally going to be a double album...And on The Astonishing they've used an outside writer...

:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ErHaO on December 03, 2015, 03:31:28 PM
Quote from: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 03:09:50 PM
Quote from: ErHaO on December 03, 2015, 03:04:27 PM
Vocalists are perfectly capable of changing their pitch within the same note. In fact, if I drop my larynx while singing a word I get a somewhat similar result. It may sound weird and people may argue improper singing technique, but that would not be an editing error. I highly doubt this is a blatant autotune edit they just left in like this. Seems like a stylistic choice.

No, it's definitely a MELODYNE edit mistake...not Auto-Tune!! Watch this video: https://youtu.be/aw5MHXQpsbk

If you tweak the notes to much...then you'll get that "timeeee" effect!! Trust me, I work/record/edit professionally...and there's no way you as a vocalist can naturally sound that way! If you actually can...then you're a living melodyne machine 😄😉

Ok, I believe you but I do not hear it so clearly myself (a complete and external pitch change, not arguing they did not use editing software in general, that is normal). To me it really doesn't sound that far of a singer using larynx movements to drop pitch to me. Maybe I'll make a thread in the future using my vocals showing what I mean (Obviously I do not have the same voice as Labrie so it will sound different).

To be honest I do not like major changes in vocals with software (depending on the music).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 03, 2015, 03:33:26 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 03:30:32 PM
I know we all joke on here that The Astonishing would be the new Falling Into Infinity...

Because A Dramatic Turn of Events was Images and Words part 2


But FII was originally going to be a double album...And on The Astonishing they've used an outside writer...

:lol

I can't wait to hear the new version of lines in the sand  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 03:35:53 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:54:53 PM
I've always thought it weird that we tune guitars. we tune drums. we tune pianos.

but if we tune vocals on a studio album - people are like :dangerwillrobinson: dafuq
A very interesting point of view.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on December 03, 2015, 03:37:28 PM
Ha, I heard the track when I was out. Just got in and thought "wonder what the DT forum thinks..." and come here to see 20 more odd pages than when I checked this morning. I guess it's to be expected.

Anyway I can't be bothered to read through it all, especially with all this Metropolis Pt 3 and auto-tune shite, but I reckon pretty much everyone is digging this. Sounds like it could have been released between SFAM and SDOIT.

I've been holding out that Dream Theater have one last great album in them, a final huzzah to make me feel the spirit of the old days. This is shaping up nicely.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 03, 2015, 03:38:52 PM
Quote from: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 03:26:00 PM
Quote from: Whrobmp on December 03, 2015, 03:20:51 PM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on December 03, 2015, 02:52:50 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 02:42:25 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on December 03, 2015, 02:35:39 PM
I still don't hear the autotune even after focusing on it and replaying the part over and over.
Same here for me. I've re-listened to the timestamp provided 10+ times and I got nothing.  :huh:

I just went back to it and there is just something off about it. It's like "...people have no time for music anymore..." and it sounds like they tried to lower the pitch when LaBrie sings "time", so it sounds like "time[uaauw]", just between 1:22 and 1:23

Guys, It's has been made on purpose! Because people have no time for music anymoooaaahhhh

BTW, great single! :)

Actually, after listening a couple of times...the whole line "people just don't..." to the most audible "time" are actually wrongfully melodyned. Very very weird!! Why would they actually release a single with such a mistake! OR as you are saying...they might wanna make a statement within those lines

Don't point out flaws to women.  You'll never get laid.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 03, 2015, 03:41:29 PM
Calling it now: the beginning of this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY) is Descent of the NOMACS and Dystopian Overture is a part of it
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on December 03, 2015, 03:43:28 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 03, 2015, 03:38:52 PM
Quote from: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 03:26:00 PM
Quote from: Whrobmp on December 03, 2015, 03:20:51 PM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on December 03, 2015, 02:52:50 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 02:42:25 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on December 03, 2015, 02:35:39 PM
I still don't hear the autotune even after focusing on it and replaying the part over and over.
Same here for me. I've re-listened to the timestamp provided 10+ times and I got nothing.  :huh:

I just went back to it and there is just something off about it. It's like "...people have no time for music anymore..." and it sounds like they tried to lower the pitch when LaBrie sings "time", so it sounds like "time[uaauw]", just between 1:22 and 1:23

Guys, It's has been made on purpose! Because people have no time for music anymoooaaahhhh

BTW, great single! :)

Actually, after listening a couple of times...the whole line "people just don't..." to the most audible "time" are actually wrongfully melodyned. Very very weird!! Why would they actually release a single with such a mistake! OR as you are saying...they might wanna make a statement within those lines

Don't point out flaws to women.  You'll never get laid.

"So is that your real make-up or do you want to make a statement with that?"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 03, 2015, 03:46:58 PM
Quote from: Lucien on December 03, 2015, 03:41:29 PM
Calling it now: the beginning of this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY) is Descent of the NOMACS and Dystopian Overture is a part of it

I think you're spot on!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: genome on December 03, 2015, 03:49:01 PM
Can't hear anything auto-tuney. I think it's just his delivery.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 03:50:50 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on December 03, 2015, 03:46:58 PM
Quote from: Lucien on December 03, 2015, 03:41:29 PM
Calling it now: the beginning of this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY) is Descent of the NOMACS and Dystopian Overture is a part of it

I think you're spot on!

If that's on the album i'll eat my socks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 03:52:11 PM
Alright guys, we don't have to get into a fight about the whole "autotune" thing. We can be civilized :lol

To me it doesn't even phase me at all and I'd rather just drop it ;)

Just one little mistake in the Melodyne it sounds like to my ears. Maybe others see it differently

But to people getting upset about the supposed "glitch" and to people getting upset at those people . . . let's just enjoy the song ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Progmetty on December 03, 2015, 03:52:32 PM
If this turns out to be really formulated like The Wall it would be such an exciting experience to hear the DT take on that format.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 03, 2015, 03:52:41 PM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on December 03, 2015, 03:43:28 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 03, 2015, 03:38:52 PM
Quote from: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 03:26:00 PM
Quote from: Whrobmp on December 03, 2015, 03:20:51 PM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on December 03, 2015, 02:52:50 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 02:42:25 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on December 03, 2015, 02:35:39 PM
I still don't hear the autotune even after focusing on it and replaying the part over and over.
Same here for me. I've re-listened to the timestamp provided 10+ times and I got nothing.  :huh:

I just went back to it and there is just something off about it. It's like "...people have no time for music anymore..." and it sounds like they tried to lower the pitch when LaBrie sings "time", so it sounds like "time[uaauw]", just between 1:22 and 1:23

Guys, It's has been made on purpose! Because people have no time for music anymoooaaahhhh

BTW, great single! :)

Actually, after listening a couple of times...the whole line "people just don't..." to the most audible "time" are actually wrongfully melodyned. Very very weird!! Why would they actually release a single with such a mistake! OR as you are saying...they might wanna make a statement within those lines

Don't point out flaws to women.  You'll never get laid.

"So is that your real make-up or do you want to make a statement with that?"

I'm saying stop looking for the negative and enjoy that moment.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: JMSE on December 03, 2015, 03:53:08 PM
I'm so happy I'm blessed with ignorant ears for these auto tunning things. It'd hate it if something minor like one sec of vocal would be the main take away from a song  :lol

Loved the single and its "about to crash" vibe. It's a nice break from other first singles we got which were more on the heavy side. Now, the song is very good but that interview by JP is the thing that took my hype to "over 9000!" levels. For years they've said they would love to score a movie; so what do they do? they create their own story to score. Brilliant.

I said it over at the MP forum, I hope they release a special edition collector edition with a book like Steven Wilson has been doing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 03, 2015, 03:59:23 PM
Quote from: Lucien on December 03, 2015, 03:41:29 PM
Calling it now: the beginning of this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gex6oo7U8FY) is Descent of the NOMACS and Dystopian Overture is a part of it

There's a few more videos (like a Sweetwater video) with Rudess, that would have parts of Astonishing on it too. But yes, I heard that recently and I'd be surprised if it wasn't.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 03, 2015, 04:07:38 PM
I like it a lot.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on December 03, 2015, 04:09:30 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 03:50:50 PM
If that's on the album i'll eat my socks.

Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 03:50:50 PM
If that's on the album i'll eat my socks.

Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 03:50:50 PM
i'll eat my socks.

It's not on the album, guys.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: FsF on December 03, 2015, 04:14:43 PM
Bloody hell, now I can't unhear the Melodyne flub. At least we've sorted out what this album's early talking points are going to revolve around (ADTOE's IAW comparisons, DT12's cover artwork being cut off)...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 04:18:45 PM
Quote from: FsF on December 03, 2015, 04:14:43 PM
Bloody hell, now I can't unhear the Melodyne flub. At least we've sorted out what this album's early talking points are going to revolve around (ADTOE's IAW comparisons, DT12's cover artwork being cut off)...

I know, I wish I never read the comment about it :lol . . . but yeah like I said let's just drop it and enjoy the song everyone ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 04:20:06 PM
I don't have the album, so I wouldn't know if it actually is on the album or not, but I'm pretty certain that those aren't.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 03, 2015, 04:25:09 PM
Anyone else get an OTBOA vibe in the section like 2:54-3:15? I've seen people referencing ATC a few times, but to me the OTBOA outro was the closest thing I felt any part of the song came to.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 04:27:16 PM
Quote from: Podaar on December 03, 2015, 04:09:30 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 03:50:50 PM
If that's on the album i'll eat my socks.

Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 03:50:50 PM
If that's on the album i'll eat my socks.

Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 03:50:50 PM
i'll eat my socks.

It's not on the album, guys.
I doubt Noxon has heard the entire album yet, but I wouldn't doubt him if he makes a claim like this.

edit: ninja'd by Noxon
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 03, 2015, 04:45:21 PM
LYRICS:

Far in the distant future
Beyond the pages of our time
Cold-blooded wicked tyrants
Threatened the freedom of mankind

Corruption, lust, and greed
Define the new nobility
Changing the course of history

ARHYS:

I cross the vast North Empire
Most people struggle to survive
Living a meek existence
Where they're secluded ______

We are living day to day
Forced to bear the lion's share
People just don't have the time for music anymore
And no one seems to care

My friends have seen the Chosen One
The quest for freedom has begun
He will be the answer to our prayers

There walks a god among us
Who's seen the writing on the wall
He is the revolution
He'll be the one to save us all

My brother Gabriel
Is all the hope we need
Shining like a beacon in the night
Shepherd of Ravenskill, a reason to believe
Music is the gift he brings
The songbird stops to listen when he sings


----------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to help fill in the gaps I can't quite make out
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: olddtfan51@gmail.com on December 03, 2015, 04:54:59 PM
Hey Guys I just saw in Rolling Stone that the new album will be out January 29.  :omg: :metal :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 04:55:43 PM
Quote from: Lucien on December 03, 2015, 04:45:21 PM
LYRICS:

Far in the distant future
Beyond the pages of our time
Cold-blooded wicked tyrant
(Dreamt?)  _____ in the freedom of mankind

Corruption, lust, and greed
Define the new nobility
Changing the course of history

ARHYS:

I cross the vast North Empire
Most people struggle to survive
Living a meek existence
Where they're secluded ______

We are living day to day
Forced to bear the lion's share
People just don't have the time for music anymore
And no one seems to care

My friends have seen the Chosen One
The quest for freedom has begun
He will be the answer to our prayers

There walks a god among us
Who's seen the writing on the wall
He is the revolution
He'll be the one to save us all

My brother Gabriel
Is all the hope we need
Shining like a beacon in the night
_____ of Ravenskill, a reason to believe
Music is the gift he brings
The song ___________ when he sings

Nice interpretation! Someone asked me to try to hear it out and mine came out a bit different (yours might be more spot on).

Far in the distant future
Beyond the pages of our time
Cold-blooded wicked tyrants
Threaten the freedom of mankind

Corruption, lust, and greed
Define the new nobility
Changing the course of history

Across the vast north empire
Most people struggle to survive
Living a meek existence
(Can’t make out this line)

We are living day to day
Forced to bear the lion’s share
People just don’t have the time for music anymore
And no one seems to care

My friends have seen the chosen one
Our quest for freedom has begun
He will be the answer to our prayers

There walks a guy among us
Who’s seen the writing on the wall
He is the revolution
He’ll be the one to save us all

My brother Gabriel
Is all the hope we need
Shining like a beacon in the dark

(Can’t make out this part) Ravenskill
A reason to believe
Music is the gift he brings
(Can’t make out this line)

Perhaps this will help your blank parts and yours can correct the errors of mine :lol 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 04:58:44 PM
Listening to it there are parts yours are definitely sound more right than mine :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 04:58:57 PM
"threaten the freedom"

"shepherd of ravenskill"

"the songbirds stop to listen "

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 03, 2015, 04:59:54 PM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on December 03, 2015, 04:25:09 PM
Anyone else get an OTBOA vibe in the section like 2:54-3:15? I've seen people referencing ATC a few times, but to me the OTBOA outro was the closest thing I felt any part of the song came to.
First few notes sound like OTBOA intro as well
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 05:00:34 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 04:58:57 PM
"threaten the freedom"

"shepherd of ravenskill"

"the songbirds stop to listen "

Good ear Noxon! Sounds about right ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 03, 2015, 05:03:51 PM
Quote from: Lucien on December 03, 2015, 04:45:21 PM
LYRICS:

Far in the distant future
Beyond the pages of our time
Cold-blooded wicked tyrant
(Dreamt?)  _____ in the freedom of mankind

Corruption, lust, and greed
Define the new nobility
Changing the course of history

ARHYS:

I cross the vast North Empire
Most people struggle to survive
Living a meek existence
Where they're secluded ______

We are living day to day
Forced to bear the lion's share
People just don't have the time for music anymore
And no one seems to care

My friends have seen the Chosen One
The quest for freedom has begun
He will be the answer to our prayers

There walks a god among us
Who's seen the writing on the wall
He is the revolution
He'll be the one to save us all

My brother Gabriel
Is all the hope we need
Shining like a beacon in the night
_____ of Ravenskill, a reason to believe
Music is the gift he brings
The song ___________ when he sings


----------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to help fill in the gaps I can't quite make out
Who do you guys think is the writer of those lyrics? I think it might even be Myung...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 03, 2015, 05:04:32 PM
edited
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on December 03, 2015, 05:04:54 PM
"secludedly oppressed"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 03, 2015, 05:07:33 PM
The new song is FANTASTIC. Classic Dream Theater.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 05:07:40 PM
This is how it sounds to me now, Lucien do you differ in places? (No problem if so, we'll figure this out :lol)

Far in the distant future
Beyond the pages of our time
Cold-blooded wicked tyrants
Threaten the freedom of mankind

Corruption, lust, and greed
Define the new nobility
Changing the course of history
   
Across the vast north empire
Most people struggle to survive
Living a meek existence
While they’re secludedly oppressed

We are living day to day
Forced to bear the lion’s share
People just don’t have the time for music anymore
And no one seems to care

My friends have seen the chosen one
Our quest for freedom has begun
He will be the answer to our prayers

There walks a God among us
Who’s seen the writing on the wall
He is the revolution
He’ll be the one to save us all

My brother Gabriel
Is all the hope we need
Shining like a beacon in the night

Shepherd of Ravenskill
Our reason to believe
Music is the gift he brings
The songbirds stop to listen when he sings
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 03, 2015, 05:12:21 PM
Far in the distant future
Beyond the pages of our time
Cold-blooded wicked tyrants
Threatened the freedom of mankind

Corruption, lust, and greed
Define the new nobility
Changing the course of history

ARHYS:

I cross the vast North Empire
Most people struggle to survive
Living a meek existence
Where they're (secludedly oppressed [I really feel like this isn't it])

We are living day to day
Forced to bear the lion's share
People just don't have the time for music anymore
And no one seems to care

My friends have seen the Chosen One
Our quest for freedom has begun
He will be the answer to our prayers

There walks a god among us
Who's seen the writing on the wall
He is the revolution
He'll be the one to save us all

My brother Gabriel
Is all the hope we need
Shining like a beacon in the night

Shepherd of Ravenskill,
A reason to believe
Music is the gift he brings
The songbird stops to listen when he sings
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 05:14:16 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 05:00:34 PM

Good ear Noxon! Sounds about right ;)

Well, I -have- heard it like 50 times already, so... Of course, some of it may be a mondegreen.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 05:15:01 PM
Quote from: Lucien on December 03, 2015, 05:12:21 PM
Far in the distant future
Beyond the pages of our time
Cold-blooded wicked tyrants
Threatened the freedom of mankind

Corruption, lust, and greed
Define the new nobility
Changing the course of history

ARHYS:

I cross the vast North Empire
Most people struggle to survive
Living a meek existence
Where they're (secludedly oppressed [I really feel like this isn't it])

We are living day to day
Forced to bear the lion's share
People just don't have the time for music anymore
And no one seems to care

My friends have seen the Chosen One
Our quest for freedom has begun
He will be the answer to our prayers

There walks a god among us
Who's seen the writing on the wall
He is the revolution
He'll be the one to save us all

My brother Gabriel
Is all the hope we need
Shining like a beacon in the night

Shepherd of Ravenskill,
A reason to believe
Music is the gift he brings
The songbird stops to listen when he sings

I'll brb to listen along in 15 minutes, but it looks like we're making progress! Almost there! :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 05:17:01 PM
https://itun.es/gb/aOuq_

Album is on iTunes for pre order.

Says January 29th.

I will buy the single tomorrow. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 03, 2015, 05:19:55 PM
Quote
Genres: Rock, Music, Hard Rock
Ah, music, my favorite genre, and iTunes picked it for the new Dream Theater album!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Cedar redaC on December 03, 2015, 05:21:51 PM
This is so cool. The bit where the choir comes in is just... AHHHH!
















Indeed, you could say it's... Astonishing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: weezul on December 03, 2015, 05:29:27 PM
Quote from: alexofsweden on December 03, 2015, 03:09:50 PM
Quote from: ErHaO on December 03, 2015, 03:04:27 PM
Vocalists are perfectly capable of changing their pitch within the same note. In fact, if I drop my larynx while singing a word I get a somewhat similar result. It may sound weird and people may argue improper singing technique, but that would not be an editing error. I highly doubt this is a blatant autotune edit they just left in like this. Seems like a stylistic choice.

Exactly this.

No, it's definitely a MELODYNE edit mistake...not Auto-Tune!! Watch this video: https://youtu.be/aw5MHXQpsbk

If you tweak the notes to much...then you'll get that "timeeee" effect!! Trust me, I work/record/edit professionally...and there's no way you as a vocalist can naturally sound that way! If you actually can...then you're a living melodyne machine 😄😉


EXACTLY this. I also work in recording studios as an engineer/producer for a living, and have heard the effect countless times while working in melodyne. Sometimes you have to just battle a bit to make it work, cut the note differently, infact I get this sound when the note has been tracked at the wrong octave. Melodyne needs to hear the original pitch of the note to alter it, and sometimes it gets it wrong due to overtones in the vocal, and then the adjustment sounds very strange.

No one's complaining that the vocals are tuned. Yes, all vocals are tuned nowadays, at least 99 percent of sessions I am doing. The problem is it's the biggest band in the world with a lot of recording budget, the best ears in the business, and that pitch-bending ARTEFACT has made it through. No one stopped, and said 'hold on a minute mate, that word sounds a little off to me.... '  It's the same on Muse's Drones. There's some really bad bits. It's like people aren't even trying to tune vocals well any more. Melodyne is a very powerful and transparent tool when used well, but here something has definitely gone awry. Maybe it happened, and they decided to keep it. Fair enough. But I will assume otherwise until they say. I'd rather go on my years of experience working on tuning vocals than giving them the benefit of the doubt for such a sound on a vocal track.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: splent on December 03, 2015, 05:31:30 PM
If I&W, SFAM, and 6DOIT had a threesome and somehow their music chromosomes combined to create a song, it would be The Gift of Music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseCullen on December 03, 2015, 05:32:08 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 05:17:01 PM
https://itun.es/gb/aOuq_

Album is on iTunes for pre order.

Says January 29th.

I will buy the single tomorrow. :)

Damn its not on the Canadian iTunes yet.  :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 05:34:05 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 03, 2015, 05:15:01 PM
Quote from: Lucien on December 03, 2015, 05:12:21 PM
Far in the distant future
Beyond the pages of our time
Cold-blooded wicked tyrants
Threatened the freedom of mankind

Corruption, lust, and greed
Define the new nobility
Changing the course of history

ARHYS:

I cross the vast North Empire
Most people struggle to survive
Living a meek existence
Where they're (secludedly oppressed [I really feel like this isn't it])

We are living day to day
Forced to bear the lion's share
People just don't have the time for music anymore
And no one seems to care

My friends have seen the Chosen One
Our quest for freedom has begun
He will be the answer to our prayers

There walks a god among us
Who's seen the writing on the wall
He is the revolution
He'll be the one to save us all

My brother Gabriel
Is all the hope we need
Shining like a beacon in the night

Shepherd of Ravenskill,
A reason to believe
Music is the gift he brings
The songbird stops to listen when he sings

I'll brb to listen along in 15 minutes, but it looks like we're making progress! Almost there! :D

Okay looks like you're right in that last stanza :D

It looks like all we need now is to figure out what that one bit we're not sure about is. Any ideas anyone?

Also if anyone hears this differently let us know ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dparrott on December 03, 2015, 05:46:56 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 03, 2015, 03:38:52 PM
Don't point out flaws to women.  You'll never get laid.

I wish I knew that in my 20's  :loser:  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: James.v6 on December 03, 2015, 05:51:39 PM
Guys do you feel something is different then before?
The Astonishing will grow on us with every note ! I need album like this !
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: GasparXR on December 03, 2015, 05:57:17 PM
I almost feel like the previous track, Dystopian Overture, will end with the intro of The Gift of Music, it just seems like it flows in from somewhere. I also really like the sound of the intro so more of that stuff would be cool to hear. Either way, I'm super excited for this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CoT67 on December 03, 2015, 06:05:00 PM
Quote from: Lucien on December 03, 2015, 05:12:21 PM

The songbird stops to listen when he sings

Bioshock Infinite concept confirmed
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: porcacultor on December 03, 2015, 06:10:28 PM
Quote from: YtseCullen on December 03, 2015, 05:32:08 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 05:17:01 PM
https://itun.es/gb/aOuq_

Album is on iTunes for pre order.

Says January 29th.

I will buy the single tomorrow. :)

Damn its not on the Canadian iTunes yet.  :-\

Fill in that gap with... the canadian rap  :hat

I kid, I can't listen to any music til I finish some work (few hours at least) but I've read the reactions and I'm pumped!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 03, 2015, 06:13:39 PM
Quote from: CoT67 on December 03, 2015, 06:05:00 PM
Quote from: Lucien on December 03, 2015, 05:12:21 PM

The songbird stops to listen when he sings

Bioshock Infinite concept confirmed

My thoughts exactly. Hey, I loved that game, so why not?  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 03, 2015, 06:14:02 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 03, 2015, 03:38:52 PM
Don't point out flaws to women.  You'll never get laid.

Listen to this good man.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DragonAttack on December 03, 2015, 06:14:43 PM
<deleted>
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jdprsaga on December 03, 2015, 06:15:34 PM
From that article in RollingStones it seems like David Campbell had a very important role in the album, he's role as composer seems the role of a producer in some songs, they were open to his opinion etc.

I'm really impressed with the whole article
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 03, 2015, 06:19:01 PM
The instrumental-end is making me so happy. So intense, this is just 4 mins of 2 hrs 10 mins. Holy sh-t holy sh-t holy sh-t!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 03, 2015, 06:42:56 PM
Just the thought of adding real choirs and orchestra to the DT sound gives me that really excited feeling. Now that I've had a snack of it, I want the whole kitchen :lol But I shall wait patiently until January 29th.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: fischermasamune on December 03, 2015, 06:58:13 PM
At the first five listens I thought the lyrics were too straightforward at the start, and couldn't understand a big chunk of them (not a native English speaker), but liked the instrumental.

Now that some people figured the lyrics out (thanks guys!!) and that it's Arhys singing about his brotha, it became poetry! Lyrics of highest quality! I'm excited as hell with this song. It will make to the first division of DT League.

Can't wait for the rest of the album!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 03, 2015, 07:29:17 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:34:10 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 02:30:39 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:29:09 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 03, 2015, 02:17:54 PM
I've been hearing this track for weeks now. And I didn't even once bat my eye on Labries singing. Until you made me listen for the flaw. Now I can't unhear it. Damn you!

I listened to that time stamp a few times, and I still don't hear it.  :dunno:

Some people just love to criticise !

If there is a legitimate editing error, I have no problem passing it along to let them know, because it might just be one of those things where it isn't obvious unless you are listening for it, but once you are aware it is glaring.  That happens.  Bands release albums all the time with things like that.  But in this case, even knowing right where it supposedly is, I just don't hear it.

I also don't hear it at all.  I have no idea how people can hear this stuff.  But I also don't really get all the commotion about the production in general.  DT12 just sounded really tight and clean to me.

Production is like a grand total of 1% of the music listening experience to me.  The only DT album that could benefit from a re-master IMO is WDADU.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 03, 2015, 07:33:10 PM
Quote from: YtseCullen on December 03, 2015, 05:32:08 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 03, 2015, 05:17:01 PM
https://itun.es/gb/aOuq_

Album is on iTunes for pre order.

Says January 29th.

I will buy the single tomorrow. :)

Damn its not on the Canadian iTunes yet.  :-\
Same with the U.S. I'm assuming it will go live in everyone's respective regions when it's midnight, as in Friday, as it's already past 12 in the UK.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Gpals71 on December 03, 2015, 07:51:59 PM
You can get the single on Spotify too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 03, 2015, 08:03:23 PM
Quote from: DreamTension on December 03, 2015, 03:12:00 PM
Epic teaser that really leaves you wanting more!  To me, the snare sounds like I&W...better than last time for sure (felt distracting to me on DT12). Overall mix feels much more open than DT12.  My favorite part is when the dirty organ comes out to play, leading into the orchestra that slowly creeps into the guitar riff. :metal  Quality stuff!  Choir sounds great as well.  Also have mention I love Myung on this song! Pretty clean and in your face bass sound.

Mine too.  I've been really missing this sound out of the band.  Strings and piano are fine, but that distorted rock organ needs to be thrown into the mix a lot more.  The absolute best in this regard is the Child in Time - Deep Purple organ.

I'm also excited to here that massive pipe organ sound on whatever track it's used in.

Overall,  I like the sounds used in this track a lot better than anything recently, including the effects.  The overall composition, though, I find is somewhat color-by-numbers Dream Theater.  It has a good energy and a somewhat positive sound, which I have wanted to hear more of.  But there's nothing new in here that's going to appeal to non DT fans.  For a single (not that DT's singles are ever typical singles, nor should they be), it lacks both the musical and vocal hooks to appeal to a wider audience, and it's similarly lacking in atmosphere given my expectations for this album (but I find most post Kevin Moore DT lacking in atmosphere, with a few exceptions like Octavarium the song, Bridges in the Sky, TCOT, and a few others).

With that said, it's only 4 out of apparently 130 minutes of music.  It's not bad.  Just nothing groundbreaking.  I'm betting this only scratches the surface.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TempusVox on December 03, 2015, 09:10:55 PM
Excellent! Love the concept and the song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 10:06:47 PM
About the perception that a few of you think you are hearing a melodyne artifact:  I asked the band, and there is NO melodyne or other effects on that part of the song.  That is purely how James sang the line.  I have this confirmed directly from the band.  They also said they appreciate that the fans dig so deep and analyze the music on such a deep level as that.  But no melodyne. 

One other misconception to clear up:  I have noticed a few people refer to the song as the first "single."  It isn't really a "single."  It is a preview for us to get a sampling of the album. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 03, 2015, 10:09:20 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 10:06:47 PM
About the perception that a few of you think you are hearing a melodyne artifact:  I asked the band, and there is NO melodyne or other effects on that part of the song.  That is purely how James sang the line.  I have this confirmed directly from the band.  They also said they appreciate that the fans dig so deep and analyze the music on such a deep level as that.  But no melodyne. 
 

Cool.

Sadly, the song isn't even a day old to us yet and people are already beating that drum to death.  Ugh.

DTF: where we love to pick nits! :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 03, 2015, 10:32:29 PM
It's DTF. The 'under the microscope' analysis is going to happen.

Thanks, Bosk, for getting the info directly from the band.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 03, 2015, 10:40:04 PM
"Songbirds stop to listen when he sings" is such a great line.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Flacracker on December 03, 2015, 10:59:19 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 10:06:47 PM
About the perception that a few of you think you are hearing a melodyne artifact:  I asked the band, and there is NO melodyne or other effects on that part of the song.  That is purely how James sang the line.  I have this confirmed directly from the band.  They also said they appreciate that the fans dig so deep and analyze the music on such a deep level as that.  But no melodyne. 

One other misconception to clear up:  I have noticed a few people refer to the song as the first "single."  It isn't really a "single."  It is a preview for us to get a sampling of the album.
I mean what else are they going to say though?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 03, 2015, 11:13:19 PM
Hey Bosk, do you know if JP wrote all the lyrics himself After reading the Rolling Stone article, it sure seems that way. I seem to remember him saying in an interview that that's something he's always wanted to do.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 03, 2015, 11:29:24 PM
Okay, I stand corrected! I have no reason to doubt that James makes that sound - but it does sound quite similar to the correction. As I said - I didn't notice it in weeks, so it's not like it leaps out at you.

Leave it to DT fans everywhere to nitpick and be besserwissers ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Onno on December 03, 2015, 11:35:16 PM
So after ADTOE (which I thought was an ok album) and DT12 (which I didn't really like) I wasn't expecting to get blown away by any new song or even get hyped for the album. But the first time I heard The Gift of Music it just clicked. THIS is what I missed on ADTOE and DT12. I am so stoked right now.

And the mix. Holy shit, the mix. It sounds really, really amazing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 03, 2015, 11:49:16 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 10:06:47 PM
About the perception that a few of you think you are hearing a melodyne artifact:  I asked the band, and there is NO melodyne or other effects on that part of the song.  That is purely how James sang the line.  I have this confirmed directly from the band.  They also said they appreciate that the fans dig so deep and analyze the music on such a deep level as that.  But no melodyne. 

One other misconception to clear up:  I have noticed a few people refer to the song as the first "single."  It isn't really a "single."  It is a preview for us to get a sampling of the album.
So it really came to that, bosk asking the band if they used pitch-correction software  :lol Prog metal fans, indeed!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 03, 2015, 11:58:23 PM
I don't hear blatant pitch correction there, and I'm the complainiest about pitch correction artifacts. :lol
Maybe it is tweaked, and noticeable if you work with the software, but it doesn't sound unnatural to me, especially to the point that it will ever bother me, and pitch correction regularly bothers me on modern albums.

Production wise, I'm happy with this all around.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: adastra on December 04, 2015, 12:00:21 AM
I didn't like OTBOA and TEI  , but this one I like :)   Happy and positive sounding melodic song!  But I have to say that IMO  the drums sound like shit.
Very excited to hear the rest of the album!

edit:  Oh, and Petrucci's playing sounds somehow fresh! Nice riffs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 04, 2015, 01:16:20 AM
As I said, I don't know what melodyne is, so if the band says that there isn't any, then fine. But it does not sound natural, and I do not believe that that vocal line isn't tinkered with in some way.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 04, 2015, 01:18:38 AM
Holy fucking shit are we STILL talking about the sodding pitch correction ?  :facepalm: :facepalm:

EVERY BAND DOES IT. GET OVER IT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 04, 2015, 01:19:38 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 10:06:47 PM
About the perception that a few of you think you are hearing a melodyne artifact:  I asked the band, and there is NO melodyne or other effects on that part of the song.  That is purely how James sang the line.  I have this confirmed directly from the band.  They also said they appreciate that the fans dig so deep and analyze the music on such a deep level as that.  But no melodyne. 

One other misconception to clear up:  I have noticed a few people refer to the song as the first "single."  It isn't really a "single."  It is a preview for us to get a sampling of the album.

Thanks ! :bosky:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 04, 2015, 01:24:49 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 04, 2015, 01:18:38 AM
Holy fucking shit are we STILL talking about the sodding pitch correction ?  :facepalm: :facepalm:

EVERY BAND DOES IT. GET OVER IT.

Yeah, bands can do it all they like, but it can't sound like a mistake.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DT_1928 on December 04, 2015, 01:38:21 AM
So the album is up for pre-order on the uk amazon site ... but there are 2 versions. One with a GNE logo and one with a RRM logo ... they both have a different Amazon ID number, no mention of either being a special edition etc ... both track lists are missing the last 2 songs of Act 2 though

Anybody think there could be something to it, or just a mistake on amazon's part??
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 04, 2015, 01:40:06 AM
Who thinks that Petrucci will end up getting The Astonishing turned into a movie? (as he mentioned in the rolling Stone article)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on December 04, 2015, 01:53:58 AM
Anyone see the new Megadeth artwork for Dystopia (releasing one week prior to the Astonishing)?  The new video/tune premiered this weekend features two white NOMAC-type orbs floating about a retro-futuristic dystopian cityscape.   Man, that's gotta be like when two women show up to the dance wearing the same dress.

 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Mladen on December 04, 2015, 01:55:15 AM
Wow, I wish I could read all ten pages of discussion.

I'm loving this song, bring on the album!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 04, 2015, 02:25:01 AM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on December 04, 2015, 01:53:58 AM
Anyone see the new Megadeth artwork for Dystopia (releasing one week prior to the Astonishing)?  The new video/tune premiered this weekend features two white NOMAC-type orbs floating about a retro-futuristic dystopian cityscape.   Man, that's gotta be like when two women show up to the dance wearing the same dress.

Except that Dystopia will be more of the same tired old thrash with Mustaine's increasingly weakening voice. There's someone who does smother his vocals in FX.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 04, 2015, 02:42:00 AM
Quote from: DT_1928 on December 04, 2015, 01:38:21 AM
So the album is up for pre-order on the uk amazon site ... but there are 2 versions. One with a GNE logo and one with a RRM logo ... they both have a different Amazon ID number, no mention of either being a special edition etc ... both track lists are missing the last 2 songs of Act 2 though

Anybody think there could be something to it, or just a mistake on amazon's part??
I doubt that anything will be different except for the booklets with story information perhaps, like the point of view of either side you decide to buy.
I can live with 16 pounds for a CD with so many content on it, that's like 22 euro's, but I'm probably waiting for a deluxe version, not sure yet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r0cken on December 04, 2015, 03:09:15 AM
About the single - first thing that jumped into my head: "Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding"...
I like the way it's so melodic, even though it's almost cheesy. It has some good-feel vibe about it. And oh, it's way too short.
Going to try and not listen to it to death.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 04, 2015, 03:10:27 AM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 04, 2015, 01:40:06 AM
Who thinks that Petrucci will end up getting The Astonishing turned into a movie? (as he mentioned in the rolling Stone article)

This I'm excited about. 2 hours 10 minutes is a long enough time, they can just have the movie be the album with some awesome visuals like is suspected in the live show
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CoT67 on December 04, 2015, 03:18:16 AM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 04, 2015, 01:40:06 AM
Who thinks that Petrucci will end up getting The Astonishing turned into a movie? (as he mentioned in the rolling Stone article)

I think a movie is quite difficult... a musical though? From what TGOM sounds like and from what the concept promises to be, it
could absolutely crush things like American Idiot in that format.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kix on December 04, 2015, 03:53:43 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:08:56 PM
I really, really like this track.  But let me say this:  Although it would be inappropriate for me to give any details on the other tracks I have heard so far, The Gift of Music is nowhere near my favorite.  Those who, like myself, really liked this song are seriously in for a real treat with this album.  This song only scratches the surface.

I echo the above statement 110%.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: tristl on December 04, 2015, 04:03:28 AM
i am just fucking exited, i have already tickets for paris and frankfurt and i really hope it will be soon january 29, hopefully there will be a special edition :hefdaddy :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 04, 2015, 04:09:07 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:08:56 PM
I really, really like this track.  But let me say this:  Although it would be inappropriate for me to give any details on the other tracks I have heard so far, The Gift of Music is nowhere near my favorite.  Those who, like myself, really liked this song are seriously in for a real treat with this album.  This song only scratches the surface.

Holy shit, I didn't see this post.

Now I'm calling it: most of this forum will have The Astonishing as their #1 or #2 album in 3 years
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 04, 2015, 04:09:47 AM
Quote from: Lucien on December 04, 2015, 04:09:07 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:08:56 PM
I really, really like this track.  But let me say this:  Although it would be inappropriate for me to give any details on the other tracks I have heard so far, The Gift of Music is nowhere near my favorite.  Those who, like myself, really liked this song are seriously in for a real treat with this album.  This song only scratches the surface.

Holy shit, I didn't see this post.

Now I'm calling it: most of this forum will have The Astonishing as their #1 or #2 album in 3 years

I'm sure the new album will be great and all, but the chances of it cracking my top 4 are approximately zero.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kix on December 04, 2015, 04:15:44 AM
Across the vast North Empire
Most people struggle to survive
Living a meek existence
While their secluded leader thrives
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 04, 2015, 04:24:17 AM
Quote from: Kix on December 04, 2015, 04:15:44 AM
Across the vast North Empire
Most people struggle to survive
Living a meek existence
While their secluded leader thrives

There we go  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dodido253 on December 04, 2015, 04:32:22 AM
Great song.. but I have serious problem with MM drum sound.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: PixelDream on December 04, 2015, 04:48:37 AM
I dig most of it, but the 'people just don't have the time for music anymore' makes me cringe a bit. But if I couldn't get past such things, I wouldn't be listening to Dream Theater at all. So, nothing new there.

Overall impression:

- Uplifting and energetic track.
- Well-written.
- Cool solo and instrumental part.
- The production is a bit more open than DT12.
- I'm disappointed with the snare, again, although it's not as bad as the DT12 snare. I was secretly hoping for a badass organic snare a la MP era, but whatever, f it.
- Still not feeling Mike Mangini's style at all. He doesn't ruin the music in any way for me, but it's more that MP made the often intricate technical rhythms of the band groovy and listenable nonetheless.

Conclusion:

An above average track for DT coming off the last few records. I'll still be following and I'm anticipating this album quite a bit.

 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 04, 2015, 04:56:03 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 04, 2015, 04:09:47 AM
Quote from: Lucien on December 04, 2015, 04:09:07 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:08:56 PM
I really, really like this track.  But let me say this:  Although it would be inappropriate for me to give any details on the other tracks I have heard so far, The Gift of Music is nowhere near my favorite.  Those who, like myself, really liked this song are seriously in for a real treat with this album.  This song only scratches the surface.

Holy shit, I didn't see this post.

Now I'm calling it: most of this forum will have The Astonishing as their #1 or #2 album in 3 years

I'm sure the new album will be great and all, but the chances of it cracking my top 4 are approximately zero.
Does he mean top DT albums, or top albums? For the vast vast majority of people, the latter is basically impossible.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ErHaO on December 04, 2015, 04:56:13 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 10:06:47 PM
About the perception that a few of you think you are hearing a melodyne artifact:  I asked the band, and there is NO melodyne or other effects on that part of the song.  That is purely how James sang the line.  I have this confirmed directly from the band.  They also said they appreciate that the fans dig so deep and analyze the music on such a deep level as that.  But no melodyne. 

Thanks! I do not doubt people saying this sounds like an editing artifact, but like I said, singers with control over their muscles related to singing techniques are perfectly capable of (unconventional sounding) pitch changes. I was really doubting this was an editing error because of that. If they want the note to sound like that in a studio setting, a singer like Labrie surely is capable achieving it. I can see the use of smoothening vocals with some minor corrections, but changing the whole pitch for me seems redundant if you have a vocalist capable and willing to that in a studio setting. Especially in this type of music.

It probably would be achievable with software editing as well, as people have pointed out here. But that doesn't always mean that is in fact the case. I see far too many people shouting software trickery on the internet if something deviates from the standard sound. But that is understandable, as many artists do in fact alter their vocals way too much.

That said, I really like Labrie's vocals here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on December 04, 2015, 04:59:26 AM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 04, 2015, 01:40:06 AM
Who thinks that Petrucci will end up getting The Astonishing turned into a movie? (as he mentioned in the rolling Stone article)

I've read a lot of books, and listen to a lot of podcasts about the movie industry, and I'd say the chances are incredibly unlikely.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 04, 2015, 05:01:32 AM
Quote from: ariich on December 04, 2015, 04:56:03 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 04, 2015, 04:09:47 AM
Quote from: Lucien on December 04, 2015, 04:09:07 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 03, 2015, 02:08:56 PM
I really, really like this track.  But let me say this:  Although it would be inappropriate for me to give any details on the other tracks I have heard so far, The Gift of Music is nowhere near my favorite.  Those who, like myself, really liked this song are seriously in for a real treat with this album.  This song only scratches the surface.

Holy shit, I didn't see this post.

Now I'm calling it: most of this forum will have The Astonishing as their #1 or #2 album in 3 years

I'm sure the new album will be great and all, but the chances of it cracking my top 4 are approximately zero.
Does he mean top DT albums, or top albums? For the vast vast majority of people, the latter is basically impossible.

Oh, I meant DT albums  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 04, 2015, 05:31:24 AM
Top 3 albums of all time is obviously going to take a miracle, but top 3 DT albums, I could definitely see that if it's going to be anything like or even better than this single.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 04, 2015, 05:32:04 AM
A movie of the scale that this album is having, would cost at least 50 million dollars to produce. At least. There's literally no way anyone is going to throw 50 million at DT -  a band that "only" has 3.6 million followers on facebook, which is 10% of that of Metallica - and https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallicas-james-hetfield-looks-back-on-commercial-failure-of-through-the-never-movie-weve-learned-a-lesson/ speaks volumes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nothingface on December 04, 2015, 05:40:15 AM
A new character was revealed today, encircled by NOMACS.

(https://ihdwallpapers.com/download/tom_cruise_in_oblivion_movie-2880x1800.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on December 04, 2015, 05:44:13 AM
If there's full animations for the whole album you could just show the animations on the screen with the music in cinemas and call that the film.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nefarius on December 04, 2015, 06:26:33 AM
Just to clear something up about pitch correction for people who are not into music engineering and recording...

Assuming we're talking about musicians and techs who know and care about what they are doing, pitch correction tools in the studio are not an evil thing at all. After all studio time is limited and ends at a certain point, no matter how many days and nights you spend there. But the creativity doesn't end once tracking is done, there are many important decisions to make during the mixing process and beyond.

Due to the imperfection of human beings (excluding precision like Mike Mangini's, that's just alien) there will always be a little more vocal vibrato, a fraction less string bending on guitars and basses, or differences in synth mod/pitch wheel use on track A than on track B. Going back to recording just wouldn't make any sense for a tiny issue with the quarter of a second of an otherwise awesome astonishing track.

That's what studio software is great for. Balancing out minuscule discrepancies. Making sure everything is the best it can be. It's not about getting singers derailed by a third back on track, it's about getting the most of the valuable studio time and material and being able to adapt and improve details long after the sessions are over.

Greetings...
Nef
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 04, 2015, 06:39:42 AM
Well said, Nef. We know the truth about performers once they hit the live environment. For a 52 year old man, James still has killer pipes so no complaints here regarding a little studio touch-up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Awaken on December 04, 2015, 06:53:37 AM
Quote from: Nothingface on December 04, 2015, 05:40:15 AM
A new character was revealed today, encircled by NOMACS.

(https://ihdwallpapers.com/download/tom_cruise_in_oblivion_movie-2880x1800.jpg)

Tom cruise has a part in The Astonishing?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 04, 2015, 06:59:41 AM
Quote from: Kix on December 04, 2015, 04:15:44 AM
Across the vast North Empire
Most people struggle to survive
Living a meek existence
While their secluded leader thrives


STOP TALKING ABOUT ME AS IF I'M NOT STANDING RIGHT HERE!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 04, 2015, 07:02:35 AM
Quote from: Awaken on December 04, 2015, 06:53:37 AM
Quote from: Nothingface on December 04, 2015, 05:40:15 AM
A new character was revealed today, encircled by NOMACS.

(https://ihdwallpapers.com/download/tom_cruise_in_oblivion_movie-2880x1800.jpg)

Tom cruise has a part in The Astonishing?

I think your funny meter is not working.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bl5150 on December 04, 2015, 07:05:52 AM
Dream Thetan  :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jayvee3 on December 04, 2015, 07:16:58 AM
Fantastic track that just has me crazy excited for the album. What we know of the storyline so far kind of reminds me of the Queen 'We Will Rock You' musical, which saw a distant future where everyone dresses, thinks and acts the same. All musical instruments and composers are forbidden, and rock music is all but unknown. It's up to the characters to bring the music back and change things for the better. This would be a great little concept. Again, purely speculation, but lines like 'people just don't have the time for music anymore' just reminded me of it.

And I'm buggered if I know what is wrong with the 'flaw' that people are talking about. Having said that, I don't have the ear to pick up snare sounds and triggered drums etc that seem a common complaint, and quite frankly, I think I'm better off...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dodido253 on December 04, 2015, 07:27:18 AM
Far in the distant future, beyond the pages of our time.
Cold blooded wicked tyrants, threaten the freedom of mankind.
Corruption, lust, and greed, defy the new nobility -
Changing the course of history.

Across the vast North Empire,
most people struggle to survive.
Living a meek existence, where they're secludedly oppressed.

We are living day to day.
Forced to bear the lions share.
People just don't have the time for music any more.
No one seems to care...
My friends have seen the chosen one,
a quest for freedom has begun!
He will be the answer to our prayers.

There walks a god among us whose seen the writing on the wall.
He is the revolution, he'll be the one to save us all!
My brother Gabriel, is all the hope we need. (Hope we need)
Shining like a beacon in the night. (In the night)
Should give Ravenskill a reason to believe -
Music is the gift he brings, the sun bursts isolation when he sings.

Credit: Dream Theater Argentina FB page
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 04, 2015, 07:43:55 AM
Shining like a bacon in the night
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 04, 2015, 07:44:32 AM
Well, that's wrong.

"the sun bursts isolation when he sings"  :lol

"the songbird stops to listen when he sings"  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TioJorge on December 04, 2015, 07:51:57 AM
Wow! I really like that track. I don't know if it's where I'm at in my life and needing some music like this or just being open to DT after so long or that the music is actually that good and I'm unbiased due to having zero expectations or hopes but I enjoyed that a lot. SO much SFAM oozing from the undertone of the song and I love that. I must confess I have zero fucking clue what any of you are talking about with the voice manipulation...like, at all, and I actively listened for it too. So that's cool. I dunno if it's just my ears or if some of you are full of it but I thought James sounded fantastic and didn't think anything sounded manipulated aside from any everyday, normal album production. Funny because I've been listening to the antithesis of this music a lot lately...A lot of Periphery, old-school Devin Townsend and Mastodon. But maybe that's precisely why I like it.

Another thing that hit me out of left field is Mangini, his part in the moments leading up to and including the actual solo section are fantastic and really pop; he does a lot more than just 'make the beat' and I hope this is a trend that continues throughout the album.

Well hotdamn. Even though I'm nowhere near levels of insanity like some of you mofos, color me officially intrigued and excited for this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 04, 2015, 08:14:03 AM
Quote from: dodido253 on December 04, 2015, 07:27:18 AM

Corruption, lust, and greed, defy the new nobility -


I hear "define" not defy

Quote from: dodido253 on December 04, 2015, 07:27:18 AM

a quest for freedom has begun!

I hear "our quest"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 04, 2015, 08:14:33 AM
Quote from: Nefarius on December 04, 2015, 06:26:33 AM
Just to clear something up about pitch correction for people who are not into music engineering and recording...

Assuming we're talking about musicians and techs who know and care about what they are doing, pitch correction tools in the studio are not an evil thing at all. After all studio time is limited and ends at a certain point, no matter how many days and nights you spend there. But the creativity doesn't end once tracking is done, there are many important decisions to make during the mixing process and beyond.

Due to the imperfection of human beings (excluding precision like Mike Mangini's, that's just alien) there will always be a little more vocal vibrato, a fraction less string bending on guitars and basses, or differences in synth mod/pitch wheel use on track A than on track B. Going back to recording just wouldn't make any sense for a tiny issue with the quarter of a second of an otherwise awesome astonishing track.

That's what studio software is great for. Balancing out minuscule discrepancies. Making sure everything is the best it can be. It's not about getting singers derailed by a third back on track, it's about getting the most of the valuable studio time and material and being able to adapt and improve details long after the sessions are over.

Greetings...
Nef
I don't think anyone is complaining about the using of tuning in the studio, are they? Some people were simply pointing out what seemed to be an error in the process that was causing an aural glitch. We've subsequently had it confirmed that it wasn't that, but it was still a valid thing to raise.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 04, 2015, 08:19:15 AM
I have listened to this song many times since it was released yesterday. I have to say that this song, aside from epics, is the best they have written since the SOIT album. There is some kind of unexplainable magic in their earlier albums. Now i feel like that magic is back.

Also, how do you guys think it will flow into the next song? The song ends about ten seconds before the youtube video finishes. Will that "space" be there on the album, or will it flow more into the next song?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jdprsaga on December 04, 2015, 08:20:53 AM
Is that a Tuba I hear in the lower end starting around 3:40 to the end?? definitely some brass in the lower registry..

btw.. that chorus, with the choir and everything.. hope it revisited later in other songs and segments.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 04, 2015, 08:22:33 AM
Quote from: jdprsaga on December 04, 2015, 08:20:53 AM
Is that a Tuba I hear in the lower end starting around 3:40 to the end??

I don't know if it's a Tuba, but something it is. When i first listened to the song, i thinked that was something wrong on my earphones but it's an instrument on the song.  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 04, 2015, 08:23:33 AM
There is brass, yes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Tomislav95 on December 04, 2015, 08:23:56 AM
I love how The Gift of Music has Dream Theater signature sound all over it but I can't tell it reminds me of any song they ever did :) If whole album is this unique, I will be very satisfied.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 04, 2015, 08:26:32 AM
So, the overall reaction here seems to be overwhelmingly positive.  Good to hear.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 04, 2015, 08:29:50 AM
I just love the song! I don't have anything to describe my feelings about it.  :heart :heart :heart

Hurry 29th January hurry please!  :metal

Now that i heard 15+ times the song, i want to see another character, maybe Faythe or Arabelle (some female side)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AboutToCrash on December 04, 2015, 08:31:01 AM
The break riff after the guitar solo followed by the double kicks and orchestra section is incredible
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 04, 2015, 08:34:47 AM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 04, 2015, 07:02:35 AM
Quote from: Awaken on December 04, 2015, 06:53:37 AM
Quote from: Nothingface on December 04, 2015, 05:40:15 AM
A new character was revealed today, encircled by NOMACS.

(https://ihdwallpapers.com/download/tom_cruise_in_oblivion_movie-2880x1800.jpg)

Tom cruise has a part in The Astonishing?

I think your funny meter is not working.
You didn't know they revealed a character named Jack?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Voices on December 04, 2015, 08:46:56 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on December 04, 2015, 08:31:01 AM
The break riff after the guitar solo followed by the double kicks and orchestra section is incredible

Hellyeah, I loved that part too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamTension on December 04, 2015, 08:52:10 AM
Extra blurry and not much new info, but this from the pre order page.  Can see the full map and the left/right arms of 2 new characters!

(https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a209/dreamtension83/Astonishing_zpsuygvxcau.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on December 04, 2015, 08:54:52 AM
Quote from: dodido253 on December 04, 2015, 07:27:18 AM

Living a meek existence, where they're secludedly oppressed.


Music is the gift he brings, the sun bursts isolation when he sings.

Credit: Dream Theater Argentina FB page

Should be "While their secluded leader thrives"

and

"The songbirds stop to listen when he sings"

Sun bursts isolation doesn't make any sense
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 04, 2015, 08:55:03 AM
Quote from: DreamTension on December 04, 2015, 08:52:10 AM
Extra blurry and not much new info, but this from the pre order page.  Can see the full map and the left/right arms of 2 new characters!

(https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a209/dreamtension83/Astonishing_zpsuygvxcau.jpg)

It's the clock guy/girl!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 04, 2015, 08:57:12 AM
I got an About to Crash style, Don't Look Past Me vibe.

I love how it flows from Dystopian Overture and ends on an instrumental into the next song.

Its like Descent of the NOMACS will be the opening credits, with Dystopian Overture being the music that plays after which leads us into TGoM being the bombastic opening where the sunrise opens up and we see the entire empire in an overview then we're spooked by a NOMAC randomly popping up out of nowhere, like the video.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 04, 2015, 08:59:53 AM
What I find amazing is this track is less than a day old and there's already a ton of cover videos lol. That's true dedication there
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MajorBoobage on December 04, 2015, 09:01:49 AM
Clock guy!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 04, 2015, 09:14:10 AM
I'm trying to order the deluxe box set. When i click on proceed to checkout, nothing happens. Does this happen to any of you too?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 04, 2015, 09:18:21 AM
Wow, we now have the numbers 1-2-3 and what looks like a 4, what could these numbers on the clock mean? :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 04, 2015, 09:23:57 AM
Quote from: rab7 on December 04, 2015, 08:54:52 AM
Quote from: dodido253 on December 04, 2015, 07:27:18 AM

Living a meek existence, where they're secludedly oppressed.


Music is the gift he brings, the sun bursts isolation when he sings.

Credit: Dream Theater Argentina FB page

Should be "While their secluded leader thrives"

and

"The songbirds stop to listen when he sings"

Sun bursts isolation doesn't make any sense

I think you're right, rab7, but to be fair, certain other DT lyrics don't make sense either. "Sharing flesh like envy in cages"? "Like the angel's share, the end is near"?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Smartiejj on December 04, 2015, 09:41:02 AM
Just ordered The Deluxe Boxset, I just couldn't resist! Bring on 22 feb. Amsterdam! :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DragonAttack on December 04, 2015, 09:45:08 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 04, 2015, 09:14:10 AM
I'm trying to order the deluxe box set. When i click on proceed to checkout, nothing happens. Does this happen to any of you too?

Just ordered the standard 2CD package.  My order was 'spinning and spinning' until I put a fake phone number into that required field.  Hope that helps.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 04, 2015, 09:45:24 AM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on December 04, 2015, 08:57:12 AM
I got an About to Crash style, Don't Look Past Me vibe.

I love how it flows from Dystopian Overture and ends on an instrumental into the next song.

Its like Descent of the NOMACS will be the opening credits, with Dystopian Overture being the music that plays after which leads us into TGoM being the bombastic opening where the sunrise opens up and we see the entire empire in an overview then we're spooked by a NOMAC randomly popping up out of nowhere, like the video.
Don't Look Past Me got stuck in my head several times yesterday because of listening to this song. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought of that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: As I Am on December 04, 2015, 09:55:58 AM
Good song...nothing special. May be better in the context of the whole album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Gappie on December 04, 2015, 09:56:22 AM
Quote from: Smartiejj on December 04, 2015, 09:41:02 AM
Just ordered the Deluxe boxset, I just couldn't resist! Bring on 22 feb. Amsterdam! :metal

I will be there too! very excited! :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 09:57:34 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 04, 2015, 06:59:41 AM
Quote from: Kix on December 04, 2015, 04:15:44 AM
Across the vast North Empire
Most people struggle to survive
Living a meek existence
While their secluded leader thrives


STOP TALKING ABOUT ME AS IF I'M NOT STANDING RIGHT HERE!

 :lol :rollin classic!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 04, 2015, 09:57:38 AM
Quote from: DragonAttack on December 04, 2015, 09:45:08 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 04, 2015, 09:14:10 AM
I'm trying to order the deluxe box set. When i click on proceed to checkout, nothing happens. Does this happen to any of you too?

Just ordered the standard 2CD package.  My order was 'spinning and spinning' until I put a fake phone number into that required field.  Hope that helps.

I'm unable to get further than the shopping cart page. I tried a different browser and it happened there too. I'll wait and see if works later. It's very expensive though. I've never bought a box set before. But i have a feeling that if i'll ever, this album is the time to do it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 10:02:25 AM
Quote from: dodido253 on December 04, 2015, 07:27:18 AM
Far in the distant future, beyond the pages of our time.
Cold blooded wicked tyrants, threaten the freedom of mankind.
Corruption, lust, and greed, defy the new nobility -
Changing the course of history.

Across the vast North Empire,
most people struggle to survive.
Living a meek existence, where they're secludedly oppressed.

We are living day to day.
Forced to bear the lions share.
People just don't have the time for music any more.
No one seems to care...
My friends have seen the chosen one,
a quest for freedom has begun!
He will be the answer to our prayers.

There walks a god among us whose seen the writing on the wall.
He is the revolution, he'll be the one to save us all!
My brother Gabriel, is all the hope we need. (Hope we need)
Shining like a beacon in the night. (In the night)
Should give Ravenskill a reason to believe -
Music is the gift he brings, the sun bursts isolation when he sings.

Credit: Dream Theater Argentina FB page

Quote from: Lucien on December 04, 2015, 07:44:32 AM
Well, that's wrong.

"the sun bursts isolation when he sings"  :lol

"the songbird stops to listen when he sings"  :hefdaddy

I think we're gonna have to wait till the lyrics officially come out . . . everyone is obviously hearing them a bit different :lol :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on December 04, 2015, 10:13:29 AM
I'm sure many people were already starting to come to this conclusion, but we now have what I consider to be definitive proof that all lyrics are by JP this time around.

On the deluxe boxset picture for the screenplay lyric book, it says "The Astonishing - Written by John Petrucci."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frank on December 04, 2015, 10:30:53 AM
Also going by the blurry images in the product previews, I'm happy it appears that Faythe is wearing respectable armor (as opposed to being scantily clad). All feminist critiques aside, from a narratology point of view, I just can't take many female characters in science fiction and fantasy seriously because they're less characters and moreso walking set pieces for the male gaze, which feels artificially constructed to me and partially takes me out of the immersion from otherwise great stories. Even if scantily clad female characters aren't deliberately constructed with that intention, they often appear as a result of disseminated and unthought of cultural standards that pass from media/cultural creators to fans who become creators themselves (Petrucci would be this in this example).

Now, I do hope that Faythe and other female characters are defined by things more than just their feminity or typically feminine qualities. I have very high hopes for The Astonishing in this regard - after Ayreon's The Theory of Everything unfortunately fell short in this area.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Evermind on December 04, 2015, 10:36:54 AM
Quote from: Frank on December 04, 2015, 10:30:53 AM
Now, I do hope that Faythe and other female characters are defined by things more than just their feminity or typically feminine qualities. I have very high hopes for The Astonishing in this regard - after Ayreon's The Theory of Everything unfortunately fell short in this area.

While I love The Theory of Everything to bits and pieces, this is one point of criticism I can actually agree with.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 04, 2015, 10:40:37 AM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on December 04, 2015, 10:13:29 AM
I'm sure many people were already starting to come to this conclusion, but we now have what I consider to be definitive proof that all lyrics are by JP this time around.

On the deluxe boxset picture for the screenplay lyric book, it says "The Astonishing - Written by John Petrucci."

That doesn't necessarily establish that he wrote all of the lyrics.  I mean, he still may have.  But I don't think this necessarily precludes the possibility of others contributing. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kix on December 04, 2015, 10:54:44 AM
Quote from: SchecterShredder on December 04, 2015, 08:59:53 AM
What I find amazing is this track is less than a day old and there's already a ton of cover videos lol. That's true dedication there

I know!! And some of them are pretty good too! I give it a week after the album is out before someone posts a cover of the whole thing  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nefarius on December 04, 2015, 12:38:26 PM
Quote from: ariich on December 04, 2015, 08:14:33 AM
Quote from: Nefarius on December 04, 2015, 06:26:33 AM
Just to clear something up about pitch correction for people who are not into music engineering and recording... *snip*
I don't think anyone is complaining about the using of tuning in the studio, are they? Some people were simply pointing out what seemed to be an error in the process that was causing an aural glitch. We've subsequently had it confirmed that it wasn't that, but it was still a valid thing to raise.

Well, confirmed... it was said that there was no correction used. :yeahright
And though I'm inclined to trust that I choose to remain ever doubting and sceptical.

Actually there are several time indices thoughout the song commenters claim to be pitch corrected where any experienced DT fan will just recognize them immediately as James doing his thing and applying his unique astonishing style.

The pitch drop at the word "tiiime" doesn't prove any correction either. I would guess it's most likely "...the tiiime" and "for music..." came from two different tracks with slightly different melodies or phrasing and that's why the word "tooone" "tiiime" takes a little dive. That the spot was overlooked in editing an album as meticulously crafted as this one sure constitutes a minor boo-boo and it will indeed be difficult to not hear it for all eternity. But the fact that correction software might actually make it sound more natural is what's most amusing for me. :biggrin:

So much for that quarter of a second.
The other 246.75 seconds were pretty great though.
And I'm very much looking forward to the other 2 hours yet to be heard.

Greetings...
Nef
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 04, 2015, 12:42:50 PM
Anyone else notice that if you click on the box set photos you can see a full map of the Northern Empire? ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 04, 2015, 12:48:03 PM
Quote from: Nefarius on December 04, 2015, 12:38:26 PM
Well, confirmed... it was said that there was no correction used. :yeahright
No from what bosk said they didn't deny using correction at all, only that the particular moment that sounded like an error in the correction process was not as such.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 04, 2015, 12:51:24 PM
Quote from: Nefarius on December 04, 2015, 12:38:26 PM
Quote from: ariich on December 04, 2015, 08:14:33 AM
Quote from: Nefarius on December 04, 2015, 06:26:33 AM
Just to clear something up about pitch correction for people who are not into music engineering and recording... *snip*
I don't think anyone is complaining about the using of tuning in the studio, are they? Some people were simply pointing out what seemed to be an error in the process that was causing an aural glitch. We've subsequently had it confirmed that it wasn't that, but it was still a valid thing to raise.

Well, confirmed... it was said that there was no correction used. :yeahright
And though I'm inclined to trust that I choose to remain ever doubting and sceptical.

Actually there are several time indices thoughout the song commenters claim to be pitch corrected where any experienced DT fan will just recognize them immediately as James doing his thing and applying his unique astonishing style.

The pitch drop at the word "tiiime" doesn't prove any correction either. I would guess it's most likely "...the tiiime" and "for music..." came from two different tracks with slightly different melodies or phrasing and that's why the word "tooone" "tiiime" takes a little dive. That the spot was overlooked in editing an album as meticulously crafted as this one sure constitutes a minor boo-boo and it will indeed be difficult to not hear it for all eternity. But the fact that correction software might actually make it sound more natural is what's most amusing for me. :biggrin:

So much for that quarter of a second.
The other 246.75 seconds were pretty great though.
And I'm very much looking forward to the other 2 hours yet to be heard.

Greetings...
Nef

omg let it go lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 12:53:14 PM
Quote from: Nefarius on December 04, 2015, 12:38:26 PM
Quote from: ariich on December 04, 2015, 08:14:33 AM
Quote from: Nefarius on December 04, 2015, 06:26:33 AM
Just to clear something up about pitch correction for people who are not into music engineering and recording... *snip*
I don't think anyone is complaining about the using of tuning in the studio, are they? Some people were simply pointing out what seemed to be an error in the process that was causing an aural glitch. We've subsequently had it confirmed that it wasn't that, but it was still a valid thing to raise.

Well, confirmed... it was said that there was no correction used. :yeahright
And though I'm inclined to trust that I choose to remain ever doubting and sceptical.

Actually there are several time indices thoughout the song commenters claim to be pitch corrected where any experienced DT fan will just recognize them immediately as James doing his thing and applying his unique astonishing style.

The pitch drop at the word "tiiime" doesn't prove any correction either. I would guess it's most likely "...the tiiime" and "for music..." came from two different tracks with slightly different melodies or phrasing and that's why the word "tooone" "tiiime" takes a little dive. That the spot was overlooked in editing an album as meticulously crafted as this one sure constitutes a minor boo-boo and it will indeed be difficult to not hear it for all eternity. But the fact that correction software might actually make it sound more natural is what's most amusing for me. :biggrin:

So much for that quarter of a second.
The other 246.75 seconds were pretty great though.
And I'm very much looking forward to the other 2 hours yet to be heard.

Greetings...
Nef

Well, like I've said before, whatever that sound is/isn't caused by doesn't really bother me, and I'd rather just drop it, and like you said it's sad that such a small part can ruin a perfectly great song for some people . . . the song is great and that little funny sounding part is something that you can easily unhear if you try hard enough ;)

Both sides of the argument need to just let it go (which I thought we had until reading this morning) and be mature about it. The people who thought it was melodyne were wrong, and the people trying to imply that these people are complaining about autotune and are not "true" fans are wrong to do that also. Everyone was just concerned for the best in this work by DT and nobody has bad intentions . . . we just need to understand that :angel:

Anyways, I will not speak about it again after this, but I'll admit I was wrong in thinking it was an aural glitch and instead it's just the singer. But I'm not trying to attack the band at all or trying to nitpick about autotune.

I agree completely with ariich, but like I said it's done so everyone just drop it!

Peace and love, I'm out!





 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 04, 2015, 12:53:19 PM
Funny, all this time that the "time" error was being debated, I couldn't hear it. Then as soon as bosk confirmed it was just how James sang it (which was my suspicion all along), I immediately started to hear the "error" people were talking about. Not that it really bothers me. Never would've struck me at all otherwise. That sort of effect happens all the time if you add a bit of grit to your voice as you're sliding down.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 04, 2015, 12:54:22 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 04, 2015, 10:40:37 AM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on December 04, 2015, 10:13:29 AM
I'm sure many people were already starting to come to this conclusion, but we now have what I consider to be definitive proof that all lyrics are by JP this time around.

On the deluxe boxset picture for the screenplay lyric book, it says "The Astonishing - Written by John Petrucci."

That doesn't necessarily establish that he wrote all of the lyrics.  I mean, he still may have.  But I don't think this necessarily precludes the possibility of others contributing.

I think the RS interview also confirms it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Tabs on December 04, 2015, 12:58:43 PM
This is what I hear for the lyrics:

==========

Far in the distant future
Beyond the pages of our time
Cold-blooded wicked tyrants
Threaten the freedom of mankind
Corruption, lust and greed
Define the new nobility
Changing the course of history

Across the vast North Empire
Most people struggle to survive
Living a meek existence
While their secluded leader thrives

We are living day to day
Forced to bear the lion's share
People just don't have the time for music anymore
And no one seems to care
My friends, I've seen the chosen one
Our quest for freedom has begun
He will be the answer to our prayers

There walks a god among us
Who's seen the writing on the wall
He is the revolution
He'll be the one to save us all

My brother Gabriel is all the hope we need
Shining like a beacon in the night
Shepherd of Ravenskill
A reason to believe
Music is the gift he brings
The songbird stops to listen when he sings

========

Best guess is that the first two stanzas are a narrator's voice, the next two are the voice of "the masses" living under the oppression of the empire and the last stanza is the voice of Arhys.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 01:01:43 PM
Quote from: Tabs on December 04, 2015, 12:58:43 PM
This is what I hear for the lyrics:

==========

Far in the distant future
Beyond the pages of our time
Cold-blooded wicked tyrants
Threaten the freedom of mankind
Corruption, lust and greed
Define the new nobility
Changing the course of history

Across the vast North Empire
Most people struggle to survive
Living a meek existence
While their secluded leader thrives

We are living day to day
Forced to bear the lion's share
People just don't have the time for music anymore
And no one seems to care
My friends, I've seen the chosen one
Our quest for freedom has begun
He will be the answer to our prayers

There walks a god among us
Who's seen the writing on the wall
He is the revolution
He'll be the one to save us all

My brother Gabriel is all the hope we need
Shining like a beacon in the night
Shepherd of Ravenskill
A reason to believe
Music is the gift he brings
The songbird stops to listen when he sings

========

Best guess is that the first two stanzas are a narrator's voice, the next two are the voice of "the masses" living under the oppression of the empire and the last stanza is the voice of Arhys.

These lyrics look spot-on man, good job! :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 01:02:37 PM
Plus welcome to the forums :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 01:04:10 PM
Everything sounds about right to my ears, just one part I'm unsure about is whether it says:

My friends, I've seen the chosen one
or
My friends have seen the chosen one

Otherwise I agree with ya 100 percent ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 01:06:44 PM
You know what, I think your part makes more sense . . . nvm ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nefarius on December 04, 2015, 01:13:51 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 04, 2015, 12:51:24 PM
omg let it go lol

It's been two posts with the second one concluding the topic for me, offering an alternate explanation, and pointing out it's only been a quarter second of a great song. I'm a singer and I'm interested in audio engineering, so it's been something I wanted to dissect, which is what people tend to do here a lot, so I did.

Though I wouldn't exactly call two posts "dissecting". There are several regular posters who persistently need two replies next to each other within one minute or less to post gems like "Yeah, kinda..." and "So what?" for the sake of attention or postcount, I'd much rather let those go. :corn

Greetings...
Nef
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 04, 2015, 01:16:13 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 04, 2015, 12:54:22 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 04, 2015, 10:40:37 AM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on December 04, 2015, 10:13:29 AM
I'm sure many people were already starting to come to this conclusion, but we now have what I consider to be definitive proof that all lyrics are by JP this time around.

On the deluxe boxset picture for the screenplay lyric book, it says "The Astonishing - Written by John Petrucci."

That doesn't necessarily establish that he wrote all of the lyrics.  I mean, he still may have.  But I don't think this necessarily precludes the possibility of others contributing.

I think the RS interview also confirms it.

I didn't get that from the interview.  Again, not saying it isn't the case.  But I didn't read the interview to say that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 04, 2015, 01:18:55 PM
Quote from: Nefarius on December 04, 2015, 01:13:51 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 04, 2015, 12:51:24 PM
omg let it go lol

It's been two posts with the second one concluding the topic for me, offering an alternate explanation, and pointing out it's only been a quarter second of a great song. I'm a singer and I'm interested in audio engineering, so it's been something I wanted to dissect, which is what people tend to do here a lot, so I did.

Though I wouldn't exactly call two posts "dissecting". There are several regular posters who persistently need two replies next to each other within one minute or less to post gems like "Yeah, kinda..." and "So what?" for the sake of attention or postcount, I'd much rather let those go. :corn

Greetings...
Nef

I have no problem with what people are posting, yours included.  People are entitled to express any opinion, provided it is done respectfully, and I don't see anyone really doing anything that is out of line.  Your perspective is a nice inclusion, since most people have no idea how the recording and engineering process really works.  So carry on.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on December 04, 2015, 01:25:35 PM
I hope JP registered his script with the WGA before it goes out with the box sets.  Steve Martin should put him in touch with Chris Ridenhour at APA, or better yet he can always talk to me about protecting the film rights.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 01:25:48 PM
Yeah Nef, no problem at all with your opinions or your posting.

I'll cease from posting on the matter, but it's your right to do what you want, as Bosk says :)

Why does such a little thing as pointing out an opinion on a song's part turn into a mess anyways? :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 04, 2015, 01:33:10 PM
It's hardly a "mess."  Nobody on here is bent out of shape over it, and the band isn't either. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 04, 2015, 01:39:12 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 01:25:48 PM
Yeah Nef, no problem at all with your opinions or your posting.

I'll cease from posting on the matter, but it's your right to do what you want, as Bosk says :)

Why does such a little thing as pointing out an opinion on a song's part turn into a mess anyways? :lol

You haven't seen a mess here yet.   ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 01:39:50 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 04, 2015, 01:33:10 PM
It's hardly a "mess."  Nobody on here is bent out of shape over it, and the band isn't either. 

I mean just how some people here are fired up over it . . . I know it's nothing that's horrible, but what happened to just disagreeing with an opinion without being upset at each other?

Or maybe I'm just misinterpreting. Anyhow none of my business, if they want to do what they want I have no problem with that. Just sharing my .02 cents on it all ;)

 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 01:40:57 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 04, 2015, 01:39:12 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 01:25:48 PM
Yeah Nef, no problem at all with your opinions or your posting.

I'll cease from posting on the matter, but it's your right to do what you want, as Bosk says :)

Why does such a little thing as pointing out an opinion on a song's part turn into a mess anyways? :lol

You haven't seen a mess here yet.   ;)

 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 04, 2015, 01:42:48 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 01:39:50 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 04, 2015, 01:33:10 PM
It's hardly a "mess."  Nobody on here is bent out of shape over it, and the band isn't either. 

I mean just how some people here are fired up over it . . . I know it's nothing that's horrible, but what happened to just disagreeing with an opinion without being upset at each other?

Or maybe I'm just misinterpreting. Anyhow none of my business, if they want to do what they want I have no problem with that. Just sharing my .02 cents on it all ;)

 
Nobody is "fire up" over it.  In fact, the posts have mostly stopped, except for yours.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 01:45:59 PM
Well whatever. I disagree . . . with all due respect of course.

Anyways, I'm up for getting over with it. Everyone else is. So what's next on the agenda?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 04, 2015, 01:49:40 PM
The posts about the drum sounds are far worse than the ones about Melodyne, but those have been going on for years.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nefarius on December 04, 2015, 01:53:47 PM
For something completely different and much more important... I just pre-ordered my astonishing bling box. :metal
EUR 267.54 (including shipping to Austria) may be three times what the previous box sets were. But I had a PayPal account and wanted to have my very own mini NOMAC, so what the fuck. :biggrin:
I seriously hope it's sturdy enough to smash the gift of music into as many tone deaf heads as possible.

Oh, and could someone please make a completely useless app with a hovering NOMAC that makes some crazy ass noise when tapped? And maybe call it iNOMAC? :lol

Greetings...
Nef
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jakepriest on December 04, 2015, 01:54:56 PM
Quote from: jsbru on December 04, 2015, 01:49:40 PM
The posts about the drum sounds are far worse than the ones about Melodyne, but those have been going on for years.

Well one word being auto-tuned/melodyned or whatever that half the people here notice can hardly relate to a drum sound that made an entire album unlistenable for quite a few people. :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lowdz on December 04, 2015, 01:56:47 PM
Bet they don't get this worked up about stuff at the Kanye forum.  :biggrin:
To me it just sounded like a Labrie-ism with some chorus, but I'm glad not to be an audiophile. I'd listened to it 3 times before reading about it maybe being melodyne dandy it didn't stand out as a mistake to me. It just sounded like James.

Anyway, I'm enjoying the song and it'd whetted the appetite further for the whole thing, which I guess is the idea  :lol
I liked the snare sound, it sounds like a snare and not a tom like last time.

And Brent, loved the Dream Thetan quip  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 01:57:28 PM
Quote from: Nefarius on December 04, 2015, 01:53:47 PM
For something completely different and much more important... I just pre-ordered my astonishing bling box. :metal
EUR 267.54 (including shipping to Austria) may be three times what the previous box sets were. But I had a PayPal account and wanted to have my very own mini NOMAC, so what the fuck. :biggrin:
I seriously hope it's sturdy enough to smash the gift of music into as many tone deaf heads as possible.

Oh, and could someone please make a completely useless app with a hovering NOMAC that makes some crazy ass noise when tapped? And maybe call it iNOMAC? :lol

Greetings...
Nef

iNomac . . . classic!!! :biggrin:

Awesome for you man! ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 04, 2015, 02:03:32 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on December 04, 2015, 01:54:56 PM
Well one word being auto-tuned/melodyned or whatever that half the people here notice can hardly relate to a drum sound that made an entire album unlistenable for quite a few people. :neverusethis:

I never knew drums had a specific sound other than "drums" until I started posting here.  :laugh:

Sad fact:
I couldn't hear the alleged Melodyne effect after about 10 listens last night, but on listen 11, I finally heard it.  And now I can't unhear it as hard as I try.

This forum is bringing me down to it's collective insanity!  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 02:06:44 PM
Quote from: jsbru on December 04, 2015, 02:03:32 PM
I never knew drums had a specific sound other than "drums" until I started posting here.  :laugh:

Me neither. Now I can't help but notice it every time :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 04, 2015, 02:07:51 PM
Quote from: Lowdz on December 04, 2015, 01:56:47 PM
Bet they don't get this worked up about stuff at the Kanye forum.  :biggrin:

"Yo, James, Imma let you finish.  But first I wanna show that I have the most pitch corrected voice of all time!"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lowdz on December 04, 2015, 02:20:25 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 04, 2015, 02:07:51 PM
Quote from: Lowdz on December 04, 2015, 01:56:47 PM
Bet they don't get this worked up about stuff at the Kanye forum.  :biggrin:

"Yo, James, Imma let you finish.  But first I wanna show that I have the most pitch corrected voice of all tiiiimeeeee!"

Ftfy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 02:29:55 PM
So assuming DT reveals two songs like they did with the last record, which song do you guys think they'll reveal next?

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 04, 2015, 02:31:02 PM
Machine Chatter
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 04, 2015, 02:31:45 PM
Quote from: Lowdz on December 04, 2015, 02:20:25 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 04, 2015, 02:07:51 PM
Quote from: Lowdz on December 04, 2015, 01:56:47 PM
Bet they don't get this worked up about stuff at the Kanye forum.  :biggrin:

"Yo, James, Imma let you finish.  But first I wanna show that I have the most pitch corrected voice of all tiiiimeeeee!"

Ftfy


 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 02:32:30 PM
Quote from: Zydar on December 04, 2015, 02:31:02 PM
Machine Chatter

Probably sounds like the end of "Misunderstood" :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 04, 2015, 02:34:30 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 02:29:55 PM
So assuming DT reveals two songs like they did with the last record, which song do you guys think they'll reveal next?


Astonishing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 02:41:06 PM
Man I wish! I think that's too good to be true though :biggrin:

Maybe something like: A New Beginning, My Last Farewell, Chosen???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamTension on December 04, 2015, 02:45:40 PM
Can anyone point out a section in Dream Theater song that has a simultaneous, dualing solo section like the end of TGOM?

Jordan's keyboard sound, mixed with the way they are playing, conjures images (and words) in my mind of an epic music battle between a NOMAC and real musician as they fly over the city.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: nattmorker on December 04, 2015, 02:47:06 PM
I don't think they will reveal any more songs, unless it is an instrumental. If they reveal something with lyrics, it might be spoiling the plot.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 04, 2015, 02:47:51 PM
Quote from: DreamTension on December 04, 2015, 02:45:40 PM
Can anyone point out a section in Dream Theater song that has a simultaneous, dualing solo section like the end of TGOM?

Jordan's keyboard sound, mixed with the way they are playing, conjures images (and words) in my mind of an epic music battle between a NOMAC and real musician as they fly over the city.

Interesting...I'll listen for that on the way home from work.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 03:01:19 PM
Quote from: nattmorker on December 04, 2015, 02:47:06 PM
I don't think they will reveal any more songs, unless it is an instrumental. If they reveal something with lyrics, it might be spoiling the plot.

I'm still hoping for a Dance of Eternity/Erotomania/Ytse Jam type song on this album. Digital DIscord would be the perfect track for it - some other track names would really fit it as well! Whatever DT decides to do is fine by me, but still . . . fingers crossed for that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 04, 2015, 03:06:57 PM
Quote from: Nothingface on December 04, 2015, 05:40:15 AM
A new character was revealed today, encircled by NOMACS.

(https://ihdwallpapers.com/download/tom_cruise_in_oblivion_movie-2880x1800.jpg)
Oh no! :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Tomislav95 on December 04, 2015, 03:10:16 PM
I just played The Gift of Music to my sister and before vocals kick in she asked if that's Rush :lol that's good sing, I think :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 04, 2015, 03:11:25 PM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on December 04, 2015, 08:57:12 AM
I got an About to Crash style, Don't Look Past Me vibe.

Same here!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 04, 2015, 03:16:51 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 03:01:19 PM
Quote from: nattmorker on December 04, 2015, 02:47:06 PM
I don't think they will reveal any more songs, unless it is an instrumental. If they reveal something with lyrics, it might be spoiling the plot.

I'm still hoping for a Dance of Eternity/Erotomania/Ytse Jam type song on this album. Digital DIscord would be the perfect track for it - some other track names would really fit it as well! Whatever DT decides to do is fine by me, but still . . . fingers crossed for that.

Better be!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 04, 2015, 03:17:21 PM
Quote from: nattmorker on December 04, 2015, 02:47:06 PM
I don't think they will reveal any more songs, unless it is an instrumental. If they reveal something with lyrics, it might be spoiling the plot.
This. With this being a concept album, with a story, I doubt they'll give us a "single" as per the usual marketing strategy. I'm good with that. I mean, it is only just over a month from release. Thinking in those terms it seems not so far off.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Dublagent66 on December 04, 2015, 03:23:44 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 04, 2015, 03:06:57 PM
Quote from: Nothingface on December 04, 2015, 05:40:15 AM
A new character was revealed today, encircled by NOMACS.

(https://ihdwallpapers.com/download/tom_cruise_in_oblivion_movie-2880x1800.jpg)
Oh no! :rollin

Already posted earlier in the thread.  :p



Quote from: Dublagent66 on November 24, 2015, 08:43:58 AM
(https://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss308/Zulan8r/Oblivion_zps28s7p7hp.jpg) (https://s586.photobucket.com/user/Zulan8r/media/Oblivion_zps28s7p7hp.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 04, 2015, 03:34:52 PM
Quote from: Dublagent66 on December 04, 2015, 03:23:44 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 04, 2015, 03:06:57 PM
Quote from: Nothingface on December 04, 2015, 05:40:15 AM
A new character was revealed today, encircled by NOMACS.

(https://ihdwallpapers.com/download/tom_cruise_in_oblivion_movie-2880x1800.jpg)
Oh no! :rollin

Already posted earlier in the thread.  :p



Quote from: Dublagent66 on November 24, 2015, 08:43:58 AM
(https://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss308/Zulan8r/Oblivion_zps28s7p7hp.jpg) (https://s586.photobucket.com/user/Zulan8r/media/Oblivion_zps28s7p7hp.jpg.html)

I know what oblivion is, I've seen it. But the comparison is hilarious
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 04, 2015, 03:43:57 PM
Quote from: DreamTension on December 04, 2015, 02:45:40 PM
Can anyone point out a section in Dream Theater song that has a simultaneous, dualing solo section like the end of TGOM?

Jordan's keyboard sound, mixed with the way they are playing, conjures images (and words) in my mind of an epic music battle between a NOMAC and real musician as they fly over the city.

The call-and-answer section before the solo in Lost Not Forgotten is similar, but way more technical. It's similar to the unison after the solo in Panic Attack too, IMO.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamTension on December 04, 2015, 03:52:53 PM
Quote from: SchecterShredder on December 04, 2015, 03:43:57 PM
Quote from: DreamTension on December 04, 2015, 02:45:40 PM
Can anyone point out a section in Dream Theater song that has a simultaneous, dualing solo section like the end of TGOM?

Jordan's keyboard sound, mixed with the way they are playing, conjures images (and words) in my mind of an epic music battle between a NOMAC and real musician as they fly over the city.

The call-and-answer section before the solo in Lost Not Forgotten is similar, but way more technical. It's similar to the unison after the solo in Panic Attack too, IMO.

Both of those parts they are playing in unison or not at the same time. I can't think of any section of a DT song where 2 people are soloing at the same time that is not a unison.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SchecterShredder on December 04, 2015, 03:55:28 PM
Quote from: DreamTension on December 04, 2015, 03:52:53 PM
Quote from: SchecterShredder on December 04, 2015, 03:43:57 PM
Quote from: DreamTension on December 04, 2015, 02:45:40 PM
Can anyone point out a section in Dream Theater song that has a simultaneous, dualing solo section like the end of TGOM?

Jordan's keyboard sound, mixed with the way they are playing, conjures images (and words) in my mind of an epic music battle between a NOMAC and real musician as they fly over the city.

The call-and-answer section before the solo in Lost Not Forgotten is similar, but way more technical. It's similar to the unison after the solo in Panic Attack too, IMO.

Both of those parts they are playing in unison or not at the same time. I can't think of any section of a DT song where 2 people are soloing at the same time that is not a unison.



I guess that's true. I suppose  I'll have to ponder this question a little more on the train ride home
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 04, 2015, 04:38:39 PM
Instead of a spinning keyboard, JR will now have a floating one, on a miniature NOMAC.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 04, 2015, 06:24:07 PM
Quote from: DreamTension on December 04, 2015, 03:52:53 PM
Quote from: SchecterShredder on December 04, 2015, 03:43:57 PM
Quote from: DreamTension on December 04, 2015, 02:45:40 PM
Can anyone point out a section in Dream Theater song that has a simultaneous, dualing solo section like the end of TGOM?

Jordan's keyboard sound, mixed with the way they are playing, conjures images (and words) in my mind of an epic music battle between a NOMAC and real musician as they fly over the city.

The call-and-answer section before the solo in Lost Not Forgotten is similar, but way more technical. It's similar to the unison after the solo in Panic Attack too, IMO.

Both of those parts they are playing in unison or not at the same time. I can't think of any section of a DT song where 2 people are soloing at the same time that is not a unison.

Pretty sure TDEN has something like the in the instrumental break before the solo. Not sure though
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 04, 2015, 06:25:00 PM
The final minute of On The Backs Of Angels has always sounded like a clusterfuck to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 04, 2015, 06:37:11 PM
Quote from: nattmorker on December 04, 2015, 02:47:06 PM
I don't think they will reveal any more songs, unless it is an instrumental. If they reveal something with lyrics, it might be spoiling the plot.

Nah, I don't think so. They've revealed a song about the Rebels' point of view. If they reveal one now about the Empire, I don't think anything would be spoiled.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: shredd on December 04, 2015, 08:05:37 PM
Really loving The Gift Of Music! When I listen to it i get vibes like  DT12, I&W, SFAM, SC and ADTOE.

And on top of everything, another super tasty JP solo!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: nattmorker on December 04, 2015, 08:18:46 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 04, 2015, 06:37:11 PM
Quote from: nattmorker on December 04, 2015, 02:47:06 PM
I don't think they will reveal any more songs, unless it is an instrumental. If they reveal something with lyrics, it might be spoiling the plot.

Nah, I don't think so. They've revealed a song about the Rebels' point of view. If they reveal one now about the Empire, I don't think anything would be spoiled.

You're right, tf there would be an introductory song about the Empire I guess it would not spoil anything and it could potentially be released.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 08:20:35 PM
Quote from: shredd on December 04, 2015, 08:05:37 PM
Really loving The Gift Of Music! When I listen to it i get vibes like  DT12, I&W, SFAM, SC and ADTOE.

And on top of everything, another super tasty JP solo!

Yeah ikr! It's kind of like old and new DT combined ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 04, 2015, 08:21:33 PM
Quote from: nattmorker on December 04, 2015, 08:18:46 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 04, 2015, 06:37:11 PM
Quote from: nattmorker on December 04, 2015, 02:47:06 PM
I don't think they will reveal any more songs, unless it is an instrumental. If they reveal something with lyrics, it might be spoiling the plot.

Nah, I don't think so. They've revealed a song about the Rebels' point of view. If they reveal one now about the Empire, I don't think anything would be spoiled.

You're right, tf there would be an introductory song about the Empire I guess it would not spoil anything and it could potentially be released.

I wonder what song that would be if there is one. Lord Narfaryus perhaps??? :justjen
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SupermanJLU on December 04, 2015, 09:18:45 PM
I rarely post but tis is the season to be excited :) I have been following this thread and the old ones for many months now eagerly awaiting this new album. I always get super happy when I know Dream Theater has entered the studio. Every new album release I have been a part of as a fan since Metropolis Pt2: Scenes from a Memory has been different but I have never been disappointed in any of their creative visions. So far everything released about the The Astonishing has hooked me into wanting to know more about this grand story that John Petrucci has penned to paper. Now with the recent release of the song The Gift of Music I am pretty confident this album will not be a disappointment either.

Cannot wait for Jan 29th pre-ordered THE ASTONISHING LIMITED EDITION DELUXE BOX SET super pumped to see what the Special Gift is going to be :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 05, 2015, 01:23:05 AM
I don't know if anyone pointed that out (too lazy to go back), but the boxset photo with the double CD pretty much excludes a DVD of the making of docu, right (as there seems to be only 2 discs inside)?

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 05, 2015, 01:36:49 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on December 05, 2015, 01:23:05 AM
I don't know if anyone pointed that out (too lazy to go back), but the boxset photo with the double CD pretty much excludes a DVD of the making of docu, right (as there seems to be only 2 discs inside)?

B.Lee

Yeah, I believe Kotow pointed that out. It's a shame, would've been really cool to see this record get developed. But since they wouldn't  have a single shot of James recording his vocals, it would've been a difficult thing to direct.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 05, 2015, 01:52:13 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on December 05, 2015, 01:36:49 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on December 05, 2015, 01:23:05 AM
I don't know if anyone pointed that out (too lazy to go back), but the boxset photo with the double CD pretty much excludes a DVD of the making of docu, right (as there seems to be only 2 discs inside)?

B.Lee

Yeah, I believe Kotow pointed that out. It's a shame, would've been really cool to see this record get developed. But since they wouldn't  have a single shot of James recording his vocals, it would've been a difficult thing to direct.

Yeah, and that's a shame. Guess we'll have to satisfy ourselves with 2 hours + of music, then! :biggrin:

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 05, 2015, 02:10:54 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 04, 2015, 06:25:00 PM
The final minute of On The Backs Of Angels has always sounded like a clusterfuck to me.
Strange, that's my favourite bit of the song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing
Post by: DoctorAction on December 05, 2015, 02:22:46 AM
Quote from: DoctorAction on November 28, 2015, 04:26:51 PM
I'm pleased they're marketing this album differently. Infers a bit of change, which is definitely welcome to me. Apart from that, I have to say all the detail so far is pretty unappealing. Echoes of 2112 - how fresh... Does offer glints of Rush influence, mind, and I really dig em in that mode. Who knows!?

After listening to TGOM a couple of times, all I'm thinking is "Wow! Fucking excellent!"  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 05, 2015, 02:49:42 AM
On the subject of a second track, it would be good to hear something from Act 2. I would say "The Path That Divides", but I have a feeling that will be the longest track. Idk, I've been thinking about it, and as that phrase has been emphasized from the beginning of this promo cycle, it would make sense that that song is a pivotal point in the story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on December 05, 2015, 03:29:31 AM
After reading the Rolling Stone article, the creation of the intricate music to match the characters, setting and storyline makes me think it would have been too much burden to add a documentary/DVD companion to the release.  DT's done that before.  This package and presentation (cards, maps scripts) is new, so let's enjoy that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 05, 2015, 05:23:35 AM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on December 05, 2015, 03:29:31 AM
After reading the Rolling Stone article, the creation of the intricate music to match the characters, setting and storyline makes me think it would have been too much burden to add a documentary/DVD companion to the release.  DT's done that before.  This package and presentation (cards, maps scripts) is new, so let's enjoy that.

Yes, you're right in every possible way.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Curious Orange on December 05, 2015, 06:16:33 AM
Oh, I get it - it's about Simon Cowell.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 05, 2015, 06:17:16 AM
I know I'm late to the party, but I find it amusing how when me and a few others comment on the pitch correction thing, people seem to think that it "ruins" the song for us, even though most of us have specifically said that it doesn't ruin the song for us.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 05, 2015, 06:21:21 AM
Quote from: ariich on December 05, 2015, 02:10:54 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 04, 2015, 06:25:00 PM
The final minute of On The Backs Of Angels has always sounded like a clusterfuck to me.
Strange, that's my favourite bit of the song.

Agreed, although I would say the last 40 seconds (not 60).  Granted, I find most of On the Backs of Angels quite dull, and that is something I rarely say about a Dream Theater song, but that ending is really nice.  It's just too bad that the bulk of the song has that "just kind of there" feeling.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on December 05, 2015, 06:50:32 AM
I still don't hear anything regarding this autotune matter in The Gift of Music, but since you guys mentioned On the Backs of Angels, does anyone else hear a high pitched "beep" on the left speaker when James is saying "american dream" (right between these words)? I noticed that a few years ago, but never talked about it with anyone until a friend of mine mentioned that too yesterday. He said he brought that up somewhere in this forum right after the ADToE's release, but no one else would have any idea what he was talking about…
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Aythesryche on December 05, 2015, 08:25:21 AM
The whole audio anomaly that some people are insisting on exists that doesn't reminds me of this:

(https://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/llamabearduck/DTFSCRATCH1_zpshvdkoe6t.jpg~original)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Stef1 on December 05, 2015, 08:32:34 AM
 :lol
Quote from: Aythesryche on December 05, 2015, 08:25:21 AM
The whole audio anomaly that some people are insisting on exists that doesn't reminds me of this:

(https://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/llamabearduck/DTFSCRATCH1_zpshvdkoe6t.jpg~original)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Randaran on December 05, 2015, 09:04:41 AM
Quote from: Aythesryche on December 05, 2015, 08:25:21 AM
The whole audio anomaly that some people are insisting on exists that doesn't reminds me of this:
*snip*

Perfect  :tup

I can definitely hear how some of DT's albums sound better than others, but I don't think any of them, not even DT12, sound bad. I'm not an audiophile, and after seeing some of the posts here, I am better off for it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on December 05, 2015, 10:08:54 AM
I like the song.  I love how huge this album is feeling. 

The drums sound WAY better and actually give more energy to the song.  I smiled just listening to some of the drum work.  It was so muted in DT12 that the drums rarely generated much feeling.  They were sort of there but everything else took center stage.  In this mix they feel more present along with the other instruments.  Very excited for this.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 05, 2015, 10:19:26 AM
Really digging the brass section on JP's solo and short after the strings section. Awesome!


About the deluxe box... $200... :'(

I'm moving to Portugal in less than two months, can't give myself the luxury of buying this when the money exchange from BRL to USD or EUR is 1 to 4.

EDIT: Found the copies amount.


PS: Would be glad to know if there's someone here in DTF from Portugal  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on December 05, 2015, 10:48:31 AM
Quote from: Randaran on December 05, 2015, 09:04:41 AM
Quote from: Aythesryche on December 05, 2015, 08:25:21 AM
The whole audio anomaly that some people are insisting on exists that doesn't reminds me of this:
*snip*

Perfect  :tup

I can definitely hear how some of DT's albums sound better than others, but I don't think any of them, not even DT12, sound bad. I'm not an audiophile, and after seeing some of the posts here, I am better off for it.

It's not a matter of the overall production of the song (which I think is fine), just that one moment that really feels like an actual error. I'm not especially audiophile either (don't even hate the snare on DT12) and wouldn't have picked up on the mistake if it wasn't mentioned here, but now I just can't unhear it. I know they said it wasn't an error, but to be honest, I don't buy that - if it was a stylistic choice, it was a bad one.

HOWEVER, I dig the song! It's not like that one moment ruins the whole thing for me and I'm really looking forward to the full album. It's just a little thing that I have to get used to, because right now, everytime I hear that moment I think "Oh yeah - that's there..." 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 05, 2015, 10:56:06 AM
Quote from: KevShmev on December 05, 2015, 06:21:21 AM
Quote from: ariich on December 05, 2015, 02:10:54 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 04, 2015, 06:25:00 PM
The final minute of On The Backs Of Angels has always sounded like a clusterfuck to me.
Strange, that's my favourite bit of the song.

Agreed, although I would say the last 40 seconds (not 60).  Granted, I find most of On the Backs of Angels quite dull, and that is something I rarely say about a Dream Theater song, but that ending is really nice.  It's just too bad that the bulk of the song has that "just kind of there" feeling.

I've come to really love OTBOA, even more than its predecessor PMU. The last minute or so is my favorite part of the song. It took a while for me to work out the guitar rhythm at the 8:16 mark. It sounds like a mess the first time you hear it.  But listening over and over again it's so much clearer. I love it!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 05, 2015, 11:59:23 AM
Mangini need is own asshard extreme impossible inhuman beyond godlike instrumental like MP's TDOE
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 05, 2015, 12:08:17 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 05, 2015, 11:59:23 AM
Mangini need is own asshard extreme impossible inhuman beyond godlike instrumental like MP's TDOE

IKR!!! I hope we have one of those on this album . . . imagine that precise drumming matched with a techincal instrumental . . . :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Randaran on December 05, 2015, 01:06:36 PM
Quote from: The Gift of Music
There walks a god among us who's seen the writing on the wall.

The Killing Hand sequel confirmed!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 05, 2015, 01:16:01 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 05, 2015, 11:59:23 AM
Mangini need is own asshard extreme impossible inhuman beyond godlike instrumental like MP's TDOE

why
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 05, 2015, 01:23:12 PM
MM's thing is all about introducing very subtle impossible to play parts into normal songs. I'm cool with that. But I really don't want anything specific from him. I just want him to play shit he'd play.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 05, 2015, 01:38:53 PM
It was just a saying.
Enigma Machine didn't do justice to what they do, it's just a series of solos. TDOE didn't feel like that. The ending of Gift of Music got me very hyped about they working on a cool melodic instrumental halfway through the album, that's it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 05, 2015, 02:18:05 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 05, 2015, 12:08:17 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 05, 2015, 11:59:23 AM
Mangini need is own asshard extreme impossible inhuman beyond godlike instrumental like MP's TDOE

IKR!!! I hope we have one of those on this album . . . imagine that precise drumming matched with a techincal instrumental . . . :omg:

Eh, I'd much rather have a melodic instrumental that still rocks, like Erotomania, rather than a technical piece where the melody takes a back seat, like The Dance of Eternity. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Accelerando on December 05, 2015, 02:20:35 PM
Quote from: Aythesryche on December 05, 2015, 08:25:21 AM
The whole audio anomaly that some people are insisting on exists that doesn't reminds me of this:

(https://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/llamabearduck/DTFSCRATCH1_zpshvdkoe6t.jpg~original)


 :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 05, 2015, 02:21:26 PM
:clap:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 05, 2015, 03:21:06 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on December 05, 2015, 02:18:05 PM
Eh, I'd much rather have a melodic instrumental that still rocks, like Erotomania, rather than a technical piece where the melody takes a back seat, like The Dance of Eternity.

this
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 05, 2015, 03:53:39 PM
Quote from: Aythesryche on December 05, 2015, 08:25:21 AM
The whole audio anomaly that some people are insisting on exists that doesn't reminds me of this:

(https://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/llamabearduck/DTFSCRATCH1_zpshvdkoe6t.jpg~original)
Not seen that before, but it's brilliant. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DP_Gumby on December 05, 2015, 04:26:35 PM
Pre-ordered the standard 2 disc version yesterday. ;D

It's the best I could get with a limited budget..  :sad:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on December 05, 2015, 04:50:33 PM
Said I was going to wait until the album is released to listen to the single...

Lasted 1 day.

The Gift of Music Blew me away! So glad that I listened after all! So pumped for this album!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 05, 2015, 07:10:13 PM
Quote from: Destiny Of Chaos on December 05, 2015, 04:50:33 PM
Said I was going to wait until the album is released to listen to the single...

Lasted 1 day.

The Gift of Music Blew me away! So glad that I listened after all! So pumped for this album!

The force is not strong with you.   :lol 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 05, 2015, 08:11:11 PM
This is kind of a huge long shot, but since Rolling Stone said DT used unorthodox instruments and this seems to be an album that will have many sides.. Maybe the Chapman Stick returns somewhere in that 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Yeah It's wishful thinking at this point..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 05, 2015, 08:14:08 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 05, 2015, 08:11:11 PM
This is kind of a huge long shot, but since Rolling Stone said DT used unorthodox instruments and this seems to be an album that will have many sides.. Maybe the Chapman Stick returns somewhere in that 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Yeah It's wishful thinking at this point..

That would be cool, as it's been a while now.
But my guess is that it's referring to JR's myriad of gadgets, like the Seaboard, the iPad, harpeji etc. :lol
Or maybe all of the above! In 2+ hours of music, there's room for a ton of diversity, so hopefully there's a lot of variety.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 05, 2015, 08:16:11 PM
I'm hoping for a tambourine solo.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 05, 2015, 08:25:58 PM
. . . and a triangle solo. Can't forget that when it comes to a new DT album! ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Crow on December 05, 2015, 09:15:37 PM
well the mixing is better
sounds uncomfortably rush-like to me tho
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on December 05, 2015, 09:38:11 PM
I think Mangini would play lots of percussion, ala  Xanadu.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 05, 2015, 09:59:00 PM
Quote from: erwinrafael on December 05, 2015, 09:38:11 PM
I think Mangini would play lots of percussion, ala  Xanadu.

Now that would actually be pretty awesome!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 05, 2015, 11:17:12 PM
I just had a nightmare, guys.
DT announced their North America Tour... And I went to a show... And they didn't TA in its entirety...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: arkdtmp on December 05, 2015, 11:59:19 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on December 05, 2015, 02:18:05 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 05, 2015, 12:08:17 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 05, 2015, 11:59:23 AM
Mangini need is own asshard extreme impossible inhuman beyond godlike instrumental like MP's TDOE

IKR!!! I hope we have one of those on this album . . . imagine that precise drumming matched with a techincal instrumental . . . :omg:

Eh, I'd much rather have a melodic instrumental that still rocks, like Erotomania, rather than a technical piece where the melody takes a back seat, like The Dance of Eternity.

Me too, I'd much rather have an instrumental like Stream of Consciousness. I think it might be my favorite song of all time! The main killer riff, the solos, the sounds and the different Crimson/ Di Meola themes are incredible!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Progmetty on December 06, 2015, 03:29:42 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 05, 2015, 08:16:11 PM
I'm hoping for a tambourine solo.

I'm 33, until the age of 25 I used to confuse that word with the one that means the thing you jump and bounce on.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on December 06, 2015, 03:37:27 AM
I love harpsichord!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 06, 2015, 04:06:36 AM
We deserve a trampoline solo!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Stef1 on December 06, 2015, 04:30:00 AM
JLB in a forklift on a trampoline.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Fritzinger on December 06, 2015, 04:32:20 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on December 06, 2015, 04:06:36 AM
We deserve a trampoline solo!

Thanks for mentioning the actual word, I didn't get that because of my limited English skills.... :D

After a few people having said they wouldn't listen but then did it anyways I am proud to say I still haven't listened  :hat







ALTHOUGH I'M DYING OVER HERE  >:(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nefarius on December 06, 2015, 05:05:32 AM
Am I alone in feeling an awesome Toto vibe in "The Gift Of Music" at 3:23 - 3:37?

Greetings...
Nef
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 06, 2015, 07:16:23 AM
Quote from: Nefarius on December 06, 2015, 05:05:32 AM
Am I alone in feeling an awesome Toto vibe in "The Gift Of Music" at 3:23 - 3:37?

Greetings...
Nef

I literally hadn't heard of that band until now. Do you have an example of a song, or a moment in a song that sounds like this?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 06, 2015, 07:38:19 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 06, 2015, 07:16:23 AM
Quote from: Nefarius on December 06, 2015, 05:05:32 AM
Am I alone in feeling an awesome Toto vibe in "The Gift Of Music" at 3:23 - 3:37?

Greetings...
Nef

I literally hadn't heard of that band until now. Do you have an example of a song, or a moment in a song that sounds like this?


 :eek
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nefarius on December 06, 2015, 08:13:46 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 06, 2015, 07:16:23 AM
I literally hadn't heard of that band until now. Do you have an example of a song, or a moment in a song that sounds like this?

Sorry, I can't really link it to a specific song or moment. That's probably why I called it a vibe. I just immediately thought of Toto when I heard this section. The orchestration, the structure, the tones, that calm yet lively flow... reminded me of something Toto would do in some extended instrumental jam live. I guess it's mostly the phrasing of the guitar and bass line and the guitar tone over the laid back feel of the beat.

Greetings...
Nef
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 06, 2015, 08:19:46 AM
Africa by Toto is one of the greatest songs ever written.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 06, 2015, 08:21:39 AM
Plus you *MUST* have at least heard either "Rosanna" or " Hold The Line " at least in passing...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 06, 2015, 09:24:59 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 06, 2015, 08:21:39 AM
Plus you *MUST* have at least heard either "Rosanna" or " Hold The Line " at least in passing...

I'll give those a listen to see if they sound familiar. Thanks :)

EDIT: Ok, I've definitely heard "Hold The Line" before. Recognized it instantly, just didn't know which band performed it. Well, ya learn something new every day  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Warhorse000 on December 06, 2015, 10:17:56 AM
I'm not sure if its been discussed here much, but IMO the dual guitar/keyboard solo at the very end of The Gift of Music is probably the sound of the NOMACs. 

What kind of patch was Ruddess using?  It sounds so good at the very very end of the song. (at the 3:39 mark)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dvargas on December 06, 2015, 10:20:49 AM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on December 05, 2015, 03:29:31 AM
After reading the Rolling Stone article, the creation of the intricate music to match the characters, setting and storyline makes me think it would have been too much burden to add a documentary/DVD companion to the release.  DT's done that before.  This package and presentation (cards, maps scripts) is new, so let's enjoy that.

I disagree here.  I would rather have an 60-90 min documentary, than a box w cards and maps. Plus I think 200 for the box set is outrageous.  I mean what am I going to do with the cards and shit, display them a la Steve Carrrell in the 40-yo virgin? Next we'll be getting action figures of the characters.

I would take a box set w apparel and documentary over cards and maps any day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Stef1 on December 06, 2015, 10:54:35 AM
Quote from: dvargas on December 06, 2015, 10:20:49 AM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on December 05, 2015, 03:29:31 AM
After reading the Rolling Stone article, the creation of the intricate music to match the characters, setting and storyline makes me think it would have been too much burden to add a documentary/DVD companion to the release.  DT's done that before.  This package and presentation (cards, maps scripts) is new, so let's enjoy that.

I disagree here.  I would rather have an 60-90 min documentary, than a box w cards and maps. Plus I think 200 for the box set is outrageous.  I mean what am I going to do with the cards and shit, display them a la Steve Carrrell in the 40-yo virgin? Next we'll be getting action figures of the characters.


I would take a box set w apparel and documentary over cards and maps any day.

I'd take the action figures....... :yarr
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 06, 2015, 11:02:43 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 05, 2015, 11:17:12 PM
I just had a nightmare, guys.
DT announced their North America Tour... And I went to a show... And they didn't TA in its entirety...

This is when we know we're obsessed :lol

I've been having dreams about the Astonishing show too :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 06, 2015, 11:03:41 AM
I have, several times, had dreams that DT played at my house...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on December 06, 2015, 11:03:54 AM
Quote from: Stef1 on December 06, 2015, 10:54:35 AM
Quote from: dvargas on December 06, 2015, 10:20:49 AM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on December 05, 2015, 03:29:31 AM
After reading the Rolling Stone article, the creation of the intricate music to match the characters, setting and storyline makes me think it would have been too much burden to add a documentary/DVD companion to the release.  DT's done that before.  This package and presentation (cards, maps scripts) is new, so let's enjoy that.

I disagree here.  I would rather have an 60-90 min documentary, than a box w cards and maps. Plus I think 200 for the box set is outrageous.  I mean what am I going to do with the cards and shit, display them a la Steve Carrrell in the 40-yo virgin? Next we'll be getting action figures of the characters.


I would take a box set w apparel and documentary over cards and maps any day.

I'd take the action figures....... :yarr

Or a remote control Nomac ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Tomislav95 on December 06, 2015, 11:19:36 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 06, 2015, 09:24:59 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 06, 2015, 08:21:39 AM
Plus you *MUST* have at least heard either "Rosanna" or " Hold The Line " at least in passing...

I'll give those a listen to see if they sound familiar. Thanks :)

EDIT: Ok, I've definitely heard "Hold The Line" before. Recognized it instantly, just didn't know which band performed it. Well, ya learn something new every day  :lol
If you ever played GTA:SA, you know it from there ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Raise the Drum on December 06, 2015, 11:23:02 AM
Quote from: Nefarius on December 06, 2015, 05:05:32 AM
Am I alone in feeling an awesome Toto vibe in "The Gift Of Music" at 3:23 - 3:37?

Greetings...
Nef
I just heard that part and I know what you mean. I've always liked that progressive side of Toto. It's nice to hear it in this song.
I hope this theme is repeated throughout the album. Maybe it could be the main theme for some other song. Heaven's Cove maybe?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 06, 2015, 11:28:56 AM
Quote from: Tomislav95 on December 06, 2015, 11:19:36 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 06, 2015, 09:24:59 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 06, 2015, 08:21:39 AM
Plus you *MUST* have at least heard either "Rosanna" or " Hold The Line " at least in passing...

I'll give those a listen to see if they sound familiar. Thanks :)

EDIT: Ok, I've definitely heard "Hold The Line" before. Recognized it instantly, just didn't know which band performed it. Well, ya learn something new every day  :lol
If you ever played GTA:SA, you know it from there ;)
Was that really on San Andreas? I played the fuck out of that game but I don't recall hearing that one. Anyway, I know this song from "That 70's Show" when Fez played it, incredible :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 06, 2015, 11:31:03 AM
Quote from: mike099 on December 06, 2015, 11:03:54 AM
Quote from: Stef1 on December 06, 2015, 10:54:35 AM
I'd take the action figures....... :yarr

Or a remote control Nomac ;)

You know what? They need to do a Nomac-shaped drone on which you can download and play music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Tomislav95 on December 06, 2015, 11:32:12 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 06, 2015, 11:28:56 AM
Quote from: Tomislav95 on December 06, 2015, 11:19:36 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 06, 2015, 09:24:59 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 06, 2015, 08:21:39 AM
Plus you *MUST* have at least heard either "Rosanna" or " Hold The Line " at least in passing...

I'll give those a listen to see if they sound familiar. Thanks :)

EDIT: Ok, I've definitely heard "Hold The Line" before. Recognized it instantly, just didn't know which band performed it. Well, ya learn something new every day  :lol
If you ever played GTA:SA, you know it from there ;)
Was that really on San Andreas? I played the fuck out of that game but I don't recall hearing that one. Anyway, I know this song from "That 70's Show" when Fez played it, incredible :lol
It's on K-DST radio :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2015, 12:06:41 PM
Amazed nobody has said anything about TGoM bass
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 06, 2015, 12:07:20 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2015, 12:06:41 PM
Amazed nobody has said anything about TGoM bass

What's good/bad about it ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2015, 12:08:31 PM
It's not what's good of bad, but DTF always has something to say.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamTension on December 06, 2015, 12:32:10 PM
Quote from: Warhorse000 on December 06, 2015, 10:17:56 AM
I'm not sure if its been discussed here much, but IMO the dual guitar/keyboard solo at the very end of The Gift of Music is probably the sound of the NOMACs. 

What kind of patch was Ruddess using?  It sounds so good at the very very end of the song. (at the 3:39 mark)

Quote from: DreamTension on December 04, 2015, 02:45:40 PM
Can anyone point out a section in Dream Theater song that has a simultaneous, dualing solo section like the end of TGOM?

Jordan's keyboard sound, mixed with the way they are playing, conjures images (and words) in my mind of an epic music battle between a NOMAC and real musician as they fly over the city.


Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2015, 12:06:41 PM
Amazed nobody has said anything about TGoM bass
Quote from: DreamTension on December 03, 2015, 03:12:00 PM
Epic teaser that really leaves you wanting more!  To me, the snare sounds like I&W...better than last time for sure (felt distracting to me on DT12). Overall mix feels much more open than DT12.  My favorite part is when the dirty organ comes out to play, leading into the orchestra that slowly creeps into the guitar riff. :metal  Quality stuff!  Choir sounds great as well.  Also have mention I love Myung on this song! Pretty clean and in your face bass sound.

 ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2015, 12:49:39 PM
Wow didn't spot that, hadn't had the time to scroll through the pages, sorry.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamTension on December 06, 2015, 01:20:22 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2015, 12:49:39 PM
Wow didn't spot that, hadn't had the time to scroll through the pages, sorry.

I love the bass on this track. Tasty fills, and groovy rhythms   :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2015, 02:30:31 PM
So... Eren is fired?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 06, 2015, 02:35:41 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2015, 02:30:31 PM
So... Eren is fired?
Fired from what?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2015, 02:38:25 PM
Quote from: ariich on December 06, 2015, 02:35:41 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2015, 02:30:31 PM
So... Eren is fired?
Fired from what?

Well, I see a new, experimented conductor is working with DT this time.
Was Eren "Hugh Syme'd"?  :lol :lol
(Jk of course)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 06, 2015, 02:45:51 PM
You can't be fired from a job you don't have. I don't see the big deal in DT using other people for stuff like this. Every project is different, and whether you reuse some people or not is not indicative of their capabilities - it's just indicative that the direction you want to pull in is might require other experiences and qualifications.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2015, 02:50:47 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 06, 2015, 02:45:51 PM
You can't be fired from a job you don't have. I don't see the big deal in DT using other people for stuff like this. Every project is different, and whether you reuse some people or not is not indicative of their capabilities - it's just indicative that the direction you want to pull in is might require other experiences and qualifications.

Which is why I stated "Hugh Syme'd"
They just didn't hire them and that's it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rumborak on December 06, 2015, 02:57:13 PM
Eren was fired in the same way that Desmond Child was fired.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Fritzinger on December 06, 2015, 03:03:18 PM
I think it's okay hey "Hugh Syme'd" Hugh Syme. His work was very sloppy and not very creative on DT12. I can't believe no one saw the watermark on the one picture for example.
TA artwork looks pretty "typical" DT though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Peter Mc on December 06, 2015, 05:04:14 PM
Bit harsh to say fired. He's a young kid who DT gave a great opportunity on both DT12 and BTFW.

This is a much bigger undertaking and they had the chance to work with one of the top guys in the world. This shouldn't be seen as any kind of reflection on Eren's work which was outstanding. You could argue that the move away from Hugh Syme after all these years is a bit of a statement but I wouldn't be surprised to see him back. I thought there was some awesome artwork on DT12, just not that keen on the actual cover on that or ADTOE.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sycsa on December 06, 2015, 05:11:25 PM
I always found it curious that nobody ever really addressed the issue that the IT orchestra part on BTFW was completely overdubbed by the studio version. I once asked this on a thread where Eren was active, but got no answer.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: JRuless on December 06, 2015, 05:25:54 PM
Just read this article. Might be some new information about a spring U.S. tour. Could be a different stage plan i.c. to the E.U. tour.

https://www.bassplayer.com/artists/1171/dream-theatre-set-to-unveil-their-double-concept-album-the-astonishing-on-january-29th/55390 (https://www.bassplayer.com/artists/1171/dream-theatre-set-to-unveil-their-double-concept-album-the-astonishing-on-january-29th/55390)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 06, 2015, 05:35:35 PM
Quote from: JRuless on December 06, 2015, 05:25:54 PM
Just read this article. Might be some new information about a spring U.S. tour. Could be a different stage plan i.c. to the E.U. tour.

https://www.bassplayer.com/artists/1171/dream-theatre-set-to-unveil-their-double-concept-album-the-astonishing-on-january-29th/55390 (https://www.bassplayer.com/artists/1171/dream-theatre-set-to-unveil-their-double-concept-album-the-astonishing-on-january-29th/55390)

Awesome link
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on December 06, 2015, 05:51:40 PM
Quote from: Sycsa on December 06, 2015, 05:11:25 PM
I always found it curious that nobody ever really addressed the issue that the IT orchestra part on BTFW was completely overdubbed by the studio version. I once asked this on a thread where Eren was active, but got no answer.

We've addressed it and others concurred.  The professional approach is not to bite the hand that feeds you, thus no further response.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on December 06, 2015, 05:59:37 PM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on December 06, 2015, 05:35:35 PM
Quote from: JRuless on December 06, 2015, 05:25:54 PM
Just read this article. Might be some new information about a spring U.S. tour. Could be a different stage plan i.c. to the E.U. tour.

https://www.bassplayer.com/artists/1171/dream-theatre-set-to-unveil-their-double-concept-album-the-astonishing-on-january-29th/55390 (https://www.bassplayer.com/artists/1171/dream-theatre-set-to-unveil-their-double-concept-album-the-astonishing-on-january-29th/55390)

Awesome link

Good to hear they'll do the whole album here in the US.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: shredd on December 06, 2015, 06:11:24 PM
Just wanted to throw my 2 cents in about this supposed "voice manipulation" theory.
Seriously, it's totally possible to do that with vocal pitch without any form of digital manipulation, I tried singing the words that everyone is saying are autotuned and I can replicate it exactly using just my voice. What your hearing on "Lions'" is called Melisma and what your hearing on "Time" is called a vocal bend (downwards in pitch in this case)

Of course, alot of vocalists do use autotune and such to correct their pitch but if I myself can sing these phrases without pitch correction then I'm sure an incredible (not to mention professional) vocalist like JLB can do it too.

I don't want to piss anyone off by saying it's definitely not autotune, but that's just some stuff to consider. Maybe try singing it yourselves as well and you'll probably find that you can do it whether you're a singer or not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2015, 06:15:39 PM
I seriously hope they will come here at Mexico and perform it. I'm willing to travel to any city inside the country just to see them, but traveling to the U.S is beyond my current capabilities.

I'd be very very pissed off if they don't come. If they say they're only turning the Auditorio Nacional into TA scenario, I'll go there, but I hope they'll do.

Otros Mexicanos seguro estarán deacuerdo conmigo
(Other Mexicans will certainly agree with me)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 06, 2015, 06:18:26 PM
Quote from: JRuless on December 06, 2015, 05:25:54 PM
Just read this article. Might be some new information about a spring U.S. tour. Could be a different stage plan i.c. to the E.U. tour.

https://www.bassplayer.com/artists/1171/dream-theatre-set-to-unveil-their-double-concept-album-the-astonishing-on-january-29th/55390 (https://www.bassplayer.com/artists/1171/dream-theatre-set-to-unveil-their-double-concept-album-the-astonishing-on-january-29th/55390)

That is some great news!!! ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on December 06, 2015, 08:04:06 PM
Will DT go down the route of melodic prog vs. metal to signify the difference between Ravenskill and the Empire? I hope they would release another teaser, this time an Empire song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: nattmorker on December 06, 2015, 08:29:00 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 06, 2015, 06:15:39 PM
I seriously hope they will come here at Mexico and perform it. I'm willing to travel to any city inside the country just to see them, but traveling to the U.S is beyond my current capabilities.

I'd be very very pissed off if they don't come. If they say they're only turning the Auditorio Nacional into TA scenario, I'll go there, but I hope they'll do.

Otros Mexicanos seguro estarán deacuerdo conmigo
(Other Mexicans will certainly agree with me)

Yeah! It would  awesome to have the whole show in Mexico, let's hope that will be the case!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Marion Crane on December 06, 2015, 10:08:15 PM
 After many listens and much deliberation, I've decided that this is the best thing I've heard from them in years. I don't want to get my hopes up, but I feel like I've only heard the "Strange Deja-Vu" of the album so far.  I'm really hoping I don't get let down.

But if we get another 2 hours of this, I'll be happy.

On a side note, the last section of lyrics are the best thing they've written in years.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 07, 2015, 04:53:45 AM
Quote from: Marion Crane on December 06, 2015, 10:08:15 PM
On a side note, the last section of lyrics are the best thing they've written in years.

Tbh, the lyircs there and the chorus with the choir are some of the best things they've written in years.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 07, 2015, 04:58:00 AM
"Songbirds stop to listen when he sings" is pretty great, best in the song, but the rest isn't as impressive. It's not bad, it fits the concept and the tone of the track, but that's about it for the most part.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Peter Mc on December 07, 2015, 06:28:59 AM
A lot of lyrics are functional story telling lyrics and I'm guessing that this may be the first "song" on the album so they have to introduce the story and characters.  The two lines at the end though "Music is the gift he brings, the songbird stops to listen when he sings" are just awesome though and give me goosebumps every time especially when followed by that soaring Petrucci solo.  Really loving the song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 07, 2015, 06:44:36 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on December 07, 2015, 04:53:45 AM
Quote from: Marion Crane on December 06, 2015, 10:08:15 PM
On a side note, the last section of lyrics are the best thing they've written in years.

Tbh, the lyircs there and the chorus with the choir are some of the best things they've written in years.

B.Lee

I'd agree with this. I was actually surprised how much I enjoyed the lyrics, I was assuming since the song was just a part of the overall story, the lyrics might not make much sense standing alone as a single. But knowing what we know about the overall story already, I thought the lyrics were a pleasant surprise, really enjoyable.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BelichickFan on December 07, 2015, 07:10:02 AM
TGOM has done nothing but raise my expectations.  Based on this single, The Astonishing has the potential (dangerous word) to be my favorite DT CD.  The melody, sound and feel is wonderful, even for a 4 minute track.  James sounds fantastic (as much as I liked IT, he's better off staying in today's range).  They're a different band now from I&W or SFAM but there's an ease and confidence about this that is very appealing.  Throw in that JP clearly had an inspiration for this and TGOM sounds so good, this could be an all time great.  Although I am a little nervous about James' female voices that we haven't heard yet.

As much as I like ItPoE, I'm glad that so far it's a more uplifting, melodic sound.  I was worried that we'd get two hours of ItPoE, which I love but this sound and feel is much more appealing for me right now.  I hope it's all this good and, yet, Bosk says that some of what he's heard is even better (paraphrased).  Which is really exciting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 07, 2015, 07:10:51 AM
Do you think we'll be getting more news now this week, or did it peak with the release of TGoM?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 07, 2015, 07:13:38 AM
Quote from: Zydar on December 07, 2015, 07:10:51 AM
Do you think we'll be getting more news now this week, or did it peak with the release of TGoM?

There's still some map left, and some characters, and a couple of videos, so I think it will probably continue as before until it's all revealed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on December 07, 2015, 08:24:53 AM
Quote from: Marion Crane on December 06, 2015, 10:08:15 PM
After many listens and much deliberation, I've decided that this is the best thing I've heard from them in years. I don't want to get my hopes up, but I feel like I've only heard the "Strange Deja-Vu" of the album so far.  I'm really hoping I don't get let down.

But if we get another 2 hours of this, I'll be happy.

On a side note, the last section of lyrics are the best thing they've written in years.

THIS!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MegaDTSX on December 07, 2015, 08:28:05 AM
Everyone can hate on Hugh Syme all they want, but always remember he made the awesome Megadeth "Youthanasia" album cover  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 07, 2015, 08:34:41 AM
Quote from: MegaDTSX on December 07, 2015, 08:28:05 AM
Everyone can hate on Hugh Syme all they want, but always remember he made the awesome Megadeth "Youthanasia" album cover  :metal
Come on, this is DTF, album covers with skies will never do any good here, so Youthanasia gets disqualified.











JK I love Youthanasia's cover.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AboutToCrash on December 07, 2015, 08:38:20 AM
I hope there's a nice mix on this album. I am a sucker for the melodic prog tracks like TGOM but would love some heavier TOT-esque songs too. Being 34 tracks long though I'm sure they can pretty much include every DT element possible and even expand into new horizons. This is an exciting thought... The fact that the album is supposedly 40 minutes longer than SDOIT is even more exciting, Let's hope they keep the quality up! The sheer amount of effort that must've gone into making this must've been insane.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: home on December 07, 2015, 08:54:59 AM
Quote from: MegaDTSX on December 07, 2015, 08:28:05 AM
Everyone can hate on Hugh Syme all they want, but always remember he made the awesome Megadeth "Youthanasia" album cover  :metal

Wow thanks, that album came up as a suggestion on youtube once and I clicked on it because I loved the artwork. But I quickly closed it because I didn't like the music and then forget which album has this amazing artwork. Thanks, now I know again  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lowdz on December 07, 2015, 08:58:44 AM
Quote from: Parama on December 05, 2015, 09:15:37 PM
well the mixing is better
sounds uncomfortably rush-like to me tho

I don't have a problem with that as Rush stopped sounding like Rush a long time ago. At least the Rush I want to hear.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Stray Seed on December 07, 2015, 09:06:42 AM
I have no problems with the (early) Rush-esque sound, actually I really like it. DT sounds perfect through this genuinely progressive uplifting vibe, and in my opinion The Looking Glass was the greatest song on the self titled.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 07, 2015, 09:17:53 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on December 07, 2015, 08:38:20 AM
I hope there's a nice mix on this album. I am a sucker for the melodic prog tracks like TGOM but would love some heavier TOT-esque songs too. Being 34 tracks long though I'm sure they can pretty much include every DT element possible and even expand into new horizons. This is an exciting thought... The fact that the album is supposedly 40 minutes longer than SDOIT is even more exciting, Let's hope they keep the quality up! The sheer amount of effort that must've gone into making this must've been insane.

I'm willing to bet that Lord Nafaryus is a heavy track.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 07, 2015, 09:31:26 AM
Quote from: Zydar on December 07, 2015, 07:10:51 AM
Do you think we'll be getting more news now this week, or did it peak with the release of TGoM?

I peaked!

:zydarscouch:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 07, 2015, 09:36:51 AM
I just found out that "beacon" is one of my favorite English words to mistype. Shining like a BACON in the niiiiiiight! That's when you run to the fridge hungry at night and you're happy there's bacon.

Damn, I'm insane sometimes.  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 07, 2015, 09:41:36 AM
Quote from: TAC on December 07, 2015, 09:31:26 AM
Quote from: Zydar on December 07, 2015, 07:10:51 AM
Do you think we'll be getting more news now this week, or did it peak with the release of TGoM?

I peaked!

:zydarscouch:

The Gift Of Zydar.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 07, 2015, 09:55:12 AM
A new character (Evangeline) was revealed and a new section of the map!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 07, 2015, 10:14:16 AM
So that's 3 rebels now and 1 for The Great Northern Empire.

So now we know 29.01.2016 is the release date ( adjust for US ) - we can heartily laugh and point at Clock Guy who said 0112 would be a clue to the release date.

 :loser: :lol  :loser:
 :loser: :lol  :loser:
 :loser: :lol  :loser:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 07, 2015, 10:22:44 AM
Now we can see where Ravenskill is located. If endless isleland is representing Long island, the location of Ravenskill fits with the location that JP grew up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 07, 2015, 10:25:41 AM
The album is all about the career of DT and the album will move between the different eras of the band.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on December 07, 2015, 10:28:39 AM
My one observation is that, impressionistic as the geography is, Glen Cove is made a very prominent feature on the Endless Island.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 07, 2015, 10:28:39 AM
Considering that JP revealed Faythe and Arabelle in the Rolling Stone interview, that's 6 characters we now know about. Nice to be able to locate Ravenskill now though. Although I always pictured it being in the bottom-right corner of the map.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 07, 2015, 10:29:18 AM
I'm just a little worried about the religious elements of the album. I hope religion takes a smaller role in the lyrics, than on the previous album. With (the angel) Gabriel, and Evangeline holding a cross  makes me a bit worried. Religious analogies are not a problem, but some of the lyrics on DT12 were a bit on the preachy side.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 10:32:42 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 10:29:18 AM
...but some of the lyrics on DT12 were a bit on the preachy side.

???  Um...no. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 07, 2015, 10:38:34 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 10:32:42 AM
???  Um...no.

I'm talking about the lyrics on The Bigger Picture, Surrender to Reason and some parts in Illumination Theory. Maybe preachy is a strong word, but the spirituality of some of those lyrics just doesn't speak to me at all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 07, 2015, 10:40:01 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 10:32:42 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 10:29:18 AM
...but some of the lyrics on DT12 were a bit on the preachy side.

???  Um...no.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 07, 2015, 11:24:50 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 10:32:42 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 10:29:18 AM
...but some of the lyrics on DT12 were a bit on the preachy side.

???  Um...no.

They're incredibly preachy, but not in a religious way.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 11:35:48 AM
There has been in increase in chatter being detected by both factions.  I would expect the Emperor and the Commander to speak to us soon.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 11:37:47 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 11:35:48 AM
There has been in increase in chatter being detected by both factions.  I would expect the Emperor and the Commander to speak to us soon.

How so?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 07, 2015, 11:45:22 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 11:35:48 AM
There has been in increase in chatter being detected by both factions.  I would expect the Emperor and the Commander to speak to us soon.

So I guess we'll either receive a new email from them or they'll post something on Twitter... or maybe it'll be something more astonishing!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 11:46:37 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 11:35:48 AM
There has been in increase in chatter being detected by both factions.  I would expect the Emperor and the Commander to speak to us soon.

Maybe they would speak on the videos  :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on December 07, 2015, 11:48:43 AM
other stuff but videos
I need a video, whatever it might be.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 11:53:23 AM
We want to see the clock guy!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 07, 2015, 12:04:42 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 11:53:23 AM
We want to see the clock guy!

Just a few posts and the guy is already a legend.  :lol

At this point I think he should be awarded the title of the most influential DTF member of 2015.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 12:08:58 PM
Quote from: CDrice on December 07, 2015, 12:04:42 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 11:53:23 AM
We want to see the clock guy!

Just a few posts and the guy is already a legend.  :lol

At this point I think he should be awarded the title of the most influential DTF member of 2015.

I think that we all hope that he has sung parts on the album, because if he is the only character that don't sing, it's gonna be hard to bear
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 12:29:37 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on December 07, 2015, 11:24:50 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 10:32:42 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 10:29:18 AM
...but some of the lyrics on DT12 were a bit on the preachy side.

???  Um...no.

They're incredibly preachy, but not in a religious way.

There certainly is nothing religious about any of them, but I don't get "preachy" in ANY way, shape, or form either.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 07, 2015, 12:34:54 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 12:29:37 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on December 07, 2015, 11:24:50 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 10:32:42 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 10:29:18 AM
...but some of the lyrics on DT12 were a bit on the preachy side.

???  Um...no.

They're incredibly preachy, but not in a religious way.

There certainly is nothing religious about any of them, but I don't get "preachy" in ANY way, shape, or form either.

Obviously people interpret lyrics differently. That said, i'm (in my own personal opinion) unable to interpret lyrics such as "Shine your light on me", and "Restless angels, help me find my way" in any way other than a religious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: V_R11 on December 07, 2015, 12:36:43 PM
Anyone else think that Evangeline seems kind of an odd character to be in a rebel militia?  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: pcs90 on December 07, 2015, 12:39:06 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 10:29:18 AM
I'm just a little worried about the religious elements of the album. I hope religion takes a smaller role in the lyrics, than on the previous album. With (the angel) Gabriel, and Evangeline holding a cross  makes me a bit worried. Religious analogies are not a problem, but some of the lyrics on DT12 were a bit on the preachy side.
I'm not entirely sure what's so bad about that. It's not like the lyrics have to be interpreted as religious. I tend to think of them that way because they connect with me better, but it's not like they're forcing a particular religion or set of beliefs on you, and in fact when JP says what a song like this is about it has nothing to do with religion (take TBP for example). In my opinion DT does a very good job at lyrics like this, because they're vague enough not to be shoved down the throats of people who don't like the concept but clear enough to be interpreted as religious for those who like that idea.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 07, 2015, 12:39:58 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 12:34:54 PM
Obviously people interpret lyrics differently. That said, i'm (in my own personal opinion) unable to interpret lyrics such as "Shine your light on me", and "Restless angels, help me find my way" in any way other than a religious.

Yeah I never saw those as religious. Just stuff people say in lyrics because it sounds poetic.

"Let love show the way
Let grace be the way
Surrender to reason"

"To really feel the joy in life
You must suffer through the pain
When you surrender to the light
You can face the darkest days
If you open up your eyes
And you put your trust in love
On those cold and endless nights
You will never be alone"

Those are two examples of passages I'd define as pretty preachy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 07, 2015, 12:47:00 PM
Yeah i agree. Of course religious imagery is mostly used because they sound poetic. And i realize i'm in a minority seeing the world through pretty strongly atheistic (and non-spritual) eyes. But the lyrics in the ending of Surrender to Reason has always sadly made me appreciate such a great song a little less.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Gpals71 on December 07, 2015, 01:06:49 PM
Meet Evangeline. Flyt.it/TheAstonishing (https://Flyt.it/TheAstonishing)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 07, 2015, 01:08:22 PM
bowchicka bow wow
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 07, 2015, 01:08:28 PM
No matter how close I put my eyes to my monitor, I can hardly read most of the place names on the map. Hopefully when it's complete we'll be able to zoom in and get a bigger picture (no pun intended).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 07, 2015, 01:10:34 PM
eh, never mind
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on December 07, 2015, 01:32:23 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 12:47:00 PM
Yeah i agree. Of course religious imagery is mostly used because they sound poetic. And i realize i'm in a minority seeing the world through pretty strongly atheistic (and non-spritual) eyes. But the lyrics in the ending of Surrender to Reason has always sadly made me appreciate such a great song a little less.

Dude...I'm seriously athiest (and have some significant problems w/ organized religion), but I can appreciate the architecture of cathedrals and the beauty in early music...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frank on December 07, 2015, 01:36:21 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 12:47:00 PM
Yeah i agree. Of course religious imagery is mostly used because they sound poetic. And i realize i'm in a minority seeing the world through pretty strongly atheistic (and non-spritual) eyes. But the lyrics in the ending of Surrender to Reason has always sadly made me appreciate such a great song a little less.

I can understand this. As an atheist myself (who studies the intersection of religion, philosophy, and society) the more overtly "spiritual" lyrics do create a disconnect between me and the songwriter. Messages about the strength and power of faith - belief in empirically unverifiable realities (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith) - certainly don't resonate with me. However, as others have pointed out, it seems that DT consciously tries to avoid overt religious imagery in their lyrics so as to not alienate listeners while still writing music and lyrics that are meaningful to them. I can appreciate and respect that.

The disconnect I feel doesn't really matter for a variety of reasons - 1) the songwriter said what mattered to them, and I can relate with the strong emotions people feel in life anyway, 2) I feel like my enjoyment of a song shouldn't be contingent on whether I agree with the cosmology it's founded upon, especially because at the end of the day I prioritize music over lyrics, 3) the lyrics' internal structure reveal patterns, poetry, and other constructed delights I can enjoy, 4) I can use the song the study the influences religious and spiritual belief systems have upon art, etc.

All that being said, I can't deny it's nice when I listen to things which I can viscerally relate to.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 07, 2015, 01:43:56 PM
Quote from: millahh on December 07, 2015, 01:32:23 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 12:47:00 PM
Yeah i agree. Of course religious imagery is mostly used because they sound poetic. And i realize i'm in a minority seeing the world through pretty strongly atheistic (and non-spritual) eyes. But the lyrics in the ending of Surrender to Reason has always sadly made me appreciate such a great song a little less.

Dude...I'm seriously athiest (and have some significant problems w/ organized religion), but I can appreciate the architecture of cathedrals and the beauty in early music...

Yeah, i have the same position as you. I love visiting old norwegian stave churches for example (and other religious houses such as mosques). But for me there is a difference between appreachiating that kind of architecture and art, and religious lyrics. The difference is that the architecture has beauty outside of being religious symbols. Religious lyrics doesn't really mean anything outside of the context of that particular religion.

I know i may sound negative, or argumentative, but that's not how i'm trying to come across. The only thing i'm trying to say is that i for example don't like the ending section in Surrender to reason because of the lyrics (or should i say, it doesn't resonate with me personally). And that is only my own fault. I'm really excited about the Sci-fi and fantasy elements of The Astonishing, i just hope that religious imagery isn't too prominent.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 01:47:12 PM
How we end talking about religious? This is The Astonishing post, so we should talk about it.

I like a lot Evangeline:

(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201512/evangeline.jpg)

Do you think that the rest of the characters that we haven't seen are from the GNEA?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 07, 2015, 01:50:27 PM
Well i ended up talking about religion because of that particular picture  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 01:53:27 PM
Don't let religious references ruin songs for you guys . . . it's all in poetic purpose plus lyrics are meant for you to interpret the way you want and relate it to your own life. I understand how it would make it less relatable though, don't get me wrong, just don't let it ruin a song for you :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 01:54:39 PM
It's a great picture! Faythe and Arabelle will be from Ravenskill or from GNEA?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 01:55:41 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 01:54:39 PM
It's a great picture! Faythe and Arabelle will be from Ravenskill or from GNEA?

Have no idea . . . maybe there will be a third group we don't know about yet? :justjen
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 01:58:03 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 01:55:41 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 01:54:39 PM
It's a great picture! Faythe and Arabelle will be from Ravenskill or from GNEA?

Have no idea . . . maybe there will be a third group we don't know about yet? :justjen

The NOMACs? The ex members perhaps?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 02:00:11 PM
I dunno if anyone posted it:

Commander Arhys ‏@CommanderArhys
I shall never forget my promise.
https://flyt.it/TheAstonishing

 :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:02:10 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 02:00:11 PM
I dunno if anyone posted it:

Commander Arhys ‏@CommanderArhys
I shall never forget my promise.
https://flyt.it/TheAstonishing

 :o :o :o :o

Man what a cliffhanger!!! :lol

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:02:34 PM
I wonder what it means . . .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 02:04:38 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:02:10 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 02:00:11 PM
I dunno if anyone posted it:

Commander Arhys ‏@CommanderArhys
I shall never forget my promise.
https://flyt.it/TheAstonishing

 :o :o :o :o

Man what a cliffhanger!!! :lol

Arhys "wrote" that in the same day that Evangeline picture appeared on the website. Maybe Evangeline is Arhys's wife, and he promised to her to save his people.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:06:11 PM
That makes as much sense as anything I can think of . . . good theory! :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 07, 2015, 02:07:49 PM
Can barely make it out, but that's Heaven's Cove on the west side of Endless Isleland, isn't it?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 07, 2015, 02:09:32 PM
I must admit, my first thought when I read that tweet was of Charlton Heston's cameo in Wayne's World 2. "That one perfect day on Gordon Street." Nothing to do with The Astonishing I know. Just saying.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:11:37 PM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on December 07, 2015, 02:07:49 PM
Can barely make it out, but that's Heaven's Cove on the west side of Endless Isleland, isn't it?

Wow really? Sorry I'm even worse at reading it than you are probably :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on December 07, 2015, 02:12:19 PM
Noob question: What does it actually say between Characters and Map? Places?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 02:12:53 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:06:11 PM
That makes as much sense as anything I can think of . . . good theory! :)

It's great speculate about it! Cause idk nothing about her or what promised could do Arhys! It's just great!

I keep thinking that Faythe is relative of Nafaryus (maybe daughter or little sis), but she falls in love with Gabriel and then runs away from GNEA and pursues Gabriel wherever he goes. Finally she dies on the battle, trying to save Gabriel from being murdered by Nafaryus.

How about that?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 02:13:49 PM
Quote from: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on December 07, 2015, 02:12:19 PM
Noob question: What does it actually say between Characters and Map? Places?

Places and it's locked.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:13:55 PM
Quote from: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on December 07, 2015, 02:12:19 PM
Noob question: What does it actually say between Characters and Map? Places?

Yes I believe so . . .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:15:28 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 02:12:53 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:06:11 PM
That makes as much sense as anything I can think of . . . good theory! :)

It's great speculate about it! Cause idk nothing about her or what promised could do Arhys! It's just great!

I keep thinking that Faythe is relative of Nafaryus (maybe daughter or little sis), but she falls in love with Gabriel and then runs away from GNEA and pursues Gabriel wherever he goes. Finally she dies on the battle, trying to save Gabriel from being murdered by Nafaryus.

How about that?

I have no idea whether that will be the story or not but it sounds like a pretty cool plot! I'd be happy with that :)

I guess we just have to wait and see . . . maybe our theories will be confirmed with the flow of new info :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 02:15:51 PM
I erased the lock photo with the developer mode of Google Chrome

(https://i63.tinypic.com/2mwwnm8.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 02:18:35 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 11:35:48 AM
I would expect the Emperor and the Commander to speak to us soon.

Nothing happened yet. Only Arhys tweet. We want so newssss!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 07, 2015, 02:25:52 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on December 07, 2015, 12:39:58 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 12:34:54 PM
Obviously people interpret lyrics differently. That said, i'm (in my own personal opinion) unable to interpret lyrics such as "Shine your light on me", and "Restless angels, help me find my way" in any way other than a religious.

Yeah I never saw those as religious. Just stuff people say in lyrics because it sounds poetic.

"Let love show the way
Let grace be the way
Surrender to reason"

"To really feel the joy in life
You must suffer through the pain
When you surrender to the light
You can face the darkest days
If you open up your eyes
And you put your trust in love
On those cold and endless nights
You will never be alone"

Those are two examples of passages I'd define as pretty preachy.

If anything, those sound, at most like they are inspired by Ethical Humanism.  "Surrender to Reason" is like an admission that they're NOT faith-based.  Pretty much by definition, it takes the suspension of reason to maintain faith.

If I had to bet, I'd put my money on the fact that those lyrics pretty explicitly describe a pagan/agnostic set of ethics.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 07, 2015, 02:26:46 PM
I honestly think we'll get some "Places" that show what specific locations look like. I know some images from the same artist that did the work on this album were around on the internet and seemed to show very detailed and "wide shots" of cities and what not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on December 07, 2015, 02:39:42 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 02:15:51 PM
I erased the lock photo with the developer mode of Google Chrome

(https://i63.tinypic.com/2mwwnm8.jpg)
:tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 07, 2015, 02:45:22 PM
Quote from: CDrice on December 07, 2015, 12:04:42 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 11:53:23 AM
We want to see the clock guy!

Just a few posts and the guy is already a legend.  :lol

At this point I think he should be awarded the title of the most influential DTF member of 2015.
For real though, I'd pay some legit money for him to be related to this album in a way.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 07, 2015, 02:45:45 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 02:15:51 PM
I erased the lock photo with the developer mode of Google Chrome

(https://i63.tinypic.com/2mwwnm8.jpg)

That's great. Now erase the shading over the rest of the characters! ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 07, 2015, 02:47:06 PM
Quote from: jsbru on December 07, 2015, 02:25:52 PM
If anything, those sound, at most like they are inspired by Ethical Humanism.  "Surrender to Reason" is like an admission that they're NOT faith-based.  Pretty much by definition, it takes the suspension of reason to maintain faith.

If I had to bet, I'd put my money on the fact that those lyrics pretty explicitly describe a pagan/agnostic set of ethics.

I always saw that as a contradiction. Reason is often associated with the Age of Enlightenment, and is emphasizing the rational world and is to some degree "anti religion". But letting angels and grace lead the way, is the exact opposite of surrendering to reason.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 07, 2015, 02:47:37 PM
Rhetorical questions: I wonder what city is portrayed on the cover? It looks likely to be the capital city of the Empire, but what is that city's name?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:51:13 PM
I was wondering the city's location on the map as well . . .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 07, 2015, 02:54:05 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:11:37 PM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on December 07, 2015, 02:07:49 PM
Can barely make it out, but that's Heaven's Cove on the west side of Endless Isleland, isn't it?

Wow really? Sorry I'm even worse at reading it than you are probably :lol

My vision's pretty good, so I figured I'd bring it up. At the very least, there's some body of water that is marked by two words, the first of which has an apostrophe in it. So pretty decent odds, I think.

Quote from: RoeDent on December 07, 2015, 02:47:37 PM
Rhetorical questions: I wonder what city is portrayed on the cover? It looks likely to be the capital city of the Empire, but what is that city's name?

New Maineland, right? And it's basically NYC, right? And IAW was recorded at Bear Tracks, right?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:55:46 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 02:47:06 PM
Quote from: jsbru on December 07, 2015, 02:25:52 PM
If anything, those sound, at most like they are inspired by Ethical Humanism.  "Surrender to Reason" is like an admission that they're NOT faith-based.  Pretty much by definition, it takes the suspension of reason to maintain faith.

If I had to bet, I'd put my money on the fact that those lyrics pretty explicitly describe a pagan/agnostic set of ethics.

I always saw that as a contradiction. Reason is often associated with the Age of Enlightenment, and is emphasizing the rational world and is to some degree "anti religion". But letting angels and grace lead the way, is the exact opposite of surrendering to reason.

Well the debate over whether reason and believing in a greater power are mutually exclusive is definitely a heated one, and many have different opinions on it. And to a point it becomes semantics - some have different definition of "reason" and "faith" from others it seems. Maybe Myung meant something different by those words? Anyways not meaning to open up this debate, as this isn't the right sub-forum for it :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 07, 2015, 03:32:39 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 07, 2015, 01:54:39 PM
It's a great picture! Faythe and Arabelle will be from Ravenskill or from GNEA?

Pretty sure Faythe is from Ravenskill. No way a "bad girl" gets two song titles. Dunno about Arabelle, who is supposed to be an older woman from JP's interview.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 03:42:20 PM
Yeah, I'm with you. Faythe is probably from Ravenskill. Do we know whether there will be an equal amount of characters for each side or could it be any amount?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 07, 2015, 03:47:50 PM
My prediction is that Faythe is of the Empire (maybe Nafaryus' own daughter), but is sympathetic to the rebels, possibly being a lover to one of the rebel characters.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rumborak on December 07, 2015, 03:50:16 PM
Quote from: TAC on December 07, 2015, 03:47:50 PM
My prediction is that Faythe is of the Empire (maybe Nafaryus' own daughter), but is sympathetic to the rebels, possibly being a lover to one of the rebel characters.

Ah yes, the Romeo and Juliet plot.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 07, 2015, 03:50:50 PM
Quote from: TAC on December 07, 2015, 03:47:50 PM
My prediction is that Faythe is of the Empire (maybe Nafaryus' own daughter), but is sympathetic to the rebels, possibly being a lover to one of the rebel characters.

She wanted a 5 year break from the Empire but they told her no wayeth my dear.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 07, 2015, 03:53:02 PM
No wayeth fayeth. No betrayeth OKeth!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CoT67 on December 07, 2015, 04:18:46 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:55:46 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 02:47:06 PM
Quote from: jsbru on December 07, 2015, 02:25:52 PM
If anything, those sound, at most like they are inspired by Ethical Humanism.  "Surrender to Reason" is like an admission that they're NOT faith-based.  Pretty much by definition, it takes the suspension of reason to maintain faith.

If I had to bet, I'd put my money on the fact that those lyrics pretty explicitly describe a pagan/agnostic set of ethics.

I always saw that as a contradiction. Reason is often associated with the Age of Enlightenment, and is emphasizing the rational world and is to some degree "anti religion". But letting angels and grace lead the way, is the exact opposite of surrendering to reason.

Well the debate over whether reason and believing in a greater power are mutually exclusive is definitely a heated one, and many have different opinions on it. And to a point it becomes semantics - some have different definition of "reason" and "faith" from others it seems. Maybe Myung meant something different by those words? Anyways not meaning to open up this debate, as this isn't the right sub-forum for it :lol

They're certainly a spiritual band and they've declared it several times, Petrucci said in an interview he was a Catholic and all, but IMHO they mainly use religious imagery more to convey emotions than anything else.
Also, because most of the time those lyrics seem to be inspired partly by their life's experiences they obviously have some connections to their faiths and beliefs, whether these lyrics belong to the religious or the philosophical sphere or anything else.

Someone said it already, but I think the best thing about their lyrics is that they tend to describe general, universal experiences and feelings without imposing any sort of view, with the obvious issue/non-issue that they do it through words taken from their own culture and beliefs (which can/cannot resonate).

That said, I don't expect TA to be any different from the other albums as far as the amount of spiritual imagery is concerned, even though Evangeline seems pretty much set on the religious type of character.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 07, 2015, 04:20:27 PM
Quote from: TAC on December 07, 2015, 03:47:50 PM
My prediction is that Faythe is of the Empire (maybe Nafaryus' own daughter), but is sympathetic to the rebels, possibly being a lover to one of the rebel characters.

So a guy named Nafaryus names his daughter Faythe? That would be an ...interesting choice on his part.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 04:22:48 PM
Quote from: CoT67 on December 07, 2015, 04:18:46 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:55:46 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 02:47:06 PM
Quote from: jsbru on December 07, 2015, 02:25:52 PM
If anything, those sound, at most like they are inspired by Ethical Humanism.  "Surrender to Reason" is like an admission that they're NOT faith-based.  Pretty much by definition, it takes the suspension of reason to maintain faith.

If I had to bet, I'd put my money on the fact that those lyrics pretty explicitly describe a pagan/agnostic set of ethics.

I always saw that as a contradiction. Reason is often associated with the Age of Enlightenment, and is emphasizing the rational world and is to some degree "anti religion". But letting angels and grace lead the way, is the exact opposite of surrendering to reason.

Well the debate over whether reason and believing in a greater power are mutually exclusive is definitely a heated one, and many have different opinions on it. And to a point it becomes semantics - some have different definition of "reason" and "faith" from others it seems. Maybe Myung meant something different by those words? Anyways not meaning to open up this debate, as this isn't the right sub-forum for it :lol

They're certainly a spiritual band and they've declared it several times, Petrucci said in an interview he was a Catholic and all, but IMHO they mainly use religious imagery more to convey emotions than anything else.
Also, because most of the time those lyrics seem to be inspired partly by their life's experiences they obviously have some connections to their faiths and beliefs, whether these lyrics belong to the religious or the philosophical speech or anything else.

Someone said it already, but I think the best thing about them is that they tend to describe general, universal experiences and feelings without imposing any sort of view, with the obvious issue/non-issue that they do it through words taken from their own culture and beliefs (which can/cannot resonate).

That said, I don't expect TA to be any different from the other albums as far as the amount of spiritual imagery is concerned, even though Evangeline seems pretty much set on the religious type of character.

Agree with everything you said! My sentiments exactly ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 04:23:23 PM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on December 07, 2015, 04:20:27 PM
Quote from: TAC on December 07, 2015, 03:47:50 PM
My prediction is that Faythe is of the Empire (maybe Nafaryus' own daughter), but is sympathetic to the rebels, possibly being a lover to one of the rebel characters.

So a guy named Nafaryus names his daughter Faythe? That would be an ...interesting choice on his part.

To say the least, yes it is :lol

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 07, 2015, 04:36:38 PM
We definitely need more imperial characters. I'm a little biased considering that I chose the GNE xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on December 07, 2015, 05:02:37 PM
I wonder what JP thinks about this?   

https://www.wsj.com/articles/is-the-future-of-music-a-chip-in-your-brain-1449505111
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 07, 2015, 05:05:38 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:55:46 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 02:47:06 PM
Quote from: jsbru on December 07, 2015, 02:25:52 PM
If anything, those sound, at most like they are inspired by Ethical Humanism.  "Surrender to Reason" is like an admission that they're NOT faith-based.  Pretty much by definition, it takes the suspension of reason to maintain faith.

If I had to bet, I'd put my money on the fact that those lyrics pretty explicitly describe a pagan/agnostic set of ethics.

I always saw that as a contradiction. Reason is often associated with the Age of Enlightenment, and is emphasizing the rational world and is to some degree "anti religion". But letting angels and grace lead the way, is the exact opposite of surrendering to reason.

Well the debate over whether reason and believing in a greater power are mutually exclusive is definitely a heated one, and many have different opinions on it. And to a point it becomes semantics - some have different definition of "reason" and "faith" from others it seems. Maybe Myung meant something different by those words? Anyways not meaning to open up this debate, as this isn't the right sub-forum for it :lol

It can be a heated one, as this debate has been going on in ethical/religious/political philosophy circles for at least 800 years now.  Thomas Aquinas wrote a lot about it in the 11th Century, but even the Catholic Church's view is that faith and reason occupy somewhat separate spheres in the universe, so there's no need to fully or even partially integrate faith within the realm of reason.

Myung's lyrics are a bit confusing, I guess, because the word "grace" has a more general virtuous meaning, but it's also used in Christianity a lot.  "Love" leading the way seems like pure ethical humanism to me, though.  And so does "Surrender to Reason."

They could be trying to convey a religious message, but it's definitely not clear.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 07, 2015, 05:07:23 PM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on December 07, 2015, 05:02:37 PM
I wonder what JP thinks about this?   

https://www.wsj.com/articles/is-the-future-of-music-a-chip-in-your-brain-1449505111


iTunes downloads directly to your cerebral cortex. Then you get arrested for piracy because you paid for and listened to music that is copyrighted ! ! :angry:


They've made it illegal to rip CDs to your smartphone / computers again which surely renders all MP3 players illegal too ? ::) :clap:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TL on December 07, 2015, 05:43:58 PM
Taking bets now; on the album, will Evangeline's name be pronounced correctly, or the anglicized way?  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 05:45:23 PM
Quote from: jsbru on December 07, 2015, 05:05:38 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 02:55:46 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 07, 2015, 02:47:06 PM
Quote from: jsbru on December 07, 2015, 02:25:52 PM
If anything, those sound, at most like they are inspired by Ethical Humanism.  "Surrender to Reason" is like an admission that they're NOT faith-based.  Pretty much by definition, it takes the suspension of reason to maintain faith.

If I had to bet, I'd put my money on the fact that those lyrics pretty explicitly describe a pagan/agnostic set of ethics.

I always saw that as a contradiction. Reason is often associated with the Age of Enlightenment, and is emphasizing the rational world and is to some degree "anti religion". But letting angels and grace lead the way, is the exact opposite of surrendering to reason.

Well the debate over whether reason and believing in a greater power are mutually exclusive is definitely a heated one, and many have different opinions on it. And to a point it becomes semantics - some have different definition of "reason" and "faith" from others it seems. Maybe Myung meant something different by those words? Anyways not meaning to open up this debate, as this isn't the right sub-forum for it :lol

It can be a heated one, as this debate has been going on in ethical/religious/political philosophy circles for at least 800 years now.  Thomas Aquinas wrote a lot about it in the 11th Century, but even the Catholic Church's view is that faith and reason occupy somewhat separate spheres in the universe, so there's no need to fully or even partially integrate faith within the realm of reason.

Myung's lyrics are a bit confusing, I guess, because the word "grace" has a more general virtuous meaning, but it's also used in Christianity a lot.  "Love" leading the way seems like pure ethical humanism to me, though.  And so does "Surrender to Reason."

They could be trying to convey a religious message, but it's definitely not clear.

And in that regard, to the credit of an earlier point I made, I think when DT writes stuff like this, they really leave it to the listener to apply their own meaning to it. Is it religious? Is it ethical humanism? Well, it seems like it's almost up to you to draw that conclusion. And that's one of the things I love about Dream Theater!

Let's go to the opposite instance. Take ITNOG for example. It talks about the horrors committed in the name of God, but at the end it really asks you whether following faith itself causes this or not. It's up to you to decide that. Well, similar with Surrender To Reason, it's up to you to interpret whether these things are religious or just simply talking about Grace, Love, and metaphorical angels from a secular point of view. My theory is that they try to touch on these topics yet let the listener decide on them purposely.

Of course that's all speculation . . . but it makes sense to my mind considering what I've heard. Anyways, whether intentional or not, DT's lyrics can be fitted to suit whatever world view you come from a lot of the time, and that's why they rock :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 05:47:53 PM
Anyways, back to The Astonishing ;)

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 07, 2015, 05:48:32 PM
I want the album to be played at least once in Mexico.
I'll gather a group of fans and send petitions if Mexico is not planned, at least one show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 05:57:02 PM
I don't see why they wouldn't . . . they did on their last two album-supporting tours :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 05:58:24 PM
Quote from: TL on December 07, 2015, 05:43:58 PM
Taking bets now; on the album, will Evangeline's name be pronounced correctly, or the anglicized way?  :P

Well, given that it is an American band and that the story takes place in North America, I'm not really sure why this is even a question.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 07, 2015, 05:59:05 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 07, 2015, 05:57:02 PM
I don't see why they wouldn't . . . they did on their last two album-supporting tours :)

Fairly sure it will... I hope.
The thing is the show is apparently too complex, and many of the national venues they use aren't suited for what I think they intend to do.

Whathever, they didn't play SFAM here, tho.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TL on December 07, 2015, 06:04:11 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 05:58:24 PM
Quote from: TL on December 07, 2015, 05:43:58 PM
Taking bets now; on the album, will Evangeline's name be pronounced correctly, or the anglicized way?  :P

Well, given that it is an American band and that the story takes place in North America, I'm not really sure why this is even a question.  :lol

Oh, I'm pretty sure I already know the answer.  :lol   It would just be nice to be pleasantly surprised.

Edit: (Plus, the name actually originated in North America, as a character in French Canadian folk lore back in the 16/1700s) [/pedantic]
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 07, 2015, 06:13:38 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 05:58:24 PM
Quote from: TL on December 07, 2015, 05:43:58 PM
Taking bets now; on the album, will Evangeline's name be pronounced correctly, or the anglicized way?  :P

Well, given that it is an American band and that the story takes place in North America, I'm not really sure why this is even a question.  :lol

As a South American, I wonder if they'll mention something further down, since It's the Great Northern Empire of the AmericaS, even though the map shows that it will probably be restricted to that area.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: arkdtmp on December 07, 2015, 09:05:58 PM
I'm kinda new here, but is bosk1 (the incredibly awesome admin-I love his posts) the same guy as Weymolith aka Mr. Beardsley?

Thanks!
 :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: sfam2112 on December 07, 2015, 09:58:50 PM
Quote from: arkdtmp on December 07, 2015, 09:05:58 PM
I'm kinda new here, but is bosk1 (the incredibly awesome admin-I love his posts) the same guy as Weymolith aka Mr. Beardsley?

Thanks!
 :corn

Nope. bosk1 is his own person. :) But, you may also find the wookie somewhere around here sometimes, as well. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 08, 2015, 12:30:37 AM
Quote from: jsbru on December 07, 2015, 02:25:52 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on December 07, 2015, 12:39:58 PM
"Let love show the way
Let grace be the way
Surrender to reason"

"To really feel the joy in life
You must suffer through the pain
When you surrender to the light
You can face the darkest days
If you open up your eyes
And you put your trust in love
On those cold and endless nights
You will never be alone"

Those are two examples of passages I'd define as pretty preachy.

If anything, those sound, at most like they are inspired by Ethical Humanism.  "Surrender to Reason" is like an admission that they're NOT faith-based.  Pretty much by definition, it takes the suspension of reason to maintain faith.

If I had to bet, I'd put my money on the fact that those lyrics pretty explicitly describe a pagan/agnostic set of ethics.

Not sure if your points are directed at me specifically, but just for the record; I also don't think there's anything religious about those passages and agree with what you're saying.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 08, 2015, 01:38:28 AM
So I was just browsing through the Metal Archives and came across the TA page: https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Dream_Theater/The_Astonishing/548518 (https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Dream_Theater/The_Astonishing/548518).

"When Your Time Has Come -- 08:21"

Did I miss this? Do we know this? Should we know this?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: V_R11 on December 08, 2015, 02:06:58 AM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on December 08, 2015, 01:38:28 AM
So I was just browsing through the Metal Archives and came across the TA page: https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Dream_Theater/The_Astonishing/548518 (https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Dream_Theater/The_Astonishing/548518).

"When Your Time Has Come -- 08:21"

Did I miss this? Do we know this? Should we know this?

This is also giving out info on which songs are instrumentals. Did I miss something or is that new info ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 08, 2015, 02:11:37 AM
Quote from: V_R11 on December 08, 2015, 02:06:58 AM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on December 08, 2015, 01:38:28 AM
So I was just browsing through the Metal Archives and came across the TA page: https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Dream_Theater/The_Astonishing/548518 (https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Dream_Theater/The_Astonishing/548518).

"When Your Time Has Come -- 08:21"

Did I miss this? Do we know this? Should we know this?

This is also giving out info on which songs are instrumentals. Did I miss something or is that new info ?

It's based on which tracks are marked with the NOMAC symbol on the official page, but I think it's probably conjecture that those indicate instrumental tracks. As far as I know, we don't know exactly what those tracks will entail yet, but apparently they'll be different enough in some way to warrant being noted on the tracklist.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 08, 2015, 02:32:11 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 08, 2015, 02:11:37 AM
Quote from: V_R11 on December 08, 2015, 02:06:58 AM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on December 08, 2015, 01:38:28 AM
So I was just browsing through the Metal Archives and came across the TA page: https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Dream_Theater/The_Astonishing/548518 (https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Dream_Theater/The_Astonishing/548518).

"When Your Time Has Come -- 08:21"

Did I miss this? Do we know this? Should we know this?

This is also giving out info on which songs are instrumentals. Did I miss something or is that new info ?

It's based on which tracks are marked with the NOMAC symbol on the official page, but I think it's probably conjecture that those indicate instrumental tracks. As far as I know, we don't know exactly what those tracks will entail yet, but apparently they'll be different enough in some way to warrant being noted on the tracklist.

Yeah, agreed on that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 08, 2015, 02:46:41 AM
They've taken the WYTHC track length from one of the fake YouTube leaks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 08, 2015, 03:11:31 AM
Ahh, okay then. Man, I wish people'd be more careful with this stuff. Like, wait for an official release from the band before you go editing album info on popular sites.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on December 08, 2015, 04:05:01 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on December 08, 2015, 02:46:41 AM
They've taken the WYTHC track length from one of the fake YouTube leaks.

exactly
i find this way of faking music so foolish, especially when "unknown artists" try to attract attention by using a famous name
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lowdz on December 08, 2015, 06:37:11 AM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on December 07, 2015, 05:02:37 PM
I wonder what JP thinks about this?   

https://www.wsj.com/articles/is-the-future-of-music-a-chip-in-your-brain-1449505111

The nomacs must be destroyed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MegaDTSX on December 08, 2015, 09:00:57 AM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 07, 2015, 03:50:50 PM
Quote from: TAC on December 07, 2015, 03:47:50 PM
My prediction is that Faythe is of the Empire (maybe Nafaryus' own daughter), but is sympathetic to the rebels, possibly being a lover to one of the rebel characters.

She wanted a 5 year break from the Empire but they told her no wayeth my dear.

 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 08, 2015, 01:02:55 PM
Those times are certainly incorrect. With those lengths, Act 1 is well over 90 minutes, impossible to put on 1 CD.

Removed them myself until we have proper confirmation. Don't want people's hopes raised.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Peter Mc on December 08, 2015, 02:56:25 PM
Not saying you're wrong and we should definitely wait for confirmation but who says the whole of Act 1 is on one cd?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ThatOneGuy2112 on December 08, 2015, 03:12:42 PM
Quote from: Peter Mc on December 08, 2015, 02:56:25 PM
Not saying you're wrong and we should definitely wait for confirmation but who says the whole of Act 1 is on one cd?

The promo pics on the pre-order page showing the front face of the CD's and album art have "Act I" and "II" on separate discs.

(https://img.cdn2.wmgecom.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1024/image/600x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/t/h/theastonishing-standardcd-1100x1100-whitebg.png)

Kinda hard to see though.

Plus, Amazon has the Act II tracks separating into "Disc 2".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 08, 2015, 03:15:32 PM
EDIT: Ah. Ninja'd. You can see it a bit clearer if you click on "view larger".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Peter Mc on December 08, 2015, 03:21:00 PM
Can't actually see that but I'll take your word for it. Obviously makes sense that it would be split that way but just hadn't seen it confirmed. I'll get my coat!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on December 08, 2015, 03:39:41 PM
Looks like it'll be a digipack, first album to not be in the standard jewel case (excluding special editions)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 08, 2015, 05:54:45 PM
The double album has already been confirmed through several outlets, but it's awesome to see it shown through the pre-order packages. Very excited. And I'm still shocked that we're just 7 weeks away from the release date.

It makes me wonder if this is the closest to the release date that we've gotten information about an album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolfking on December 08, 2015, 11:04:31 PM
I hope the fucking booklet isn't stuck to the packaging.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on December 09, 2015, 04:07:54 AM
Is Arhys pronounced as Aris or Arise?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Astonished on December 09, 2015, 04:52:35 AM
I always pronounce Arhys has Ar-hees.

It could be fun to speculate on the songs' and acts' length. I'm gonna be a little bit optimistic and say there's 65-70 minutes on each act. As for the songs... If it's gonna be like BG's "Nightfall...", then there's still room for a handfull of 7-10 minute songs on each act. My guess is that "Astonishing" will be the only track that's longer than 12 minutes, and that "The road to revolution" is longer than 10 minutes.

Now, if the majority of the song's length will be shorter or two minutes away from The Gift of Music, then things will get interesting. That's a LOT of actual tracks. But here's what I think is the case:

Act 1 will contain shorter tracks for the most part. I'm talking 4 to 6 minutes, maybe 7, with a "short" epic. Act 2 will have longer songs. Entracte, Machine Chatter and Power Down brings the actual song count of Act 2 to a freely 11 tracks, (leaving room to make "Astonishing" by far the longest song on TA) which is about the average for a Dream Theater album that is not overrun with long ass songs.

Now if the NOMAC symbols will also be actual instrumental songs (3 min?), then... I don't know anymore. January 29th is not that far away and I can wait to blast this monster along with the new Avantasia, Serenity and Primal Fear.  :loser:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 09, 2015, 05:12:31 AM
Quote from: The Astonished on December 09, 2015, 04:52:35 AM
It could be fun to speculate on the songs' and acts' length. I'm gonna be a little bit optimistic and say there's 65-70 minutes on each act.

I recall one source saying 2 hours 10 minutes for the album, which would average about 65 minutes per disc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Astonished on December 09, 2015, 05:18:38 AM
Yes, John Petrucci himself. He used the word "probably" when revealing the length so that's why we can't be sure just yet. It could be rounded up for all we know. More or less, anywhere between 125-135.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 09, 2015, 05:37:43 AM
As Act 1 has 20 tracks, I imagine that will be the longer of the two discs, probably 70-75 minutes. That leaves around 60-65 mins for Act 2.

In fact, thinking about it, it might actually threaten the record for the longest studio album in my collection. Currently it's Stardust We Are by The Flower Kings, at 130:14.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 09, 2015, 05:46:02 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 09, 2015, 05:37:43 AM
As Act 1 has 20 tracks, I imagine that will be the longer of the two discs, probably 70-75 minutes. That leaves around 60-65 mins for Act 2.

It's also possible the last track "Astonishing" is an epic to close the story and will compensate for having less tracks, so they could be more equal.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 09, 2015, 05:49:00 AM
Does anyone else feel like "The Astonishing" is missing a noun at the end?  :lol Every time I read it I keep expecting there to be more to the title. It's not a complaint and Astonishing is obviously the noun in this case.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Astonished on December 09, 2015, 05:49:39 AM
Lord Nafaryus, Brother Do Your Hear Me, A Tempting Offer, and Moment of Betrayal sound like short, spoken tracks to me, so I reckon those would leave more space for fullblown songs. Then again, I could be entirely wrong and I actually hope so! It still blows my mind that it will be around 130 minutes. That's almost 40 minutes longer than SDOIT! 40 minutes! That's 2 Counts of Tuscany and 1 Through My Words more!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 09, 2015, 05:51:03 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 09, 2015, 05:46:02 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 09, 2015, 05:37:43 AM
As Act 1 has 20 tracks, I imagine that will be the longer of the two discs, probably 70-75 minutes. That leaves around 60-65 mins for Act 2.

It's also possible the last track "Astonishing" is an epic to close the story and will compensate for having less tracks, so they could be more equal.

I would think that would absolutely be the case.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 09, 2015, 06:02:50 AM
The track titles indicate to me that by the time we get to the title track, the story will be all but told. "Power Down" might be the NOMACs being shut down, to leave the Empire reunited and able to enjoy proper music, then Astonishing might be a celebratory or rousing closing number. If there is a long song here, it would seem logical that it would be at the climactic part of the story, perhaps The Path That Divides.

All wild guesses, I know.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Fritzinger on December 09, 2015, 06:04:46 AM
I think we already had the discussion about "astonishing" not sounding like a noun ;) I don't feel anything strange with that, since English is not my first language. Sounds perfectly fine to me.
I hope that songs will flow into each other, creating longer songs with multiple parts. "Astonishing" as a longer epic song would be.. well. Astonishing :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 09, 2015, 06:07:12 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 09, 2015, 06:02:50 AM
The track titles indicate to me that by the time we get to the title track, the story will be all but told. "Power Down" might be the NOMACs being shut down, to leave the Empire reunited and able to enjoy proper music, then Astonishing might be a celebratory or rousing closing number. If there is a long song here, it would seem logical that it would be at the climactic part of the story, perhaps The Path That Divides.

All wild guesses, I know.

This has always been my inclination. I'm not sure there's going to be 12+ minutes of story left to tell after Power Down. But there could be a twist a la Finally Free (though that's not 12+ either...), so who knows.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 09, 2015, 06:11:03 AM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on December 09, 2015, 06:07:12 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 09, 2015, 06:02:50 AM
The track titles indicate to me that by the time we get to the title track, the story will be all but told. "Power Down" might be the NOMACs being shut down, to leave the Empire reunited and able to enjoy proper music, then Astonishing might be a celebratory or rousing closing number. If there is a long song here, it would seem logical that it would be at the climactic part of the story, perhaps The Path That Divides.

All wild guesses, I know.

This has always been my inclination. I'm not sure there's going to be 12+ minutes of story left to tell after Power Down. But there could be a twist a la Finally Free (though that's not 12+ either...), so who knows.

I think power down will be the turning point when the rebels are able to shut down and start their attack on the NOMACS and the empire, with Astonishing being the big epic telling of that story, and telling us how great everything turned out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 09, 2015, 06:53:19 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 09, 2015, 06:11:03 AM
I think power down will be the turning point when the rebels are able to shut down and start their attack on the NOMACS and the empire, with Astonishing being the big epic telling of that story, and telling us how great everything turned out.
This assumes the rebels are the good guys against the evil empire, which isn't necessarily the case. Indeed, the fact that the marketing is all about choosing a side lends credence to the idea that neither side is good/bad.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AboutToCrash on December 09, 2015, 06:55:21 AM
I'm waiting for the 34 new 'Opinions on __________' threads when the album gets released  :lol :lol :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 09, 2015, 06:58:26 AM
Quote from: ariich on December 09, 2015, 06:53:19 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 09, 2015, 06:11:03 AM
I think power down will be the turning point when the rebels are able to shut down and start their attack on the NOMACS and the empire, with Astonishing being the big epic telling of that story, and telling us how great everything turned out.
This assumes the rebels are the good guys against the evil empire, which isn't necessarily the case. Indeed, the fact that the marketing is all about choosing a side lends credence to the idea that neither side is good/bad.

I think the whole DT/music analogy story and the forbidden song makes it pretty clear.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 09, 2015, 06:59:02 AM
I'm waiting for all the nugget finders to analyze the hell out of the album, and give us crazy theories about how it's related to Metropolis or Octavarium. We've already seen a bit of it  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 09, 2015, 07:00:26 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 09, 2015, 06:59:02 AM
I'm waiting for all the nugget finders to analyze the hell out of the album, and give us crazy theories about how it's related to Metropolis or Octavarium. We've already seen a bit of it  :lol

And that's with no basis. Just imagine what we could do with two discs worth of music and lyrics. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 09, 2015, 07:57:39 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 09, 2015, 06:59:02 AM
I'm waiting for all the nugget finders to analyze the hell out of the album, and give us crazy theories about how it's related to Metropolis or Octavarium. We've already seen a bit of it  :lol
I like to think of myself as a nugget finder, but it's getting me nowhere but the gym.  :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 09, 2015, 08:05:33 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on December 09, 2015, 06:55:21 AM
I'm waiting for the 34 new 'Opinions on __________' threads when the album gets released  :lol :lol :lol
Oh hell no
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Evermind on December 09, 2015, 08:18:17 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 09, 2015, 08:05:33 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on December 09, 2015, 06:55:21 AM
I'm waiting for the 34 new 'Opinions on __________' threads when the album gets released  :lol :lol :lol
Oh hell no

And don't forget another 34 appreciation threads. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SeRoX on December 09, 2015, 08:20:43 AM
Quote from: Evermind on December 09, 2015, 08:18:17 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 09, 2015, 08:05:33 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on December 09, 2015, 06:55:21 AM
I'm waiting for the 34 new 'Opinions on __________' threads when the album gets released  :lol :lol :lol
Oh hell no

And don't forget another 34 appreciation threads. :lol

And add to this, don't forget potential (mostly SDOIT/SFAM) versus threads.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 09, 2015, 08:22:42 AM
Something I haven't seen raised yet, is that being a double album of such length, the album sales will effectively count for x2, won't they? Will this also apply to the Billboard charts and raise the album's position slightly?

Quote from: SeRoX on December 09, 2015, 08:20:43 AM
Quote from: Evermind on December 09, 2015, 08:18:17 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 09, 2015, 08:05:33 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on December 09, 2015, 06:55:21 AM
I'm waiting for the 34 new 'Opinions on __________' threads when the album gets released  :lol :lol :lol
Oh hell no

And don't forget another 34 appreciation threads. :lol

And add to this, don't forget potential (mostly SDOIT/SFAM) versus threads.  :lol

I'll just save you the time now and vote for SDOIT/SFAM, since they'll never be topped.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 09, 2015, 08:25:21 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 09, 2015, 08:22:42 AM
Something I haven't seen raised yet, is that being a double album of such length, the album sales will effectively count for x2, won't they? Will this also apply to the Billboard charts and raise the album's position slightly?
That is my understanding.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 09, 2015, 08:27:49 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 09, 2015, 08:25:21 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 09, 2015, 08:22:42 AM
Something I haven't seen raised yet, is that being a double album of such length, the album sales will effectively count for x2, won't they? Will this also apply to the Billboard charts and raise the album's position slightly?
That is my understanding.

That should be interesting then. It's almost a shame SDOIT wasn't a few minutes longer, because it only misses out by about 4 minutes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 09, 2015, 08:57:55 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 09, 2015, 08:22:42 AM

I'll just save you the time now and vote for SDOIT/SFAM, since they'll never be topped.

Don't forget " What if Load/Reload The Astonishing was one CD ? " that all the newbies will make.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 09, 2015, 09:04:18 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 09, 2015, 08:57:55 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 09, 2015, 08:22:42 AM

I'll just save you the time now and vote for SDOIT/SFAM, since they'll never be topped.

Don't forget " What if Load/Reload The Astonishing was one CD ? " that all the newbies will make.

Or ''Is the entire album The Astonishing a single song or not?''
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Progmetty on December 09, 2015, 09:05:09 AM
That sounds like a you thread Kotowboy :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nearmyth on December 09, 2015, 09:08:52 AM
I'm hoping for a twist ending or some kind of profound, shocking thing to happen with "Astonishing." You can't have a title track like that closing the album and not have something really cool and unexpected.

At the very least, I'm really hoping for a non-cliche ending. It would be a little disappointing to me if the album ended with " the empire was overthrown, the nomacs were shut down, the rebels control the land, everyone lived happily ever after." Maybe I'm in the minority there, but I don't know a good concept album that had a perfectly happy, wrapped up ending.

I mean the friggen album is called "The Astonishing." I'M JUST SO INTRIGUED and maybe that's why I'm hoping for something unexpected.

It also seems like DT is going to transcend the actual music and instrumentals in this album by really applying the concept to the way they write and create the music. And I don't just mean spoken tracks (god forbid), and "oh this parts heavy cuz he's evil," or "oh this parts soft because she's a good guy." I'm keeping my doubts but I'm just hoping they create something new and experiment with the way they portray the concept here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Evermind on December 09, 2015, 09:16:52 AM
Quote from: Nearmyth on December 09, 2015, 09:08:52 AM
Maybe I'm in the minority there, but I don't know a good concept album that had a perfectly happy, wrapped up ending.

Well, that depends on what you view as perfectly happy and wrapped up ending. I'd say The Human Equation by Ayreon has this kind of ending (if you cut the plot-twist at the very end, which I always tend to do); The Old Man and the Spirit by Beyond the Bridge is a happy, wrapped up ending (the protagonist dies, but I consider this a perfectly happy ending - he was at his brink of death at the beginning, all in all, and he goes in absolute peace); Mercy Falls by Seventh Wonder... wait, nevermind this last one. :lol

But yeah, I indeed hope for something else than "the empire was overthrown, the nomacs were shut down, the rebels control the land, everyone lived happily ever after" for The Astonishing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: GandL on December 09, 2015, 09:22:51 AM
(https://musicwiz.club/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/PeterAndTheWolfInstruments.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: -teo on December 09, 2015, 09:27:22 AM
Quote from: Nearmyth on December 09, 2015, 09:08:52 AM
I'm hoping for a twist ending or some kind of profound, shocking thing to happen with "Astonishing." You can't have a title track like that closing the album and not have something really cool and unexpected.

At the very least, I'm really hoping for a non-cliche ending. It would be a little disappointing to me if the album ended with " the empire was overthrown, the nomacs were shut down, the rebels control the land, everyone lived happily ever after." Maybe I'm in the minority there, but I don't know a good concept album that had a perfectly happy, wrapped up ending.

I mean the friggen album is called "The Astonishing." I'M JUST SO INTRIGUED and maybe that's why I'm hoping for something unexpected.


Open your eyes, Nicholas.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nearmyth on December 09, 2015, 09:42:11 AM
Quote from: -teo on December 09, 2015, 09:27:22 AM
Open your eyes, Nicholas.

"Open your eyes, Gabriel."

inb4 Gabriel is just a reincarnation of Nicholas in the year 2285
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ZirconBlue on December 09, 2015, 09:52:44 AM
Gabriel realizes he was The Killing Hand all along.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 09, 2015, 09:59:30 AM
Quote from: Nearmyth on December 09, 2015, 09:08:52 AM
I'm hoping for a twist ending or some kind of profound, shocking thing to happen with "Astonishing." You can't have a title track like that closing the album and not have something really cool and unexpected.

At the very least, I'm really hoping for a non-cliche ending. It would be a little disappointing to me if the album ended with " the empire was overthrown, the nomacs were shut down, the rebels control the land, everyone lived happily ever after." Maybe I'm in the minority there, but I don't know a good concept album that had a perfectly happy, wrapped up ending.

I mean the friggen album is called "The Astonishing." I'M JUST SO INTRIGUED and maybe that's why I'm hoping for something unexpected.

It also seems like DT is going to transcend the actual music and instrumentals in this album by really applying the concept to the way they write and create the music. And I don't just mean spoken tracks (god forbid), and "oh this parts heavy cuz he's evil," or "oh this parts soft because she's a good guy." I'm keeping my doubts but I'm just hoping they create something new and experiment with the way they portray the concept here.

It was all just a dream. And then at the end Gabriel opens his eyes and HE IS NAFARYUS.

You heard it here first.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Mark Levinson Jr. on December 09, 2015, 09:59:48 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 09, 2015, 05:49:00 AM
Does anyone else feel like "The Astonishing" is missing a noun at the end?  :lol Every time I read it I keep expecting there to be more to the title. It's not a complaint and Astonishing is obviously the noun in this case.

It seems like The Astonishing could refer to an event; that one time when we all were astonished.
Or maybe it refers to a group of people; the ones who astonish us.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 09, 2015, 10:20:12 AM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on December 09, 2015, 09:59:30 AM
Quote from: Nearmyth on December 09, 2015, 09:08:52 AM
I'm hoping for a twist ending or some kind of profound, shocking thing to happen with "Astonishing." You can't have a title track like that closing the album and not have something really cool and unexpected.

At the very least, I'm really hoping for a non-cliche ending. It would be a little disappointing to me if the album ended with " the empire was overthrown, the nomacs were shut down, the rebels control the land, everyone lived happily ever after." Maybe I'm in the minority there, but I don't know a good concept album that had a perfectly happy, wrapped up ending.

I mean the friggen album is called "The Astonishing." I'M JUST SO INTRIGUED and maybe that's why I'm hoping for something unexpected.

It also seems like DT is going to transcend the actual music and instrumentals in this album by really applying the concept to the way they write and create the music. And I don't just mean spoken tracks (god forbid), and "oh this parts heavy cuz he's evil," or "oh this parts soft because she's a good guy." I'm keeping my doubts but I'm just hoping they create something new and experiment with the way they portray the concept here.

It was all just a dream. And then at the end Gabriel opens his eyes and HE IS NAFARYUS.

You heard it here first.

Does that mean that Booker DeWitt and Father Comstock are the same person? WAIT, SONGBIRD STOPS TO LISTEN? BIOSHOCK CONFIRMED? (Fans will get that... maybe).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 09, 2015, 11:08:22 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 09, 2015, 06:59:02 AM
I'm waiting for all the nugget finders to analyze the hell out of the album, and give us crazy theories about how it's related to Metropolis or Octavarium. We've already seen a bit of it  :lol

I'm waiting to see if there will be any similarities with ITPoE. I have been listening to it a lot lately and can't help but think there must be something common (there probably isn't), I mean there is a "chosen one" and rebels in there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 09, 2015, 11:17:43 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 09, 2015, 11:08:22 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 09, 2015, 06:59:02 AM
I'm waiting for all the nugget finders to analyze the hell out of the album, and give us crazy theories about how it's related to Metropolis or Octavarium. We've already seen a bit of it  :lol

I'm waiting to see if there will be any similarities with ITPoE. I have been listening to it a lot lately and can't help but think there must be something common (there probably isn't), I mean there is a "chosen one" and rebels in there.

In The Presence Of Enemies Pt.3: The Astonishing  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on December 09, 2015, 11:24:11 AM
Quote from: Evermind on December 09, 2015, 08:18:17 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 09, 2015, 08:05:33 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on December 09, 2015, 06:55:21 AM
I'm waiting for the 34 new 'Opinions on __________' threads when the album gets released  :lol :lol :lol
Oh hell no

And don't forget another 34 appreciation threads. :lol

My head hurts thinking about the volume of posts
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: me7 on December 09, 2015, 11:25:40 AM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 09, 2015, 11:17:43 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 09, 2015, 11:08:22 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 09, 2015, 06:59:02 AM
I'm waiting for all the nugget finders to analyze the hell out of the album, and give us crazy theories about how it's related to Metropolis or Octavarium. We've already seen a bit of it  :lol

I'm waiting to see if there will be any similarities with ITPoE. I have been listening to it a lot lately and can't help but think there must be something common (there probably isn't), I mean there is a "chosen one" and rebels in there.

In The Presence Of Enemies Pt.3: The Astonishing  :metal

Metropolis Episode 1: In The Presence Of Enemies Pt.3: The Astonishing

The beginning of a prequel trilogy to Metropolis.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 09, 2015, 11:27:41 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 09, 2015, 11:08:22 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 09, 2015, 06:59:02 AM
I'm waiting for all the nugget finders to analyze the hell out of the album, and give us crazy theories about how it's related to Metropolis or Octavarium. We've already seen a bit of it  :lol

I'm waiting to see if there will be any similarities with ITPoE. I have been listening to it a lot lately and can't help but think there must be something common (there probably isn't), I mean there is a "chosen one" and rebels in there.

"Slay
Spill the blood of the rebels
They are the children of hell"

Nafaryus, you evil son of a...  :rollin

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 09, 2015, 11:29:13 AM
Quote from: me7 on December 09, 2015, 11:25:40 AM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 09, 2015, 11:17:43 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 09, 2015, 11:08:22 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 09, 2015, 06:59:02 AM
I'm waiting for all the nugget finders to analyze the hell out of the album, and give us crazy theories about how it's related to Metropolis or Octavarium. We've already seen a bit of it  :lol

I'm waiting to see if there will be any similarities with ITPoE. I have been listening to it a lot lately and can't help but think there must be something common (there probably isn't), I mean there is a "chosen one" and rebels in there.

In The Presence Of Enemies Pt.3: The Astonishing  :metal

Metropolis Episode 1: In The Presence Of Enemies Pt.3: The Astonishing

The beginning of a prequel trilogy to Metropolis.

Does that mean Jar Jar will still be revealed and that we will have a hidden extra villain subplot? D:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: nattmorker on December 09, 2015, 12:01:05 PM
Quote from: mike099 on December 09, 2015, 11:24:11 AM
Quote from: Evermind on December 09, 2015, 08:18:17 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 09, 2015, 08:05:33 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on December 09, 2015, 06:55:21 AM
I'm waiting for the 34 new 'Opinions on __________' threads when the album gets released  :lol :lol :lol
Oh hell no

And don't forget another 34 appreciation threads. :lol

My head hurts thinking about the volume of posts

The future "Rank The Astonishing" thread will be a pain to write!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 09, 2015, 12:09:12 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 09, 2015, 11:29:13 AM
Quote from: me7 on December 09, 2015, 11:25:40 AM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 09, 2015, 11:17:43 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 09, 2015, 11:08:22 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 09, 2015, 06:59:02 AM
I'm waiting for all the nugget finders to analyze the hell out of the album, and give us crazy theories about how it's related to Metropolis or Octavarium. We've already seen a bit of it  :lol

I'm waiting to see if there will be any similarities with ITPoE. I have been listening to it a lot lately and can't help but think there must be something common (there probably isn't), I mean there is a "chosen one" and rebels in there.

In The Presence Of Enemies Pt.3: The Astonishing  :metal

Metropolis Episode 1: In The Presence Of Enemies Pt.3: The Astonishing

The beginning of a prequel trilogy to Metropolis.

Does that mean Jar Jar will still be revealed and that we will have a hidden extra villain subplot? D:

Or maybe C-3PO is the last Lord Sith (?)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CoT67 on December 09, 2015, 12:09:40 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 09, 2015, 10:20:12 AM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on December 09, 2015, 09:59:30 AM
Quote from: Nearmyth on December 09, 2015, 09:08:52 AM
I'm hoping for a twist ending or some kind of profound, shocking thing to happen with "Astonishing." You can't have a title track like that closing the album and not have something really cool and unexpected.

At the very least, I'm really hoping for a non-cliche ending. It would be a little disappointing to me if the album ended with " the empire was overthrown, the nomacs were shut down, the rebels control the land, everyone lived happily ever after." Maybe I'm in the minority there, but I don't know a good concept album that had a perfectly happy, wrapped up ending.

I mean the friggen album is called "The Astonishing." I'M JUST SO INTRIGUED and maybe that's why I'm hoping for something unexpected.

It also seems like DT is going to transcend the actual music and instrumentals in this album by really applying the concept to the way they write and create the music. And I don't just mean spoken tracks (god forbid), and "oh this parts heavy cuz he's evil," or "oh this parts soft because she's a good guy." I'm keeping my doubts but I'm just hoping they create something new and experiment with the way they portray the concept here.

It was all just a dream. And then at the end Gabriel opens his eyes and HE IS NAFARYUS.

You heard it here first.

Does that mean that Booker DeWitt and Father Comstock are the same person? WAIT, SONGBIRD STOPS TO LISTEN? BIOSHOCK CONFIRMED? (Fans will get that... maybe).

Exactly what I thought after reading the last line of the lyrics... Petrucci is/must be a gaming nerd after all  :biggrin:

EDIT: considering there is also a place called Borderland in the map, gaming references are popping up everywhere in this album... if it goes on like this I'll expect the whole setting to have been inspired by the conflict Empire - Stormcloak of Skyrim  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 09, 2015, 12:11:21 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 07, 2015, 11:35:48 AM
I would expect the Emperor and the Commander to speak to us soon.

 :( :( :( :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 09, 2015, 12:46:01 PM
Quote from: CoT67 on December 09, 2015, 12:09:40 PM
Exactly what I thought after reading the last line of the lyrics... Petrucci is/must be a gaming nerd after all  :biggrin:
not sure if serious

Songbirds are a thing, Bioshock didn't invent them.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 09, 2015, 12:47:34 PM
Quote from: ariich on December 09, 2015, 12:46:01 PM
Quote from: CoT67 on December 09, 2015, 12:09:40 PM
Exactly what I thought after reading the last line of the lyrics... Petrucci is/must be a gaming nerd after all  :biggrin:
not sure if serious

Songbirds are a thing, Bioshock didn't invent them.

Well, I think the way I used caps lock and the wording in my sentence makes it clear that I was joking  :lol
Maybe I should have used sarcastic green? :0
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 09, 2015, 12:58:15 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 09, 2015, 08:05:33 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on December 09, 2015, 06:55:21 AM
I'm waiting for the 34 new 'Opinions on __________' threads when the album gets released  :lol :lol :lol
Oh hell no

I remember the old dt.net message boards had sub-forums for the most recent releases. It could clear up a lot of clutter with how many different topics there are going to be once this beast is released.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on December 09, 2015, 01:00:20 PM
Quote from: r3d86 on December 09, 2015, 11:17:43 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 09, 2015, 11:08:22 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 09, 2015, 06:59:02 AM
I'm waiting for all the nugget finders to analyze the hell out of the album, and give us crazy theories about how it's related to Metropolis or Octavarium. We've already seen a bit of it  :lol

I'm waiting to see if there will be any similarities with ITPoE. I have been listening to it a lot lately and can't help but think there must be something common (there probably isn't), I mean there is a "chosen one" and rebels in there.

In The Presence Of Enemies Pt.3: The Astonishing  :metal

In The Presence Of Enemies Pt. 3: The Astonishing Pt. 1: First Blood III
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 09, 2015, 01:14:34 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 09, 2015, 08:05:33 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on December 09, 2015, 06:55:21 AM
I'm waiting for the 34 new 'Opinions on __________' threads when the album gets released  :lol :lol :lol
Oh hell no

Oh hell yes!!! :biggrin: :lol :lol

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 09, 2015, 01:21:44 PM
........and it does happen every album release. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CoT67 on December 09, 2015, 01:42:29 PM
Quote from: ariich on December 09, 2015, 12:46:01 PM
Quote from: CoT67 on December 09, 2015, 12:09:40 PM
Exactly what I thought after reading the last line of the lyrics... Petrucci is/must be a gaming nerd after all  :biggrin:
not sure if serious

Songbirds are a thing, Bioshock didn't invent them.

Half serious actually, but given the marketing and the concept of the upcoming album it almost felt like a videogame reference to me... a VERY unlikely one, though it was funny (and weird) that Bioshock's Songbird came to my mind before the actual one.

In any case, Petrucci has cited inspirations coming mainly from movies (Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Hunger Games standing out I think), so I guess we'll have to expect some references to popular entertainment media anyway.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Fritzinger on December 09, 2015, 02:15:43 PM
So I read most of the posts in this thread, but I am still a little confused. Is The Northern Empire the "good" side? Or is Ravenskill? Wich one is the leading side right now?
Maybe I understood something totally wrong. And if there are any informations or speculations on wich side is the good, bad or leading one: on what are they based? :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on December 09, 2015, 02:25:41 PM
Quote from: Fritzinger on December 09, 2015, 02:15:43 PM
So I read most of the posts in this thread, but I am still a little confused. Is The Northern Empire the "good" side? Or is Ravenskill? Wich one is the leading side right now?
Maybe I understood something totally wrong. And if there are any informations or speculations on wich side is the good, bad or leading one: on what are they based? :D

If we believe the point of view presented in "The Gift of Music", then the Empire is the bad side and Ravenskill is the good side.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dvargas on December 09, 2015, 03:18:08 PM
Quote from: Nomaniac on December 09, 2015, 01:14:34 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 09, 2015, 08:05:33 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on December 09, 2015, 06:55:21 AM
I'm waiting for the 34 new 'Opinions on __________' threads when the album gets released  :lol :lol :lol
Oh hell no

Oh hell yes!!! :biggrin: :lol :lol


Plus the favorite song , favorite moment, favorite JP solo, fav JR solo, fav lyrics threads, etc. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 09, 2015, 03:22:53 PM
Quote from: rab7 on December 09, 2015, 02:25:41 PM
Quote from: Fritzinger on December 09, 2015, 02:15:43 PM
So I read most of the posts in this thread, but I am still a little confused. Is The Northern Empire the "good" side? Or is Ravenskill? Wich one is the leading side right now?
Maybe I understood something totally wrong. And if there are any informations or speculations on wich side is the good, bad or leading one: on what are they based? :D

If we believe the point of view presented in "The Gift of Music", then the Empire is the bad side and Ravenskill is the good side.
But that is only one character's point of view. I, for one, find Arhys's preaching to be highly suspicious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on December 09, 2015, 03:27:51 PM
Quote from: ariich on December 09, 2015, 03:22:53 PM
Quote from: rab7 on December 09, 2015, 02:25:41 PM
Quote from: Fritzinger on December 09, 2015, 02:15:43 PM
So I read most of the posts in this thread, but I am still a little confused. Is The Northern Empire the "good" side? Or is Ravenskill? Wich one is the leading side right now?
Maybe I understood something totally wrong. And if there are any informations or speculations on wich side is the good, bad or leading one: on what are they based? :D

If we believe the point of view presented in "The Gift of Music", then the Empire is the bad side and Ravenskill is the good side.
But that is only one character's point of view. I, for one, find Arhys's preaching to be highly suspicious.

Which is why I had the "If".

Someone brought up a good point earlier that giving us the option of choosing a side meant that neither side was absolutely good or bad. I think that's a likely outcome
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Peter Mc on December 09, 2015, 03:47:15 PM
I'm guessing the Empire are the baddies based on the fact that their leader is called Nefarious (or however you spell it!) They also have noise machines and stop people from making music. Rebels play music, like our heroes Dream Theater, and appear to be from Long Island, also like our heroes so am guessing they are the goodies.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Fritzinger on December 09, 2015, 04:34:10 PM
Funny, I always thought of Ravenskill being the "bad ones" (such an odd thing to say).. Because Emperor Sean Connery looks like a very nice older gentleman and Arhys looks like a total dick who is trying to make everyone his underdog.

("underdog" omg, As I Am Pt. II CONFIRMED)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 09, 2015, 04:38:46 PM
Quote from: Peter Mc on December 09, 2015, 03:47:15 PM
I'm guessing the Empire are the baddies based on the fact that their leader is called Nefarious (or however you spell it!) They also have noise machines and stop people from making music. Rebels play music, like our heroes Dream Theater, and appear to be from Long Island, also like our heroes so am guessing they are the goodies.

I am guessing it isn't quite that simple.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lowdz on December 09, 2015, 04:55:23 PM
Quote from: Fritzinger on December 09, 2015, 04:34:10 PM
Funny, I always thought of Ravenskill being the "bad ones" (such an odd thing to say).. Because Emperor Sean Connery looks like a very nice older gentleman and Arhys looks like a total dick who is trying to make everyone his underdog.

("underdog" omg, As I Am Pt. II CONFIRMED)

In this day and age it seems strange to me that we will be cheering on the terrorists. Ah, but they will be freedom fighters.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zook on December 09, 2015, 05:12:04 PM
Quote from: Lowdz on December 09, 2015, 04:55:23 PM
Quote from: Fritzinger on December 09, 2015, 04:34:10 PM
Funny, I always thought of Ravenskill being the "bad ones" (such an odd thing to say).. Because Emperor Sean Connery looks like a very nice older gentleman and Arhys looks like a total dick who is trying to make everyone his underdog.

("underdog" omg, As I Am Pt. II CONFIRMED)

In this day and age it seems strange to me that we will be cheering on the terrorists. Ah, but they will be freedom fighters.

If crime fighters fight crime, and firefighters fight fire, what do freedom fighters fight?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 09, 2015, 05:33:44 PM
Eh, I have no trouble cheering for the supposedly "bad" guys when it's fiction. I find it badass. That's why I prefer the GNE and I prefer the Galactic Empire instead of the Rebel Alliance in Star Wars.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: sdfdsv on December 09, 2015, 06:25:13 PM
So, should we expect anything exciting for this week? paging bosk
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: porcacultor on December 09, 2015, 06:34:55 PM
I think Lord Nafaryus is definitely a reworded cover of duran duran's Notorious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on December 09, 2015, 09:28:51 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 09, 2015, 04:38:46 PM
Quote from: Peter Mc on December 09, 2015, 03:47:15 PM
I'm guessing the Empire are the baddies based on the fact that their leader is called Nefarious (or however you spell it!) They also have noise machines and stop people from making music. Rebels play music, like our heroes Dream Theater, and appear to be from Long Island, also like our heroes so am guessing they are the goodies.

I am guessing it isn't quite that simple.

My prediction (or more of a wish) is that music/ravenskill = melodic prog ala I&W DT, noise/Empire = metal ala ToT DT, and Astonishing is the closing epic that astonishes us with the marriage between the two with the signature DT prog metal.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 10, 2015, 12:12:01 AM
I just found a leak of the complete Astonishing character list, oops.....

(https://i.imgur.com/DcaKboA.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 10, 2015, 12:27:40 AM
Homer!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on December 10, 2015, 01:30:49 AM
Lord Jar Jar  :metal :lol :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 10, 2015, 02:50:11 AM
Jar Jar is exactly what I expected char8 to be, the joke of star wars, like habi was the joke of DTF.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Mladen on December 10, 2015, 04:15:58 AM
My brother Homer, he's all the hope we need!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Peter Mc on December 10, 2015, 04:43:32 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 09, 2015, 04:38:46 PM
Quote from: Peter Mc on December 09, 2015, 03:47:15 PM
I'm guessing the Empire are the baddies based on the fact that their leader is called Nefarious (or however you spell it!) They also have noise machines and stop people from making music. Rebels play music, like our heroes Dream Theater, and appear to be from Long Island, also like our heroes so am guessing they are the goodies.

I am guessing it isn't quite that simple.

Agreed, I was going to say that there will probably be a bit more to it if JP has spent so long putting the story together. I just didn't want to go on too much. I would broadly expect Ravenskill Rebels to be the goodies though saving the day with their real music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 10, 2015, 05:52:51 AM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 10, 2015, 12:12:01 AM
I just found a leak of the complete Astonishing character list, oops.....

(https://i.imgur.com/DcaKboA.jpg)

Katniss  :heart
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 10, 2015, 06:08:13 AM
Quote from: Mladen on December 10, 2015, 04:15:58 AM
My brother Homer, he's all the hope we need!  :metal

"There walks a God among us..."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on December 10, 2015, 07:23:06 AM
Quote from: Zydar on December 10, 2015, 06:08:13 AM
Quote from: Mladen on December 10, 2015, 04:15:58 AM
My brother Homer, he's all the hope we need!  :metal

"There walks a God among us..."

"Who's seen the donuts on the stoooore"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 10, 2015, 07:24:37 AM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 10, 2015, 12:12:01 AM
I just found a leak of the complete Astonishing character list, oops.....

(https://i.imgur.com/DcaKboA.jpg)

Honestly we need to have DT and DT collaborate for a Ziltoid project
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dparrott on December 10, 2015, 07:37:49 AM
Quote from: porcacultor on December 09, 2015, 06:34:55 PM
I think Lord Nafaryus is definitely a reworded cover of duran duran's Notorious.

NA....NA.....NAFARYUS!  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dparrott on December 10, 2015, 07:39:28 AM
Quote from: rab7 on December 09, 2015, 02:25:41 PM
Quote from: Fritzinger on December 09, 2015, 02:15:43 PM
So I read most of the posts in this thread, but I am still a little confused. Is The Northern Empire the "good" side? Or is Ravenskill? Wich one is the leading side right now?
Maybe I understood something totally wrong. And if there are any informations or speculations on wich side is the good, bad or leading one: on what are they based? :D

If we believe the point of view presented in "The Gift of Music", then the Empire is the bad side and Ravenskill is the good side.

 :o  So I chose the wrong side???  But...but...the "path" website said GNE was the good side! 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 10, 2015, 09:04:31 AM
How much will we have to wait until another update? I want to know anything new!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 10, 2015, 09:14:40 AM
What if they release one more "single" before the album and the two videos on the Astonishing page are both of the music videos ?

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 10, 2015, 09:33:30 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 10, 2015, 09:14:40 AM
What if they release one more "single" before the album and the two videos on the Astonishing page are both of the music videos ?

It would be great! But maybe they need to unveil some other character before releasing another song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 10, 2015, 09:48:06 AM
You got a character # in mind? :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 10, 2015, 10:05:39 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 10, 2015, 09:48:06 AM
You got a character # in mind? :neverusethis:

I don't think which one they reveal really matter, but the clock is ticking so they really should get done with it as fast as possible.

 :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: paulstfu on December 10, 2015, 10:34:01 AM
Quote from: Lucien on December 10, 2015, 07:24:37 AM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 10, 2015, 12:12:01 AM
I just found a leak of the complete Astonishing character list, oops.....

(https://i.imgur.com/DcaKboA.jpg)

Honestly we need to have DT and DT collaborate for a Ziltoid project

"The Astonishing Ziltoid Show (With even more guitar wankery and farts!"


PS: It was surely an astonishing moment when I realized my 2 favorite artists were DT  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 10, 2015, 10:37:33 AM
Quote from: paulstfu on December 10, 2015, 10:34:01 AM

PS: It was surely an astonishing moment when I realized my 2 favorite artists were DT  :lol

I thought you said 3. I was like who is the 3rd one ? Derek Trucks ? :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 10, 2015, 11:01:06 AM
Derek Trucks is a different kind of awesome.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 10, 2015, 11:14:16 AM
Quote from: CDrice on December 10, 2015, 10:05:39 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 10, 2015, 09:48:06 AM
You got a character # in mind? :neverusethis:

but the clock is ticking

 :neverusethis:

You have some hint there (?)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on December 10, 2015, 11:16:53 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 10, 2015, 11:01:06 AM
Derek Trucks is a different kind of awesome.

No truer words.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 10, 2015, 11:48:48 AM
Quote from: Nearmyth on December 09, 2015, 09:08:52 AM
I'm hoping for a twist ending or some kind of profound, shocking thing to happen with "Astonishing." You can't have a title track like that closing the album and not have something really cool and unexpected.

At the very least, I'm really hoping for a non-cliche ending. It would be a little disappointing to me if the album ended with " the empire was overthrown, the nomacs were shut down, the rebels control the land, everyone lived happily ever after." Maybe I'm in the minority there, but I don't know a good concept album that had a perfectly happy, wrapped up ending.

I mean the friggen album is called "The Astonishing." I'M JUST SO INTRIGUED and maybe that's why I'm hoping for something unexpected.

It also seems like DT is going to transcend the actual music and instrumentals in this album by really applying the concept to the way they write and create the music. And I don't just mean spoken tracks (god forbid), and "oh this parts heavy cuz he's evil," or "oh this parts soft because she's a good guy." I'm keeping my doubts but I'm just hoping they create something new and experiment with the way they portray the concept here.

I have money on an introspective ending where, after the final battle is all over the survivors look within themselves and realize that they were free all along, and their shackles of NOMAC noise were nothing but their imagination fueled by self-doubt and a warlike mentality.  :D  And the people that led them into battle on both sides were just attention-seeking, egotistical whores that got a lot of people killed and produced negative value for society as a whole.

And then everyone from both sides decides to settle down and live a modest life, and get their kicks from an occasional beer and some good music instead of the incessant search for existential validation through more and more socio-political power and moralistic righteousness.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 10, 2015, 11:55:02 AM
In the interview with JP he was comparing the NOMACs to electronic music, and how humans may not be making music anymore in the future. It would surprize me if the album is supposed to be an allegory of how Dream Theaters music is the "correct" one, and electronic music is "wrong" og bad. It would be more satisfying if both sides, in the end can agree that different people prefer kinds of music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Peter Mc on December 10, 2015, 12:08:25 PM
Don't think he was quite comparing the NOMACS to electronic music, he's talking about music which is made by machines, not humans. He's saying that music is made more and more these days on computers and taking that to the extreme by saying "what if, in the future, there was no human involvement and computers were making music on their own?" Can't see the album finishing with everyone agreeing that computer generated music is just as good as music composed by people. If that was the case both sides would have to keep saying "in my opinion" all the way through the lyrics!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 10, 2015, 12:16:05 PM
Yeah, it's not like DT has never used electronics in their music.  They've always had a keyboard player, which is by definition, electronic music.  And then they have used sound sampling plenty of times before.  And on ADTOE, Petrucci programmed in the drum tracks while they were looking for a drummer.

I mean, it's still 100 times more complex than a lot of the crap that passes for modern-day EDM (which is mostly ghost-written anyway).  But I don't think Petrucci meant electronic music produced by humans with that comment...I think he was more talking about music that was composed by a machine algorithm (or maybe a cut n' paste pop-song algorithm that the record industry pushes on people).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: theseoafs on December 10, 2015, 12:32:49 PM
I really doubt the message of the album will be "electronic music is bad".  That would be pretty stupid.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 10, 2015, 12:36:35 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 10, 2015, 12:12:01 AM
I just found a leak of the complete Astonishing character list, oops.....

(https://i.imgur.com/DcaKboA.jpg)

Oh that is classic!!! :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 10, 2015, 12:42:34 PM
Yeah, thats true.

On the other hand:
NOMACs are noise machines.
Noise machines make noise music.
Noise music is an actual music genre.
Some people enjoy noise music.
DT is saying that noise music is bad.
DT implies that their music is better than other kinds of music.
Q.E.D.

edit: changed noice to noise.

 :hat



Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 10, 2015, 12:46:01 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 10, 2015, 12:42:34 PM

DT is saying that noice music is bad.


But isn't noice music like...noice.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jakepriest on December 10, 2015, 12:47:32 PM
Noice theory.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 10, 2015, 01:46:53 PM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 10, 2015, 12:46:01 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 10, 2015, 12:42:34 PM

DT is saying that noice music is bad.


But isn't noice music like...noice.

Noice, it icen't!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 10, 2015, 01:51:10 PM
Soime peoiple shoiuld think twoice befoire hitting the poist buttoin.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 10, 2015, 02:02:22 PM
Noiw i saiw oit. Oit's wroitten noise noit noice.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: OleMP on December 10, 2015, 02:17:02 PM
Quote from: Peter Mc on December 09, 2015, 03:47:15 PM
I'm guessing the Empire are the baddies based on the fact that their leader is called Nefarious (or however you spell it!) They also have noise machines and stop people from making music. Rebels play music, like our heroes Dream Theater, and appear to be from Long Island, also like our heroes so am guessing they are the goodies.

If they are stopping people like Justin Bieber they're not entirely evil though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 10, 2015, 02:23:13 PM
It seems that all of the thursday updates are now on Friday. At least Gabriel was revealed on a Friday.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 10, 2015, 02:23:37 PM
Quote from: OleMP on December 10, 2015, 02:17:02 PM
Quote from: Peter Mc on December 09, 2015, 03:47:15 PM
I'm guessing the Empire are the baddies based on the fact that their leader is called Nefarious (or however you spell it!) They also have noise machines and stop people from making music. Rebels play music, like our heroes Dream Theater, and appear to be from Long Island, also like our heroes so am guessing they are the goodies.

If they are stopping people like Justin Bieber they're not entirely evil though.

Indeed! Go Sean Connery!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Dream Team on December 10, 2015, 02:47:45 PM
So Petrucci and Rudess wrote the music, but I'm interested to see if they still split the songwriting credits 5 ways like the past few albums.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 10, 2015, 03:02:37 PM
Is anyone else hoping for some repeated themes throughout the story, be they musical or lyrical, or both? I listened to SFAM recently and remember hearing a lot of repeated themes, like home repeating a theme from Metropolis Pt 1 (though I realize SFAM was the sequel to that song, so repeating a theme from it was probably inevitable)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nomaniac on December 10, 2015, 03:06:04 PM
Yeah I definitely hope there are some types of repeated themes . . . most rock operas do have them though so I'm not too worried ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 10, 2015, 03:06:54 PM
Quote from: Lucien on December 10, 2015, 07:24:37 AM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 10, 2015, 12:12:01 AM
I just found a leak of the complete Astonishing character list, oops.....

(https://i.imgur.com/DcaKboA.jpg)

Honestly we need to have DT and DT collaborate for a Ziltoid project

The difference is that Ziltoid doesn't even take himself seriously (which is part of what makes him so great), whereas with The Astonishing, you won't catch Aryhys or Nafaryus telling fart jokes to Gabriel. Or go into the back story of how Evangeline is a huge DT fan girl who worships John Petrucci.  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 10, 2015, 03:25:58 PM
Quote from: wolven74 on December 10, 2015, 03:02:37 PM
Is anyone else hoping for some repeated themes throughout the story, be they musical or lyrical, or both? I listened to SFAM recently and remember hearing a lot of repeated themes, like home repeating a theme from Metropolis Pt 1 (though I realize SFAM was the sequel to that song, so repeating a theme from it was probably inevitable)

I'm really, really, hoping for lots of repeated themes and melodies.  This could make or break the album for me.  The fact that there's an overture is a very good sign.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 10, 2015, 03:27:26 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 10, 2015, 03:06:54 PM

The difference is that Ziltoid doesn't even take himself seriously (which is part of what makes him so great), whereas with The Astonishing, you won't catch Aryhys or Nafaryus telling fart jokes to Gabriel.

Then why is a line in the lyrics to "Lord Nafaryus": "Doth his fart smelleth not?"  ???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamTension on December 10, 2015, 03:29:52 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on December 10, 2015, 03:25:58 PM
Quote from: wolven74 on December 10, 2015, 03:02:37 PM
Is anyone else hoping for some repeated themes throughout the story, be they musical or lyrical, or both? I listened to SFAM recently and remember hearing a lot of repeated themes, like home repeating a theme from Metropolis Pt 1 (though I realize SFAM was the sequel to that song, so repeating a theme from it was probably inevitable)

I'm really, really, hoping for lots of repeated themes and melodies.  This could make or break the album for me.  The fact that there's an overture is a very good sign.

It's pretty much confirmed from the Rolling Stone interview. Looks like there will be themes for different characters:

"Rather than simply stringing songs together, Petrucci and Rudess fashioned sounds to suit disparate settings and situations, and devised recurring themes to signify characters in the story."

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/inside-dream-theaters-wildly-ambitious-new-concept-lp-20151203#ixzz3txYFSBHE (https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/inside-dream-theaters-wildly-ambitious-new-concept-lp-20151203#ixzz3txYFSBHE)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 10, 2015, 03:35:24 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 10, 2015, 03:27:26 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 10, 2015, 03:06:54 PM

The difference is that Ziltoid doesn't even take himself seriously (which is part of what makes him so great), whereas with The Astonishing, you won't catch Aryhys or Nafaryus telling fart jokes to Gabriel.

Then why is a line in the lyrics to "Lord Nafaryus": "Doth his fart smelleth not?"  ???

Haha  :lol I would have hoped that at least some of the lyrics used Middle English, but then I remembered that the story is set in the future, lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Meatrose on December 10, 2015, 04:26:26 PM
Hi guys, long time no see, what's up?

On topic; I was pleasantly surprised by The Gift of Music. It really does make me think of my favorite albums and that's really exciting. Couldn't be happier about having purchased tickets for the gig in Stockholm.  :yarr
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 10, 2015, 04:29:37 PM
I wonder if this is the most elaborate album ever made.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamTension on December 10, 2015, 04:30:24 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 10, 2015, 04:29:37 PM
I wonder if this is the most elaborate album ever made.

I don't see how it can't be!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 04:57:13 PM
Even if I had heard the entire album and not merely 9 tracks, it would be too early to rank this album.  But that being said, I can tell already that this will rank in the top half of the discography just based on the strength of what I have heard.  I don't know where in the top half.  It could end up smack in the middle.  It could be #1.  Neither would shock me.  But as I listen to this songs, I think of my top 4 DT albums and ask myself, "Are these songs THAT good that I could possibly rank this album ahead of my top 4 DT albums of all time?"  And I answer, "Yeah, maybe they are."  I really can't wait until __________ ___, 2016.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 10, 2015, 04:58:02 PM
January 29.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 04:58:34 PM
Perhaps.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 10, 2015, 04:59:05 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 04:57:13 PM
Even if I had heard the entire album and not merely 9 tracks, it would be too early to rank this album.  But that being said, I can tell already that this will rank in the top half of the discography just based on the strength of what I have heard.  I don't know where in the top half.  It could end up smack in the middle.  It could be #1.  Neither would shock me.  But as I listen to this songs, I think of my top 4 DT albums and ask myself, "Are these songs THAT good that I could possibly rank this album ahead of my top 4 DT albums of all time?"  And I answer, "Yeah, maybe they are."  I really can't wait until __________ ___, 2016.

Can you tell us which 9 tracks have you heard?
Not specific names, just... Early ones? Disc II ones?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 10, 2015, 04:59:46 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 04:58:34 PM
Perhaps.
Early release?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 05:01:05 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 10, 2015, 04:59:05 PM
Can you tell us which 9 tracks have you heard?
No.

Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 10, 2015, 04:59:05 PM
Not specific names, just... Early ones? Disc II ones?
Yes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 05:01:21 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on December 10, 2015, 04:59:46 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 04:58:34 PM
Perhaps.
Early release?
No.

EDIT:  I mean, seriously, that doesn't happen in the music industry.  Sorry, not an option.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 10, 2015, 05:02:23 PM
Everywhere is saying Jan 29.



Even on :soon:'s official site so it's Jan 29.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 10, 2015, 05:03:14 PM
Maybe Petrucci wakes up one day, busts his way into the studio, tells Rich "Fuck off, I can't wait" and leaks it on purpose?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 10, 2015, 05:03:39 PM
And before you ask - yes I can.


https://shop.roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/uk/artists/dream-theater/the-astonishing-2cd-set.html
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 10, 2015, 05:11:18 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 05:01:21 PM
No.

EDIT:  I mean, seriously, that doesn't happen in the music industry.  Sorry, not an option.
I know, but I'm in the same boat as Kotow, you put blanks in for the date when we already know January 29th (or I guess thought we knew)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on December 10, 2015, 05:16:13 PM
Maybe they have other plans...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamTension on December 10, 2015, 05:17:20 PM
Maybe his blank date is for the next song release or a 120 minute making of...

 :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 05:17:59 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on December 10, 2015, 05:11:18 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 05:01:21 PM
No.

EDIT:  I mean, seriously, that doesn't happen in the music industry.  Sorry, not an option.
I know, but I'm in the same boat as Kotow, you put blanks in for the date when we already know January 29th (or I guess thought we knew)
I know.  But as I have mentioned before, those are dates on vendor sites.  The band has not released the date yet, so I am not going to say what it is because it is not set in stone.  That projected date has not become official yet.  It is just the projected date that is released to those outlets.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 10, 2015, 05:18:33 PM
Even Roadrunner ?


The label ?


You think they'd know.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamTension on December 10, 2015, 05:20:35 PM
RR promised me my FLAC tracks would be available the 29th.

Also the Rolling Stone interview stated the 29th
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 10, 2015, 05:21:15 PM
It is the launch date for the album's videogame.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 10, 2015, 05:25:32 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 05:17:59 PM
I know.  But as I have mentioned before, those are dates on vendor sites.  The band has not released the date yet, so I am not going to say what it is because it is not set in stone.  That projected date has not become official yet.  It is just the projected date that is released to those outlets.
Color me intrigued
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 10, 2015, 05:36:05 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 10, 2015, 05:18:33 PM
Even Roadrunner ?


The label ?


You think they'd know.

It's like you're new here.   ;)

:soon:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 10, 2015, 05:54:51 PM
This has instantly reminded me of Opeth's Pale Communion delay. Color me... afraid?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dvargas on December 10, 2015, 06:16:11 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 05:01:21 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on December 10, 2015, 04:59:46 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 04:58:34 PM
Perhaps.
Early release?
No.

EDIT:  I mean, seriously, that doesn't happen in the music industry.  Sorry, not an option.

It does occasionally when albums get leaked. Eg. Bjork's Vulnicura. A few others have also dropped in early as a response to leaks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 10, 2015, 08:05:02 PM
Quote from: dvargas on December 10, 2015, 06:16:11 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 05:01:21 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on December 10, 2015, 04:59:46 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 04:58:34 PM
Perhaps.
Early release?
No.

EDIT:  I mean, seriously, that doesn't happen in the music industry.  Sorry, not an option.

It does occasionally when albums get leaked. Eg. Bjork's Vulnicura. A few others have also dropped in early as a response to leaks.

I think nowdays, specially with rock/metal bands, they usually put up a full online album stream early, instead of releasing the album in the stores.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dparrott on December 10, 2015, 08:21:06 PM
Hopefully one of those homepage vids will be like a trailer with other song clips.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 10, 2015, 08:29:04 PM
Ok so I leave the forum for a week and there are already 30+ more pages of speculation?  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 10, 2015, 08:38:03 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 10, 2015, 08:29:04 PM
Ok so I leave the forum for a week and there are already 30+ more pages of speculation?  :rollin

I think all the activity is great. The forum is very enjoyable to be around when we're leading up to an album release. I'm not sure what the exact numbers are, but I would estimate that it's been busier than the DT12 buildup. The complexity of the story, the manner in which information is being revealed.. I have to give kudos again to the band and the label for doing all this. It feels like it's going to be a special chapter in the history of Dream Theater..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 10, 2015, 11:19:47 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 05:17:59 PM
I know.  But as I have mentioned before, those are dates on vendor sites.  The band has not released the date yet, so I am not going to say what it is because it is not set in stone.  That projected date has not become official yet.  It is just the projected date that is released to those outlets.

Not true. Go to https://www.dreamtheater.net/preorder

Look what it says.

Available January 29th, 2016

And also: https://roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/2015/12/dream-theater-release-incredible-double-concept-album-the-astonishing-on-january-29th/


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Estiui on December 11, 2015, 01:43:33 AM
I'm really looking forward to reading all those song-by-song reviews on the previous weeks to an album release... hype train is comin'.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 11, 2015, 02:50:42 AM
Well, to be honest I don't think you can expect one from me this time around. There's something else that consumes all my free time at the moment, so I just don't have the time for music anymore.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 11, 2015, 03:02:22 AM
Noxon will be busy crushing rebel scum.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CoT67 on December 11, 2015, 03:21:53 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 11, 2015, 02:50:42 AM
Well, to be honest I don't think you can expect one from me this time around. There's something else that consumes all my free time at the moment, so I just don't have the time for music anymore.

ISWYDT
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on December 11, 2015, 03:37:23 AM
Well played!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nefarius on December 11, 2015, 03:49:20 AM
A Dream Theater album is never late. Nor is it early.
It arrives precisely when it's meant to.

Greetings...
Nef
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 11, 2015, 04:51:44 AM
Quote from: Sacul on December 10, 2015, 08:29:04 PM
Ok so I leave the forum for a week and there are already 30+ more pages of speculation?  :rollin

About 10 of those were reaction to The Gift of Music in the 24 hours or so after its release.

Also, if the release date is delayed, then :soon:, RS and everyone else has a lot to answer for.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 11, 2015, 06:01:57 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 11, 2015, 02:50:42 AM
Well, to be honest I don't think you can expect one from me this time around. There's something else that consumes all my free time at the moment, so I just don't have the time for music anymore.

I have a friend that saw a god walking by. His name was Gerard, or John or GABRIEL...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 11, 2015, 08:14:45 AM
Hopefully we will get a new character from the Empire today, if any.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 11, 2015, 08:25:14 AM
Quote from: dvargas on December 10, 2015, 06:16:11 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 05:01:21 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on December 10, 2015, 04:59:46 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 10, 2015, 04:58:34 PM
Perhaps.
Early release?
No.

EDIT:  I mean, seriously, that doesn't happen in the music industry.  Sorry, not an option.

It does occasionally when albums get leaked. Eg. Bjork's Vulnicura. A few others have also dropped in early as a response to leaks.
True, and good point.  I stand corrected.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 11, 2015, 08:52:50 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 11, 2015, 08:14:45 AM
Hopefully we will get a new character from the Empire today, if any.

In Nafaryus we trust!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: me7 on December 11, 2015, 10:13:17 AM
There's also the possibility of a promotional stream a week or so before release.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 11, 2015, 11:49:23 AM
Quote
Suomi! We're happy to tell you that the new album The Astonishing will be released on Jan 29. Pre-order it now: https://bit.ly/the-astonishing (https://bit.ly/the-astonishing)
And thus the release date has been confirmed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 11, 2015, 12:28:37 PM
Only a few minutes left so we can conclude that we won't be getting any new characters today :/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 11, 2015, 12:30:22 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 11, 2015, 12:28:37 PM
Only a few minutes left so we can conclude that we won't be getting any new characters today :/
A few minutes left of what?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 11, 2015, 12:32:44 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 11, 2015, 12:30:22 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 11, 2015, 12:28:37 PM
Only a few minutes left so we can conclude that we won't be getting any new characters today :/
A few minutes left of what?

Of our own madeup timespan of when character updates are released xD Yes, I admit it's madeup or at least fool's hope, but it's fun!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 11, 2015, 12:40:35 PM
What timespan is that? I've heard some people say "friday", which is far from over. Especially in America.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 11, 2015, 12:44:17 PM
It was monday and thursday and sometimes friday, and the updates were usually between 1 pm EST and 5, 6 PM EST. But it's getting random sometimes. Hey, I'm not saying they promised us anything, perhaps some of us are just overanalyzing those updates. It's just anxiety kicking in :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 11, 2015, 01:39:50 PM
It's usually 8PM UK time.  That's been and gone, I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 11, 2015, 01:58:43 PM
Maybe their clock is broken... :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 11, 2015, 01:59:44 PM
Quote from: CDrice on December 11, 2015, 01:58:43 PM
Maybe their clock is broken... :neverusethis:

CLOCKMAN CHARACTER NEXT UPDATE CONFIRMED.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 11, 2015, 04:36:12 PM
guys it's been confirmed lord nafaryus was inspired by mike portnoy

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/19601331/mike.png)

(https://www.drummagazine.com/images/features/091511-portnoy.jpg)

it's a metaphor of DT's battle against musical oppression. DT's music against adrenaline mob's.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 11, 2015, 04:58:54 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 11, 2015, 04:36:12 PM
guys it's been confirmed lord nafaryus was inspired by mike portnoy

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/19601331/mike.png)

(https://www.drummagazine.com/images/features/091511-portnoy.jpg)

it's a metaphor of DT's battle against musical oppression. DT's music against adrenaline mob's.

Oh no, can't unsee that now  :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 11, 2015, 05:28:51 PM
That's....creepy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Paintbox on December 11, 2015, 05:48:05 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 11, 2015, 04:36:12 PM
guys it's been confirmed lord nafaryus was inspired by mike portnoy

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/19601331/mike.png)

(https://www.drummagazine.com/images/features/091511-portnoy.jpg)

it's a metaphor of DT's battle against musical oppression. DT's music against adrenaline mob's.
(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/gabriel.jpg)
(https://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m485/dtforums-org/Biographies/km-f.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 11, 2015, 06:11:24 PM
Just stop  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 11, 2015, 06:26:12 PM
(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/098711_large.jpg)

(https://www.guitarmessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/John-Petrucci-by-Ivan-Chopik.jpg)


(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201512/evangeline_large.jpg)

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/a7/d4/14/a7d41419c7e9973f76c0aa4f3a1748b3.jpg)

:omg: I'm too lazy to Photoshop their faces, so that'll have to do
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 11, 2015, 06:30:55 PM
Quote from: CDrice on December 11, 2015, 06:26:12 PM
(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/098711_large.jpg)

(https://www.guitarmessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/John-Petrucci-by-Ivan-Chopik.jpg)


(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201512/evangeline_large.jpg)

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/a7/d4/14/a7d41419c7e9973f76c0aa4f3a1748b3.jpg)

:omg: I'm too lazy to Photoshop their faces, so that'll have to do

Nooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is killing me!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 11, 2015, 06:31:10 PM
Jessy Myung? Interesting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 11, 2015, 06:33:41 PM
Now all we need is a bald wizard character who is on the empire's side!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 11, 2015, 06:51:05 PM
Looking at the shaded pic, char8 is most likely a bald dude with headphones on.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 11, 2015, 06:51:59 PM
:neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 11, 2015, 08:09:51 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 11, 2015, 04:58:54 PM
Oh no, can't unsee that now  :omg:

Probably because of the sneaky Photoshopping. ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on December 11, 2015, 09:34:40 PM
Especially convincing if someone made Nefaryus' beard purple . . .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: arkdtmp on December 11, 2015, 09:40:00 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 11, 2015, 08:09:51 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 11, 2015, 04:58:54 PM
Oh no, can't unsee that now  :omg:

Probably because of the sneaky Photoshopping. ;)

Dude!! I just saw your False Awakening Suite video!! It's the best freaking thing EVER!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 11, 2015, 09:58:41 PM
Wow. Mind. Blown.

Creepy similarities.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 12, 2015, 03:01:56 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 11, 2015, 08:09:51 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 11, 2015, 04:58:54 PM
Oh no, can't unsee that now  :omg:

Probably because of the sneaky Photoshopping. ;)
Not that sneaky, really bloody obvious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 12, 2015, 03:17:25 AM
Quote from: ariich on December 12, 2015, 03:01:56 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 11, 2015, 08:09:51 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 11, 2015, 04:58:54 PM
Oh no, can't unsee that now  :omg:

Probably because of the sneaky Photoshopping. ;)
Not that sneaky, really bloody obvious.

Yet some people still seem to be falling for it apparently. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: James Mypetgiress on December 12, 2015, 04:49:37 AM
I really hope we get a Chris Collins look-alike.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 12, 2015, 05:44:27 AM
Yes, that's definitely photoshopped. Put the two images together and you can clearly see the differences.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 12, 2015, 06:04:44 AM
Some people fell for that pic of Lord Nafaryus with MP's face photoshopped on it? Really?

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: James Mypetgiress on December 12, 2015, 07:22:18 AM
Surely these people aren't being serious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 12, 2015, 08:38:17 AM
Quote from: James Mypetgiress on December 12, 2015, 07:22:18 AM
Surely these people aren't being serious.

I bet they are serious. They might not take too kindly to being addressed as Shirley either.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 12, 2015, 08:44:16 AM
It's a completely different kind of trolling. Altogether.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nefarius on December 12, 2015, 08:56:15 AM
Quote from: James Mypetgiress on December 12, 2015, 07:22:18 AM
Surely these people aren't being serious.

We''ll see... once it's reported as devious fact on Blabbermouth, we'll know someone took it seriously. :yeahright

Greetings...
Nef
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: James Mypetgiress on December 12, 2015, 11:48:37 AM
Quote from: Nefarius on December 12, 2015, 08:56:15 AM
Quote from: James Mypetgiress on December 12, 2015, 07:22:18 AM
Surely these people aren't being serious.

We''ll see... once it's reported as devious fact on Blabbermouth, we'll know someone took it seriously. :yeahright
:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 12, 2015, 01:02:03 PM
 Too Late  (https://i.imgur.com/WHHTIR9.png)  ::)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 12, 2015, 01:07:32 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 12, 2015, 01:02:03 PM
Too Late  (https://i.imgur.com/WHHTIR9.png)  ::)
:rollin :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 12, 2015, 01:07:44 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 12, 2015, 01:02:03 PM
Too Late  (https://i.imgur.com/WHHTIR9.png)  ::)

:lol :clap:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 12, 2015, 01:48:11 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 12, 2015, 01:02:03 PM
Too Late  (https://i.imgur.com/WHHTIR9.png)  ::)

Thank you for brightening my day a little bit.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 12, 2015, 02:02:51 PM
Quote from: James Mypetgiress on December 12, 2015, 07:22:18 AM
Surely these people aren't being serious.
i am srs
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 12, 2015, 02:17:41 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 12, 2015, 02:02:51 PM
Quote from: James Mypetgiress on December 12, 2015, 07:22:18 AM
Surely these people aren't being serious.
i am srs

You really think the original pic of Lord Naf is that close to MP?

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jammindude on December 12, 2015, 02:30:29 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 12, 2015, 08:44:16 AM
It's a completely different kind of trolling. Altogether.

"It's a completely different kind of trolling."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 12, 2015, 02:30:53 PM
The band I fed and grew with the highest of my capabilities, the band for which I did not sleep for countless nights, the band with the worst fanbase ever which I fucking hate because honestly you just throw shit at my vocals which I spent an extremely long time of my life planning just to keep you happy and now I'm a fucking villain u shits, John, without me, u would still be playing at fucking bars I AM DREAMTHEATER GODDAMIT.

-MP, Dream Theater
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wizard of Thought on December 12, 2015, 03:10:45 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 12, 2015, 02:30:53 PM
The band I fed and grew with the highest of my capabilities, the band for which I did not sleep for countless nights, the band with the worst fanbase ever which I fucking hate because honestly you just throw shit at my vocals which I spent an extremely long time of my life planning just to keep you happy and now I'm a fucking villain u shits, John, without me, u would still be playing at fucking bars I AM DREAMTHEATER GODDAMIT.

-MP, Dream Theater
  :lol :lol :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: James Mypetgiress on December 12, 2015, 03:57:17 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 12, 2015, 02:30:53 PM
The band I fed and grew with the highest of my capabilities, the band for which I did not sleep for countless nights, the band with the worst fanbase ever which I fucking hate because honestly you just throw shit at my vocals which I spent an extremely long time of my life planning just to keep you happy and now I'm a fucking villain u shits, John, without me, u would still be playing at fucking bars I AM DREAMTHEATER GODDAMIT.

-MP, Dream Theater
amazing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 12, 2015, 04:11:58 PM
Sean Connery just released a statement that he's pissed at Mike Portnoy for thinking Nafaryus looks like Mike Portnoy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 12, 2015, 04:15:46 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 12, 2015, 04:11:58 PM
Sean Connery just released a statement that he's pissed at Mike Portnoy for thinking Nafaryus looks like Mike Portnoy.

Shurely he can't be sherioush ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 12, 2015, 04:19:10 PM
He was definitely shitting at his computer.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 12, 2015, 04:21:48 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 12, 2015, 04:19:10 PM
He was definitely shitting at his computer.

Oh I Shee.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: home on December 12, 2015, 04:33:49 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 12, 2015, 01:02:03 PM
Too Late  (https://i.imgur.com/WHHTIR9.png)  ::)

whahaa, I can't believe Mike Portnoy would think Nefarious looks like him  :rollin :rollin This really shows how obsessed he still is with dream theater  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 12, 2015, 04:35:37 PM
:lol I hope you aren't being serious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 12, 2015, 04:39:53 PM
I'm with home on this one, I also can't believe Mike Portnoy thinks The Astonishing won't be good at all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: home on December 12, 2015, 04:45:18 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 12, 2015, 04:35:37 PM
:lol I hope you aren't being serious.

what, you're not taking me seriously?  :-[
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 12, 2015, 04:48:23 PM
Home is our new homey. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 12, 2015, 04:49:33 PM
Quote from: home on December 12, 2015, 04:45:18 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 12, 2015, 04:35:37 PM
:lol I hope you aren't being serious.

what, your not taking me seriously?  :-[

YOU'RE * :angry:  >:( :censored
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 12, 2015, 06:59:53 PM
You'd think that with new information, this thread would have gotten better, not worse.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamTension on December 12, 2015, 07:01:41 PM
Yeah, this thread desperately needs another "single" to be released ASAP!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 12, 2015, 07:15:34 PM
Do you realize this thread has been active for little more than a month now, and we're close to 100 pages of speculation? The previous DT13 thread reached 100 pages and was closed. Combined they're almost 200 pages, and we're still more than a month away from the album's release! Interesting how desperate we've been about new info these last months :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 12, 2015, 08:25:35 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 12, 2015, 04:35:37 PM
:lol I hope you aren't being serious.

The sarcasm on this page seems to going way over people's heads lately. It must be something in the ether....  :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SeRoX on December 13, 2015, 04:31:34 AM
This page of the thread needs green font for clartiy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 13, 2015, 04:41:35 AM
clarity
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 13, 2015, 05:30:54 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 12, 2015, 06:59:53 PM
You'd think that with new information, this thread would have gotten better, not worse.

Yes, but it's been several days without new info. Discussion of a tidbit of info can only last us about 24-48 hours before we regress back into silly season again. And considering most of the important info is now out, it might stay this way until release day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 13, 2015, 05:36:55 AM
Quote from: DreamTension on December 12, 2015, 07:01:41 PM
Yeah, this thread desperately needs another "single" to be released ASAP!

I'm willing to bet that Tracks 1 and 2 on both discs are segues or instrumentals.

Therefore i'm calling " Heaven's Cove " as next single.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: |KirK| on December 13, 2015, 06:05:44 AM
Following this thread has become more or less like a job... Is there anything important that I should know in the last....30 pages?!  :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 13, 2015, 06:17:28 AM
Quote from: |KirK| on December 13, 2015, 06:05:44 AM
Following this thread has become more or less like a job... Is there anything important that I should know in the last....30 pages?!  :o

Anything important would be in the other thread... What we know...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 13, 2015, 06:32:20 AM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on December 13, 2015, 06:17:28 AM
Quote from: |KirK| on December 13, 2015, 06:05:44 AM
Following this thread has become more or less like a job... Is there anything important that I should know in the last....30 pages?!  :o

Anything important would be in the other thread... What we know...

Indeed. If someone wants to cut through the discussion, they should just read my thread. Otherwise, there is no point behind me updating it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CoT67 on December 13, 2015, 05:44:19 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 12, 2015, 07:15:34 PM
Do you realize this thread has been active for little more than a month now, and we're close to 100 pages of speculation? The previous DT13 thread reached 100 pages and was closed. Combined they're almost 200 pages, and we're still more than a month away from the album's release! Interesting how desperate we've been about new info these last months :lol

Well, this is "The Astonishing thread" after all!

...I'll just leave for now
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 13, 2015, 05:44:54 PM
And this thread has ground to a halt after 11 post-less hours. DTF has moved on apparently.  :lol

edit: and of course I get ninja'd. That's just the forum saying "not today."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 14, 2015, 05:55:46 AM
Quote from: SeRoX on December 13, 2015, 04:31:34 AM
This page of the thread needs green font for clartiy.

It really does.

Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 12, 2015, 06:59:53 PM
You'd think that with new information, this thread would have gotten better, not worse.

Are you new here?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 14, 2015, 05:59:51 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 14, 2015, 05:55:46 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 12, 2015, 06:59:53 PM
You'd think that with new information, this thread would have gotten better, not worse.

Are you new here?

Am I new here? Boy, this thread is giving me PTSD flashbacks to my Octavarium sub-forum days. If you didn't live through it, you don't know what it was like in those trenches! :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 14, 2015, 06:03:56 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 14, 2015, 05:59:51 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 14, 2015, 05:55:46 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 12, 2015, 06:59:53 PM
You'd think that with new information, this thread would have gotten better, not worse.

Are you new here?

Am I new here? Boy, this thread is giving me PTSD flashbacks to my Octavarium sub-forum days. If you didn't live through it, you don't know what it was like in those trenches! :lol

I was around back then, but under a different name. I didn't post as much. I spent more time at MPs forum back them. That was interesting as well.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Moor on December 14, 2015, 06:41:29 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MAiFoJW4u8

A fake track alleging to be Dystopian Overture. The funny thing is that MM commented on the vid saying "this is not us"  :biggrin:

He could have added "asshole"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 14, 2015, 06:52:30 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 06, 2015, 01:02:26 PM
Please DO NOT post anything that has not been officially released by the band or the label.  If you are not sure, ask a mod or me before posting.  Anyone posting unauthorized information, regardless of the source, will be banned until at least the release date--no exceptions.

Unfortunately, while I was away for several hours earlier today, there was some unauthorized information posted in the other thread, and there have been several pages of discussion since then, some of it related, and some of it not, that I do not have the time to wade through.  Because of that, I have to delete that thread.  Please feel free to re-post any and all relevant information (as long is it follows the forum rules, including the ban on leaded information).  Thank you all for your understanding.

(EDIT by ariich, 13 Nov: This includes even POTENTIAL LEAKS. In the run up to album release, jokers always put fake leaks up online, some more obvious than others. From now on, these will be treated the same as real leaks. It's really quite simple - wait for official announcements/releases.)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 14, 2015, 06:57:13 AM
Quote from: Sacul on December 14, 2015, 06:52:30 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 06, 2015, 01:02:26 PM
Please DO NOT post anything that has not been officially released by the band or the label.  If you are not sure, ask a mod or me before posting.  Anyone posting unauthorized information, regardless of the source, will be banned until at least the release date--no exceptions.

Unfortunately, while I was away for several hours earlier today, there was some unauthorized information posted in the other thread, and there have been several pages of discussion since then, some of it related, and some of it not, that I do not have the time to wade through.  Because of that, I have to delete that thread.  Please feel free to re-post any and all relevant information (as long is it follows the forum rules, including the ban on leaded information).  Thank you all for your understanding.

(EDIT by ariich, 13 Nov: This includes even POTENTIAL LEAKS. In the run up to album release, jokers always put fake leaks up online, some more obvious than others. From now on, these will be treated the same as real leaks. It's really quite simple - wait for official announcements/releases.)

I was thinking the same thing, until I saw the comment that MM has posted in that discussion. Which makes it a different thing, to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 14, 2015, 06:58:00 AM
Funny how it's always the instrumental tracks, huh? :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Moor on December 14, 2015, 06:59:50 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on December 14, 2015, 06:57:13 AM
Quote from: Sacul on December 14, 2015, 06:52:30 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on November 06, 2015, 01:02:26 PM
Please DO NOT post anything that has not been officially released by the band or the label.  If you are not sure, ask a mod or me before posting.  Anyone posting unauthorized information, regardless of the source, will be banned until at least the release date--no exceptions.

Unfortunately, while I was away for several hours earlier today, there was some unauthorized information posted in the other thread, and there have been several pages of discussion since then, some of it related, and some of it not, that I do not have the time to wade through.  Because of that, I have to delete that thread.  Please feel free to re-post any and all relevant information (as long is it follows the forum rules, including the ban on leaded information).  Thank you all for your understanding.

(EDIT by ariich, 13 Nov: This includes even POTENTIAL LEAKS. In the run up to album release, jokers always put fake leaks up online, some more obvious than others. From now on, these will be treated the same as real leaks. It's really quite simple - wait for official announcements/releases.)

I was thinking the same thing, until I saw the comment that MM has posted in that discussion. Which makes it a different thing, to me.

I am totally aware of the above rules; however, as noticed, I wanted to share MM's comment rather than a stupid vid.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bolsters on December 14, 2015, 07:00:29 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on December 14, 2015, 06:57:13 AM
I was thinking the same thing, until I saw the comment that MM has posted in that discussion. Which makes it a different thing, to me.
Somehow, I doubt the bosk will agree.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nihil-Morari on December 14, 2015, 07:02:50 AM
Quote from: Bolsters on December 14, 2015, 07:00:29 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on December 14, 2015, 06:57:13 AM
I was thinking the same thing, until I saw the comment that MM has posted in that discussion. Which makes it a different thing, to me.
Somehow, I doubt the bosk will agree.

Don't think so. Someone from within the band acknowledges that this thing exists, and discusses it himself. But it'll be up to the mods.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CoT67 on December 14, 2015, 07:28:51 AM
Quote from: Moor on December 14, 2015, 06:41:29 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MAiFoJW4u8

A fake track alleging to be Dystopian Overture. The funny thing is that MM commented on the vid saying "this is not us"  :biggrin:

He could have added "asshole"

Even more hilarious is the guy that answered to MM's comment by insulting and swearing at him in spanish for no apparent reason.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 14, 2015, 07:38:39 AM
Quote from: CoT67 on December 14, 2015, 07:28:51 AM

Even more hilarious is the guy that answered to MM's comment by insulting and swearing at him in spanish for no apparent reason.

He's probably one of those guys responsible for uploading these fake leaks :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CoT67 on December 14, 2015, 07:44:54 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 14, 2015, 07:38:39 AM
Quote from: CoT67 on December 14, 2015, 07:28:51 AM

Even more hilarious is the guy that answered to MM's comment by insulting and swearing at him in spanish for no apparent reason.

He's probably one of those guys responsible for uploading these fake leaks :P

Apparently not, judging from his youtube channel... but he has uploaded a couple of MP drumcam videos. I guess we found a clue...  ::)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 14, 2015, 08:04:22 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on December 14, 2015, 07:02:50 AM
Quote from: Bolsters on December 14, 2015, 07:00:29 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on December 14, 2015, 06:57:13 AM
I was thinking the same thing, until I saw the comment that MM has posted in that discussion. Which makes it a different thing, to me.
Somehow, I doubt the bosk will agree.

Don't think so. Someone from within the band acknowledges that this thing exists, and discusses it himself. But it'll be up to the mods.
Since MM actually discredited it, we know it's not a real leak.  Should be fine.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Stef1 on December 14, 2015, 08:16:14 AM
Don't know if its my imagination, but on The Astonishing web page, is the Nomac at the bottom of the page getting bigger?
When the page opened I'm sure the Nomac almost fitted completely on the screen, now only half fits on!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Vandalism on December 14, 2015, 08:25:41 AM
I think you are on to something. But I honestly can't confirm. Though I think it never overlapped the left and the right blueprints like it does now!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on December 14, 2015, 08:30:08 AM
Looks the same to me . . .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 14, 2015, 08:30:48 AM
I seriously doubt it, I can't confirm because I haven't measured it, but I'm absolutely sure the eyes haven't changed in size, so if you'd be right that means they're stretching the image out of proportion.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 14, 2015, 08:38:53 AM
I still think those eyes are eventually going to lead to something. Why else would they be clickable? I certainly can't think of any alternative.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on December 14, 2015, 09:33:34 AM
New character: Empress Arabelle, from the Empire

New map piece, too
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 14, 2015, 09:35:34 AM
Gah, they're really saving the clock guy for last.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 09:37:57 AM
New Anglya ?

New Anglais ?

New England ?

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on December 14, 2015, 09:40:30 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 09:37:57 AM
New Anglya ?

New Anglais ?

New England ?

Sounds about right if we're going with the theory that the map is based on New York and its surrounding areas. But then New Pavonya would be New Jersey, and I'm not sure what the connection is. "Yorkeland" at least has York in it, and Anglya sounds similar to England.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 14, 2015, 09:46:40 AM
Not sure who this Mike Mangini fellow is or where he is getting his information.  However, having heard the real Dystopian Overture myself, I can confirm that his information is correct.  This ain't it. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 14, 2015, 09:47:59 AM
Too bad JP already spoiled Arabelle for us.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the remaining characters has been hinted to or revealed in any way by the band, including the press already released regarding the new album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Evermind on December 14, 2015, 09:58:43 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 14, 2015, 09:47:59 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the remaining characters has been hinted to or revealed in any way by the band, including the press already released regarding the new album.

Well, if you don't count Faythe, that is.

"Anglya" is very close to Russian way of saying "England", so there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on December 14, 2015, 10:03:40 AM
Quote from: rab7 on December 14, 2015, 09:40:30 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 09:37:57 AM
New Anglya ?

New Anglais ?

New England ?

Sounds about right if we're going with the theory that the map is based on New York and its surrounding areas. But then New Pavonya would be New Jersey, and I'm not sure what the connection is. "Yorkeland" at least has York in it, and Anglya sounds similar to England.

Rumborak explained the NJ/Pavonia thing in his thread where he (correctly) guessed where this was all going.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on December 14, 2015, 10:10:29 AM
Quote from: millahh on December 14, 2015, 10:03:40 AM



Rumborak explained the NJ/Pavonia thing in his thread where he (correctly) guessed where this was all going.

Thanks! Makes more sense now
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 14, 2015, 10:29:32 AM
We knew about Arabelle anyway, but we didn't know she's the Empress (presumably Nafaryus' wife then). That's a reasonably interesting development. I can make out some of the smaller place names too. Just about. North Point (at the very top), Idlehaven, Wick's Grove. And can we assume that the big body of water to the right is The (Great) North Sea?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 11:04:50 AM
Quote from: CoT67 on December 14, 2015, 07:28:51 AM
Quote from: Moor on December 14, 2015, 06:41:29 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MAiFoJW4u8

A fake track alleging to be Dystopian Overture. The funny thing is that MM commented on the vid saying "this is not us"  :biggrin:

He could have added "asshole"

Even more hilarious is the guy that answered to MM's comment by insulting and swearing at him in spanish for no apparent reason.


Because that'll verify your fake shit. The same as " Comments are disabled " so nobody visiting the page can see 10,000 " This is fake " and leave immediately.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on December 14, 2015, 11:24:44 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 14, 2015, 10:29:32 AM
We knew about Arabelle anyway, but we didn't know she's the Empress (presumably Nafaryus' wife then). That's a reasonably interesting development. I can make out some of the smaller place names too. Just about. North Point (at the very top), Idlehaven, Wick's Grove. And can we assume that the big body of water to the right is The (Great) North Sea?

Idlehaven = New Haven, by the looks of it
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CoT67 on December 14, 2015, 11:34:28 AM
Quote from: rab7 on December 14, 2015, 09:33:34 AM
New character: Empress Arabelle, from the Empire

New map piece, too

Weird and wild speculation on the name meaning incoming:

Arabelle = Arabella Figg (Harry Potter) + Belle (Beauty and the Beast).
Half old hag, half beauty.

NUGGETS

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 14, 2015, 11:58:27 AM
I'm calling it: Faythe is the top right, next to Arhys and above Clock Dude*. The bottom two both look male to me, especially the left one.

*Yes. Even when his actual name is revealed, char8 will forever be known as Clock Dude/Guy/Bloke.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 14, 2015, 12:11:35 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 14, 2015, 11:58:27 AM
I'm calling it: Faythe is the top right, next to Arhys and above Clock Dude*. The bottom two both look male to me, especially the left one.

*Yes. Even when his actual name is revealed, char8 will forever be known as Clock Dude/Guy/Bloke.

Clock Guy shall live on... Forever!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 14, 2015, 12:15:04 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 14, 2015, 12:11:35 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 14, 2015, 11:58:27 AM
I'm calling it: Faythe is the top right, next to Arhys and above Clock Dude*. The bottom two both look male to me, especially the left one.

*Yes. Even when his actual name is revealed, char8 will forever be known as Clock Dude/Guy/Bloke.

Clock Guy shall live on... Forever!

Clock guy looks like a kid.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 14, 2015, 12:25:03 PM
Emperor Nafaryus ‏@EmperorNafaryus  33 min ago
Behold our Empress Arabelle
https://Flyt.it/TheAstonishing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 14, 2015, 12:27:20 PM
So, which band member/former band member is Arabelle supposed to be?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 14, 2015, 12:30:15 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on December 14, 2015, 12:27:20 PM
So, which band member/former band member is Arabelle supposed to be?
There's only one logical answer to that:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1542083026/Mike___Marlene.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: liran95 on December 14, 2015, 12:35:26 PM
How sad is it that I've just spent about 3 days (with many breaks of course) catching up from page 66?  :huh:

For some reason I think Arabelle will be more evil than Nafaryus himself. She just looks like a... um... a bitch.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 14, 2015, 12:50:40 PM
This takes place in the same universe as Nanatsu no Taizai

John Petrucci is otaku confirmed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 14, 2015, 12:51:06 PM
Yeah, I don't like her either, while Nafaryus on the other hand *SEEMS* a benevolent dude, you don't get the "Ok, this is obviously the bad guy" vibe from him.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: liran95 on December 14, 2015, 12:59:43 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 14, 2015, 12:51:06 PM
Yeah, I don't like her either, while Nafaryus on the other hand *SEEMS* a benevolent dude, you don't get the "Ok, this is obviously the bad guy" vibe from him.

Yeah, I can agree with it.

It's going to be like:

"Nafy, you ol' basterd, you've gone soft. Show them rebels what you can do! Throw some mo' NOMACS at 'em!"

and Nafaryus will be like:

"Bitch, yo' crazy. I'maout"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 14, 2015, 01:02:45 PM
What if Gabriel is the bad guy the whole time?
And he's an evil ancestral being (a god) who is brainwashing people from a benevolent empire to make them think that they're being abused by the government?

And at the end he reveals his true intentions of bringing down the emperor and claim the throne for himself, thus starting another tyrannical rule?

Thus, The Astonishing Betrayal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 14, 2015, 01:11:12 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 14, 2015, 11:58:27 AM
*Yes. Even when his actual name is revealed, char8 will forever be known as Clock Dude/Guy/Bloke.

Let's see... the top three revealed characters are all males, while the bottom two are female, so... what if we were deceived all along and Clock Guy is actually Clock Girl!  :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 14, 2015, 01:14:24 PM
You might've been on to something, but hadi-persian has never been wrong so I don't think that's possible at all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 14, 2015, 01:29:05 PM
I guess you're right. His prediction were definitely all spot on. I really wish he was still there to share more of his wisdom with us.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 01:36:24 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian
I'm at a time when you are not in my room for a long way toward an astonishing I love the fact is the fucking Persia to get my money and time consuming but it would have a nice dream about the clock

 :'( beautiful
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 14, 2015, 01:37:52 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 01:36:24 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian
I'm at a time when you are not in my room for a long way toward an astonishing I love the fact is the fucking Persia to get my money and time consuming but it would have a nice dream about the clock

 :'( beautiful

When was this?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 01:38:52 PM
Just now when I made it up :lol


I guess my impression was dead on !
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 14, 2015, 01:41:14 PM
Could easily have been a private message or something, haha. Much more accurate of a fabrication than the MP/Nafaryus photoshop, at least.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 14, 2015, 01:47:40 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 01:36:24 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian
I'm at a time when you are not in my room for a long way toward an astonishing I love the fact is the fucking Persia to get my money and time consuming but it would have a nice dream about the clock

 :'( beautiful

I really thought it was legit until I saw this

Quote from: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 01:38:52 PM
Just now when I made it up :lol


I guess my impression was dead on !

Your impression was definitely as precise as a clock :clap:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TL on December 14, 2015, 02:27:38 PM
Even a broken Kotowboy is right twice a day.  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 14, 2015, 02:29:54 PM
Quote from: Evermind on December 14, 2015, 09:58:43 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 14, 2015, 09:47:59 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the remaining characters has been hinted to or revealed in any way by the band, including the press already released regarding the new album.

Well, if you don't count Faythe, that is.

"Anglya" is very close to Russian way of saying "England", so there.

Yeah, I've been learning Russian for five years now and Англия was one of the first country names that I have learned.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 14, 2015, 02:31:18 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 01:36:24 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian
I'm at a time when you are not in my room for a long way toward an astonishing I love the fact is the fucking Persia to get my money and time consuming but it would have a nice dream about the clock

 :'( beautiful
what is the fucking hat do with anything dream theatre will call police and give you the fine and you say is just a fucking clock  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 02:40:50 PM
I'm amazed by what I see coming through from the DT Facebook thread. The song they released actually sounds good but how can they or anyone for that matter with a straight face make these statements about the artwork, story line, included magic death star flying thingamabob, etc? Are they now catering to 9 year olds? Yeah, go ahead and charge me for my extra super duper fan package with a Lord of the Hunger Goblet lightsaber that I can play with while listening to some opera about the evil masonic dwarfs that stole the music or whatever. What a shame and what a loss to what otherwise would be intelligent music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 02:52:36 PM
Quote from: CDrice on December 14, 2015, 01:47:40 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 01:36:24 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian
I'm at a time when you are not in my room for a long way toward an astonishing I love the fact is the fucking Persia to get my money and time consuming but it would have a nice dream about the clock

 :'( beautiful

I really thought it was legit until I saw this

Quote from: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 01:38:52 PM
Just now when I made it up :lol


I guess my impression was dead on !

Your impression was definitely as precise as a clock :clap:



I just used my iPhone predictive text to type gibberish and put in a few choice words myself :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 14, 2015, 02:53:54 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 02:40:50 PM
I'm amazed by what I see coming through from the DT Facebook thread. The song they released actually sounds good but how can they or anyone for that matter with a straight face make these statements about the artwork, story line, included magic death star flying thingamabob, etc? Are they now catering to 9 year olds? Yeah, go ahead and charge me for my extra super duper fan package with a Lord of the Hunger Goblet lightsaber that I can play with while listening to some opera about the evil masonic dwarfs that stole the music or whatever. What a shame and what a loss to what otherwise would be intelligent music.


I'm probably double your age so I too have zero interest in the the "extras" if you will but I will still buy the CD and give the music
a fair chance. The music is all I care about.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 14, 2015, 03:13:49 PM
It has nothing to do with age. I'm 25 years old and I would love to buy all this "useless trash", but I live in Brazil, the land where the government taxes 60% over my damn soul, so yeah.

And now the music is "not intelligent" because of some marketing? Sounds a bit elitist to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 14, 2015, 03:16:42 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 02:40:50 PM
What a shame and what a loss to what otherwise would be intelligent music.
You lost me there  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 03:20:41 PM
Quote from: emtee on December 14, 2015, 02:53:54 PM



I'm probably double your age so I too have zero interest in the the "extras" if you will but I will still buy the CD and give the music
a fair chance. The music is all I care about.

I'm on the fence. In all fairness, I own and listen to other music where the lyrical content is borderline embarrassing and still like the music. But man, it couldn't just be a song or two (like the Count of Tuscany or the other drivel about "Illuminati") but it had to be a concept album. As if the last attempt at this wasn't cringeworthy enough - you know, the one about the ridiculous scissors movie.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Peter Mc on December 14, 2015, 03:21:31 PM
You don't have to be 9 years old to like toys. You've only got to look at the grown men weeping over The Force Awakens and buying BB8 toys to see that nerds of all ages will happily lap this stuff up and will have the toy NOMAC in pride of place in their DT collection. For those who just want the music, you will be able to buy just the music, no one is forcing you to buy the super duper deluxe edition.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 03:24:08 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 14, 2015, 03:13:49 PM
It has nothing to do with age. I'm 25 years old and I would love to buy all this "useless trash", but I live in Brazil, the land where the government taxes 60% over my damn soul, so yeah.

And now the music is "not intelligent" because of some marketing? Sounds a bit elitist to me.

I am elitist. One of the reasons I like bands like DT. I just have an aversion to the whole fantasy and star wars nonsense that is really written for teenage boys who live in their parent's basement and can't get a girlfriend. Not everyone can be a Neil Peart (though Rush went into that kind of territory at some point as well but a bit more clever) but still, yikes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 14, 2015, 03:29:22 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 03:24:08 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 14, 2015, 03:13:49 PM
It has nothing to do with age. I'm 25 years old and I would love to buy all this "useless trash", but I live in Brazil, the land where the government taxes 60% over my damn soul, so yeah.

And now the music is "not intelligent" because of some marketing? Sounds a bit elitist to me.

I am elitist. One of the reasons I like bands like DT. I just have an aversion to the whole fantasy and star wars nonsense that is really written for teenage boys who live in their parent's basement and can't get a girlfriend. Not everyone can be a Neil Peart (though Rush went into that kind of territory at some point as well but a bit more clever) but still, yikes.

You certainly don't have to like the music, lyrics, concept, etc. of the new album (or any DT album, for that matter) to post here.  But you DO have to avoid insulting the band and their fans, including the user-base of this forum, if you want to stay here.  So I will ask you once and once only to tone down the insulting generalizations.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 03:31:22 PM
Quote from: Peter Mc on December 14, 2015, 03:21:31 PM
You don't have to be 9 years old to like toys. You've only got to look at the grown men weeping over The Force Awakens and buying BB8 toys to see that nerds of all ages will happily lap this stuff up and will have the toy NOMAC in pride of place in their DT collection. For those who just want the music, you will be able to buy just the music, no one is forcing you to buy the super duper deluxe edition.

Exactly. I don't like the idea of being now lumped in with that crowd. You'd have to pay me to see a Star Wars or Harry Pothead movie. I rather spend my money on music, guitar gear (I weep over that, I admit that much) or concerts - without being bothered by some infantile heroic fairy-tales or naive political societal messaging. If you can't come up with anything good just stick to stories about girls and booze or whatever. At least that wouldn't be distracting. And DT has plenty of material where the lyrics worked just fine with only a few outliers.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 03:31:42 PM
Thank fuck not everyone is Neil Peart.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 14, 2015, 03:32:28 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 03:24:08 PM
I just have an aversion to the whole fantasy and star wars nonsense that is really written for teenage boys who live in their parent's basement and can't get a girlfriend. Not everyone can be a Neil Peart (though Rush went into that kind of territory at some point as well but a bit more clever) but still, yikes.
While I agree that much of fantasy/sci-fi would make anyone cringe, that's just a stereotype you have in your head. Lots of adult, respectable people out there who love that kind of thing, and are far from what you describe - legendary musicians too, like David Bowie.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 03:38:56 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 14, 2015, 03:29:22 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 03:24:08 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 14, 2015, 03:13:49 PM
It has nothing to do with age. I'm 25 years old and I would love to buy all this "useless trash", but I live in Brazil, the land where the government taxes 60% over my damn soul, so yeah.

And now the music is "not intelligent" because of some marketing? Sounds a bit elitist to me.

I am elitist. One of the reasons I like bands like DT. I just have an aversion to the whole fantasy and star wars nonsense that is really written for teenage boys who live in their parent's basement and can't get a girlfriend. Not everyone can be a Neil Peart (though Rush went into that kind of territory at some point as well but a bit more clever) but still, yikes.

You certainly don't have to like the music, lyrics, concept, etc. of the new album (or any DT album, for that matter) to post here.  But you DO have to avoid insulting the band and their fans, including the user-base of this forum, if you want to stay here.  So I will ask you once and once only to tone down the insulting generalizations.

Fair enough. I'm just upset given that I would count myself a fan since the very early days. I started seeing them in little clubs in front of a few dozen people back in the days. Everyone has their ups and downs and it's great to explore new ideas. I love all of the early albums. I very much like most of the rest, with the exception of the last one and SFAM - which I know makes me look "weird" already probably by most fans. DT's music has and remains an important part of my life since the first album. I'm happy about their success that they well deserve - I'm just concerned that it's turning into a formula to attract new audiences that may come at a price artistically.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: home on December 14, 2015, 03:39:12 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 03:24:08 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 14, 2015, 03:13:49 PM
It has nothing to do with age. I'm 25 years old and I would love to buy all this "useless trash", but I live in Brazil, the land where the government taxes 60% over my damn soul, so yeah.

And now the music is "not intelligent" because of some marketing? Sounds a bit elitist to me.

I am elitist. One of the reasons I like bands like DT. I just have an aversion to the whole fantasy and star wars nonsense that is really written for teenage boys who live in their parent's basement and can't get a girlfriend. Not everyone can be a Neil Peart (though Rush went into that kind of territory at some point as well but a bit more clever) but still, yikes.

If you give I am an elitist as a reason for listening to DT I somehow find it really hard to take you seriously. Evenmore so if you say things like Star Wars are written for boys in basements. There are really a lot of people going to see and enjoy seeing SW7 soon, and only a small percentage spends his time in a basement. It is really no better or more "elitist" to like SW of DT. Both are just enjoyment for a lot of people d even more than just enjoyment for some. Like DTs music, much more than enjoyment for a lot of people, including you I guess, since joined this forum.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 14, 2015, 03:44:11 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 03:38:56 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 14, 2015, 03:29:22 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 03:24:08 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 14, 2015, 03:13:49 PM
It has nothing to do with age. I'm 25 years old and I would love to buy all this "useless trash", but I live in Brazil, the land where the government taxes 60% over my damn soul, so yeah.

And now the music is "not intelligent" because of some marketing? Sounds a bit elitist to me.

I am elitist. One of the reasons I like bands like DT. I just have an aversion to the whole fantasy and star wars nonsense that is really written for teenage boys who live in their parent's basement and can't get a girlfriend. Not everyone can be a Neil Peart (though Rush went into that kind of territory at some point as well but a bit more clever) but still, yikes.

You certainly don't have to like the music, lyrics, concept, etc. of the new album (or any DT album, for that matter) to post here.  But you DO have to avoid insulting the band and their fans, including the user-base of this forum, if you want to stay here.  So I will ask you once and once only to tone down the insulting generalizations.

Fair enough. I'm just upset given that I would count myself a fan since the very early days. I started seeing them in little clubs in front of a few dozen people back in the days. Everyone has their ups and downs and it's great to explore new ideas. I love all of the early albums. I very much like most of the rest, with the exception of the last one and SFAM - which I know makes me look "weird" already probably by most fans. DT's music has and remains an important part of my life since the first album. I'm happy about their success that they well deserve - I'm just concerned that it's turning into a formula to attract new audiences that may come at a price artistically.

I get you.  And that's a fair point. 

But I will say, however, that I personally don't think this is just a gimmick of "formula" to attract new fans.  They've done concepts and themes many times now.  And in terms of going sci-fi, that's not really new either if you think about it.  I mean, JP was writing sci-fi lyrics all the way back to the first album (The Killing Hand). 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 14, 2015, 03:51:40 PM
It sounds to me like you care way too much about how other perceive you based on what stuff of entertainment you like.

I like what I like and who cares what other people like. Some people like the same stuff as me, some don't. It's pretty narrow minded to judge people based on their interest though, is it not? I mean, the "geek" industry is currently -the- largest industry in the world. The geek have inherited the earth. Star Wars 7 opens in 33 hours, and I will be there to see it, along with hundreds of likeminded people who enjoy the same movie as I do - but I don't go about judging those who do not go to see it. Their business.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 14, 2015, 03:53:47 PM
Oh. The classic "I'm gonna generalize Star Wars fans and geeks as basement dwellers". I rest my case. I had no idea you had a camera inside my base... Oops, I mean, my room. :lol:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TL on December 14, 2015, 03:58:28 PM
Like, I'm not really digging the concept of the new album so far, but ripping on people who do like it just seems childish.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 03:59:06 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 14, 2015, 03:44:11 PM


I get you.  And that's a fair point. 

But I will say, however, that I personally don't think this is just a gimmick of "formula" to attract new fans.  They've done concepts and themes many times now.  And in terms of going sci-fi, that's not really new either if you think about it.  I mean, JP was writing sci-fi lyrics all the way back to the first album (The Killing Hand).

I actually really spend some time yesterday going through the albums in chronological order and trying to figure out which parts and pieces of the whole thing touched me most. And with that I realized how much anything written by Kevin Moore at the time hits that nerve. And then there is quite a bit later that is in that same vein musically or otherwise. Killing Hand brings back fond memories as well - probably less so because of the lyrical meaning but because it being the soundtrack to the backseat of my old Corolla back in 88/89...
And I was thrilled to see Space Dye Vest included in the recent live album. That kind of stuff leaves things to the imagination. Concept albums never do. I do love The Wall though, but that is a whole other story altogether.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 04:03:07 PM
Quote from: TL on December 14, 2015, 03:58:28 PM
Ripping on people who do like it just seems childish.

For ANY reason...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 14, 2015, 04:07:47 PM
I'm pretty sure I'm the only DT fan of my group of friends, yet I'm the only one who hasn't seen any Star Wars movie, your theory is lacking mate.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 14, 2015, 04:13:09 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 14, 2015, 03:51:40 PM
It sounds to me like you care way too much about how other perceive you based on what stuff of entertainment you like.
Bingo.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 14, 2015, 04:17:40 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 14, 2015, 04:07:47 PM
I'm pretty sure I'm the only DT fan of my group of friends, yet I'm the only one who hasn't seen any Star Wars movie
Definitely this - won't even bother going to the cinema for the last one :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 04:22:31 PM
the pic of clock is the mirror.
8.when your time has come.
maybe the char 8 show to us when the nafaryus was a childe.
i think we must calculating the days after the arrival the char 8 to release the album! what's the meanin of this?
4 characters from ravenskill.(1 character is hidden) and four characters from GNE. whats ur idea?
so give ur info about all characters. after compeleting all 8 caharcters.warning from DT: Hey dtf. when your time has come.exactly the track8
 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 14, 2015, 04:23:56 PM
Omg, he's back! Exciting times!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 04:25:46 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 04:22:31 PM
the pic of clock is the mirror.
8.when your time has come.
maybe the char 8 show to us when the nafaryus was a childe.
i think we must calculating the days after the arrival the char 8 to release the album! what's the meanin of this?
4 characters from ravenskill.(1 character is hidden) and four characters from GNE. whats ur idea?
so give ur info about all characters. after compeleting all 8 caharcters.warning from DT: Hey dtf. when your time has come.exactly the track8
 :lol


The album is out on January 29.

WHERE IS YOUR GOD NOW
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 14, 2015, 04:27:08 PM
Oh my fucking god Hadi you are the best update ever, I'll take this over an official single release any day!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 14, 2015, 04:31:47 PM
I'm your fan, clock guy  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 04:34:16 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 14, 2015, 03:51:40 PM
It sounds to me like you care way too much about how other perceive you based on what stuff of entertainment you like.

I like what I like and who cares what other people like. Some people like the same stuff as me, some don't. It's pretty narrow minded to judge people based on their interest though, is it not? I mean, the "geek" industry is currently -the- largest industry in the world. The geek have inherited the earth. Star Wars 7 opens in 33 hours, and I will be there to see it, along with hundreds of likeminded people who enjoy the same movie as I do - but I don't go about judging those who do not go to see it. Their business.

It's really not that. I don't care what other think about what I like. And I really hope you'll have great fun at the movie theater. My comments were solely about myself and not about others. My apologies if that insulted anyone. This was more about my own grief that some things don't last or may turn into something that's not yours any longer.
It happens. Pink Floyd is no more (and I find David Gilmour's solo attempt equally sad), Rush may be on their way out...big part of the soundtrack of my life.

And nothing against "geekish" things - plenty of that going on with me. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 04:34:43 PM
 the relase date is 29th. i see it in fuckin amazon. u dont undrestand my idea.i say we can calculating the fuckin days after arival the char 8. wow kotowboy. u have new info about release album. the relase date is 29th :lol
when we can see the char 8 pic? after fuckin look to char 8 i think we can calculating days until album got for sale. do u know about another info? we know only the release date of fuckin astonishing. so when ur time has come. i saw ur post in dtf
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 04:35:53 PM
fuckin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 14, 2015, 04:36:59 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 04:22:31 PM
the pic of clock is the mirror.
8.when your time has come.
maybe the char 8 show to us when the nafaryus was a childe.
i think we must calculating the days after the arrival the char 8 to release the album! what's the meanin of this?
4 characters from ravenskill.(1 character is hidden) and four characters from GNE. whats ur idea?
so give ur info about all characters. after compeleting all 8 caharcters.warning from DT: Hey dtf. when your time has come.exactly the track8
 :lol
I feel like you're starting to just state random facts/theories every other sentence, WERE YOU JUST A HYPE OR WHAT? Make it rain baby!


Quote from: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 04:34:43 PM
the relase date is 29th. i see it in fuckin amazon. u dont undrestand my idea.i say we can calculating the fuckin days after arival the char 8. wow kotowboy. u have new info about release album. the relase date is 29th :lol
when we can see the char 8 pic? after fuckin look to char 8 i think we can calculating days until album got for sale. do u know about another info? we know only the release date of fuckin astonishing. so when ur time has come. i saw ur post in dtf
Yea I have another fact for you Mister Persian, we don't calculate the release date, we read fuckin amazon and see it release 29 Janury
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 14, 2015, 04:44:21 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 04:25:46 PM
The album is out on January 29.

WHERE IS YOUR GOD NOW

You don't get it Kotowboy. See, I posted this earlier today

Quote from: CDrice on December 14, 2015, 01:29:05 PM
I guess you're right. His prediction were definitely all spot on. I really wish he was still there to share more of his wisdom with us.

And now he is back! It's like he heard my prayers. And also after (non extensive) researches, I've found that the name Hadi is an arabian name that means ''guiding to the light''. Do you get it now? He doesn't need a god because he is one himself  :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 04:44:43 PM
 i wish u can speaking persian. i cant send my idea exactly.cause of poor english language. all of you: when u ready for the astonishing tour. if u buy the VIP .pls tell to band all iranian fans hi to DT.thanx
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 14, 2015, 04:47:27 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 04:44:43 PM
i wish u can speaking persian. i cant send my idea exactly.cause of poor english language. all of you: when u ready for the astonishing tour. if u buy the VIP .pls tell to band all iranian fans hi to DT.thanx
I can speaking persian fleuntly talk to me like I'm the prince of persia man! I understand the words yes yes!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 04:51:59 PM
خوب پس اگه منظورمو فهمیدی.من گفتم بعد از اینکه شخصیت هشتم رونمایی شد.از اون به بعد باید دید تا 29 ژانویه چند روز مونده.تو همینو به انگلیسی ترجمه کن
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 04:54:42 PM
MY MOTHER WAS A SAINT ! GET OUT ! :angry:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 04:57:49 PM
 give me info about the tome of arriving the char 8.then calculate after showing char 8 until 29th jaunary. hey dtf? tell me info about char 8?
is the charachter from GNE or RRM? 4 near the 4.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 04:58:38 PM
Seriously what is your fascination with char8 ?  :lolpalm:

I just don't understand.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 04:59:34 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 04:57:49 PM
give me info about the tome of arriving the char 8.then calculate after showing char 8 until 29th jaunary.

NO

Quote
hey dtf? tell me info about char 8?


NO

Quote
is the charachter from GNE or RRM? 4 near the 4.

DONT KNOW







ACTUALLY :

Character Eight will be revealed before January 29.

It will either be Great Northern Empire or Ravenskill Rebel Militia.

All info we have is in the " WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR " thread. Go there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 05:03:48 PM
the bonuse track .15.the gift of kotowboy to dt( One Wormy hat and one astonishing nose and one monster face) kotowboy change ur profile pics.
the time will say everything :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 14, 2015, 05:04:41 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 04:22:31 PM
the pic of clock is the mirror.
8.when your time has come.
maybe the char 8 show to us when the nafaryus was a childe.
i think we must calculating the days after the arrival the char 8 to release the album! what's the meanin of this?
4 characters from ravenskill.(1 character is hidden) and four characters from GNE. whats ur idea?
so give ur info about all characters. after compeleting all 8 caharcters.warning from DT: Hey dtf. when your time has come.exactly the track8
 :lol

:metal

It would actually be pretty cool if, after Nafaryus is consistently perceived as the bad guy, the album would reveal the cause of his actions that trace back to his childhood, possibly revealing that Ravenskill are just as morally corrupt as The Great Northern Empire.

I don't think that will happen though. I think there may be a moral twist, but DT are probably not going back in time to reveal it.

Also, I think Character 8 will come on Jan 4th at the rate things are going. Take Kotowboy's advice and read my 'What We Know So Far' thread (if you haven't yet) to get an idea of how things are progressing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 05:04:45 PM
Why don't you drop dead ?


I'm gorgeous and not at all obsessed with clocks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 14, 2015, 05:04:52 PM
Hey Persia kid I see where you're coming from, but the last char revealed will be char8 because John Petrucci is on to you, he found out you knew about the conspiracy so he turned it all around
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 05:09:28 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 05:03:48 PM
( One Wormy hat and one astonishing nose and one monster face) kotowboy change ur profile pics.


fuckin :bosk1:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 05:09:40 PM
calculate the days after char eight.do u undrestand? u need to calculator huh? i'll buy it for you.so give ur home address. so sit down and look to the mirror clock.and dont tell about another info. hey kotowboy do u know DT? have u ever seen DT in TV? :rollin jp need to great idea for writing lyrics from ur heavy brian and ur very very expensive HAT :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 14, 2015, 05:13:50 PM
You can't be serious, hahaha

Speaking of the devil...

Persian Clock Guy, are you real?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 14, 2015, 05:18:37 PM
It would be funny if the clock guy was revealed next week to mess with hadi-persian. They have been coming out in a weird order (EN was 2, Arhys was 3, Gabriel was 1, Evangeline was 7 and EA was 6).

Quote from: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 05:09:40 PM
have u ever seen DT in TV?

I've seen them ON TV, but I don't think DT have been IN a TV. I doubt they could fit inside unless you got MM to use his genie powers to get in one of these. (https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDQ3NQ==/z/92EAAMXQlgtSsl8p/$_35.JPG?set_id=2)
 :biggrin:

Quote from: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 05:09:40 PM
heavy brian

 :rollin

Edit: Damn, 100 pages now.  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 05:27:32 PM
I want character 8 to just be the word clock.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 14, 2015, 05:28:19 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 04:58:38 PM
Seriously what is your fascination with char8 ?  :lolpalm:

I just don't understand.

What's your problem with trusting the noble Count of Tuscany? :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 14, 2015, 05:28:52 PM
Wow don't be a jerk to Hadi, he hasn't really done anything.
I'm actually curious about what his idea is, like he said, he can't say because of poor english.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 05:31:43 PM
When char8 is revealed we can work out when the album is out.


ITS JANUARY 29.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 14, 2015, 05:33:03 PM
I think it has more to do with the time between the last character being revealed and the album launch, the number of days.

How is that of any use, I don't know, I think that's what he tries to tell us.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 14, 2015, 05:44:56 PM
Kowtow, quit spamming the thread and baiting Hadi.  Both of you need to quit, but you need to quit picking on him and derailing the thread.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Tumdace on December 14, 2015, 06:10:54 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 03:24:08 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 14, 2015, 03:13:49 PM
It has nothing to do with age. I'm 25 years old and I would love to buy all this "useless trash", but I live in Brazil, the land where the government taxes 60% over my damn soul, so yeah.

And now the music is "not intelligent" because of some marketing? Sounds a bit elitist to me.

I am elitist. One of the reasons I like bands like DT. I just have an aversion to the whole fantasy and star wars nonsense that is really written for teenage boys who live in their parent's basement and can't get a girlfriend. Not everyone can be a Neil Peart (though Rush went into that kind of territory at some point as well but a bit more clever) but still, yikes.

I think its more sad that you are taking it so seriously. Enjoy the music and stop trying to put others down for something they may enjoy but you dont.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jayvee3 on December 14, 2015, 07:39:26 PM
Quote from: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 04:34:16 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 14, 2015, 03:51:40 PM
It sounds to me like you care way too much about how other perceive you based on what stuff of entertainment you like.

I like what I like and who cares what other people like. Some people like the same stuff as me, some don't. It's pretty narrow minded to judge people based on their interest though, is it not? I mean, the "geek" industry is currently -the- largest industry in the world. The geek have inherited the earth. Star Wars 7 opens in 33 hours, and I will be there to see it, along with hundreds of likeminded people who enjoy the same movie as I do - but I don't go about judging those who do not go to see it. Their business.

It's really not that. I don't care what other think about what I like. And I really hope you'll have great fun at the movie theater. My comments were solely about myself and not about others. My apologies if that insulted anyone. This was more about my own grief that some things don't last or may turn into something that's not yours any longer.
It happens. Pink Floyd is no more (and I find David Gilmour's solo attempt equally sad), Rush may be on their way out...big part of the soundtrack of my life.

And nothing against "geekish" things - plenty of that going on with me.

You're gonna have a hard time convincing people you're legit here, when you come out and say stuff like "I just have an aversion to the whole fantasy and star wars nonsense that is really written for teenage boys who live in their parent's basement and can't get a girlfriend."

If you truly didn't care about what others think, you'd be far more indifferent. Fine if you like certain musical directions, but there are far more tactful ways of going about things which don't shit on others interests.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 14, 2015, 08:00:39 PM
I don't care what anyone else says.

This thread delivers.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on December 14, 2015, 08:49:13 PM
Just got through reading the last couple of pages..... interesting stuff.... Yeah.

Anyway, anyone think we might get something, a video or another single perhaps, at 6:00am Christmas morning?  It would stand to reason that something more substantial than another character or map piece would be released then.

Not that anything will even be released then, just figured with DT liking those easter egg-type things.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on December 14, 2015, 11:20:39 PM
Oh I love you Hadi how you can get Kotow upset  :lol

But those char8 theories, really  :lolpalm:

But well, I got a new signature!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Stef1 on December 14, 2015, 11:45:28 PM
Well, we get to page 99 of this thread for it to descend into playground bullying.
This sort of behavior and language should not be allowed on an official forum linked to the band.
Can't imagine what the band are thinking seeing an individual being ridiculed for not having enough understanding of English to properly express this thoughts and theory's.
It really saddens me. :'(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 14, 2015, 11:53:12 PM
Dudes come on. Stop bullying Hadi. It's really not cool.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on December 15, 2015, 02:55:28 AM
This really IS time for another new song....  :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 15, 2015, 05:38:21 AM
Re: the bullying - I said the same 30 pages ago, but nobody took any notice.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 15, 2015, 05:59:14 AM
Quote from: 7enderbender on December 14, 2015, 03:24:08 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 14, 2015, 03:13:49 PM
It has nothing to do with age. I'm 25 years old and I would love to buy all this "useless trash", but I live in Brazil, the land where the government taxes 60% over my damn soul, so yeah.

And now the music is "not intelligent" because of some marketing? Sounds a bit elitist to me.

I am elitist. One of the reasons I like bands like DT. I just have an aversion to the whole fantasy and star wars nonsense that is really written for teenage boys who live in their parent's basement and can't get a girlfriend. Not everyone can be a Neil Peart (though Rush went into that kind of territory at some point as well but a bit more clever) but still, yikes.

That doesn't make you an elitist. That makes you someone who completely misses the points to fantasy writing. If you think that's why Tolkien wrote his stories the way he did you're way off. He used an unorthodox method to instill morality in his characters.

And the last I checked, I never had a problem getting gorgeous women knocking at my door, so your generalization is a lazy accusation maybe based on a few select instances.


Quote from: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 14, 2015, 11:53:12 PM
Dudes come on. Stop bullying Hadi. It's really not cool.

Quote from: Stef1 on December 14, 2015, 11:45:28 PM
Well, we get to page 99 of this thread for it to descend into playground bullying.
This sort of behavior and language should not be allowed on an official forum linked to the band.
Can't imagine what the band are thinking seeing an individual being ridiculed for not having enough understanding of English to properly express this thoughts and theory's.
It really saddens me. :'(

I agree with both of these statements.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: r3d86 on December 15, 2015, 06:14:23 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 04:59:34 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on December 14, 2015, 04:57:49 PM
give me info about the tome of arriving the char 8.then calculate after showing char 8 until 29th jaunary.

NO

Quote
hey dtf? tell me info about char 8?


NO

Quote
is the charachter from GNE or RRM? 4 near the 4.

DONT KNOW


It will either be Great Northern Empire or Ravenskill Rebel Militia.


I think that there can be characters from other places, not GNE or Ravenskill only.

How about that?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Curious Orange on December 15, 2015, 06:58:03 AM
1.  "Anglya" is clearly based on Anglia, the old name for England (settled by Anglo-Saxons) - the eastern part of England is still known as East Anglia to this day.  So "New Anglya" is clearly New England.

2. Arabelle is the spitting image of my ex-wife. So she's clearly an evil bitch queen from hell.

3. I love Clock Guy!!  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 15, 2015, 07:29:05 AM
Quote from: Stef1 on December 14, 2015, 08:16:14 AM
Don't know if its my imagination, but on The Astonishing web page, is the Nomac at the bottom of the page getting bigger?
When the page opened I'm sure the Nomac almost fitted completely on the screen, now only half fits on!
Not sure if the NOMACS is getting bigger, or if it has to do with the added picture of Empress Arabelle. Something to do with coding I think.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 15, 2015, 07:49:05 AM
I had a strange flashback when I saw the picture of Arabelle..

(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201512/092221_large.jpg)(https://dreampunk.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Image148.jpeg)

Ahh Neverending Story, how you continue to be one of my favorite movies of all time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 15, 2015, 08:13:53 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 14, 2015, 09:37:57 AM
New Anglya ?

New Anglais ?

New England ?

I said it first. :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 15, 2015, 08:41:39 AM
Page 100 and there are still six weeks left until release, and no doubt more info that will surge the post count forward.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on December 15, 2015, 08:46:05 AM
What is up with Arabelle's neck?  It looks really odd to me.  Maybe it's just a covering but it looks seamless in the transition to her face.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 15, 2015, 09:59:34 AM
Quote from: Another_Won on December 15, 2015, 08:46:05 AM
What is up with Arabelle's neck?  It looks really odd to me.  Maybe it's just a covering but it looks seamless in the transition to her face.

The shadowing does make it look a bit weird.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 15, 2015, 10:20:35 AM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 15, 2015, 09:59:34 AM
Quote from: Another_Won on December 15, 2015, 08:46:05 AM
What is up with Arabelle's neck?  It looks really odd to me.  Maybe it's just a covering but it looks seamless in the transition to her face.

The shadowing does make it look a bit weird.

Makes me think Arabelle has an Adam's apple. An Adam's apple tree, if you will. :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 15, 2015, 10:26:53 AM
Still waiting for one of them to smile so I can see if they have teeth.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 15, 2015, 12:25:05 PM
She looks like Miranda Richardson.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 15, 2015, 12:30:47 PM
I'm shocked that nobody else here thinks she looks like the Child Empress, or even remembers that movie.. Well, at least it'll always be in my heart.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 15, 2015, 12:34:15 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 15, 2015, 12:30:47 PM
I'm shocked that nobody else here thinks she looks like the Child Empress, or even remembers that movie.. Well, at least it'll always be in my heart.

The child empress has a really cute look about her. Arabelle looks like she would scare Al Sharpton white.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 15, 2015, 12:44:00 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 15, 2015, 12:30:47 PM
I'm shocked that nobody else here thinks she looks like the Child Empress, or even remembers that movie.. Well, at least it'll always be in my heart.

I still have nightmares from seeing Atreyu's horse dying in the swamps. Childhood scars.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 15, 2015, 12:48:47 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 15, 2015, 12:34:15 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 15, 2015, 12:30:47 PM
I'm shocked that nobody else here thinks she looks like the Child Empress, or even remembers that movie.. Well, at least it'll always be in my heart.

The child empress has a really cute look about her. Arabelle looks like she would scare Al Sharpton white.

I'm thinking she looks modeled after a young Fionulla Flanagan.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 15, 2015, 01:09:53 PM
(https://res.cloudinary.com/uktv/image/upload/v1428916067/mxm7vukwrgmlxdjnps5a.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamerTV on December 15, 2015, 01:14:15 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 15, 2015, 12:44:00 PM
Quote from: SuperTaco on December 15, 2015, 12:30:47 PM
I'm shocked that nobody else here thinks she looks like the Child Empress, or even remembers that movie.. Well, at least it'll always be in my heart.

I still have nightmares from seeing Atreyu's horse dying in the swamps. Childhood scars.

Artax!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 15, 2015, 01:24:17 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 15, 2015, 01:09:53 PM
(https://res.cloudinary.com/uktv/image/upload/v1428916067/mxm7vukwrgmlxdjnps5a.jpg)

Like I said...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 15, 2015, 01:29:53 PM
Easily missed
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 15, 2015, 01:33:14 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 15, 2015, 01:29:53 PM
Easily missed

I know... it was the last post on the page. Next time I'll put a nude up of her so it's never forgotten.   ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 15, 2015, 02:15:35 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 15, 2015, 12:44:00 PM

I still have nightmares from seeing Atreyu's horse dying in the swamps. Childhood scars.

That was indeed a really sad moment T_T The brilliance of the rest of the movie saves it though.

If I had nightmares about anything in that movie, it was the Nothing. :( Such a destructive force.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 15, 2015, 03:08:22 PM
I, for one, always really liked The Neverending Story - it was some of the most creative storytelling I'd ever saw/read.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DragonAttack on December 15, 2015, 03:31:00 PM
With all of the teaser art provided so far, I have noticed that the characters are all, shall we say, fair haired and fair skinned.

So far.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on December 15, 2015, 03:46:02 PM
Yeah, I've noticed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: the_silent_man on December 15, 2015, 04:18:09 PM
Not sure if this has been mentioned lately, and being reminded by the best lyricist topic, but does anyone reckon we'll see more lyric contribution this time from Labrie? And hopefully Myung comes back again? Given that there are 34 tracks, I was hoping to see a few more Myung/Labrie lyrics this time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: home on December 15, 2015, 04:25:25 PM
Quote from: the_silent_man on December 15, 2015, 04:18:09 PM
Not sure if this has been mentioned lately, and being reminded by the best lyricist topic, but does anyone reckon we'll see more lyric contribution this time from Labrie? And hopefully Myung comes back again? Given that there are 34 tracks, I was hoping to see a few more Myung/Labrie lyrics this time.

I think someone mentioned the TA lyrics were completely written by Petrucci. Not 100% sure.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 15, 2015, 04:43:10 PM
That is somewhat speculation based on the fact that Petrucci is credited with the story.  That doesn't necessarily mean he wrote all of the lyrics, but he may have. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: goo-goo on December 15, 2015, 05:15:38 PM
I would love to hear more LaBrie penned songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 15, 2015, 05:29:05 PM
Quote from: goo-goo on December 15, 2015, 05:15:38 PM
I would love to hear more Myung penned songs.

FTFY
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamTension on December 15, 2015, 05:37:49 PM
Quote from: goo-goo on December 15, 2015, 05:15:38 PM
I would love to hear the first Rudess penned song.

FTFM  :loser:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 15, 2015, 06:06:11 PM
Mangini penned song
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on December 15, 2015, 06:18:40 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 15, 2015, 04:43:10 PM
That is somewhat speculation based on the fact that Petrucci is credited with the story.  That doesn't necessarily mean he wrote all of the lyrics, but he may have.

True.  I hope others contributed, such as in SFAM whereby others interpreted JP's storyline and direction.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 15, 2015, 07:31:37 PM
As bosk said, no one knows for sure. However, JP penned the entire storyline, map, characters, etc., and came up with the idea on his own. He took a solid year to create this concept, according to his Rolling Stones interview. It's my guess that he also to sole responsibility of the lyrics, with possibly some input from the rest of the guys. But the bulk of the lyrics were on him, with just some tweaks here and ther.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Cedar redaC on December 15, 2015, 11:26:59 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 15, 2015, 01:24:17 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 15, 2015, 01:09:53 PM
(https://res.cloudinary.com/uktv/image/upload/v1428916067/mxm7vukwrgmlxdjnps5a.jpg)

Like I said...

This photo is lacking in breath mints.....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on December 16, 2015, 02:02:41 AM
penned songs
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 16, 2015, 03:33:20 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on December 16, 2015, 02:02:41 AM
penned songs

You're asking too much....

songs
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DP_Gumby on December 16, 2015, 03:46:50 AM
So... What are the chances of a second song being released, like they did with TGOM before The Astonishing is in our hands?

I would like to hear a song from the POV of The Great Northern Empire.


But that has been discussed in this thread already, hasn't it?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 16, 2015, 04:12:08 AM
Quote from: DP_Gumby on December 16, 2015, 03:46:50 AM
So... What are the chances of a second song being released, like they did with TGOM before The Astonishing is in our hands?

I would like to hear a song from the POV of The Great Northern Empire.


But that has been discussed in this thread already, hasn't it?

Onl6 on pages 75 - 99

But seriously yes I think there is a good chance... I'm of two minds though. Not sure if I want to hear another note until the disc arrives.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 16, 2015, 04:13:56 AM
Following the same schedule as last time, we can expect single number two the first or second week in January.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: the_silent_man on December 16, 2015, 04:39:24 AM
I think we will see another single, my best guess is it'll be in mid-january to provide a final boost for the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 16, 2015, 04:42:56 AM
I think we got Along for the Ride 2 weeks before the release of DT12 so I think it'll be something like that if we get another single.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DP_Gumby on December 16, 2015, 05:09:57 AM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on December 16, 2015, 04:12:08 AM
Quote from: DP_Gumby on December 16, 2015, 03:46:50 AM
So... What are the chances of a second song being released, like they did with TGOM before The Astonishing is in our hands?

I would like to hear a song from the POV of The Great Northern Empire.


But that has been discussed in this thread already, hasn't it?

Onl6 on pages 75 - 99

But seriously yes I think there is a good chance... I'm of two minds though. Not sure if I want to hear another note until the disc arrives.

So I did remember correctly..

And I agree with you, I'm completely fine with just this one song. But I wouldn't mind another taste either.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 16, 2015, 06:11:51 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 15, 2015, 06:06:11 PM
Mangini penned song

01001001 01010100 00100000 01010111 01001111 01010101 01001100 01000100 00100000 01000010 01000101 00100000 01000001 01010011 01010100 01001111 01001110 01001001 01010011 01001000 01001001 01001110 01000111
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on December 16, 2015, 07:00:18 AM
why not Portnoy penned songs?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: liran95 on December 16, 2015, 07:06:59 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on December 16, 2015, 07:00:18 AM
why not Portnoy penned songs?

He's on a break.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Moor on December 16, 2015, 07:19:07 AM
Quote from: liran95 on December 16, 2015, 07:06:59 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on December 16, 2015, 07:00:18 AM
why not Portnoy penned songs?

He's on a break.

aka hiatus
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 16, 2015, 07:30:28 AM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on December 16, 2015, 06:11:51 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 15, 2015, 06:06:11 PM
Mangini penned song

01001001 01010100 00100000 01010111 01001111 01010101 01001100 01000100 00100000 01000010 01000101 00100000 01000001 01010011 01010100 01001111 01001110 01001001 01010011 01001000 01001001 01001110 01000111

I see what you did there.

But would it really be?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: me7 on December 16, 2015, 07:32:15 AM
The press release stated that the band doesn't consider TGOM to be a single. Given the two video placeholders, we could get two full fledged singles with music videos before release (or two behind the scenes videos).
Either way, the band thought it important to state that TGOM is not a single.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on December 16, 2015, 07:55:49 AM
Quote from: me7 on December 16, 2015, 07:32:15 AM
The press release stated that the band doesn't consider TGOM to be a single. Given the two video placeholders, we could get two full fledged singles with music videos before release (or two behind the scenes videos).
Either way, the band thought it important to state that TGOM is not a single.
What press release??
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on December 16, 2015, 07:58:34 AM
Quote from: Panar on December 16, 2015, 07:55:49 AM
Quote from: me7 on December 16, 2015, 07:32:15 AM
The press release stated that the band doesn't consider TGOM to be a single. Given the two video placeholders, we could get two full fledged singles with music videos before release (or two behind the scenes videos).
Either way, the band thought it important to state that TGOM is not a single.


Yep, they actually call it "Snippet"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CoT67 on December 16, 2015, 08:30:47 AM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on December 16, 2015, 06:11:51 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 15, 2015, 06:06:11 PM
Mangini penned song

01001001 01010100 00100000 01010111 01001111 01010101 01001100 01000100 00100000 01000010 01000101 00100000 01000001 01010011 01010100 01001111 01001110 01001001 01010011 01001000 01001001 01001110 01000111

NOMACs songs and lyrics by Mangini confirmed
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoDT on December 16, 2015, 08:52:10 AM
This might be old news, but did anyone notice two of the three NOMAC red "eyes" are lit now? And they are clickable buttons? One eye to go...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 16, 2015, 08:53:42 AM
Quote from: RoDT on December 16, 2015, 08:52:10 AM
This might be old news, but did anyone notice two of the three NOMAC red "eyes" are lit now? And they are clickable buttons? One eye to go...

They've been lit and clickable the whole time. I've tried to click those dang buttons every single time there's an update, but no dice yet! :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 16, 2015, 08:54:54 AM
Quote from: RoDT on December 16, 2015, 08:52:10 AM
This might be old news, but did anyone notice two of the three NOMAC red "eyes" are lit now? And they are clickable buttons? One eye to go...

Those two eyes have been lit up, and clickable since October 23rd when the Empire vs Ravenskill thing went live on DT's website. The NOMAC was on the thank you page.

EDIT: Damn, ninja'd by Blob
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoDT on December 16, 2015, 08:57:08 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 16, 2015, 08:53:42 AM
Quote from: RoDT on December 16, 2015, 08:52:10 AM
This might be old news, but did anyone notice two of the three NOMAC red "eyes" are lit now? And they are clickable buttons? One eye to go...

They've been lit and clickable the whole time. I've tried to click those dang buttons every single time there's an update, but no dice yet! :lol

They sure are messing with our heads at the least haha. Thanks!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Curious Orange on December 16, 2015, 09:00:10 AM
Every time you click on a NOMAC's eye, DTF kills a kitten...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 16, 2015, 09:01:58 AM
Quote from: The Curious Orange on December 16, 2015, 09:00:10 AM
Every time you click on a NOMAC's eye, DTF kills a kitten...

I'm clicking as fast as I can!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoDT on December 16, 2015, 09:02:09 AM
Quote from: The Curious Orange on December 16, 2015, 09:00:10 AM
Every time you click on a NOMAC's eye, DTF kills a kitten...

I was starting to wonder what happened to all the cats in my neighborhood... woops! :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 16, 2015, 12:05:44 PM
"We have some big news that we will be announcing LIVE tomorrow at 1pm EST on our Facebook page. Sign up, and we'll remind you to tune in!"

From the official FB page.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 16, 2015, 12:06:44 PM
Giggity!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 16, 2015, 12:10:17 PM
Crap I can't make it to the live anouncement then  :'( great to hear the news though, color me hyped!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 16, 2015, 12:17:01 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 16, 2015, 12:05:44 PM
"We have some big news that we will be announcing LIVE tomorrow at 1pm EST on our Facebook page. Sign up, and we'll remind you to tune in!"

From the official FB page.
Very interesting considering the current marketing for the album has been almost cloak and dagger.

Color me interested. Here's waiting for the 11am (my time) announcement!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 16, 2015, 12:19:37 PM
Whenever an artist announces big news - it's nearly always tour dates.

As someone who goes to like 1 gig every 5 years - they may as well be announcing a new shot glass in the merch store or something.

Not sure what else it could be seeing as almost all the album info is now known.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 16, 2015, 12:21:07 PM
I'll be getting ready to watch The Force Awakens by then. I don't think they ever announced album details or singles live before, did they? I'm betting they are announcing more tour dates or some gigs in places they never played before...

Or a broadway show, lol.

EDIT: Semi ninja'd by Kotowboy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 16, 2015, 12:22:45 PM
I'm guessing its gonna be the North American tour announcement.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 16, 2015, 12:23:55 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 16, 2015, 12:21:07 PM
I'll be getting ready to watch The Force Awakens by then. I don't think they ever announced album details or singles live before, did they? I'm betting they are announcing more tour dates or some gigs in places they never played before...

Or a broadway show, lol.

EDIT: Semi ninja'd by Kotowboy.

Sorry I ninja'd your semi.   :ninja:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 16, 2015, 12:26:35 PM
Hehe, no problem. At least we agree on the same thing. I'm honestly not gonna hold my breath for the news tomorrow.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 16, 2015, 12:26:46 PM
The announcement will be made at 1 pm Eastern by Jordan Rudess, apparently by video on Facebook.

That is all I can reveal for now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 16, 2015, 12:28:42 PM






tour dates.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 16, 2015, 12:29:15 PM
OR they've got a choir and orchestra on tour with them or Portnoy was the album's co-producer.




but mostly tour dates.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 16, 2015, 12:29:27 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 16, 2015, 12:26:46 PM
The announcement will be made at 1 pm Eastern by Jordan Rudess, apparently by video on Facebook.

That is all I can reveal for now.

Yeah. All I can guess is JR going on camera saying stuff like: "We will be playing for the first time in *insertname*" and not "we have a new song planned for *insertdate*.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 16, 2015, 12:30:54 PM
Only time will tell :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 16, 2015, 12:32:10 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 16, 2015, 12:30:54 PM
Only time will tell :neverusethis:

"IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TEEEEEEEEEIM!" PEOPLE JUST DON'T HAVE THE TEEEEEEIM FOH MUZAK ANYMOAH"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYIPoM-WsjU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYIPoM-WsjU)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on December 16, 2015, 12:32:58 PM
And Jordan will sign off with "I'll see you on the road"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJohn on December 16, 2015, 12:33:45 PM
The image footer says to sign up at dt.com/tour and you have to input your Country/City, so NA/World Tour dates it is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 16, 2015, 12:37:08 PM
Quote from: YtseJohn on December 16, 2015, 12:33:45 PM
The image footer says to sign up at dt.com/tour and you have to input your Country/City, so NA/World Tour dates it is.

Oh well, there you have it. Glad I didn't hold my breath afterall.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 16, 2015, 12:37:20 PM
That's so they can give you a reminder mail for the livestream, the city information is needed for your timezone.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 16, 2015, 12:37:36 PM
Quote from: YtseJohn on December 16, 2015, 12:33:45 PM
The image footer says to sign up at dt.com/tour and you have to input your Country/City, so NA/World Tour dates it is.

Bingo.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 16, 2015, 12:39:35 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 16, 2015, 12:37:20 PM
That's so they can give you a reminder mail for the livestream, the city information is needed for your timezone.

That makes sense, but I'm still guessing it's tour releated  :sad:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 16, 2015, 12:42:58 PM
Nobody needs your physical address to get your email address.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 16, 2015, 01:35:29 PM
I agree that this is a NA tour announcement. For the love of everything that is holy, PLEASE include South East US states!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on December 16, 2015, 01:54:47 PM
LOVE tour announcements the week before Christmas!!!

Hopefully I'll have some cash when they actually go on sale.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamTension on December 16, 2015, 01:55:10 PM
Quote from: Laughingplace56 on December 16, 2015, 01:35:29 PM
I agree that this is a NA tour announcement. For the love of everything that is holy, PLEASE include South East US states!!

Yes! They skipped Florida last time after an amazing show for the ADTOE tour. I've already decide, if they announce they will play TA in its entirety in NA, I'm finding a way to see it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 16, 2015, 02:20:27 PM
Quote from: Laughingplace56 on December 16, 2015, 01:35:29 PM
For the love of everything that is holy, PLEASE include South East US states!!
Boy, no shit.  That would be awesome.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 16, 2015, 02:22:01 PM
This time, they're building more hype than before for this album. They are announcing the announcement. The news are probably going to be huge. And you think it will be NA tour announcement? Guys, the world doesn't revolve around NA
They would also disappoint a lot of fans hyped for tomorrow by announcing something like that

Not saying they shouldn't tour NA, but it's not THAT important of a news story. They could do a regular update for that
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 16, 2015, 02:26:06 PM
I'm with the Pax dude.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 16, 2015, 02:27:45 PM
Quote from: Pax on December 16, 2015, 02:22:01 PM
Not saying they shouldn't tour NA, but it's not THAT important of a news story. They could do a regular update for that
I get what you're saying.  Not sure why they wouldn't just release that info, instead of an announcement that they would have an announcement.

So of course it will just be tour dates.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 16, 2015, 02:29:04 PM
What else can it be though? They've already announced all the important stuff for the album: title, tracklist, release date, cover, first song. Anything like lengths or a second song surely would just happen normally.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 16, 2015, 02:32:30 PM
Quote from: Pax on December 16, 2015, 02:22:01 PM
This time, they're building more hype than before for this album. They are announcing the announcement. The news are probably going to be huge. And you think it will be NA tour announcement? Guys, the world doesn't revolve around NA
They would also disappoint a lot of fans hyped for tomorrow by announcing something like that

Not saying they shouldn't tour NA, but it's not THAT important of a news story. They could do a regular update for that

Of course the world doesn't revolve around North America.  But given that Dream Theater is a U.S.-based band, a North America tour announcement absolutely WOULD be considered "important news" to this band.  I honestly don't know how you could think otherwise.

But I'm not saying that's what the announcement will be.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 16, 2015, 02:36:14 PM
 :heart you Bosk and your small font hints
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Paintbox on December 16, 2015, 02:37:28 PM
Why are you all worried about them not touring in North America? It's not like it's a band from another country that rarely tours and that go only in few places... I hope for something more interesting than tour dates
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 16, 2015, 02:37:52 PM
Technically, that would be a not-hint rather than a hint.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 16, 2015, 02:38:25 PM
Quote from: Paintbox on December 16, 2015, 02:37:28 PM
Why are you all worried about them not touring in North America? It's not like it's a band from another country that rarely tours and that go only in few places... I hope for something more interesting than tour dates

???  Nobody posted that they are worried about the band not touring North America.  Not sure where you are getting that from.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 16, 2015, 02:39:09 PM
Whatever you want to call it.

Small font telling us it may not be a tour announcement
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: me7 on December 16, 2015, 02:42:07 PM
Would be great if they simply streamed Act 1 without any comment or introduction.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Krissi91 on December 16, 2015, 02:43:31 PM
Because they only announced the European dates in a regular update, I don't believe they make such a big deal out of announcing the American tour.
I'm hoping for a second song, after all they have more than enough to choose from ;)
Maybe it will be the proper single with a video?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Paintbox on December 16, 2015, 02:46:14 PM
Quote
???  Nobody posted that they are worried about the band not touring North America.  Not sure where you are getting that from.
It seems like some are worried, maybe I misunderstood (I'm not English) but I did read something on facebook and this: https://m.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/3wj7lc/will_there_be_a_us_astonishing_tour/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: fischermasamune on December 16, 2015, 02:46:57 PM
Quote from: Krissi91 on December 16, 2015, 02:43:31 PM
Because they only announced the European dates in a regular update, I don't believe they make such a big deal out of announcing the American tour.
I'm hoping for a second song, after all they have more than enough to choose from ;)
Maybe it will be the proper single with a video?

Didn't the news leak before they announced?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 16, 2015, 02:48:53 PM
Quote from: me7 on December 16, 2015, 02:42:07 PM
Would be great if they simply streamed Act 1 without any comment or introduction.

Nah, that would suck. I would have to resist the temptation to listen to the stream for about a month and a half.

Also, I don't see the point of making US tour dates a big deal. Sure, I'm biased as I'm from England, but aren't US dates pretty much a given in any full scale DT tour?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 16, 2015, 02:51:38 PM
New band member: Shawn "Clown" on Percussion :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 16, 2015, 03:10:02 PM
It's interesting that they're having Jordan make the announcement. Maybe it's app related? He did just release GeoShred (finally). Maybe like a new app to help us keep up with the storyline or something? That could be kinda cool.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 16, 2015, 03:14:50 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 16, 2015, 02:51:38 PM
New band member: Shawn "Clown" on Percussion :neverusethis:

Haha   :mehlin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 16, 2015, 03:26:08 PM
Quote from: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 16, 2015, 03:10:02 PM
It's interesting that they're having Jordan make the announcement. Maybe it's app related? He did just release GeoShred (finally). Maybe like a new app to help us keep up with the storyline or something? That could be kinda cool.

AppStonishingWiz.


Kinda like when you've been needing a Wiz for so long that when you finally get to the toilet it feels Astonishing  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 16, 2015, 03:42:54 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 16, 2015, 02:32:30 PM
Quote from: Pax on December 16, 2015, 02:22:01 PM
This time, they're building more hype than before for this album. They are announcing the announcement. The news are probably going to be huge. And you think it will be NA tour announcement? Guys, the world doesn't revolve around NA
They would also disappoint a lot of fans hyped for tomorrow by announcing something like that

Not saying they shouldn't tour NA, but it's not THAT important of a news story. They could do a regular update for that

Of course the world doesn't revolve around North America.  But given that Dream Theater is a U.S.-based band, a North America tour announcement absolutely WOULD be considered "important news" to this band.  I honestly don't know how you could think otherwise.

But I'm not saying that's what the announcement will be.

Yeah, ofc NA is important to the band, but it's not like the majority of the fanbase is American. That's why I think it's not important news, because news are made for the fans, not for their own satisfaction (I guess)

Anyways, one more reason this is NOT just a NA tour update is that you can sign up for the news, and you have to write your city so they can send you the when the news will come in your own timezone. If it was a NA tour, why the hell would non-Americans need so much to know about the update? Like, "here dude, you said you were from Serbia, this is a mail to inform you that at 7pm your local time, we will announce NA tour, be sure not to miss it "
hope you get what I tried to say xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 16, 2015, 03:45:37 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 16, 2015, 02:32:30 PM
Quote from: Pax on December 16, 2015, 02:22:01 PM
This time, they're building more hype than before for this album. They are announcing the announcement. The news are probably going to be huge. And you think it will be NA tour announcement? Guys, the world doesn't revolve around NA
They would also disappoint a lot of fans hyped for tomorrow by announcing something like that

Not saying they shouldn't tour NA, but it's not THAT important of a news story. They could do a regular update for that

Of course the world doesn't revolve around North America.  But given that Dream Theater is a U.S.-based band, a North America tour announcement absolutely WOULD be considered "important news" to this band.  I honestly don't know how you could think otherwise.

But I'm not saying that's what the announcement will be.

The internet is a global forum and the band has a massive global fan base.  Announcing a regional tour in this manner would be a bit of a non-event for a massive proportion (majority?) of their fans.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on December 16, 2015, 03:48:38 PM
Maybe they are going to announce all of their 2016 tour dates (including the US and other regions) at one time? I don't honestly know if it would be possible to have the logistics and dates worked out for the entire year of 2016 at this point, but perhaps they have.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on December 16, 2015, 04:19:36 PM
Idk, while it likely will be the NA tour dates, something tells me it will be something completely outta left field, something that no one anticipated about The Astonisning......given that this album so far is anything but ordinary for DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on December 16, 2015, 04:21:25 PM
The movie rights to "The Astonishing" have been picked up by Pixar.

I'm calling it now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: me7 on December 16, 2015, 04:21:53 PM
You don't announce tour dates with a live stream. Just imagine a video of a band reading a list of cities and dates for three minutes. You don't go through the hassle of a live stream to read a list.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nearmyth on December 16, 2015, 04:24:59 PM
Tour dates of any sort doesn't seem like something DT would hype up an announcement for. But I honestly don't know what else it could be.

Especially strange that it's Jordan AND a live stream.

And then if it's app or Jordan-project related, why would the DT facebook page make an official pre-announcement like that?

 :mehlin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 16, 2015, 04:25:56 PM
Quote from: me7 on December 16, 2015, 04:21:53 PM
You don't announce tour dates with a live stream. Just imagine a video of a band reading a list of cities and dates for three minutes. You don't go through the hassle of a live stream to read a list.

Maybe it's Arhys announcing the dates!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 16, 2015, 04:29:19 PM
Maybe it's a live in-studio performance of the entire opus with full orchestra and choir, who knows  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 16, 2015, 05:32:42 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 16, 2015, 12:32:10 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 16, 2015, 12:30:54 PM
Only time will tell :neverusethis:

"IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TEEEEEEEEEIM!" PEOPLE JUST DON'T HAVE THE TEEEEEEIM FOH MUZAK ANYMOAH"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYIPoM-WsjU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYIPoM-WsjU)

You misspelled tiiii
                             i
                              i
                               m
                                  m
                                     e
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 16, 2015, 05:36:51 PM
Quote from: jsbru on December 16, 2015, 05:32:42 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 16, 2015, 12:32:10 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 16, 2015, 12:30:54 PM
Only time will tell :neverusethis:

"IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TEEEEEEEEEIM!" PEOPLE JUST DON'T HAVE THE TEEEEEEIM FOH MUZAK ANYMOAH"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYIPoM-WsjU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYIPoM-WsjU)

You misspelled tiiii
                             i
                              i
                               m
                                  m
                                     e

Haha. Well, on purpose ofc. Same way I misspelled music, for, anymore... unless you mean the tone change joke that I was too slow to catch xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 16, 2015, 05:42:13 PM
I meant the tone change joke.

My hope is that that dead horse gets beaten for years.  :D  Because that's what internet forums are for.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 16, 2015, 05:46:54 PM
If it's tour dates, I hope they play in St. Louis.  They haven't played here for years, and we have this as far as theaters go:

(https://cbsstlouis.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/foxtheatrehouse-01-700604.jpg)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4029/4709081224_9f238ee386_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on December 16, 2015, 06:03:51 PM
Quote from: jsbru on December 16, 2015, 05:46:54 PM
If it's tour dates, I hope they play in St. Louis.  They haven't played here for years, and we have this as far as theaters go:

(https://cbsstlouis.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/foxtheatrehouse-01-700604.jpg)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4029/4709081224_9f238ee386_b.jpg)

 :o  Just Beautiful.  Maybe they will play the video of the next single.  Cannot remember who it was, but someone on this forum and  close to the band had heard several of the songs and mentioned that one song in particular would make a good single and may appeal to most folks. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 16, 2015, 06:37:04 PM
In tomorrows announcement, Jordan will announce that an announcement to end all announcements will be...

...

...

Revealed.  loltroll
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 16, 2015, 06:43:07 PM
Announcementceptionception.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 16, 2015, 07:00:33 PM
Quote from: Jordan Rudess Announcement
Greetings Dream Theater fan!

It is with a tear in the eye that I am announcing that Dream Theater's time has come. Due to personnal discords that happened in the last three days, we have chosen to leave all of this behind and search for a better life. That means that all the project we had planned, such as the new album realease and the following tour have been put to rest. We are all deeply sorry if you feel betrayed, but don't lose faith. I have hope that an astonishing new beginning is waiting all of us!

So from the whole band, I give you all our last farewell!

Thank you to you all!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on December 16, 2015, 07:53:00 PM
Mike Portnoy to perform as the NoMacs in the North American stage show?

EDIT:  But seriously, in addition to tour dates, it sounds like there might also be a simulcast of some sort -- "remind you to tune in."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Nameless One on December 16, 2015, 08:28:57 PM
Quote from: CDrice on December 16, 2015, 07:00:33 PM
Quote from: Jordan Rudess Announcement
Greetings Dream Theater fan!

It is with a tear in the eye that I am announcing that Dream Theater's time has come. Due to personnal discords that happened in the last three days, we have chosen to leave all of this behind and search for a better life. That means that all the project we had planned, such as the new album realease and the following tour have been put to rest. We are all deeply sorry if you feel betrayed, but don't lose faith. I have hope that an astonishing new beginning is waiting all of us!

So from the whole band, I give you all our last farewell!

Thank you to you all!

IF this is The Announcement, I will completely loose my mind entirely!

This album is just about the only think I am looking forward too ...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Aythesryche on December 16, 2015, 08:46:21 PM
What's the point of that "joke"?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on December 16, 2015, 09:48:41 PM
Quote from: Aythesryche on December 16, 2015, 08:46:21 PM
What's the point of that "joke"?

To make people laugh... obvs...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 16, 2015, 10:25:28 PM
Live stream?
Is this going to be another hour long discussion from Jordan, about what hair conditioner he uses? And how he gets his hair so silky smooth?  :laugh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 16, 2015, 10:46:11 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 16, 2015, 10:25:28 PM
Live stream?
Is this going to be another hour long discussion from Jordan, about what hair conditioner he uses? And how he gets his hair so silky smooth?  :laugh:

That's it!!!

The Astonishing tour will be sponsored by [insert hair conditioner here].
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 16, 2015, 11:21:35 PM
Shut up, beards as supreme, majestic and mighty as that require a lot of care.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 16, 2015, 11:52:25 PM
Maybe the announcement is them announcing when they will be making the big announcement?  :huh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Crow on December 17, 2015, 12:53:25 AM
Quote from: jsbru on December 16, 2015, 05:46:54 PM
If it's tour dates, I hope they play in St. Louis.  They haven't played here for years, and we have this as far as theaters go:

if they do, it'll be hilarious that they only come once i've moved to seattle  :lol
but yeah it's kind of weird, they haven't come here in at least the last decade
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nest777 on December 17, 2015, 01:44:08 AM
Guys, take a look at the link to the official DT Tour web...

https://www.dreamtheater.net/tour?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_term=na&utm_content=Fans__NorthAmerica_teaser&utm_campaign=DreamTheater_NorthAmerica__teaser

"Fans__NorthAmerica_teaser&utm_campaign=DreamTheater_NorthAmerica__teaser" Welp.  :mehlin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: liran95 on December 17, 2015, 02:25:10 AM
Quote from: Nest777 on December 17, 2015, 01:44:08 AM
Guys, take a look at the link to the official DT Tour web...

https://www.dreamtheater.net/tour?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_term=na&utm_content=Fans__NorthAmerica_teaser&utm_campaign=DreamTheater_NorthAmerica__teaser

"Fans__NorthAmerica_teaser&utm_campaign=DreamTheater_NorthAmerica__teaser" Welp.  :mehlin

Well, fuck.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 17, 2015, 03:59:18 AM
The fact that the only mention of the JR video announcement is on the tour page of the DT website is another sign that it's probably going to be tour dates.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Paintbox on December 17, 2015, 04:33:22 AM
Maybe they are going to tell us where is the concert going to be recorded? I can't think of something so important to need a special announcement, maybe a reunion (with Moore? James twitting him, Jordan making the announcement...) This would be a great announcement, but obviously unlikely
Edit: maybe they are just reserving something special for the US, maybe having something to do with the Northern Empire and the Ravenskill
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on December 17, 2015, 04:42:53 AM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 16, 2015, 11:52:25 PM
Maybe the announcement is them announcing when they will be making the big announcement?  :huh:

I'm sorry bro, but that happen ONLY in Venezuela with Nicolas Maduro...
(it's true i'm not even joking)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Peter Mc on December 17, 2015, 05:02:24 AM
They've already made an announcement telling us when they are going to make an announcement.  I'm hoping Bosk's "hint" means that it won't be tour dates as that would be pretty lame.  It would obviously be important to announce the tour dates but surely we don't need 24 hours of secrecy in the build up to it, they could just have said US tour dates will be up tommorrow or just waited until today and announced the dates.

Hopefully something more exciting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AboutToCrash on December 17, 2015, 05:13:53 AM
Has the band ever announced something via live stream before?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: home on December 17, 2015, 05:45:12 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on December 17, 2015, 05:13:53 AM
Has the band ever announced something via live stream before?

Perhaps it is a live stream of them playing a new song? :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 17, 2015, 05:49:29 AM
You know JR is doing the announcement right? Unless you're implying a JR solo song of 1 or 2 minutes, like one of the NOMAC songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erciccio on December 17, 2015, 05:57:18 AM
Uhmm...some options
1) US tour dates
2) Jordan playing live a NOMACS song
3) Jordan announcing the new single
4) Jordan announcing this is going to be his last DT tour, given that he is soon turning the 6x page
5) An ASTONISHING surprise
6) None of the above

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 17, 2015, 06:07:35 AM
Jordan is announcing he is now, offically, A WIZZARD. 'yes, got the hat!'

Jordan announces his new solo-cd and is touring it SIMULTANIOUSLY! Via the intarwebb!

Jordan has finally cloned himself!  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 17, 2015, 06:16:58 AM
Some of those Facebook comments are hilarious! Nice to get a good chuckle early in the morning.

I envision a life size Nomac beside Jordan during the big announcement.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Paddies on December 17, 2015, 06:17:42 AM
Perhaps DT will announce a guest choir and string ensemble for the whole tour. Jordan is the guy who seems to be most involved in that department and thus the right person to make this public. That's my guess anyways.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 17, 2015, 06:30:37 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on December 17, 2015, 06:07:35 AM
Jordan is announcing he is now, offically, A WIZZARD.

By covering I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Moor on December 17, 2015, 07:31:36 AM
https://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/259257/20151127/dream-theater-new-album.htm

the man behind this article decided that this photo is the best for announcing some news regarding the new album  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dparrott on December 17, 2015, 07:59:45 AM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on December 16, 2015, 04:29:19 PM
Maybe it's a live in-studio performance of the entire opus with full orchestra and choir, who knows  :biggrin:

This!  Not the whole thing, but even just a few songs.  I wanted them to do this with DT12.  I love session/in-studio performances. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Yesmaestro on December 17, 2015, 08:06:13 AM
Could it be a contest for something? Like what they did for Lost Not Forgotten.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoDT on December 17, 2015, 08:16:10 AM
Jordan is announcing he's growing his hair back. They really are taking seriously going back to their (hair) roots.  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 17, 2015, 08:31:07 AM
Quote from: RoDT on December 17, 2015, 08:16:10 AM
Jordan is announcing he's growing his hair back. They really are taking seriously going back to their (hair) roots.  :metal

I don't think there's much to grow back at this point :lol

Only 2 and a half hours to go  :metal I'm hoping it is something other than a NA tour announcement, but at this point, all signs seem to be pointing to exactly that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Paddies on December 17, 2015, 08:37:13 AM
Another option: a (few) pre listening evening(s) in North America of some sorts. Perhaps with live renditions of a few songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoDT on December 17, 2015, 08:40:36 AM
SquareEnix is putting on hold the release of Final Fantasy VII & Kingdom Hearts III to develop the new epic adventure RPG "The Astonishing". Like no game ever before, "The Astonishing" promises endless hours of fun while you free this nation of its lack of music!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on December 17, 2015, 08:44:40 AM
Quote from: RoDT on December 17, 2015, 08:40:36 AM
SquareEnix is putting on hold the release of Final Fantasy VII & Kingdom Hearts III to develop the new epic adventure RPG "The Astonishing". Like no game ever before, "The Astonishing" promises endless hours of fun while you free this nation of its lack of music!

 :lol

I was just thinking along the lines of: Bethesda Studios announces that during the past 2 years they have been collaborating with John Petrucci in making a total conversion project for Skyrim set in the world of "The Astonishing."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on December 17, 2015, 08:56:23 AM
Well, there is a new event on their Facebook page showing a concert in Albany, New York on April 18, and I actually saw while browsing that a venue in Greensburg, PA already posted that Dream Theater will be there on April 26.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 17, 2015, 08:57:58 AM
Quote from: Peter Mc on December 17, 2015, 05:02:24 AM
I'm hoping Bosk's "hint" means...

Don't twist what I said.  I never gave any "hint."  I have no idea what is going to be announced.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 17, 2015, 08:59:47 AM
Looks like tour dates. I clicked on the link in yesterdays announcement of the announcement and it took me to tour dates on DTs website.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on December 17, 2015, 09:02:22 AM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on December 17, 2015, 08:56:23 AM
Well, there is a new event on their Facebook page showing a concert in Albany, New York on April 18, and I actually saw while browsing that a venue in Greensburg, PA already posted that Dream Theater will be there on April 26.

TicketMaster has them in Boston on the 19th of April as well. Doesn't leave room for an added show in NY, unless it's prior to the 18th.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 17, 2015, 09:08:53 AM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on December 17, 2015, 08:56:23 AM
Well, there is a new event on their Facebook page showing a concert in Albany, New York on April 18, and I actually saw while browsing that a venue in Greensburg, PA already posted that Dream Theater will be there on April 26.

This thing?

(https://i66.tinypic.com/6z8tag.png)

If it's the announcement of a US tour (which judging by the event and lack of an official announcement, it probably is), that would be three times that info has unintentionally leaked before an official announcement from this album cycle (The name of the album, Arhys' portrait, and this).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoDT on December 17, 2015, 09:18:00 AM
Quote from: Podaar on December 17, 2015, 08:44:40 AM
Quote from: RoDT on December 17, 2015, 08:40:36 AM
SquareEnix is putting on hold the release of Final Fantasy VII & Kingdom Hearts III to develop the new epic adventure RPG "The Astonishing". Like no game ever before, "The Astonishing" promises endless hours of fun while you free this nation of its lack of music!

 :lol

I was just thinking along the lines of: Bethesda Studios announces that during the past 2 years they have been collaborating with John Petrucci in making a total conversion project for Skyrim set in the world of "The Astonishing."

At this point, the sky is the limit. Anyways, I'll be patiently waiting for the Seattle dates :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJohn on December 17, 2015, 09:25:40 AM
https://www.ticketmaster.ca/Dream-Theater-tickets/artist/744581?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module

I'm guessing, if your (larger) town has a "Theatre", there's a good chance you're getting (Dream) Theater.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 17, 2015, 09:36:28 AM
Sunday May 1st at the State Theater in Minneapolis
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 17, 2015, 09:43:45 AM
IF the announcement is just NA tour dates, I'll be very disappointed. No need to tease like that to announce new tour dates. Well, wait and see...

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 17, 2015, 09:48:55 AM
I've often seen bands say there's going to be an announcement, and then it turns out to be tour dates. I suppose to those in NA who want to go and see them live, it is something to get excited about.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 17, 2015, 09:52:17 AM
A co-headlining tour with The Winery Dogs. I'm calling it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on December 17, 2015, 09:57:03 AM
Maybe not a huge surprise, but one of the dates has it as "Dream theater presents 'The Astonishing'", which would imply NA is also getting the full album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on December 17, 2015, 10:05:31 AM
Damn it, I thought we are just 12 hours ahead of EST. SO it's still an hour away?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 17, 2015, 10:13:16 AM
Anyone else have a fear that it won't be good news?? Like maybe a band member is leaving? I don't know why this thought occurred to me, but it could be that Jordan is leaving the band after this tour....



God that would suck.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 17, 2015, 10:16:06 AM
I don't think they would do it in this format if Jordan was leaving and the band would be with him. It is definately not related to a band member leaving. They would never do that at the start of an album cycle too
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on December 17, 2015, 10:16:31 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on December 17, 2015, 09:43:45 AM
IF the announcement is just NA tour dates, I'll be very disappointed. No need to tease like that to announce new tour dates. Well, wait and see...

B.Lee


THIS!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 17, 2015, 10:22:15 AM
Fuck. April 19 in Boston. Not only is that our anniversary, but we will be in Disney that week. Fuck.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on December 17, 2015, 10:30:02 AM
Just for kicks, looked at the ticket prices in Albany NY and man are they cheap.  26.75 - 56.75.  I tried to see how many the theater holds, but could not find.

Like someone else pointed out, it looks like they are going for the theater setting. 

Yesterday, someone posted a pic of a theater in St. Louis and it was beautiful.  I would make that drive from Nashville, Tennessee.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 10:37:39 AM
Looks like tour dates. I'm surprised that Jordan is going to live stream an announcement of North American tour dates. I'm still kind of thinking they might be something else to this live stream. Maybe NA tour dates and something else?

I just don't see how tour dates by themselves are worth a video live stream annnouncement.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 17, 2015, 10:47:49 AM
Quote from: wolven74 on December 17, 2015, 10:13:16 AM
Anyone else have a fear that it won't be good news?? Like maybe a band member is leaving? I don't know why this thought occurred to me, but it could be that Jordan is leaving the band after this tour....



God that would suck.

Now you got me really worry man, thanks alot :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on December 17, 2015, 10:50:52 AM
Facebook

(https://memearchive.net/animooted.com/original/202.gif)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 17, 2015, 10:52:30 AM
:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 10:53:13 AM
You can at least wait until we're inside of 2-3 minutes before spamming F5! :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 17, 2015, 10:55:00 AM
So... Dumb question (I'm not that into FB), do you just go to the DT Facebook page and the live stream will show up?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 10:59:04 AM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on December 17, 2015, 10:55:00 AM
So... Dumb question (I'm not that into FB), do you just go to the DT Facebook page and the live stream will show up?
It should. I was able to pull up their page without signing in, so you should be able to do the same.

I imagine it'll be some exterior link posted on their FB.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: showdonttell on December 17, 2015, 11:00:31 AM
He is live!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 11:01:22 AM
Jordan is jamming. Nice little improv while waiting for some people to get on to watch. It's already over 4,000 viewers.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 17, 2015, 11:03:25 AM
Pre-sale tickets for NA tour.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 17, 2015, 11:03:47 AM
I'm not allowed to watch because I don't have Farce Book. ::)


Keeps asking me to log in.


Thanks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 17, 2015, 11:04:09 AM
That is one choppy video.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 17, 2015, 11:04:41 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 17, 2015, 11:03:47 AM
I'm not allowed to watch because I don't have Farce Book. ::)


Keeps asking me to log in.


Thanks.

Same for me. Bummer. Oh well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 17, 2015, 11:04:49 AM
So i'm not missing much.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 17, 2015, 11:05:04 AM
North American Tour with exclusive sale starting on their website tomorrow.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 17, 2015, 11:05:28 AM
Nope, pre-sale for North American tour tickets starts tomorrow. That's pretty much it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 11:06:51 AM
I guess it's not surprising, but I expected something a bit more considering no one really does any live streams to announce tour dates.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 17, 2015, 11:06:58 AM
Be sure to drink your Ovaltine.

Wah wah
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Saxman on December 17, 2015, 11:07:28 AM
Nothing in the southern US, again.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on December 17, 2015, 11:07:45 AM
 :censored :yeahright >:(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 17, 2015, 11:08:26 AM
April 14
Le Capitole de Quebec
Quebec City, QC, Canada   

April 15
Bell Centre
Montreal, QC, Canada   

April 16
Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, ON, Canada   

April 18
Palace Theatre
Albany, NY, United States   

April 19
Orpheum Theatre
Boston, MA, United States   

April 20
Oakdale Theatre
Wallingford, CT, United States   

April 23
Radio City Music Hall
New York, NY, United States   

April 24
Hippodrome Theatre
Baltimore, MD, United States   

April 26
Palace Theatre
Greensburg, PA, United States   

April 27
Taft Theatre
Cincinnati, OH, United States   

April 30
Chicago Theatre
Chicago, IL, United States   

May 1
State Theatre
Minneapolis, MN, United States   

May 3
Paramount Theatre
Denver, CO, United States   

May 7
The Wiltern
Los Angeles, CA, United States   

May 10
Schnitzer Auditorium
Portland, OR, United States   

May 11
Paramount Theatre
Seattle, WA, United States
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 11:08:46 AM
Where's the actual tour date list? Their tour just keeps giving me the 'sign up to be reminded of the presale' selection.

edit: ninja'd
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 17, 2015, 11:08:58 AM
A livestream to announce a tour.


That's not a big announcement. Obviously you're going to tour. That's expected.

A big announcement should be to announce something UN-expected.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 11:10:03 AM
I guess I'll be going to the Cincinnati show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 17, 2015, 11:10:08 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 17, 2015, 11:08:58 AM
A livestream to announce a tour.


That's not a big announcement. Obviously you're going to tour. That's expected.

A big announcement should be to announce something UN-expected.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 17, 2015, 11:11:01 AM
Saw DT on the last tour at the Palace Theater in Greensburg, PA. Great venue, I'll definitely pre-order tickets for this show!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 17, 2015, 11:11:12 AM
They're BIG announcement is that they're playing 16 shows in North America, and only covering 11 states and 1 city in Canada. Wow. If this is they're only US tour, I'm going to be even more upset than on DT12's tour skipping half the country.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on December 17, 2015, 11:12:08 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 17, 2015, 11:08:58 AM
A livestream to announce a tour.


That's not a big announcement. Obviously you're going to tour. That's expected.

A big announcement should be to announce something UN-expected.

He's also answering some questions.

People are asking for more interaction from them. Now that they are interacting with fans, you say that the event is not big enough to do a fan interaction.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 11:12:16 AM
The dates on their tour page have more dates from Europe, NA, Asia, etc. that are listed after the April/May NA Tour, but have the wrong months in order.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 17, 2015, 11:13:34 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on December 17, 2015, 11:12:08 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 17, 2015, 11:08:58 AM
A livestream to announce a tour.


That's not a big announcement. Obviously you're going to tour. That's expected.

A big announcement should be to announce something UN-expected.

He's also answering some questions.

People are asking for more interaction from them. Now that they are interacting with fans, you say that the event is not big enough to do a fan interaction.

NEVER ENOUGH
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 17, 2015, 11:14:02 AM
The tour date page skips all over. There are more NA dates at the bottom. Detroit is there. It's not in correct date order.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on December 17, 2015, 11:14:35 AM
JR playing Hollow Years. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 17, 2015, 11:14:49 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 11:12:16 AM
The dates on their tour page have more dates from Europe, NA, Asia, etc. that are listed after the April/May NA Tour, but have the wrong months in order.
Those are all past dates, even if they say on sale soon. There's an April 18th show in Riverside listed as onsale soon, but that's the show I saw in 2013. Plus there's already a show in Boston on that day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 17, 2015, 11:16:28 AM
The BIG announcement is a PRESALE on the tour? Wow...












Color me overwhelemed
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Fiery Winds on December 17, 2015, 11:18:41 AM
No show in SF?!?! Hoping they add a date between Denver and Portland, or I may have to consider going down to LA.  :sadpanda:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 17, 2015, 11:19:07 AM
Looks like they updated it now with just NA dates and it looks like 13 US shows.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on December 17, 2015, 11:20:09 AM
I think it was also used as an avenue for JR to promote his new app, GeoShred.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 11:20:57 AM
That's not a very extensive North American tour.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 17, 2015, 11:21:02 AM
Would love to find out if these are the ONLY US dates for The Astonishing tour. DT12's touring cycle only saw 1 NA leg that skipped all the markets this leg is skipping. Should we expect to see more dates, or is DT touring in most of the US never going to happen again?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on December 17, 2015, 11:22:30 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 17, 2015, 11:08:58 AM
A livestream to announce a tour.


That's not a big announcement. Obviously you're going to tour. That's expected.

A big announcement should be to announce something UN-expected.

Yep but still great to see Jordan  :angel:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on December 17, 2015, 11:23:09 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 11:20:57 AM
That's not a very extensive North American tour.

Maybe they are being very selective with the venue if it would fit the concept of the show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 17, 2015, 11:24:18 AM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on December 17, 2015, 11:13:34 AM

NEVER ENOUGH

Because it's too much to expect a "Big Announcement With Livestream" to be a big announcement ? ;)


Rather than - something that was obviously going to happen anyway...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 17, 2015, 11:25:06 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on December 17, 2015, 11:24:18 AM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on December 17, 2015, 11:13:34 AM

NEVER ENOUGH

Because it's too much to expect a "Big Announcement With Livestream" to be a big announcement ? ;)

Haha sorry I meant...

NEVER ENOUGH
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJohn on December 17, 2015, 11:25:16 AM
The "Centre" & "Theatre" locales prophecy has been realized!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: devieira73 on December 17, 2015, 11:25:59 AM
I' didn't watch the original announcement, but these US show will be in the format of playing ALL the astonishing album live, with the same stage production that there will be in Europe? Thanks!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 17, 2015, 11:26:26 AM
He said we'll be hearing the NOMAC sounds on the website (if i interpreted what he said correctly)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 17, 2015, 11:26:53 AM
Quote from: devieira73 on December 17, 2015, 11:25:59 AM
I' didn't watch the original announcement, but these US show will be in the format of playing ALL the astonishing album live, with the same stage production that there will be in Europe? Thanks!

I believe so, yes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on December 17, 2015, 11:27:43 AM
Love the Q&A.

JR just said he's the one assigned to do this because he's the one who is most experienced in livestreaming.

Laughed when JR referenced Chile ground shaking.  :lol

TGOM lyrics is The Astonishing story in a nutshell.

NOMACS will create bizarre sounds, which JR said HE had fun making.

JR now playing TSCO.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TL on December 17, 2015, 11:28:56 AM
The big announcement is actually that Quebec City, Montreal, and Toronto have all become part of the United States, seeing as they're listed as part of the "US Tour".
Couldn't even say North American instead of US?  :P

Also, once again, Canada is apparently just those three cities.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 17, 2015, 11:31:38 AM
RADIO CITY
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 17, 2015, 11:33:39 AM
I don't really feel that the announcement was worth a 30 min livestream.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: GandL on December 17, 2015, 11:34:23 AM
Quote from: TL on December 17, 2015, 11:28:56 AM
The big announcement is actually that Quebec City, Montreal, and Toronto have all become part of the United States, seeing as they're listed as part of the "US Tour".
Couldn't even say North American instead of US?  :P

Also, once again, Canada is apparently just those three cities.

Yeah, I wonder if I should go to Quebec (the Capitol is a small place) or go to Montreal (Bell Center is a big place, since Jordan said the visual was elaborated from a team in Montreal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Awaken on December 17, 2015, 11:34:41 AM
4/20!!!  Psyched to see them coming back to CT.  Had to choose between NY and Boston last year, this is much easier (though no chance of being part of a live release again)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on December 17, 2015, 11:36:28 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on December 17, 2015, 11:33:39 AM
I don't really feel that the announcement was worth a 30 min livestream.

Yeah, but the feedback in the FB post seems to indicate that people who actually watched loved the interaction with JR.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 17, 2015, 11:39:35 AM
Guess who's heading to denver in May? Enough time now to save money.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 17, 2015, 11:41:21 AM
Wow, I'm shocked that there is nothing in the Southeastern U.S.

Of course, these are all theater dates for the special "The Astonishing" shows.  Doesn't mean there won't be more dates later.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: devieira73 on December 17, 2015, 11:47:09 AM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on December 17, 2015, 11:26:53 AM
Quote from: devieira73 on December 17, 2015, 11:25:59 AM
I' didn't watch the original announcement, but these US show will be in the format of playing ALL the astonishing album live, with the same stage production that there will be in Europe? Thanks!

I believe so, yes.

Maybe it's not big enough for you, guys, but I guess when the band will tour the rest of the world, they won't be playing all the astonishing live neither with same stage production. :'(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AngelBack on December 17, 2015, 11:47:57 AM
No SE again.....at least Indonesia gets a show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on December 17, 2015, 11:53:28 AM
Apr. 24 - Baltimore, MD - Hippodrome Theatre   :metal :metal :metal


Cannot believe that the South East US got snubbed again.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on December 17, 2015, 11:53:38 AM
I kept thinking he was messing up by saying dreamtheater.com but when I went there it redirects to the .net site.  Who knew?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on December 17, 2015, 11:54:59 AM
Quote from: Destiny Of Chaos on December 17, 2015, 11:53:28 AM
Apr. 24 - Baltimore, MD - Hippodrome Theatre   :metal :metal :metal


Cannot believe that the South East US got snubbed again.

Maybe their sales there are really low to not be worth going to?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on December 17, 2015, 11:57:47 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on December 17, 2015, 11:54:59 AM
Quote from: Destiny Of Chaos on December 17, 2015, 11:53:28 AM
Apr. 24 - Baltimore, MD - Hippodrome Theatre   :metal :metal :metal


Cannot believe that the South East US got snubbed again.

Maybe their sales there are really low to not be worth going to?

Perhaps.... but I think that they could sell out a venue at say, Charlotte, or Nashville, or Miami... or Atlanta...aka where ProgPower USA is annually.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on December 17, 2015, 11:59:29 AM
Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I see that there is a presale tommorrow at 10 am local time on the DT site.  Local time to show location or the band location and is there anything special you have to do in order to order on the DT site(register, etc.)?  I would assumte that you push the button and you are sent to ticketmaster or some other site.  I plan to get tickets to Cincinnati(fairly close to Nashville) and the Taft Theater presale is Monday, 12-21 thru ticketmaster.

Ironically, I tried to get tickets for my wife this morning thru ticketmaster for Adele and no luck for either night in Nashville.  I was stressed doing this for a show I have no interest in, but I will be a basket case trying to get tickets for Cincinnati.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 17, 2015, 12:06:32 PM
It's super cool they're playing Radio City once again.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 17, 2015, 12:11:59 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 17, 2015, 12:06:32 PM
It's super cool they're playing Radio City once again.

Would've been even cooler if it was April 1--the 10-year anniversary of Score. Had it been, would've called that as the DVD show.

Wonder if anything on the just-announced leg will be a DVD show. Any ideas?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ansell on December 17, 2015, 12:13:47 PM
Saturday night in Toronto!  :tup :hat

Any guestimations on the price of tickets?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 17, 2015, 12:19:13 PM
Quote from: ansell on December 17, 2015, 12:13:47 PM
Saturday night in Toronto!  :tup :hat

Any guestimations on the price of tickets?

$85
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJohn on December 17, 2015, 12:21:07 PM
Toronto Show: CA $52.89 / CA $102.89 ...main page shows up to $300(Price Range $52.89 - $302.89). Guess that is VIP.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on December 17, 2015, 12:21:35 PM
Quote from: ansell on December 17, 2015, 12:13:47 PM
Saturday night in Toronto!  :tup :hat

Any guestimations on the price of tickets?

TM says $33.50 & $53.50 (plus fees) for the Boston show
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Joshgirouard on December 17, 2015, 12:22:34 PM
Quote from: ansell on December 17, 2015, 12:13:47 PM
Saturday night in Toronto!  :tup :hat

Any guestimations on the price of tickets?

According to ticketmaster they are $56-102 depending on location
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 17, 2015, 12:23:46 PM
I'm really interested in that Toronto show. Haven't been out to see DT (Or anyone else) since 2007, and I'll actually have the money for it.. HMMMMMMMM

EDIT: So LiveNation members get a presale? Looks like I'm signing up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on December 17, 2015, 12:26:21 PM
Did the live stream reveal a presale PASSCODE?  Did I miss that?

If its truly for the fans, as Jordan says several times, the website should feature a rotating DT trivia question to enter the presale page.  So sick of scalpers!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Progmetty on December 17, 2015, 12:30:14 PM
No Texas again, same like last tour..
Moist yet firm smelly bull shit.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 17, 2015, 12:32:10 PM
Now I'm sorta confused. The Ticketmaster website says there will be a LiveNation presale one day early, but the LN website is counting down to The 22nd, which is the public release date for tickets..

So there is going to be some sort of passcode released? Does anyone know how or when this'll happen? Or is it released precisely when the presale starts?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Implode on December 17, 2015, 12:34:24 PM
Does every show have its own presale? You guys are talking about presale starting tomorrow, but ticket master says presale for the Chicago show starts on Tuesday. I really don't know how any of this works.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ansell on December 17, 2015, 12:37:37 PM
Quote from: Implode on December 17, 2015, 12:34:24 PM
Does every show have its own presale? You guys are talking about presale starting tomorrow, but ticket master says presale for the Chicago show starts on Tuesday. I really don't know how any of this works.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this presale will be through the bands website, not ticketmaster.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 17, 2015, 12:45:20 PM
Not following all this, but I saw Seattle while scrolling, so I am happy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 12:46:27 PM
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-to-perform-entire-the-astonishing-album-on-north-american-tour/

Quote from: blabbermouth article
DREAM THEATER has announced their first North American tour of 2016, which will see the pioneering group performing a historic set in immersive and interactive settings for a unique and unparalleled live experience.

Set to kick off April 14 at Quebec City’s Theatre Du Capitole, the spring trek will see the prog virtuosos delivering a one-of-a-kind show in which they will perform their forthcoming double concept album, "The Astonishing", live in its entirety. The momentous tour will continue through May with the band making stops at prestigious theaters throughout North America including New York's Radio City Music Hall, Los Angeles's The Wiltern, and Boston's Orpheum Theatre, with additional dates to be announced.

Pre-sale for the North American dates is set to begin on Friday, December 18 with general on sale starting Tuesday, December 22.

...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on December 17, 2015, 01:04:02 PM
Results may vary, are you familiar with seating at Taft theater?  Is upper or lower seating about the same for sound?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 17, 2015, 01:04:52 PM
Quote from: ansell on December 17, 2015, 12:37:37 PM
Quote from: Implode on December 17, 2015, 12:34:24 PM
Does every show have its own presale? You guys are talking about presale starting tomorrow, but ticket master says presale for the Chicago show starts on Tuesday. I really don't know how any of this works.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this presale will be through the bands website, not ticketmaster.

Well... the European presale was through the DT website soo...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 01:15:44 PM
Quote from: mike099 on December 17, 2015, 01:04:02 PM
Results may vary, are you familiar with seating at Taft theater?  Is upper or lower seating about the same for sound?
I've never been, personally. But I'll be getting balcony seats when they go on sale. I've had good experiences seeing DT at theatres sitting in the balcony areas.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on December 17, 2015, 01:27:45 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 01:15:44 PM
Quote from: mike099 on December 17, 2015, 01:04:02 PM
Results may vary, are you familiar with seating at Taft theater?  Is upper or lower seating about the same for sound?
I've never been, personally. But I'll be getting balcony seats when they go on sale. I've had good experiences seeing DT at theatres sitting in the balcony areas.

Thanks!  Guess that I will log in to DT tommorrow morning and hope the pre-presale is up and running.

My wife said that she will go with me, but I politely told her that I would rather go with a  guy who actually likes DT.  Well, that did not go over very well.  Buy hey, I am old so I am going to do it my way.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 17, 2015, 01:30:49 PM
Quote from: mike099 on December 17, 2015, 01:27:45 PM
My wife said that she will go with me, but I politely told her that I would rather go with a  guy who actually likes DT.  Well, that did not go over very well.

Tough beans. When I have that convo with my wife about her not going to a show with me, her response is along the lines of "Sweet!"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 17, 2015, 01:33:59 PM
Please, I want them here at Mexico :'(
At least one date...
I can't imagine living a life without having seen TA live once...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 01:37:47 PM
Still some dates to be announced, per the blabbermouth article. I'd be shocked if there wasn't a few Mexico shows included in this NA tour. And hope is certainly not gone for additional dates in western Canada and the southeast US, although I'm the people living there aren't expecting any dates at this point.

There's a few days between the Cincinnati and Chicago shows, so a Michigan/St. Louis date (or both) could be possible there. There's also several days between the Denver/Los Angeles shows and the Los Angeles/Portland shows. Good chance for a San Francisco date or a Texas show as well. And with the last date listed as Seattle, there's always the possibility they could hit up Vancouver or other western Canadian cities following the show in Seattle.

I feel bad for the people in the southeast US and Texas, because there's not really any openings in the current dates where they could book shows in those areas, but what do I know? I'm just speculating with no facts or sources to back it up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on December 17, 2015, 01:43:16 PM
Two days between Wallingford and Radio City... maybe time for rehearsals for the big orchestra/choir/DVD show?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on December 17, 2015, 01:53:36 PM
For those planning to go to Cincinnati, go to the Taft Theater web site.  You can click on a section and see the view from those seats.  They have a small section of middle box seats that I am going for or the balcony. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 17, 2015, 01:55:44 PM
Final Fantasy XVI: The Astonishing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 17, 2015, 01:58:42 PM
So is this now the final list of tour dates for Europe and NA. Because they are not even close to me and my poor ass can't afford to go to another country just to see the show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 02:04:50 PM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 17, 2015, 01:58:42 PM
So is this now the final list of tour dates for Europe and NA. Because they are not even close to me and my poor ass can't afford to go to another country just to see the show.
The NA tour dates are not finalized yet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ErHaO on December 17, 2015, 02:20:09 PM
Dissapointed with the big announcement, it is something I fully expected them to do. Good news nontheless for those who will attend, but if they email me about a livestream I expect something different.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Labrie1984 on December 17, 2015, 02:21:02 PM
Hi guys. It's been a long time since my last post. I'm a little bit worried 'cause no dates in Spain have been announced yet. Given that some northamerican one have been posted today...No more european dates this time. I hope there's a second row in europe when other countries are included. I cannot miss this opera rock live.  Greetings from Spain. Thanks!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on December 17, 2015, 02:22:39 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 17, 2015, 01:33:59 PM
Please, I want them here at Mexico :'(
At least one date...
I can't imagine living a life without having seen TA live once...

You should be ok.  On the second leg, they will fly over the southeast US and Texas and give us the 'bird' on the way to Mexico, Central America and South America. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Labrie1984 on December 17, 2015, 02:23:55 PM
I also expected something more from the announced announcement:) Everybody knew they always tour the United States and all the details given about the new album were already published. I think the streaming was aimed to promote Jordan's new musical app but....who knows. They have the freedom to promote whatever they want.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 17, 2015, 03:05:13 PM
 Sorry, but :facepalm: at the general reaction to the announcement here. What else were you expecting?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Octavarious on December 17, 2015, 03:55:24 PM
Quote from: Labrie1984 on December 17, 2015, 02:21:02 PM
Hi guys. It's been a long time since my last post. I'm a little bit worried 'cause no dates in Spain have been announced yet. Given that some northamerican one have been posted today...No more european dates this time. I hope there's a second row in europe when other countries are included. I cannot miss this opera rock live.  Greetings from Spain. Thanks!
If you want to see the full Astonishing live show, get a ticket for Paris or Milan...
I don't think you will have more chance...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 17, 2015, 04:04:00 PM
I understand there is a lot of interest in certain places but  5 venues  get almost half of the dates in Europe. I mean there are 4 shows in Oslo, like seriously?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: metrojam on December 17, 2015, 04:14:35 PM
Quote from: Labrie1984 on December 17, 2015, 02:23:55 PM
I also expected something more from the announced announcement:) Everybody knew they always tour the United States and all the details given about the new album were already published. I think the streaming was aimed to promote Jordan's new musical app but....who knows. They have the freedom to promote whatever they want.

Nail on head there!!.....shameless self promotion I'm afraid, although like you say, they are totally entitled to promote whatever they want but as a "BIG NEWS LIVE ANNOUNCEMENT" it really was a damp squip!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 17, 2015, 04:40:59 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 17, 2015, 03:05:13 PM
Sorry, but :facepalm: at the general reaction to the announcement here. What else were you expecting?

I was expecting (considering that the announcement was announced the day before) that it would be something other than a standard tour announcement. For people who already have tickets, watching the whole 30 mins (which I did :facepalm:) unfortunately felt like a waste of time. It just didn't require a build up, livestreams should really be for a far more in-depth reveal like maybe showing how elements of the stage show are going to work, not just dates.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 17, 2015, 04:42:48 PM
Quote from: Fiery Winds on December 17, 2015, 11:18:41 AM
No show in SF?!?! Hoping they add a date between Denver and Portland, or I may have to consider going down to LA.  :sadpanda:

I would be shocked if a SF date isn't added.  But if not, I'll drive if you split the gas.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on December 17, 2015, 05:14:23 PM
I suspect they will add a second show in Los Angeles.  I'm surprised there are back-to-back dates for some cities in Europe, but none in US.  Faith No More and King Diamond sold out quickly at The Wiltern and additional shows were added, so I have a hunch this could happen with DT as well.  I mean, its 1/3 the size of Radio City Music Hall.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on December 17, 2015, 05:25:35 PM
I really don't understand why DT ignores the southeast of the country (not the band literally but whoever books their shows).  I've seen so many bands with half the following DT has or even less play 3-5 shows in Florida alone per touring cycle. Why couldn't DT play a show down here? They played in Orlando every single album cycle from SDOIT-ADToE. What changed? Wouldn't the band WANT to reach out to the fans this side of the country?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 17, 2015, 05:28:58 PM
So damn spoiled some of you are.  Every year people expect the moon.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 17, 2015, 05:31:27 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 17, 2015, 05:28:58 PM
So damn spoiled some of you are.  Every year people expect the moon.

I think they'd play there before Southeast United States
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 17, 2015, 05:31:35 PM
A U.S. Based band announcing an announcement of a North American tour... lol, really?
Disappointed, but not unexpected. Seemed a bit obviois.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 17, 2015, 05:47:05 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 17, 2015, 05:31:27 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 17, 2015, 05:28:58 PM
So damn spoiled some of you are.  Every year people expect the moon.

I think they'd play there before Southeast United States

 :lol

John, you know well that dates will be added but of course they will only play major cities that the demographic will sell tickets.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 17, 2015, 05:52:21 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 17, 2015, 05:47:05 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 17, 2015, 05:31:27 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 17, 2015, 05:28:58 PM
So damn spoiled some of you are.  Every year people expect the moon.

I think they'd play there before Southeast United States

 :lol

John, you know well that dates will be added but of course they will only play major cities that the demographic will sell tickets.

Of course. I know how it works. I'm just relived they're playing New York this time.  :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on December 17, 2015, 05:53:58 PM
Quote from: Laughingplace56 on December 17, 2015, 05:25:35 PM
I really don't understand why DT ignores the southeast of the country (not the band literally but whoever books their shows).  I've seen so many bands with half the following DT has or even less play 3-5 shows in Florida alone per touring cycle. Why couldn't DT play a show down here? They played in Orlando every single album cycle from SDOIT-ADToE. What changed? Wouldn't the band WANT to reach out to the fans this side of the country?

Maybe they are not confident enough that they would be able to sell a full show of all new material in that area. Maybe they are making sure that there would stage a show in an area where there is a dedicated enough fanbase that would watch a show that do not have any of their hits.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 17, 2015, 05:58:31 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 17, 2015, 05:52:21 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 17, 2015, 05:47:05 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 17, 2015, 05:31:27 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 17, 2015, 05:28:58 PM
So damn spoiled some of you are.  Every year people expect the moon.

I think they'd play there before Southeast United States

 :lol

John, you know well that dates will be added but of course they will only play major cities that the demographic will sell tickets.

Of course. I know how it works. I'm just relived they're playing New York this time.  :neverusethis:

I was mocking about the, "That's the big announcement "?  That killed me. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 17, 2015, 06:03:55 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 17, 2015, 05:58:31 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 17, 2015, 05:52:21 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 17, 2015, 05:47:05 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 17, 2015, 05:31:27 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 17, 2015, 05:28:58 PM
So damn spoiled some of you are.  Every year people expect the moon.

I think they'd play there before Southeast United States

 :lol

John, you know well that dates will be added but of course they will only play major cities that the demographic will sell tickets.

Of course. I know how it works. I'm just relived they're playing New York this time.  :neverusethis:

I was mocking about the, "That's the big announcement "?  That killed me. :lol

I know. Some people expect the moon.

Oh wait, you said that.   ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 17, 2015, 06:06:13 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 01:37:47 PM


There's a few days between the Cincinnati and Chicago shows, so a Michigan/St. Louis date (or both) could be possible there. 

Dream Theater hasn't played in St. Louis since some dumbass fell out of the balcony at the Pageant going for a drum stick Portnoy tossed to the crowd.  I'll be shocked if they come here again any time soon.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on December 17, 2015, 06:42:15 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on December 17, 2015, 05:14:23 PM
I suspect they will add a second show in Los Angeles.  I'm surprised there are back-to-back dates for some cities in Europe, but none in US.  Faith No More and King Diamond sold out quickly at The Wiltern and additional shows were added, so I have a hunch this could happen with DT as well.  I mean, its 1/3 the size of Radio City Music Hall.

Actually there are several back to back dates on the NA list.  Hope that Labrie is up to so many back to back shows especially in the middle part of the NA tour.

I was really surprised that they did not schedule DT in St. Louis either the 28th or 29th.  Perhaps they want two days off on those days.  The St Louis theater that someone posted last night was gorgeous.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nearmyth on December 17, 2015, 06:46:29 PM
I guess I kind of expected this announcement... but really? Did anyone ever think they weren't going to tour the U.S. eventually?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DragonAttack on December 17, 2015, 06:56:13 PM
Well, I'm one of the lucky ones who has them performing in my backyard (Baltimore).

One can't rule out a smaller NA tour later on in the year.  Maybe after doing the album, the shows in Europe, and then here, they'd like to reenergize their batteries and spend time with their families.  Plus, it's not as if they are still 'young' rockers in their 30s

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lark the Starless on December 17, 2015, 07:07:56 PM
Anyone know of a presale code for the LA show?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 17, 2015, 07:16:51 PM
Quote from: Nearmyth on December 17, 2015, 06:46:29 PM
I guess I kind of expected this announcement... but really? Did anyone ever think they weren't going to tour the U.S. eventually?

It was almost a near miss...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on December 17, 2015, 07:29:29 PM
Quote from: mike099 on December 17, 2015, 06:42:15 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on December 17, 2015, 05:14:23 PM
I suspect they will add a second show in Los Angeles.  I'm surprised there are back-to-back dates for some cities in Europe, but none in US.  Faith No More and King Diamond sold out quickly at The Wiltern and additional shows were added, so I have a hunch this could happen with DT as well.  I mean, its 1/3 the size of Radio City Music Hall.

Actually there are several back to back dates on the NA list.  Hope that Labrie is up to so many back to back shows especially in the middle part of the NA tour.

Sorry. I meant to say SAME cities, as in New York for two nights in same venue, Chicago for two nights same venue, etc.  I think they do that a few times in Europe.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 17, 2015, 09:23:22 PM
I ain't gonna bother reading through them, so I'm gonna to ask it - has something relevant happened in the last 10 pages? :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 17, 2015, 10:04:49 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on December 17, 2015, 07:29:29 PM
Quote from: mike099 on December 17, 2015, 06:42:15 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on December 17, 2015, 05:14:23 PM
I suspect they will add a second show in Los Angeles.  I'm surprised there are back-to-back dates for some cities in Europe, but none in US.  Faith No More and King Diamond sold out quickly at The Wiltern and additional shows were added, so I have a hunch this could happen with DT as well.  I mean, its 1/3 the size of Radio City Music Hall.

Actually there are several back to back dates on the NA list.  Hope that Labrie is up to so many back to back shows especially in the middle part of the NA tour.

Sorry. I meant to say SAME cities, as in New York for two nights in same venue, Chicago for two nights same venue, etc.  I think they do that a few times in Europe.

The back to back dates in europe were only added once tickets for the first show sold out...
If there is room in the schedule you can hope the same thing might happen here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 17, 2015, 11:37:25 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on December 17, 2015, 06:06:13 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 17, 2015, 01:37:47 PM


There's a few days between the Cincinnati and Chicago shows, so a Michigan/St. Louis date (or both) could be possible there. 

Dream Theater hasn't played in St. Louis since some dumbass fell out of the balcony at the Pageant going for a drum stick Portnoy tossed to the crowd.  I'll be shocked if they come here again any time soon.

You're in St. Louis?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 17, 2015, 11:40:50 PM
Quote from: mike099 on December 17, 2015, 06:42:15 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on December 17, 2015, 05:14:23 PM
I suspect they will add a second show in Los Angeles.  I'm surprised there are back-to-back dates for some cities in Europe, but none in US.  Faith No More and King Diamond sold out quickly at The Wiltern and additional shows were added, so I have a hunch this could happen with DT as well.  I mean, its 1/3 the size of Radio City Music Hall.

Actually there are several back to back dates on the NA list.  Hope that Labrie is up to so many back to back shows especially in the middle part of the NA tour.

I was really surprised that they did not schedule DT in St. Louis either the 28th or 29th.  Perhaps they want two days off on those days.  The St Louis theater that someone posted last night was gorgeous.

I posted that.  The Fabulous Fox is crying out for The Astonishing.

It won't happen though.  More bands skip St. Louis than they do the Southeast.  I'll just have to make the trip to Chicago, I guess.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 18, 2015, 12:35:19 AM
Spoilt, you are. SPOILT.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on December 18, 2015, 01:13:27 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 17, 2015, 03:05:13 PM
Sorry, but :facepalm: at the general reaction to the announcement here. What else were you expecting?

Exactly. If a band has a big announcement - it's nearly always tour dates.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 18, 2015, 03:52:51 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on December 17, 2015, 04:40:59 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 17, 2015, 03:05:13 PM
Sorry, but :facepalm: at the general reaction to the announcement here. What else were you expecting?

I was expecting (considering that the announcement was announced the day before) that it would be something other than a standard tour announcement. For people who already have tickets, watching the whole 30 mins (which I did :facepalm:) unfortunately felt like a waste of time. It just didn't require a build up, livestreams should really be for a far more in-depth reveal like maybe showing how elements of the stage show are going to work, not just dates.
This.

Nothing wrong with announcing tour dates, that's cool. Officially announcing that in 24 hours there will be a "big announcement" via livestream obviously means people expect something more. They really could have just announced the tour dates, and then had a live Q&A with Jordan that was advertised that way - seems like it was a cool thing, but people are dispapointed because they expected something else.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 18, 2015, 03:56:50 AM
Quote from: ariich on December 18, 2015, 03:52:51 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on December 17, 2015, 04:40:59 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 17, 2015, 03:05:13 PM
Sorry, but :facepalm: at the general reaction to the announcement here. What else were you expecting?

I was expecting (considering that the announcement was announced the day before) that it would be something other than a standard tour announcement. For people who already have tickets, watching the whole 30 mins (which I did :facepalm:) unfortunately felt like a waste of time. It just didn't require a build up, livestreams should really be for a far more in-depth reveal like maybe showing how elements of the stage show are going to work, not just dates.
This.

Nothing wrong with announcing tour dates, that's cool. Officially announcing that in 24 hours there will be a "big announcement" via livestream obviously means people expect something more. They really could have just announced the tour dates, and then had a live Q&A with Jordan that was advertised that way - seems like it was a cool thing, but people are dispapointed because they expected something else.

Yes! I already wrote it earlier on, but I'm really disappointed at the news. BIG anouncement?!? Pfffffff...

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 18, 2015, 04:00:52 AM
A big announcement suggested something special, not something they do every tour. It also didn't warrant the buildup given that it's just adding more tour dates to the ones they'd already announced.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Curious Orange on December 18, 2015, 04:51:54 AM
I'd say it was a big announcement. Some people on this board have done nothing but complain about there being no US dates ever since the Europe dates were announced.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: devieira73 on December 18, 2015, 04:52:40 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 18, 2015, 04:00:52 AM
A big announcement suggested something special, not something they do every tour. It also didn't warrant the buildup given that it's just adding more tour dates to the ones they'd already announced.

I don't know, but I guess this forum is missing the point here. This tour, with all The Astonishing played live and with all the stage production, now will be extended to USA. It's not simply to announce more tour dates. I doubt when DT will be promoting this album in South America, Asia etc they will do this way. I guess they will do a more regular kind of show, playing only a few parts of The Astonishing and with the regular show production.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 18, 2015, 04:53:27 AM
Quote from: The Curious Orange on December 18, 2015, 04:51:54 AM
I'd say it was a big announcement. Some people on this board have done nothing but complain about there being no US dates ever since the Europe dates were announced.

That's because they're American. :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Moor on December 18, 2015, 04:58:42 AM
That announcement got me geoshredded  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 18, 2015, 06:22:03 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 18, 2015, 04:53:27 AM
Quote from: The Curious Orange on December 18, 2015, 04:51:54 AM
I'd say it was a big announcement. Some people on this board have done nothing but complain about there being no US dates ever since the Europe dates were announced.

That's because they're American. :P

I see Aussies whining right now. :lol

Everybody wants answers like right now!  People need to settle down.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 18, 2015, 06:25:39 AM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 18, 2015, 06:22:03 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 18, 2015, 04:53:27 AM
Quote from: The Curious Orange on December 18, 2015, 04:51:54 AM
I'd say it was a big announcement. Some people on this board have done nothing but complain about there being no US dates ever since the Europe dates were announced.

That's because they're American. :P

I see Aussies whining right now. :lol

Everybody wants answers like right now!  People need to settle down.

I don't think Blob would whine and cry - he would rust.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 18, 2015, 06:28:39 AM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 18, 2015, 06:22:03 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 18, 2015, 04:53:27 AM
Quote from: The Curious Orange on December 18, 2015, 04:51:54 AM
I'd say it was a big announcement. Some people on this board have done nothing but complain about there being no US dates ever since the Europe dates were announced.

That's because they're American. :P

I see Aussies whining right now. :lol

Oh I wasn't whining, I just think that hyping their announcement was unwarranted for what it was. But imma happy you guys have your tour dates now, honestly.
It's not like I had any expectations about this announcement anyway, as I can't think of anything that would have interested me, beyond already having a new album that is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 18, 2015, 06:31:19 AM
I laughed at the people complaining about american dates when the European dates came out.  Like DT wasn't going to play here.  Now some have a beef that they are not playing a lot of places but it's obvious some cities are not making them money and they are only touring the markets that will will fill the seats.  Lucky for me I live in one of those areas.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dparrott on December 18, 2015, 07:58:40 AM
Quote from: Cool Chris on December 17, 2015, 01:30:49 PM
Quote from: mike099 on December 17, 2015, 01:27:45 PM
My wife said that she will go with me, but I politely told her that I would rather go with a  guy who actually likes DT.  Well, that did not go over very well.

Tough beans. When I have that convo with my wife about her not going to a show with me, her response is along the lines of "Sweet!"

My wife wants to go to a concert as much as a lesbian wants a man,  ::)  so that's not a problem for me.  Can't afford it anyway.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on December 18, 2015, 08:05:38 AM
Got my tickets. Center Orchestra... row S (so 20ish?).... works for me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 18, 2015, 08:07:40 AM
Radio City here I come! :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on December 18, 2015, 08:22:25 AM
scored me some KILLER seats to the Boston show! Very happy!

Also, seems like there was a four ticket limit for the TOUR on this presale. Bought 3 for Boston, and then went to buy 2 more for Radio City and it told me I could only buy one. Very weird. Oh well, I'll have fun at my hometown show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 18, 2015, 08:56:50 AM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on December 18, 2015, 08:07:40 AM
Radio City here I come! :metal

I think we need to plan a forum meet-up.  Does anyone have a hat that would be appropriate for the occasion?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 18, 2015, 09:00:52 AM
I think a :hat would be more than appropriate for a meet-up
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 18, 2015, 09:04:26 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 18, 2015, 08:56:50 AM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on December 18, 2015, 08:07:40 AM
Radio City here I come! :metal

I think we need to plan a forum meet-up.  Does anyone have a hat that would be appropriate for the occasion?

(https://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i238/hefdaddy42/DTF/NYCblackandwhite1.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on December 18, 2015, 09:09:20 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 18, 2015, 08:56:50 AM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on December 18, 2015, 08:07:40 AM
Radio City here I come! :metal

I think we need to plan a forum meet-up.  Does anyone have a hat that would be appropriate for the occasion?

I got my ticket ready, this would be my Radio City comeback after Score. A forum meetup would be really cool.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 18, 2015, 09:15:42 AM
I mentioned this in the other thread, but anyone coming to see them in NY who needs a place to crash, let me know. You're welcome to stay at my place. I'm not driving in though, so we can take public transportation.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: escruting on December 18, 2015, 09:28:53 AM
Quote from: Labrie1984 on December 17, 2015, 02:21:02 PM
Hi guys. It's been a long time since my last post. I'm a little bit worried 'cause no dates in Spain have been announced yet. Given that some northamerican one have been posted today...No more european dates this time. I hope there's a second row in europe when other countries are included. I cannot miss this opera rock live.  Greetings from Spain. Thanks!

Yeah man, same here, a bit dissapointed about them not coming to Spain. Can any of the mods confirm if this is the final list of european shows?

It would be nice to know if this is final because then we can think about going to another country to see DT, but until then its too risky...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 18, 2015, 09:31:55 AM
Quote from: escruting on December 18, 2015, 09:28:53 AM
Can any of the mods confirm if this is the final list of european shows?

No.  None of us know. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DragonAttack on December 18, 2015, 10:01:04 AM
Front row balcony at The Hippodrome in Baltimore.....two tix, $102 INCLUDING fees.  Shocked at the very minimal extra charges.

The third time my wife will be going with me (out of twelve).  She purchased them as a bday present.  Yup, I'm a lucky guy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 18, 2015, 10:03:27 AM
Quote from: escruting on December 18, 2015, 09:28:53 AM

Can any of the mods confirm if this is the final list of european shows?

It would be nice to know if this is final because then we can think about going to another country to see DT, but until then its too risky...

My personal guess is that this is it for the EU tour. Seeing as there are almost no free dates between concerts and between the EU and NA leg of the tour. Shame they cut off the whole of Eastern Europe.

I was also just researching how much it would cost me to go to Milan for the concert (from Bulgaria) and with the cheapest of everything (flight, hotel, ticket for the concert)  it amounts to ~150 euro, which is not as bad as I first thought it was going to be but still quite a bit for a student.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 18, 2015, 10:03:41 AM
I'm probably in the minority here, but shouldn't someone open a new thread to discuss NA or EU tour? I know that this thread here rarely has anything useful, but I'm sure lots of people who don't live in those continents (including me) don't want to scroll through lots of pages of "are you going to the gig in *insertname*" or "I'm not sure if I'm getting tickets for this venue or that venue"

Not a critic, just a suggestion to keep it cleaner.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: vtgrad on December 18, 2015, 10:04:12 AM
Scored some great seats in Baltimore; row F center 111 and 112 (at the end of the isle on the right... close to JP again  :metal).  Any of you guys give me some ideas for good food in Baltimore?  Hippodrome looks to be in the waterfront district.

Stoked to see DT again... as always!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 18, 2015, 10:12:37 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 18, 2015, 10:03:41 AM
I'm probably in the minority here, but shouldn't someone open a new thread to discuss NA or EU tour? I know that this thread here rarely has anything useful, but I'm sure lots of people who don't live in those continents (including me) don't want to scroll through lots of pages of "are you going to the gig in *insertname*" or "I'm not sure if I'm getting tickets for this venue or that venue"

Not a critic, just a suggestion to keep it cleaner.
True, there actually is a thread regarding NA tours over at the Concert and Set Lists subforum, they should probably discuss it there, but I don't mind it to be honest.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 18, 2015, 10:14:16 AM
For those like me who don't have Facebook accounts DT uploaded yesterdays announcement to Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5em7y7IRGA

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 18, 2015, 10:15:43 AM
Quote from: emtee on December 18, 2015, 10:14:16 AM
For those like me who don't have Facebook accounts DT uploaded yesterdays announcement to Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5em7y7IRGA

Nice.  :metal   Jordan is always intriguing to listen to.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: escruting on December 18, 2015, 10:15:59 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 18, 2015, 10:03:27 AM
Quote from: escruting on December 18, 2015, 09:28:53 AM

Can any of the mods confirm if this is the final list of european shows?

It would be nice to know if this is final because then we can think about going to another country to see DT, but until then its too risky...

My personal guess is that this is it for the EU tour. Seeing as there are almost no free dates between concerts and between the EU and NA leg of the tour. Shame they cut off the whole of Eastern Europe.

I was also just researching how much it would cost me to go to Milan for the concert (from Bulgaria) and with the cheapest of everything (flight, hotel, ticket for the concert)  it amounts to ~150 euro, which is not as bad as I first thought it was going to be but still quite a bit for a student.

There are some free days between the 23rd of March (zurich show) and the 14th of april when the US tour starts.

There are a lot of nice theaters here (Barcelona) and they could fill them up easily.

If no dates in Spain/Portugal are announced maybe ill go to Switzerland to see them...

I guess a decision will come (on my part) when we hear the whole album and see if its worth it to see a full show of only new material.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: cramx3 on December 18, 2015, 12:45:50 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 18, 2015, 08:56:50 AM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on December 18, 2015, 08:07:40 AM
Radio City here I come! :metal

I think we need to plan a forum meet-up.  Does anyone have a hat that would be appropriate for the occasion?

I will be there and definitely down for the meet up, I know Prog Snob mentioned he was as well.  Got great seats this morning.

Quote from: kingshmegland on December 18, 2015, 06:31:19 AM
I laughed at the people complaining about american dates when the European dates came out.  Like DT wasn't going to play here.  Now some have a beef that they are not playing a lot of places but it's obvious some cities are not making them money and they are only touring the markets that will will fill the seats.  Lucky for me I live in one of those areas.

My only concern was that maybe the whole "Astonishing Live" theatrical type of show they are aiming for would be for that European leg only, glad to see that is not the case.  I hope they announce more dates for the rest of the fans, I know I would be upset if I missed this.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on December 18, 2015, 12:46:59 PM
Looks like Google is copying DT with their choose your side deal
https://www.google.com/starwars/?utm_source=en&utm_medium=hpp&utm_campaign=atfw
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 18, 2015, 12:51:29 PM
Is Chicago the only place where you can't buy regular tickets at this point?  When you click on the regular "Buy Tickets" link, there's no drop-down menu for seats.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 18, 2015, 12:52:08 PM
Quote from: cramx3 on December 18, 2015, 12:45:50 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 18, 2015, 08:56:50 AM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on December 18, 2015, 08:07:40 AM
Radio City here I come! :metal

I think we need to plan a forum meet-up.  Does anyone have a hat that would be appropriate for the occasion?

I will be there and definitely down for the meet up, I know Prog Snob mentioned he was as well.  Got great seats this morning.



I created a specific thread for this show so we can plan everything in one place.   :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 18, 2015, 02:59:00 PM
(https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/12376561_1063823177003027_877619197554544579_n.jpg?oh=e7d36d6527ea86668f16367efdec9c9c&oe=57115F44)

MASTERING IS DONE! THE ALBUM IS OFFICIALLY DONE!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 18, 2015, 03:25:41 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on December 18, 2015, 02:59:00 PM
(https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/12376561_1063823177003027_877619197554544579_n.jpg?oh=e7d36d6527ea86668f16367efdec9c9c&oe=57115F44)

MASTERING IS DONE! THE ALBUM IS OFFICIALLY DONE!

It's interesting that DT released The Gift of Music before the overall masters were actually finished. I guess that they didn't want to drag people on for too long without hearing anything so maybe as soon as the master for TGoM was finished, they began preparing for its reveal.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 18, 2015, 03:34:05 PM
Wouldn't it be amazing to get a new track now, considering that the album is now officially done?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 18, 2015, 03:35:23 PM
Silly american dates. Threw me off. I thought it said 12th of october ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Gonz on December 18, 2015, 03:38:05 PM
The album was done a week ago.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 18, 2015, 03:46:59 PM
Quote from: Gonz on December 18, 2015, 03:38:05 PM
The album was done a week ago.

Um...I think we established that about 5 posts ago.  :lol

That actually is a bit late if the scheduled release date is still planned for 1/29.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 18, 2015, 03:55:09 PM
Well, the press release they released yesterday:

https://www.dreamtheater.net/news/historic-north-american-headline-tour-165576

had this in it:

DREAM THEATER
THE ASTONISHING
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 29TH

So they're still communicating that as the release date.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Simonski on December 18, 2015, 04:51:38 PM
These lyrics are full of errors. Vocals that doesn't fit, at all... Seriously: Why would you think you can trust an Argentinian fan page to give the right lyrics? Can they even speak English down there? Lionel Messi certainly can't (Though he lives in Spain..)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 18, 2015, 05:05:21 PM
Quote from: Simonski on December 18, 2015, 04:51:38 PM
These lyrics are full of errors. Vocals that doesn't fit, at all... Seriously: Why would you think you can trust an Argentinian fan page to give the right lyrics? Can they even speak English down there? Lionel Messi certainly can't (Though he lives in Spain..)

They are full of errors, yeah, but I know plenty of South Americans (myself included) who can speak English perfectly. That was a bit harsh in my opinion.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 18, 2015, 05:11:36 PM
I think it's really hard to transcribe lyrics, especially when James goes high - he's not the greatest enunciator while singing high notes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 18, 2015, 05:16:36 PM
Quote from: Simonski on December 18, 2015, 04:51:38 PM
Seriously: Why would you think you can trust an Argentinian fan page to give the right lyrics? Can they even speak English down there? Lionel Messi certainly can't (Though he lives in Spain..)

That is completely inappropriate and unnecessarily confrontational.  It is fine to point out that there are errors, but no need to insult groups of people en masse.  Please read the forum rules and plan to abide by them if you want to continue to have posting privileges here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on December 18, 2015, 06:22:51 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on December 18, 2015, 03:25:41 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on December 18, 2015, 02:59:00 PM
(https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/12376561_1063823177003027_877619197554544579_n.jpg?oh=e7d36d6527ea86668f16367efdec9c9c&oe=57115F44)

MASTERING IS DONE! THE ALBUM IS OFFICIALLY DONE!

It's interesting that DT released The Gift of Music before the overall masters were actually finished. I guess that they didn't want to drag people on for too long without hearing anything so maybe as soon as the master for TGoM was finished, they began preparing for its reveal.

In the last album cycles the early release allowed the band an opportunity to make last minute tweaks, mostly likely influenced by fan reactions/griping.  So not surprised it was released before mastering, and perhaps it is a bit of a compliment or sign of respect to the DT community.  Hopefully the mastering does not compress the sound too much.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 18, 2015, 06:32:10 PM
Quote from: devieira73 on December 18, 2015, 04:52:40 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 18, 2015, 04:00:52 AM
A big announcement suggested something special, not something they do every tour. It also didn't warrant the buildup given that it's just adding more tour dates to the ones they'd already announced.

I don't know, but I guess this forum is missing the point here. This tour, with all The Astonishing played live and with all the stage production, now will be extended to USA. It's not simply to announce more tour dates. I doubt when DT will be promoting this album in South America, Asia etc they will do this way. I guess they will do a more regular kind of show, playing only a few parts of The Astonishing and with the regular show production.
That would piss me off harder than anyone can imagine.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 18, 2015, 08:12:12 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 18, 2015, 06:32:10 PM
Quote from: devieira73 on December 18, 2015, 04:52:40 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 18, 2015, 04:00:52 AM
A big announcement suggested something special, not something they do every tour. It also didn't warrant the buildup given that it's just adding more tour dates to the ones they'd already announced.

I don't know, but I guess this forum is missing the point here. This tour, with all The Astonishing played live and with all the stage production, now will be extended to USA. It's not simply to announce more tour dates. I doubt when DT will be promoting this album in South America, Asia etc they will do this way. I guess they will do a more regular kind of show, playing only a few parts of The Astonishing and with the regular show production.
That would piss me off harder than anyone can imagine.

That would not be the first time though. I remember during MP's era that they would bring a more compact version of his drumkit to South America.

Also, tickets here (at least in Brazil) are really expensive even on their normal gigs. I imagine how much they would be with the full show...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 18, 2015, 08:26:27 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on December 18, 2015, 03:25:41 PM
It's interesting that DT released The Gift of Music before the overall masters were actually finished. I guess that they didn't want to drag people on for too long without hearing anything so maybe as soon as the master for TGoM was finished, they began preparing for its reveal.

I just hope TGOM wasn't pre-mastered, because it sounded good! I don't want it ruined with more compression.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 18, 2015, 09:40:13 PM
I get home from work and all the pre-sale for the Cincinnati show on the DT website are sold out. Really hoping there'll be more tickets when the public ones go on sale on Tuesday.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dparrott on December 18, 2015, 11:57:22 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 18, 2015, 05:11:36 PM
I think it's really hard to transcribe lyrics, especially when James goes high - he's not the greatest enunciator while singing high notes.

True dat.  And English is my only language! haha
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 19, 2015, 02:03:19 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 18, 2015, 08:26:27 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on December 18, 2015, 03:25:41 PM
It's interesting that DT released The Gift of Music before the overall masters were actually finished. I guess that they didn't want to drag people on for too long without hearing anything so maybe as soon as the master for TGoM was finished, they began preparing for its reveal.

I just hope TGOM wasn't pre-mastered, because it sounded good! I don't want it ruined with more compression.
This was my exact thought as well. Don't screw it up, DT!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 19, 2015, 03:20:22 AM
They've had around 2 months of promo and hype building already, even before the masters were completed. Now the album's done, it might as well be out there sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Estiui on December 19, 2015, 05:05:32 AM
Have you guys checked out VRA's cover of TGoM? DAT CHOIR at the end, it gave me more than goosebumps...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 19, 2015, 05:16:46 AM
Quote from: Estiui on December 19, 2015, 05:05:32 AM
Have you guys checked out VRA's cover of TGoM? DAT CHOIR at the end, it gave me more than goosebumps...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veaKJ_tJqw0

Nice :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 19, 2015, 06:44:00 AM
Quote from: Zydar on December 19, 2015, 05:16:46 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veaKJ_tJqw0

Nice :tup

I'm blown away. It's basically a perfect cover.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Mladen on December 19, 2015, 06:48:25 AM
My God, that was beautiful...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Vandalism on December 19, 2015, 07:07:59 AM
Great video! But Can he whahibrido pickingant???

:whahibridopickingant:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on December 19, 2015, 09:02:31 AM
Wow! That brilliant as always!! That choir!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: V_R11 on December 19, 2015, 09:29:49 AM
Holy crap that's awesome!  :metal Wish I was that talented
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 19, 2015, 09:37:40 AM
That was an awesome cover of course, but it only made me appreciate James LaBrie even more. That's a very good singer, but all the different 'character' parts sound just the same. JLB's performance does sound more dynamic, more varied and with more depth.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 19, 2015, 10:20:20 AM
I think TGOM is sung entirely by Arhys. The Empire "masses" can't sing "People just don't have the time for music anymore" as they don't know what music even is. The NOMACs are all they've ever known.

We might all be referring to the lyric booklet for the first few listens to the album, to try and work out who's singing what.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 19, 2015, 10:28:00 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 19, 2015, 10:20:20 AM
We might all be referring to the lyric booklet for the first few listens to the album, to try and work out who's singing what.

I hope it will be clearly stated, as it happened with SFAM that even had italic lyrics for the stuff happening in the past.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: olddtfan51@gmail.com on December 19, 2015, 11:03:28 AM
Quote from: Zydar on December 19, 2015, 05:16:46 AM
Quote from: Estiui on December 19, 2015, 05:05:32 AM
Have you guys checked out VRA's cover of TGoM? DAT CHOIR at the end, it gave me more than goosebumps...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veaKJ_tJqw0

Nice :tup
Those guys nailed it . :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 19, 2015, 11:45:35 AM
Everything top notch, I just didn't like the vocalist much. I'm also glad he sung The Songbird instead of The sun bursts, and Shepherd instead of Should Give.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: fischermasamune on December 19, 2015, 11:48:43 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 19, 2015, 10:20:20 AM
I think TGOM is sung entirely by Arhys. The Empire "masses" can't sing "People just don't have the time for music anymore" as they don't know what music even is. The NOMACs are all they've ever known.

We might all be referring to the lyric booklet for the first few listens to the album, to try and work out who's singing what.

I think it started with a neutral narrator, and at some point, probably in "We're living day to day" (depending if it's "Across the vast North Empire" or "I cross the vast North Empire"), it shifted to Arhys.

By the way, I had a dream where the total duration of the album was 2 hours and 13 minutes. Was it based on real information that now I can't recover/remember?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 19, 2015, 11:53:50 AM
Quote from: fischermasamune on December 19, 2015, 11:48:43 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 19, 2015, 10:20:20 AM
I think TGOM is sung entirely by Arhys. The Empire "masses" can't sing "People just don't have the time for music anymore" as they don't know what music even is. The NOMACs are all they've ever known.

We might all be referring to the lyric booklet for the first few listens to the album, to try and work out who's singing what.

I think it started with a neutral narrator, and at some point, probably in "We're living day to day" (depending if it's "Across the vast North Empire" or "I cross the vast North Empire"), it shifted to Arhys.

By the way, I had a dream where the total duration of the album was 2 hours and 13 minutes. Was it based on real information that now I can't recover/remember?
I dreamed that exactly, except that Astonishing lasted 23 minutes haha
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 19, 2015, 03:58:22 PM
Quote from: fischermasamune on December 19, 2015, 11:48:43 AM
By the way, I had a dream where the total duration of the album was 2 hours and 13 minutes. Was it based on real information that now I can't recover/remember?

Petrucci estimated the length of the album at 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 19, 2015, 04:20:27 PM
That cover was amazing. 

I'm really intrigued by the isolated choir part at the end.  I could easily imagine another track being built around that melody.  Anyone think that we may hear this in a different context later in the album?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 19, 2015, 04:26:13 PM
Quote from: Zydar on December 19, 2015, 05:16:46 AM
Quote from: Estiui on December 19, 2015, 05:05:32 AM
Have you guys checked out VRA's cover of TGoM? DAT CHOIR at the end, it gave me more than goosebumps...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veaKJ_tJqw0

Nice :tup
Holy crap
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 19, 2015, 04:28:08 PM
What did you do to Hef? Who are you?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 19, 2015, 07:10:39 PM
Quote from: whahíbrido pickingantdaddy42 on December 19, 2015, 04:26:13 PM
Quote from: Zydar on December 19, 2015, 05:16:46 AM
Quote from: Estiui on December 19, 2015, 05:05:32 AM
Have you guys checked out VRA's cover of TGoM? DAT CHOIR at the end, it gave me more than goosebumps...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veaKJ_tJqw0

Nice :tup
Holy crap

That was really amazing.  Wow.

Maybe it's me though, did something sound off right after the Petrucci solo? It sounds like the instrumental part after that was different.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TL on December 19, 2015, 07:48:49 PM
So here's something that just occurred to me.

There's a long form poem from the 1800s that's based on the culture of the Acadian people (though not written by an Acadian). It's called Evangeline (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangeline).
The reason I bring it up;

It's about a young woman, Evangeline, a victim of 'Le Grand Derangement'. It's all about her search for her lost love, Gabriel.

It's possible, and probably quite likely, that this is a coincidence, but maybe it could provide a hint toward one of the story elements of this album?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 20, 2015, 02:37:26 AM
Mh, dunno, the In the Presence of Enemies story was not is hown so outside inspirations are not to be ruled out, but if Petrucci would feel inspired to pay homage / rip off / take suggestions from an already existing source, I think he wouldn't go all the way and copy the names as well... if someone gets inspired by Star Wars to have a story about long lost twins, he doesn't call their characters Luke and Leila.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Moor on December 20, 2015, 02:39:45 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 19, 2015, 07:10:39 PM
Quote from: whahíbrido pickingantdaddy42 on December 19, 2015, 04:26:13 PM
Quote from: Zydar on December 19, 2015, 05:16:46 AM

The band must see this. :hefdaddy
Quote from: Estiui on December 19, 2015, 05:05:32 AM
Have you guys checked out VRA's cover of TGoM? DAT CHOIR at the end, it gave me more than goosebumps...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veaKJ_tJqw0

Nice :tup
Holy crap

That was really amazing.  Wow.

Maybe it's me though, did something sound off right after the Petrucci solo? It sounds like the instrumental part after that was different.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 20, 2015, 05:12:41 AM
I've listened to TGOM about 5 times, was kinda impressed, but it didn't wow me like TEI for example did.

Going back to it now after hearing that cover I like it way more! That choir is incredible.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on December 20, 2015, 07:22:24 AM
Quote from: Moor on December 19, 2015, 05:16:46 AM

The band must see this. :hefdaddy


Actually JR posted a comment to video:
Quote
Great job guys!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 20, 2015, 11:05:38 AM
Well, a new update tomorrow and we will have 2 more left. Interesting that we won't have everything before Xmas.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: me7 on December 20, 2015, 01:46:24 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 20, 2015, 11:05:38 AM
Well, a new update tomorrow and we will have 2 more left. Interesting that we won't have everything before Xmas.

After the remaining characters and map pieces, we still have the locked "places" section and the two videos. I expect updates up to the release.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 20, 2015, 02:35:49 PM
Quote from: TL on December 19, 2015, 07:48:49 PM
So here's something that just occurred to me.

There's a long form poem from the 1800s that's based on the culture of the Acadian people (though not written by an Acadian). It's called Evangeline (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangeline).
The reason I bring it up;

It's about a young woman, Evangeline, a victim of 'Le Grand Derangement'. It's all about her search for her lost love, Gabriel.

It's possible, and probably quite likely, that this is a coincidence, but maybe it could provide a hint toward one of the story elements of this album?
I doubt it's a coincidence.
Don't feel like Evangeline is Gabriel's gurl, tho, in any case I think JP did know about that story, it's just too much of a coincidence.
But other than the names, the context and story overall is completely different.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 20, 2015, 03:17:24 PM
Quote from: me7 on December 20, 2015, 01:46:24 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 20, 2015, 11:05:38 AM
Well, a new update tomorrow and we will have 2 more left. Interesting that we won't have everything before Xmas.

After the remaining characters and map pieces, we still have the locked "places" section and the two videos. I expect updates up to the release.

Oh yeah, completely forgot about that :D. I just wish they would give us another song for the holidays.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 20, 2015, 03:29:56 PM
I wonder if we'll have a "bumper" update on Jan 1st or the Monday after it (4th). New month, new year, month of release.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: me7 on December 20, 2015, 04:02:42 PM
I'd like a new song for Christmas.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 20, 2015, 04:11:45 PM
Quote from: me7 on December 20, 2015, 04:02:42 PM
I'd like a new song for Christmas.

6:00 on a Christmas morning...  :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Yesmaestro on December 20, 2015, 08:07:31 PM
I'd like some Southeast shows for Christmas   :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 20, 2015, 09:01:28 PM
Quote from: me7 on December 20, 2015, 04:02:42 PM
I'd like a new song for Christmas.

So you'd like a gift of music :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Crow on December 20, 2015, 09:17:01 PM
i've listened to TGOM and it has way more put into it than most every DT12 song, even at only 4 minutes long

so yeah, this will be better than DT12 most likely
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: |KirK| on December 21, 2015, 12:45:43 AM
As Bosk said thousands of pages ago TGOM is just a preview, so I'm waiting for the release of the official single!!

Talking about the video, I really love it! Amazing job as always... But I have to say (with much respect for the singer) that every time I listen to a cover I appreciate more and more our beloved James!! :yarr
About the choir I just wanna say this:
GAABRIIIEELL  :metal

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 21, 2015, 04:47:23 AM
Really?  Is this confirmed?  I heard peoplee say that a sampler has done the rounds and TGOM isn't anywhere near the best that's on there.  Nothing about an official single coming....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 21, 2015, 05:08:20 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on December 21, 2015, 04:47:23 AM
Really?  Is this confirmed?  I heard peoplee say that a sampler has done the rounds and TGOM isn't anywhere near the best that's on there.  Nothing about an official single coming....

Well, JP called TGOM a "snippet" but said nothing about an official single. Don't think it has been confirmed at all. Just wishful thinking I guess...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 21, 2015, 05:23:38 AM
Yeah, thought so.  Here's hoping anyway!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 21, 2015, 05:32:14 AM
Quote from: CDrice on December 20, 2015, 09:01:28 PM
Quote from: me7 on December 20, 2015, 04:02:42 PM
I'd like a new song for Christmas.

So you'd like a gift of music :neverusethis:

 :facepalm:  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on December 21, 2015, 05:42:33 AM
Quote from: Yesmaestro on December 20, 2015, 08:07:31 PM
I'd like some Southeast shows for Christmas   :metal
Maybe next fall - does dt normally play the festivals in Europe in the summer?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 21, 2015, 05:52:22 AM
Certainly with DT, I don't see the difference anymore between a "preview" and a proper single. It's not like they release CD singles these days.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: |KirK| on December 21, 2015, 09:50:08 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on December 21, 2015, 04:47:23 AM
Really?  Is this confirmed?  I heard peoplee say that a sampler has done the rounds and TGOM isn't anywhere near the best that's on there.  Nothing about an official single coming....
Just hoping for a single release, nothing official!! But the fact that TGOM is not a single but a preview of the album is confirmed... It would be a strange choice not to release a single, but It wouldn't be a problem for me to wait until the 29th and listen to the whole thing..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on December 21, 2015, 09:55:55 AM
Can you please explain to me why TGOM is actually NOT a proper single? Sorry but I cant find anything about this from just searching the forum.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 21, 2015, 10:08:09 AM
Quote from: Panar on December 21, 2015, 09:55:55 AM
Can you please explain to me why TGOM is actually NOT a proper single? Sorry but I cant find anything about this from just searching the forum.

The concept of what a "single" is is a bit fuzzy, but I think this definition/description from Wikipedia about covers it:

Quote
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a song recording of fewer tracks than an LP record or an album. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, a single is a song that is released separately from an album, although it usually also appears on an album. Typically, these are the songs from albums that are released separately for promotional uses such as digital download or commercial radio airplay and are expected to be the most popular. In other cases a recording released as a single may not appear on an album.

As digital downloading and audio streaming have become more prevalent, it is often possible for every track on an album to also be available separately. Nevertheless, the concept of a single for an album has been retained as an identification of a more heavily promoted or more popular song (or group of songs) within an album collection.

Despite being referred to as a single, singles can include up to as many as three tracks on them. The biggest digital music distributor iTunes accepts as many as three tracks less than ten minutes each as a single, as well as popular music player Spotify also following in this trend. Anymore than three tracks on a musical release or longer than thirty minutes in total running time is commonly classed as an Extended Play (EP).

My understanding is that The Gift of Music is not being promoted whatsoever as a standalone song.  It was released merely to give fans a bit of a preview of the album.  Ultimately, the distinction may not be very significant, but that's the best explanation I can offer.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: metrojam on December 21, 2015, 10:55:33 AM
Quote from: Parama on December 20, 2015, 09:17:01 PM
i've listened to TGOM and it has way more put into it than most every DT12 song, even at only 4 minutes long

so yeah, this will be better than DT12 most likely

Can't possibly be worse!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on December 21, 2015, 11:33:53 AM
Quote from: Panar on December 21, 2015, 09:55:55 AM
Can you please explain to me why TGOM is actually NOT a proper single? Sorry but I cant find anything about this from just searching the forum.

Because this is a concept album which does not have a radio single song, the story goes on and maybe the album does not have any song which could be a  standalone single.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on December 21, 2015, 11:43:40 AM
Oh, ok then. Thanks
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: me7 on December 21, 2015, 11:57:38 AM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on December 21, 2015, 11:33:53 AM
Because this is a concept album which does not have a radio single song, the story goes on and maybe the album does not have any song which could be a  standalone single.

Scenes from a Memory was a rock opera as well and had two singles, despite the lyrics making little sense outside of the context.
They either hint at a lot more (maybe the two locked videos are singles with music videos), or they don't mean much at all and we're just interpreting too much (business as usual on DTF).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 21, 2015, 12:09:00 PM
Quote from: metrojam on December 21, 2015, 10:55:33 AM
Quote from: Parama on December 20, 2015, 09:17:01 PM
i've listened to TGOM and it has way more put into it than most every DT12 song, even at only 4 minutes long

so yeah, this will be better than DT12 most likely

Can't possibly be worse!!!!!!!
Not sure if sarcastic or not.

Because there is much worse.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 21, 2015, 12:10:17 PM
Quote from: me7 on December 21, 2015, 11:57:38 AM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on December 21, 2015, 11:33:53 AM
Because this is a concept album which does not have a radio single song, the story goes on and maybe the album does not have any song which could be a  standalone single.

Scenes from a Memory was a rock opera as well and had two singles, despite the lyrics making little sense outside of the context.
They either hint at a lot more (maybe the two locked videos are singles with music videos), or they don't mean much at all and we're just interpreting too much (business as usual on DTF).
The whole 'single or preview' argument is so fucking dumb, because it's basically the same thing. The term for which we describe it is slightly different and it honestly doesn't represent that much of a difference.

The band called it a preview, so that's what I choose to refer to it as.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 21, 2015, 12:23:16 PM
Yeah, in this day and age the line is becoming blurry. Once you had vinyls and 33'', and then CD-singles, but with the advent of the digital era and the different means for different bands, depending on their status and style, it's becoming hard to put a proper term on the way a song is shown to the public before the album is released... sometimes bands don't even call a song their "single" but they just make a (often lyric) video of it.

Anyway, no big deal, I'm fine with calling The Gift of Music a preview and not a single, wouldn't be bothered either way, it's still the song that was released to the public before the album came out. Not listening to it for the record, I want to listen to the whole thing in a month or so  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on December 21, 2015, 12:25:40 PM
I honestly don't want another song to be released before the album. I really wanna keep this a surprise. But hey I don't have to listen to it!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 21, 2015, 12:46:49 PM
I better stop talking about the character updates. It seems like I am jinxing it, lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 21, 2015, 12:58:12 PM
Well, it seems that JR gave away some info on Prog Magazine.

Spoilers below.


"...Gabriel and his brother Arhys are trying to bring back the values of music which they think will heal their world. It's a really detailed story that has a love theme as well and a really cool ending which I won't give away!" - JR
JR said he was glad he could tap into his more classical influences and also said: "We also have a lot of different styles that are even further outside that; we have a tango part and Eric Rigler plays bagpipes at one point"
"In addition to all the organic elements...there are also these interludes with the NOMACS...they're these futuristic Noise Machines that create their own sound and in the story, over time, machines are given the power to create music but they take it too far so it becomes this kind of noise and it's all very electronic"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 21, 2015, 01:01:08 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on December 21, 2015, 12:58:12 PM
Well, it seems that JR gave away some info on Prog Magazine.

Spoilers below.


"...Gabriel and his brother Arhys are trying to bring back the values of music which they think will heal their world. It's a really detailed story that has a love theme as well and a really cool ending which I won't give away!" - JR
JR said he was glad he could tap into his more classical influences and also said: "We also have a lot of different styles that are even further outside that; we have a tango part and Eric Rigler plays bagpipes at one point"
"In addition to all the organic elements...there are also these interludes with the NOMACS...they're these futuristic Noise Machines that create their own sound and in the story, over time, machines are given the power to create music but they take it too far so it becomes this kind of noise and it's all very electronic"

Oh my, those are EXCELLENT news because I am a huge Bagpipe nerd. I love all types of Bagpipes, from the famous Great Highland ones, to smallpipes, borderpipes, Swedish säckpipa, Säckpfeifen...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 21, 2015, 01:01:16 PM
NOMAC's were created at the end of Misunderstood.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 21, 2015, 01:03:34 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 21, 2015, 01:01:16 PM
NOMAC's were created at the end of Misunderstood.
JP created them.

JP is The Killing Hand.

The Astonishing is The Killing Hand, Pt. 2 confirmed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nearmyth on December 21, 2015, 01:20:30 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on December 21, 2015, 12:58:12 PM
Well, it seems that JR gave away some info on Prog Magazine.

Spoilers below.


"...Gabriel and his brother Arhys are trying to bring back the values of music which they think will heal their world. It's a really detailed story that has a love theme as well and a really cool ending which I won't give away!" - JR
JR said he was glad he could tap into his more classical influences and also said: "We also have a lot of different styles that are even further outside that; we have a tango part and Eric Rigler plays bagpipes at one point"
"In addition to all the organic elements...there are also these interludes with the NOMACS...they're these futuristic Noise Machines that create their own sound and in the story, over time, machines are given the power to create music but they take it too far so it becomes this kind of noise and it's all very electronic"

This makes me VERY excited, that's exactly what I was hoping for
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 21, 2015, 01:34:57 PM
@ mikemangioy yeah I caught those on the DT reddit, great news. I'm a sucker for the tango section in TMV's L'Via L'Viaquez so this definitely makes me hyped.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 21, 2015, 01:35:45 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on December 21, 2015, 12:58:12 PM
Well, it seems that JR gave away some info on Prog Magazine.

Spoilers below.


"...Gabriel and his brother Arhys are trying to bring back the values of music which they think will heal their world. It's a really detailed story that has a love theme as well and a really cool ending which I won't give away!" - JR
JR said he was glad he could tap into his more classical influences and also said: "We also have a lot of different styles that are even further outside that; we have a tango part and Eric Rigler plays bagpipes at one point"
"In addition to all the organic elements...there are also these interludes with the NOMACS...they're these futuristic Noise Machines that create their own sound and in the story, over time, machines are given the power to create music but they take it too far so it becomes this kind of noise and it's all very electronic"

Do you have the link to the article? I am looking all over the nets for it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 21, 2015, 01:38:24 PM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on December 21, 2015, 01:35:45 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on December 21, 2015, 12:58:12 PM
Well, it seems that JR gave away some info on Prog Magazine.

Spoilers below.


"...Gabriel and his brother Arhys are trying to bring back the values of music which they think will heal their world. It's a really detailed story that has a love theme as well and a really cool ending which I won't give away!" - JR
JR said he was glad he could tap into his more classical influences and also said: "We also have a lot of different styles that are even further outside that; we have a tango part and Eric Rigler plays bagpipes at one point"
"In addition to all the organic elements...there are also these interludes with the NOMACS...they're these futuristic Noise Machines that create their own sound and in the story, over time, machines are given the power to create music but they take it too far so it becomes this kind of noise and it's all very electronic"

Do you have the link to the article? I am looking all over the nets for it.

Me too....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Gonz on December 21, 2015, 01:51:59 PM
Same here... :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 21, 2015, 02:22:00 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 21, 2015, 01:34:57 PM
yeah i caught those on reddit

me too, i don't have the source :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on December 21, 2015, 02:35:43 PM
Just buy the newest magazine and pretend it's 1995.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 21, 2015, 02:46:22 PM
I had a feeling it might be in the printed magazine, or perhaps the online subscription service that magazine offers.

Tantalising little tidbits there though. (Alliteration  :metal) The NOMAC tracks will be interludes then, rather than full songs. I suspect they won't be too long either, perhaps all under 1:30, if not shorter. Gives room for some more length for some of the other songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 21, 2015, 02:54:49 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on December 21, 2015, 12:58:12 PM

"In addition to all the organic elements...there are also these interludes with the NOMACS...they're these futuristic Noise Machines that create their own sound and in the story, over time, machines are given the power to create music but they take it too far"

They tried to whahibrido pickingant :whahibridopickingant:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 21, 2015, 03:00:32 PM
Awesome news, I want the album to be as crazy and diverse as possible! LOL at the NOMACS playing the end of Misunderstood  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 21, 2015, 03:08:42 PM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on December 21, 2015, 02:54:49 PM
They tried to whahibrido pickingant :whahibridopickingant:

can someone please explain what the hell is this?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 21, 2015, 03:15:55 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on December 21, 2015, 03:08:42 PM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on December 21, 2015, 02:54:49 PM
They tried to whahibrido pickingant :whahibridopickingant:

can someone please explain what the hell is this?

It's whahíbrido pickingant. What else is there to explain?

Or, start here: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=45270.0 (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=45270.0) (from the OP, but it gets funny towards the bottom of page 3).

We took that and ran with it here: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=45294.0 (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=45294.0)

If you're not  :rollin at some point reading those you're not human.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 21, 2015, 03:16:25 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on December 21, 2015, 03:08:42 PM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on December 21, 2015, 02:54:49 PM
They tried to whahibrido pickingant :whahibridopickingant:

can someone please explain what the hell is this?

Check page 1 of John petrucci skill level thread

 ...:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 21, 2015, 03:54:11 PM
I hope that's legit, because I really want to hear some different style influences, and guest musicians again.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 21, 2015, 04:02:59 PM
I can confirm that it is legit.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 21, 2015, 04:05:29 PM
Lord Noxxon has spoken, so it's true.

Songs where NOMACs have appeared...
A Change of Seasons
Misunderstood
A Nightmare to Remember
A Rite of Passage

My investigation had led to these conclusions, can anyone elaborate on their thoughts?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 21, 2015, 04:08:47 PM
Then I really can't wait for the Bagpipes. I just wonder if it will be any other pipes other than the Great Highland ones. Arjen used Uilleann pipes on the latest Ayreon album, for example.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 21, 2015, 04:25:31 PM
I'm not a bagpipe afficionado. How do you tell the difference?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 21, 2015, 04:30:22 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 21, 2015, 04:25:31 PM
I'm not a bagpipe afficionado. How do you tell the difference?

Well, there are hundreds of different pipes, but if you mean between the more well known Highland Pipes and Uilleann pipes, you can see the way the air is blown into the bag (blowpipe = highland, bellows = uilleann) and of course how the chanter and drones sound. Highland pipes also only reach 9 notes, uilleann has more I believe. I love both, but if you want a more mellow sound, uilleann is your pick.

In this video you can compare the two different sounds:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNhWxH_NUh8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNhWxH_NUh8)

EDIT: You can't hear the Great Highland drones on that video. I think he might have plugged it due to the tuning. The drones you hear are the Uilleann pipes only, I think. The chanter is what plays the melody, and you can clearly hear the difference here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lowdz on December 21, 2015, 04:38:48 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 21, 2015, 01:01:08 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on December 21, 2015, 12:58:12 PM
Well, it seems that JR gave away some info on Prog Magazine.

Spoilers below.


"...Gabriel and his brother Arhys are trying to bring back the values of music which they think will heal their world. It's a really detailed story that has a love theme as well and a really cool ending which I won't give away!" - JR
JR said he was glad he could tap into his more classical influences and also said: "We also have a lot of different styles that are even further outside that; we have a tango part and Eric Rigler plays bagpipes at one point"
"In addition to all the organic elements...there are also these interludes with the NOMACS...they're these futuristic Noise Machines that create their own sound and in the story, over time, machines are given the power to create music but they take it too far so it becomes this kind of noise and it's all very electronic"

Oh my, those are EXCELLENT news because I am a huge Bagpipe nerd. I love all types of Bagpipes, from the famous Great Highland ones, to smallpipes, borderpipes, Swedish säckpipa, Säckpfeifen...

I fucking hate the sound of bagpipes. Here's hoping those sections are short and buried under JP guitar.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 21, 2015, 04:41:55 PM
Here's hoping the sound is as loud as possible just for my delight and to annoy you :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 21, 2015, 04:57:03 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 21, 2015, 04:41:55 PM
Here's hoping the sound is as loud as possible just for my delight and to annoy you :)

Or what about an 8 minute track featuring only bagpipes and James yodelling on top? That would be epic!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 21, 2015, 05:03:03 PM
Quote from: CDrice on December 21, 2015, 04:57:03 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 21, 2015, 04:41:55 PM
Here's hoping the sound is as loud as possible just for my delight and to annoy you :)

Or what about an 8 minute track featuring only bagpipes and James yodelling on top? That would be epic!

My dream come true, haha! Then it would have to be the german sackpfeife, which sounds glorious too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTwAYJ52JdE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTwAYJ52JdE)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jakepriest on December 21, 2015, 05:03:17 PM
Quote from: Lowdz on December 21, 2015, 04:38:48 PM
I fucking hate the sound of bagpipes. Here's hoping those sections are short and buried under JP guitar.

This x1000
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on December 21, 2015, 05:09:19 PM
I fucking love bagpipes.  I'm psyched.  Screw all you haters!  :loser:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 21, 2015, 05:10:54 PM
Quote from: jsbru on December 21, 2015, 05:09:19 PM
I fucking love bagpipes.  I'm psyched.  Screw all you haters!  :loser:

 :tup :heart
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on December 21, 2015, 05:33:20 PM
When I hear bagpipes and guitar together, I have the involuntary reflex to start chanting "Let's go Murphys" [clap clap clap-clap-clap]...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on December 21, 2015, 05:41:30 PM
The path will soon divide ... Choose wisely

Bagpipes Lover   ||||| Bagpipes Hater

 :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on December 21, 2015, 06:19:00 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 21, 2015, 01:03:34 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 21, 2015, 01:01:16 PM
NOMAC's were created at the end of Misunderstood.
JP created them.

JP is The Killing Hand.

The Astonishing is The Killing Hand, Pt. 2 confirmed.

Copyright Page 13 of this thread.  RTK.  All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 21, 2015, 07:41:05 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 21, 2015, 04:08:47 PM
Then I really can't wait for the Bagpipes. I just wonder if it will be any other pipes other than the Great Highland ones. Arjen used Uilleann pipes on the latest Ayreon album, for example.

Looks like the guy they hired is a superstar, most of his credits seem to be Uilleann, not that I have any expertise though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 21, 2015, 07:58:12 PM
*Wants something different from DT*

*Gets bagpipe, something different from DT*

*Hates*

- DT Fan
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: KevShmev on December 21, 2015, 08:00:28 PM
I just hope the bagpipes are, ya know, real bagpipes and not JR using the bagpipe sounds on his synth. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 21, 2015, 08:05:41 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on December 21, 2015, 08:00:28 PM
I just hope the bagpipes are, ya know, real bagpipes and not JR using the bagpipe sounds on his synth. :lol :lol

I don't know why that would be the case. Jordan did mention a famous bagpipe player's name.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 21, 2015, 08:24:35 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 21, 2015, 05:10:54 PM
Quote from: jsbru on December 21, 2015, 05:09:19 PM
I fucking love bagpipes.  I'm psyched.  Screw all you haters!  :loser:

 :tup :heart
I hope they make something like this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjqdDMgpbDU) :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 21, 2015, 09:33:05 PM
Oh please don't be idiotic.
I'm a big fan of spanish group Mago de Oz and they've been using bagpipes all over their discography and they always sound awesome and have never been a nuisance neither have they been forced or whathever, and they do have metal moments with it.
So if you don't know shit about how bagpipes sound or have never heard them placed appropiately with metal/rock, don't say anything.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 21, 2015, 09:48:49 PM
Freedom of speech, bae - you can't stop me :P

And I was just kidding - although I love that song (dunno if Dream Theater are into Swans - maybe JR or JM), I don't think DT would dare to make something even close to that :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 21, 2015, 09:49:52 PM
Wasn't saying it because of you.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 21, 2015, 09:51:24 PM
Well you didn't specify who you were talking to so...  :corn

In any case, we're free to write nonsense as long as it doesn't break the forum's rules and/or derails the topic :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 21, 2015, 09:52:55 PM
It was your choice to take it for yourself.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 21, 2015, 09:55:04 PM
Well of course I did since it didn't felt like you were talking in plural :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 21, 2015, 09:59:40 PM
Because english is totally good for that.
It wasn't for a specific person, but it wasn't for you, it was more than clear that you were joking.
When I wrote that, I hadn't even read your post, I had just read Darklord's post. It was for possibleposterswhocouldpostagainstbagpipeswithBS.

So I cannot possibly imagine how's it that you took it for yourself other than baiting.
Talking about nonsense, this argue is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 21, 2015, 10:34:26 PM
Well it felt you were talking in singular right after I posted that little joke, so my brain connected both messages - typical fallacy  :P

And I wasn't baiting - I just like to counterargue things for the sake of it, not to start quarrels ;)

But yeah, whatever. On topic: bring the bagpipes!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 21, 2015, 10:37:01 PM
Mago De Oz does it amazingly well. *though I gotta add it sounds more like folk metal*
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 21, 2015, 11:08:10 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 21, 2015, 03:54:11 PM
I hope that's legit, because I really want to hear some different style influences, and guest musicians again.
I just hope they are noticeable influences or nods. I remember last album they were talking about the part in Surrender to Reason where there aren't keyboards, just a four piece and I think it was JP who said they were going for a smokey Jazz club feel and I never quite got that vibe from that section.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 21, 2015, 11:32:31 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 21, 2015, 03:15:55 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on December 21, 2015, 03:08:42 PM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on December 21, 2015, 02:54:49 PM
They tried to whahibrido pickingant :whahibridopickingant:

can someone please explain what the hell is this?

It's whahíbrido pickingant. What else is there to explain?

Or, start here: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=45270.0 (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=45270.0) (from the OP, but it gets funny towards the bottom of page 3).

We took that and ran with it here: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=45294.0 (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=45294.0)

If you're not  :rollin at some point reading those you're not human.

This forum is in a golden age  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 12:43:07 AM
If there's no whahíbrido pickingant in The Astonishing I will be severely disappointed. Hopefully during a duel between Nafaryus and Gabriel/Arys.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Mladen on December 22, 2015, 03:35:29 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 21, 2015, 03:54:11 PM
I hope that's legit, because I really want to hear some different style influences, and guest musicians again.

Quote from: noxon on December 21, 2015, 04:02:59 PM
I can confirm that it is legit.

Fantastic. This got me very excited.  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Edergilmour on December 22, 2015, 04:18:04 AM
Isn't it time to start to pop up the album reviews?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CoT67 on December 22, 2015, 04:25:12 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 21, 2015, 01:03:34 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 21, 2015, 01:01:16 PM
NOMAC's were created at the end of Misunderstood.
JP created them.

JP is The Killing Hand.

The Astonishing is The Killing Hand, Pt. 2 confirmed.

"There walks a God among us, who's seen the writing on the wall"

Gabriel has seen the writing on the wall.

Gabriel is the Killing Hand so he's also JP.

Return of beardless JP confirmed
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 22, 2015, 04:46:48 AM
Quote from: Edergilmour on December 22, 2015, 04:18:04 AM
Isn't it time to start to pop up the album reviews?

The record label do not want album reviews to be published yet. I don't think we'll see any until mid january (unless someone breaches the embargo).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 22, 2015, 04:46:55 AM
Quote from: Edergilmour on December 22, 2015, 04:18:04 AM
Isn't it time to start to pop up the album reviews?

If none have appeared then no, it's not. And considering what week it is, they probably won't start coming in until the new year now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Edergilmour on December 22, 2015, 04:57:15 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 22, 2015, 04:46:48 AM
Quote from: Edergilmour on December 22, 2015, 04:18:04 AM
Isn't it time to start to pop up the album reviews?

The record label do not want album reviews to be published yet. I don't think we'll see any until mid january (unless someone breaches the embargo).

Didn't know about that. Thanks for the info.
I thought that after the Rolling Stone article, the reviews would start appear.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jonny108 on December 22, 2015, 05:31:15 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 22, 2015, 04:46:48 AM
Quote from: Edergilmour on December 22, 2015, 04:18:04 AM
Isn't it time to start to pop up the album reviews?

The record label do not want album reviews to be published yet. I don't think we'll see any until mid january (unless someone breaches the embargo).

Has the full album been sent out to reviewers now mastering has finished?  As I understand only some tracks had been sent out. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 22, 2015, 05:44:19 AM
Tango and bagpipes?!? Color me excited! :metal

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 22, 2015, 05:45:16 AM
I can neither confirm nor deny any details regarding what has been sent to reviewers or not.

ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygoditsoogoood
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on December 22, 2015, 06:05:38 AM
 :lol

Naughty-naughty-noxon.

Seriously, there could be spankings.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 22, 2015, 06:13:20 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on December 22, 2015, 05:44:19 AM
Tango and bagpipes?!? Color me excited! :metal

B.Lee

... and classical.... very exited.

I choose the side of bag-pipe lovers...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 22, 2015, 06:16:27 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 22, 2015, 05:45:16 AM

ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygoditsoogoood
Don't be shy, tell us all about it!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on December 22, 2015, 06:42:48 AM
Can't wait for prog bagpipe goodness.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 22, 2015, 07:44:33 AM
All the little tidbits from the band and words chosen very carefully by Bosk and Noxon have me thinking this is going to be a really
cool, unique DT album...something that truly stands out in their discography!

Not too long now!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on December 22, 2015, 08:12:49 AM
Damn. It would be so good if they used some Bulgarian bagpipes (kaba-gaidi).

Some examples:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54i7qB2rlPE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m7pDfPXEe4

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on December 22, 2015, 08:29:27 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 21, 2015, 08:05:41 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on December 21, 2015, 08:00:28 PM
I just hope the bagpipes are, ya know, real bagpipes and not JR using the bagpipe sounds on his synth. :lol :lol

I don't know why that would be the case. Jordan did mention a famous bagpipe player's name.

They invited the dude to play bagpipe sounds on Jordan's synth
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DragonAttack on December 22, 2015, 08:40:14 AM
Killing Hand, Pt.2....love it!

Bagpipes....worked rather well for 'Mull of Kintyre', that it was the first 2 million seller in the UK.

Brian May tuned his Red Special for a bagpipe effect around the 2:30 mark for Queen's 'Gimme The Prize'.

'Sounds' interesting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dparrott on December 22, 2015, 08:49:58 AM
Quote from: KevShmev on December 21, 2015, 08:00:28 PM
I just hope the bagpipes are, ya know, real bagpipes and not JR using the bagpipe sounds on his synth. :lol :lol

The album's going to start with Jonathan Davis from Korn playing them.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 22, 2015, 09:09:40 AM
Quote from: dparrott on December 22, 2015, 08:49:58 AM
Quote from: KevShmev on December 21, 2015, 08:00:28 PM
I just hope the bagpipes are, ya know, real bagpipes and not JR using the bagpipe sounds on his synth. :lol :lol

The album's going to start with Jonathan Davis from Korn playing them.

Thank you for dredging up one of the worst concert memories of my life.  The dialog between me and my friend Shane went along the lines of (imagine in Beavis and Butthead voices if you like, and it is strangely fitting):
Me:  ???  Uh...
Shane:  What the...
Me:  Does that dude have bagpipes?
Shane:  Yeah. 
Me:  This sucks.
Shane:  Yeah, yeah.  This sucks.
Jonathan Davis:  Are!  You!  Ready?!
Me:  Arghghgh!  Mosh pit!
...but this still sucks.
Shane:  Yeah.  This sucks more than suck itself. 
Me:  Alex, I'll take "things that suck for 1,000 please."  The answer is, "this band."
Shane:  Yeah, yeah.  This sucks.  Bring on Megadeth already!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: JediKnight1969 on December 22, 2015, 09:42:51 AM
I love bagpipes and I'd love to hear some Theremin too.

Sadly, I think many fans (not me) are going to complain about the lack of metal on this record...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on December 22, 2015, 09:51:22 AM
Bagpipes and tango are all the way better than evil riffs and scary-(Portnoy)-vocals  :metal
a breath of fresh air is much appreciated
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 22, 2015, 09:56:48 AM
Quote from: JediKnight1969 on December 22, 2015, 09:42:51 AM
Sadly, I think many fans (not me) are going to complain about the lack of metal on this record...

I don't think so.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 22, 2015, 10:04:25 AM
Fans have always complained. Thats what you get when DT has four MAJOR styles that they try to balance. Some fans (like me) like all four styles and are happy regardless. Some don't like the pop style. Some don't like the melodic rock style. Some don't like the metal style. Some (strange people) don't like the progressive style.

I don't think i've seen a single album release that hasn't split the fanbase. Never. Not even SFAM.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: home on December 22, 2015, 10:05:26 AM
Quote from: JediKnight1969 on December 22, 2015, 09:42:51 AM

Sadly, I think many fans (not me) are going to complain about the lack of metal on this record...

What's more metal than bagpipes and tango?  :metal  :metal  :metal

I really love the fact that they are actually doing something they haven't done before :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 22, 2015, 10:12:36 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 22, 2015, 09:09:40 AM
Quote from: dparrott on December 22, 2015, 08:49:58 AM
Quote from: KevShmev on December 21, 2015, 08:00:28 PM
I just hope the bagpipes are, ya know, real bagpipes and not JR using the bagpipe sounds on his synth. :lol :lol

The album's going to start with Jonathan Davis from Korn playing them.

Thank you for dredging up one of the worst concert memories of my life.  The dialog between me and my friend Shane went along the lines of (imagine in Beavis and Butthead voices if you like, and it is strangely fitting):
Me:  ???  Uh...
Shane:  What the...
Me:  Does that dude have bagpipes?
Shane:  Yeah. 
Me:  This sucks.
Shane:  Yeah, yeah.  This sucks.
Jonathan Davis:  Are!  You!  Ready?!
Me:  Arghghgh!  Mosh pit!
...but this still sucks.
Shane:  Yeah.  This sucks more than suck itself. 
Me:  Alex, I'll take "things that suck for 1,000 please."  The answer is, "this band."
Shane:  Yeah, yeah.  This sucks.  Bring on Megadeth already!

 :lol

I remember rocking out to Shoots & Ladders or something and then Jonathan came in with the damn bagpipes. Still love the pre-dubstep KoRn though, but they're definitely not for everyone.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on December 22, 2015, 11:12:35 AM
Daryus has been revealed. I think a new piece of the map has been added too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 22, 2015, 11:14:27 AM
Wow! They really do save clock guy for last.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 22, 2015, 11:14:58 AM
STILL NO CLOCK GUY
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 22, 2015, 11:25:51 AM
Daryus looks like Nafaryus' brother. Names are similar as well. He has a very interesting smirk.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 22, 2015, 11:27:09 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 22, 2015, 11:25:51 AM
Daryus looks like Nafaryus' brother. Names are similar as well. He has a very interesting smirk.
LET ME INTRODUCE.....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 22, 2015, 11:28:37 AM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on December 22, 2015, 11:27:09 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 22, 2015, 11:25:51 AM
Daryus looks like Nafaryus' brother. Names are similar as well. He has a very interesting smirk.
LET ME INTRODUCE.....
MY BROTHER
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: fischermasamune on December 22, 2015, 11:31:23 AM
So the missing characters are Faythe and the clock guy?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on December 22, 2015, 11:32:14 AM
Quote from: YouMakeMeSick on December 22, 2015, 11:12:35 AM
Daryus has been revealed. I think a new piece of the map has been added too.

so if they keep going on this way, it'll probably take another two weeks before any videos are revealed..... damn......
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Evermind on December 22, 2015, 11:34:06 AM
So I guess we know one more potential rhyme for those Lord Nafaryus track lyrics. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 22, 2015, 11:36:27 AM
Several thoughts I've just had: 1. What if the "moment of betrayal" is Daryus joining the Rebels? I was thinking it might be a Rebel joining the GNE, but it could easily be the other way round.

2. What if Clock Guy is Marhys, father of Arhys and Gabriel? I know that will mean it will be 5 RRMs vs 3 GNEs, but it might be that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on December 22, 2015, 11:36:40 AM
I only just realized that all of the Empire characters so far are older people, while the Ravenskill characters are younger.

I'm a little slow....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 22, 2015, 11:39:29 AM
I can already imagine the number of times people are going to type 'Darius'.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 22, 2015, 11:45:29 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 22, 2015, 11:36:27 AM
2. What if Clock Guy is Marhys, father of Arhys and Gabriel? I know that will mean it will be 5 RRMs vs 3 GNEs, but it might be that.

By the look of the silhouette, with the size of the head compared to the body, it looks like Clock Guy is a child.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 22, 2015, 11:48:42 AM
A child or a woman, and possibly an elder woman. Looks like very short hair, small petite neck and narrow shoulders.

Still waiting for confirmation of teeth  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 22, 2015, 11:49:55 AM
Darius, the hand of noxus...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on December 22, 2015, 11:51:16 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on December 22, 2015, 11:45:29 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 22, 2015, 11:36:27 AM
2. What if Clock Guy is Marhys, father of Arhys and Gabriel? I know that will mean it will be 5 RRMs vs 3 GNEs, but it might be that.

By the look of the silhouette, with the size of the head compared to the body, it looks like Clock Guy is a child.

This, coupled with JR saying "it has a really cool ending" means that there's some crazy time travel going on
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 22, 2015, 12:00:08 PM
Daryus looks like Jaime Lannister.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 22, 2015, 12:00:40 PM
What if clock person is faythe?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 22, 2015, 12:01:27 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 22, 2015, 12:00:08 PM
Daryus looks like Jaime Lannister.

I had typed this in my earlier post, but decided to go with the Glock Guy comment instead!

So yeah, I agree.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on December 22, 2015, 12:07:50 PM
Where's hadi and his theories??
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 22, 2015, 12:09:55 PM
Quote from: JediKnight1969 on December 22, 2015, 09:42:51 AM
I love bagpipes and I'd love to hear some Theremin too.

Sadly, I think many fans (not me) are going to complain about the lack of metal on this record...

I love bagpipes as well, I'm into folk metal so I welcome any kind of "weird" and additional instrument.

Ironically, you made me remember something I thought after the first times I heard SFAM: "Ok, this album is unbelievably awesome, but damn, I still didn't get an album as heavy as Awake". With time I didn't care for this detail, and I won't mind either any lack of heaviness there will be in the new album. I'm sooooo loking forward to it with a wide open mind, as long as the songs will be great, I won't mind their style!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Evermind on December 22, 2015, 12:23:13 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on December 22, 2015, 12:01:27 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 22, 2015, 12:00:08 PM
Daryus looks like Jaime Lannister.

I had typed this in my earlier post, but decided to go with the Glock Guy comment instead!

So yeah, I agree.

Glock Guy, I like that. :lol Maybe that's how Faythe dies in that Losing Faythe song, the Glock Guy shoots her.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 22, 2015, 12:24:23 PM
:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 22, 2015, 12:26:50 PM
That dude is obviously gangstah  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Saxman on December 22, 2015, 12:28:30 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on December 22, 2015, 11:45:29 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 22, 2015, 11:36:27 AM
2. What if Clock Guy is Marhys, father of Arhys and Gabriel? I know that will mean it will be 5 RRMs vs 3 GNEs, but it might be that.

By the look of the silhouette, with the size of the head compared to the body, it looks like Clock Guy is a child.

Or an alien.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 22, 2015, 12:29:08 PM
I would be surprised if Clock (Girl) was Faythe, because the silhouette above definitely looks like a girl, so that one is more likely to be Faythe.

Quote from: Train of Naught on December 22, 2015, 11:39:29 AM
I can already imagine the number of times people are going to type 'Darius'.

People are already calling Nafaryus everything from Nefaryus to Nefarious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 22, 2015, 12:37:12 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 22, 2015, 11:28:37 AM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on December 22, 2015, 11:27:09 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 22, 2015, 11:25:51 AM
Daryus looks like Nafaryus' brother. Names are similar as well. He has a very interesting smirk.
LET ME INTRODUCE.....
MY BROTHER
Is this going to turn into an Edward and Julian fighting over Victoria type of situation?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: GandL on December 22, 2015, 12:42:12 PM
Speaking about bagpipes, there's a band I like a lot, NEMO, in that song they use bagpipes in a prog/metal context with a great result (starting at 18:21), you can also listen to the complete song which is really great, a nice 24 minutes epic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFgwLBCdL0E (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFgwLBCdL0E)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 22, 2015, 12:55:11 PM
THIS IS GONNA BE LEGEN...

WAIT FOR IT...

....

DARYUS
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 22, 2015, 01:04:38 PM
That other mystery character (not the clock guy) looks like from assassin's creed
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 22, 2015, 01:08:09 PM
Daryus Lannister confirmed
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: GandL on December 22, 2015, 01:13:43 PM
Daryus somehow looks like Charles Bronson  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 22, 2015, 01:16:12 PM
Quote from: Pax on December 22, 2015, 01:04:38 PM
That other mystery character (not the clock guy) looks like from assassin's creed

I think she's Faythe, I don't expect her to be "clock guy", looks like a male child.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 01:56:45 PM
Quote from: GandL on December 22, 2015, 12:42:12 PM
Speaking about bagpipes, there's a band I like a lot, NEMO, in that song they use bagpipes in a prog/metal context with a great result (starting at 18:21), you can also listen to the complete song which is really great, a nice 24 minutes epic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFgwLBCdL0E (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFgwLBCdL0E)

Damn, that was beautiful! Thank you for the suggestion!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Paddies on December 22, 2015, 02:09:48 PM
Had an interview with Jordan Rudess today for the Dutch Aardschok magazine. I won't give away any major spoilers, but a few bits of news. Firstly, I did ask Jordan if another song will be released prior to the official release. He didn't think so, but wasn't too sure about it. So don't keep your hopes up, but don't loose Faythe. ;-)

I also read a discussion on this forum about whether metal fans will love this album or not. I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I do think this album is less metal and more about soothing melodies, which I absolutely love (but I like almost all the elements DT brings to the table and love metal in general as well). Besides that, Jordan asked me afterwards: "Do you think the metal fans will love it as well?" So that should give you another hint towards the direction of the album.

Jordan also said it was a conscious decision to play as organic as possible with the whole band and use real instruments, in case of Jordan instruments such as a Steinway piano and a Hammond B3 organ (instead of solely keyboard sounds and/or digital simulations).

That's it for now. There is so much more going on with this record. It really is a diverse and fresh effort.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on December 22, 2015, 02:11:47 PM
^More good news!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 22, 2015, 02:12:56 PM
Quote from: emtee on December 22, 2015, 02:11:47 PM
^More good news!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on December 22, 2015, 02:15:58 PM
Steinway & Hammond? It sounds just too good. Great news.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 02:18:34 PM
Kinda bummed about the possibility of no new track before the release :/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 22, 2015, 02:20:37 PM
Perhaps the band are playing more "organically" so the distinction between real music and that created by the NOMACs will be even more obvious.

Also, not too bothered about the lack of a 2nd track. I mean, there's only 5 weeks until release.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 22, 2015, 02:21:07 PM
It's okay, I don't feel like having a new track would be such a good idea, the hype is high enough already.

I'd rather not know anything about ACT 2, better to save the mistery.

4000th reply!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 02:22:03 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 22, 2015, 02:21:07 PM
It's okay, I don't feel like having a new track would be such a good idea, the hype is high enough already.

I'd rather not know anything about ACT 2, better to save the mistery.

4000th reply!

Than surrender to the secret?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Paddies on December 22, 2015, 02:22:51 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 22, 2015, 02:20:37 PM
Perhaps the band are playing more "organically" so the distinction between real music and that created by the NOMACs will be even more obvious.


Bullseye.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Mladen on December 22, 2015, 02:35:29 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 22, 2015, 02:20:37 PM
Also, not too bothered about the lack of a 2nd track. I mean, there's only 5 weeks until release.
ONLY five weeks?  ;D

As for there being less metal... Well, that's a bit of a bummer but still, it's not like all of Dream Theater albums were balls to the wall. Out of the last four, three were very metal, so they might as well offer something softer this time around.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: GandL on December 22, 2015, 02:37:20 PM
These are all great news  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on December 22, 2015, 02:38:12 PM
Quote from: Mladen on December 22, 2015, 02:35:29 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 22, 2015, 02:20:37 PM
Also, not too bothered about the lack of a 2nd track. I mean, there's only 5 weeks until release.
ONLY five weeks?  ;D

As for there being less metal... Well, that's a bit of a bummer but still, it's not like all of Dream Theater albums were balls to the wall. Out of the last four, three were very metal, so they might as well offer something softer this time around.

I am curious to see how "metal" everyone here feels that GOM is? I thought it sounded pretty metal, is the rest of the album just 180 from that direction and sound?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on December 22, 2015, 02:46:10 PM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on December 22, 2015, 02:38:12 PM
Quote from: Mladen on December 22, 2015, 02:35:29 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 22, 2015, 02:20:37 PM
Also, not too bothered about the lack of a 2nd track. I mean, there's only 5 weeks until release.
ONLY five weeks?  ;D

As for there being less metal... Well, that's a bit of a bummer but still, it's not like all of Dream Theater albums were balls to the wall. Out of the last four, three were very metal, so they might as well offer something softer this time around.

I am curious to see how "metal" everyone here feels that GOM is? I thought it sounded pretty metal, is the rest of the album just 180 from that direction and sound?

It has about the same amount of "metal" as About to Crash Reprise, but more.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 03:02:33 PM
I love both "versions" of About to Crash, so if there's more of that on the album, I will be more than happy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 22, 2015, 03:10:17 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on December 22, 2015, 02:09:48 PM
Had an interview with Jordan Rudess today for the Dutch Aardschok magazine. I won't give away any major spoilers, but a few bits of news. Firstly, I did ask Jordan if another song will be released prior to the official release. He didn't think so, but wasn't too sure about it. So don't keep your hopes up, but don't loose Faythe. ;-)

I also read a discussion on this forum about whether metal fans will love this album or not. I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I do think this album is less metal and more about soothing melodies, which I absolutely love (but I like almost all the elements DT brings to the table and love metal in general as well). Besides that, Jordan asked me afterwards: "Do you think the metal fans will love it as well?" So that should give you another hint towards the direction of the album.

Jordan also said it was a conscious decision to play as organic as possible with the whole band and use real instruments, in case of Jordan instruments such as a Steinway piano and a Hammond B3 organ (instead of solely keyboard sounds and/or digital simulations).

That's it for now. There is so much more going on with this record. It really is a diverse and fresh effort.

Well, as I have mentioned before, I have only heard 9 tracks from the album.  And while I cannot really get into specifics yet, let me just shed a little light on where I think Jordan is coming from.  If anyone is afraid the album will not be metal, don't be.  It isn't like the band just went off on some tangent that is completely different than anything they have done.  The album is unique, but it isn't like they went and wrote a Yanni album or something.  Of the 7 more traditionally structured songs I heard, almost all had metal elements to them.  There are definitely some heavy riffs here and there and other heavy elements.  But I think where Jordan is likely coming from is that it isn't as overtly heavy, or as up front and in your face as, say, Train of Thought or Black Clouds.  But don't worry--they didn't suddenly forsake being a progressive metal band.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 22, 2015, 03:27:07 PM
I'm not the least bit worried about this not being heavy enough.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Paddies on December 22, 2015, 03:57:04 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 22, 2015, 03:10:17 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on December 22, 2015, 02:09:48 PM
Had an interview with Jordan Rudess today for the Dutch Aardschok magazine. I won't give away any major spoilers, but a few bits of news. Firstly, I did ask Jordan if another song will be released prior to the official release. He didn't think so, but wasn't too sure about it. So don't keep your hopes up, but don't loose Faythe. ;-)

I also read a discussion on this forum about whether metal fans will love this album or not. I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I do think this album is less metal and more about soothing melodies, which I absolutely love (but I like almost all the elements DT brings to the table and love metal in general as well). Besides that, Jordan asked me afterwards: "Do you think the metal fans will love it as well?" So that should give you another hint towards the direction of the album.

Jordan also said it was a conscious decision to play as organic as possible with the whole band and use real instruments, in case of Jordan instruments such as a Steinway piano and a Hammond B3 organ (instead of solely keyboard sounds and/or digital simulations).

That's it for now. There is so much more going on with this record. It really is a diverse and fresh effort.

Well, as I have mentioned before, I have only heard 9 tracks from the album.  And while I cannot really get into specifics yet, let me just shed a little light on where I think Jordan is coming from.  If anyone is afraid the album will not be metal, don't be.  It isn't like the band just went off on some tangent that is completely different than anything they have done.  The album is unique, but it isn't like they went and wrote a Yanni album or something.  Of the 7 more traditionally structured songs I heard, almost all had metal elements to them.  There are definitely some heavy riffs here and there and other heavy elements.  But I think where Jordan is likely coming from is that it isn't as overtly heavy, or as up front and in your face as, say, Train of Thought or Black Clouds.  But don't worry--they didn't suddenly forsake being a progressive metal band.

Of course there are elements of metal (although people shouldn't expect it to be in the vain of TOT/SC/BC&SL). And no, the band hasn't turned into a pop act or whatever. But the album's style/vibe is substantially different compared to the other records. Once people have heard the entire thing they'll know precisely what Jordan means. It has a bit of everything and more, and it's really cool. I'll say no more.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 22, 2015, 03:57:12 PM
Quote from: TAC on December 22, 2015, 03:27:07 PM
I'm not the least bit worried about this not being heavy enough.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on December 22, 2015, 03:58:57 PM
Nor am I.

However, I am incredibly encouraged that it is more than just metal!  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 04:05:57 PM
From DT's page:

"From the Emperor
The Crown Prince Daryus"

So I suppose Daryus is his son and not his brother? How does this work? Can a brother of a King or Emperor be a prince?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 22, 2015, 04:08:58 PM
The description of the albums sound it exactly what I love the most about DT.  *Squeals in excitement *
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 22, 2015, 04:09:38 PM
Of course any DT album will have some metal on it, just as any DT album has pop, prog and melodic rock. It's just a matter of how much of each "ingredient" is there. Falling Into Infinity and a big portion of Scenes From A Memory are much more rooted in the "melodic rock" and "pop" section than stuff like Systematic Chaos or Black Clouds which are very metal-focused albums.

The Astonishing, being a rock opera written specifically with that in mind, is more concerned with telling a story. And it's a story about relationships and conflict. The music is the emotion. So, there's a very wide array of songs, and very wide array of styles both between songs and within the songs. But the thing is, there's 34 songs. Whereas shorter albums have maybe one or two pop ballads, this will have many more. But it will also have many more rock songs and prog songs and metal songs. But of course, the people who are "just" into the metal part of DT will frown at the melodic songs on this one. Just like the fans of Awake frowned at Falling Into Infinity when it came out.

But this is the first time in 10 years I've really felt that DT has -changed-. SC, BCSL, ADTOE and S/T all were quite different albums, but they were also very much just evolutions of the stuff that came before. Not the paradigm shifts you had between awake and fii to sfam to sdoit to tot to 8v.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 22, 2015, 04:18:11 PM
"TA comes out"
*Fans hate it*
*DT faces the darkest moments in its history*
*Fans resell tickets to pop/rap fans*
*DT becomes mainstream*
*DT14 is extremely commercial*
*Build me Up becomes a regular disco dance song*
*DT fans feel betrayed by DT and thus, follow other stuff*
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 04:45:26 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 22, 2015, 04:18:11 PM
"TA comes out"
*Fans hate it*
*DT faces the darkest moments in its history*
*Fans resell tickets to pop/rap fans*
*DT becomes mainstream*
*DT14 is extremely commercial*
*Build me Up becomes a regular disco dance song*
*DT fans feel betrayed by DT and thus, follow other stuff*

 :rollin

I somehow have a feeling that fans hating TA is almost impossible. I was not that excited for DT12 and ADTOE!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: GandL on December 22, 2015, 04:56:01 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 22, 2015, 04:09:38 PM
Of course any DT album will have some metal on it, just as any DT album has pop, prog and melodic rock. It's just a matter of how much of each "ingredient" is there. Falling Into Infinity and a big portion of Scenes From A Memory are much more rooted in the "melodic rock" and "pop" section than stuff like Systematic Chaos or Black Clouds which are very metal-focused albums.

The Astonishing, being a rock opera written specifically with that in mind, is more concerned with telling a story. And it's a story about relationships and conflict. The music is the emotion. So, there's a very wide array of songs, and very wide array of styles both between songs and within the songs. But the thing is, there's 34 songs. Whereas shorter albums have maybe one or two pop ballads, this will have many more. But it will also have many more rock songs and prog songs and metal songs. But of course, the people who are "just" into the metal part of DT will frown at the melodic songs on this one. Just like the fans of Awake frowned at Falling Into Infinity when it came out.

But this is the first time in 10 years I've really felt that DT has -changed-. SC, BCSL, ADTOE and S/T all were quite different albums, but they were also very much just evolutions of the stuff that came before. Not the paradigm shifts you had between awake and fii to sfam to sdoit to tot to 8v.

Now I'm even more hypped, and I still can't believe that I got tickets for that happening for which my wife agreed and be pleased to join me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CoT67 on December 22, 2015, 04:59:38 PM
I feel like we've had to taste the metal side of DT a lot in the last 4 albums (not to mention SDOIT and TOT)... I think this time around it would be much better to have an album that focuses much more on melody and progressive influence than the previous ones, something with a fresh sound.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 22, 2015, 05:21:08 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 04:45:26 PM
:rollin

I somehow have a feeling that fans hating TA is almost impossible. I was not that excited for DT12 and ADTOE!

You know, we have a guy that hates Learning to Live, another whose favorite DT album is Systematic Chaos and A Nightmare to Remember is one of my favorite DT song... so anything's possible at this point  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on December 22, 2015, 05:58:13 PM
Quote from: GandL on December 22, 2015, 04:56:01 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 22, 2015, 04:09:38 PM
Of course any DT album will have some metal on it, just as any DT album has pop, prog and melodic rock. It's just a matter of how much of each "ingredient" is there. Falling Into Infinity and a big portion of Scenes From A Memory are much more rooted in the "melodic rock" and "pop" section than stuff like Systematic Chaos or Black Clouds which are very metal-focused albums.

The Astonishing, being a rock opera written specifically with that in mind, is more concerned with telling a story. And it's a story about relationships and conflict. The music is the emotion. So, there's a very wide array of songs, and very wide array of styles both between songs and within the songs. But the thing is, there's 34 songs. Whereas shorter albums have maybe one or two pop ballads, this will have many more. But it will also have many more rock songs and prog songs and metal songs. But of course, the people who are "just" into the metal part of DT will frown at the melodic songs on this one. Just like the fans of Awake frowned at Falling Into Infinity when it came out.

But this is the first time in 10 years I've really felt that DT has -changed-. SC, BCSL, ADTOE and S/T all were quite different albums, but they were also very much just evolutions of the stuff that came before. Not the paradigm shifts you had between awake and fii to sfam to sdoit to tot to 8v.

Now I'm even more hypped, and I still can't believe that I got tickets for that happening for which my wife agreed and be pleased to join me.

Gandl, I too may have my wife join me at the Cincy concert.  Just curious, how much does your wife like DT?  My wife likes some of the songs on the last two cds.  Hopefully she will like the concert.  However, she has been told that she is plan B.  Plan A is one of my guy friends that really likes DT.  If she goes I will have to take her to Ikea north of Cincinnati. :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 22, 2015, 06:27:19 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 04:05:57 PM
From DT's page:

"From the Emperor
The Crown Prince Daryus"

So I suppose Daryus is his son and not his brother? How does this work? Can a brother of a King or Emperor be a prince?

Empress Arabelle seems a little young to be Daryus' mother.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 06:45:17 PM
Quote from: TAC on December 22, 2015, 06:27:19 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 04:05:57 PM
From DT's page:

"From the Emperor
The Crown Prince Daryus"

So I suppose Daryus is his son and not his brother? How does this work? Can a brother of a King or Emperor be a prince?

Empress Arabelle seems a little young to be Daryus' mother.

She doesn't have to necessarily be his mother though. Daryus could be a bastard or he had another Empress who died? Idk, I think I'm exaggerating now and they may as well be brothers, haha.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 06:47:54 PM
My brother Daryus is all the strength we neeeeeeed
Crushing the rebellion like woooooorms!
General of our Empire, A man who inspires!
Death is the gift he brings, the rebels crap their pants when he siiiiiings!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 22, 2015, 07:07:41 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 06:47:54 PM
My brother Daryus is all the strength we neeeeeeed
Crushing the rebellion like woooooorms!
General of our Empire, A man who inspires!
Death is the gift he brings, the rebels crap their pants when he siiiiiings!

At first, I was like, :|  Then I was still like, :|  But then I thought about it for awhile to let it really sink in, and I was like, :|
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 07:09:10 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 22, 2015, 07:07:41 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 06:47:54 PM
My brother Daryus is all the strength we neeeeeeed
Crushing the rebellion like woooooorms!
General of our Empire, A man who inspires!
Death is the gift he brings, the rebels crap their pants when he siiiiiings!

At first, I was like, :|  Then I was still like, :|  But then I thought about it for awhile to let it really sink in, and I was like, :|

Was it too Evil or too ridiculous? Or both of them at once? Because I like both evil and ridiculous, hahaha.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 22, 2015, 07:12:20 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 22, 2015, 07:07:41 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 06:47:54 PM
My brother Daryus is all the strength we neeeeeeed
Crushing the rebellion like woooooorms!
General of our Empire, A man who inspires!
Death is the gift he brings, the rebels crap their pants when he siiiiiings!

At first, I was like, :|  Then I was still like, :|  But then I thought about it for awhile to let it really sink in, and I was like, :|

Now that is some high quality moderating!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: GandL on December 22, 2015, 08:18:48 PM
Quote from: mike099 on December 22, 2015, 05:58:13 PM
Quote from: GandL on December 22, 2015, 04:56:01 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 22, 2015, 04:09:38 PM
Of course any DT album will have some metal on it, just as any DT album has pop, prog and melodic rock. It's just a matter of how much of each "ingredient" is there. Falling Into Infinity and a big portion of Scenes From A Memory are much more rooted in the "melodic rock" and "pop" section than stuff like Systematic Chaos or Black Clouds which are very metal-focused albums.

The Astonishing, being a rock opera written specifically with that in mind, is more concerned with telling a story. And it's a story about relationships and conflict. The music is the emotion. So, there's a very wide array of songs, and very wide array of styles both between songs and within the songs. But the thing is, there's 34 songs. Whereas shorter albums have maybe one or two pop ballads, this will have many more. But it will also have many more rock songs and prog songs and metal songs. But of course, the people who are "just" into the metal part of DT will frown at the melodic songs on this one. Just like the fans of Awake frowned at Falling Into Infinity when it came out.

But this is the first time in 10 years I've really felt that DT has -changed-. SC, BCSL, ADTOE and S/T all were quite different albums, but they were also very much just evolutions of the stuff that came before. Not the paradigm shifts you had between awake and fii to sfam to sdoit to tot to 8v.

Now I'm even more hypped, and I still can't believe that I got tickets for that happening for which my wife agreed and be pleased to join me.

Gandl, I too may have my wife join me at the Cincy concert.  Just curious, how much does your wife like DT?  My wife likes some of the songs on the last two cds.  Hopefully she will like the concert.  However, she has been told that she is plan B.  Plan A is one of my guy friends that really likes DT.  If she goes I will have to take her to Ikea north of Cincinnati. :omg:

Not her favorite band but she likes them since Image and Words when we discovered them on the local radio with Pull me Under and Learning to Live. She doesn't like them when they play too long without singing lol ! We saw them togheter in 1993 at The Club Soda in Montreal and then in 2007 for Chaos in Motion, when they played also Octavarium, and finally in 2010 in first part of Iron Maiden when suddenly they lost power to the consoles and had to reboot everything, meanwhile Portnoy did play a drum solo to entertain everyone while there was no sound, glorious...

Now she may not be able to make it, she might work, so if she's not coming it will be our youngest daughter that will come with me. She is 19 and a great fan and like them a lot more than my wife. She's praying that my wife will be working ah! ah! ....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jayvee3 on December 22, 2015, 10:20:46 PM
A higher res map would be nice... looking at it this morning, I thought it said 'Sandy Crack' there for a second..... Alas, it was 'Sandy Creek'...  :laugh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 10:33:45 PM
Quote from: jayvee3 on December 22, 2015, 10:20:46 PM
A higher res map would be nice... looking at it this morning, I thought it said 'Sandy Crack' there for a second..... Alas, it was 'Sandy Creek'...  :laugh:

 :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 23, 2015, 05:43:50 AM
Quote from: TAC on December 22, 2015, 07:12:20 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 22, 2015, 07:07:41 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 06:47:54 PM
My brother Daryus is all the strength we neeeeeeed
Crushing the rebellion like woooooorms!
General of our Empire, A man who inspires!
Death is the gift he brings, the rebels crap their pants when he siiiiiings!

At first, I was like, :|  Then I was still like, :|  But then I thought about it for awhile to let it really sink in, and I was like, :|

Now that is some high quality moderating!

The Steven Seagal of moderators.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 23, 2015, 06:51:49 AM
Quote from: emtee on December 22, 2015, 11:48:42 AM
A child or a woman, and possibly an elder woman. Looks like very short hair, small petite neck and narrow shoulders.

Still waiting for confirmation of teeth  :P

Clock Guy's neck is really strange and out of proportion, I think it's a braid around the left shoulder and Clock Guy is after all CLOCK GIRL, a.k.a. Faythe... Or it's Megamind.   :biggrin:

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 23, 2015, 07:13:03 AM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on December 23, 2015, 06:51:49 AM
Quote from: emtee on December 22, 2015, 11:48:42 AM
A child or a woman, and possibly an elder woman. Looks like very short hair, small petite neck and narrow shoulders.

Still waiting for confirmation of teeth  :P

Clock Guy's neck is really strange and out of proportion, I think it's a braid around the left shoulder and Clock Guy is after all CLOCK GIRL, a.k.a. Faythe... Or it's Megamind.   :biggrin:

If I remember it well, Faythe is Arhys's wife and I can't imagine this creature of  strange proportions to be his wife. But we never know...

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on December 23, 2015, 07:15:42 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 22, 2015, 11:36:27 AM
2. What if Clock Guy is Marhys, father of Arhys and Gabriel? I know that will mean it will be 5 RRMs vs 3 GNEs, but it might be that.

M'arhys  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on December 23, 2015, 07:16:20 AM
obviously clock guy is a female, i can't believe people keep insisting the opposite.

check this picture:

(https://img.cdn-2.warnerartists.net/media/catalog/product/cache/2513/image/600x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/t/h/theastonishing-deluxecd-1100x1100-whitebg_1.png)

my guess: she is faythe (ravenskill)

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on December 23, 2015, 07:21:16 AM
Quote from: lightbug on December 23, 2015, 07:16:20 AM
obviously clock guy is a female, i can't believe people keep insisting the opposite.

check this picture

I can't see clock guy / girl though. Or am I missing something? I see a little of the left side of the body and an arm, but that doesn't scream "female!" to me.

Edit: At a closer look, that could be a boob.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on December 23, 2015, 07:31:43 AM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on December 23, 2015, 07:21:16 AM
Quote from: lightbug on December 23, 2015, 07:16:20 AM
obviously clock guy is a female, i can't believe people keep insisting the opposite.

check this picture

I can't see clock guy / girl though. Or am I missing something? I see a little of the left side of the body and an arm, but that doesn't scream "female!" to me.

Edit: At a closer look, that could be a boob.


the arm is (to me) clearly from a woman, the cloth, the pose... if not, that "man" is probably the barber or stylist of gabriel  :D

maybe this theme deserves a separated thread or a poll  :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 23, 2015, 07:37:05 AM
Could be a kid.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on December 23, 2015, 07:48:37 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 23, 2015, 07:37:05 AM
Could be a kid.

yes, I considered that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 23, 2015, 08:12:21 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 23, 2015, 05:43:50 AM
Quote from: TAC on December 22, 2015, 07:12:20 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 22, 2015, 07:07:41 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 06:47:54 PM
My brother Daryus is all the strength we neeeeeeed
Crushing the rebellion like woooooorms!
General of our Empire, A man who inspires!
Death is the gift he brings, the rebels crap their pants when he siiiiiings!

At first, I was like, :|  Then I was still like, :|  But then I thought about it for awhile to let it really sink in, and I was like, :|

Now that is some high quality moderating!

The Steven Seagal of moderators.
So what am I?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 23, 2015, 08:38:31 AM
Chuck Norris.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 23, 2015, 08:40:54 AM
George The Animal Steele.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 23, 2015, 08:43:19 AM
I feel like Schrodinger's Mod.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 23, 2015, 08:49:02 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 22, 2015, 02:18:34 PM
Kinda bummed about the possibility of no new track before the release :/
We're at just under five weeks to release, so it's not like it'll be 2-3 months like other DT releases. Plus we apparently have two videos to be released at some point, so who knows what'll happen.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 23, 2015, 09:52:40 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 23, 2015, 07:37:05 AM
Could be a kid.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJohn on December 23, 2015, 10:17:04 AM
Yes, but 3 years ago we were still 3 years away from the release date.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 23, 2015, 06:53:28 PM
Are we still discussing which one of the pictures is Faythe? Because I thought this other picture from the store made it pretty clear that Faythe's clothes are different from the clock person.

(https://img.cdn-2.warnerartists.net/media/catalog/product/cache/2493/image/800x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/t/h/theastonishing-deluxelp-1100x1100-whitebg.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 23, 2015, 07:51:15 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 23, 2015, 08:43:19 AM
I feel like Schrodinger's Mod.

Except you're trapped in a NOMAC, not a box.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 24, 2015, 07:32:30 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 23, 2015, 07:51:15 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 23, 2015, 08:43:19 AM
I feel like Schrodinger's Mod.

Except you're trapped in a NOMAC, not a box.
Trapped in an OCTA-VARI-UM.... pt 2

FTFY  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jamesman42 on December 24, 2015, 09:36:54 AM
Any modern DT album with less metal is a good thing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 24, 2015, 12:32:24 PM
Quote from: Jamesman42 on December 24, 2015, 09:36:54 AM
Any modern DT album with less metal is a good thing.
Less metal and less compression, please!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 24, 2015, 12:58:47 PM
I don't think that less metal is necessarily the best thing. I think the best thing is the variety we've been reading about.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 24, 2015, 02:28:50 PM
I think it'll be fantastic if the music on TA is less in your face, quieter if you will. If we can get a comfortable mix of heavy and mellow tracks--say, somewhere between 8VM and DT12, leaning more towards 8VM--then I think we've found the perfect DT album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 24, 2015, 02:32:25 PM
Well, depends on what kind of metal we're talking about. I love heavy stuff and I love DT's heavy stuff, but especially the early heavy stuff, like Awake... that's the kind of heavy DT I'm crazy about. In later albums the metal has been present, not always, in a more extreme, "riff riff chugga chugga wha wha wha dldldldldfastsolofastsolodldldldl hey James sings like you're Hetfield" kind of way I'm not really fond of.  But like has been said before, I'm most excited about the variety of the new album!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on December 24, 2015, 03:37:06 PM
Quote from: wolven74 on December 24, 2015, 02:28:50 PM
I think it'll be fantastic if the music on TA is less in your face, quieter if you will. If we can get a comfortable mix of heavy and mellow tracks--say, somewhere between 8VM and DT12, leaning more towards 8VM--then I think we've found the perfect DT album.

Like SFAM?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 24, 2015, 05:00:41 PM
Well, then boy are you in for a treat!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 24, 2015, 05:01:20 PM
Noxon being prior-to-album-release Noxon.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 24, 2015, 05:25:43 PM
Well, let me state it through the words of my partner (common law wife), who has had to endure my fandom of DT since before we even met 16 years go. And lately, a certain something has been spinning when we drive somewhere.

"I like this, it reminds me of Scenes From A Memory, because it's not so noisy and busy all the time"

My daughter suddenly asked me for the name of one of the tracks cause she wanted to find it on the Apple Music app (she's normally into whatever 9 year old girls are into).


Conclusion: 2 out of 2 female listeners like it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: me7 on December 24, 2015, 05:37:33 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 24, 2015, 05:25:43 PM
Conclusion: 2 out of 2 female listeners like it.

...so, DT abandoned prog altogether :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 24, 2015, 05:43:17 PM
Quote from: me7 on December 24, 2015, 05:37:33 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 24, 2015, 05:25:43 PM
Conclusion: 2 out of 2 female listeners like it.

...so, DT abandoned prog altogether :omg:

DT are a pop boyband now?  :'(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 24, 2015, 07:05:44 PM
DT went full k-pop.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Implode on December 24, 2015, 07:21:45 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 24, 2015, 07:05:44 PM
DT went full k-pop.

Man, this next tour is going to be great!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 24, 2015, 07:43:17 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 24, 2015, 07:05:44 PM
DT went full k-pop.

I guess DT need to break up with their wives, so that they have something to sing about?  :mehlin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 24, 2015, 07:43:42 PM
Noooo, K-pop and J-pop give me diseaseeees.

But yeah, I'm getting more and more excited for this album. Btw, merry solstice, everyone! I wish DT would give us something, hehe.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 24, 2015, 09:10:36 PM
Mary Poopmas everybody, only about a month till The Astounding. It's ALMOST here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 24, 2015, 09:36:19 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 24, 2015, 09:10:36 PM
Marry Poopmas everybody, only about a month till The Astounding. It's ALMOST here.

The Astounding, feat: Mario Gertrucci and James LaCAMEMBEEEERT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 25, 2015, 01:33:01 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 24, 2015, 09:36:19 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 24, 2015, 09:10:36 PM
Marry Poopmas everybody, only about a month till The Astounding. It's ALMOST here.

The Astounding, feat: Mario Gertrucci and James LaCAMEMBEEEERT.

Don't forget Jordan Gru-Dess, Mike Frangipani and John fryingpanyung.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 25, 2015, 04:11:54 AM
Noxon, is there anything you can say about the track lengths? Are there any longer songs on the album, or are most around 4 minutes?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 25, 2015, 04:35:41 AM
Yeah, since you've revealed the track lengths in the past, when would you, if at all, could you do it this time around? Aside from the music itself, I'd say track lengths is what I'm most interested in at this point.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 25, 2015, 04:38:42 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 24, 2015, 05:25:43 PM
Well, let me state it through the words of my partner (common law wife), who has had to endure my fandom of DT since before we even met 16 years go. And lately, a certain something has been spinning when we drive somewhere.

"I like this, it reminds me of Scenes From A Memory, because it's not so noisy and busy all the time"

My daughter suddenly asked me for the name of one of the tracks cause she wanted to find it on the Apple Music app (she's normally into whatever 9 year old girls are into).


Conclusion: 2 out of 2 female listeners like it.

So, the album is so mindblowingly good that even people who are not fan of the band or the genre dig it, kinda like everyone and their mother can appreciate Wish you Were Here and Stairway to Heaven? WHOAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: me7 on December 25, 2015, 04:46:08 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on December 25, 2015, 04:35:41 AM
Yeah, since you've revealed the track lengths in the past, when would you, if at all, could you do it this time around? Aside from the music itself, I'd say track lengths is what I'm most interested in at this point.

Probably when the review embargo is lifted.

BTW: Are reviewers generally allowed to disclose the embargo date?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 25, 2015, 04:49:38 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 25, 2015, 04:38:42 AM

kinda like everyone and their mother can appreciate Stairway to Heaven?
eh.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 25, 2015, 04:50:05 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 25, 2015, 04:49:38 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 25, 2015, 04:38:42 AM

kinda like everyone and their mother can appreciate Stairway to Heaven?
eh.

double eh
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 25, 2015, 04:58:38 AM
Is it an eh to counter my eh or are you agreeing with my eh?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 25, 2015, 04:59:17 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 25, 2015, 04:58:38 AM
Is it an eh to counter my eh or are you agreeing with my eh?

I'm agreeing with it...doubly.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 25, 2015, 06:20:43 AM
Stairway to... eh.

Merry Christmas/Xmas everyone :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 25, 2015, 07:29:38 AM
With regards to tracklengths and so forth; I'm not going to reveal them yet. But I'll give you a hint as to what to expect.

The median track length is not far from the average track length.

Think The Wall.

Think Tommy.

Think Jesus Christ Superstar.

Think Disney Musicals.

Only as played by Dream Theater.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Evermind on December 25, 2015, 08:26:55 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 25, 2015, 07:29:38 AM
With regards to tracklengths and so forth; I'm not going to reveal them yet. But I'll give you a hint as to what to expect.

The median track length is not far from the average track length.

Think The Wall.

Think Tommy.

Think Jesus Christ Superstar.

Think Disney Musicals.

Only as played by Dream Theater.

So loads of 10+ minutes long tracks then?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 25, 2015, 08:41:44 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 24, 2015, 05:25:43 PM
My daughter suddenly asked me for the name of one of the tracks cause she wanted to find it on the Apple Music app (she's normally into whatever 9 year old girls are into).
Jokes on her.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 25, 2015, 08:57:26 AM
Quote from: Evermind on December 25, 2015, 08:26:55 AM


So loads of 10+ minutes long tracks then?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEbl-umsFOM
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on December 25, 2015, 09:19:19 AM
Quote from: Evermind on December 25, 2015, 08:26:55 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 25, 2015, 07:29:38 AM
With regards to tracklengths and so forth; I'm not going to reveal them yet. But I'll give you a hint as to what to expect.

The median track length is not far from the average track length.

Think The Wall.

Think Tommy.

Think Jesus Christ Superstar.

Think Disney Musicals.

Only as played by Dream Theater.

So loads of 10+ minutes long tracks then?


Think The Wall.

Think Tommy.

Think Jesus Christ Superstar.

Think Disney Musicals.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 25, 2015, 10:18:35 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 25, 2015, 04:50:05 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 25, 2015, 04:49:38 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 25, 2015, 04:38:42 AM

kinda like everyone and their mother can appreciate Stairway to Heaven?
eh.

double eh
Triple eh.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Evermind on December 25, 2015, 10:42:22 AM
Quote from: Sacul on December 25, 2015, 10:18:35 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 25, 2015, 04:50:05 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 25, 2015, 04:49:38 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 25, 2015, 04:38:42 AM

kinda like everyone and their mother can appreciate Stairway to Heaven?
eh.

double eh
Triple eh.

I'm just glad everyone's picking at Stairway to Heaven and not Wish You Were Here. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 25, 2015, 10:42:42 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 25, 2015, 07:29:38 AM
With regards to tracklengths and so forth; I'm not going to reveal them yet. But I'll give you a hint as to what to expect.

The median track length is not far from the average track length.

Think The Wall.

Think Tommy.

Think Jesus Christ Superstar.

Think Disney Musicals.

Only as played by Dream Theater.

Can you say if even a single song is above 10 minutes?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 25, 2015, 11:12:47 AM
No.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 25, 2015, 11:21:25 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 25, 2015, 11:12:47 AM
No.

Oh well, it was worth the try  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 25, 2015, 12:47:45 PM
I checked the track lengths for both the wall and tommy since I don't listen to those bands. The longest track in one was around the 6 minute mark and the other at the 9 or 10 minute mark. I have to say, if The Astonishing matches this, I won't mind at all. Would love to get something different this time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on December 25, 2015, 12:50:12 PM
I think the title track will be the only one over 10 minutes, if there is one at all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 25, 2015, 12:58:10 PM
Given that this is the first time we've been in full pre-release promo mode over the festive period, I can't believe there was no "Six o'clock on a Christmas morning" Easter egg.  Talk about missing a trick...  ???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 25, 2015, 12:58:55 PM
I sorta have a feeling it'll be a different song over 10 minutes, not the title track. Just a guess though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 25, 2015, 01:00:31 PM
Quote from: fadetoblackdude7 on December 25, 2015, 12:50:12 PM
I think the title track will be the only one over 10 minutes, if there is one at all.

Same here, of course it's just gut instict, but I feel that way too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 25, 2015, 01:03:45 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 25, 2015, 11:12:47 AM
No.

Why is that?  Embargo, or just enjoying the feeling of "power"? ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 25, 2015, 01:31:30 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on December 25, 2015, 01:03:45 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 25, 2015, 11:12:47 AM
No.

Why is that?  Embargo, or just enjoying the feeling of "power"? ;)

I think Noxon or Bosk mentioned that the band is more careful with information this time around, considering that this album is something really special.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 25, 2015, 03:45:02 PM
Well, was my "no" an answer to the first question or the second question? :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 25, 2015, 03:56:56 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 25, 2015, 03:45:02 PM
Well, was my "no" an answer to the first question or the second question? :P

Ah, man...  Now you're just messing with us!  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 25, 2015, 04:12:21 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on December 24, 2015, 05:01:20 PM
Noxon being prior-to-album-release Noxon.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 25, 2015, 04:25:04 PM
You could tell a fellow Norwegian though, right? Right? I won't tell anyone  :angel:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 26, 2015, 10:24:18 AM
Median being close to the average means there will probably be not many songs that fluctuate around the average. If you expected many short songs (about 1 min), and others being longer (like 8 minutes), you're probably wrong. However, this doesn't mean there won't be at least one long song (like 15 min). There just won't be many of them
I wish there was a distribution graph :/
Noxon, can you tell us the standard deviation at least? :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 26, 2015, 10:33:06 AM
Give us all the variables, and let us solve for x!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 26, 2015, 10:42:03 AM
After lengths, the next thing I'm most interested in is which songs will be instrumentals? Considering that large parts of DT albums are instrumental, it will be interesting to see how that approach works, particularly on Disc 1, with its 20 presumably-shorter-by-DT-standards tracks. I suspect there will be back-to-back instrumental tracks in places, especially the first two tracks and also Digital Discord/The X Aspect. (I know TXA has not been confirmed as an instrumental, but to me it just screams instrumental. Title's too abstract to put words to, imo.)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 26, 2015, 11:47:38 AM
My wild guess for instrumental songs:

Descent of the NOMACS
Dystopian Overture
*maybe* Lord Nafayrus, it could be his "theme"
The Hovering Sojourn
Brother can you hear me
either one out of Ravenskill (again, a "theme" maybe?) or Chosen
Digital Discord
The X Aspect
2285 Entr'acte
maybe Moment of Betrayal
Machine Chatter
Losing Faythe as an outro to My Last Farewell
Power Down
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 26, 2015, 11:54:00 AM
Quote from: Evermind on December 25, 2015, 10:42:22 AM
Quote from: Sacul on December 25, 2015, 10:18:35 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 25, 2015, 04:50:05 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 25, 2015, 04:49:38 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on December 25, 2015, 04:38:42 AM

kinda like everyone and their mother can appreciate Stairway to Heaven?
eh.

double eh
Triple eh.

I'm just glad everyone's picking at Stairway to Heaven and not Wish You Were Here. :biggrin:

I wouldn't consider Wish You Were Here Pink Floyd's Stairway. But if you want we can use, maybe, Shine On Crazy Diamond, and then Stairway can reduce itself to the realm of Bieber or One Direction.   ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Crow on December 26, 2015, 12:02:25 PM
if the album is around 130 minutes long and there are 34 tracks, the average track length will be about 3:49

confirmed: album is 34 tracks of exactly this length
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 26, 2015, 12:41:44 PM
When you assume...

When I say "this is not like any DT album you've ever heard before", I mean it.

The only instrumental songs (as such) is the two overtures. The "NOMAC" tracks could also be considered instrumental songs, but they're basically just rhythmical "noise". There are instrumental sections - but it's much more vocal driven than ever before. When I say "look at The Wall and Tommy and Jesus Christ Superstar", I'm saying that for several reasons. Look at track lengths. Look at how the story is unfolding on the albums. Look at the type of music. This is a rock opera, with music by Dream Theater. Not a Dream Theater Rock Opera - if you can understand the distinction.

The stdev is 1:42.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolven74 on December 26, 2015, 12:56:27 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 25, 2015, 10:42:42 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 25, 2015, 07:29:38 AM
With regards to tracklengths and so forth; I'm not going to reveal them yet. But I'll give you a hint as to what to expect.

The median track length is not far from the average track length.

Think The Wall.

Think Tommy.

Think Jesus Christ Superstar.

Think Disney Musicals.

Only as played by Dream Theater.

Can you say if even a single song is above 10 minutes?

I'm guessing most of the tracks are going to be around the 5-7 minute range. Might not be a ten minute track on this album. Depends on what the story calls for.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 26, 2015, 12:59:34 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 12:41:44 PM
There are instrumental sections - but it's much more vocal driven than ever before.

BEST ALBUM EVER INCOMING!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 26, 2015, 01:06:41 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/rSSzE7K.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 26, 2015, 01:09:25 PM
Woah, trippy man.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 26, 2015, 01:33:13 PM
There are 33 pieces to that pie. Maybe DT have done what Marillion did for Clutching at Straws and Astonishing is not a real track at all. :neverusethis:

5 red segments, including some really short ones, make me think they are the NOMAC tracks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on December 26, 2015, 01:36:15 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 01:06:41 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/rSSzE7K.png)

Wow this is epic! Pie chart for track lengths!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 26, 2015, 01:37:54 PM
Colors and order bears no significance. The pie chart may not even be real.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on December 26, 2015, 01:39:54 PM
So .. A New Beginning is the longest track?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 26, 2015, 01:40:05 PM
Now you're really messing with our heads.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 26, 2015, 01:41:23 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 01:06:41 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/rSSzE7K.png)

The first disc seems significantly longer than second, which is interesting.

btw, for those who want to be up to date on all of the info, read my What We Know So Far thread.


Quote from: RoeDent on December 26, 2015, 01:33:13 PM
There are 33 pieces to that pie.

??? I counted 34.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on December 26, 2015, 01:41:49 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 01:37:54 PM
Colors and order bears no significance. The pie chart may not even be real.

...well..I think it is!!  ;) ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: porcacultor on December 26, 2015, 01:50:49 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 12:41:44 PM
The "NOMAC" tracks could also be considered instrumental songs, but they're basically just rhythmical "noise".


That was my best guess. Really curious for that stuff!

EDIT:

Just imagine if inside each NOMAC... there's an innocent Bebot being tortured and producing awful noises.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 26, 2015, 01:51:04 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on December 26, 2015, 01:41:23 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 26, 2015, 01:33:13 PM
There are 33 pieces to that pie.

??? I counted 34.

I'm beginning to see that what looks like a single segment at 3 o'clock might actually be 2, with a very faint line there. Which would make 34.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 26, 2015, 01:55:13 PM
Honest question (not making fun of you), but are you color blind per chance?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 26, 2015, 02:02:51 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 01:55:13 PM
Honest question (not making fun of you), but are you color blind per chance?

I think I might be, at least a little bit. I can see where all the colours begin and end for each segment, apart from the two at 3 o'clock.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 26, 2015, 02:05:29 PM
Yeah, cause for me that's a very strong orange vs red.

check this https://cataract-surgery.info/colour_blindness_test.html
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 26, 2015, 02:08:50 PM
Hang on...I can clearly see the red one below the orange one. I'm talking about the orange and the slightly lighter colour above it.

(inb4 noxon's pie chart discussion thread...  :P)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 26, 2015, 02:13:25 PM
Well, in that case you just can't count ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on December 26, 2015, 02:24:23 PM
In a couple of minutes I will post the lengths for all the tracks. :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 26, 2015, 02:25:36 PM
*F5* *F5* *F5*....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 26, 2015, 02:30:12 PM
Quote from: Panar on December 26, 2015, 02:24:23 PM
In a couple of minutes I will post the lengths for all the tracks. :metal

Wat. Should I hold my breath? Is this serious? Lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 26, 2015, 02:30:35 PM
I wouldn't do that if I were you. There's a reason why I'm not precise in my communication. If it's not officially released, you can't release the information here as it could be considered a leak.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 26, 2015, 02:34:09 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 02:30:35 PM
I wouldn't do that if I were you. There's a reason why I'm not precise in my communication. If it's not officially released, you can't release the information here as it could be considered a leak.

Makes sense. I would expect a review to do it, like it was the case previously. You also mentioned the band never releases track lengths themselves.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 26, 2015, 02:35:46 PM
When do you think we can expect reviews to start coming up?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 26, 2015, 02:36:26 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 02:30:35 PM
I wouldn't do that if I were you. There's a reason why I'm not precise in my communication. If it's not officially released, you can't release the information here as it could be considered a leak.

That's fair enough. I worked out the lengths using a ruler, calculator and the image but I'll keep it to myself for if it would be looked down upon to post it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on December 26, 2015, 02:39:30 PM
Fair enough.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 26, 2015, 02:39:37 PM
Quote from: RaasMah on December 26, 2015, 02:35:46 PM
When do you think we can expect reviews to start coming up?

I would guess after 2016 arrives, lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 26, 2015, 02:48:27 PM
Realistically, we'll see the first few reviews coming up in a couple of weeks time. Maybe sooner than that.

Me; I haven't even written a single word yet. Do not have a clue on how to approach this. I don't have the time to do a 8000 word track for track review like I did in 2013 due to a different project I'm working on.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on December 26, 2015, 02:54:24 PM
Looks like we won't get any track over 10 minutes.  I really like the epics but I certainly understand in this case.  Time to make pie charts of other DT albums. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chwik on December 26, 2015, 03:14:29 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 02:48:27 PM
Realistically, we'll see the first few reviews coming up in a couple of weeks time. Maybe sooner than that.

Me; I haven't even written a single word yet. Do not have a clue on how to approach this. I don't have the time to do a 8000 word track for track review like I did in 2013 due to a different project I'm working on.

Send me the music and I will write it for you;-)  I do have time + plus I love writing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 26, 2015, 03:20:29 PM
As the track lengths are out there in pie chart form, how could it possibly be considered a leak to present the same data in a different format?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 26, 2015, 03:24:48 PM
If you find out which of these is The Gift of Music, one can fairly easily calculate the remaining track lengths, as well as the full album length.

EDIT: Lies, you need full album length lol, which we can take as... 2 hours 10 mins? Otherwise you'd need to get how many degrees does it have, which can be a little confusing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Crow on December 26, 2015, 03:33:29 PM
tbh i get the impression that he randomized the track order to make that pie chart  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 26, 2015, 03:40:03 PM
Quote from: Parama on December 26, 2015, 03:33:29 PM
tbh i get the impression that he randomized the track order to make that pie chart  :lol

The placement of the NOMAC tracks makes sense though as they would be the shortest tracks (which they are represented as on the chart). The rest (apart from TGoM) could be randomised for all we know though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 26, 2015, 03:42:17 PM
Still that doesn't prevent you from learning approximate track lengths, as long as you know which of these is TGOM, which could be any of these.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 26, 2015, 03:57:15 PM
Anyway, out of curiosity I went  and checked The Who's Tommy tracklist. There's a track called "Tommy Can You Hear Me", wonder if DT heard it as well  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on December 26, 2015, 03:59:29 PM
It was fun indeed! Lots of music apparently..@noxon have you heard it in its entirety? I mean..from the beginning to the end at once?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 26, 2015, 04:00:58 PM
Many times.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 26, 2015, 04:47:55 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 04:00:58 PM
Many times.

How does TGoM compare to the other full songs in terms of quality?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 26, 2015, 04:57:54 PM
The Gift of Music makes sense to release as the first track - it's the safest track on the album, the one most like what they've done before whilst also showing off all the "new stuff" thats on the album (choir, brass, orchestra). But it's like the first chapter of a book. It's just a tease of what's to come. It (along with the overture) sets the mood and establishes the setting. Then, as we delve into the story itself, we also leave familiar DT territory. It's so emotional. So theatrical. So perfect. I can listen to all 2h10min of it in one sitting without feeling tired.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 26, 2015, 05:02:11 PM
So I can safely masturbate to it 2 hours straight and not feel disappointed?
Good
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 26, 2015, 05:11:42 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 04:57:54 PM
it's the safest track on the album

This is great news. I'm totally ready to tread new territory with Dream Theater.

Still a month away from album release though :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 26, 2015, 05:11:58 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 04:57:54 PM
The Gift of Music makes sense to release as the first track - it's the safest track on the album, the one most like what they've done before whilst also showing off all the "new stuff" thats on the album (choir, brass, orchestra). But it's like the first chapter of a book. It's just a tease of what's to come. It (along with the overture) sets the mood and establishes the setting. Then, as we delve into the story itself, we also leave familiar DT territory. It's so emotional. So theatrical. So perfect. I can listen to all 2h10min of it in one sitting without feeling tired.

So, do you like the album?  :lol

You do come off as very positive, but do you think the album has (or more appropriately, will have) a lasting impact?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 26, 2015, 05:17:55 PM
You probably can't answer this yet, but are there any songs with the Empire's point of view?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 26, 2015, 05:33:20 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on December 26, 2015, 05:11:58 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 04:57:54 PM
Then, as we delve into the story itself, we also leave familiar DT territory. It's so emotional. So theatrical. So perfect. I can listen to all 2h10min of it in one sitting without feeling tired.

That's cool to hear but is it also so energy, power?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 26, 2015, 05:39:31 PM
Quote from: CDrice on December 26, 2015, 05:33:20 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on December 26, 2015, 05:11:58 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 04:57:54 PM
Then, as we delve into the story itself, we also leave familiar DT territory. It's so emotional. So theatrical. So perfect. I can listen to all 2h10min of it in one sitting without feeling tired.

That's cool to hear but is it also so energy, power?

So heavy sound, yaaaah!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 26, 2015, 05:42:39 PM
Based on the STD Noxon revealed, I calculated the following: there will be about 24 songs in the following interval: 2:00 and 5:30. The remaining 10 songs will be longer or shorter than that interval. Also, there might be one song shorter than 30 seconds, as well as one song longer than 7:30 (the longest on the album)
This is only an approximation, but it shouldn't be very far from the truth
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 26, 2015, 05:44:15 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/iRLABNN.png?1)

The longest track is "A New Beginning", wich is a bit under double the length of "The Gift of Music" (a bit under 8 minutes in length).

(This is my guess)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 26, 2015, 05:49:43 PM
The "Songs between" are supposed to mean songs between the nomac tracks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 26, 2015, 05:50:06 PM
Also, you can see those colours in the circle are based on visible light spectrum (increasing wavelength: purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red). You can clearly see the pattern being irregular at the 12 o clock, top of the circle. That's the point where album begins, I don't know if it should go clockwise or counterclockwise though
However, by looking at the track lengths, it's obvious it should go clockwise. Thosava's guess is probably right
Noxon, you're a genius, btw :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 26, 2015, 05:52:27 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on December 26, 2015, 05:11:58 PM

You do come off as very positive, but do you think the album has (or more appropriately, will have) a lasting impact?

How could I possibly tell you that now? It's still "new DT!!" territory for me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 26, 2015, 05:56:44 PM
If you were to rank it as of how you feel about it right now, where would it go on your list?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 26, 2015, 05:57:19 PM
Because,  they all need to know.  In this day and age, no one can wait for the album release, multiple listens to form an opinion.  Opinions need to be heard without all the facts.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 26, 2015, 05:59:24 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 26, 2015, 05:57:19 PM
Because,  they all need to know.  In this day and age, no one can wait for the album release, multiple listens to form an opinion.  Opinions need to be heard without all the facts.

It is a way to build anticipation  ;)
For once it doesn't seem like we'll be let down by high excpectations.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 26, 2015, 06:00:47 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 26, 2015, 05:57:19 PM
Because,  they all need to know.  In this day and age, no one can wait for the album release, multiple listens to form an opinion.  Opinions need to be heard without all the facts.

Let me guess. You and the Queen got Chinese tonight and this was in your fortune cookie? :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 26, 2015, 06:07:59 PM
 :lol

I was thinking of the days we only heard the single and had to wait for the days when we had the world premiere on the radio the weekend before but hey, I think you remember those days. :lol

Also I'm making fried rice New Years eve sucka!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 26, 2015, 06:10:50 PM
Yeah, I checked whole Thosava's list, it makes perfect sense (I'd bet 50$ that it's correct, therefore I'm almost sure). Guys, now we have the approximate track length for EVERY SONG, how cool is that?

Also, disc I around 80 mins, disc II around 55
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 26, 2015, 06:17:18 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 05:52:27 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on December 26, 2015, 05:11:58 PM

You do come off as very positive, but do you think the album has (or more appropriately, will have) a lasting impact?

How could I possibly tell you that now? It's still "new DT!!" territory for me.

Well, I know its still new for you but you say that you've listened to the album many times and I was just wondering whether the album still had the same impact as it did when you first listened to it and to be fair, you've made that clear in your enthusiasm. That enthusiasm is what is making me all hyped and a bit impatient, so I apologise if I'm confronting you on album-related stuff too much.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 26, 2015, 06:41:23 PM
So how does it compare to DT12? Do you think people who didn't like that album might like this one instead?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 26, 2015, 06:54:49 PM
DT12 is the exact opposite of what TA appears to be.
DT12 isn't a bad album, it's good, but I think the issue that many people have with it is that it's too simple, and they expected much more from Mike Mangini's second album, at least that was the case with me.

TA appears to be one huge complete work where everyone simply exceeded their own limits, so I can safely say that people who disliked DT12 will like TA, even though I have not heard anything but TGOM (Noxon can elaborate on this?)
Many people who disliked DT12 are hardcore SFAM fans.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on December 26, 2015, 07:34:08 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 04:57:54 PM
The Gift of Music makes sense to release as the first track - it's the safest track on the album, the one most like what they've done before whilst also showing off all the "new stuff" thats on the album (choir, brass, orchestra). But it's like the first chapter of a book. It's just a tease of what's to come. It (along with the overture) sets the mood and establishes the setting. Then, as we delve into the story itself, we also leave familiar DT territory. It's so emotional. So theatrical. So perfect. I can listen to all 2h10min of it in one sitting without feeling tired.

Great news Noxon!  Do you feel the new material would be enjoyable if not heard until live?  The last concert I attended was Rush40 in Atlanta and I was really glad that I did not know the set list until I heard it live.  Of course this would mean not hearing any of the new material until April 27th in Cincinnati.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 27, 2015, 12:43:42 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 26, 2015, 05:44:15 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/iRLABNN.png?1)


Interesting. If this is correct (and it's certainly the most convincing theory I've seen so far), then there's a good chance that The Hovering Sojourn could be the shortest DT track ever, clocking in at less than 1 minute. Comparing that with the 4:08 of TGOM, it certainly looks less than a quarter of its size.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 27, 2015, 01:16:21 AM
The shortest DT track ever is James Labrie's singing on IT
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on December 27, 2015, 01:45:46 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 04:57:54 PM
The Gift of Music makes sense to release as the first track - it's the safest track on the album, the one most like what they've done before whilst also showing off all the "new stuff" thats on the album (choir, brass, orchestra). But it's like the first chapter of a book. It's just a tease of what's to come. It (along with the overture) sets the mood and establishes the setting. Then, as we delve into the story itself, we also leave familiar DT territory. It's so emotional. So theatrical. So perfect. I can listen to all 2h10min of it in one sitting without feeling tired.

Like a summary of a book, or the insert part?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 27, 2015, 03:17:40 AM
Watched 'Despicable Me' yesterday.
Dr. Nefario:
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/intanibase/iad_characters/965.jpg)
a relative to the emperor?

Is anybody else worried that this album turns out to be a big piece of cheese?
I hear choirs and orchestra, I hear emotional and theatrical, vocally driven, I see comparisons to Disney musicals.
Thats not the stuff why I'm listening to DT, you know. I like the complex stuff, odd time signatures, changing keys, uncommon song structures (looks like we're having those at least) and, yes, a high ratio of notes per minute, and I do appreciate some heavyness from time to time.
So I'm not as hyped as some of you are, but curious as hell how this turns out. And I remain open minded; I like a lot of different types of music, and in the end it's still DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 27, 2015, 03:19:12 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 04:57:54 PM
The Gift of Music makes sense to release as the first track - it's the safest track on the album, the one most like what they've done before whilst also showing off all the "new stuff" thats on the album (choir, brass, orchestra). But it's like the first chapter of a book. It's just a tease of what's to come. It (along with the overture) sets the mood and establishes the setting. Then, as we delve into the story itself, we also leave familiar DT territory. It's so emotional. So theatrical. So perfect. I can listen to all 2h10min of it in one sitting without feeling tired.

Lately anything you post gives me a (musical) hard on.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AboutToCrash on December 27, 2015, 04:34:00 AM
It seems the very few people that have had the fantastic opportunity of listening to the album already have given it a lot of praise. This makes me confident that this will be one of the most memorable albums yet, I would love nothing more than a band 30 odd years into their career releasing a masterpiece and one of their best works... It's rarely ever happened before as most bands play it safe as they get older, it's refreshing (A lot of people dislike Nostradamus by Judas Priest but I think that's a masterpiece so i get a similar sort of excitement). I loved DT12 but you have to give Kudos to the guys for breaking the mould and doing something completely different whatever your opinion may be upon final release, it'll be one hell of a statement though if this turns out to be one of their best works and I really hope this goes down well. They probably thought (as amazingly they're still near their technical prime) that now was the time to create something this ambitious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: home on December 27, 2015, 05:23:35 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 26, 2015, 05:44:15 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/iRLABNN.png?1)


Best pie I had recently, tastes great!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 27, 2015, 05:51:48 AM
Quote
Is anybody else worried that this album turns out to be a big piece of cheese?

Embrace the cheese, people!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DragonAttack on December 27, 2015, 06:25:55 AM
"Is anybody else worried that this album turns out to be a big piece of cheese?
I hear choirs and orchestra, I hear emotional and theatrical, vocally driven"

If this means 'Scenes From A Memory', 'disc 2 of 'Six Degrees', and 'Octavarium' all rolled into one.......count me in as one very excited and anticipatory rodent.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Astonished on December 27, 2015, 06:36:33 AM
It seems that "Ravenskill" is one of the longest songs on TA, which makes me happy!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 27, 2015, 07:04:03 AM
Quote from: DragonAttack on December 27, 2015, 06:25:55 AM
"Is anybody else worried that this album turns out to be a big piece of cheese?
I hear choirs and orchestra, I hear emotional and theatrical, vocally driven"

If this means 'Scenes From A Memory', 'disc 2 of 'Six Degrees', and 'Octavarium' all rolled into one.......count me in as one very excited and anticipatory rodent.

That'd work for me, too, in fact it's like the definition of a perfect album . But remember, Mr Noxon said its gonna be different.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 27, 2015, 07:08:20 AM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 27, 2015, 07:04:03 AM
Quote from: DragonAttack on December 27, 2015, 06:25:55 AM
"Is anybody else worried that this album turns out to be a big piece of cheese?
I hear choirs and orchestra, I hear emotional and theatrical, vocally driven"

If this means 'Scenes From A Memory', 'disc 2 of 'Six Degrees', and 'Octavarium' all rolled into one.......count me in as one very excited and anticipatory rodent.

That'd work for me, too, in fact it's like the definition of a perfect album . But remember, Mr Noxon said its gonna be different.

What had me excited the most is Noxon's definition of the album as not BY DT but WITH DT music behind (if I remember it well). We're gonna be in for a fucking ride, guys!!!

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on December 27, 2015, 07:28:45 AM
All this talk about the album containing "unconventional" instruments, brass, bagpipes and tango makes me think that this might be the time we get the closest to that "world music" album we almost got instead of SDOIT. Music is a major plot point in the story, it'd fit in nicely.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 27, 2015, 07:31:10 AM
Quote from: The Astonished on December 27, 2015, 06:36:33 AM
It seems that "Ravenskill" is one of the longest songs on TA, which makes me happy!
Why does it seem that? Did I miss something?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 27, 2015, 07:38:21 AM
Quote from: TAC on December 27, 2015, 07:31:10 AM
Quote from: The Astonished on December 27, 2015, 06:36:33 AM
It seems that "Ravenskill" is one of the longest songs on TA, which makes me happy!
Why does it seem that? Did I miss something?
Just check the page before this (or maybe two)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 27, 2015, 08:08:06 AM
Quote from: Pax on December 27, 2015, 07:38:21 AM
Quote from: TAC on December 27, 2015, 07:31:10 AM
Quote from: The Astonished on December 27, 2015, 06:36:33 AM
It seems that "Ravenskill" is one of the longest songs on TA, which makes me happy!
Why does it seem that? Did I miss something?
Just check the page before this (or maybe two)

Oh, the pie chart? I didn't take that seriously.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Randaran on December 27, 2015, 08:19:49 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 01:37:54 PM
Colors and order bears no significance. The pie chart may not even be real.

We can estimate song lengths, but not assign times to specific tracks. You guys are reading too much into the pie chart. Though, it wouldn't be DTF otherwise.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 27, 2015, 08:57:11 AM
I doubt that a pie chart with a perfect fit regarding the short Nomac tracks is not real info.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: home on December 27, 2015, 09:01:07 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 27, 2015, 08:57:11 AM
I doubt that a pie chart with a perfect fit regarding the short Nomac tracks is not real info.

We could be discussing something that is complete nonsense then. O.o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on December 27, 2015, 09:09:50 AM
Quote from: home on December 27, 2015, 09:01:07 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 27, 2015, 08:57:11 AM
I doubt that a pie chart with a perfect fit regarding the short Nomac tracks is not real info.

We could be discussing something that is complete nonsense then. O.o

This very nicely encapsulates about 90% of this thread.   :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 27, 2015, 09:11:24 AM
Quote from: millahh on December 27, 2015, 09:09:50 AM
Quote from: home on December 27, 2015, 09:01:07 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 27, 2015, 08:57:11 AM
I doubt that a pie chart with a perfect fit regarding the short Nomac tracks is not real info.

We could be discussing something that is complete nonsense then. O.o

This very nicely encapsulates about 90% of this thread.   :biggrin:

That's a somewhat generous estimate. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: palmeiras on December 27, 2015, 09:12:36 AM
Noxon and about the technical aspects. I love super technical solos
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on December 27, 2015, 09:15:26 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 04:57:54 PM
The Gift of Music makes sense to release as the first track - it's the safest track on the album, the one most like what they've done before whilst also showing off all the "new stuff" thats on the album (choir, brass, orchestra). But it's like the first chapter of a book. It's just a tease of what's to come. It (along with the overture) sets the mood and establishes the setting. Then, as we delve into the story itself, we also leave familiar DT territory. It's so emotional. So theatrical. So perfect. I can listen to all 2h10min of it in one sitting without feeling tired.

Well, this is definitely interesting. I really have no idea what to expect now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on December 27, 2015, 09:19:17 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 26, 2015, 05:44:15 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/iRLABNN.png?1)

If this is legit, we can approximate the full thing. The angle of "The Gift of Music" is ~11,19°, which equals 4:08, or 248 s. Therefore, approx. 22,16 s equal 1°.
Thus, the whole album would be 22,16*360=7977,6s=132,96min (more commonly 132:58, so 2 seconds short of 133 minutes) long, which is not exactly 2h10min, but fairly close. If you measure each angle, you can convert them into seconds by multiplying 22,16 with that angle. Divide that by 60, and you got your minutes. For example, "Astonishing" is 16,18° and would be 16,18*22,16=358,55s long, which is 358,55/60=5,98 minutes (which is 5:59 as timestamp, so just a second short of 6 minutes). I don't feel like measuring every angle right now though.

"A New Beginning" seems to be the longest song and would be 7,86 minutes (= 7:52) long.
"The Hovering Sojourn" would be the shortest song with just 30,36 s (= 0:30)

Edit: units
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 27, 2015, 09:30:35 AM
That's a hell of a good start, though.

I honestly expected to check the thread this morning and for someone to have gone through that chart, real info or not, and measured every angle to determine the supposed lengths of pie sections and guessing which songs they belonged to.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 27, 2015, 09:36:14 AM
You have way to much time on your hands.

Instead of wasting it on that, why don't you help me with my new project and come answer some DT FAQ for me. I need this website I'm working on to be ready before the 14th. Gotta collect and gather a ton of DT information. Any help would be immensly useful to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 27, 2015, 10:09:52 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 27, 2015, 09:36:14 AM
You have way to much time on your hands.

Instead of wasting it on that, why don't you help me with my new project and come answer some DT FAQ for me. I need this website I'm working on to be ready before the 14th. Gotta collect and gather a ton of DT information. Any help would be immensly useful to me.
I have some time to help today considering I'm snowed in and can't go to work. I'm doing some other stuff I've needed to do the past few days, but I may be able to squeeze something in.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 27, 2015, 10:11:47 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 27, 2015, 09:36:14 AM
You have way to much time on your hands.

Instead of wasting it on that, why don't you help me with my new project and come answer some DT FAQ for me. I need this website I'm working on to be ready before the 14th. Gotta collect and gather a ton of DT information. Any help would be immensly useful to me.

Such as...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 27, 2015, 11:55:13 AM
Quote from: EraVulgaris on December 27, 2015, 09:19:17 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 26, 2015, 05:44:15 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/iRLABNN.png?1)

If this is legit, we can approximate the full thing. The angle of "The Gift of Music" is ~11,19°, which equals 4:08, or 248 s. Therefore, approx. 22,16 s equal 1°.
Thus, the whole album would be 22,16*360=7977,6s=132,96min (more commonly 132:58, so 2 seconds short of 133 minutes) long, which is not exactly 2h10min, but fairly close. If you measure each angle, you can convert them into seconds by multiplying 22,16 with that angle. Divide that by 60, and you got your minutes. For example, "Astonishing" is 16,18° and would be 16,18*22,16=358,55s long, which is 358,55/60=5,98 minutes (which is 5:59 as timestamp, so just a second short of 6 minutes). I don't feel like measuring every angle right now though.

"A New Beginning" seems to be the longest song and would be 7,86 minutes (= 7:52) long.
"The Hovering Sojourn" would be the shortest song with just 30,36 s (= 0:30)

Edit: units
Are you a math or science teacher by chance?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Nameless One on December 27, 2015, 12:11:56 PM
I don't know about y'all but, I am totally psyched for this album! Its the only thing I'm looking forward to right now ...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 27, 2015, 12:15:46 PM
Yeh New Years Eve suckz I only want DT in ma life
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 27, 2015, 12:44:20 PM
I can imagine Noxon now.

"Mh, they want info but I can't blatantly spoil something, let's see what I can do... mh, ok, I'll do a pie chart of track lengths, that won't give away anything while still illustrating the overall layout of the record"

*20 minutes later people have already figured out the track length and order and the exact running time*

"What the..... I'll get myself banned next time I receive an advance copy"

 :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 27, 2015, 12:49:06 PM
DT fans are thorough  ;D Even the vaguest pieces of information will be analyzed until there is nothing left :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 27, 2015, 12:51:33 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 27, 2015, 12:49:06 PM
DT fans are thorough  ;D Even the vaguest pieces of information will be analyzed until there is nothing left :rollin

Seriously, there's an irish rock band I follow, a local act, and they posted a chart of the songs they are recording for their second album. The first thing that came into my mind upon seeing it was how DT fans would react to see so many info laid out in plain sight, and how lucky are the other bands to not have to blur all their photos (Didn't Jordan do it once?) for fear that from a background distant shot of the desk mix people figure out the entire album  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on December 27, 2015, 02:22:29 PM
My calculations based on the piechart...

(https://s17.postimg.org/c1pb1siqn/tracks.png)

this is NOT a leak, it's my poor and quick aproximation, there are some errors , for sure


Edit: the duration of act1 is obviously wrong
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 27, 2015, 02:29:43 PM
Quote from: lightbug on December 27, 2015, 02:22:29 PM
My calculations based on the piechart...

*snip*

this is NOT a leak, it's my poor and quick aproximation, there are some errors , for sure

Act I is a double album on its own (85 minutes!) for one. I think noxon's pie chart was based on rough percentages or something to prevent a fully produced list of lengths, though it still gives us a good idea of the overall distribution of the album, with no real epic and a larger collection of smaller songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Crow on December 27, 2015, 02:35:09 PM
yeah the runtime for Act 1 is actually physically impossible to fit on a single disc so either Act 1 and Act 2 aren't just Disc 1 and Disc 2 (unlikely) or something's up.

I have to wonder if we're just being trolled.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: sdfdsv on December 27, 2015, 02:35:46 PM
Quote from: lightbug on December 27, 2015, 02:22:29 PM
My calculations based on the piechart...

(https://s17.postimg.org/c1pb1siqn/tracks.png)

this is NOT a leak, it's my poor and quick aproximation, there are some errors , for sure


Edit: the duration of act1 is obviously wrong
does this match the standard deviation given by noxon? I'm too lazy to calculate...

Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 12:41:44 PM
The stdev is 1:42.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Krissi91 on December 27, 2015, 02:37:39 PM
Really nice idea with the pie chart :lol

So when do song snippets on Amazon or iTunes usually appear? Or do you think that they won't put them up before the release date?

I always intend to not listen to any snippets of an album beforehand, but in the end I'm never able to resist once something is available :blush :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 27, 2015, 02:43:06 PM
If you guys want to measure on your own:

you don't need to measure the angles directly, there is a more simple way to measure them:

- measure the radius of the circle, let's call it r
- measure the distance between end points of the song you want on the chart, let's call it x, those points have to be on the edge of the circle

You will get the angle A by the following formula: A = 2*arcsin(x/2r)

When you get the angle, multiply it by 22.16, like EraVulgaris said (I got values from 22.1 to 22.2, due to the uncertainity (which is about 0,5%)), and you will get the length of the song in seconds.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 27, 2015, 02:46:11 PM
Damn, I hate maths so much but I'm enjoying reading this, lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 27, 2015, 03:02:54 PM
Either way, it's looking increasingly likely that this will be the first DT album not to have a 10-minute+ track since their debut, WDADU, near-enough 27 years ago.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 27, 2015, 03:04:19 PM
Lightbug gave us an approximation, however, it has errors (due to the big uncertainity in measurements), since he wasn't going too deep into it, the guy probably has life, unlike some of us xD

More precise track length list coming from me in 20 mins, I hope
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on December 27, 2015, 03:10:25 PM
I fucking love you guys!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on December 27, 2015, 03:15:04 PM
Quote from: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 27, 2015, 11:55:13 AM
Are you a math or science teacher by chance?

I'm in engineering, but the math is actually not that difficult here, it's just some geometry and cross multiplication.  ;) Pax method is actually even better because it's probably more accurate to measure distances than it is to measure angles.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 27, 2015, 03:40:36 PM
Quote from: lightbug on December 27, 2015, 02:22:29 PM
My calculations based on the piechart...

(https://s17.postimg.org/c1pb1siqn/tracks.png)

this is NOT a leak, it's my poor and quick aproximation, there are some errors , for sure


Edit: the duration of act1 is obviously wrong

 :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 27, 2015, 03:42:37 PM
Act I    1:20:58

1.   "Descent of the NOMACS"      1:11
2.   "Dystopian Overture"      4:52
3.   "The Gift of Music"     4:08
4.   "The Answer"      1:56
5.   "A Better Life"      4:40
6.   "Lord Nafaryus"     3:33
7.   "A Savior in the Square"  4:19   
8.   "When Your Time Has Come"      4:20
9.   "Act of Faythe"      5:04
10.   "Three Days"      3:51
11.   "The Hovering Sojourn"      0:27
12.   "Brother, Can You Hear Me?"     5:16
13.   "A Life Left Behind"      5:53
14.   "Ravenskill"      6:08
15.   "Chosen"      4:37
16.   "A Tempting Offer"      4:17
17.   "Digital Discord"      0:51
18.   "The X Aspect"      4:14
19.   "A New Beginning"     7:51
20.   "The Road to Revolution"  3:42   


Act II     52:08

1.   "2285 Entr'acte"      2:22
2.   "Moment of Betrayal"     6:13
3.   "Heaven's Cove"      4:26
4.   "Begin Again"      4:00
5.   "The Path That Divides"      5:11
6.   "Machine Chatter"      1:02
7.   "The Walking Shadow"     2:58
8.   "My Last Farewell"      3:49
9.   "Losing Faythe"      4:18
10.   "Whispers on the Wind"     1:37
11.   "Hymn of a Thousand Voices"     3:42
12.   "Our New World"      4:18
13.   "Power Down"      1:29
14.   "Astonishing"  5:55
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 27, 2015, 03:44:25 PM
First album with no song longer than 8 minutes?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 27, 2015, 03:57:03 PM
Yeah, seems like no song longer than 8 mins

anyways:
Quote from: Pax on December 26, 2015, 05:42:39 PM
Based on the STD Noxon revealed, I calculated the following: there will be about 24 songs in the following interval: 2:00 and 5:30. The remaining 10 songs will be longer or shorter than that interval. Also, there might be one song shorter than 30 seconds, as well as one song longer than 7:30 (the longest on the album)
This is only an approximation, but it shouldn't be very far from the truth

There are 22 songs between 2:00 and 5:30 (and I predicted 24). One song is shorter than 30 s, one song is longer than 7:30. This fits the standard deviation noxon gave us with very accurate precision.

Also, album length matches noxon's if we say TGoM is the third song on the chart. And NOMAC tracks are the shortest ones indeed. I think we can pretty much say this is it, we got the tracklist with the lengths.
Special thanks to all the guys who helped decipher the noxon code. Our work here is done.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 27, 2015, 03:57:31 PM
Pax, Act I still doesn't quite fit on a CD that way.

I suspect noxon messed around with the track order a bit.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on December 27, 2015, 03:59:24 PM
I didn't know how to sum the column with the data, so I measured the act 1 angle ( so lazy), and did the math. Obviously wrong  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 27, 2015, 04:08:15 PM
lightbug, that's not a bad way, but you get higher error by doing that. But I guess you didn't have the nerves to sit for 40 mins to measure and calculate :D
thanks for your data anyways :)

Quote from: ariich on December 27, 2015, 03:57:31 PM
Pax, Act I still doesn't quite fit on a CD that way.

I suspect noxon messed around with the track order a bit.

Disc 1 should be 78 mins at max, right? In that case, I got the error about 4%, and you get error that high because of the accumulation of 20 single uncertainities from all the tracks on the act I, so it's still pretty reasonable. And I don't think he messed the track order, because, as I said, NOMAC songs are the shortest ones on the album. If he messed the order, that wouldn't be the case (I mean, it could, but the probability for that is extremely low).

EDIT: I forgot I didn't add up the songs to calculate act length, I measured the angle for the acts as well. That being said, 4% is a decent error :/
Still, I think it's just the experimental error.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Crow on December 27, 2015, 04:14:26 PM
i just really feel like they'd split the discs a little more evenly, but
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 27, 2015, 04:16:33 PM
Quote from: Parama on December 27, 2015, 04:14:26 PM
i just really feel like they'd split the discs a little more evenly, but

But... ? Don't trigger my inexistent OCD!  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Crow on December 27, 2015, 04:22:14 PM
oh that's just a thing i do a lot and i will never stop doing, i know it bothers a lot of people but
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 27, 2015, 04:29:13 PM
:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 27, 2015, 04:35:16 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on December 27, 2015, 04:36:04 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 27, 2015, 04:37:17 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 27, 2015, 04:50:47 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 27, 2015, 04:51:38 PM
 :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Crow on December 27, 2015, 04:53:35 PM
 :mehlin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 27, 2015, 04:55:58 PM
C-C-C-Combo breaker

OT :
I no longer guarantee my song order is the real one (because of the damn max album length lol),  but I do guarantee that the lengths are pretty accurate (i.e. the longest song is around 7:51, etc). I'm sure about that, at least

EDIT: hey, how comes 78 min is the max length for CD? I cannot find that information anywhere on the Internet
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 27, 2015, 04:57:35 PM
Quote from: Pax on December 27, 2015, 04:55:58 PM
C-C-C-Combo breaker
>:(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: GasparXR on December 27, 2015, 05:06:22 PM
LOL, that was a great spontaneous moment.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 27, 2015, 05:23:02 PM
Quote from: Pax on December 27, 2015, 04:55:58 PM
C-C-C-Combo breaker

OT :
I no longer guarantee my song order is the real one (because of the damn max album length lol),  but I do guarantee that the lengths are pretty accurate (i.e. the longest song is around 7:51, etc). I'm sure about that, at least

EDIT: hey, how comes 78 min is the max length for CD? I cannot find that information anywhere on the Internet

Your estimate is only 3 minutes longer than the max length though. Couldn't that just be the margin of error, or are you certain that your estimate is more accurate than that?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 27, 2015, 05:27:17 PM
If they wrote the album with the idea of making it double, then it must be a first in DT history.
As far as I know, before DT12, they had never planned album lenghts, they just worked until they could do no more. On DT12 they made it (relatively) short on purpose, so I can assume that they aimed at making this huge double-cd opus. With this, we can get to the conclusion that Act I and II indeed represent CD1  and CD2 respectively (The presence of Overtures on each of them confirm this).

Vulgaris and Pax's math seems to be extremely accurate, and even if Noxon had indeed messed with the values, that doesn't change the product, the order doesn't affect the result, you'll still find out that no song exceeds 10 mins, or so it seems.

Awesome work guys, thanks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 27, 2015, 05:42:44 PM
I have a question for you guys. How known is David Campbell? They said in the interview hes very big, but Im pretty sure they would have say that about anyone they worked with, and thats understandable, that being a promotional article. I havent head of him, but my knowledge of music is really thin outside the DT world. So really, is he a big name in the music industry?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ToT-147 on December 27, 2015, 05:44:44 PM
Quote from: Pax on December 27, 2015, 04:55:58 PM
hey, how comes 78 min is the max length for CD? I cannot find that information anywhere on the Internet

Because is not 78, but 80..

From Wikipedia: "Compact disc's capacity: typically up to 700 MiB (up to 80 minutes audio)"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 27, 2015, 05:45:41 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 27, 2015, 05:27:17 PM
If they wrote the album with the idea of making it double, then it must be a first in DT history.
As far as I know, before DT12, they had never planned album lenghts, they just worked until they could do no more. On DT12 they made it (relatively) short on purpose, so I can assume that they aimed at making this huge double-cd opus. With this, we can get to the conclusion that Act I and II indeed represent CD1  and CD2 respectively (The presence of Overtures on each of them confirm this).
I think once they realized the story wouldn't fit within a single CD, then they knew the double CD would have to get the job done.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 27, 2015, 05:47:27 PM
Quote from: RaasMah on December 27, 2015, 05:42:44 PM
I have a question for you guys. How known is David Campbell? They said in the interview hes very big, but Im pretty sure they would have say that about anyone they worked with, and thats understandable, that being a promotional article. I havent head of him, but my knowledge of music is really thin outside the DT world. So really, is he a big name in the music industry?

Here is a list of  some of what David Campbell has worked on with regards to pop/rock arrangements:

2016

    Dream Theater – The Astonishing (orchestra, choir)

2014

    Beck – Morning Phase (strings, brass)
    Garth Brooks — Man Against Machine (strings)
    Trisha Yearwood — PrizeFighter: Hit After Hit (strings)
    Christina Perri – Head or Heart (strings)
    D.A. Wallach – Glowing (strings, woodwinds, brass)
    Garth Brooks – Man Against Machine (strings)
    OK Go – Hungry Ghosts (strings)
    Jennifer Nettles – That Girl (strings, woodwinds, brass)
    Rascal Flatts – Rewind (strings)
    Tim McGraw — Sundown Heaven Town (strings)
    David Bisbal – Tú y Yo (strings)
    The Griswolds — Be Impressive (strings)
    U2 — Songs of Innocence Deluxe edition

2013

    Alanis Morissette – Havoc and Bright Lights (woodwinds)
    Ghost – Infestissumam (choir, score editor)
    Biffy Clyro – Opposites (strings, choir, brass, bagpipes)
    Bon Jovi – What About Now (strings)
    Pink – The Truth About Love (strings)
    Josh Groban – All That Echoes (strings, brass)
    Avenged Sevenfold – Hail to the King (strings)
    Jessie J – Alive (strings)
    Miley Cyrus – Bangerz (strings)
    Tommy Torres – 12 Historias (strings)
    Tim McGraw – Two Lanes of Freedom (strings)
    Christina Perri – A Thousand Years (strings, horns)
    Taylor Swift – Red (strings)
    Jake Bugg – Jake Bugg (strings, choir)

2012

    Jason Mraz – Love Is a Four Letter Word (strings)
    Marina and the Diamonds – Electra Heart (strings)
    Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – The Lion the Beast the Beat (strings)
    Muse – The 2nd Law (strings, brass, choir)
    Rush – Clockwork Angels (strings)
    Shinedown – Amaryllis (strings)
    Dwight Yoakam – 3 Pears (strings, brass)
    Taylor Swift – Red (strings)
    King Charles – Loveblood (horns, strings)
    The Fray – Scars & Stories (strings)

2011

    Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark (orchestra, vocals)
    Avril Lavigne – Goodbye Lullaby (strings)
    X Japan – "Jade" (orchestration with Yoshiki)
    Trading Yesterday – More than This (strings)
    Antonio Carmona – De Noche (strings, woodwinds, horns)
    Adele – 21 (strings)
    Journey – Greatest Hits 2
    Unicorn – Z (brass, strings)
    Christina Perri – Lovestrong (strings, percussion)
    Various artists – Listen to Me: Buddy Holly (strings, percussion)
    Martina McBride – Eleven (strings)
    Evanescence – Evanescence (strings)
    Demi Lovato – Unbroken (strings)

2010

    Adam Lambert – For Your Entertainment (strings and horns)
    Adam Lambert – Time for Miracles (strings and horns)
    Alejandro Sanz – Paraiso Express (strings)
    Debi Nova – Luna Nueva (strings)
    Due Voci – Due Voci (strings and horns)
    Jimmy Eat World – Invented (strings)
    Meat Loaf – Hang Cool Teddy Bear (strings and percussion)
    Miranda Cosgrove – Sparks Fly (strings)
    No Machine – Toast the Toaster (strings)
    The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main Street (strings)
    Takako Matsu – Time for Music (strings, horns, woodwinds)
    We Are the Fallen – Tear the World Down (strings)
    Michael Jackson – Michael (strings)

2009

    Ashley Monroe – Satisfied (strings)
    Biffy Clyro – Only Revolutions (strings, brass, woodwinds)
    Charlotte Gainsbourg – IRM (strings)
    Crash Kings – Crash Kings (strings)
    Daniel Merriweather – Love & War (strings)
    Daniel Merriweather – "Red" (strings)
    Dave Matthews Band – Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King (strings)
    David Cook – David Cook (strings)
    Dido – Safe Trip Home (strings)
    Five for Fighting – Slice (strings)
    The Fray – The Fray (strings)
    Hoobastank – Fornever (strings)
    Laura Izibor – Let The Truth Be Told (strings)
    M. Ward – Hold Time (strings)
    Maroon 5 – The Way You Look Tonight (big band)
    Martina McBride – Shine (strings)
    Oksana Grigorieva – Beautiful Heartache (strings)
    Paolo Spoladore – Shiloh (choir, strings, horns, woodwinds, percussion)
    Paper Route – Absence (strings)
    PT Walkley – Mr. Macy Wakes Alone (strings)
    Rascal Flatts – Unstoppable (strings)
    Rascal Flatts – Unwrapped (strings and horns)
    Small Time Sleeper – Conversations
    Tim McGraw – Southern Voice (strings)
    Uncle Kracker – Happy Hour (strings)

2008

    Adam Green – Sixes and Sevens (strings, horns)
    A Fine Frenzy – One Cell In the Sea
    Augustana – Can't Love, Can't Hurt (strings)
    Ayumi Hamasaki – Guilty (strings)
    Beck – Modern Guilt (strings)
    Carly Simon – This Kind of Love (strings)
    Celine Dion – "Alone" (arranger)
    Faith Hill – Joy To The World (big band, orchestral)
    Ferras – Aliens & Rainbows (strings)
    Ferras – Hollywood's Not America (strings)
    Hana Pestle – This Way (strings)
    I Nine – Heavy Weighs The King (strings)
    Lee Seung-Hwan – Tattoo
    Lenka – Lenka (strings)
    Leona Lewis – Spirit (Strings)
    Louis XIV – Slick Dogs and Ponies (strings)
    Metallica – Death Magnetic (strings)
    My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges (strings)
    Neil Diamond – Home Before Dark (strings)
    Rhydian – Rhydian (strings)
    Shinedown – The Sound of Madness (strings)
    Simple Plan – Simple Plan (strings)
    Tommy Torres – Tarde O Temprano (strings)
    Trisha Yearwood – Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love (strings)
    Was (Not Was) – Boo! (strings)

2007

    Air – Pocket Symphony (strings)
    Ashley Tisdale – Headstrong (strings)
    Avril Lavigne – The Best Damn Thing (strings)
    Ayumi Hamasaki – Talkin' 2 Myself
    Ayumi Hamasaki – Together When...
    Carina Ricco – Viaje Personal
    Celine Dion – Taking Chances (strings)
    Charlotte Gainsbourg – 5:55 (strings)
    David Vandervelde – The Moonstation House Band (strings)
    Enrique Iglesias – Insomniac (strings)
    Garth Brooks – The Ultimate Hits (strings)
    Jimmy Eat World – Chase This Light (strings)
    Juanes – La vida... es un ratico (strings)
    Kid Rock – Rock n Roll Jesus (strings)
    Linkin Park – Minutes to Midnight (strings)
    Maroon 5 – It Won't Be Soon Before Long (strings)
    Martina McBride – Waking Up Laughing (strings)
    Sara Bareilles – Little Voice (strings)
    Nelly Furtado – In God's Hands (strings)
    Scorpions – Humanity Hour 1 (strings)
    The Spill Canvas – No Really, I'm Fine
    Sum 41 – Underclass Hero (strings)
    X Japan – Jealousy (strings)

2006

    Beck – The Information
    Beyoncé – B'Day
    Beyoncé – Listen (strings)
    Antonio Carmona – Vengo Venenoso[24]
    Celestial Navigations – Connection: Chapter 5
    Celestial Navigations – Live at the Matrix (keyboards, strings, vocals)
    Charlotte Gainsbourg – The Songs That We Sing (strings)
    Dixie Chicks – Taking the Long Way (strings)
    Dixie Chicks – "Not Ready to Make Nice" (strings)
    Dreamgirls – Dreamgirls: Music from the Motion Picture
    Evanescence – The Open Door – (strings)
    Five for Fighting – Two Lights (strings)
    Frankie J – Priceless
    Goo Goo Dolls – Let Love In (strings)
    Jewel – Goodbye Alice in Wonderland
    Johnny Cash – American V: A Hundred Highways (strings)
    Josh Groban – You Are Loved (Don't Give Up) (strings)
    Josh Groban – Awake (strings)
    Juanes – Mi Sangre (strings)
    Julio Iglesias – Romantic Classics
    Justin Timberlake – FutureSex/LoveSounds (strings)
    Keith Urban – Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing
    Live – Songs from Black Mountain (strings)
    Meat Loaf – Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose
    Meat Loaf feat. Marion Raven – It's All Coming Back to Me Now
    My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade (strings, horns)
    My Chemical Romance – Welcome to the Black Parade (strings, percussion)
    Nelly Furtado – Loose(strings)
    Rascal Flatts – Me and My Gang (strings)
    Raul Malo – You're Only Lonely
    Sarah Kelly – Where the Past Meets Today
    Tim McGraw – Reflected: Greatest Hits Vol. 2

2005

    Alex Lloyd – Alex Lloyd
    Anastacia – Pieces of a Dream
    B. B. King – B.B. King & Friends: 80 (strings)
    Beck – Guero
    Billy Joel – My Lives
    Bon Jovi – Have a Nice Day
    David Crowder Band – A Collision (strings)
    Daniel Bedingfield – Second First Impression
    Daniel Bedingfield – The Way
    Eric Benét – Hurricane
    Fort Minor – The Rising Tied (strings)
    Gary Allan – Tough All Over
    Good Charlotte – We Believe
    Gustavo Santaolalla – Brokeback Mountain Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
    Idlewild – Not Just Sometimes But Always (strings)
    Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man – Motion Picture Soundtrack
    Lindsay Lohan – A Little More Personal (Raw)
    Lisa Marie Presley – Now What
    Liz Phair – Somebody's Miracle (strings)
    The Mars Volta – Frances the Mute (strings, brass, piano, percussion)
    The Mars Volta – "The Widow" (strings, brass)
    Melanie – Photograph
    Montgomery Gentry – Something to Be Proud Of: The Best of 1999–2005
    Neil Diamond – 12 Songs (horns)
    North Country – Music from the Motion Picture
    Paul McCartney – Chaos and Creation in the Backyard (strings)
    The Prom Kings – The Prom Kings
    Rent (film) – Rent: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
    Robbie Williams – Intensive Care (strings)
    Sheryl Crow – Wildflower (strings)
    Smash Mouth – All Star Smash Hits
    Steven Curtis Chapman – "Remembering You" (strings)

2004

    Alter Bridge – One Day Remains (strings)
    Ashlee Simpson – Autobiography (strings)
    Avril Lavigne – Under My Skin (strings)
    Charlotte Martin – On Your Shore
    Diana DeGarmo – Blue Skies
    Diana DeGarmo – "Dreams"
    Everlast – White Trash Beautiful
    Fantasia – Free Yourself
    Five for Fighting – The Battle for Everything
    Friday Night Lights (film) – Original Soundtrack
    Good Charlotte – Chronicles of Life and Death
    Graham Colton Band – Drive
    Home on the Range (2004 film) – Original Soundtrack
    Jimmy Eat World – Futures
    Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway
    Kelly Clarkson – Because of You
    Ladder 49 – Original Soundtrack
    Linda Ronstadt – Mi Jardin Azul: Las Canciones Favoritas
    Lindsay Lohan – Speak
    Lit – Lit
    Lostprophets – Start Something (strings)
    New Found Glory – Catalyst (strings)
    The Smithereens – From Jersey It Came! The Smithereens Anthology
    Spider-Man 2 – Music from and Inspired by Spider-Man 2
    Spymob – Sitting Around Keeping Score
    Tamyra Gray – The Dreamer
    Tim McGraw – Live Like You Were Dying (strings)
    Train – Alive at Last
    Van Hunt – Van Hunt
    Wilson Phillips – California
    10,000 Maniacs – Campfire Songs: The Popular, Obscure & Unknown

2003

    Alien Ant Farm – truANT
    The Bangles – Doll Revolution
    Blackstreet – Level II
    Cat Power – You Are Free
    Def Leppard – Long, Long Way to Go
    Evanescence – Fallen
    Evanescence – "Bring Me to Life"
    Eve 6 – It's All in Your Head
    Kiss  – Kiss Symphony: Alive IV
    Lamb – Between Darkness and Wonder
    Linkin Park – Meteora (strings)
    Lisa Marie Presley – To Whom It May Concern (strings)
    Macy Gray – The Trouble with Being Myself
    Maria – My Soul
    Memento – Beginnings
    Michelle Branch – Hotel Paper
    Nelly Furtado – Folklore
    Phil Collins – "Look Through My Eyes"
    Revis – Places for Breathing
    Ricky Martin – Almas del Silencio
    Ruben Studdard – Flying Without Wings
    Ruben Studdard – Soulful (strings)
    The Thrills – So Much for the City
    Year of the Rabbit – Year of the Rabbit

2002

    Anastacia – Freak of Nature (strings)
    Beck – Sea Change
    Darren Hayes – Spin
    Def Leppard – X (strings)
    Faith Hill – Cry (strings)
    Good Charlotte – The Young and the Hopeless (strings)
    Laura Pausini – From The Inside
    LeAnn Rimes – Twisted Angel
    Mariah Carey – Charmbracelet (strings)
    Robin Williams – Live 2002
    Sixpence None The Richer – Divine Discontent (strings)
    Treasure Planet – Treasure Planet: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
    The Wallflowers – Red Letter Days (strings)
    Taproot – Like (strings)
    3 Doors Down – Away from the Sun (strings)

2001

    Aerosmith – "Jaded" (strings)
    Aerosmith – Just Push Play (strings)
    Brooks & Dunn – Steers & Stripes
    Jennifer Warnes – The Well
    Leonard Cohen – Ten New Songs
    Lit – Atomic (strings)
    Michael Jackson – Invincible (strings)
    Nikka Costa – Everybody Got Their Something (strings)
    Paul McCartney – Driving Rain (strings)
    Ricky Martin – "Shake Your Bon-Bon" (strings)
    Train (band) – Drops of Jupiter (strings)
    Alien Ant Farm - ANThology (strings)

2000

    BBMak – Sooner or Later
    Bon Jovi – Crush (strings)
    Duran Duran – Pop Trash (strings)
    Duran Duran – "Someone Else Not Me" (strings)
    Everlast – Eat at Whitey's (strings)
    Fuel – Something Like Human (strings)
    XXVII Olympiad – Official Music from the Opening Ceremony
    Green Day – Warning (strings)
    Poe – Poe
    Sinéad O'Connor – Faith and Courage

1999

    Amanda Marshall – Tuesday's Child (strings)
    Beck – Midnight Vultures
    Counting Crows – This Desert Life
    Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton – Trio II (strings)
    Enrique Iglesias – Enrique
    Los Fabulosos Cadillacs – Aguila
    Macy Gray – On How Life Is
    Message in a Bottle (film) – Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture Message in a Bottle
    Phil Collins – "You'll Be in My Heart"
    Reef- Rides
    Ricky Martin – Ricky Martin
    Stone Temple Pilots – No. 4
    21st Century Girls – 21st Century Girls

1998

    Aerosmith – "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing"
    Alanis Morissette – Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (strings)
    Beck – Mutations
    The Black Crowes – By Your Side
    Goo Goo Dolls – Dizzy Up the Girl (strings)
    Goo Goo Dolls – "Iris" (strings)
    Hole – Celebrity Skin
    Jude – No One Is Really Beautiful (strings)
    Hootie & the Blowfish – Musical Chairs
    Richie Sambora – Undiscovered Soul

1997

    Aerosmith – Nine Lives
    Aerosmith – "Falling in Love (Is Hard on the Knees)"
    Aerosmith – "Pink"
    Beck – Odelay
    Beck – "Jack-Ass"
    Billy Joel – "To Make You Feel My Love"
    Green Day – Nimrod
    Lee Seung-Hwan – Cycle
    Leonard Cohen – More Best of
    Stanley Clarke – The Bass-ic Collection

1996

    Journey – Trial by Fire
    Cracker – The Golden Age
    Dead Man Walking – Dead Man Walking The Score (choir)
    France Gall – France (strings)
    Joe Cocker – Organic
    John Berry – Faces
    Manowar – Louder Than Hell
    Tina Arena – Don't Ask
    3T – "Anything" (strings)
    3T – "Why" (strings)

1995

    Bon Jovi – These Days
    Bugs & Friends – Sing the Beatles
    Joshua Kadison – "Delilah Blue"
    Kris Kristofferson – A Moment of Forever
    Lee Seung-Hwan – "For 1,000 days"
    Medicine – Her Highness
    Melissa Manchester – If My Heart Had Wings
    Tina Arena – Show Me Heaven
    Various Artists – Tower of Song: The Songs of Leonard Cohen

1994

    Aerosmith – "Crazy"
    Bon Jovi – "Always"
    Bonnie Raitt – Longing in Their Hearts
    Dominic Frontiere – Color of Night (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
    The Rolling Stones – Out of Tears (strings)
    Willie Nelson – Healing Hands of Time

1993

    Aerosmith – "Amazing"
    Aerosmith – "Shut Up and Dance"
    Alexander O'Neal – Love Makes No Sense
    Celine Dion – The Colour of My Love
    David Crosby – Thousand Roads (strings)
    Jann Arden – Time for Mercy
    Maria McKee – You Gotta Sin to Get Saved
    Willie Nelson – Across the Borderline

1992

    Bernadette Peters – Bernadette
    Leonard Cohen – The Future (strings, backing vocals)
    Neil Diamond – Christmas Album
    Roy Orbison – King of Hearts
    Vonda Shepard – Radical Light

1991

    Aaron Neville – Warm Your Heart
    Alice Cooper – Hey Stoopid
    Bonnie Raitt – Luck of the Draw
    Neil Diamond – Lovescape
    Diana Ross – The Force Behind the Power
    The Temptations – Milestone
    X – Jealousy

1989

    Linda Ronstadt – Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind

1987

    Dolly Parton - Rainbow
    Emmylou Harris - Trio
    Jennifer Warnes - Famous Blue Raincoat

1986

    10,000 Maniacs – In My Tribe

1981

    Art Garfunkel - Scissors Cut
    Rita Coolidge - Heartbreak Radio
    Robin Williamson - Songs of Love and Parting

1979

    Louise Goffin - Kid Blue
    Maria Muldaur - Open Your Eyes
    Gábor Szabó - Femme Fatale
    Badfinger - Airwaves

1978

    Andrew Gold - All This & Heaven Too
    Carole Bayer Sager – Too
    John Hall - John Hall
    Laura Allan - Laura Allan
    Leo Sayer – Leo Sayer

1977

    Art Garfunkel – Watermark
    Cat Stevens – Izitso
    James Taylor – JT
    Karla Bonoff - Karla Bonoff
    Linda Ronstadt – Simple Dreams
    Olivia Newton-John – Making a Good Thing Better

1976

    Jackson Browne – The Pretender
    J. D. Souther – Black Rose
    Jimmie Spheeris – Ports of the Heart
    Linda Ronstadt – Hasten Down the Wind
    Melanie – Photograph
    Pure Prairie League – Dance

1975

    Jimmie Spheeris – Dragon is Dancing
    Linda Ronstadt – Prisoner in Disguise

1974

    Carole King – Wrap Around Joy
    Linda Ronstadt – Heart Like a Wheel
    Rita Coolidge – Fall Into Spring

1973

    Carole King – Fantasy
    Jimmie Spheeris – Original Tap Dancing Kid

1972

    Carole King – Rhymes & Reasons
    Jackson Browne – Jackson Browne
    Jimmie Spheeris – Isle of View

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 27, 2015, 05:49:31 PM
And didn't Campbell say this was the most complex music he's had to work with to date?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 27, 2015, 05:50:38 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 27, 2015, 05:47:27 PM

1991


    Alice Cooper – Hey Stoopid
   

Wow! Must consult liner notes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 27, 2015, 05:51:38 PM
And here are the movies worked on:
 2015 Colombia magia salvaje (Documentary) (music by)
 2015 Paper Tigers (Documentary) (composer: additional music - "Where Were You Now")
 2014 Annie (orchestrator - as David Richard Campbell)
 2014/I Serena (orchestrator)
 2014 Effie Gray (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 2014 Foxcatcher (orchestrator - as David Richard Campbell)
 2013 August: Osage County (music arranger - as David Richard Campbell)
 2013 World War Z (orchestrator and conductor - as David Richard Campbell)
 2012 Rock of Ages (arranger, orchestrator, conductor - as David Richard Campbell)
 2011 Violet & Daisy (score consultant)
 2010 Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 2008 Faith Hill, Joy to the World: A Soundstage Special (TV Movie) (conductor)
 2008/I W. (arranger)
 2008 The Yellow Handkerchief (arranger: strings) / (conductor: strings)
 2007 This Christmas (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 2007 Things We Lost in the Fire (conductor) / (score arranger)
 2007 The Brothers Warner (Documentary) (music leader) / (musical arrangements) / (orchestrator)
 2006 Rocky Balboa (arranger, orchestrator, conductor - as David Richard Campbell)
 2006 Dreamgirls (music arranger: strings)
 2006 Flicka (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 2005 Rent (conductor: strings and horns) / (music arranger: strings and horns)
 2005 North Country (conductor) / (orchestrator: strings)
 2005 Trust the Man (orchestrator)
 2005 Brokeback Mountain (music arranger: strings)
 2004 Friday Night Lights (orchestrator)
 2004 Raise Your Voice (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 2004 Ladder 49 (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 2004 Spider-Man 2 (arranger, orchestrator, conductor - as David Richard Campbell)
 2004 Home on the Range (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 2003 Min bror bjørnen (arranger and conductor)
 2003 Daredevil (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 2002 Treasure Planet (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 2002 Men in Black II (arranger/orchestrator/conductor - uncredited)
 2002 The Sum of All Fears (arranger, orchestrator, conductor - as David Richard Campbell)
 2002 The Sweetest Thing (arranger/orchestrator/conductor - uncredited)
 2002 The Hunchback of Notre Dame II (Video) (arranger and conductor)
 2001 America's Sweethearts (arranger/orchestrator/conductor - uncredited)
 2001 Soul Food (TV Series) (arranger, orchestrator, conductor - 1 episode)
- Welcome Home (2001) ... (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 2001 Pearl Harbor (arranger, orchestrator, conductor - as David Richard Campbell)
 2000 How the Grinch Stole Christmas (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 2000 How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog (orchestrator/conductor)
 2000 Duets (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 2000 The Prime Gig (orchestrator/conductor)
 2000 Autumn in New York (arranger/orchestrator/conductor - uncredited)
 2000 Coyote Ugly (conductor: strings) / (orchestrator: strings)
 2000 Gone in Sixty Seconds (arranger, orchestrator, conductor - as David Richard Campbell)
 2000 Amores Perros (arranger/orchestrator/conductor - uncredited)
 2000 The Tigger Movie (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 1999 Anywhere But Here (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 1999 Music of the Heart (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 1999 Detroit Rock City (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 1999 Runaway Bride (arranger, orchestrator, conductor - uncredited)
 1999 Big Daddy (arranger: conductor - uncredited)
 1999 Tarzan (arranger, orchestrator, conductor - as David Richard Campbell)
 1999 Cradle Will Rock (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 1999 The Other Sister (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 1999 Message in a Bottle (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 1998 Patch Adams (arranger/orchestrator/conductor - uncredited)
 1998 Everything That Rises (TV Movie) (orchestrator/conductor)
 1998 Armageddon (arranger/orchestrator/conductor - uncredited)
 1998 Hope Floats (arranger, orchestrator, conductor - as David Richard Campbell)
 1998 Savior (music arranger) / (orchestrator)
 1998 Englenes by (arranger, orchestrator, conductor - uncredited)
 1997 Boogie Nights (arranger/orchestrator/conductor - uncredited)
 1997 Gattaca (arranger, orchestrator, conductor - uncredited)
 1996 Saint-Ex (musician: clarinet)
 1996 Grace of My Heart (arranger, orchestrator, conductor) / (orchestrator)
 1996 Unhook the Stars (music arranger)
 1996 Phenomenon (conductor) / (music arranger) / (orchestrator)
 1995 Dead Man Walking (orchestrator conductor)
 1995 Boys on the Side (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 1995 Mirage (conductor - as David R. Campbell) / (orchestrator - as David R. Campbell)
 1994 Color of Night (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 1994 Jimmy Hollywood (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 1994 8 Seconds (arranger and conductor)
 1994 Backbeat (composer: additional music - as David Richard Campbell) / (conductor: strings) / (orchestrator: strings)
 1993 Calendar Girl (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 1993 Twenty Bucks (orchestrator/conductor)
 1992 Bob Roberts (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 1992 Wayne's World (arranger, orchestrator, conductor - as David Richard Campbell)
 1991 An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 1990 Mermaids (arranger/orchestrator/conductor - uncredited)
 1990 Days of Thunder (arranger/orchestrator/conductor - uncredited)
 1989 Chances Are (arranger/orchestrator/conductor - uncredited)
 1989 Mind Games (conductor - as David Richard Campbell)
 1988 The Land Before Time (music arranger: "If We Hold on Together" - uncredited)
 1985 Murphy's Romance (conductor) / (orchestrator)
 1983 All the Right Moves (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
 1980 Thanksgiving in the Land of Oz (TV Short) (composer: additional music) / (music arranger) / (music conductor)
 1979 The Rose (arranger, orchestrator, conductor)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 27, 2015, 05:53:11 PM
The hype intensifies :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 27, 2015, 05:53:18 PM
"Overall, his work appears on more than 425 gold or platinum albums. During his long recording career, albums on which he worked have received 50 Grammys, and his film work has earned two Oscars for music."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 27, 2015, 05:57:09 PM
I'd say he's a big deal.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 27, 2015, 05:58:10 PM
Thats just incredible. And he definatley said The Astonishing was the biggest thing he had ever done (according to JP).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Gonz on December 27, 2015, 06:06:29 PM
Nice to see a 7 minutes track in the album. I didn't expect any longer track but
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 27, 2015, 06:17:05 PM
Quote from: Gonz on December 27, 2015, 06:06:29 PM
Nice to see a 7 minutes track in the album. I didn't expect any longer track but
Those were all estimations and guesses based on a chart that might not even be real. Nothing confirmed yet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 27, 2015, 06:44:14 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 27, 2015, 05:47:27 PM
Quote from: RaasMah on December 27, 2015, 05:42:44 PM
I have a question for you guys. How known is David Campbell? They said in the interview hes very big, but Im pretty sure they would have say that about anyone they worked with, and thats understandable, that being a promotional article. I havent head of him, but my knowledge of music is really thin outside the DT world. So really, is he a big name in the music industry?

*snip

A simple yes would have suffice :biggrin:

Please note that I didnt tried to suggest he isnt a big deal, just wanted to know if you knew him, as I consider many of this forum to a much more varied music knowledge than myself. Thats why I didnt bother to Wiki him, sometimes "from mouth to ear" (err my english is lagging ;)) is the best way to know a man status.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 27, 2015, 06:45:31 PM
A simple yes wouldn't have told you just HOW big a deal it is that David Campbell has worked with DT. ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 27, 2015, 07:10:22 PM
I see, I am now even more exited ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jayvee3 on December 27, 2015, 07:18:02 PM
I'm not sure if I should laugh or be slightly disturbed by this thread  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 27, 2015, 07:21:48 PM
Quote from: jayvee3 on December 27, 2015, 07:18:02 PM
I'm not sure if I should laugh or be slightly disturbed by this thread  ;D

Why not both?  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 27, 2015, 07:28:41 PM
This thread is the pinnacle of human evolution.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 27, 2015, 07:55:26 PM
DT should write a concept album about DTF's "we can't wait for the new album" threads.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 27, 2015, 10:12:56 PM
Seems like Campbell's entire 2015 was dedicated to DT. Not surprising considering how complex it all seems.

I'm looking forward to hearing The Answer, since JP said it's one that Campbell really took and fleshed out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: 425 on December 27, 2015, 10:51:53 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 27, 2015, 05:53:18 PM
"Overall, his work appears on more than 425 gold or platinum albums. During his long recording career, albums on which he worked have received 50 Grammys, and his film work has earned two Oscars for music."

Nuggetz
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 28, 2015, 01:41:57 AM
Only 32 days left until we all can hear the Astonishing...  can't wait
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on December 28, 2015, 01:58:20 AM
(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201512/28122015_large.jpg)

Alright, Faythe has finally been revealed… and she's with the Empire! ???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 28, 2015, 02:04:41 AM
And pink hair, unexpected. Now I know I will hate the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on December 28, 2015, 02:04:57 AM
By the way, that leaves the clock character as the only one not revealed yet. I don't even remember why you guys are so thrilled about him/her and, at this point, I'm too afraid to ask.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 28, 2015, 02:09:34 AM
Wow, cool! That indeed leaves clock guy for last.

I think this is the first time they revealed a character/songs/map parts in the morning (in my timezone), it was usually about 9 hours from now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 28, 2015, 02:09:57 AM
Clock guy is Mike Portnoy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 28, 2015, 02:12:55 AM
Wait... are these... earphones?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Vandalism on December 28, 2015, 02:17:24 AM
I thought it was a joke post at first. The textures/lighting isn't as good as what the other models have.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 28, 2015, 02:18:28 AM
(https://www.bsckids.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/135793_1595r1.jpg)

Faythe is actually Dove Cameron playing  Maleficent's daughter in the newest crappy Disney movie.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Vandalism on December 28, 2015, 02:22:07 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 28, 2015, 02:12:55 AM
Wait... are these... earphones?

Yea! Maybe they're worth a fortune in the Dystopian Future! She buys them and listens to ancient music i.e. I&W and SFAM and turns on the Empire!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 28, 2015, 02:22:39 AM
So, so far we have:

A Knight of The Zodiac
Emperor Sean Connery
JP 2003
Dove Cameron
Jaime Lannister
The Childlike Empress from The Neverending Story
and female John Myung.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 28, 2015, 02:24:23 AM
Oh, this means that Clock Guy will probably be a Ravenskill Rebel, awesome! I thought for sure Faythe would be with the rebels.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 28, 2015, 02:25:24 AM
All of them, except for the Knight of the Zodiac, why, lol?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 28, 2015, 02:25:41 AM
Is she wearing headphones? Interesting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 28, 2015, 02:26:37 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 28, 2015, 02:25:24 AM
All of them, except for the Knight of the Zodiac, why, lol?

I don't know, Gabriel insanely reminds me of some anime character and I can't pinpoint which.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 28, 2015, 02:26:47 AM
She's listening to the forbidden music. What a rebel!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 28, 2015, 02:27:45 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 28, 2015, 02:25:41 AM
Is she wearing headphones? Interesting.

That's what I noted, it's weird because it somehow brought me back to this sci-fi world.
Maybe it represents a contrast to the huge NOMAC's?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 28, 2015, 03:38:24 AM
So the GNE overtakes the RRM with the reveal of Faythe, 4-3 with one to reveal. Clock Person is the last. Also, I have a feeling that the last map piece left to be revealed will be mostly ocean.

I'm actually looking forward to seeing what's behind the "Places" section. We might get pictures of some of the important locations to give us some perspective of the events taking place. I wonder, for example, what city is depicted on the cover.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 28, 2015, 03:44:46 AM
Yeah, i was also wondering what was the "Capital" city.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 28, 2015, 03:46:09 AM
I'm guessing that Perpetual View is the capital.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 28, 2015, 04:13:59 AM
New Maineland.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 28, 2015, 04:22:36 AM
I had a weird thought...
If TA is around 2 hours 10 minutes long (or 13) and average DT Evenings without the intermission clock at around 2:43-:2:50 hours, that leaves like at least 30-35 minutes of remaining time.

I've been trying to wonder about an encore, and I'm almost begging to have Octavarium as an encore.
Or have a two part encore where Surrender to Reason and The Bigger Picture are played, followed by 8VM.

I mean, that poll for favorite epic can't be in vain, Octavarium fucking won!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 28, 2015, 04:28:41 AM
If they play Octavarium i think i would literally cry. But i think it's very unlikely, didn't they say they were playing nothing but The Astonishing?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 28, 2015, 04:33:47 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 28, 2015, 04:28:41 AM
If they play Octavarium i think i would literally cry. But i think it's very unlikely, didn't they say they were playing nothing but The Astonishing?

That would be a short show for DT evening.
Consider Disc I as the first part of the show, then intermission, then only 50 minutes more of music and the end of it?
I don't think they'd want to stick to that exclusively. One can hope, and I hope we get an encore of an epic or something, 8VM seems to me the only worthy encore after hearing TA, like A Change of Seasons was to SFAM
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 28, 2015, 04:35:08 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 28, 2015, 04:22:36 AM
I had a weird thought...
If TA is around 2 hours 10 minutes long (or 13) and average DT Evenings without the intermission clock at around 2:43-:2:50 hours, that leaves like at least 30-35 minutes of remaining time.

I've been trying to wonder about an encore, and I'm almost begging to have Octavarium as an encore.
Or have a two part encore where Surrender to Reason and The Bigger Picture are played, followed by 8VM.

I mean, that poll for favorite epic can't be in vain, Octavarium fucking won!

You don't think they'll play 2 hours and 40 minute shows without an intermission right? The remaining half hour is mostly a break of some sort (likely inbetween Act 1 and 2).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 28, 2015, 04:37:02 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on December 28, 2015, 04:35:08 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 28, 2015, 04:22:36 AM
I had a weird thought...
If TA is around 2 hours 10 minutes long (or 13) and average DT Evenings without the intermission clock at around 2:43-:2:50 hours, that leaves like at least 30-35 minutes of remaining time.

I've been trying to wonder about an encore, and I'm almost begging to have Octavarium as an encore.
Or have a two part encore where Surrender to Reason and The Bigger Picture are played, followed by 8VM.

I mean, that poll for favorite epic can't be in vain, Octavarium fucking won!

You don't think they'll play 2 hours and 40 minute shows without an intermission right? The remaining half hour is mostly a break of some sort (likely inbetween Act 1 and 2).

I  never said that, I said the shows WITHOUT the intermission clock at that, exceeding 3 hours WITH the intermission.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 28, 2015, 04:49:51 AM
Breaking the Fourth Wall is about 2 hours 45 minutes. Thats excluding the breaks. The Astonishing is about 2 hours 13 minutes, meaning we have a half hour left. Maybe we get an encore, although it would be unlikely to end the show on something completely unrelated. Maybe the show is just a bit shorter? Or maybe they add a lot of narration, scene changes and extended solos?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jayvee3 on December 28, 2015, 04:54:04 AM
Looks like Amanda Seyfried to me. With pink hair. Which is cool.

I'd also fathom a guess that while Faythe is with the GNE, the song 'Losing Faythe' is probably about her becoming jaded and eventually defecting. Headphones also suggest she doesn't go for all this no-music tomfoolery and the pink hair suggests she is a bit of a maverick who is her own person - the pink sheep of the family (see what I did there :o) -  who won't be told what to do by anyone let alone her parents  :tup ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 28, 2015, 05:04:43 AM
I wonder if all the GNE characters are related. Arabelle is likely to be Nafaryus' wife (the Empress), Daryus looks like he could be his brother, and Faythe could be Nafaryus and Arabelle's daughter.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on December 28, 2015, 05:06:20 AM
Daryus is the prince, and I'm guessing Faythe to be his daughter. We'll get that annoucement soon enough. Also, can't wait for clock guy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jayvee3 on December 28, 2015, 05:09:14 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 28, 2015, 05:04:43 AM
I wonder if all the GNE characters are related. Arabelle is likely to be Nafaryus' wife (the Empress), Daryus looks like he could be his brother, and Faythe could be Nafaryus and Arabelle's daughter.

I think that's a very real possibility, and would be a logical conclusion from what we know.

Also, on one of your earlier comments about the last map piece: From what I can tell on the pre-order page, there actually looks to be a little border looking somewhat like a mirror with some writing in it or maybe a map key in that remaining corner  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on December 28, 2015, 05:35:33 AM
Faythe's is loyal to GNE -> Her secret crush (Gabriel) gives her a pair of phones -> She discovers music -> MOMENT OF BETRAYAL -> She must chose between her family, the empire, and her love, the rebels ->THE PATH THAT DIVIDES -> Someone (from GNE) discovers her struggle and tries to change her mind, without success -> kills her brutally -> LOSING FAYTHE
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on December 28, 2015, 05:36:40 AM
If I was going to any of these shows I wouldn't want them play things that are not from TA. That'd ve pretty weird considering how they've set this all up. Like watching a complete and contained movie and have it end with a single scene from a completely different movie. It would completely betray the vibe that it seems like they're going with.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on December 28, 2015, 06:05:12 AM
How I miss the times when concerts just last 90 minutes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on December 28, 2015, 06:39:51 AM
Oh, look. Another white person. Huh...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 28, 2015, 06:48:49 AM
Well, they're all in family with each other, why'd you expect the daughter of the emperor to be black or hispanic?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 28, 2015, 06:54:43 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 28, 2015, 06:48:49 AM
Well, they're all in family with each other, why'd you expect the daughter of the emperor to be black or hispanic?

Because somewhere in 2+ hours of music, you would expect a plot twist that the mother had an affair with the gardener.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on December 28, 2015, 06:58:10 AM
Not knowing the story (like a certain privileged member of this forum) I had no idea that the eight people who are characters in this story are all family. If that's true, then it makes perfect sense.

There is still an overriding, obvious, assumption here that I find...odd.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 28, 2015, 06:58:48 AM
If it's confirmed that there are no 10-minute songs on the album, you can guarantee some will have a moan about it, despite the fact that overall, we're getting about an hour MORE new DT music than we normally get when a new album comes out. Essentially, we're getting two albums worth of new music in one go.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 28, 2015, 07:10:35 AM
I didn't say every character is in family with each other, but the GNE is - it's the "royal family tree". Emperor, empress, brother and sister.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on December 28, 2015, 07:13:53 AM
Okay.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Moor on December 28, 2015, 07:20:45 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 28, 2015, 06:54:43 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 28, 2015, 06:48:49 AM
Well, they're all in family with each other, why'd you expect the daughter of the emperor to be black or hispanic?

Because somewhere in 2+ hours of music, you would expect a plot twist that the mother had an affair with the gardener.

 :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 28, 2015, 08:05:52 AM
Quote from: Podaar on December 28, 2015, 06:58:10 AM
Not knowing the story (like a certain privileged member of this forum) I had no idea that the eight people who are characters in this story are all family. If that's true, then it makes perfect sense.

There is still an overriding, obvious, assumption here that I find...odd.
Are we really going to have to have this conversation? :\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on December 28, 2015, 08:34:30 AM
Nope.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on December 28, 2015, 08:49:10 AM
Faythe seems to have time for music...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 28, 2015, 08:57:22 AM
She could be listening to audio books.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on December 28, 2015, 09:03:55 AM
Faythe.....I'm diggin the pink hair!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 28, 2015, 09:05:46 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on December 27, 2015, 06:44:14 PM
Please note that I didnt tried to suggest he isnt a big deal, just wanted to know if you knew him, as I consider many of this forum to a much more varied music knowledge than myself. Thats why I didnt bother to Wiki him, sometimes "from mouth to ear" (err my english is lagging ;)) is the best way to know a man status.
It's certainly a better way than "ass to mouth."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 28, 2015, 09:13:59 AM
Quote from: Zydar on December 28, 2015, 08:57:22 AM
She could be listening to audio books.
Ruining the narrative here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 28, 2015, 09:17:18 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on December 28, 2015, 01:58:20 AM
(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201512/28122015_large.jpg)

Alright, Faythe has finally been revealed… and she's with the Empire! ???

SO GOTH

GOYTHE
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 09:21:23 AM
on roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/de:

"Über zwei Stunden brand neue Dream Theatre Musik. Dieses Bundle beinhaltet ebenfalls einen digitalen Album Download in HD Qualität (FLAC File)"

something's wrong here
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on December 28, 2015, 09:23:57 AM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 09:21:23 AM
on roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/de:

"Über zwei Stunden brand neue Dream Theatre Musik. Dieses Bundle beinhaltet ebenfalls einen digitalen Album Download in HD Qualität (FLAC File)"

something's wrong here

Yeah, Dream Theatre, spelled wrong.  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on December 28, 2015, 09:30:12 AM
Quote from: YtseJamittaja on December 28, 2015, 09:23:57 AM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 09:21:23 AM
on roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/de:

"Über zwei Stunden brand neue Dream Theatre Musik. Dieses Bundle beinhaltet ebenfalls einen digitalen Album Download in HD Qualität (FLAC File)"

something's wrong here

Yeah, Dream Theatre, spelled wrong.  :P
Also, brandneue is one word, not two. Somebody should get fired.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 28, 2015, 09:43:18 AM
Quote from: Zydar on December 28, 2015, 02:26:47 AM
She's listening to the forbidden music. What a rebel!
As I said a number of pages back, I expect Faythe to be the love interest of either Gabriel or Ahrys.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Randaran on December 28, 2015, 09:54:13 AM
I bet that Faythe is the villain. She looks more like a makeup stunt gone wrong than a person, while every other character revealed thus far looks somewhat natural. The pink hair completes her image, a representation of the superficiality Dream Theater is trying to argue against with this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AngelBack on December 28, 2015, 10:03:03 AM
Quote from: Randaran on December 28, 2015, 09:54:13 AM
I bet that Faythe is the villain. She looks more like a makeup stunt gone wrong than a person, while every other character revealed thus far looks somewhat natural. The pink hair completes her image, a representation of the superficiality Dream Theater is trying to argue against with this album.

The Looking Glass part II confirmed
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on December 28, 2015, 10:15:16 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 28, 2015, 09:05:46 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on December 27, 2015, 06:44:14 PM
Please note that I didnt tried to suggest he isnt a big deal, just wanted to know if you knew him, as I consider many of this forum to a much more varied music knowledge than myself. Thats why I didnt bother to Wiki him, sometimes "from mouth to ear" (err my english is lagging ;)) is the best way to know a man status.
It's certainly a better way than "ass to mouth."

Oh certainly :lol

You can tell English isnt my first language, Im trying really hard not to be clock guy number 2, but sometime there are slips :\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Evermind on December 28, 2015, 10:20:25 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on December 28, 2015, 10:15:16 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 28, 2015, 09:05:46 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on December 27, 2015, 06:44:14 PM
Please note that I didnt tried to suggest he isnt a big deal, just wanted to know if you knew him, as I consider many of this forum to a much more varied music knowledge than myself. Thats why I didnt bother to Wiki him, sometimes "from mouth to ear" (err my english is lagging ;)) is the best way to know a man status.
It's certainly a better way than "ass to mouth."

Oh certainly :lol

You can tell English isnt my first language, Im trying really hard not to be clock guy number 2

That's the whahibrido pickingant guy, so you're safe. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 28, 2015, 10:25:20 AM
Well, I'm disappointed that Faythe isn't blind. :neverusethis:

Quote from: AngelBack on December 28, 2015, 10:03:03 AM
Quote from: Randaran on December 28, 2015, 09:54:13 AM
I bet that Faythe is the villain. She looks more like a makeup stunt gone wrong than a person, while every other character revealed thus far looks somewhat natural. The pink hair completes her image, a representation of the superficiality Dream Theater is trying to argue against with this album.

The Looking Glass part II confirmed

There's also this

Illumination Theory-II. Live, Die, Kill: ''Chancing it all in a final act of faith''

The Astonishing: 9. Act of Faythe

DT13 is confirmed to be The Astonishing Looking Octavarium Metropolis of Tuscany Theory :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 28, 2015, 10:37:35 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on December 28, 2015, 10:15:16 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 28, 2015, 09:05:46 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on December 27, 2015, 06:44:14 PM
Please note that I didnt tried to suggest he isnt a big deal, just wanted to know if you knew him, as I consider many of this forum to a much more varied music knowledge than myself. Thats why I didnt bother to Wiki him, sometimes "from mouth to ear" (err my english is lagging ;)) is the best way to know a man status.
It's certainly a better way than "ass to mouth."

Oh certainly :lol

You can tell English isnt my first language, Im trying really hard not to be clock guy number 2, but sometime there are slips :\
That's OK, you're doing great.

You should see the slips that kingshmegland makes almost daily, and English IS his first language.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 28, 2015, 10:41:34 AM
I'm the worst.  Hef though is an evil person for pointing this out. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 28, 2015, 10:42:34 AM
 :blush
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 28, 2015, 10:53:35 AM
 :lol

Can't hide the facts Hef! :lol

At least I don't talk like I type.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on December 28, 2015, 10:54:40 AM
Faythe looks like a rebel. I'll bet she's the one who switches sides in 'Moment of Betrayal'
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 28, 2015, 10:58:28 AM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 28, 2015, 10:53:35 AM
:lol

Can't hide the facts Hef! :lol

At least I don't talk like I type.
Thank God.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 28, 2015, 11:27:12 AM
Quote from: TAC on December 28, 2015, 09:43:18 AM
As I said a number of pages back, I expect Faythe to be the love interest of either Gabriel or Ahrys.

Arhys *may* be eliminated from this by the fact he tweeted "I shall never forget my promise" when Evangeline was revealed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 28, 2015, 11:43:09 AM
Count me in anyway among those who think there will be a 25-30 minutes encore at shows. 3 hours show as all Evening With shows, 2h45' of actual music because of the 15 minutes intermission, the album lasts 2h10', the remaining time will be devoted to 2-3 classic songs or a single epic.

And about feeling weird about playing other stuff after The Astonishing... they've never been an Iron Maiden kind of band where they decorate all the stage with all sort of props and toys, the atmosphere will be given by the visuals of the screen behind them, can't see them decorating the stage. They change the screen to something else and problem solved, and anyway, did anyone feel out of place when Iron Maiden on an egyptian stage set played literally every song that has nothing to do with Egypt except one?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Progmetty on December 28, 2015, 11:49:19 AM
I dunno if it has been discussed but I feel like these characters pictures would have been cooler and easier to connect with if they were mere hand drawings, these CGI's are so lifeless and mannequin-like, they remind me of faces that the Tony Hawk video game would let you create to customize your character on the old PS2 games.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dparrott on December 28, 2015, 12:04:08 PM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on December 28, 2015, 01:58:20 AM
(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201512/28122015_large.jpg)

Alright, Faythe has finally been revealed… and she's with the Empire! ???

(https://tacrec.50webs.com/damn.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Implode on December 28, 2015, 12:06:29 PM
I need to stop looking at the art. It's kind of awful looking to me and is giving me negative predispositions to the album (which I'm actually pretty confident is going to be great musically).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: V_R11 on December 28, 2015, 12:08:07 PM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on December 28, 2015, 01:58:20 AM
(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201512/28122015_large.jpg)

Alright, Faythe has finally been revealed… and she's with the Empire! ???

Definitely not what I had expected her to look like at all. Is she related to the emperor?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Evermind on December 28, 2015, 12:08:18 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on December 28, 2015, 11:49:19 AM
I dunno if it has been discussed but I feel like these characters pictures would have been cooler and easier to connect with if they were mere hand drawings, these CGI's are so lifeless and mannequin-like

I agree completely. I guess that's more or less understandable given the setting, but the hand drawings would've been great to see.

That's one of the reasons I adore Ayreon's album covers so much.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 12:49:17 PM
JP said one of the characters had no lines in the playbill. Any suggestions who that might be? The mysterious char8?
Or maybe Faythe, the Maggie Simpson of the Astonishing?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 28, 2015, 01:00:09 PM
From JP's interview with Rolling Stone we can be sure that the following characters are portrayed by James, he specifically says how he suggested him to sing them:

I would say things like, "For Gabriel, I want you to sound like you're 25-year-old James LaBrie." Faythe is a female, so I wanted him to sound female. Arabelle is an older female, so: "I want you to sound wise. Nafaryus, give him some attitude and wrath, be a little snarky with him — he can have a little bit of an attitude." [...] Every once in a while he'd be singing ... maybe he sang something from Arhys, who's a rebel commander, and I would say, "James, if that's coming from him, I think you should sing it with a little bit more strength, because he's supposed to be a commander."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 28, 2015, 01:04:35 PM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 12:49:17 PM
JP said one of the characters had no lines in the playbill. Any suggestions who that might be? The mysterious char8?

Where did he say this?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 28, 2015, 01:05:34 PM
In the Rolling Stone interview I quoted, he said James had to sing all characters but one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Moor on December 28, 2015, 01:12:10 PM
Gabriel scored a goal tonight....for Arsenal.
The songbird stoped to listen when he scored.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 28, 2015, 01:15:06 PM
I forgot about that bit. I wonder if the lyric book will contain a couple of "stage directions" then. Otherwise what's the point of even having the wordless character?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 01:21:15 PM
I read the interview again and he says one has no singing part, but maybe a speaking? Like the hypnotherapist?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 28, 2015, 01:24:23 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 28, 2015, 01:15:06 PM
I forgot about that bit. I wonder if the lyric book will contain a couple of "stage directions" then. Otherwise what's the point of even having the wordless character?

John Myung confirmed as clock guy!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 28, 2015, 01:27:51 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 28, 2015, 01:15:06 PM
I forgot about that bit. I wonder if the lyric book will contain a couple of "stage directions" then. Otherwise what's the point of even having the wordless character?

SFAM was straightforward compared to this, and it had characters mentioned and even lyrics written in italics to symbolize the past. I can't imagine the booklet for The Astonishing won't go to great lengths to make sure we all understand who's singing what.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 01:30:33 PM
Quote from: CDrice on December 28, 2015, 01:24:23 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 28, 2015, 01:15:06 PM
I forgot about that bit. I wonder if the lyric book will contain a couple of "stage directions" then. Otherwise what's the point of even having the wordless character?

John Myung confirmed as clock guy!!!

"tackle"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 28, 2015, 01:31:06 PM
Are those earphones?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hadi-persian on December 28, 2015, 01:40:10 PM
maybe the faythe stop to listen when garbriel sing! faythe leading the songbird from GNE. gabriel help to people that dont undrestand the true music. faythe listen to gabriel voice and joining to RRM. but she slayed from the GNE soldiers.whats ur idea?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on December 28, 2015, 01:49:55 PM
I need to have a little lie-down, now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 28, 2015, 01:51:41 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on December 28, 2015, 01:40:10 PM
maybe the faythe stop to listen when garbriel sing! faythe leading the songbird from GNE. gabriel help to people that dont undrestand the true music. faythe listen to gabriel voice and joining to RRM. but she slayed from the GNE soldiers.whats ur idea?

But what about char8? How does the clock guy fit into this? :neverusethis:

I'm not so sure what you mean by 'she slayed from the GNE soldiers', but Faythe being the 'songbird' sounds like some interesting symbolism and makes TGoM forshadow even more of the story than I thought.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 28, 2015, 01:52:24 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on December 26, 2015, 06:54:49 PM
DT12 is the exact opposite of what TA appears to be.
DT12 isn't a bad album, it's good, but I think the issue that many people have with it is that it's too simple, and they expected much more from Mike Mangini's second album, at least that was the case with me.

TA appears to be one huge complete work where everyone simply exceeded their own limits, so I can safely say that people who disliked DT12 will like TA, even though I have not heard anything but TGOM (Noxon can elaborate on this?)
Many people who disliked DT12 are hardcore SFAM fans.
I'm not so sure that will be borne out when the album drops.  I think you are reaching for correlations that will not necessarily be there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on December 28, 2015, 02:05:59 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 28, 2015, 01:52:24 PM
I'm not so sure that will be borne out when the album drops. I think you are reaching for correlations that will not necessarily be there.

Well, this is the DTF after all, right? :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wizard of Thought on December 28, 2015, 02:11:52 PM
Faythe is just wearing those white Apple earphones. Since the story takes place in 2285 AD this means that Apple will still be the most popular IT company ever.

Oh, dammit

P.S.: I know it doesn`t have to be Apple necessarily, but they are the most distributed of white earphones, so this led to my conclusion.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 28, 2015, 02:13:24 PM
Sometimes, you read a post, and you just have to stand up and applaud because of how spot-on accurate they are.  Other times, there are posts like that one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 28, 2015, 02:16:25 PM
From their Instagram and Facebook:

(https://imgur.com/fQjaQRD.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wizard of Thought on December 28, 2015, 02:17:52 PM
Quote from: Zydar on December 28, 2015, 02:16:25 PM
From their Instagram and Facebook:

(https://imgur.com/fQjaQRD.jpg)

Well, I didn`t even see that one tbh
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 02:22:41 PM
so... ipods save the world?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 28, 2015, 02:23:37 PM
Interesting emphasis on the music player and headphones. Guessing based on that, it definitely has to do with the story line in a substantial way.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 02:36:39 PM
A technical question to the royalists among you: if there's a crown prince, can there be a crown princess at the same time?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 28, 2015, 02:40:55 PM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 02:36:39 PM
A technical question to the royalists among you: if there's a crown prince, can there be a crown princess at the same time?

Yes. Afaik, every brother/sister or daughter/son is prince/princess
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 02:44:17 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 28, 2015, 02:40:55 PM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 02:36:39 PM
A technical question to the royalists among you: if there's a crown prince, can there be a crown princess at the same time?

Yes. Afaik, every brother/sister or daughter/son is prince/princess

But the crown prince is the next in line to become king, afaik, and there can only be one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 28, 2015, 02:50:48 PM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 02:44:17 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 28, 2015, 02:40:55 PM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 02:36:39 PM
A technical question to the royalists among you: if there's a crown prince, can there be a crown princess at the same time?

Yes. Afaik, every brother/sister or daughter/son is prince/princess

But the crown prince is the next in line to become king, afaik, and there can only be one.

"A crown prince or crown princess is the heir apparent to the throne in a royal or imperial monarchy. The wife of a crown prince is also titled crown princess."

Wow, maybe Faythe is married to Daryus?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 28, 2015, 02:52:24 PM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 02:44:17 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 28, 2015, 02:40:55 PM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 02:36:39 PM
A technical question to the royalists among you: if there's a crown prince, can there be a crown princess at the same time?

Yes. Afaik, every brother/sister or daughter/son is prince/princess

But the crown prince is the next in line to become king, afaik, and there can only be one.

I think you are correct, with the exception of a married couple.  For instance, if the crown prince is married, his wife would be the crown princess, so you would have a crown prince by blood and a crown princess by marriage. 

EDIT:  Looks like what was posted while I was typing this agrees.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 28, 2015, 02:55:57 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 28, 2015, 02:52:24 PM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 02:44:17 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 28, 2015, 02:40:55 PM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on December 28, 2015, 02:36:39 PM
A technical question to the royalists among you: if there's a crown prince, can there be a crown princess at the same time?

Yes. Afaik, every brother/sister or daughter/son is prince/princess

But the crown prince is the next in line to become king, afaik, and there can only be one.

I think you are correct, with the exception of a married couple.  For instance, if the crown prince is married, his wife would be the crown princess, so you would have a crown prince by blood and a crown princess by marriage. 

EDIT:  Looks like what was posted while I was typing this agrees.

It seems that Faythe was married by force to Daryus and she actually loves Gabriel. Lel.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 28, 2015, 03:03:22 PM
Faythe is Victoria
Daryus is Julian
Gabriel is Edward
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 28, 2015, 03:07:36 PM
Hypnotherapist used a clock on SFAM. We have a clock guy! METROPOLIS PT. 3 CONFIRMED!!!
:dangerwillrobinson:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 28, 2015, 03:10:40 PM
Quote from: Sacul on December 28, 2015, 03:07:36 PM
Hypnotherapist used a clock on SFAM. We have a clock guy! METROPOLIS PT. 3 CONFIRMED!!!
:dangerwillrobinson:

Your sentence has a 3. You can count to 3.

HALF LIFE 3 CONFIRMED! :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on December 28, 2015, 03:31:43 PM
3+1=4. Tool has 4 letters. OMG NEW TOOL ALBUM CONFIRMED!!! :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 28, 2015, 04:08:09 PM
stop
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 28, 2015, 04:12:40 PM
Stop has 4 letters. Half Life 4 confirmed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 28, 2015, 05:02:36 PM
Quote from: Zydar on December 28, 2015, 02:16:25 PM
From their Instagram and Facebook:

(https://imgur.com/fQjaQRD.jpg)
(https://www.shinyplastic.com/reviews/ipod-mini/ipod-mini-top.jpg)
Nice to know the iPod mini will make it's return in the future. ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 28, 2015, 06:02:51 PM
No 3.5mm plug? No Problem! In the future, our headphones are permanently attached! You want to use a different pair? What a hassle! Just one listen from our very tiny and very proprietary in-ear headphones will surely convince you. You totally don't want anything else! Seriously. we'll brainwash you with giant flying machines.


I'm tired.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 28, 2015, 06:17:38 PM
Quote from: Lucien on December 28, 2015, 04:08:09 PM
stop

This. I wish DT would release another track for us to listen to so we have something solid to discuss. Realistically though, we may only get some sort of official preview video only featuring snippets.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 28, 2015, 06:46:15 PM
Quote from: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 28, 2015, 05:02:36 PM
(https://www.shinyplastic.com/reviews/ipod-mini/ipod-mini-top.jpg)
Nice to know the iPod mini will make it's return in the future. ;)

Well it is a dystopian future, after all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on December 28, 2015, 07:09:58 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 28, 2015, 03:03:22 PM
Faythe is Victoria
Daryus is Julian
Gabriel is Edward

And here we go again…
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 28, 2015, 07:33:15 PM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on December 28, 2015, 07:09:58 PM
Quote from: thosava on December 28, 2015, 03:03:22 PM
Faythe is Victoria
Daryus is Julian
Gabriel is Edward

And here we go again…
Green font is sarcastic.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: 425 on December 28, 2015, 09:29:28 PM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on December 28, 2015, 02:05:59 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 28, 2015, 01:52:24 PM
I'm not so sure that will be borne out when the album drops. I think you are reaching for correlations that will not necessarily be there.

Well, this is the DTF after all, right? :lol

I like that DTF is so predictable that it took you just 27 posts to figure us out. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on December 29, 2015, 12:37:14 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 28, 2015, 03:03:22 PM
Faythe is Victoria
Daryus is Julian
Gabriel is Edward

Without Faythe. Without Love. There can be no peace of mind.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: JMSE on December 29, 2015, 02:08:47 AM
Quote from: TheCountOfNYC on December 29, 2015, 12:37:14 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 28, 2015, 03:03:22 PM
Faythe is Victoria
Daryus is Julian
Gabriel is Edward

Without Faythe. Without Love. There can be no peace of mind.

NUGGETZZZ  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on December 29, 2015, 05:48:12 AM
Officially one month until release. I cannot stop listening to TGOM, it's just a cracking little song. And the choir in the middle is superb - if theres more like that in the album I will be a happy man!

Super hyped for the album now!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 29, 2015, 05:51:07 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on December 28, 2015, 06:46:15 PM
Quote from: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 28, 2015, 05:02:36 PM
https://www.shinyplastic.com/reviews/ipod-mini/ipod-mini-top.jpg
Nice to know the iPod mini will make it's return in the future. ;)

Well it is a dystopian future, after all.

:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Moor on December 29, 2015, 07:25:32 AM
Based on the expected diversity on this album.. do you think we will see JP introducing his use of the 8 strings guitars?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: liran95 on December 29, 2015, 07:47:00 AM
Quote from: Moor on December 29, 2015, 07:25:32 AM
Based on the expected diversity on this album.. do you think we will see JP introducing his use of the 8 strings guitars?

I think we'll see a little bit of every existing instrument in the whole world.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dparrott on December 29, 2015, 07:59:54 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 28, 2015, 09:17:18 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on December 28, 2015, 01:58:20 AM
(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201512/28122015_large.jpg)

Alright, Faythe has finally been revealed… and she's with the Empire! ???

SO GOTH

GOYTHE

She's a gothic Princess Bubblegum!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 29, 2015, 08:25:44 AM
Wow. Just a month to go, and no doubt the reviews and interviews and whatnot will come along in the meantime. The time will fly by!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: palmeiras on December 29, 2015, 08:26:11 AM
I m expcting beauty melodys, killer riffs, diferent  music styles, diferent instruments,  crazy impossíbles instrumental parts,  a lot of Orchestration, choir, deep poétic lyrics
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 29, 2015, 08:28:10 AM
What makes me happy is hearing that Jordan used a real piano instead of a patch piano.  They seemed to go the organic route with this album which makes me very happy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on December 29, 2015, 08:28:33 AM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 29, 2015, 08:28:10 AM
What makes me happy is hearing that Jordan used a real piano instead of a patch piano.  They seemed to go the organic route with this album which makes me very happy.

I agree.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Implode on December 29, 2015, 09:43:22 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on December 28, 2015, 01:58:20 AM
(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201512/28122015_large.jpg)

Alright, Faythe has finally been revealed… and she's with the Empire! ???

i just realized in the picture it's like the hood is floating above her head...and the hair is flowing outside of the hood forward, but it appears to fall straight down the sides of her head. It just looks awful. Who did the art for this again?

How hard would it have been to just get a photo to wear a costume and snap a few photos? It would've been 50 times better.

I'm baffled. Is there no quality control? Did they look at this and think, "Yes. This looks great. This is going in the booklet!"  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamTension on December 29, 2015, 09:51:31 AM
Maybe they threw Hugh a bone and let him do the characters...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Implode on December 29, 2015, 09:54:43 AM
If Hugh has nothing to do with this, I'm starting to think the problems were deeper than just him. Kind of like how it's easy for everyone to blame with Star Wars prequels on George Lucas, but that's not the entire picture. People have to be satisfied with this.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on December 29, 2015, 09:59:26 AM
Well, I'm perfectly satisfied and don't even really understand what the supposed problem is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: liran95 on December 29, 2015, 10:12:58 AM
Quote from: ariich on December 29, 2015, 09:59:26 AM
Well, I'm perfectly satisfied and don't even really understand what the supposed problem is.

This.
Seems fine to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on December 29, 2015, 10:18:08 AM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 29, 2015, 08:28:10 AM
What makes me happy is hearing that Jordan used a real piano instead of a patch piano.  They seemed to go the organic route with this album which makes me very happy.

a patch piano usually sounds good, jordan's piano sounds awful, he should use pianoteq, simply the best
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 29, 2015, 10:19:50 AM
>want to use organic sound
>drums triggered and compressed as fuck
:D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 29, 2015, 10:25:15 AM
Quote from: ariich on December 29, 2015, 09:59:26 AM
Well, I'm perfectly satisfied and don't even really understand what the supposed problem is.
This.

Also: hot.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 29, 2015, 10:30:28 AM
I don't see anything wrong with it at all. It's certainly not worth being "baffled" over, that's for sure.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Implode on December 29, 2015, 10:31:30 AM
If you find that lifeless, airbrushed, cut and paste mannequin hot...I don't know what to say. Ah well. If no one else sees it, it's not worth trying to point out any further.

In the end, the important thing is the music, which is sounding extremely promising so far. I'm really looking forward to this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: liran95 on December 29, 2015, 10:48:27 AM
Quote from: Implode on December 29, 2015, 10:31:30 AM
If you find that lifeless, airbrushed, cut and paste mannequin hot...I don't know what to say. Ah well. If no one else sees it, it's not worth trying to point out any further.

In the end, the important thing is the music, which is sounding extremely promising so far. I'm really looking forward to this album.

I honestly almost wouldn't care even if they did the characters with MS Paint.
I'm here for the music. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on December 29, 2015, 11:34:54 AM
Ms Paint Thread v. Paint your Astonishing Characters
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 29, 2015, 11:36:11 AM
Quote from: liran95 on December 29, 2015, 10:48:27 AM
I honestly almost wouldn't care even if they did the characters with MS Paint.

inb4 someone on the forum actually does this.  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on December 29, 2015, 11:41:25 AM
A few of the track times are popping up on Facebook.  Not sure if legit and certainly not gonna post them here. On the DTF Facebook page
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: NotePad on December 29, 2015, 12:05:48 PM
Quote from: Implode on December 29, 2015, 09:43:22 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on December 28, 2015, 01:58:20 AM
(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201512/28122015_large.jpg)

Alright, Faythe has finally been revealed… and she's with the Empire! ???

i just realized in the picture it's like the hood is floating above her head...and the hair is flowing outside of the hood forward, but it appears to fall straight down the sides of her head. It just looks awful. Who did the art for this again?

How hard would it have been to just get a photo to wear a costume and snap a few photos? It would've been 50 times better.

I'm baffled. Is there no quality control? Did they look at this and think, "Yes. This looks great. This is going in the booklet!"  :facepalm:

Yea,the CG is almost down there with Dance of Death. Still better though. I much prefer a CGI character over someone dressed in a costume. That's for album covers though. When it comes to, say, movies, I like the good Ol' practical effects.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 29, 2015, 12:24:13 PM
Quote from: lightbug on December 29, 2015, 10:18:08 AM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 29, 2015, 08:28:10 AM
What makes me happy is hearing that Jordan used a real piano instead of a patch piano.  They seemed to go the organic route with this album which makes me very happy.

a patch piano usually sounds good, jordan's piano sounds awful, he should use pianoteq, simply the best

lol no

No sample library comes close to the depth and feel of an acoustic piano. I've played hundreds of piano sample libraries over the years and nothing comes close. I don't know in which piano Jordan recorded in, but his Steinway at home is just pure bliss to listen to. Just listen to Steven Wilson's first two albums, in which Rudess made a guest appearance playing his Steinway and that's pretty much the definitive piano sound for me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: me7 on December 29, 2015, 12:26:04 PM
The hood looks really bad. Seems like there is a lack of quality control from the band regarding those pictures.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on December 29, 2015, 12:44:40 PM
Quote from: NotePad on December 29, 2015, 12:05:48 PM
Yea,the CG is almost down there with Dance of Death.

Really?

(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201512/28122015_large.jpg) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/de/Iron_Maiden-Dance_of_Death.jpg)

Dance of Death's cover was so bad that the creator distanced himself from it immediately. Comparing the portrait of Faythe to it screams hyperbole. The only real problem I see with Faythe's look is the visual disconnect with all the other characters (what with the pink hair, makeup and earphones) with the floating hood looking odd if you zoom in on it, but not having a huge effect on the whole picture. Not the best example of computer graphics, but also far from the worst.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 12:47:33 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on December 29, 2015, 12:44:40 PM
Quote from: NotePad on December 29, 2015, 12:05:48 PM
Yea,the CG is almost down there with Dance of Death.

Really?

(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201512/28122015_large.jpg) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/de/Iron_Maiden-Dance_of_Death.jpg)

Dance of Death's cover was so bad that the creator distanced himself from it immediately. Comparing the portrait of Faythe to it screams hyperbole. The only real problem I see with Faythe's look is the visual disconnect with all the other characters (what with the pink hair, makeup and earphones) with the floating hood looking odd if you zoom in on it, but not having a huge effect on the whole picture. Not the best example of computer graphics, but also far from the worst.

I just spent ten minutes alone with her. I don't see a problem.   ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 29, 2015, 12:51:20 PM
Yeah but you're done for at least a few hours.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 12:53:14 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 29, 2015, 12:51:20 PM
Yeah but you're done for at least a few hours.

Don't play the jealous bitch role.   :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 29, 2015, 12:58:06 PM
Well, she's wearing headphones, right? Maybe she's wearing something like those

(https://www.materiel.net/live/139012.jpg)

If it's the case, when she pulls up her hood over her head, it could seem like it's floating above her head.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 29, 2015, 01:01:04 PM
Maybe who cares?  Just a thought.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 29, 2015, 01:01:47 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 12:53:14 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 29, 2015, 12:51:20 PM
Yeah but you're done for at least a few hours.

Don't play the jealous bitch role.   :lol

 :lol

Meow!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on December 29, 2015, 01:02:31 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 29, 2015, 01:01:04 PM
Maybe who cares?  Just a thought.

Good point  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 01:06:49 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 29, 2015, 01:01:04 PM
Maybe who cares?  Just a thought.

Aw come on, Hef. Her lips aren't perfectly symmetrical. Lets hate the album now.   :biggrin:

Quote from: kingshmegland on December 29, 2015, 01:01:47 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 12:53:14 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on December 29, 2015, 12:51:20 PM
Yeah but you're done for at least a few hours.

Don't play the jealous bitch role.   :lol

 :lol

Meow!

Purrrrrrr
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Implode on December 29, 2015, 01:08:00 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 29, 2015, 01:01:04 PM
Maybe who cares?  Just a thought.

Hey, now. Implying people shouldn't care isn't fair. This is a fan forum. The band is creating content for us to enjoy, consume, and discuss. You not caring doesn't mean that other people shouldn't.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on December 29, 2015, 01:08:57 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on December 29, 2015, 12:44:40 PM
Dance of Death's cover was so bad that the creator distanced himself from it immediately.

Actually the author did a draft, sent it to the band to just show how things were going, and everyone went "WOW COOL WE'LL USE IT AS IT IS".

That's why he didn't want the credit, 'cause to him it was unfinished work.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on December 29, 2015, 01:10:37 PM
Quote from: 425 on December 28, 2015, 09:29:28 PM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on December 28, 2015, 02:05:59 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 28, 2015, 01:52:24 PM
I'm not so sure that will be borne out when the album drops. I think you are reaching for correlations that will not necessarily be there.

Well, this is the DTF after all, right? :lol

I like that DTF is so predictable that it took you just 27 posts to figure us out. :lol

Oh, I've actually known the DTF for a few years already. It just took me a few years to decide to create an account and a couple more to start posting :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 29, 2015, 01:11:29 PM
Quote from: Implode on December 29, 2015, 01:08:00 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 29, 2015, 01:01:04 PM
Maybe who cares?  Just a thought.

Hey, now. Implying people shouldn't care isn't fair. This is a fan forum. The band is creating content for us to enjoy, consume, and discuss. You not caring doesn't mean that other people shouldn't.
Well, I was just joking.  Please, care.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 29, 2015, 01:13:58 PM
(https://grassroots.groupon.com/files/2012/04/gt-share-the-care-logo-1024x775.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 01:18:26 PM
(https://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y393/Prog_Snob/1450813_1787068451348398_805659661_n_zps6a9699e1.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Implode on December 29, 2015, 01:23:54 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 29, 2015, 01:11:29 PM
Quote from: Implode on December 29, 2015, 01:08:00 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 29, 2015, 01:01:04 PM
Maybe who cares?  Just a thought.

Hey, now. Implying people shouldn't care isn't fair. This is a fan forum. The band is creating content for us to enjoy, consume, and discuss. You not caring doesn't mean that other people shouldn't.
Well, I was just joking.  Please, care.

Dang it. I sat at the make post page for like 10 minutes trying to figure out if you were joking or not. I'm just not in the right state of mind today to be posting. :justshootme:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 01:27:23 PM
Well that escalated quickly...and messily.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 29, 2015, 01:43:59 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 01:27:23 PM
Well that escalated quickly...and messily.

Yes, but...Who cares?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 01:44:48 PM
The story ends where it begins
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 29, 2015, 01:52:19 PM
I need a towel.

Fortunately, I always carry one with me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 01:59:05 PM
It's stickiness will help facilitate gathering the blood spatter.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on December 29, 2015, 02:07:20 PM
What the hell is going on in this thread right now.

I guess at this point we're all just messing around until clock person/thing is revealed  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nefarius on December 29, 2015, 02:27:24 PM
Quote from: dparrott on December 29, 2015, 07:59:54 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on December 28, 2015, 01:58:20 AM
(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201512/28122015_large.jpg)
She's a gothic Princess Bubblegum!

If she's only a tenth of the badass Peebles is, I'm looking forward to her character.
But all those dillweeds won't have any idea who we're talking about anyway, right? :biggrin:

Greetings...
Nef
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: liran95 on December 29, 2015, 03:03:43 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on December 29, 2015, 01:52:19 PM
I need a towel.

Fortunately, I always carry one with me.

(https://www.myteespot.com/images/Images_d/DSCF0734.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 29, 2015, 03:07:35 PM
You sass that hoopy hefdaddy42? Now there's a frood who knows where his towel is!

*hopes someone gets this*
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: liran95 on December 29, 2015, 03:14:19 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 29, 2015, 03:07:35 PM
You sass that hoopy hefdaddy42? Now there's a frood who knows where his towel is!

*hopes someone gets this*

I honestly didn't get any of that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Laughing_man923 on December 29, 2015, 03:25:41 PM
Finally kept up with the whole thread. I took a 3 day vacation and I miss about 6 pages worth. Oh yeah somebody already rated the album and posted the length for each song as well.

*snip*
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 29, 2015, 03:35:12 PM
Quote from: Laughing_man923 on December 29, 2015, 03:25:41 PM
Finally kept up with the whole thread. I took a 3 day vacation and I miss about 6 pages worth. Oh yeah somebody already rated the album and posted the length for each song as well.

*snip*

1. That information is not authorized.  There have been clear warnings in this thread about posting unauthorized links to leaked information.  Please don't do it again.
2.  Those track times are incorrect (although some are close), so I'm not sure whoever posted that has in fact even heard the new album. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on December 29, 2015, 03:41:42 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 29, 2015, 03:35:12 PM
Quote from: Laughing_man923 on December 29, 2015, 03:25:41 PM
Finally kept up with the whole thread. I took a 3 day vacation and I miss about 6 pages worth. Oh yeah somebody already rated the album and posted the length for each song as well.

*snip*

1. That information is not authorized.  There have been clear warnings in this thread about posting unauthorized links to leaked information.  Please don't do it again.
2.  Those track times are incorrect (although some are close), so I'm not sure whoever posted that has in fact even heard the new album.

It looks like their source was noxon's pie chart, but he didn't take into account that the pieces could've been scrambled.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 29, 2015, 03:46:14 PM
Quote from: rab7 on December 29, 2015, 03:41:42 PM
It looks like their source was noxon's pie chart...

Why do you think that?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Laughing_man923 on December 29, 2015, 03:57:22 PM
Apologies, I'm still trying to learn all the rules of the forum. I'll be sure not to do it again.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on December 29, 2015, 04:18:18 PM
Quote from: rab7 on December 29, 2015, 03:41:42 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 29, 2015, 03:35:12 PM
Quote from: Laughing_man923 on December 29, 2015, 03:25:41 PM
Finally kept up with the whole thread. I took a 3 day vacation and I miss about 6 pages worth. Oh yeah somebody already rated the album and posted the length for each song as well.

*snip*

1. That information is not authorized.  There have been clear warnings in this thread about posting unauthorized links to leaked information.  Please don't do it again.
2.  Those track times are incorrect (although some are close), so I'm not sure whoever posted that has in fact even heard the new album.

It looks like their source was noxon's pie chart, but he didn't take into account that the pieces could've been scrambled.

my information was totally based on math. You take the angle and the known length of TGOM... done. That post wasn't a leak

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DP_Gumby on December 29, 2015, 04:35:44 PM
We're getting close to release now. Only one month left!  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on December 29, 2015, 05:02:31 PM
Quote from: Laughing_man923 on December 29, 2015, 03:57:22 PM
Apologies, I'm still trying to learn all the rules of the forum. I'll be sure not to do it again.

I understand.  And it wasn't a post to something blatantly leaked (looks more like someone just posting for the heck of it), so it's kind of grey.  But we clamp down VERY tight on leaks around album release time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on December 29, 2015, 05:04:21 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 29, 2015, 03:46:14 PM
Quote from: rab7 on December 29, 2015, 03:41:42 PM
It looks like their source was noxon's pie chart...

Why do you think that?
What lightbug said

Also, my track times (on page 121) are also based on the pie chart, I said it before and I'll say it again: I'm 99.9% sure my track lengths are in fact the real ones (based on everything Noxon said (the STD) and on the fact it matches everything it needs to match (nomac tracks being the shortest and act I lasting about 80 mins))

Also, you said the track lengths are incorrect, although close (and that's due to the experimental uncertainty, but most track times I gave should be 10 secs longer/shorter than the real ones, at max)

And for guys not believing in our calculations (those pages were the most fun I had since joining the forum btw :D), well, it's your loss. They may not be 100% true, but they are definitely something you can use as a model and to get the general idea. What Neil DeGrasse Tyson said : The good thing about science is that it's true, whether or not you believe in it. :p
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Laughing_man923 on December 29, 2015, 05:06:17 PM
Also I was reading earlier on about what the band will do to fill up that extra 30 min of the show. I would guess that the show would involve some sort of theatrics for the story and maybe each scene would take up a few minutes between songs to fill up that time gap.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 05:51:27 PM
Quote from: Laughing_man923 on December 29, 2015, 03:57:22 PM
Apologies, I'm still trying to learn all the rules of the forum. I'll be sure not to do it again.

Not so much the laughing man now, are you?   :lol

I LOVE IRONY! 

:jamaritard:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Laughing_man923 on December 29, 2015, 06:01:20 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 05:51:27 PM
Quote from: Laughing_man923 on December 29, 2015, 03:57:22 PM
Apologies, I'm still trying to learn all the rules of the forum. I'll be sure not to do it again.

Not so much the laughing man now, are you?   :lol

I LOVE IRONY! 

:jamaritard:

Honestly that made me chuckle, thanks for bringing me back lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ronnibran on December 29, 2015, 06:03:54 PM
My gosh, people would complain even if they took legit photos to use for the characters.  Maybe the back half of Faythe's hair is in a bun, pushing the hood up, giving the illusion that the laws of thermodynamics are being broken.  Not sure why anyone would care?  If they wanted the characters to look more "real" they wouldn't be drawn. 

If someone finds the picture bad, that's fine.  But to start accusing laziness and sloppiness is just plain silly.

And yes, I find her to be HAWT!!! I was expecting her to be a kid.  Maybe the round headed clock figure will be instead.  BTW I'm sure I'm still too old for Faythe :-/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 06:10:34 PM
Quote from: Laughing_man923 on December 29, 2015, 06:01:20 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 05:51:27 PM
Quote from: Laughing_man923 on December 29, 2015, 03:57:22 PM
Apologies, I'm still trying to learn all the rules of the forum. I'll be sure not to do it again.

Not so much the laughing man now, are you?   :lol

I LOVE IRONY! 

:jamaritard:

Honestly that made me chuckle, thanks for bringing me back lol.

:jamaritard:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 29, 2015, 06:19:38 PM
Quote from: ronnibran on December 29, 2015, 06:03:54 PM
My gosh, people would complain even if they took legit photos to use for the characters.  Maybe the back half of Faythe's hair is in a bun, pushing the hood up, giving the illusion that the laws of thermodynamics are being broken.

:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rumborak on December 29, 2015, 06:37:13 PM
I reserve my final judgment to when I see the whole thing.
The only danger I see right now is that the whole thing might have been "outsourced",  with a random dude throwing together a map and characters.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: sneakyblueberry on December 29, 2015, 06:49:07 PM
New concept seems like a whole new entire fucking universe of cheese for me to buy into but the new song is aiight.

A lot of the youtube comments are directed at the drum sound again, which I think is unwarranted.  It's a hell of a lot better than the last two. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 29, 2015, 08:41:21 PM
Only a month to go!!!!  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 29, 2015, 09:01:21 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 29, 2015, 08:41:21 PM
Only a month to go!!!!  :corn

That is usually when the wait gets tougher to me, lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 09:01:33 PM
To go where?

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 29, 2015, 09:17:41 PM
To the bathroom
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 09:18:19 PM
I just did that. I don't want to go back.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on December 29, 2015, 09:23:11 PM
For me, the bathroom is sometimes my 20 minutes of peace for the day
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 09:38:32 PM
I empathize with that. I usually do that at work.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Cool Chris on December 29, 2015, 09:53:24 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 09:38:32 PM
I empathize with that. I usually do that at work.

Indeed. Best to do your business while on the company dime. Gives you that much more of your personal time to do more important things. You just gotta find the floor/department that has the cleanest facilities.

(https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/seinfeld/images/7/76/George-costanza.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20110406222711)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Vandalism on December 29, 2015, 09:59:29 PM
Quote from: ronnibran on December 29, 2015, 06:03:54 PM
My gosh, people would complain even if they took legit photos to use for the characters.  Maybe the back half of Faythe's hair is in a bun, pushing the hood up, giving the illusion that the laws of thermodynamics are being broken.  Not sure why anyone would care?  If they wanted the characters to look more "real" they wouldn't be drawn. 

If someone finds the picture bad, that's fine.  But to start accusing laziness and sloppiness is just plain silly.

And yes, I find her to be HAWT!!! I was expecting her to be a kid.  Maybe the round headed clock figure will be instead.  BTW I'm sure I'm still too old for Faythe :-/

(https://i65.tinypic.com/vy04s2.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 29, 2015, 11:23:29 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 09:01:33 PM
To go where?

To leave your country, to go and become a monk and disapear from the internet for 30 days till The Astounding drops  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Eldomm on December 30, 2015, 12:03:08 AM
Quote from: ronnibran on December 29, 2015, 06:03:54 PM

If someone finds the picture bad, that's fine.  But to start accusing laziness and sloppiness is just plain silly.


This.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 30, 2015, 12:22:24 AM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 29, 2015, 11:23:29 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 09:01:33 PM
To go where?

To leave your country, to go and become a monk and disapear from the internet for 30 days till The Astounding drops  :corn

I would rather be frozen until it drops, like Cartman.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chwik on December 30, 2015, 01:05:42 AM
Quote from: ronnibran on December 29, 2015, 06:03:54 PM
My gosh, people would complain even if they took legit photos to use for the characters.  Maybe the back half of Faythe's hair is in a bun, pushing the hood up, giving the illusion that the laws of *physics* are being broken.  Not sure why anyone would care?  If they wanted the characters to look more "real" they wouldn't be drawn. 

If someone finds the picture bad, that's fine.  But to start accusing laziness and sloppiness is just plain silly.

And yes, I find her to be HAWT!!! I was expecting her to be a kid.  Maybe the round headed clock figure will be instead.  BTW I'm sure I'm still too old for Faythe :-/

Fixed that for you :) The laws of Thermodynamics (a branch of physics) are related to energy and energy flow (it is actually more an observation than a law) where the first law of Thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only transformed into other forms. The second law (usually conflated with disorder) is the observation that energy uhindered tends to spread; this is professor emeritus and physicist Frank Lambert's modern formulation of the second law.

From a thermodynamic standpoint, it looks like Faythe will be an energetic part of the story  ;)

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 30, 2015, 03:32:20 AM
Quote from: Cool Chris on December 29, 2015, 09:53:24 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 09:38:32 PM
I empathize with that. I usually do that at work.

Indeed. Best to do your business while on the company dime. Gives you that much more of your personal time to do more important things. You just gotta find the floor/department that has the cleanest facilities.

*snip*

 :lol

Ours are usually pretty well kept.

Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 29, 2015, 11:23:29 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 09:01:33 PM
To go where?

To leave your country, to go and become a monk and disapear from the internet for 30 days till The Astounding drops  :corn

That does not sound appealing, not even drunk.   :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: liran95 on December 30, 2015, 03:34:17 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 30, 2015, 12:22:24 AM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 29, 2015, 11:23:29 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 29, 2015, 09:01:33 PM
To go where?

To leave your country, to go and become a monk and disapear from the internet for 30 days till The Astounding drops  :corn

I would rather be frozen until it drops, like Cartman.

I've actually made this meme for DT12.
I've tried to look for it but can't seem to find it anywhere.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 30, 2015, 07:25:16 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 29, 2015, 03:07:35 PM
You sass that hoopy hefdaddy42? Now there's a frood who knows where his towel is!

*hopes someone gets this*
*Gets this*

*Intended this*
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on December 30, 2015, 07:26:41 AM
Quote from: chwik on December 30, 2015, 01:05:42 AM
Quote from: ronnibran on December 29, 2015, 06:03:54 PM
My gosh, people would complain even if they took legit photos to use for the characters.  Maybe the back half of Faythe's hair is in a bun, pushing the hood up, giving the illusion that the laws of *physics* are being broken.  Not sure why anyone would care?  If they wanted the characters to look more "real" they wouldn't be drawn. 

If someone finds the picture bad, that's fine.  But to start accusing laziness and sloppiness is just plain silly.

And yes, I find her to be HAWT!!! I was expecting her to be a kid.  Maybe the round headed clock figure will be instead.  BTW I'm sure I'm still too old for Faythe :-/

Fixed that for you :) The laws of Thermodynamics (a branch of physics) are related to energy and energy flow (it is actually more an observation than a law) where the first law of Thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only transformed into other forms. The second law (usually conflated with disorder) is the observation that energy uhindered tends to spread; this is professor emeritus and physicist Frank Lambert's modern formulation of the second law.

From a thermodynamic standpoint, it looks like Faythe will be an energetic part of the story  ;)

That reminds me of Monty Python's explanation on why firetrucks are red. I don't know how, but you guys still manage to take things to a whole new level :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on December 30, 2015, 07:33:55 AM
I just joined the forums and wow am I hyped for this album. I absolutely love TGOM and from what I've read this album is set to be a great one. I can't really compare the amount of impatience I have for this album. It may not top SFAM, but with 34 tracks and over two hours of music, it will certainly be spectacular. I am absolutely stoked. I just want January 29 to get here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 30, 2015, 07:34:30 AM
What are the odds of Clock Guy being revealed at the stroke of midnight (ET), at the turn of the year?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on December 30, 2015, 07:39:42 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 30, 2015, 07:34:30 AM
What are the odds of Clock Guy being revealed at the stroke of midnight (ET), at the turn of the year?

One in a million... but as we all know, one in a million chances crop up nine times out of ten
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 30, 2015, 07:42:52 AM
"Never tell me the odds!" 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 30, 2015, 07:44:24 AM
In all seriousness though, it does seem like everything could be in place so that all the characters and the full map will be revealed as we enter the month of release. Maybe even the Places link will be unlocked.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 30, 2015, 07:51:22 AM
It's the perfect opportunity.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on December 30, 2015, 09:26:21 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on December 29, 2015, 03:46:14 PM
Quote from: rab7 on December 29, 2015, 03:41:42 PM
It looks like their source was noxon's pie chart...

Why do you think that?

A New Beginning had a big slice, and it was the longest song.

...that's all my evidence
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on December 30, 2015, 04:52:13 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 01:06:41 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/rSSzE7K.png)

I figured out the pie chart.  This is simply the way that Noxon slice his holiday pie.  The thin slices are for kids and the larger pieces are for the overweight relatives.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Crow on December 30, 2015, 04:56:10 PM
That must be one huge pie.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ronnibran on December 30, 2015, 05:32:11 PM
Quote from: chwik on December 30, 2015, 01:05:42 AM
Quote from: ronnibran on December 29, 2015, 06:03:54 PM
My gosh, people would complain even if they took legit photos to use for the characters.  Maybe the back half of Faythe's hair is in a bun, pushing the hood up, giving the illusion that the laws of *physics* are being broken.  Not sure why anyone would care?  If they wanted the characters to look more "real" they wouldn't be drawn. 

If someone finds the picture bad, that's fine.  But to start accusing laziness and sloppiness is just plain silly.

And yes, I find her to be HAWT!!! I was expecting her to be a kid.  Maybe the round headed clock figure will be instead.  BTW I'm sure I'm still too old for Faythe :-/

Fixed that for you :) The laws of Thermodynamics (a branch of physics) are related to energy and energy flow (it is actually more an observation than a law) where the first law of Thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only transformed into other forms. The second law (usually conflated with disorder) is the observation that energy uhindered tends to spread; this is professor emeritus and physicist Frank Lambert's modern formulation of the second law.

From a thermodynamic standpoint, it looks like Faythe will be an energetic part of the story  ;)

I concur, thanks!  I knew thermodynamics wasn't the correct term for what I was describing, and all I could think of was Newton but that just didn't sound right the way I wrote it.  Couldn't think of the right word (physics), was just thinking about force = mass*acceleration.

I "almost" even gave a disclaimer that I was probably describing it wrong since, well, you know, DTF!!! Haha.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Joshgirouard on December 30, 2015, 06:27:55 PM
I think that the last character to be revealed "the clock guy " will be a boy shepherd
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on December 30, 2015, 07:50:49 PM
Quote from: mike099 on December 30, 2015, 04:52:13 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 26, 2015, 01:06:41 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/rSSzE7K.png)

I figured out the pie chart.  This is simply the way that Noxon slice his holiday pie.  The thin slices are for kids and the larger pieces are for the overweight relatives.

So thin slices are songs from the POV of clockguy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 30, 2015, 08:18:27 PM
I think that clock boy will be revealed at 2 minutes to midnight, The hands that threaten doom. 2 minutes to midnight, To kill the unborn in the womb:

 :metal
The blind men shout, Let the creatures out
Let's show the unbelievers
The napalm screams of human flames
Of a prime time Belsen feast

As the reasons for the carnage
Cut their meat and lick the gravy
We oil the jaws of the war machines
And feed them with our babies

The killer's breed or the demon's seed
The glamor, the fortune, the pain
Go to war again, blood is freedom's stain
Don't you pray for my soul anymore

2 minutes to midnight
The hands that threaten doom
2 minutes to midnight
To kill the unborn in the womb

Body bags and little rags
Of children torn in two
The jellied brains of those who remain
Put the finger right on you

As the madmen play on words
And make us all dance to their song
To the tune of starving millions
To make a better kind of gun

The killer's breed or the demon's seed
The glamor, the fortune, the pain
Go to war again, blood is freedom's stain
Don't you pray for my soul anymore

2 minutes to midnight
The hands that threaten doom
2 minutes to midnight
To kill the unborn in the womb

Midnight, all night
Midnight is all night
Midnight, all night
Midnight is all night

Midnight, all night

 :metal  :metal  :metal

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 30, 2015, 08:19:45 PM
 Clock boy is a Young Eddie The Head confirmed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 30, 2015, 09:24:55 PM
Nah, Eddie was born already old :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rumborak on December 31, 2015, 04:59:38 AM
The "announcement emails" seem to have completely stopped. Weird. The whole hoopla about joining a side, but after a few emails it seems they abandoned it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 31, 2015, 05:03:34 AM
Quote from: rumborak on December 31, 2015, 04:59:38 AM
The "announcement emails" seem to have completely stopped. Weird. The whole hoopla about joining a side, but after a few emails it seems they abandoned it.

Yes, it's strange indeed. Don't know why they chose to go these lenghts to stop all of a sudden.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 31, 2015, 05:50:59 AM
How many Empire mails did we get? I can only remember one, or was it two?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 31, 2015, 05:54:53 AM
Quote from: thosava on December 31, 2015, 05:50:59 AM
How many Empire mails did we get? I can only remember one, or was it two?

I recall getting at least a couple from each side, maybe 3. I don't think there were more than that, at least nothing substantial. It's been mostly tweets since then, and they've only been periodic. At least the website has been updating regularly.
And we're at the business end now. One more character, one more map piece, and then what I've been waiting for the most, the two videos. And I'm still waiting to see what those glowy eye buttons do dangit!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 31, 2015, 06:01:36 AM
The glowy buttons are patience tests. If you didn't press them, you get in to the pre-release streaming. If you pressed... tough ;)


(this may not be true)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 31, 2015, 06:02:21 AM
Maybe they will use the emails more once all the other info is revealed. Maybe they will use it as a way to get more hype just before the album is released.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 31, 2015, 06:02:37 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 06:01:36 AM
The glowy buttons are patience tests. If you didn't press them, you get in to the pre-release streaming. If you pressed... tough ;)


(this may not be true)

That can't be right, because I clicked those little buggers every single time I visited the site.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 31, 2015, 06:17:09 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 06:01:36 AM
The glowy buttons are patience tests. If you didn't press them, you get in to the pre-release streaming. If you pressed... tough ;)


(this may not be true)

Uh oh... xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AleBl4st on December 31, 2015, 08:30:55 AM
Last night I listened to The Astonishing. It was beautiful. Its songs were full of rich melodies.

Then I woke up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 31, 2015, 08:36:04 AM
You must be psychic.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AleBl4st on December 31, 2015, 08:42:17 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 08:36:04 AM
You must be psychic.

DREAM LEAKERS
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dparrott on December 31, 2015, 08:45:05 AM
Quote from: DreamTension on December 29, 2015, 09:51:31 AM
Maybe they threw Hugh a bone and let him do the characters...

I was just thinking what if he really did them...they would just be stock photos with names slapped on them.


And of course, fans will come to the concerts dressed as these characters.  I sure wouldn't mind checking out some Faythe wannabe's...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 31, 2015, 08:51:55 AM
I'm sorry, but I don't see what's wrong with the characters'design. Granted, Faythe is a little waxy (especially the hands), but apart from that, evrything looks fine for me.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 31, 2015, 09:01:59 AM
Dream Theater delivers their most elaborate album ever with well thought out artwork and whatnot.

Fans still complain that it's not good enough...




Jeez. Do you even remember the videos they used for SFAM? All respect to Kasper for putting them together, but they weren't exactly shot with much of a budget.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Mladen on December 31, 2015, 09:13:59 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 09:01:59 AM
Dream Theater delivers their most elaborate album ever with well thought out artwork and whatnot.

Fans still complain that it's not good enough...
This. I sometimes just don't understand people...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on December 31, 2015, 09:15:43 AM
Quote from: Mladen on December 31, 2015, 09:13:59 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 09:01:59 AM
Dream Theater delivers their most elaborate album ever with well thought out artwork and whatnot.

Fans still complain that it's not good enough...
This. I sometimes just don't understand people...

I just don't understand!..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 31, 2015, 09:26:21 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on December 31, 2015, 09:15:43 AM
Quote from: Mladen on December 31, 2015, 09:13:59 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 09:01:59 AM
Dream Theater delivers their most elaborate album ever with well thought out artwork and whatnot.

Fans still complain that it's not good enough...
This. I sometimes just don't understand people...

I just don't understand!..

Hey, now wait a minute, man!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on December 31, 2015, 09:33:50 AM
Quote from: AleBl4st on December 31, 2015, 08:42:17 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 08:36:04 AM
You must be psychic.

DREAM LEAKERS

You should get that checked out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Randaran on December 31, 2015, 10:36:02 AM
Quote from: AleBl4st on December 31, 2015, 08:30:55 AM
Last night I listened to The Astonishing. It was beautiful. Its songs were full of rich melodies.

Then I woke up.

That's weird; I had the same dream. The only difference was that The Astonishing was actually JLB's new solo album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on December 31, 2015, 10:38:59 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 31, 2015, 09:33:50 AM
Quote from: AleBl4st on December 31, 2015, 08:42:17 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 08:36:04 AM
You must be psychic.

DREAM LEAKERS

You should get that checked out.
:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on December 31, 2015, 11:15:37 AM
Quote from: Randaran on December 31, 2015, 10:36:02 AM
Quote from: AleBl4st on December 31, 2015, 08:30:55 AM
Last night I listened to The Astonishing. It was beautiful. Its songs were full of rich melodies.

Then I woke up.

That's weird; I had the same dream. The only difference was that The Astonishing was actually JLB's new solo album.

Rick Rolled on a Youtube dream.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 31, 2015, 11:32:43 AM
Quote from: Randaran on December 31, 2015, 10:36:02 AM
Quote from: AleBl4st on December 31, 2015, 08:30:55 AM
Last night I listened to The Astonishing. It was beautiful. Its songs were full of rich melodies.

Then I woke up.

That's weird; I had the same dream. The only difference was that The Astonishing was actually JLB's new solo album.

Reported for listening to a fake leak of the album while dreaming.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AleBl4st on December 31, 2015, 11:39:34 AM
Quote from: Prog Snob on December 31, 2015, 09:33:50 AM
Quote from: AleBl4st on December 31, 2015, 08:42:17 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 08:36:04 AM
You must be psychic.

DREAM LEAKERS

You should get that checked out.

Hey man, I was just kidding. This happens when you wait for a long long time a new DT album ;D Anyway, we're pretty much close now, but not close enough :-[

Quote
Reported for listening to a fake leak of the album while dreaming.

 It wasn't my fault. My subconscious mind starts spinning through time :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on December 31, 2015, 01:36:06 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on December 31, 2015, 09:26:21 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on December 31, 2015, 09:15:43 AM
Quote from: Mladen on December 31, 2015, 09:13:59 AM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 09:01:59 AM
Dream Theater delivers their most elaborate album ever with well thought out artwork and whatnot.

Fans still complain that it's not good enough...
This. I sometimes just don't understand people...

I just don't understand!..

Hey, now wait a minute, man!

hahahahaha thank you!  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 31, 2015, 02:02:39 PM
I just remembered a DT dream i had this summer. I was going to a concert to see them together with my brother. The places where the audience sits looked very different, and when i think about it, it was actually pretty similar to how many of those nice european theaters looks. It was probably becuase i had just watched some youtube videos of them performing in such places, but it's funny how they are taking an entire tour to those kind of small places now! I can't remember what songs they played, but i do remember that i ended up being an additional bass player on stage at some point  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: serrano on December 31, 2015, 02:45:53 PM
So, you saw Dream Theater in a theater in your dream...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on December 31, 2015, 02:50:59 PM
Quote from: serrano on December 31, 2015, 02:45:53 PM
So, you saw Dream Theater in a theater in your dream...

Yep it surely was a Dream Theater, Theater Dream.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on December 31, 2015, 03:26:57 PM
(https://www.reactionface.info/sites/default/files/images/1310428349083_0.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TL on December 31, 2015, 03:58:49 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 09:01:59 AM
Dream Theater delivers their most elaborate album ever with well thought out artwork and whatnot.

Fans still complain that it's not good enough...




Jeez. Do you even remember the videos they used for SFAM? All respect to Kasper for putting them together, but they weren't exactly shot with much of a budget.
Not everyone is into Game of Thrones-y fantasy stuff.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on December 31, 2015, 04:08:58 PM
Quote from: TL on December 31, 2015, 03:58:49 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 09:01:59 AM
Dream Theater delivers their most elaborate album ever with well thought out artwork and whatnot.

Fans still complain that it's not good enough...




Jeez. Do you even remember the videos they used for SFAM? All respect to Kasper for putting them together, but they weren't exactly shot with much of a budget.
Not everyone is into Game of Thrones-y fantasy stuff.

We're not talking about this. We're talking about the fact that some complain about the quality of the design, whether it be the characters or whatever (Noxon said "artwork"). Whether you are a fantasy fan or not has nothing to do with it. Personnaly, I won't complain about fantasy artwork if it's well done just because it's fantasy and I don't like it (btw, I personnaly like fantasy, but it was just an example).

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 31, 2015, 05:09:55 PM
Why is the setting of the story important anyhow? It's just dressing. The story of Star Wars isn't about spaceships. It's about the hero's journey. It's about friendship (and ultimately, family). The same is true about Game of Thrones - ultimately, if you "undress" it, it's a soap opera.

The dressing of the setting is just a way to set up the story. And I don't get it why people need to have everything be relatable. "I can't enjoy a story that's not in my world, because I can't relate to it". Sure you can. Because ultimately, it's a story about human behavior. Even movies with speaking animals is about human behavior.

I mean, I'm not a religious person, and I particularly do not believe in reincarnation. Does that hinder me from enjoying the story of SFAM? Not at all! Because the story is ultimately a basic "whodunnit" at its core.

The Astonishing is a story about people. It's setting is a dystopian future (so how you get "game of thrones" from that - considering game of thrones is set in a medieval-like setting (High fantasy) I'm not sure). To ease your way into the setting, the story comes with illustrations of the people in the story and a map, as well as pictures of some key locations in the story. And it's the most elaborate I've ever seen DT be. But I completely understand why. To experience this album is not just to experience the music. The story is so important that you need to experience it like a play. In fact, I can with absolute certainty say that if the story is a problem for you, you will have problem with the music as well, because they're so strongly connected.


This points towards a more general problem I've always seen from DT fans. REGARDLESS of what DT does, a great portion of the fans will hate it with a passion, a great portion will love it with all their heart, and the rest are just "it's okay"... It even happened with SFAM. Heck, it even happened with IAW. It's become so predictable that I can tell instantly how the fanbase will react to any song. I think it's insane, I don't see this level of scrutiny in other fanbases.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on December 31, 2015, 05:21:40 PM
Just taken the plunge into 2016 here, so HAPPY "THE ASTONISHING" RELEASE MONTH! :2metal:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on December 31, 2015, 05:40:07 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on December 31, 2015, 05:21:40 PM
Just taken the plunge into 2016 here, so HAPPY "THE ASTONISHING" RELEASE MONTH! :2metal:

About 5 more hours for me
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on December 31, 2015, 05:47:08 PM
Have an astonishing year!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 31, 2015, 05:58:41 PM
Can't wait for the Astounding!!!!! 29 days left?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Gpals71 on December 31, 2015, 06:00:55 PM
Have An Astonishing & Great DT Year
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 31, 2015, 06:11:10 PM
50 more minutes in Brazil! Happy new year for the ones already there ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dparrott on December 31, 2015, 06:21:25 PM
The packaging and concept is so good so far, if the music and mixing is good, it'll be my favorite. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on December 31, 2015, 07:26:07 PM
Still another 4 and a half hours here in the Mountain Time Zone of the United States. Pretty excited that we're only 4 weeks out from release of the new album.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like the band released the info for the record much closer to the release date than compared to the past several albums. Basically meaning we are waiting a shorter time between information release and the release date for the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on December 31, 2015, 07:45:45 PM
Yeah, and we still don't even have every info. One more character and "places" tab to go.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 31, 2015, 08:12:42 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 31, 2015, 05:58:41 PM
Can't wait for the Astounding!!!!! 29 days left?
lolz
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on December 31, 2015, 08:13:33 PM
Quote from: TheLordOfTheStrings on December 31, 2015, 08:12:42 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on December 31, 2015, 05:58:41 PM
Can't wait for the Astounding!!!!! 29 days left?
lolz

The ASTOUNDING
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 01, 2016, 03:46:27 AM
We're in the year and the month that will bring us The Astonishing, F@gk yeah!!!!!!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 01, 2016, 03:52:00 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 01, 2016, 03:46:27 AM
We're in the year and the month that will bring us The Astonishing, F@gk yeah!!!!!!  :metal

29 days until the album and 2 months until the first of 2 astonishing concerts  :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 01, 2016, 03:56:57 AM
Happy Astonishing Year, everyone!

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 01, 2016, 04:04:47 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 01, 2016, 03:56:57 AM
Happy Astonishing Year, everyone!

B.Lee

An astonishing year to you all!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 01, 2016, 04:48:45 AM
Happy new album y'all  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: JediKnight1969 on January 01, 2016, 09:03:39 AM
There has been an astonishing... Have you felt it?

 ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 01, 2016, 09:35:12 AM
Happy Astonishing Year for Everyone! Un feliz y Asombroso año para todos mis amigos latinos!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 10:44:38 AM
[Content removed until it can be reviewed - XJDenton]
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on January 01, 2016, 10:51:37 AM
Interesting :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Crow on January 01, 2016, 10:56:09 AM
okay so is there legit more music on the first disc than you can actually fit on once CD ???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 01, 2016, 10:59:55 AM
OHHHHHH!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 11:01:06 AM
Quote from: Parama on January 01, 2016, 10:56:09 AM
okay so is there legit more music on the first disc than you can actually fit on once CD ???

No, I mean on the website (somebody has already rated the album there as well, which is interesting), where Laughing_man92 linked to, not Pax or Lightbug's estimates, which were still pretty close. The site has the total Disc 1 length at just below 80 mins. 79:49 to be exact.

I hope this doesn't count as leaked info. Could someone tell me if I'm out of line by referencing this? Removed references just to be sure.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 01, 2016, 11:08:44 AM
So Dream Theater has made a disc which is one of the longest of their carrer, which fills to the phisycal limits a CD.

...and that's just Act I, 'cause there's 55 or so minutes more of music to hear on a second disc!

I'm stoked at the direction this album is gonna take! couldn't care less for the instrumental sections missing, and I can go without a lot of metallic stuff for one disc. I JUST CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 01, 2016, 11:10:21 AM
Anything that is not verifiable information from a credible and reputable source is to be considered a leak.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 01, 2016, 11:12:16 AM
Everything I hear about the upcoming album and tour makes me more and more stoked... only 29 days until the album and 2 months until the show/shows in Stockholm   :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 01, 2016, 11:12:26 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 10:44:38 AM
Someone on Reddit named 'nafaryus' who has the album has said this:

"Let's just say, I've never heard a DT album like it."

"I think this will be the most divisive album by Dream Theater ever. And that is saying a lot, by virtue of all albums being divisive to a certain extent. This one will be worse than falling into infinity when it comes to fan reaction. The people loving the all out metal of the last decade will be very disappointed. Those who love the long instrumental sections will be disappointed. Basically, what I'm saying is; if you love FII and SFAM, you'll love this album."


I also read this, pretty funny though how he says people who love the long instrumental sections will be disappointed, followed by "if you love SFAM, you'll love this album".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 01, 2016, 11:14:07 AM
SFAM has a theatrical approach, this album may be SFAM on steroids (Noxon has pretty much confirmed that it's a rock opera, not a collection of songs), so maybe that's what he refers to. The whole "Not a collection of songs but a full experience" kind of thing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 11:19:55 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 01, 2016, 11:12:26 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 10:44:38 AM
Someone on Reddit named 'nafaryus' who has the album has said this:

"Let's just say, I've never heard a DT album like it."

"I think this will be the most divisive album by Dream Theater ever. And that is saying a lot, by virtue of all albums being divisive to a certain extent. This one will be worse than falling into infinity when it comes to fan reaction. The people loving the all out metal of the last decade will be very disappointed. Those who love the long instrumental sections will be disappointed. Basically, what I'm saying is; if you love FII and SFAM, you'll love this album."


I also read this, pretty funny though how he says people who love the long instrumental sections will be disappointed, followed by "if you love SFAM, you'll love this album".

Well apart from Overture 1928, Fatal Tragedy, Beyond This Life, Home and The Dance of Eternity, there weren't that many long instrumental sections. Oh wait, that's half the album.  :lol
I think that he meant that SfaM was less overtly metal than a lot of DT's more recent stuff rather than a lack of instrumental sections.

Quote from: noxon on January 01, 2016, 11:10:21 AM
Anything that is not verifiable information from a credible and reputable source is to be considered a leak.

Well I think my sources are credible, but that's not for me to decide. Do you think I'm breaking the rules?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on January 01, 2016, 11:23:57 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 11:01:06 AM
Quote from: Parama on January 01, 2016, 10:56:09 AM
okay so is there legit more music on the first disc than you can actually fit on once CD ???

No, I mean on RYM (somebody has already rated the album there as well, which is interesting), where Laughing_man92 linked to, not Pax or Lightbug's estimates, which were still pretty close. RYM has the total Disc 1 length at just below 80 mins. 79:49 to be exact.

I hope this doesn't count as leaked info. Could someone tell me if I'm out of line by referencing this?

I'm not a mod, but I personally wouldn't count that as a leak, because it's not like something the band wouldn't want us to know
It can just increase the hype

Also, I found those track lengths, and guess what? All my estimates were around 5-6 seconds longer than those. And guess what again? He didn't say TGoM lasts 4:08 (what we thought was a fact), but 4:00. That explains the shift
However, looks like my measurement was very precise (there was just a systematic error that made my results shift a bit to the longer lengths)
In your face, non-believers :p
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 11:30:50 AM
Quote from: Pax on January 01, 2016, 11:23:57 AM
Also, I found those track lengths, and guess what? All my estimates were around 5-6 seconds longer than those. And guess what again? He didn't say TGoM lasts 4:08 (what we thought was a fact), but 4:00. That explains the shift
However, looks like my measurement was very precise (there was just a systematic error that made my results shift a bit to the longer lengths)
In your face, non-believers :p

Those last 8 seconds are probably fading into The Answer.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 01, 2016, 11:43:35 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 11:19:55 AM


Well I think my sources are credible, but that's not for me to decide. Do you think I'm breaking the rules?

A random guy on the Reddit credible? I dunno, but it's not up to me to decide whether that info is against the rules - not my place to.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 11:50:19 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 01, 2016, 11:43:35 AM
A random guy on the Reddit credible? I dunno, but it's not up to me to decide whether that info is against the rules - not my place to.

He has a review copy of the album so I'd assume he is credible and that subforum has similar rules on leaks to DTF:
"Do NOT post any leaked material until a week after the album has been released."

So I don't know, the mods there would've taken down the thread and banned the guy if rules were being breached.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on January 01, 2016, 11:51:46 AM
Quote from: Pax on January 01, 2016, 11:23:57 AM

However, looks like my measurement was very precise (there was just a systematic error that made my results shift a bit to the longer lengths)


Precise doesn't necessarily mean accurate...which based on your "Chemist" text you should know very well!   :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: XJDenton on January 01, 2016, 11:55:11 AM
I'm taking it down for the time being so we can review it. Problem with anonymous reddit users is that it is sometimes hard to know if the material has been gotten legitimately or not and hence whether the source is credible. Best thing to do if you are unsure if it breaks the rules or not is just ask one of the team.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 01, 2016, 12:01:02 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 11:50:19 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 01, 2016, 11:43:35 AM
A random guy on the Reddit credible? I dunno, but it's not up to me to decide whether that info is against the rules - not my place to.

He has a review copy of the album so I'd assume he is credible and that subforum has similar rules on leaks to DTF:
"Do NOT post any leaked material until a week after the album has been released."

So I don't know, the mods there would've taken down the thread and banned the guy if rules were being breached.
Not do degrade the mods over there perse, but they were selected pretty randomly, I remember with the whole TGOM situation there was one mod who actually encouraged redditors to PM him for the leaked song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 12:11:26 PM
Quote from: XJDenton on January 01, 2016, 11:55:11 AM
I'm taking it down for the time being so we can review it. Problem with anonymous reddit users is that it is sometimes hard to know if the material has been gotten legitimately or not and hence whether the source is credible. Best thing to do if you are unsure if it breaks the rules or not is just ask one of the team.

Sorry about that.

Quote from: Train of Naught on January 01, 2016, 12:01:02 PM
Not do degrade the mods over there perse, but they were selected pretty randomly, I remember with the whole TGOM situation there was one mod who actually encouraged redditors to PM him for the leaked song.

I was not aware of that, but it was still taken down (though it was admittedly more high profile than what I mentioned). I'll try and be more careful with this sort of thing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 01, 2016, 12:18:03 PM
What was the whole TGOM situation?  I thought Rolling Stone premiered it and it was all official?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 12:19:35 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 01, 2016, 12:18:03 PM
What was the whole TGOM situation?  I thought Rolling Stone premiered it and it was all official?

It leaked a few hours before that happened.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on January 01, 2016, 12:22:13 PM
Quote from: millahh on January 01, 2016, 11:51:46 AM
Quote from: Pax on January 01, 2016, 11:23:57 AM

However, looks like my measurement was very precise (there was just a systematic error that made my results shift a bit to the longer lengths)


Precise doesn't necessarily mean accurate...which based on your "Chemist" text you should know very well!   :biggrin:
exactly, I meant my measurement was precise, but not accurate (due to the shift) :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 01, 2016, 12:38:32 PM
Quote from: XJDenton on January 01, 2016, 11:55:11 AM
I'm taking it down for the time being so we can review it. Problem with anonymous reddit users is that it is sometimes hard to know if the material has been gotten legitimately or not and hence whether the source is credible. Best thing to do if you are unsure if it breaks the rules or not is just ask one of the team.

Random thought: I am NOT referring to anyone specifically, but I find that forum posters are sometimes like reporters; they want the scoop of being the first one to report/post it, so it's more fun and satisfying, I suppose, to post first and ask questions later. Asking a mod means someone else, like that mod, could post it first and then they have been scooped. :lol :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 01, 2016, 12:57:45 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 12:19:35 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 01, 2016, 12:18:03 PM
What was the whole TGOM situation?  I thought Rolling Stone premiered it and it was all official?

It leaked a few hours before that happened.

How did I miss this?!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 01, 2016, 12:59:52 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 01, 2016, 12:57:45 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 12:19:35 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 01, 2016, 12:18:03 PM
What was the whole TGOM situation?  I thought Rolling Stone premiered it and it was all official?

It leaked a few hours before that happened.

How did I miss this?!

You just missed another leak, too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 01:04:01 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on January 01, 2016, 12:38:32 PM
Random thought: I am NOT referring to anyone specifically, but I find that forum posters are sometimes like reporters; they want the scoop of being the first one to report/post it, so it's more fun and satisfying, I suppose, to post first and ask questions later. Asking a mod means someone else, like that mod, could post it first and then they have been scooped. :lol :lol

Well, I don't care about posting info first, I just wanted to start some relevant discussion on the album since TGoM came out about a month ago with the Rolling Stone interview and very little has come since regarding solid info on album content. I assumed the guy was credible considering that he had the album for reviewing purposes and even held back on some info when he said "I can't really speak about it at length. Embargo and all that.". I didn't think to ask until I referenced the website, but it turns out that the reddit info was the problem. I'd be perfectly fine with not being the first one to communicate info, I'm not that self-centred.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 01, 2016, 01:17:55 PM
All this leak stuff is so stupid.  The album's done, they should sell it.  The longer the wait, 28 more days in this case, the more chance of leaks.  Whatever, it's just a crazy business model (talking about music, not DT in particular).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 01:23:42 PM
Quote from: BelichickFan on January 01, 2016, 01:17:55 PM
All this leak stuff is so stupid.  The album's done, they should sell it.  The longer the wait, 28 more days in this case, the more chance of leaks.  Whatever, it's just a crazy business model (talking about music, not DT in particular).

This happens because bands want to hype the album up for a few months to get more attention and sales as well as having to manufacture physical copies. It makes sense, it's just hard to wait through.  :lol
It would be nice if albums were just released when it's finished but that doesn't and won't really happen for reasonably big bands.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TL on January 01, 2016, 01:25:37 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 05:09:55 PM
Why is the setting of the story important anyhow? It's just dressing. The story of Star Wars isn't about spaceships. It's about the hero's journey. It's about friendship (and ultimately, family). The same is true about Game of Thrones - ultimately, if you "undress" it, it's a soap opera.

The dressing of the setting is just a way to set up the story. And I don't get it why people need to have everything be relatable. "I can't enjoy a story that's not in my world, because I can't relate to it". Sure you can. Because ultimately, it's a story about human behavior. Even movies with speaking animals is about human behavior.

I mean, I'm not a religious person, and I particularly do not believe in reincarnation. Does that hinder me from enjoying the story of SFAM? Not at all! Because the story is ultimately a basic "whodunnit" at its core.

The Astonishing is a story about people. It's setting is a dystopian future (so how you get "game of thrones" from that - considering game of thrones is set in a medieval-like setting (High fantasy) I'm not sure). To ease your way into the setting, the story comes with illustrations of the people in the story and a map, as well as pictures of some key locations in the story. And it's the most elaborate I've ever seen DT be. But I completely understand why. To experience this album is not just to experience the music. The story is so important that you need to experience it like a play. In fact, I can with absolute certainty say that if the story is a problem for you, you will have problem with the music as well, because they're so strongly connected.


This points towards a more general problem I've always seen from DT fans. REGARDLESS of what DT does, a great portion of the fans will hate it with a passion, a great portion will love it with all their heart, and the rest are just "it's okay"... It even happened with SFAM. Heck, it even happened with IAW. It's become so predictable that I can tell instantly how the fanbase will react to any song. I think it's insane, I don't see this level of scrutiny in other fanbases.

I think you might be overreacting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 01, 2016, 01:31:34 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 01:23:42 PM
Quote from: BelichickFan on January 01, 2016, 01:17:55 PM
All this leak stuff is so stupid.  The album's done, they should sell it.  The longer the wait, 28 more days in this case, the more chance of leaks.  Whatever, it's just a crazy business model (talking about music, not DT in particular).

This happens because bands want to hype the album up for a few months to get more attention and sales as well as having to manufacture physical copies. It makes sense, it's just hard to wait through.  :lol
It would be nice if albums were just released when it's finished but that doesn't and won't really happen for reasonably big bands.
I know but I still think it's a bad business model given the situation with downloading.  I've pre-ordered the CD, of course, if I got an email saying for an extra $10 I could download it now I would be running to get my credit card.  Before downloading it made sense.  Now it's just bad business.  Then many people who buy it also download it first, as an example if it were to leak on 1/24 I would download it and still get my pre-order on 1/29 so I would still buy it. But then bands wonder why so many download it when a good number of the downloads are also buyers.  Craziness.  But it's a max of 28 days now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 01, 2016, 01:36:03 PM
Quote from: TL on January 01, 2016, 01:25:37 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 05:09:55 PM
Why is the setting of the story important anyhow? It's just dressing. The story of Star Wars isn't about spaceships. It's about the hero's journey. It's about friendship (and ultimately, family). The same is true about Game of Thrones - ultimately, if you "undress" it, it's a soap opera.

The dressing of the setting is just a way to set up the story. And I don't get it why people need to have everything be relatable. "I can't enjoy a story that's not in my world, because I can't relate to it". Sure you can. Because ultimately, it's a story about human behavior. Even movies with speaking animals is about human behavior.

I mean, I'm not a religious person, and I particularly do not believe in reincarnation. Does that hinder me from enjoying the story of SFAM? Not at all! Because the story is ultimately a basic "whodunnit" at its core.

The Astonishing is a story about people. It's setting is a dystopian future (so how you get "game of thrones" from that - considering game of thrones is set in a medieval-like setting (High fantasy) I'm not sure). To ease your way into the setting, the story comes with illustrations of the people in the story and a map, as well as pictures of some key locations in the story. And it's the most elaborate I've ever seen DT be. But I completely understand why. To experience this album is not just to experience the music. The story is so important that you need to experience it like a play. In fact, I can with absolute certainty say that if the story is a problem for you, you will have problem with the music as well, because they're so strongly connected.


This points towards a more general problem I've always seen from DT fans. REGARDLESS of what DT does, a great portion of the fans will hate it with a passion, a great portion will love it with all their heart, and the rest are just "it's okay"... It even happened with SFAM. Heck, it even happened with IAW. It's become so predictable that I can tell instantly how the fanbase will react to any song. I think it's insane, I don't see this level of scrutiny in other fanbases.

I think you might be overreacting.

I don't think he did. He makes a valid point regarding people nitpicking over trivial details. I just had a similar discussion with someone regarding Tolkien. They just found it "stupid" and "ridiculous" to write a story with dragons and wizards and whatnot. What I told him is that he's completely missing the point if that's all he sees when he reads Tolkien's books. It's not meant to be superficial. Using dragons (GoT or The Hobbit) or spaceships (Star Wars) is not the point. It just relates the story to a different group using different mediums. It gives it a different appeal.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 01, 2016, 01:39:25 PM
Quote from: TL on January 01, 2016, 01:25:37 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 05:09:55 PM
Why is the setting of the story important anyhow? It's just dressing. The story of Star Wars isn't about spaceships. It's about the hero's journey. It's about friendship (and ultimately, family). The same is true about Game of Thrones - ultimately, if you "undress" it, it's a soap opera.

The dressing of the setting is just a way to set up the story. And I don't get it why people need to have everything be relatable. "I can't enjoy a story that's not in my world, because I can't relate to it". Sure you can. Because ultimately, it's a story about human behavior. Even movies with speaking animals is about human behavior.

I mean, I'm not a religious person, and I particularly do not believe in reincarnation. Does that hinder me from enjoying the story of SFAM? Not at all! Because the story is ultimately a basic "whodunnit" at its core.

The Astonishing is a story about people. It's setting is a dystopian future (so how you get "game of thrones" from that - considering game of thrones is set in a medieval-like setting (High fantasy) I'm not sure). To ease your way into the setting, the story comes with illustrations of the people in the story and a map, as well as pictures of some key locations in the story. And it's the most elaborate I've ever seen DT be. But I completely understand why. To experience this album is not just to experience the music. The story is so important that you need to experience it like a play. In fact, I can with absolute certainty say that if the story is a problem for you, you will have problem with the music as well, because they're so strongly connected.


This points towards a more general problem I've always seen from DT fans. REGARDLESS of what DT does, a great portion of the fans will hate it with a passion, a great portion will love it with all their heart, and the rest are just "it's okay"... It even happened with SFAM. Heck, it even happened with IAW. It's become so predictable that I can tell instantly how the fanbase will react to any song. I think it's insane, I don't see this level of scrutiny in other fanbases.

I think you might be overreacting.

I know you are wrong.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: me7 on January 01, 2016, 01:42:08 PM
Quote from: BelichickFan on January 01, 2016, 01:31:34 PM
I know but I still think it's a bad business model given the situation with downloading.  I've pre-ordered the CD, of course, if I got an email saying for an extra $10 I could download it now I would be running to get my credit card.  Before downloading it made sense.  Now it's just bad business.  Then many people who buy it also download it first, as an example if it were to leak on 1/24 I would download it and still get my pre-order on 1/29 so I would still buy it. But then bands wonder why so many download it when a good number of the downloads are also buyers.  Craziness.  But it's a max of 28 days now.

I agree. This model just supports piracy sites who make money from ads as people visit them. Fans who already preordered the album will go to piracy sites as soon as it leaks, because they want to hear it as soon as possible. By doing so, they generate traffic and ad money for pirates, keeping them afloat financially.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TL on January 01, 2016, 01:48:51 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on January 01, 2016, 01:36:03 PM
Quote from: TL on January 01, 2016, 01:25:37 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 05:09:55 PM
Why is the setting of the story important anyhow? It's just dressing. The story of Star Wars isn't about spaceships. It's about the hero's journey. It's about friendship (and ultimately, family). The same is true about Game of Thrones - ultimately, if you "undress" it, it's a soap opera.

The dressing of the setting is just a way to set up the story. And I don't get it why people need to have everything be relatable. "I can't enjoy a story that's not in my world, because I can't relate to it". Sure you can. Because ultimately, it's a story about human behavior. Even movies with speaking animals is about human behavior.

I mean, I'm not a religious person, and I particularly do not believe in reincarnation. Does that hinder me from enjoying the story of SFAM? Not at all! Because the story is ultimately a basic "whodunnit" at its core.

The Astonishing is a story about people. It's setting is a dystopian future (so how you get "game of thrones" from that - considering game of thrones is set in a medieval-like setting (High fantasy) I'm not sure). To ease your way into the setting, the story comes with illustrations of the people in the story and a map, as well as pictures of some key locations in the story. And it's the most elaborate I've ever seen DT be. But I completely understand why. To experience this album is not just to experience the music. The story is so important that you need to experience it like a play. In fact, I can with absolute certainty say that if the story is a problem for you, you will have problem with the music as well, because they're so strongly connected.


This points towards a more general problem I've always seen from DT fans. REGARDLESS of what DT does, a great portion of the fans will hate it with a passion, a great portion will love it with all their heart, and the rest are just "it's okay"... It even happened with SFAM. Heck, it even happened with IAW. It's become so predictable that I can tell instantly how the fanbase will react to any song. I think it's insane, I don't see this level of scrutiny in other fanbases.

I think you might be overreacting.

I don't think he did. He makes a valid point regarding people nitpicking over trivial details. I just had a similar discussion with someone regarding Tolkien. They just found it "stupid" and "ridiculous" to write a story with dragons and wizards and whatnot. What I told him is that he's completely missing the point if that's all he sees when he reads Tolkien's books. It's not meant to be superficial. Using dragons (GoT or The Hobbit) or spaceships (Star Wars) is not the point. It just relates the story to a different group using different mediums. It gives it a different appeal.
I never said it was "stupid", or that it couldn't be relateable.

I don't personally enjoy things set in that sort of fantasy setting (and yes, even if The Astonishing is set in the future, it's clearly going for a certain fantasy style), and so I'm not as excited about that aspect of the album. That doesn't mean other people shouldn't enjoy it. I don't think "people have different tastes in things" should be a controversial thing to say.

I'm still going to listen to the album, and musically TGOM sounds promising. I'm just not interested in any of the story or setting stuff so far. That doesn't mean I think it's stupid or that other people shouldn't like it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 01, 2016, 01:49:22 PM
The reason for -any- "launch date" in retail for stuff like movies, music, video games etc, is pretty simple. Most of the sales happen in the first few weeks after release. And the first week of sale is the spot where they get "noticed" in music. Especially stuff that's not mainstream. DT is usually in and out of the local list in two weeks. But that one week they were in, they'll hit like in the top 10. And that's how the record company "know" that they've done their job.

And to say that it "supports piracy"? What? I know several movies that have leaked in unfinished versions. I know several albums that have leaked in unfinished versions. Is this okay? Should the band just give in and release their material when it's leaked because "piracy always wins"? This is a horrible mindset, and so illustrative of the blatant disrespect people have towards intellectual property.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 01, 2016, 01:59:01 PM
Quote from: TL on January 01, 2016, 01:48:51 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on January 01, 2016, 01:36:03 PM
Quote from: TL on January 01, 2016, 01:25:37 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 05:09:55 PM
Why is the setting of the story important anyhow? It's just dressing. The story of Star Wars isn't about spaceships. It's about the hero's journey. It's about friendship (and ultimately, family). The same is true about Game of Thrones - ultimately, if you "undress" it, it's a soap opera.

The dressing of the setting is just a way to set up the story. And I don't get it why people need to have everything be relatable. "I can't enjoy a story that's not in my world, because I can't relate to it". Sure you can. Because ultimately, it's a story about human behavior. Even movies with speaking animals is about human behavior.

I mean, I'm not a religious person, and I particularly do not believe in reincarnation. Does that hinder me from enjoying the story of SFAM? Not at all! Because the story is ultimately a basic "whodunnit" at its core.

The Astonishing is a story about people. It's setting is a dystopian future (so how you get "game of thrones" from that - considering game of thrones is set in a medieval-like setting (High fantasy) I'm not sure). To ease your way into the setting, the story comes with illustrations of the people in the story and a map, as well as pictures of some key locations in the story. And it's the most elaborate I've ever seen DT be. But I completely understand why. To experience this album is not just to experience the music. The story is so important that you need to experience it like a play. In fact, I can with absolute certainty say that if the story is a problem for you, you will have problem with the music as well, because they're so strongly connected.


This points towards a more general problem I've always seen from DT fans. REGARDLESS of what DT does, a great portion of the fans will hate it with a passion, a great portion will love it with all their heart, and the rest are just "it's okay"... It even happened with SFAM. Heck, it even happened with IAW. It's become so predictable that I can tell instantly how the fanbase will react to any song. I think it's insane, I don't see this level of scrutiny in other fanbases.

I think you might be overreacting.

I don't think he did. He makes a valid point regarding people nitpicking over trivial details. I just had a similar discussion with someone regarding Tolkien. They just found it "stupid" and "ridiculous" to write a story with dragons and wizards and whatnot. What I told him is that he's completely missing the point if that's all he sees when he reads Tolkien's books. It's not meant to be superficial. Using dragons (GoT or The Hobbit) or spaceships (Star Wars) is not the point. It just relates the story to a different group using different mediums. It gives it a different appeal.
I never said it was "stupid", or that it couldn't be relateable.

I don't personally enjoy things set in that sort of fantasy setting (and yes, even if The Astonishing is set in the future, it's clearly going for a certain fantasy style), and so I'm not as excited about that aspect of the album. That doesn't mean other people shouldn't enjoy it. I don't think "people have different tastes in things" should be a controversial thing to say.

I'm still going to listen to the album, and musically TGOM sounds promising. I'm just not interested in any of the story or setting stuff so far. That doesn't mean I think it's stupid or that other people shouldn't like it.

I never said that you said it was stupid. I was relating another story to this situation.

Secondly, you said that "not everyone is into Game of Thrones-y stuff." No one before that implied that it had to be fantasy or the work Kasper did. You made that leap. Unless I missed something before that, which I'm pretty sure I didn't.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 01, 2016, 01:59:26 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on January 01, 2016, 12:59:52 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 01, 2016, 12:57:45 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 12:19:35 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 01, 2016, 12:18:03 PM
What was the whole TGOM situation?  I thought Rolling Stone premiered it and it was all official?

It leaked a few hours before that happened.

How did I miss this?!

You just missed another leak, too.

Should that be in green font?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TL on January 01, 2016, 02:00:15 PM
As for an actual stylistic nitpick, and it is a nitpick;
For the character portraits, I feel like they would have been better off using sketches rather than CGI. Probably stylized to a degree too, and not just all medium-close shots of the characters looking into the camera. That's just my opinion though.

Either way, it doesn't really have much bearing on whether or not I end up liking the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TL on January 01, 2016, 02:03:16 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on January 01, 2016, 01:59:01 PM
Quote from: TL on January 01, 2016, 01:48:51 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on January 01, 2016, 01:36:03 PM
Quote from: TL on January 01, 2016, 01:25:37 PM
Quote from: noxon on December 31, 2015, 05:09:55 PM
Why is the setting of the story important anyhow? It's just dressing. The story of Star Wars isn't about spaceships. It's about the hero's journey. It's about friendship (and ultimately, family). The same is true about Game of Thrones - ultimately, if you "undress" it, it's a soap opera.

The dressing of the setting is just a way to set up the story. And I don't get it why people need to have everything be relatable. "I can't enjoy a story that's not in my world, because I can't relate to it". Sure you can. Because ultimately, it's a story about human behavior. Even movies with speaking animals is about human behavior.

I mean, I'm not a religious person, and I particularly do not believe in reincarnation. Does that hinder me from enjoying the story of SFAM? Not at all! Because the story is ultimately a basic "whodunnit" at its core.

The Astonishing is a story about people. It's setting is a dystopian future (so how you get "game of thrones" from that - considering game of thrones is set in a medieval-like setting (High fantasy) I'm not sure). To ease your way into the setting, the story comes with illustrations of the people in the story and a map, as well as pictures of some key locations in the story. And it's the most elaborate I've ever seen DT be. But I completely understand why. To experience this album is not just to experience the music. The story is so important that you need to experience it like a play. In fact, I can with absolute certainty say that if the story is a problem for you, you will have problem with the music as well, because they're so strongly connected.


This points towards a more general problem I've always seen from DT fans. REGARDLESS of what DT does, a great portion of the fans will hate it with a passion, a great portion will love it with all their heart, and the rest are just "it's okay"... It even happened with SFAM. Heck, it even happened with IAW. It's become so predictable that I can tell instantly how the fanbase will react to any song. I think it's insane, I don't see this level of scrutiny in other fanbases.

I think you might be overreacting.

I don't think he did. He makes a valid point regarding people nitpicking over trivial details. I just had a similar discussion with someone regarding Tolkien. They just found it "stupid" and "ridiculous" to write a story with dragons and wizards and whatnot. What I told him is that he's completely missing the point if that's all he sees when he reads Tolkien's books. It's not meant to be superficial. Using dragons (GoT or The Hobbit) or spaceships (Star Wars) is not the point. It just relates the story to a different group using different mediums. It gives it a different appeal.
I never said it was "stupid", or that it couldn't be relateable.

I don't personally enjoy things set in that sort of fantasy setting (and yes, even if The Astonishing is set in the future, it's clearly going for a certain fantasy style), and so I'm not as excited about that aspect of the album. That doesn't mean other people shouldn't enjoy it. I don't think "people have different tastes in things" should be a controversial thing to say.

I'm still going to listen to the album, and musically TGOM sounds promising. I'm just not interested in any of the story or setting stuff so far. That doesn't mean I think it's stupid or that other people shouldn't like it.

I never said that you said it was stupid. I was relating another story to this situation.

Secondly, you said that "not everyone is into Game of Thrones-y stuff." No one before that implied that it had to be fantasy or the work Kasper did. You made that leap. Unless I missed something before that, which I'm pretty sure I didn't.
Fair enough. I was replying more to the general notion of people being too critical about this or that relating to the upcoming album. I think if some people aren't onboard with the initial idea, they're probably more likely to me more critical of what follows.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 01, 2016, 02:38:59 PM
I love fantasy. I'm also pretty convinced that I'll really dislike this album overall. Everything I've read about this so far is soooo cringey.

I'll still give it a chance of course, but all of this silliness might make it more difficult for me to enjoy it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 01, 2016, 02:50:50 PM
Quote from: me7 on January 01, 2016, 01:42:08 PM
I agree. This model just supports piracy sites who make money from ads as people visit them. Fans who already preordered the album will go to piracy sites as soon as it leaks, because they want to hear it as soon as possible. By doing so, they generate traffic and ad money for pirates, keeping them afloat financially.

I didn't preorder it, but I won't download it when it will be avalaible (I assume in the last week when physical copies will be ship out), am I the only one who can wait? like those people who binge-watch shows and then complain they have to wait an year for another season of their favorite show, is it really such an impossible task, with all the curiosity and expectations one may have, to wait for the release date to hear an album? people have the rest of their lives to hear an album, a week or so makes it such a big difference?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 01, 2016, 03:09:22 PM
I'm quite conflicted this time. I personally always listen to the leaks, especially when I have pre-ordered.. this time, though, I feel that listening to the album  for the first time with the actual physical copy in my hands will be a far better experience since the concept is so big.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 01, 2016, 03:26:32 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on January 01, 2016, 03:09:22 PM
I personally always listen to the leaks, especially when I have pre-ordered.

"I always open Christmas presents way before the 25th of December, my friends and loved ones already bought them for me anyway"

 :P

It's not about downloading (I'm a "live and let live" kind of dude on this point, anyone can do whatever they want), it's about as I said before knowing to wait... if pre-ordering would mean also early release, the copies would be shipped before and not around the actual release date.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 01, 2016, 06:09:53 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 01:04:01 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on January 01, 2016, 12:38:32 PM
Random thought: I am NOT referring to anyone specifically, but I find that forum posters are sometimes like reporters; they want the scoop of being the first one to report/post it, so it's more fun and satisfying, I suppose, to post first and ask questions later. Asking a mod means someone else, like that mod, could post it first and then they have been scooped. :lol :lol

Well, I don't care about posting info first, I just wanted to start some relevant discussion on the album since TGoM came out about a month ago with the Rolling Stone interview and very little has come since regarding solid info on album content. I assumed the guy was credible considering that he had the album for reviewing purposes and even held back on some info when he said "I can't really speak about it at length. Embargo and all that.". I didn't think to ask until I referenced the website, but it turns out that the reddit info was the problem. I'd be perfectly fine with not being the first one to communicate info, I'm not that self-centred.

That is why I said, " I am NOT referring to anyone specifically..."  I was speaking in general terms.  :coolio

Cool? :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 01, 2016, 06:22:02 PM
Kev,  we know you were talking directly about Enigmachine,  your fingers disobeyed you.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Crow on January 01, 2016, 06:22:15 PM
ok so then why the hell are you going to divide your double album so poorly

i haven't seen a split this bad since The Ocean's Precambrian  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 01, 2016, 06:29:22 PM
So poorly? it's not like its 80 minutes 20 minutes...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on January 01, 2016, 06:32:56 PM
Quote from: Parama on January 01, 2016, 06:22:15 PM
ok so then why the hell are you going to divide your double album so poorly

i haven't seen a split this bad since The Ocean's Precambrian  :lol

It's fairly typical for Act I to be about 60% and Act II to be about 40% in shows, and this is in that ballpark.  Bad opinion zone, indeed!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 01, 2016, 06:37:52 PM
But guys, it has to be even or its of kilter or something,  something.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 01, 2016, 06:38:22 PM
Someone who have already heard the album, there is some influence of Savatage's rock operas? Personally they are my favorites on the genre and I would enjoy very much to hear something with voices like "Chance" and "The Hourglass" by DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 01, 2016, 06:52:49 PM
I haven't heard much of Savatage before - but I ran quickly through a couple of the tracks they've had on their concept albums.

I wouldn't say "inspired by" as I don't know if that's the case. But there's definitively a stylistic similarity - I don't think you'll be disappointed by the DT one if you really like the Savatage concept albums. of course, DT doesn't do the multilayered vocal tracking as they don't have that type of vocal ability in the band I'm afraid, but the orchestration, and heavy reliance on piano - yeah, totally can see a semblance there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 01, 2016, 06:57:46 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 01, 2016, 06:52:49 PM
I haven't heard much of Savatage before - but I ran quickly through a couple of the tracks they've had on their concept albums.

I wouldn't say "inspired by" as I don't know if that's the case. But there's definitively a stylistic similarity - I don't think you'll be disappointed by the DT one if you really like the Savatage concept albums. of course, DT doesn't do the multilayered vocal tracking as they don't have that type of vocal ability in the band I'm afraid, but the orchestration, and heavy reliance on piano - yeah, totally can see a semblance there.

That's VERY good news. Thanks. I suggest to listen Savatage's rock operas in the next days - specially Poets and madmen and The wake of Magellan which are the most metal ones -,  so you can tell us if there are more similarities with The Astonishing, I really enjoy their rock opera style.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 01, 2016, 07:04:07 PM
When I first listened to SFAM I immediately recalled Streets - a Rock Opera by Savatage you can see that are many influences on SFAM  - take for example Spirit Carries On and Believe. Of course DT is much more talented however is good to read that The Astonishing may has some Savatage inspiration and I would like to learn more if possible.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 01, 2016, 07:07:44 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 01, 2016, 06:52:49 PM
I haven't heard much of Savatage before - but I ran quickly through a couple of the tracks they've had on their concept albums.

I wouldn't say "inspired by" as I don't know if that's the case. But there's definitively a stylistic similarity - I don't think you'll be disappointed by the DT one if you really like the Savatage concept albums. of course, DT doesn't do the multilayered vocal tracking as they don't have that type of vocal ability in the band I'm afraid, but the orchestration, and heavy reliance on piano - yeah, totally can see a semblance there.

Do the similarities with About to Crash/SDOIT end on TGOM? Because that's one of my top DT songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 01, 2016, 07:14:02 PM
No. In fact, it's like FII, SFAM, SDOIT, and 8V had an orgy, and the resulting baby was TA...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on January 01, 2016, 07:26:39 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 01, 2016, 07:14:02 PM
No. In fact, it's like FII, SFAM, SDOIT, and 8V had an orgy, and the resulting baby was TA...

(https://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1181453/seinfeld2020kramer20scrsu0.gif)

Ohh Yeahhh
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 01, 2016, 07:30:48 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 01, 2016, 07:14:02 PM
No. In fact, it's like FII, SFAM, SDOIT, and 8V had an orgy, and the resulting baby was TA...

Well, now I'm really disappointed. That's like their four worst album just kidding
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 01, 2016, 07:36:09 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 01, 2016, 07:14:02 PM
No. In fact, it's like FII, SFAM, SDOIT, and 8V had an orgy, and the resulting baby was TA...

I don't mean to question the credibility of a statement that came from noxon, but after Portnoy described BC&SL as a combination of A Change of Seasons, Octavarium, Learning to Live, Pull Me Under and The Glass Prison prior to its release, I became quite skeptical about those types of comparison… :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 01, 2016, 07:37:36 PM
Well, in my case, 3 of them are my favorites. Lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on January 01, 2016, 07:44:50 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 01, 2016, 07:30:48 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 01, 2016, 07:14:02 PM
No. In fact, it's like FII, SFAM, SDOIT, and 8V had an orgy, and the resulting baby was TA...

Well, now I'm really disappointed. That's like their four worst album just kidding

what !?!?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 01, 2016, 08:04:46 PM
Quote from: lightbug on January 01, 2016, 07:44:50 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 01, 2016, 07:30:48 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 01, 2016, 07:14:02 PM
No. In fact, it's like FII, SFAM, SDOIT, and 8V had an orgy, and the resulting baby was TA...

Well, now I'm really disappointed. That's like their four worst album just kidding

what !?!?

Sometimes the answer lies within the small prints :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: seasonsinthesky on January 01, 2016, 08:15:25 PM
Quote from: Parama on January 01, 2016, 06:22:15 PM
ok so then why the hell are you going to divide your double album so poorly

i haven't seen a split this bad since The Ocean's Precambrian  :lol

Precambrian was split that way because disc 1 was designed for a mini-CD. Those have smaller runtimes because they don't possess the surface space to run the typical 80 minutes. Other bands have done it similarly – a recent example being the CD version of Vein by Boris, which is a regular 5” CD size, but the area outside the mini-(3")CD is transparent and has a design printed on it. Each disc runs 18 minutes.

In DT's case, remember that the band seem to write until they are done and include all material (since SFAM), so splitting it across CDs in general is enforced by the medium, not the material. Perhaps the band even sequenced it with the vinyl sides in mind rather than CDs, like the last Pink Floyd album.

And either way, the download version isn't split. ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 02, 2016, 04:00:24 AM
Quote from: KevShmev on January 01, 2016, 06:09:53 PM
That is why I said, " I am NOT referring to anyone specifically..."  I was speaking in general terms.  :coolio

Cool? :hat

It's just that the general terms includes me and I was just defending my choice. But it's cool.  :hat

Quote from: Parama on January 01, 2016, 06:22:15 PM
ok so then why the hell are you going to divide your double album so poorly

i haven't seen a split this bad since The Ocean's Precambrian  :lol

Porcupine Tree's The Incident is quite bad with this, although it does seem to have its reasons considering it isn't even double length and the second disk is more like an extra EP.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 02, 2016, 04:03:15 AM
Has anyone else looked at the clouds during the TGOM video?

Also maybe Faythe is listening to TGOM?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 02, 2016, 04:10:19 AM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on January 02, 2016, 04:03:15 AM
Has anyone else looked at the clouds during the TGOM video?

Yeah, they look like some psychedelic trip. The thumbnail shows one of the worst cases of this.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 02, 2016, 04:29:46 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 02, 2016, 04:00:24 AM
Quote from: KevShmev on January 01, 2016, 06:09:53 PM
That is why I said, " I am NOT referring to anyone specifically..."  I was speaking in general terms.  :coolio

Cool? :hat

It's just that the general terms includes me and I was just defending my choice. But it's cool.  :hat

Quote from: Parama on January 01, 2016, 06:22:15 PM
ok so then why the hell are you going to divide your double album so poorly

i haven't seen a split this bad since The Ocean's Precambrian  :lol

Porcupine Tree's The Incident is quite bad with this, although it does seem to have its reasons considering it isn't even double length and the second disk is more like an extra EP.

Say what?   The four songs on the second disk was not part of the song cycle.   Come on man.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 02, 2016, 04:35:08 AM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 02, 2016, 04:29:46 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 02, 2016, 04:00:24 AM
Quote from: KevShmev on January 01, 2016, 06:09:53 PM
That is why I said, " I am NOT referring to anyone specifically..."  I was speaking in general terms.  :coolio

Cool? :hat

It's just that the general terms includes me and I was just defending my choice. But it's cool.  :hat

Quote from: Parama on January 01, 2016, 06:22:15 PM
ok so then why the hell are you going to divide your double album so poorly

i haven't seen a split this bad since The Ocean's Precambrian  :lol

Porcupine Tree's The Incident is quite bad with this, although it does seem to have its reasons considering it isn't even double length and the second disk is more like an extra EP.

Say what?   The four songs on the second disk was not part of the song cycle.   Come on man.

I know that. So?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 02, 2016, 04:54:44 AM
So you'd rather not have 4 extra songs separate from the song cycle because it's an unbalanced double disk?  That's just plain nuts.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 02, 2016, 04:55:22 AM
Plot twist: The character with no lines is Gabriel.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 02, 2016, 04:59:18 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 02, 2016, 04:55:22 AM
Plot twist: The character with no lines is Gabriel.

JP did mention that James should sound 25 years old when singing his parts though. Unless it's just: "Laaaaaaa, lalaaAaaaaaa!" xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 02, 2016, 05:00:24 AM
Indeed, Petrucci confirmed that the following characters will have a "role":

- Gabriel
- Faythe
- Arabelle
- Lord Nafaryus
- Arhys


So that leaves Clock Person, the Empress and Daryus. One of these three won't have a singing part.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 02, 2016, 05:01:02 AM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 02, 2016, 04:54:44 AM
So you'd rather not have 4 extra songs separate from the song cycle because it's an unbalanced double disk?  That's just plain nuts.

I didn't say there was a problem with it, just simply stating that it's an uneven double disc album. I don't see what's nuts about stating the obvious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: palmeiras on January 02, 2016, 05:06:20 AM
Will be going  to have crazy instrumentals like the dance of eternity?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 02, 2016, 05:07:07 AM
Quite bad insinuateshape that you think it's wrong.  Just seems like an odd comment when those song are just extra that is not part of the first disk.  The CD cost nothing extra for the 4 songs so I'd assume most would be happy with that.  Not complaining.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 02, 2016, 05:16:05 AM
Quote from: palmeiras on January 02, 2016, 05:06:20 AM
Will be going  to have crazy instrumentals like the dance of eternity?

Apparently not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 02, 2016, 05:18:21 AM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 02, 2016, 05:07:07 AM
Quite bad insinuateshape that you think it's wrong.  Just seems like an odd comment when those song are just extra that is not part of the first disk.  The CD cost nothing extra for the 4 songs so I'd assume most would be happy with that.  Not complaining.

I used the wrong wording then. I should've just said a large divide instead of 'bad'.

Quote from: palmeiras on January 02, 2016, 05:06:20 AM
Will be going  to have crazy instrumentals like the dance of eternity?

I wouldn't think so. I would guess that the two non-NOMAC instrumentals (Dystopian Overture and Entr'acte 2285 according to noxon) would be more based on presenting recurring themes like Overture 1928 considering that they begin the disc they are on (ignoring Descent of the NOMACS).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 02, 2016, 05:30:51 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 02, 2016, 05:00:24 AM
Indeed, Petrucci confirmed that the following characters will have a "role":

- Gabriel
- Faythe
- Arabelle
- Lord Nafaryus
- Arhys


So that leaves Clock Person, the Empress and Daryus. One of these three won't have a singing part.

You forgot Evangeline. That's also a good bet for a non speaking role.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 02, 2016, 05:34:48 AM
You're right, the Empress is Arabelle, I mixed them up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 02, 2016, 05:37:26 AM
I'd say Clock guy, or Evangeline, although there is a portion of TGOM which might be sung by her:

Quote
There was a god among us
Who's seen the writing on the wall
He is the revolution
He'll be the one to save us all
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 02, 2016, 05:45:15 AM
Oh, you'll hear it when James switches characters in songs...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 02, 2016, 05:47:52 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 05:45:15 AM
Oh, you'll hear it when James switches characters in songs...

So he doesn't in TGOM?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 02, 2016, 05:50:02 AM
Quote from: mikemangioy on January 02, 2016, 05:47:52 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 05:45:15 AM
Oh, you'll hear it when James switches characters in songs...

So he doesn't in TGOM?

TGOM only has one character, excluding narration.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 02, 2016, 05:55:55 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 05:45:15 AM
Oh, you'll hear it when James switches characters in songs...


Ahhhh.... I want to hear it already :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 02, 2016, 05:57:56 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 02, 2016, 05:50:02 AM
Quote from: mikemangioy on January 02, 2016, 05:47:52 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 05:45:15 AM
Oh, you'll hear it when James switches characters in songs...

So he doesn't in TGOM?

TGOM only has one character, excluding narration.

I guess it's Arhys then. "My brother Gabriel"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jayvee3 on January 02, 2016, 06:09:28 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 01, 2016, 02:38:59 PM
I love fantasy. I'm also pretty convinced that I'll really dislike this album overall. Everything I've read about this so far is soooo cringey.

I'll still give it a chance of course, but all of this silliness might make it more difficult for me to enjoy it.

Have heard one track of 34 = pretty convinced you'll dislike the album. Solid rationale.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 02, 2016, 06:39:15 AM
I wonder what would've happened if the same type of PR-scheme was used for SFAM.


Picture of "The Hypnotherapist" released:  "More like the rapist, amiright?" - "Well, it's in his title, innit?".

Picture of "Victoria" released: "Wow, she looks... wait, is that a 1920s hairstyle? Wtf is this, some kind of mafia/prohibition story? I don't get it."

Picture of "Edward" released: "Huh, whats up with the suit? He looks like straight out of the godfather. This IS a mafia story. DT has lost it. I mean, I know MP is a movie buff, but ripping of the godfather? I don't even like mafia movies!"

Location revealed - Echo's Hill: "What does that even mean?? It's like they have no knowledge of stuff that's not sound related. "echo". Geddit.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on January 02, 2016, 06:47:32 AM
 :lol

It's only funny because it's true.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on January 02, 2016, 06:54:25 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 06:39:15 AM
I wonder what would've happened if the same type of PR-scheme was used for SFAM.


Picture of "The Hypnotherapist" released:  "More like the rapist, amiright?" - "Well, it's in his title, innit?".

Picture of "Victoria" released: "Wow, she looks... wait, is that a 1920s hairstyle? Wtf is this, some kind of mafia/prohibition story? I don't get it."

Picture of "Edward" released: "Huh, whats up with the suit? He looks like straight out of the godfather. This IS a mafia story. DT has lost it. I mean, I know MP is a movie buff, but ripping of the godfather? I don't even like mafia movies!"

Location revealed - Echo's Hill: "What does that even mean?? It's like they have no knowledge of stuff that's not sound related. "echo". Geddit.

 :rollin
  :rollin
   :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Astonished on January 02, 2016, 07:32:48 AM
I can't put my finger on how Petrucci said that "Gabriel" will sound like a 25 yo LaBrie. I mean, if I he can pull that off, wow...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 02, 2016, 08:03:26 AM
My only hope for this album is that there will be moments of epicness.  I don't mean epic as in a long song, I mean the emotional, building, crescendos found in Grand Finale/Losing Time, Finally Free and at the end of Octavarium and Illumination Theory.

This is what Dream Theater do better than any other band on the planet (IMHO).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SuperTaco on January 02, 2016, 08:04:57 AM
Quote from: The Astonished on January 02, 2016, 07:32:48 AM
I can't put my finger on how Petrucci said that "Gabriel" will sound like a 25 yo LaBrie. I mean, if I he can pull that off, wow...

Oh that's easy. JP reverse shreds and turns back time.

I hope we get the final character/map reveals next week. There seems to be a pretty good chance of it happening, since we're inside four weeks until release day. What I'm REALLY curious about are those videos, and the significance (If there is any) of the big NOMAC with the clickable eyes. I'm guessing the videos aren't studio clips, since that would impact the immersion of the story they've created. It also seems unlikely that they would be music videos. We're so close to the album, and if an actual single were to be released, it probably would have been by now.

I wonder if maybe the videos are some kind of message from each side of the story, like a motivational speech or a call to arms from the Empire and the Rebels. Probably wouldn't be too difficult to pull off, right? You could have a narrator (James?) make a case for each side while showing pictures of the world around them. It would be an easy way to feature more of the amazing art that was created for this story, and it would get the fans even more hyped.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 02, 2016, 08:20:51 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 02, 2016, 08:03:26 AM
My only hope for this album is that there will be moments of epicness.  I don't mean epic as in a long song, I mean the emotional, building, crescendos found in Grand Finale/Losing Time, Finally Free and at the end of Octavarium and Illumination Theory.

This is what Dream Theater do better than any other band on the planet (IMHO).
After a few listens I got that 'epic' feeling with the choir section of TGOM, and I think there will be lots of moments that I would consider epic from the things I've read. Don't agree that DT are the absolute best at this but they sure are up there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 02, 2016, 08:30:19 AM
Quote from: TL on January 01, 2016, 02:03:16 PM
Fair enough. I was replying more to the general notion of people being too critical about this or that relating to the upcoming album. I think if some people aren't onboard with the initial idea, they're probably more likely to me more critical of what follows.

I don't disagree with that. Once that seed of cynicism is planted it doesn't take much for it to grow.


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 02, 2016, 08:31:07 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 01, 2016, 01:59:26 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on January 01, 2016, 12:59:52 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 01, 2016, 12:57:45 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 01, 2016, 12:19:35 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 01, 2016, 12:18:03 PM
What was the whole TGOM situation?  I thought Rolling Stone premiered it and it was all official?

It leaked a few hours before that happened.

How did I miss this?!

You just missed another leak, too.

Should that be in green font?

No, I actually came back from the bathroom right before I posted that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 02, 2016, 08:37:44 AM
One of those guys who uses his cell phone without washing I see. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on January 02, 2016, 08:57:03 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 02, 2016, 08:20:51 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 02, 2016, 08:03:26 AM
My only hope for this album is that there will be moments of epicness.  I don't mean epic as in a long song, I mean the emotional, building, crescendos found in Grand Finale/Losing Time, Finally Free and at the end of Octavarium and Illumination Theory.

This is what Dream Theater do better than any other band on the planet (IMHO).
Don't agree that DT are the absolute best at this but they sure are up there.

Who's the best in your opinion? Not arguing, I just want to expand my musical library.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 02, 2016, 09:14:20 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 02, 2016, 08:57:03 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 02, 2016, 08:20:51 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 02, 2016, 08:03:26 AM
My only hope for this album is that there will be moments of epicness.  I don't mean epic as in a long song, I mean the emotional, building, crescendos found in Grand Finale/Losing Time, Finally Free and at the end of Octavarium and Illumination Theory.

This is what Dream Theater do better than any other band on the planet (IMHO).
Don't agree that DT are the absolute best at this but they sure are up there.
Who's the best in your opinion? Not arguing, I just want to expand my musical library.

Probably not stuff you've never heard of before.. but some of my favorite epics (again, pretty subjective term) include songs of these artists:

Fates Warning
Symphony X
The Mars Volta
Haken
Mastodon
Gojira
Alter Bridge
Rush
Iced Earth
Avenged Sevenfold


These all have at least one 'epic' song that I would include in a list of all-time favorites, by no means I find all of these better than all of DT epics, DT is still one of the most consistent in this category.

I've also been getting some great epics I've never heard before last month which showed me that there's way more good stuff out there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 02, 2016, 09:23:47 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 05:45:15 AM
Oh, you'll hear it when James switches characters in songs...


Oh really?  :biggrin: :lol

(https://i.imgur.com/cnGl436.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 02, 2016, 09:38:53 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 02, 2016, 09:23:47 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 05:45:15 AM
Oh, you'll hear it when James switches characters in songs...


Oh really?  :biggrin: :lol

(https://i.imgur.com/cnGl436.jpg)

 :rollin

It will be interesting to see how well James executes the changes in character. If it's just falsetto for Faythe, TDEN esque vocals for Nafaryus and so on, that will leave the characters feeling a bit one-dimensional. It seems pretty difficult to be able to interpret 7 characters as individuals and still give each one some emotional variety without feeling strange.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 02, 2016, 09:39:14 AM
 Faythe Labrie :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on January 02, 2016, 09:43:20 AM
Quote from: CDrice on January 02, 2016, 09:39:14 AM
Faythe Labrie :rollin

This :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 02, 2016, 09:55:23 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 02, 2016, 08:20:51 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 02, 2016, 08:03:26 AM
My only hope for this album is that there will be moments of epicness.  I don't mean epic as in a long song, I mean the emotional, building, crescendos found in Grand Finale/Losing Time, Finally Free and at the end of Octavarium and Illumination Theory.

This is what Dream Theater do better than any other band on the planet (IMHO).
After a few listens I got that 'epic' feeling with the choir section of TGOM, and I think there will be lots of moments that I would consider epic from the things I've read. Don't agree that DT are the absolute best at this but they sure are up there.

I can't think of another band that writes the epic building payoffs that I mentioned above.  I'm familiar with Symphony X, Rush, etc, but I'm struggling to think of anything from those bands that's anywhere near what DT do towards the end of an album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on January 02, 2016, 10:11:52 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 02, 2016, 09:23:47 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 05:45:15 AM
Oh, you'll hear it when James switches characters in songs...


Oh really?  :biggrin: :lol

(https://i.imgur.com/cnGl436.jpg)

 :lol :lol :lol

Evangebrie!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 02, 2016, 10:18:17 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 05:45:15 AM
Oh, you'll hear it when James switches characters in songs...

Maybe something similar to what we hear in The Test That Stumped Them All? Probably not as exaggerated as that, but is it a valid comparison?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: volwrath on January 02, 2016, 10:41:23 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 02, 2016, 09:55:23 AM

I can't think of another band that writes the epic building payoffs that I mentioned above.  I'm familiar with Symphony X, Rush, etc, but I'm struggling to think of anything from those bands that's anywhere near what DT do towards the end of an album.

I thought Call of Ktulu was a pretty epic way to end ride the lightning. Also there was Orion/damage inc as the end  to mop
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 02, 2016, 10:44:10 AM
Quote from: volwrath on January 02, 2016, 10:41:23 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 02, 2016, 09:55:23 AM

I can't think of another band that writes the epic building payoffs that I mentioned above.  I'm familiar with Symphony X, Rush, etc, but I'm struggling to think of anything from those bands that's anywhere near what DT do towards the end of an album.

I thought Call of Ktulu was a pretty epic way to end ride the lightning. Also there was Orion/damage inc as the end  to mop

Yeah forgot to mention the classics, Call of Ktulu is one of the best. Personally I'd add Hallowed Be Thy Name and maaybe Rime of the Ancient Mariner. The Outlaw Torn is my 2nd favorite Metallica album closer and IMO pretty epic aswell.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 02, 2016, 10:51:52 AM
Quote from: lightbug on January 02, 2016, 10:11:52 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 02, 2016, 09:23:47 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 05:45:15 AM
Oh, you'll hear it when James switches characters in songs...


Oh really?  :biggrin: :lol

(https://i.imgur.com/cnGl436.jpg)

 :lol :lol :lol

Evangebrie!!

Faythe looks like a devil bitch!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Randaran on January 02, 2016, 11:07:53 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 02, 2016, 09:55:23 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 02, 2016, 08:20:51 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 02, 2016, 08:03:26 AM
My only hope for this album is that there will be moments of epicness.  I don't mean epic as in a long song, I mean the emotional, building, crescendos found in Grand Finale/Losing Time, Finally Free and at the end of Octavarium and Illumination Theory.

This is what Dream Theater do better than any other band on the planet (IMHO).
After a few listens I got that 'epic' feeling with the choir section of TGOM, and I think there will be lots of moments that I would consider epic from the things I've read. Don't agree that DT are the absolute best at this but they sure are up there.

I can't think of another band that writes the epic building payoffs that I mentioned above.  I'm familiar with Symphony X, Rush, etc, but I'm struggling to think of anything from those bands that's anywhere near what DT do towards the end of an album.

For Symphony X, my favorite example of 'epic' is in The Divine Wings of Tragedy. Everything from the piano break in the main instrumental section to the end of the song is very powerful, and comes very close, if not surpasses, the sections of DT's music you brought up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on January 02, 2016, 11:09:24 AM
The speechless character is probably the clock guy (that would make him even more mysterious)

There's only one thing about TA that makes me sad, and that's the fact we'll probably not hear that ''tension building'' DT did in Octavarium and ITPOE pt 2 (especially the latter one, building up the tension for like 9 mins, and then culminating with The Reckoning - the best 2 mins in DT's whole fuckin' career)
I mean, it could happen in TA, but I don't think it's possible if all songs are that short, and each one is ''a song for itself''

I'm ok with not much metal, ok with no long instrumental sections, even ok with the lack of the amount of melody development we get in 10+ min songs, but the thing I mentioned really makes me disappointed
still I hope it will be a great album
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 02, 2016, 11:14:59 AM
I don't see why you think you won't get tension buildup? It's a complete story. Each song builds on the events that occured in the songs preceding, so even if they're seperate songs, it's still retains the emotions from the previous.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 02, 2016, 11:19:53 AM
How do people come up with these preconceptions of the music from hearing nothing? 

Has anybody been reading what Noxon has written?   People ruin the enjoyment of a first listen before the hear the first listen.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 02, 2016, 11:21:33 AM
Noxon, how do you feel about the individual songs? Do you think many songs will rank very high among fans (and for you)? Or do you think the album works better as a whole?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 02, 2016, 11:34:44 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 02, 2016, 11:21:33 AM
Noxon, how do you feel about the individual songs? Do you think many songs will rank very high among fans (and for you)? Or do you think the album works better as a whole?

This will be interesting to see, given that TA will most likely be shorter songs, which are mostly ignored in favour of epics.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 02, 2016, 12:00:44 PM
I don't know where we divide DT songs into short and long, but if 7 minutes counts as short, This is the Life is in my top 10 DT songs, Another Day is pretty close too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 02, 2016, 12:02:11 PM
This is the Life is pretty awesome by any standard.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 02, 2016, 12:02:32 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 02, 2016, 09:55:23 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 02, 2016, 08:20:51 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 02, 2016, 08:03:26 AM
My only hope for this album is that there will be moments of epicness.  I don't mean epic as in a long song, I mean the emotional, building, crescendos found in Grand Finale/Losing Time, Finally Free and at the end of Octavarium and Illumination Theory.

This is what Dream Theater do better than any other band on the planet (IMHO).
After a few listens I got that 'epic' feeling with the choir section of TGOM, and I think there will be lots of moments that I would consider epic from the things I've read. Don't agree that DT are the absolute best at this but they sure are up there.

I can't think of another band that writes the epic building payoffs that I mentioned above.  I'm familiar with Symphony X, Rush, etc, but I'm struggling to think of anything from those bands that's anywhere near what DT do towards the end of an album.

Neal Morse, and by extension, Spock's Beard and Transatlantic.  In fact, I think the end of 6DOIT (the song) and Octavarium were heavily influenced by Mike Portnoy having worked with Neal Morse.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 02, 2016, 12:09:22 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 06:39:15 AM
I wonder what would've happened if the same type of PR-scheme was used for SFAM.


Picture of "The Hypnotherapist" released:  "More like the rapist, amiright?" - "Well, it's in his title, innit?".

Picture of "Victoria" released: "Wow, she looks... wait, is that a 1920s hairstyle? Wtf is this, some kind of mafia/prohibition story? I don't get it."

Picture of "Edward" released: "Huh, whats up with the suit? He looks like straight out of the godfather. This IS a mafia story. DT has lost it. I mean, I know MP is a movie buff, but ripping of the godfather? I don't even like mafia movies!"

Location revealed - Echo's Hill: "What does that even mean?? It's like they have no knowledge of stuff that's not sound related. "echo". Geddit.

Ahahaha, it would have ACTUALLY went down that way. I'm sure of it.

Quote from: thosava on January 02, 2016, 11:21:33 AM
Noxon, how do you feel about the individual songs? Do you think many songs will rank very high among fans (and for you)? Or do you think the album works better as a whole?

Well, given the nature of the tracks, I think on the other hand the Nomacs tracks will be considered the worst ever they've done  :biggrin:


And about the build-up to a grandiose finale that Dream Theater do in their epics... yeah, that's something pretty unique to them, regardless of how other excellent epic songs from other bands develop.

I've seen mentioned Iced Earth in the comparison list, I'd suggest to check out A Question of Heaven and Come What May for songs that build up to a very strong and intense ending.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 02, 2016, 12:15:24 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 02, 2016, 12:09:22 PM
I've seen mentioned Iced Earth in the comparison list, I'd suggest to check out A Question of Heaven and Come What May for songs that build up to a very strong and intense ending.
YES, great songs.

Also, I'd add Dante's Inferno
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on January 02, 2016, 12:31:21 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 11:14:59 AM
I don't see why you think you won't get tension buildup? It's a complete story. Each song builds on the events that occured in the songs preceding, so even if they're seperate songs, it's still retains the emotions from the previous.
If I just asked you if there will be those buildups, you probably wouldn't answer, so I tried this way :p
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 02, 2016, 12:37:17 PM
Well, in less than two weeks I will be able to tell you all the details you need/want. I'm guessing my review will be up then too - depending if i can get my website done by that date.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 02, 2016, 12:39:06 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 02, 2016, 12:15:24 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 02, 2016, 12:09:22 PM
I've seen mentioned Iced Earth in the comparison list, I'd suggest to check out A Question of Heaven and Come What May for songs that build up to a very strong and intense ending.
YES, great songs.

Also, I'd add Dante's Inferno

Dante's Inferno is a wonderful song, and yes it has that "Lucifer!!!" part at the end, but I don't think it has that kind of "Here it comes, the bombastic glorious ending the whole song has been building up to" vibe that you get from Octavarium, Illumination Theory or Six Degrees....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: GasparXR on January 02, 2016, 01:08:24 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 12:37:17 PM
Well, in less than two weeks I will be able to tell you all the details you need/want. I'm guessing my review will be up then too - depending if i can get my website done by that date.

:caffeine:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 02, 2016, 01:52:30 PM
Quote from: GasparXR on January 02, 2016, 01:08:24 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 12:37:17 PM
Well, in less than two weeks I will be able to tell you all the details you need/want. I'm guessing my review will be up then too - depending if i can get my website done by that date.

:caffeine:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 02, 2016, 02:06:20 PM
I'm excited in particular to hear the recurring themes and how they're developed/interact with each other. I wonder if we've heard any motifs already in The Gift of Music?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 02, 2016, 02:10:52 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 02, 2016, 02:06:20 PM
I'm excited in particular to hear the recurring themes and how they're developed/interact with each other. I wonder if we've heard any motifs already in The Gift of Music?

I think the Gabriel choir part will be his theme...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 02, 2016, 02:19:09 PM
Yes, we've already heard something that will reoccur.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 02, 2016, 02:28:34 PM
Are there some themes that are played many times throughout the whole album, or are the recurring parts only played a couple of times?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on January 02, 2016, 05:06:59 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 02, 2016, 02:28:34 PM
Are there some themes that are played many times throughout the whole album, or are the recurring parts only played a couple of times?
It will have a motif for every major character I guess
And it will go throughout the whole song
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 02, 2016, 05:22:10 PM
The best buildup I've ever heard in a song is probably Rhapsody of Fire's "The Ancient Fires of Har-Kuun" 14-minute epic, easily the best song in their discography.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 02, 2016, 05:35:29 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 12:37:17 PM
Well, in less than two weeks I will be able to tell you all the details you need/want. I'm guessing my review will be up then too - depending if i can get my website done by that date.
Tell you what, you work on your site and I'll work on the review for you. Deal?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Gpals71 on January 02, 2016, 06:10:50 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on January 02, 2016, 05:35:29 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 12:37:17 PM
Well, in less than two weeks I will be able to tell you all the details you need/want. I'm guessing my review will be up then too - depending if i can get my website done by that date.
Tell you what, you work on your site and I'll work on the review for you. Deal?

I was just thinking the same  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 02, 2016, 06:30:25 PM
Oh, the review is done. It's the site that's not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 02, 2016, 06:35:27 PM
I'll proofread I guess. But I'll need to hear the album to see what you're trying to convey with writing.

I'll stop now
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nearmyth on January 02, 2016, 10:34:59 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 02:19:09 PM
Yes, we've already heard something that will reoccur.

 Yesss. :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Moor on January 03, 2016, 01:45:33 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 02, 2016, 08:03:26 AM
My only hope for this album is that there will be moments of epicness.  I don't mean epic as in a long song, I mean the emotional, building, crescendos found in Grand Finale/Losing Time, Finally Free and at the end of Octavarium and Illumination Theory.

This is what Dream Theater do better than any other band on the planet (IMHO).

Absolutely this.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 03, 2016, 01:53:48 AM
I have confidence that those goosebumps moments will be there. The last album, while having not quite as many as ADTOE, still had a few of them. There's a few in TGOM, particularly "People just don't..." and the whole choir chorus.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 03, 2016, 02:46:04 AM
I can't wait for the bagpipes and the Tango bit Jordan mentioned, lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Estiui on January 03, 2016, 05:13:33 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 03, 2016, 02:46:04 AM
I can't wait for the bagpipes and the Tango bit Jordan mentioned, lol.

What?! Where/when did he mention that?  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: liran95 on January 03, 2016, 05:16:44 AM
I've been thinking a lot about clock guy's significance, and IMO he's gonna be the main character, regardless of Gabriel being the chosen one.
I think it's not a coincidence that he's being revealed last, and I also think he will be the "silent character" (that has no singing role).
If he's indeed a child, that would make him the only child in the story (which we hadn't thought what meaning it would have). Also, it's pretty common in literature and poetry to use a child as "the voice of innocence and reason", so that would make him a decent option as the character who can end the dispute between the GNE and RRM.

Maybe hadi was right to be obsessed with the clock guy  :laugh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 03, 2016, 05:42:40 AM
The hype for clock guy is stronger than the hype for the album right now
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Evermind on January 03, 2016, 06:29:07 AM
Quote from: liran95 on January 03, 2016, 05:16:44 AM
Also, it's pretty common in literature and poetry to use a child as "the voice of innocence and reason", so that would make him a decent option as the character who can end the dispute between the GNE and RRM.

I'm pretty tired of this trope to be honest, so I hope this is not the case here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 03, 2016, 06:31:23 AM
Quote from: liran95 on January 03, 2016, 05:16:44 AM
Maybe hadi was right to be obsessed with the clock guy  :laugh:

Or maybe he wasn't. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on January 03, 2016, 08:23:54 AM
Quote from: Evermind on January 03, 2016, 06:29:07 AM
Quote from: liran95 on January 03, 2016, 05:16:44 AM
Also, it's pretty common in literature and poetry to use a child as "the voice of innocence and reason", so that would make him a decent option as the character who can end the dispute between the GNE and RRM.

I'm pretty tired of this trope to be honest, so I hope this is not the case here.

At this point, I hope they never reveal him...the spot on the website stays dark, the "trading card" is blank", and the references to him in the story are removed....just to screw with people.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ronnibran on January 03, 2016, 09:54:32 AM
Maybe the final character will be a robot.  Ok probably not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 03, 2016, 10:02:39 AM
Unless it's an android covered with skin... because we have seen his/her arms already in the pre-order page.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 03, 2016, 11:25:36 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 05:45:15 AM
Oh, you'll hear it when James switches characters in songs...

That's good to hear, but I'm really wondering how he'll do that. He's definitely a good singer, but singing in 7 different ways to reperesent the differnet characters seems pretty challenging. The only thing that I can think of that could work would be having a character for each of his singing style. Maybe something like this?

Lower speaking register: Daryus
Soft whispery voice: Evangeline
Falsetto: Faythe
Standard mid-range voice: Arhys
High belting register: Gabriel
Gritty Vocals: Nafaryus
Screamy vocals: Arabelle

Yeah, I really have no idea  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 03, 2016, 11:30:03 AM
I'm back !  :corn

It's The Astonishing month of release !  :omg: :o

Not long now ! :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 03, 2016, 12:01:46 PM
It's funny how the official DT website still says "Dream Theater – New Album Out Now | Official Site" from 2013. I wonder how many people have been fooled by that to think that TA is out already.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 03, 2016, 12:42:27 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 03, 2016, 11:25:36 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 05:45:15 AM
Oh, you'll hear it when James switches characters in songs...

That's good to hear, but I'm really wondering how he'll do that. He's definitely a good singer, but singing in 7 different ways to reperesent the differnet characters seems pretty challenging. The only thing that I can think of that could work would be having a character for each of his singing style. Maybe something like this?

Lower speaking register: Daryus
Soft whispery voice: Evangeline
Falsetto: Faythe
Standard mid-range voice: Arhys
High belting register: Gabriel
Gritty Vocals: Nafaryus
Screamy vocals: Arabelle

Yeah, I really have no idea  :lol

Victoria in SFAM was obvious, Julian and Edward a bit less but once you know the story and the lyrics you kinda feel drawn into the character's point of view... but, to make an example, there's no enormous difference, "hey is it even the same singer?" vibe between the "Her ecstasy means so much to me" chorus and the "Her story it holds the key" one in Home.

We'll see... actually, we'll hear!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 03, 2016, 12:50:22 PM
i guess we'll see... yes, we shall see.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 03, 2016, 12:54:54 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 03, 2016, 12:50:22 PM
i guess we'll see... yes, we shall see.

Now, you got me intrigued!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 03, 2016, 01:16:07 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 03, 2016, 12:50:22 PM
i guess we'll see... yes, we shall see.

Wait, what, the dude that photoshopped James' face over all the characters was right???????

 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 03, 2016, 02:03:38 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 03, 2016, 01:16:07 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 03, 2016, 12:50:22 PM
i guess we'll see... yes, we shall see.

Wait, what, the dude that photoshopped James' face over all the characters was right???????

 :lol

You're welcome!  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on January 03, 2016, 04:18:44 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 03, 2016, 11:30:03 AM
I'm back !  :corn

It's The Astonishing month of release !  :omg: :o

Not long now ! :D
You missed much of the party here :p
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 03, 2016, 04:26:27 PM
25 more astonishing days :dangerwillrobinson:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 03, 2016, 04:56:47 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 03, 2016, 12:42:27 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 03, 2016, 11:25:36 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 05:45:15 AM
Oh, you'll hear it when James switches characters in songs...

That's good to hear, but I'm really wondering how he'll do that. He's definitely a good singer, but singing in 7 different ways to reperesent the differnet characters seems pretty challenging. The only thing that I can think of that could work would be having a character for each of his singing style.

Victoria in SFAM was obvious, Julian and Edward a bit less but once you know the story and the lyrics you kinda feel drawn into the character's point of view... but, to make an example, there's no enormous difference, "hey is it even the same singer?" vibe between the "Her ecstasy means so much to me" chorus and the "Her story it holds the key" one in Home.

We'll see... actually, we'll hear!

That's sort of what I mean. In Scenes the only to distinguish Julian and Edward is by the lyrics. But, at least to me, the way John explained it the interview and the way noxon said it implies that even without lyrics we'll know which character James is impersonating. It will be interesting to hear how he does this.

But as you said, we'll hear in due time  :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 03, 2016, 05:08:51 PM
Can't wait to see who this ninth character is in the Astounding!!!  :mehlin

We've all been through alot together hippies, not long left!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 03, 2016, 05:57:09 PM
Would be nice to have the places tab unlock at the same day the characters and map thing finishes, which is tomorrow (I hope).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on January 03, 2016, 06:44:28 PM
I wonder if the NOMAC section on the bottom of the page is gonna change, or if it's just.....there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 03, 2016, 07:33:22 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 03, 2016, 05:57:09 PM
Would be nice to have the places tab unlock at the same day the characters and map thing finishes, which is tomorrow (I hope).
I didn't even see the Places Tab with the lock over it until now. I have no clue why I didn't see that. Now I'm excited!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: GasparXR on January 03, 2016, 08:57:28 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on January 03, 2016, 07:33:22 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 03, 2016, 05:57:09 PM
Would be nice to have the places tab unlock at the same day the characters and map thing finishes, which is tomorrow (I hope).
I didn't even see the Places Tab with the lock over it until now. I have no clue why I didn't see that. Now I'm excited!

I'm guessing it will be a breakdown off all the locations on the fully revealed map, maybe with a small bio of their significance. :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 03, 2016, 09:03:21 PM
That'd be cool. I've always liked that sort of thing in video games, especially when it's done well
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 03, 2016, 10:36:45 PM
Final Fantasy: The Astonishing

Square Enix has confirmed its developement.
OS by Dream Theater (The Astonishing music, as well as extra music by DT)
It's SE's first installment not to be set on a fictional world.

2017 game of the year award.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 03, 2016, 10:45:14 PM
It's funny you should say that - cause there's a certain section in a certain song I could -swear- I'd heard before in a Final Fantasy game...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 03, 2016, 11:04:08 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 03, 2016, 10:45:14 PM
It's funny you should say that - cause there's a certain section in a certain song I could -swear- I'd heard before in a Final Fantasy game...

I really hope it's something like this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ7jRcrDR4s

My goodness...
Regardless of what it is, my hype just got doubled.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 04, 2016, 02:24:42 AM
Quote from: GasparXR on January 03, 2016, 08:57:28 PM
I'm guessing it will be a breakdown off all the locations on the fully revealed map, maybe with a small bio of their significance. :o

Hopefully with plenty of pictures too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 04, 2016, 02:30:21 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 04, 2016, 02:24:42 AM
Quote from: GasparXR on January 03, 2016, 08:57:28 PM
I'm guessing it will be a breakdown off all the locations on the fully revealed map, maybe with a small bio of their significance. :o

Hopefully with plenty of pictures too.

If it's similar to the character section, it may just be pictures, with their significance left until the listening experience, much as it is with the characters and map so far.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Paddies on January 04, 2016, 04:07:51 AM
For the ones hoping for a documentary (a la Systematic Chaos): sorry, but it won't happen. Heard that from Jordan Rudess' mouth. Considering the amount of work the band has done for this record, it's not a surprise to me. Fortunately The Astonishing is one big epic music fest!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 04, 2016, 04:50:22 AM
So, today should be C(lock)-Day!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on January 04, 2016, 06:08:52 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 03, 2016, 12:54:54 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 03, 2016, 12:50:22 PM
i guess we'll see... yes, we shall see.

Now, you got me intrigued!

I think during the tour there will be images of the various characters on the screen while they are talking/singing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 04, 2016, 06:15:32 AM
Only its hte photoshopped version..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 04, 2016, 06:59:17 AM
Do we have a rough idea when some publication is going to start streaming the album in full? Last time I remember Rolling Stone started streaming DTDT at least a week before it came out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 04, 2016, 07:20:24 AM
I don't know if that's feasible this time around considering the shear scope of the album...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 04, 2016, 07:34:32 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 04, 2016, 07:20:24 AM
I don't know if that's feasible this time around considering the shear scope of the album...

Do you rank The Astonishing in which position of DT's best albums?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 04, 2016, 07:46:24 AM
I don't rank absolutes - but lets just say I've been listening to tracks since mid November and I'm still very happy with what I'm hearing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 04, 2016, 08:01:01 AM
Man it must be such a bummer when the album comes out and everybody is excited about it and you've been listening to it for two month already, I've experienced that with leaked albums in the past and usually that would be only a few days before release day but I would still be a little bummed out when "the day" comes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 04, 2016, 08:09:26 AM
Sure hope there will be more info soon... have not been this stoked for an album in years
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 04, 2016, 08:18:01 AM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 04, 2016, 08:01:01 AM
Man it must be such a bummer when the album comes out and everybody is excited about it and you've been listening to it for two month already, I've experienced that with leaked albums in the past and usually that would be only a few days before release day but I would still be a little bummed out when "the day" comes.

The worst is not being able to speak about it. Not only because I'm not allowed (well, strictly speaking it's more self imposed than being told), but more annoyingly because there's no one to share the excitement.

But I turn it to something positive. It's become my job to hype you.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 04, 2016, 08:18:10 AM
You'd expect things to be ramping up by now, but DT land seems eerily quiet...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 04, 2016, 08:21:57 AM
Tease us, Noxon, TEASE US MOAR
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 04, 2016, 08:53:32 AM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on January 04, 2016, 08:21:57 AM
Tease us, Noxon, TEASE US MOAR

+1
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 04, 2016, 08:58:42 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 04, 2016, 08:18:01 AM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 04, 2016, 08:01:01 AM
Man it must be such a bummer when the album comes out and everybody is excited about it and you've been listening to it for two month already, I've experienced that with leaked albums in the past and usually that would be only a few days before release day but I would still be a little bummed out when "the day" comes.

The worst is not being able to speak about it. Not only because I'm not allowed (well, strictly speaking it's more self imposed than being told), but more annoyingly because there's no one to share the excitement.

But I turn it to something positive. It's become my job to hype you.

Thank You Noxon!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: goo-goo on January 04, 2016, 09:06:14 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 04, 2016, 08:18:01 AM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 04, 2016, 08:01:01 AM
Man it must be such a bummer when the album comes out and everybody is excited about it and you've been listening to it for two month already, I've experienced that with leaked albums in the past and usually that would be only a few days before release day but I would still be a little bummed out when "the day" comes.

The worst is not being able to speak about it. Not only because I'm not allowed (well, strictly speaking it's more self imposed than being told), but more annoyingly because there's no one to share the excitement.

But I turn it to something positive. It's become my job to hype you.

Thanks for the insights!

Do you or any of the reviewers have a timeline when reviews are authorized to be posted online?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: liran95 on January 04, 2016, 09:12:58 AM
If the "places" section will be just pictures of places, I would be disappointed a little. I want it to at least have the names of the places, so we can play a connect the dots with the map.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 04, 2016, 09:19:03 AM
Well, considering the first listening party is in ten days, expect people to start talking about it then.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 09:34:46 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 06:39:15 AM
I wonder what would've happened if the same type of PR-scheme was used for SFAM.


Picture of "The Hypnotherapist" released:  "More like the rapist, amiright?" - "Well, it's in his title, innit?".

Picture of "Victoria" released: "Wow, she looks... wait, is that a 1920s hairstyle? Wtf is this, some kind of mafia/prohibition story? I don't get it."

Picture of "Edward" released: "Huh, whats up with the suit? He looks like straight out of the godfather. This IS a mafia story. DT has lost it. I mean, I know MP is a movie buff, but ripping of the godfather? I don't even like mafia movies!"

Location revealed - Echo's Hill: "What does that even mean?? It's like they have no knowledge of stuff that's not sound related. "echo". Geddit.

So, SO dead on.  Noxon, I hope I'm not being too forward with this next demand, but:  Please leave whoever your significant other is and marry me this very instant. 

Quote from: chego_voice on January 02, 2016, 09:23:47 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 02, 2016, 05:45:15 AM
Oh, you'll hear it when James switches characters in songs...


Oh really?  :biggrin: :lol

(https://i.imgur.com/cnGl436.jpg)

:rollin  Noxon, disregard my last.  I am already spoken for, and his name is chego_voice.



On a more serious note:

Quote from: TH1RT3EN on January 01, 2016, 07:36:09 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 01, 2016, 07:14:02 PM
No. In fact, it's like FII, SFAM, SDOIT, and 8V had an orgy, and the resulting baby was TA...

I don't mean to question the credibility of a statement that came from noxon, but after Portnoy described BC&SL as a combination of A Change of Seasons, Octavarium, Learning to Live, Pull Me Under and The Glass Prison prior to its release, I became quite skeptical about those types of comparison… :P

TH1RT3EN, I understand your skepticism.  You are right to be skeptical about such statements.  However, in this instance, I think the above comparison is dead-on.  The first time I heard the 9-track promo, the first think I felt was that, sound-wise, this album reminds me VERY much of the things I like most about FII, SFAM, and Six Degrees.  I don't think it is a stretch at all to be compared to those albums.  I'm not saying there are any song-for-song parallels, but think more in terms of similarities in sound and overall feel. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 09:41:08 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 04, 2016, 08:18:01 AM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 04, 2016, 08:01:01 AM
Man it must be such a bummer when the album comes out and everybody is excited about it and you've been listening to it for two month already, I've experienced that with leaked albums in the past and usually that would be only a few days before release day but I would still be a little bummed out when "the day" comes.

The worst is not being able to speak about it. Not only because I'm not allowed (well, strictly speaking it's more self imposed than being told), but more annoyingly because there's no one to share the excitement.

:orly:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 04, 2016, 09:48:16 AM
Shh, what happens in private stays in private...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on January 04, 2016, 09:55:15 AM
 :yeahright
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 04, 2016, 09:59:27 AM
I dunno if you're allowed to answer this but I'll give it a shot cause it's actually the only thing I'm curious about; what would you say the ratio of instrumental sections to singing on the album? I don't mean instrumental tracks, just within all the songs. I ask cause the concept seems too big to waste a lot of time not singing/narrating about it and that has been the case in the albums it's been influenced by, format wise.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 04, 2016, 10:03:00 AM
I haven't measured, but as I've stated elsewhere, the focus is on the story and the vocals first and foremost, so the ratio is probably the highest of any DT album to date. The ratio of acoustic instruments is probably also the highest of any DT album to date.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 04, 2016, 10:06:07 AM
Rich Chycki said on Twitter that The Gift Of Music was released post-mastering so can you confirm the whole album sounds that nice ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 04, 2016, 10:18:12 AM
Better.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 04, 2016, 10:28:55 AM
I genuinely can't hear any difference in sound between TGOM and anything on DT12, so why is the mix of DT12 criticised so much and yet TGOM has near-universal praise? Is it because everyone's an audiophile, so little differences are noticed more?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Voices on January 04, 2016, 10:30:23 AM
TGOM is more dynamic than anything from DT12. I like DT12 mix, but TGOM sounds WAY better.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 04, 2016, 10:32:31 AM
Bosk!!  :omg: hahahahahaha, i'm glad you enjoy it! it was pretty fun!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 10:37:48 AM
This should be a VERY fun week.  Looking forward to it.  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 04, 2016, 10:47:17 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 10:37:48 AM
This should be a VERY fun week.  Looking forward to it.  :corn

  ;D  :corn  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 04, 2016, 10:52:34 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 10:37:48 AM
This should be a VERY fun week.  Looking forward to it.  :corn

we all love u! hahahahahahahaa  :omg: :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 04, 2016, 11:03:33 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 04, 2016, 10:03:00 AM
I haven't measured, but as I've stated elsewhere, the focus is on the story and the vocals first and foremost, so the ratio is probably the highest of any DT album to date. The ratio of acoustic instruments is probably also the highest of any DT album to date.

I am perfectly fine with this, I love Labrie's voice and the more time he gets singing, the better. It does seem like a bit of a worry for live performances though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 04, 2016, 11:09:02 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 04, 2016, 10:03:00 AM
The ratio of acoustic instruments is probably also the highest of any DT album to date.

This sounds amazing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on January 04, 2016, 11:11:56 AM
(https://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140924214801/familyguy/images/8/8d/Burns-excellent.gif)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 04, 2016, 11:19:10 AM
TGoM sounds fine I suppose. Although the drums still sound like lifeless machine, but whatever, I can live with it.

Me and a few other guys just agreed to have a listening "party" when the album drops. This whole thing is just way too silly to experience for the first time alone, so we thought that we might as well have some fun with it. If it's good, then great! If it's bad, we can all laugh together.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 04, 2016, 11:29:46 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 04, 2016, 11:19:10 AM
Me and a few other guys just agreed to have a listening "party" when the album drops. This whole thing is just way too silly to experience for the first time alone, so we thought that we might as well have some fun with it. If it's good, then great! If it's bad, we can all laugh together.
Some friends and I did that with both Octavarium and Systematic Chaos.  That was fun.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 04, 2016, 11:48:56 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 04, 2016, 10:03:00 AM
I haven't measured, but as I've stated elsewhere, the focus is on the story and the vocals first and foremost, so the ratio is probably the highest of any DT album to date. The ratio of acoustic instruments is probably also the highest of any DT album to date.

You gave me two boners with one post. Can't waiiiit!!!

(Actually, I CAN wait, I've already resolved myself to not hear anything, not even The Gift of Music before I'll buy it, but I want to hear iiiiiiit!!!!!)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 04, 2016, 11:54:09 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 10:37:48 AM
This should be a VERY fun week.  Looking forward to it.  :corn

I'm just guessing here, but this week I'm expecting a video of a song diferent from TGoM, because the band filmed a video and stated that TGoM is not a single, but a teaser of the album... and it's a double album with more than 2 hours! I don't believe the band will premiere only 4 min of it...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 04, 2016, 11:57:52 AM
Quote from: devieira73 on January 04, 2016, 11:54:09 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 10:37:48 AM
This should be a VERY fun week.  Looking forward to it.  :corn

I'm just guessing here, but this week I'm expecting a video of a song diferent from TGoM, because the band filmed a video and stated that TGoM is not a single, but a teaser of the album... and it's a double album with more than 2 hours! I don't believe the band will premiere only 4 min of it...

If the lyrics on other songs rely heavily on plot points though, they may leave TGoM as the only taste of the album before release. If they don't care though, we may get multiple new songs (maybe one from each act).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 04, 2016, 12:01:38 PM
I wish Ammon Bundy would take this message board hostage until we get new DT music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 04, 2016, 12:10:23 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 04, 2016, 10:28:55 AM
I genuinely can't hear any difference in sound between TGOM and anything on DT12, so why is the mix of DT12 criticised so much and yet TGOM has near-universal praise? Is it because everyone's an audiophile, so little differences are noticed more?

I hear the difference in how dynamic the new song is but I think I might not have noticed had audiophiles opinions hanging over my head.
I think if you go to a proctologist and they give you the form to fill before you see the doctor; one of the questions on it would be "Have you been an audiophile in the last 10 years?".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 04, 2016, 12:11:45 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 04, 2016, 12:10:23 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 04, 2016, 10:28:55 AM
I genuinely can't hear any difference in sound between TGOM and anything on DT12, so why is the mix of DT12 criticised so much and yet TGOM has near-universal praise? Is it because everyone's an audiophile, so little differences are noticed more?

I hear the difference in how dynamic the new song is but I think I might not have noticed had audiophiles opinions hanging over my head.
I think if you go to a proctologist and they give you the form to fill before you see the doctor; one of the questions on it would be "Have you been an audiophile in the last 10 years?".

 :rollin :rollin :rollin

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: liran95 on January 04, 2016, 12:22:46 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 04, 2016, 11:48:56 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 04, 2016, 10:03:00 AM
I haven't measured, but as I've stated elsewhere, the focus is on the story and the vocals first and foremost, so the ratio is probably the highest of any DT album to date. The ratio of acoustic instruments is probably also the highest of any DT album to date.

You gave me two boners with one post. Can't waiiiit!!!

(Actually, I CAN wait, I've already resolved myself to not hear anything, not even The Gift of Music before I'll buy it, but I want to hear iiiiiiit!!!!!)

I'm in the same boat. ;)
Did it with DT12 too, but this time it's hard as fuck.
Can't wait for February (yeah, I know the release date is January 29th, but I'll probably get the delivery in February, sadly).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 12:38:33 PM
I kinda wish I could get new DT albums completely spoiler-free.  Unfortunately, I am not in a position where I can do that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 04, 2016, 12:40:29 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 12:38:33 PM
I kinda wish I could get new DT albums completely spoiler-free.  Unfortunately, I am not in a position where I can do that.

'cause you have to review it or, since you are offered to hear it beforehand, you simply just can't say "Nah, whatever, let someone else hear it, I'll buy it like everybody else"?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 12:42:39 PM
Because I have to be aware of details in order to prevent leaks from being posted here.  I can't really do that if I don't know whether information or content is legit or fake.  So there is a certain amount of information I have to have in order to do my job here.  And even if I tried to completely stay away from official information and content, I have to monitor threads here, so I would still see things posted.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 04, 2016, 12:46:10 PM
Didn't think about it, even though I could have realized it myself... well, great power, great responsability, great spoliers  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 12:48:09 PM
Indeed.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 04, 2016, 12:59:02 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 04, 2016, 11:48:56 AM
You gave me two boners with one post. Can't waiiiit!!!
You have two boners?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 12:59:46 PM
You can't?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 04, 2016, 01:00:48 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 12:59:46 PM
You can't?
Never had any complaints from one. 

Never really saw the need for two.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 04, 2016, 01:02:10 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 04, 2016, 12:59:02 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 04, 2016, 11:48:56 AM
You gave me two boners with one post. Can't waiiiit!!!
You have two boners?

Got a boner for learning that James sings all over the thing. Then I got another boner learning of acoustic instruments.  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on January 04, 2016, 01:04:00 PM
Great if this week is a good one, I'll have something to look forward to while studying maths, physics and chemistry every day (exams coming :/)

when you say it's a mixture between FII, SFAM, SDOIT and Octavarium, I kinda wish it's a mixture between Lines in the Sand, Beyond This Life, Blind Faith, The Glass Prison, SDOIT (song) and Octavarium (song) xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 04, 2016, 01:11:13 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 04, 2016, 12:59:02 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 04, 2016, 11:48:56 AM
You gave me two boners with one post. Can't waiiiit!!!
You have two boners?

One of his own but he has another in his pooper.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hadi-persian on January 04, 2016, 01:33:35 PM
the left red eye on the nomacs show  us the ACT 1 tracklist for listening streaming & right red eye on the nomacs show ACT 2 track list for listening streaming on 29th january! what you think? :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 04, 2016, 01:37:53 PM
TIME will tell.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 04, 2016, 01:40:44 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on January 04, 2016, 01:33:35 PM
the left red eye on the nomacs show  us the ACT 1 tracklist for listening streaming & right red eye on the nomacs show ACT 2 track list for listening streaming on 29th january! what you think? :tup

I'm buying this
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 04, 2016, 01:45:04 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on January 04, 2016, 01:33:35 PM
the left red eye on the nomacs show  us the ACT 1 tracklist for listening streaming & right red eye on the nomacs show ACT 2 track list for listening streaming on 29th january! what you think? :tup

Streaming the full album on the release day, that's a fantastic idea!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 04, 2016, 01:51:47 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 04, 2016, 01:45:04 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on January 04, 2016, 01:33:35 PM
the left red eye on the nomacs show  us the ACT 1 tracklist for listening streaming & right red eye on the nomacs show ACT 2 track list for listening streaming on 29th january! what you think? :tup

Streaming the full album on the release day, that's a fantastic idea!

Well there's no music shops left to go buy it anymore . You have to wait for it to arrive in the post. ::)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on January 04, 2016, 02:45:49 PM
All these hints really make me think I'm going to love this album.  Some of my favorite DT songs are on the longer side (Trial of Tears, Scarred, Learning to Live, Vacant/Stream of Consciousness, etc.), but lately their long songs seem to drag on for no reason other than to be long.  Instead of dynamically developing a musical concept and adding depth, direction, mood, etc., they can get caught up in too much jamming that doesn't really have a place in the song and/or isn't really catchy.

I think the shorter tracks and focus on voice, mood, and narrative (as well as Campbell's presence) will help keep this album grounded, and more focused on melodies and symphonics.  And the focus on acoustic instruments will create a diverse array of sounds.  The one thing I still worry about is that when DT goes "soft," sometimes their ballads can sound sappy and a bit color-by-numbers.  As much as I like This is the Life, Along for the Ride, I Walk Beside You, Hollow Years, Take Away my Pain and a few others, they can border on this category.  I think back to the early days, and the more ballad-ish songs like Wait for Sleep, Surrounded, The Silent Man, Lifting Shadows, and Space Dye-Vest, the band managed to be soft but yet not cliché at the same time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on January 05, 2016, 04:49:50 AM
Quote from: jsbru on January 04, 2016, 02:45:49 PM

The one thing I still worry about is that when DT goes "soft," sometimes their ballads can sound sappy and a bit color-by-numbers.

This.
If the album turns out to be two hours of TITL meets AFTR, I'll be disappointed.
(Nonetheless preordered and got a ticket, I have Faythe that this is going to be good.)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 05, 2016, 04:55:40 AM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on January 05, 2016, 04:49:50 AM
Quote from: jsbru on January 04, 2016, 02:45:49 PM

The one thing I still worry about is that when DT goes "soft," sometimes their ballads can sound sappy and a bit color-by-numbers.

This.
If the album turns out to be two hours of TITL meets AFTR, I'll be disappointed.
(Nonetheless preordered and got a ticket, I have Faythe that this is going to be good.)


I wouldn't worry about that. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 05, 2016, 04:57:40 AM
Most rock operas have long sections that play continuously, with very little, or no silence between tracks. So there will be no difference between this and the "epics". It'll be a hyper-epic!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 05, 2016, 05:07:51 AM
Except, someone's already mentioned that all the tracks are standalone entities (apart from a single exception).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 05, 2016, 05:11:34 AM
Oh why am I even hoping for an encore when they haven't said anything about the rest of the world outside USA and Europe.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 05, 2016, 05:30:03 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 05, 2016, 05:07:51 AM
Except, someone's already mentioned that all the tracks are standalone entities (apart from a single exception).

It shouldn't matter anyway. JR said the universal flow would change with this album. He obviously meant lots of shorter songs instead of the long-form compositions.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 05, 2016, 05:33:45 AM
It's all good. Songs don't need to be long or contain long instrumental songs to sound epic. Epicness can come from beautiful melodies / harmonies, interesting chord progressions, and the majesty of the orchestration. ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 05, 2016, 05:40:21 AM
Indeed, the orchestra section in TGOM felt pretty epic to me, and that was like 2-3 minutes into the song and didn't feel rushed at all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 05, 2016, 05:51:47 AM
Bring The Boys Back Home from PF has what? 1-2 minutes? And it's pretty fu***** epic!!!11
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 05, 2016, 05:54:52 AM
funny you should mention that track...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 05, 2016, 05:59:09 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 05, 2016, 05:54:52 AM
funny you should mention that track...

TEASE US MOAR NOXON

Edit: ...AND BOSK AND WHOEVER ELSE
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Mladen on January 05, 2016, 06:12:33 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 05, 2016, 05:54:52 AM
funny you should mention that track...
You're driving us crazy. I mean, in the most positive way.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 05, 2016, 06:13:07 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 05, 2016, 04:55:40 AM

I wouldn't worry about that. :)

This is The Life & The Answer Lies Within are two of my favourite DT songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 05, 2016, 06:17:56 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 05, 2016, 06:13:07 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 05, 2016, 04:55:40 AM

I wouldn't worry about that. :)

This is The Life & The Answer Lies Within are two of my favourite DT songs.

He said AFTR, not TALW, although it makes little difference to me either way.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 05, 2016, 06:21:17 AM
Yeah I really don't like Along For The Ride :lol


It could be a better song if the drums weren't so muddy and thumpy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on January 05, 2016, 06:25:06 AM
Indeed, none of the three (or the other ones mentioned by jsbru) are favourites of mine. Seems like I'm not so much the balladesque kind of guy.
Metal!! :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 05, 2016, 06:29:26 AM
I could never listen to the same music day in, day out. It would be so boring. And you would only write music like that, so what's the point.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SkiFiX on January 05, 2016, 06:32:57 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 05, 2016, 05:54:52 AM
funny you should mention that track...

I suppose that "The Hymn of a Thousand Voices" is quite similar to the PF track...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 05, 2016, 06:45:29 AM
Nope.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on January 05, 2016, 07:13:26 AM
Anyone worried about short songs not producing any epic feelings should listen to Ayreon's Theory of Everything.

There's plenty of epic moments there, and the songs average about 4 minutes.

Personally, I'm most excited about the recurring themes throughout. I'm a big musical theater nerd and I love when that stuff happens.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 05, 2016, 07:51:02 AM
My god can't wait any longer!!! #HypeTrain
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on January 05, 2016, 07:58:33 AM
My god, where is clock guy? this is getting so boring, waiting for a week to get a bad photoshopped character, again, and nothing else  :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 05, 2016, 08:02:13 AM
Pfft. nothing else...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Marion Crane on January 05, 2016, 08:12:41 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 05, 2016, 06:21:17 AM
Yeah I really don't like Along For The Ride :lol


It could be a better song if the drums weren't so muddy and thumpy.

Hate the mix, but my favorite song on that album overall.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on January 05, 2016, 08:18:43 AM
Regarding the Places tab, if you look at the Deluxe TA box set and vinyl Boxset on the DT store you can see what appears to be postcards of some settings. I think that's what it will end up being. Just hope there's some descriptions too!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on January 05, 2016, 08:24:26 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 05, 2016, 08:02:13 AM
Pfft. nothing else...

yes
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on January 05, 2016, 08:34:48 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 05, 2016, 05:54:52 AM
funny you should mention that track...

Dystopian Overture = Bring The Boys Back Home ?  ::)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 05, 2016, 08:36:20 AM
Considering overture is instrumental - nope ;)

But there IS a military march with a strong multivoiced choir singing the lyrics, asking a question...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AleBl4st on January 05, 2016, 08:36:55 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 05, 2016, 08:02:13 AM
Pfft. nothing else...

TEASE US MOAAAAAR :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 05, 2016, 08:46:41 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 05, 2016, 08:36:20 AM
Considering overture is instrumental - nope ;)

But there IS a military march with a strong multivoiced choir singing the lyrics, asking a question...

do you hear the people sing?..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SkiFiX on January 05, 2016, 08:49:50 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 05, 2016, 08:36:20 AM
Considering overture is instrumental - nope ;)

But there IS a military march with a strong multivoiced choir singing the lyrics, asking a question...

Can you hear me?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: -teo on January 05, 2016, 08:54:31 AM
So, i found the track lenghts here:
ACT I
1.1
Descent of the NOMACS 1:10
1.2
Dystopian Overture 4:50
1.3
The Gift of Music 4:00
1.4
The Answer 1:52
1.5
A Better Life 4:39
1.6
Lord Nafaryus 3:28
1.7
A Savior in the Square 4:13
1.8
When Your Time Has Come 4:19
1.9
Act of Faythe 5:00
1.10
Three Days 3:44
1.11
The Hovering Sojourn 0:27
1.12
Brother, Can You Hear Me? 5:11
1.13
A Life Left Behind 5:49
1.14
Ravenskill 6:01
1.15
Chosen 4:31
1.16
A Tempting Offer 4:19
1.17
Digital Discord 0:47
1.18
The X Aspect 4:13
1.19
A New Beginning 7:41
1.20
The Road to Revolution 3:35
ACT II
2.1
2285 Entr'acte 2:20
2.2
Moment of Betrayal 6:11
2.3
Heaven's Cove 4:19
2.4
Begin Again 3:54
2.5
The Path That Divides 5:09
2.6
Machine Chatter 1:03
2.7
The Walking Shadow 2:58
2.8
My Last Farewell 3:44
2.9
Losing Faythe 4:13
2.10
Whispers on the Wind 1:37
2.11
Hymn of a Thousand Voices 3:38
2.12
Our New World 4:12
2.13
Power Down 1:25
2.14
Astonishing 5:51
Total length: 130:23

Source: Rateyourmusic.

I don't know if it's official.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dparrott on January 05, 2016, 08:54:54 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 04, 2016, 01:51:47 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 04, 2016, 01:45:04 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on January 04, 2016, 01:33:35 PM
the left red eye on the nomacs show  us the ACT 1 tracklist for listening streaming & right red eye on the nomacs show ACT 2 track list for listening streaming on 29th january! what you think? :tup

Streaming the full album on the release day, that's a fantastic idea!

Well there's no music shops left to go buy it anymore . You have to wait for it to arrive in the post. ::)

I'll be at my local Best Buy during my lunch break on release day!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on January 05, 2016, 08:59:13 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 05, 2016, 08:36:20 AM
Considering overture is instrumental - nope ;)

But there IS a military march with a strong multivoiced choir singing the lyrics, asking a question...

A Savior in the Square  = Bring The Boys Back Home ?  :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 05, 2016, 09:02:02 AM
Quote from: -teo on January 05, 2016, 08:54:31 AM
So, i found the track lenghts here:

*snip*

Source: Rateyourmusic.

I don't know if it's official.

They're ballpark, but they're mostly wrong.

This is what happens when you rely on sneaky pie charts.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamerTV on January 05, 2016, 09:02:48 AM
Quote from: lightbug on January 05, 2016, 08:59:13 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 05, 2016, 08:36:20 AM
Considering overture is instrumental - nope ;)

But there IS a military march with a strong multivoiced choir singing the lyrics, asking a question...

A Savior in the Square  = Bring The Boys Back Home ?  :)





Brother, Can You Hear Me?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on January 05, 2016, 09:18:21 AM
Come on teo, TGOM is 4:07 anyway.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 05, 2016, 09:21:28 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 05, 2016, 08:02:13 AM
Pfft. nothing else...

So is there anything happening today, or will this mystery thing be happening towards the end of the week?

Quote from: Jinx on January 05, 2016, 09:18:21 AM
Come on teo, TGOM is 4:07 anyway.

Last 7 seconds could be a fade to The Answer.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 05, 2016, 09:30:19 AM
 :facepalm: We've had this already. It's like Groundhog Day in this thread.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 05, 2016, 09:33:34 AM
This is not uncommon for DTF, mind you. Shit goes full circle in every thread or we end up at Kevin Moore.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: porcacultor on January 05, 2016, 09:36:05 AM
Funny thing about bring the boys back home:

https://loudwire.com/dream-theater-jordan-rudess-almost-played-pink-floyd-the-wall/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: GasparXR on January 05, 2016, 09:38:22 AM
Quote from: porcacultor on January 05, 2016, 09:36:05 AM
Funny thing about bring the boys back home:

https://loudwire.com/dream-theater-jordan-rudess-almost-played-pink-floyd-the-wall/

That's funny, I saw that link on Facebook before coming to this thread, and the first post I saw was about Bring the Boys Back Home. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on January 05, 2016, 10:05:02 AM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on January 05, 2016, 05:51:47 AM
Bring The Boys Back Home from PF has what? 1-2 minutes? And it's pretty fu***** epic!!!11

When I was back home for the holidays, I just found this CD in my parents basement.  I don't listen to CDs much anymore at all (just use Spotify), but I listened to it multiple times on the way home, and this is definitely an epic part of the album.  It's amazing what they pack into 1:21.  But the two mini-tracks before it are excellent, too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on January 05, 2016, 10:26:26 AM
Also, I do want to clarify, I still do like TITL very much despite its borderline sappiness.  Same with AFTR.  And I really like Another Day--but I didn't mention it as an earlier example because it gets a little sappy, too.

I think it might be one of the hardest things to do in rock music...to write slower songs that don't sound sappy.  Pink Floyd was really good at it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 05, 2016, 11:21:59 AM
Damn, this month is going pretty quick. Before you know it we'll be talking about The Astonishing in its 100 page thread.

I'm really excited about this album. Being a rock opera and all really sweetens the deal and TGoM confirms my excitement. I'm looking forward to the choir and brass sections and the organicness of the instruments.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 05, 2016, 11:30:24 AM
Looking forward to the nicest sounding DT album since Octavarium.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 05, 2016, 12:55:41 PM
OK

NOW WHERS DA CLOCK GUY
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 05, 2016, 01:03:04 PM
I was sure we would get an update today.  Ah well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 05, 2016, 01:16:28 PM
:/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 05, 2016, 01:26:27 PM
Karl's face says it all!  Never had him down as a DT fan...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on January 05, 2016, 01:30:14 PM
I can't wait anymore. maybe I gonna freeze myself, like Cartman did in the wii episode.

... and wake up in 2285  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 05, 2016, 01:48:45 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 05, 2016, 01:26:27 PM
Karl's face says it all!  Never had him down as a DT fan...

"Long instrumental sections. Do we need them n tha'?"

Mr. Pilkington DT fans, yay!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DT_1928 on January 05, 2016, 01:53:48 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 05, 2016, 01:48:45 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 05, 2016, 01:26:27 PM
Karl's face says it all!  Never had him down as a DT fan...

"Long instrumental sections. Do we need them n tha'?"

Mr. Pilkington DT fans, yay!

Character 8 - Bullshit man ... he'll put the GNE and NOMACS in their place  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 05, 2016, 01:56:42 PM
It's funny because I'm a supporter of the GNE. lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 05, 2016, 02:13:56 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 05, 2016, 01:48:45 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 05, 2016, 01:26:27 PM
Karl's face says it all!  Never had him down as a DT fan...

"Long instrumental sections. Do we need them n tha'?"

Mr. Pilkington DT fans, yay!

Karl Pilkington is pretty much the funniest man on earth.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on January 05, 2016, 02:15:36 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 05, 2016, 01:56:42 PM
It's funny because I'm a supporter of the GNE. lol.

Me too, GNE forever!! vote lord nafaryus for a better (digital) future  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 05, 2016, 02:18:12 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 05, 2016, 02:13:56 PM

Karl Pilkington is pretty much the funniest man on earth.


And Ricky Gervais is probably the worst human being alive.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 05, 2016, 02:22:08 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 05, 2016, 02:18:12 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 05, 2016, 02:13:56 PM

Karl Pilkington is pretty much the funniest man on earth.


And Ricky Gervais is probably the worst human being alive.

Well, he's my favorite comedian and my view on spiritual stuff is pretty much the same. Can't wait for his next Golden Globes as a host :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Urizen on January 05, 2016, 02:26:54 PM
I am a supporter of GNE as well but for accident lol. I`m okay with that
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 05, 2016, 02:28:08 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 05, 2016, 02:18:12 PM
And Ricky Gervais is probably the worst human being alive.

May I ask why?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 05, 2016, 02:29:40 PM
You may ask.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 05, 2016, 02:38:31 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 05, 2016, 02:28:08 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 05, 2016, 02:18:12 PM
And Ricky Gervais is probably the worst human being alive.

May I ask why?
Please don't.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 05, 2016, 02:40:48 PM
I know why some people may not like him, but I would recommend taking this to another thread, lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 05, 2016, 02:43:25 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 05, 2016, 02:40:48 PM
I know why some people may not like him, but I would recommend taking this to another thread, lol.
Yeah, that too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 05, 2016, 02:44:30 PM
Yeah just take this to the "Official DTF Ricky Gervais Thread" and you should be fine.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 05, 2016, 02:48:17 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 05, 2016, 02:44:30 PM
Yeah just take this to the "Official DTF Ricky Gervais Thread" and you should be fine.

As much as I like Ricky, I would prefer an Official Karl Pilkington thread xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 05, 2016, 02:55:07 PM
To be fair, nothing of note relating to the album has happened in a week (and if you don't count the character pictures, just over a month) so the thread is bound to go off topic once in a while.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 05, 2016, 03:23:17 PM
Mark my words: the band decided to keep quiet for any news on the past days but will release a second song, probably from Act II or a song from the GNE POV within a few days.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on January 05, 2016, 03:29:55 PM
Bosk has already said we are in for a good week. Let's just be patient and when it happens it happens and we can all lose our minds then!  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: goo-goo on January 05, 2016, 03:31:57 PM
My guess is that a video is up next. We are about 3 weeks from release and a video will definitely create hype on the new album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on January 05, 2016, 03:39:09 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 05, 2016, 03:29:55 PM
Bosk has already said we are in for a good week. Let's just be patient and when it happens it happens and we can all lose our minds then!  :corn

It's already about to be Wednesday! Not counting the weekend, there's only 3 days left for this week to be a good week.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: JRuless on January 05, 2016, 03:41:25 PM
just found this on the website of the dutch metal magazine 'Aardschok' on the 'Awaited Releases' page:

Dream Theater - “Beyond The Pages Of Our Time... A Preview Of The Astonishing”
https://aardschok.com/verwacht-101 (https://aardschok.com/verwacht-101)

Could be something te be released soon...

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 05, 2016, 03:54:50 PM
Hmm, seems to be from November.  Perhaps that's the 9 song teaser that's been doing the rounds?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 05, 2016, 04:19:53 PM
Quote from: JRuless on January 05, 2016, 03:41:25 PM
just found this on the website of the dutch metal magazine 'Aardschok' on the 'Awaited Releases' page:

Dream Theater - “Beyond The Pages Of Our Time... A Preview Of The Astonishing”
https://aardschok.com/verwacht-101 (https://aardschok.com/verwacht-101)

Could be something te be released soon...

 :omg: ¡DIOS MIO!  :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: porcacultor on January 05, 2016, 04:37:00 PM
I'll thank the website for scaring the bejeezus out of me with what I assume is an online death metal radio. Damn.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 05, 2016, 04:38:45 PM
They are calling The Gift of Music as "preview" IMO
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 05, 2016, 04:39:10 PM
"Beyond the pages of our time" was the name of the first album sampler sent out to press. It contained 9 tracks, with one of the tracks being the two songs that flow together.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: fischermasamune on January 05, 2016, 05:09:16 PM
Does that mean there is a single pair of songs with one segueing into the other?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 05, 2016, 05:40:15 PM
Quote from: fischermasamune on January 05, 2016, 05:09:16 PM
Does that mean there is a single pair of songs with one segueing into the other?

That would be odd for an album with 34 tracks to only have one segue.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 05, 2016, 05:47:17 PM
Why?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 05, 2016, 05:53:27 PM
I always tho instrumentals are not "songs", because you don't "sing" it with your voice, unless someone counts the lead melodies, which I don't.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nearmyth on January 05, 2016, 08:58:48 PM
Wait wait there's no way all the songs DON'T segue into one another...


Right?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 05, 2016, 10:00:07 PM
Probably not, but it's not unheard of..
I wonder if the concept is going to address why Arhys right and left temple are uneven or if his slight cross eye situation is of plot significance.
Damn these pictures are bad.
So only the kid to go now! I saw on facebook when they revealed red hair Barbie last week but I didn't know the other woman had been revealed already, I hope they reveal the kid's name this week. Exciting!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 05, 2016, 11:02:19 PM
The fact that it's a concept album doesn't force it to have all of its songs flow into another.

Please head to Spotify and type "Finisterra Opera Rock" by Mago de Oz.

Hear that, it's spanish rock, but it's a prime example of a concept album with individual songs.
(Yes, I am aware that it's a remake of their 2000 album "Finisterra", but this new version kicks so much more ass)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nearmyth on January 05, 2016, 11:19:07 PM
Of course it doesn't, plenty of concept albums have individual songs. But even most Dream Theater songs on albums that DON'T have a story-based concept flow into each other (i.e. ADTOE, SDOIT, Octavarium).

It's just that you'd think for an album that is highly story driven that this would be the case.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 06, 2016, 12:19:56 AM
But I have stated that the songs do not "flow" into each other. Each song excepting one has a clear beginning and a clear end. There is silent between almost all tracks, but like two or three has a small connecting sound effect that persists from the end to the next - but remove that sound effect and it's a completely separate song. It's a very dynamic and diverse album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 06, 2016, 02:49:24 AM
Why is everyone suddenly moaning about the pictures?! They've been up there for weeks and you've suddenly thought of something to complain about?  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 06, 2016, 03:57:12 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 06, 2016, 02:49:24 AM
Why is everyone suddenly moaning about the pictures?! They've been up there for weeks and you've suddenly thought of something to complain about?  :facepalm:

They have been complaining for quite a while....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on January 06, 2016, 04:13:20 AM
Noxon, this is a difficult question to form, but I'll try, and I hope you understand:

Will there be moments analogous to SDOIT song, where individual songs are not connected like you said, but they still dynamically flow into eachother? For example, about to crash starts as a happy song, but it gets darker towards the end and more aggressive, and then war inside my head starts, being a whole different song, but it continues getting aggressive, in trend of about to crash, and then it culminates into the most aggressive song, the test that stumped them all, which is again, very different from the previous ones, but the aggression kept rising and flowed into that song, which is an aggressive climax
And yeah, will there be aggressive songs at all?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Estiui on January 06, 2016, 04:24:25 AM
Quote from: Pax on January 06, 2016, 04:13:20 AM
Noxon, this is a difficult question to form, but I'll try, and I hope you understand:

Will there be moments analogous to SDOIT song, where individual songs are not connected like you said, but they still dynamically flow into eachother? For example, about to crash starts as a happy song, but it gets darker towards the end and more aggressive, and then war inside my head starts, being a whole different song, but it continues getting aggressive, in trend of about to crash, and then it culminates into the most aggressive song, the test that stumped them all, which is again, very different from the previous ones, but the aggression kept rising and flowed into that song, which is an aggressive climax
And yeah, will there be aggressive songs at all?

Well, I'd say that the only parts of SDOIT which are not "physically" connected are Solitary Shell and ATC (reprise). The rest have musical continuity, as there's no silence between them. You could even put SS-ATCR in there too...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 06, 2016, 05:04:43 AM
Quote from: Estiui on January 06, 2016, 04:24:25 AM
Quote from: Pax on January 06, 2016, 04:13:20 AM
Noxon, this is a difficult question to form, but I'll try, and I hope you understand:

Will there be moments analogous to SDOIT song, where individual songs are not connected like you said, but they still dynamically flow into eachother? For example, about to crash starts as a happy song, but it gets darker towards the end and more aggressive, and then war inside my head starts, being a whole different song, but it continues getting aggressive, in trend of about to crash, and then it culminates into the most aggressive song, the test that stumped them all, which is again, very different from the previous ones, but the aggression kept rising and flowed into that song, which is an aggressive climax
And yeah, will there be aggressive songs at all?

Well, I'd say that the only parts of SDOIT which are not "physically" connected are Solitary Shell and ATC (reprise). The rest have musical continuity, as there's no silence between them. You could even put SS-ATCR in there too...

From Noxon:

"But I have stated that the songs do not "flow" into each other. Each song excepting one has a clear beginning and a clear end. There is silent between almost all tracks, but like two or three has a small connecting sound effect that persists from the end to the next - but remove that sound effect and it's a completely separate song. It's a very dynamic and diverse album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 06, 2016, 05:14:10 AM
I think it's fair to think of this as a movie or a tv-show soundtrack.

Each song is a "scene". The "scene" may be exposition, like "The Gift of Music", or be dialogue between characters, or monologues, or action sequences. So since we're cutting from scene to scene, the music also resets. And oftentimes, the first few moments of the songs are then "establishing shots" - there to set the mood.

It's hard to explain without going into details.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on January 06, 2016, 05:17:39 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 06, 2016, 05:04:43 AM
Quote from: Estiui on January 06, 2016, 04:24:25 AM
Quote from: Pax on January 06, 2016, 04:13:20 AM
Noxon, this is a difficult question to form, but I'll try, and I hope you understand:

Will there be moments analogous to SDOIT song, where individual songs are not connected like you said, but they still dynamically flow into eachother? For example, about to crash starts as a happy song, but it gets darker towards the end and more aggressive, and then war inside my head starts, being a whole different song, but it continues getting aggressive, in trend of about to crash, and then it culminates into the most aggressive song, the test that stumped them all, which is again, very different from the previous ones, but the aggression kept rising and flowed into that song, which is an aggressive climax
And yeah, will there be aggressive songs at all?

Well, I'd say that the only parts of SDOIT which are not "physically" connected are Solitary Shell and ATC (reprise). The rest have musical continuity, as there's no silence between them. You could even put SS-ATCR in there too...

From Noxon:

"But I have stated that the songs do not "flow" into each other. Each song excepting one has a clear beginning and a clear end. There is silent between almost all tracks, but like two or three has a small connecting sound effect that persists from the end to the next - but remove that sound effect and it's a completely separate song. It's a very dynamic and diverse album.

Thats not what he asked. He didnt point out the sound effect flowing one after the after, but the tone and feeling of the songs as a story. Like a story arc continuing over several songs in a linear way, although having distinct breaks in the middle of it.

Anyway, im somewhat dissapointed at Noxons statement. I hoped that if there wont be epics, there would be atleast connected songs giving a feeling similar to it. Im still sure I will love the album, its just not what I had in mind. And thats ok, DT said from the beginning this would be something different.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 05:20:05 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on January 06, 2016, 05:17:39 AM
Anyway, im somewhat dissapointed at Noxons statement. I hoped that if there wont be epics, there would be atleast connected songs giving a feeling similar to it. Im still sure I will love the album, its just not what I had in mind. And thats ok, DT said from the beginning this would be something different.

The album is cohesive and connected through the use of recurring musical themes, and they pack a ton of epicness into such short songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 06, 2016, 05:29:38 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 06, 2016, 05:14:10 AM
I think it's fair to think of this as a movie or a tv-show soundtrack.

Each song is a "scene". The "scene" may be exposition, like "The Gift of Music", or be dialogue between characters, or monologues, or action sequences. So since we're cutting from scene to scene, the music also resets. And oftentimes, the first few moments of the songs are then "establishing shots" - there to set the mood.

It's hard to explain without going into details.

It makes sense.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 06, 2016, 05:41:19 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 06, 2016, 05:14:10 AM
I think it's fair to think of this as a movie or a tv-show soundtrack.

Each song is a "scene". The "scene" may be exposition, like "The Gift of Music", or be dialogue between characters, or monologues, or action sequences. So since we're cutting from scene to scene, the music also resets. And oftentimes, the first few moments of the songs are then "establishing shots" - there to set the mood.

It's hard to explain without going into details.

I follow completely. I'm sure it'll be brilliant and more coherent once we're listening to it as it was meant to be heard.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on January 06, 2016, 05:45:28 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 05:20:05 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on January 06, 2016, 05:17:39 AM
Anyway, im somewhat dissapointed at Noxons statement. I hoped that if there wont be epics, there would be atleast connected songs giving a feeling similar to it. Im still sure I will love the album, its just not what I had in mind. And thats ok, DT said from the beginning this would be something different.

The album is cohesive and connected through the use of recurring musical themes, and they pack a ton of epicness into such short songs.

Yeah Im confident that if DT are making a concept album, theyll make it cohesive and connceted. And Im sure it will sound good.

I dont know, maybe it a a childish desire in me that wants the long songs. I just find it hard for me to imagine Ill like the short songs as much as I like their epics. I know its an irrational thought but thats what going through my mind right now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 06, 2016, 05:46:10 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 05:20:05 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on January 06, 2016, 05:17:39 AM
Anyway, im somewhat dissapointed at Noxons statement. I hoped that if there wont be epics, there would be atleast connected songs giving a feeling similar to it. Im still sure I will love the album, its just not what I had in mind. And thats ok, DT said from the beginning this would be something different.

The album is cohesive and connected through the use of recurring musical themes, and they pack a ton of epicness into such short songs.

Am I missing something or you listened to the album, Blob?

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 06, 2016, 05:47:25 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on January 06, 2016, 05:45:28 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 05:20:05 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on January 06, 2016, 05:17:39 AM
Anyway, im somewhat dissapointed at Noxons statement. I hoped that if there wont be epics, there would be atleast connected songs giving a feeling similar to it. Im still sure I will love the album, its just not what I had in mind. And thats ok, DT said from the beginning this would be something different.

The album is cohesive and connected through the use of recurring musical themes, and they pack a ton of epicness into such short songs.

Yeah Im confident that if DT are making a concept album, theyll make it cohesive and connceted. And Im sure it will sound good.

I dont know, maybe it a a childish desire in me that wants the long songs. I just find it hard for me to imagine Ill like the short songs as much as I like their epics. I know its an irrational thought but thats what going through my mind right now.

At the same time, there are so many songs this time around that I think you won't have time to be disappointed.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 06, 2016, 05:50:31 AM
I don't think having doubts because of a lack of long songs is irrational. People generally like the long ones the most, myself included. The track lengths of this album will without a doubt make it so that it so that I will like the individual songs less than usual. But it may still hold up pretty well as an album, which is the most important, especially when it's a concept album like this.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 05:55:16 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 06, 2016, 05:46:10 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 05:20:05 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on January 06, 2016, 05:17:39 AM
Anyway, im somewhat dissapointed at Noxons statement. I hoped that if there wont be epics, there would be atleast connected songs giving a feeling similar to it. Im still sure I will love the album, its just not what I had in mind. And thats ok, DT said from the beginning this would be something different.

The album is cohesive and connected through the use of recurring musical themes, and they pack a ton of epicness into such short songs.

Am I missing something or you listened to the album, Blob?

B.Lee

I haven't listened to everything and in sequence properly, but I'm familiar with about half of the album.
Don't try to think of the album in terms of SFAM or even the title track of SDOIT. It is a rock opera, distinct from the concept album approach of SFAM. Hearing descriptions of it doesn't do justice to how it is written.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 06, 2016, 06:00:01 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 05:55:16 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 06, 2016, 05:46:10 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 05:20:05 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on January 06, 2016, 05:17:39 AM
Anyway, im somewhat dissapointed at Noxons statement. I hoped that if there wont be epics, there would be atleast connected songs giving a feeling similar to it. Im still sure I will love the album, its just not what I had in mind. And thats ok, DT said from the beginning this would be something different.

The album is cohesive and connected through the use of recurring musical themes, and they pack a ton of epicness into such short songs.

Am I missing something or you listened to the album, Blob?

B.Lee

I haven't listened to everything and in sequence properly, but I'm familiar with about half of the album.
Don't try to think of the album in terms of SFAM or even the title track of SDOIT. It is a rock opera, distinct from the concept album approach of SFAM. Hearing descriptions of it doesn't do justice to how it is written.

I don't care about that. My real concern is about album quality, if is so good as SFAM or Awake
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 06, 2016, 06:02:59 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 05:55:16 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 06, 2016, 05:46:10 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 05:20:05 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on January 06, 2016, 05:17:39 AM
Anyway, im somewhat dissapointed at Noxons statement. I hoped that if there wont be epics, there would be atleast connected songs giving a feeling similar to it. Im still sure I will love the album, its just not what I had in mind. And thats ok, DT said from the beginning this would be something different.

The album is cohesive and connected through the use of recurring musical themes, and they pack a ton of epicness into such short songs.

Am I missing something or you listened to the album, Blob?

B.Lee

I haven't listened to everything and in sequence properly, but I'm familiar with about half of the album.
Don't try to think of the album in terms of SFAM or even the title track of SDOIT. It is a rock opera, distinct from the concept album approach of SFAM. Hearing descriptions of it doesn't do justice to how it is written.

Have you liked what you have listened to so far?

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 06:03:58 AM
Quote from: ericoml on January 06, 2016, 06:00:01 AM
I don't care about that. My real concern is about album quality, if is so good as SFAM or Awake

I haven't heard it enough yet to compare it to other DT albums (although it wouldn't take much to beat Awake :biggrin:), but I wouldn't be concerned about the quality of the songwriting at all. Beautiful stuff.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 06, 2016, 06:18:42 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 05, 2016, 05:47:17 PM
Why?

Just from my experience listening to albums with a lot of tracks as a concept album, they usually have many tracks flowing into each other. I'm not worried about it though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 06, 2016, 06:19:15 AM
That's good to hear Blob, didn't know you had already listened to some of the record. Songwriting was my major concern for this type of record. The theme with the characters, maps, storyline, etc... could be pretty lame if the song writing isn't stellar. But, on the flip side, if approached the right way and with well done song writing, the whole thing could be amazing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 06, 2016, 06:21:48 AM
Blob or Noxon or Bosk.

How are the sonics on what you've heard ? The Gift of Music sounded like it had breathing room.

Is the whole album like that ?

Rich Chycki said TGOM was post master so I'm hopeful.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 06, 2016, 06:31:51 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 06, 2016, 06:21:48 AM
Blob or Noxon or Bosk.

How are the sonics on what you've heard ? The Gift of Music sounded like it had breathing room.

Is the whole album like that ?

Rich Chycki said TGOM was post master so I'm hopeful.

You asked noxon a few pages back "can you confirm the whole album sounds that nice?" and he replied "Better.", so noxon says yes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 06:32:54 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 06, 2016, 06:21:48 AM
Blob or Noxon or Bosk.

How are the sonics on what you've heard ? The Gift of Music sounded like it had breathing room.

Is the whole album like that ?

Rich Chycki said TGOM was post master so I'm hopeful.

Everything I've heard has sounded at least as good as TGOM production-wise. No obvious compression, everything audible, not fighting for space. I just took one of the heaviest tracks and checked the dynamic range, and it registered as DR8, so hopefully it's the same as what's on the CD. Easily the best sounding of the RR era. I can hear more subtleties in the drums too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on January 06, 2016, 06:36:45 AM
During my vacation it looks like this has gone from nobody in the know making comments to multiple people in the know making comments
prior to release. I think I will stay away until after release day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 06, 2016, 06:43:04 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 06:32:54 AM
Everything I've heard has sounded at least as good as TGOM production-wise. No obvious compression, everything audible, not fighting for space. I just took one of the heaviest tracks and checked the dynamic range, and it registered as DR8, so hopefully it's the same as what's on the CD. Easily the best sounding of the RR era. I can hear more subtleties in the drums too.

That makes me think DT listened to the backlash to the DT12 brickwalling. It didn't bother me so much but I could see why many others were frustrated at the low dynamic range.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on January 06, 2016, 06:43:56 AM
I probably should as well, emtee. I was way more excited for the album 3 weeks ago. Lurking on the DT side has made me wonder if I've made a mistake by pre-ordering... Hope not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 06:50:13 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 06, 2016, 06:43:04 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 06:32:54 AM
Everything I've heard has sounded at least as good as TGOM production-wise. No obvious compression, everything audible, not fighting for space. I just took one of the heaviest tracks and checked the dynamic range, and it registered as DR8, so hopefully it's the same as what's on the CD. Easily the best sounding of the RR era. I can hear more subtleties in the drums too.

That makes me think DT listened to the backlash to the DT12 brickwalling. It didn't bother me so much but I could see why many others were frustrated at the low dynamic range.

I'm the complainiest about production (and most other things), and I'm very happy with how it sounds. If the version I've heard is the same as what's on the CD, it would be their most dynamic album since the '90s.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 06, 2016, 06:52:28 AM
Blob, you are making me happy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 06, 2016, 07:07:00 AM
The CD will sound better, as it doesnt have the watermark. The watermark is quite intrusive at times.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 07:10:29 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 06, 2016, 07:07:00 AM
The CD will sound better, as it doesnt have the watermark. The watermark is quite intrusive at times.

I'm hearing it without the watermark, but the watermarks are annoying, like a big ol' notch filter basically.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 06, 2016, 07:11:15 AM
Quote from: emtee on January 06, 2016, 06:36:45 AM
During my vacation it looks like this has gone from nobody in the know making comments to multiple people in the know making comments
prior to release. I think I will stay away until after release day.

From in 7 days time, all hell will be lose, because there will be a lot of fans who've heard the album due to listening parties, and they won't have an embargo as to what they're able to say and not say.

I mean, I'm still currently on the fairly sharp "no spoiler mode" - my main reason for divulging the information I do now is to manage expectations. Why risk people getting disappointed by the album when I can say "it's not what you think it is, and you should think about it this way instead". I've not gone into details of contents of songs or story, and I won't do that either until next week (by which time a discussion thread probably should exist seperately from this one).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on January 06, 2016, 07:35:22 AM
Understood and I applaud that reasoning.

Soon
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: goo-goo on January 06, 2016, 07:41:37 AM
Quote from: emtee on January 06, 2016, 07:35:22 AM
Understood and I applaud that reasoning.

Soon

emtee

You mean :soon:  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 06, 2016, 08:08:40 AM
Today is the day??
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 06, 2016, 08:20:29 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 06, 2016, 08:08:40 AM
Today is the day??

It is indeed the day. The day of Wednesday 6th January, 2016, to be precise. Although in some parts of the world, it's probably the night.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 06, 2016, 08:26:50 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 06, 2016, 08:20:29 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 06, 2016, 08:08:40 AM
Today is the day??

It is indeed the day. The day of Wednesday 6th January, 2016, to be precise. Although in some parts of the world, it's probably the night.
Oh, ok.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 06, 2016, 08:50:00 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 06:03:58 AM
I wouldn't be concerned about the quality of the songwriting at all. Beautiful stuff.

Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 06:50:13 AM
If the version I've heard is the same as what's on the CD, it would be their most dynamic album since the '90s.
I am loving you so hard right now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: zmazar on January 06, 2016, 08:56:34 AM
I have to say this is the most excited I've been for a DT album in a long time.  Now I just have to set aside the time to sit down and listen to the whole thing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 06, 2016, 09:49:53 AM
Why there are two overtures? For me this can be afforded by only one in a conceptual album. Unless the two acts are very distinct musically - like Opeth's Deliverance and Damnation. Otherwise I see no meaning in doing two overtures.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on January 06, 2016, 09:54:17 AM
Quote from: ericoml on January 06, 2016, 09:49:53 AM
Why there are two overtures? For me this can be afforded by only one in a conceptual album. Unless the two acts are very distinct musically - like Opeth's Deliverance and Damnation. Otherwise I see no meaning in doing two overtures.

This is a Rock Opera. In the style of many classic musicals, operas, and plays, there is usually an Intermission (Entr'acte in French). Music usually plays during Intermission, which I'm 99% sure is what "2285 Entr'Acte" is supposed to represent.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 06, 2016, 10:03:24 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 06, 2016, 09:54:17 AM
Quote from: ericoml on January 06, 2016, 09:49:53 AM
Why there are two overtures? For me this can be afforded by only one in a conceptual album. Unless the two acts are very distinct musically - like Opeth's Deliverance and Damnation. Otherwise I see no meaning in doing two overtures.

This is a Rock Opera. In the style of many classic musicals, operas, and plays, there is usually an Intermission (Entr'acte in French). Music usually plays during Intermission, which I'm 99% sure is what "2285 Entr'Acte" is supposed to represent.

Cool. I'm still thought that would be amazing if the two Acts will be kind of distinct musically but I do not think it's the case.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: zmazar on January 06, 2016, 10:12:14 AM
I think it would depend on how the story progresses, and if the setting/mood changes from one half to the other.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 06, 2016, 10:15:44 AM
Makes more sense. Also, it would be interesting if there will be "Gabriel's songs", I mean, songs not dedicated to the storyline itself, but rather focused on Gabriel's role as composer...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 10:20:51 AM
Quote from: ericoml on January 06, 2016, 09:49:53 AM
Why there are two overtures? For me this can be afforded by only one in a conceptual album. Unless the two acts are very distinct musically - like Opeth's Deliverance and Damnation. Otherwise I see no meaning in doing two overtures.

Why does there need to be a limit?  Neal Morse's Testimony album had like 17 overtures.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 06, 2016, 10:35:47 AM
As this looks likely to be one of the longest albums I've ever heard, then I'll probably want to take a short intermission at the end of Act 1. The 2nd overture will then serve to transport me back into the world of the story, which is one of the purposes of operatic overtures.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 06, 2016, 10:38:56 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 07:10:29 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 06, 2016, 07:07:00 AM
The CD will sound better, as it doesnt have the watermark. The watermark is quite intrusive at times.

I'm hearing it without the watermark, but the watermarks are annoying, like a big ol' notch filter basically.

How do you watermark a CD ? is there like a constant sound on it or " THIS CD IS PROPERTY OF ROAD RUNNER RECORDS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED PARTNERS AND AFFILIATES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA " every 5 seconds ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 06, 2016, 10:39:38 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 06, 2016, 10:35:47 AM
As this looks likely to be one of the longest albums I've ever heard, then I'll probably want to take a short intermission at the end of Act 1. The 2nd overture will then serve to transport me back into the world of the story, which is one of the purposes of operatic overtures.

Wow, there are so many interesting influences of classical music. As opposed to rock music that is influenced by blues.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 10:43:03 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 06, 2016, 10:38:56 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 07:10:29 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 06, 2016, 07:07:00 AM
The CD will sound better, as it doesnt have the watermark. The watermark is quite intrusive at times.

I'm hearing it without the watermark, but the watermarks are annoying, like a big ol' notch filter basically.

How do you watermark a CD ? is there like a constant sound on it or " THIS CD IS PROPERTY OF ROAD RUNNER RECORDS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED PARTNERS AND AFFILIATES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA " every 5 seconds ?

Afaik, there's some specific sound or frequency or w/e and it's different on every promo copy so that the company knows who leaked it (incase it leaks).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 10:45:04 AM
^Exactly.  Pre-release promos almost always have digital watermarks nowadays.  It isn't a "DT thing," or even a "Roadrunner thing."  A friend of mine in the media gets promos all the time for a lot of bands, and they always have a digital watermark.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 06, 2016, 10:47:21 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 06, 2016, 10:38:56 AM
How do you watermark a CD ? is there like a constant sound on it or " THIS CD IS PROPERTY OF ROAD RUNNER RECORDS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED PARTNERS AND AFFILIATES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA " every 5 seconds ?

Whenever there is a reference to water in the lyrics, water will be splashed out of nowhere on anybody in the vicinity. And since DT likes to refer to water in their lyrics, the album is sure to make us wet :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 06, 2016, 10:50:04 AM
Also DT like to use the word "dream" in their lyrics - so the CD will expel Diazepam in gas form upon every utterance.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 06, 2016, 10:56:44 AM
Mmm... wet and dream... I feel like there's a dirty joke to be found somewhere in this....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 06, 2016, 11:12:55 AM
It's not just promos that get watermarked.

Here's a listening test so you can see if you can hear the watermark.

https://mattmontag.com/audio-listening-test/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on January 06, 2016, 11:13:24 AM
Hmmmm....maybe if the direction of conversation on this thread keeps heading downward, it will get so low to the point where DT will feel sorry for us and just release the album a week ahead of schedule.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 11:20:04 AM
Quote from: jsbru on January 06, 2016, 11:13:24 AM
Hmmmm....maybe if the direction of conversation on this thread keeps heading downward, it will get so low to the point where DT will feel sorry for us and just release the album a week ahead of schedule.  :biggrin:

Yeah, let's talk a bit more about wet dreams  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 06, 2016, 11:22:52 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 11:20:04 AM
Quote from: jsbru on January 06, 2016, 11:13:24 AM
Hmmmm....maybe if the direction of conversation on this thread keeps heading downward, it will get so low to the point where DT will feel sorry for us and just release the album a week ahead of schedule.  :biggrin:

Yeah, let's talk a bit more about wet dreams  :lol


:emo: I once had a dream I was swimming.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 12:02:11 PM
I constantly have nightmares of being overwhelmed by gigantic ocean waves.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nearmyth on January 06, 2016, 12:12:15 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 06, 2016, 05:14:10 AM
But I have stated that the songs do not "flow" into each other. Each song excepting one has a clear beginning and a clear end. There is silent between almost all tracks, but like two or three has a small connecting sound effect that persists from the end to the next - but remove that sound effect and it's a completely separate song. It's a very dynamic and diverse album.

This is mostly what I meant anyway, thank you for clarifying. My worries are put to rest ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 06, 2016, 12:56:23 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 12:02:11 PM
I constantly have nightmares of being overwhelmed by gigantic ocean waves.

I used to have those, until I learned to push them back with the Force because I'm awesome. Now I don't have wet dreams any more.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 06, 2016, 01:16:39 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 12:02:11 PM
I constantly have nightmares of being overwhelmed by gigantic ocean waves.

My nightmares involve rollercoasters and lifts ( elevators ) even though I am scared of neither.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 06, 2016, 01:28:58 PM
WHERE. ARE. THE. UPDATES?

 :huh: :huh: :huh: :( :( :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 06, 2016, 01:35:33 PM
It's probably gonna be Friday.  That's why those in the know posted a couple of teasers Monday AM - to manage the inevitable bitching when the usual character update fails to materialise.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 01:43:02 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 06, 2016, 01:16:39 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 12:02:11 PM
I constantly have nightmares of being overwhelmed by gigantic ocean waves.

My nightmares involve rollercoasters and lifts ( elevators ) even though I am scared of neither.

I'm not terrified of oceans either, just a little bit of fear and respect.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Awaken on January 06, 2016, 01:49:33 PM
Were there teasers?  I had read that this would be a fun week, but I kind of took that as no updates may have been scheduled and they knew people would be getting restless.  Next week seems to be inevitable with listening parties being scheduled.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 01:54:20 PM
The fun week that was mentioned is the teaser.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 06, 2016, 01:55:12 PM
Yeah, that's what I meant by teasers.  There's got to be something this week.  Lots of content to reveal on the site and not that much time left.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Awaken on January 06, 2016, 02:33:29 PM
I get that's what was referred to as the teaser.  Guess i took that comment as sarcasm
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 06, 2016, 02:51:18 PM
To who listened TA more than us: The Gift of Music can be considered at which point of the album average quality? It's one of the best songs? How good it is compared to the others?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 06, 2016, 03:24:52 PM
Quote from: Awaken on January 06, 2016, 02:33:29 PM
I get that's what was referred to as the teaser.  Guess i took that comment as sarcasm
You might have a point actually.  Never thought of it like that...  :-\

Can any of the "special" people put us out of our collective misery?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MegaDTSX on January 06, 2016, 03:59:46 PM
I really like The Gift of Music.  I don't know if its pushing the boundaries on what cannot be asked, but if anyone who has listened to any more of the album could tell me this:


Is The Gift of Music a good precursor of "what is to come" from The Astonishing?  I know its hard to simplify or compare progressive music, even on a single album, but the pacing and just the quality of that song is pretty good.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 04:09:03 PM
I think Noxon and I have said about all we can/will say on the subject, so continuing to ask questions is pointless (and kind of insulting).  Please stop.  You all can wait 3 1/2 more weeks for the album (or for any information that is officially released or authorized before then).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 06, 2016, 04:11:42 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 04:09:03 PM
I think Noxon and I have said about all we can/will say on the subject, so continuing to ask questions is pointless (and kind of insulting).  Please stop.  You all can wait 3 1/2 more weeks for the album (or for any information that is officially released or authorized before then).

WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO LEAK IT ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 04:13:54 PM
Right after I finish banning you.  Give me a moment.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 06, 2016, 04:14:19 PM
:bosky:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 06, 2016, 04:24:22 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 04:09:03 PM
I think Noxon and I have said about all we can/will say on the subject, so continuing to ask questions is pointless (and kind of insulting).  Please stop.  You all can wait 3 1/2 more weeks for the album (or for any information that is officially released or authorized before then).

Insulting how, exactly?  You're both regularly posting cryptic snippets of information then apparently getting pissed off when people try to engage with you about the subject.  Perhaps think about who is really insulting who.

This is a forum of die-hard DT fans and you're lucky enough to receive privileged information.  With great power, etc etc.   :yeahright
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 06, 2016, 04:27:46 PM
I don't think asking personal opinion insulting, we just want to know how much did you liked. We are not asking for specific information or to spoil the album
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 04:28:11 PM
Uh oh...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 06, 2016, 04:32:20 PM
Main problem is all these questions have been answered.  We already know that those who have heard it have said TGoM is not typical of the CD and not in the top rung in terms of quality.  It's a crazy long thread but these questions have been answered.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 06, 2016, 04:32:52 PM
Just drop it guys, we'll get an update soon enough (the actual album is coming out in just about 3 weeks), it's not like you have to devote all your time to counting down to the album, just carry on with whatever you do and before you know it there's a new update, or maybe even the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Gonz on January 06, 2016, 04:48:00 PM
Quote from: ericoml on January 06, 2016, 04:27:46 PM
I don't think asking personal opinion insulting, we just want to know how much did you liked. We are not asking for specific information or to spoil the album

You can look on What Are Your Thoughts On "The Gift of Music's thread to know that.

But I think the same, too much spoilers in the last week. I  (and I think the whole forum) really appreciate the info snippets, but don`t expect they're gonna talk openly about the songs yet. Just take a look to the music websites and magazines, still no reviews or comments.

Just a little patience. Wait until tomorrow.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 06, 2016, 04:53:13 PM
It's times like this when it would make sense to lock the thread until the next update. 141 pages is a hell of a long thread.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 04:54:47 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 06, 2016, 04:24:22 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 04:09:03 PM
I think Noxon and I have said about all we can/will say on the subject, so continuing to ask questions is pointless (and kind of insulting).  Please stop.  You all can wait 3 1/2 more weeks for the album (or for any information that is officially released or authorized before then).

Insulting how, exactly?  You're both regularly posting cryptic snippets of information then apparently getting pissed off when people try to engage with you about the subject.  Perhaps think about who is really insulting who.

Okay, perhaps "insulting" is a bit too strong.  But Noxon and I have NOT been "regularly posting cryptic snippets of information" as you suggest.  Noxon has posted some things in response to specific questions, and I am annoyed that a few people keep ignoring statements that we are not allowed to say much more.  But I do indeed realize that this is a forum of hardcore fans.  So, yeah, I understand that people are going to ask anyway.  I apologize for letting my annoyance spill over and get the better of me.  I do realize that it is just because you guys are just anxious, and that that is because you are fans of the band.  But just please understand that we are not in a position to be able to say much, so just please don't push too hard.  It isn't long before you will all be able to hear the entire album in all its glory.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 06, 2016, 04:57:10 PM
How dare you give us info without getting yourself in trouble bosk1?!  How dare you!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on January 06, 2016, 04:58:02 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 04:54:47 PM
I do realize that it is just because you guys are just anxious, and that that is because you are fans of the band.  But just please understand that we are not in a position to be able to say much, so just please don't push too hard.  It isn't long before you will all be able to hear the entire album in all its glory.

So we can push...if we're gentle?

:progsnob:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 04:58:58 PM
Quote from: Podaar on January 06, 2016, 04:58:02 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 04:54:47 PM
I do realize that it is just because you guys are just anxious, and that that is because you are fans of the band.  But just please understand that we are not in a position to be able to say much, so just please don't push too hard.  It isn't long before you will all be able to hear the entire album in all its glory.

So we can push...if we're gentle?

:progsnob:

Well, maybe YOU can.  :zydarscouch:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 06, 2016, 04:59:50 PM
Quote from: Podaar on January 06, 2016, 04:58:02 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 04:54:47 PM
I do realize that it is just because you guys are just anxious, and that that is because you are fans of the band.  But just please understand that we are not in a position to be able to say much, so just please don't push too hard.  It isn't long before you will all be able to hear the entire album in all its glory.

So we can push...if we're gentle?

:progsnob:

Bet you say that to all the guys.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 06, 2016, 05:06:48 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 04:54:47 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 06, 2016, 04:24:22 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 04:09:03 PM
I think Noxon and I have said about all we can/will say on the subject, so continuing to ask questions is pointless (and kind of insulting).  Please stop.  You all can wait 3 1/2 more weeks for the album (or for any information that is officially released or authorized before then).

Insulting how, exactly?  You're both regularly posting cryptic snippets of information then apparently getting pissed off when people try to engage with you about the subject.  Perhaps think about who is really insulting who.

Okay, perhaps "insulting" is a bit too strong.  But Noxon and I have NOT been "regularly posting cryptic snippets of information" as you suggest.  Noxon has posted some things in response to specific questions, and I am annoyed that a few people keep ignoring statements that we are not allowed to say much more.  But I do indeed realize that this is a forum of hardcore fans.  So, yeah, I understand that people are going to ask anyway.  I apologize for letting my annoyance spill over and get the better of me.  I do realize that it is just because you guys are just anxious, and that that is because you are fans of the band.  But just please understand that we are not in a position to be able to say much, so just please don't push too hard.  It isn't long before you will all be able to hear the entire album in all its glory.

Sorry for starting drama, of course I appreciate where you are coming from.  I was just thinking out loud about whether or not we're gonna receive some more news/content this week.  I thought you were trying to invite some discussion with your "this is gonna be a good week *popcorn*" comment . 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Paddies on January 06, 2016, 05:15:20 PM
My 2 cents: if you consider The Gift Of Music to be an 8-, the album will be a 9+. ;-)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 05:17:41 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 06, 2016, 05:15:20 PM
My 2 cents: if you consider The Gift Of Music to be an 8-, the album will be a 9+. ;-)

Wow, that is amazing because I consider TGOM to be amazing and better than OTBOA and The Enemy Inside as a single.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 06, 2016, 05:20:20 PM
I agree, it's a great song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 05:24:15 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 06, 2016, 05:06:48 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 04:54:47 PM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 06, 2016, 04:24:22 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 04:09:03 PM
I think Noxon and I have said about all we can/will say on the subject, so continuing to ask questions is pointless (and kind of insulting).  Please stop.  You all can wait 3 1/2 more weeks for the album (or for any information that is officially released or authorized before then).

Insulting how, exactly?  You're both regularly posting cryptic snippets of information then apparently getting pissed off when people try to engage with you about the subject.  Perhaps think about who is really insulting who.

Okay, perhaps "insulting" is a bit too strong.  But Noxon and I have NOT been "regularly posting cryptic snippets of information" as you suggest.  Noxon has posted some things in response to specific questions, and I am annoyed that a few people keep ignoring statements that we are not allowed to say much more.  But I do indeed realize that this is a forum of hardcore fans.  So, yeah, I understand that people are going to ask anyway.  I apologize for letting my annoyance spill over and get the better of me.  I do realize that it is just because you guys are just anxious, and that that is because you are fans of the band.  But just please understand that we are not in a position to be able to say much, so just please don't push too hard.  It isn't long before you will all be able to hear the entire album in all its glory.

Sorry for starting drama, of course I appreciate where you are coming from.  I was just thinking out loud about whether or not we're gonna receive some more news/content this week.  I thought you were trying to invite some discussion with your "this is gonna be a good week *popcorn*" comment . 

Well, the events that were on the schedule I have were supposed to have happened already, so...not sure where we are.  :lol :dunno:  But it is supposed to be a good week.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 05:28:08 PM
:soon:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 06, 2016, 05:30:40 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 05:28:08 PM
:soon:

I love how fast the newbs learn our emotes. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 05:32:51 PM
:king:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 06, 2016, 05:38:21 PM
:friday:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 05:43:40 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 06, 2016, 05:30:40 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 05:28:08 PM
:soon:

I love how fast the newbs learn our emotes. :lol

I have to admit that I click on quote to remember some of them, even though I'm not that much of a newb anymore xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 06, 2016, 05:45:15 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 05:32:51 PM
:king:

:kingshmeg:


Quote from: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 05:43:40 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 06, 2016, 05:30:40 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 05:28:08 PM
:soon:

I love how fast the newbs learn our emotes. :lol

I have to admit that I click on quote to remember some of them, even though I'm not that much of a newb anymore xD

We all need the cheat sheets for them.  BTW Looks at my post count.  I'm an old fart here now. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 06, 2016, 05:50:30 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 05:24:15 PM
Well, the events that were on the schedule I have were supposed to have happened already, so...not sure where we are.  :lol :dunno:  But it is supposed to be a good week.

That sounds a little awkward. If I were to guess, these things will probably come friday because why not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 05:52:31 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 06, 2016, 05:50:30 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 05:24:15 PM
Well, the events that were on the schedule I have were supposed to have happened already, so...not sure where we are.  :lol :dunno:  But it is supposed to be a good week.

That sounds a little awkward. If I were to guess, these things will probably come friday because why not.

The album will be released on a friday. It seems friday is a nice day for everything, so yeah, why not?  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 05:52:38 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 06, 2016, 05:45:15 PM
We all need the cheat sheets for them.  BTW Looks at my post count.  I'm an old fart here now. :lol

And new ones are being added all the time!  In fact, I just added one 8:41 ago.

(which, by that clue, King should be able to figure out what it is and what the code is, if he thinks about it hard enough)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 06, 2016, 05:56:17 PM
Son of a


I'm having a brain fart.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on January 06, 2016, 05:56:29 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 05:52:38 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 06, 2016, 05:45:15 PM
We all need the cheat sheets for them.  BTW Looks at my post count.  I'm an old fart here now. :lol

And new ones are being added all the time!  In fact, I just added one 8:41 ago.

(which, by that clue, King should be able to figure out what it is and what the code is, if he thinks about it hard enough)
:2112:
:2112
:twentyonetwelve:
:twentyonetwelve
:kinginese
:kinginese:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 06, 2016, 05:57:47 PM
But it's not misspelled. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on January 06, 2016, 06:01:07 PM
:queenshmegland

:21:12:
:21:12
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 06:02:20 PM
:whahibridopickingant:

^ LOL that is a surprise, I did it innocently.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 06, 2016, 06:02:47 PM
Quote from: millahh on January 06, 2016, 06:01:07 PM
:queenshmegland


That was a funny few days.  Payback for me hacking my buddies Facebook page.  He did the same thing to me on DTF. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 06:05:55 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 06, 2016, 05:56:17 PM
Son of a


I'm having a brain fart.

:lol  Well, you know how this works.  I'm not giving it up.  The timing is the clue.  And you are the ONLY one on the forum who can figure it out based on the clue of when I added it because you are one of the people I was talking to in the moments leading up to me adding it.  (although I have now given enough information for others to be able to figure it out now too...  :( )
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 06, 2016, 06:10:16 PM
Ok, now my head is spinning.  Is it this thread or another.  8 hours and 41 minutes ago or is the numbers add up to something else.

Trying to recall a conversation? 


RAAAAAAAAAGGGEEEEE!!!!!!! :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 06:10:38 PM
8 minutes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 06, 2016, 06:22:18 PM
 :mehlin ???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 06, 2016, 06:47:27 PM
Bosk, can you answer this question? Would the album be available on HD Tracks? If so, is there a discount code for that? Hahaha. I remember buying BTFW mere minutes after it appeared on HD TRacks only to know later that there is a discount code. :p Thanks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 06, 2016, 06:53:33 PM
What is going on? What have I missed?  :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 06:56:50 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 06, 2016, 06:53:33 PM
What is going on? What have I missed?  :o

Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 05:24:15 PM
Well, the events that were on the schedule I have were supposed to have happened already, so...not sure where we are.  :lol :dunno:  But it is supposed to be a good week.

^ That's all you need to know. Let's wait and see  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 06, 2016, 06:59:43 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 06:56:50 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 06, 2016, 06:53:33 PM
What is going on? What have I missed?  :o

Quote from: bosk1 on January 06, 2016, 05:24:15 PM
Well, the events that were on the schedule I have were supposed to have happened already, so...not sure where we are.  :lol :dunno:  But it is supposed to be a good week.

^ That's all you need to know. Let's wait and see  ;)

Thanks  :angel:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 07:02:12 PM
How long has it been since the last site update? Should we have "clock guy" by now?

And I still can't stop listening to TGOM. That section once the choir comes in gets me every time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 06, 2016, 07:03:11 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 06, 2016, 07:02:12 PM
How long has it been since the last site update? Should we have "clock guy" by now?

And I still can't stop listening to TGOM. That section once the choir comes in gets me every time.

Faythe was revealed the monday before last monday, 28th of December.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on January 06, 2016, 07:21:02 PM
:tiojorge:

Ha, figured it out! Do I get a cookie?














Oooo, I know maybe some stars!  :lol

Blatantly wondering if my bribe donation was received.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 06, 2016, 08:06:15 PM
Need moar updates.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on January 06, 2016, 08:14:03 PM
I'm totally out of the loop, but does 5:43:57 mean anything to anyone?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 06, 2016, 09:40:56 PM
It looks like it means 5 hours, 43 minutes, and 57 seconds.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on January 06, 2016, 09:42:52 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 06, 2016, 09:40:56 PM
It looks like it means 5 hours, 43 minutes, and 57 seconds.

Well, that was the time of bosk's post minus 8:41.  Unless this forum adjusts for time zones and/or my math is wrong.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Saxman on January 06, 2016, 11:42:56 PM
8:41 is the track length for The Killing Hand ... :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 06, 2016, 11:54:25 PM
Quote from: Saxman on January 06, 2016, 11:42:56 PM
8:41 is the track length for The Killing Hand ... :facepalm:

The ASTOUNDING is The Killing Hand part 2?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Cyclopssss on January 07, 2016, 12:38:53 AM
Starting to think this is all some very elaborate joke.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dream75 on January 07, 2016, 02:04:10 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 06, 2016, 08:20:29 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 06, 2016, 08:08:40 AM
Today is the day??

It is indeed the day. The day of Wednesday 6th January, 2016, to be precise. Although in some parts of the world, it's probably the night.

 ???  :(  :facepalm:  >:(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: porcacultor on January 07, 2016, 02:05:38 AM
We all need some light now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Cyclopssss on January 07, 2016, 02:37:28 AM
Quote from: dream75 on January 07, 2016, 02:04:10 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 06, 2016, 08:20:29 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 06, 2016, 08:08:40 AM
Today is the day??

It is indeed the day. The day of Wednesday 6th January, 2016, to be precise. Although in some parts of the world, it's probably the night.

 ???  :(  :facepalm:  >:(

Funny, it's thursday over here. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 07, 2016, 02:43:22 AM
Well that original post was from 18 hours ago so chances are it's Thursday over there aswell.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: home on January 07, 2016, 03:18:39 AM
Does anyone know if Jordan will use a seabord on this album? I really loved the sound of the piece he just posted on facebook :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 07, 2016, 03:31:44 AM
Quote from: home on January 07, 2016, 03:18:39 AM
Does anyone know if Jordan will use a seabord on this album? I really loved the sound of the piece he just posted on facebook :)

The first facebook video he did with it he said something along the lines of "included on the upcoming album", so I believe so, yes.

EDIT: yea here it is, I remember this made me very excited aswell: https://www.facebook.com/jordanrudessofficial/videos/10153252656357989/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: home on January 07, 2016, 03:32:52 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 07, 2016, 03:31:44 AM
Quote from: home on January 07, 2016, 03:18:39 AM
Does anyone know if Jordan will use a seabord on this album? I really loved the sound of the piece he just posted on facebook :)

The first facebook video he did with it he said something along the lines of "included on the upcoming album", so I believe so, yes.

Thanks, that's great!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on January 07, 2016, 03:40:05 AM
Happy Thursday people! Can't wait for this eve!!  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Cyclopssss on January 07, 2016, 04:08:39 AM
So far, it's been 'a hell of a week'.  :-*
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 07, 2016, 04:21:56 AM
Well...no one has promised you (or us) anything.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 07, 2016, 04:53:44 AM
https://imgur.com/mHm1U9S (https://imgur.com/mHm1U9S)

"The January issue of rock hard (# 161) will be available in all the good kiosks from Saturday 9 January. For Ordering: Bit.Ly/Achatrh in cover, Dream Theater: John Petrucci tells you all about the new album of the group! "
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on January 07, 2016, 04:55:10 AM
Well Bosk hinted that something may be happening this week, then updated us by saying that what was meant to have happened has actually not yet happened. And that's pretty much the week summed up! Still 3 weeks tomorrow we will have those discs of awesomeness in our sweaty palms.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 07, 2016, 04:56:58 AM
Shitty allusion to QR, the headline could have been soooo much better, original, etc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 05:02:05 AM
Quote from: Jinx on January 07, 2016, 04:55:10 AM
Well Bosk hinted that something may be happening this week, then updated us by saying that what was meant to have happened has actually not yet happened. And that's pretty much the week summed up! Still 3 weeks tomorrow we will have those discs of awesomeness in our sweaty palms.


I hope the double cd is a jewel case and not some cardboard thing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 07, 2016, 05:03:30 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 05:02:05 AM
Quote from: Jinx on January 07, 2016, 04:55:10 AM
Well Bosk hinted that something may be happening this week, then updated us by saying that what was meant to have happened has actually not yet happened. And that's pretty much the week summed up! Still 3 weeks tomorrow we will have those discs of awesomeness in our sweaty palms.


I hope the double cd is a jewel case and not some cardboard thing.

The special edition should be a large NOMAC, and it opens in half, with a disc attached to each inside half.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 05:11:52 AM
The worst case [no pun intended] scenario would be the BC&SL one where it's a super flimsy card sleeve with the discs just chucked in there in 3 cardboard sleeves.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on January 07, 2016, 05:13:25 AM
I still haven't pre-ordered mine (I need to though, no music store in this town). I'll just go for the regular edition.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 05:14:54 AM
Quote from: Zydar on January 07, 2016, 05:13:25 AM
I still haven't pre-ordered mine (I need to though, no music store in this town). I'll just go for the regular edition.

This.

I wanted the Vinyl but not for £70 thanks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 05:19:00 AM
Just ordered from Amazon :) Hopefully i'll get it on release day and if not - I can listen on Spotify anyway.

£9.99 for the CD plus P&P and VAT.

I'm pretty sure when Play.com was around that postage was free on any order...

Maybe that's why they're no longer around ! !

PLAY.COM was teh very first place I ever bought anything off the internet. . . It was the microphone for PS2 for "Music 3000" :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on January 07, 2016, 05:20:33 AM
I'm sure there will be an HDTracks version available for purchase too, as with their other RR albums.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 05:22:10 AM
Quote from: Zydar on January 07, 2016, 05:20:33 AM
I'm sure there will be an HDTracks version available for purchase too, as with their other RR albums.

I'm not bothered about that this time if the CD sounds good. And noxon and Blob both said it does. At least a lot better than DT12.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 07, 2016, 05:51:05 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 05:02:05 AM

I hope the double cd is a jewel case and not some cardboard thing.

Obviously we don't know for sure yet, but the pictures on the :soon: site make it look like it'll be one of those fold-out cardboard covers. If that is the case, I hope at least the booklet is removable. I wanna be able to get it out and read it comfortably.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: majo on January 07, 2016, 05:55:56 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 05:22:10 AM
Quote from: Zydar on January 07, 2016, 05:20:33 AM
I'm sure there will be an HDTracks version available for purchase too, as with their other RR albums.

I'm not bothered about that this time if the CD sounds good. And noxon and Blob both said it does. At least a lot better than DT12.

well... a lot better than dt12 doesn't have to be necessarily good :P
(tgom sounds pretty bad imho - not dt12 level of bad but still pretty bad. /drums particularly/)
 ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 07, 2016, 06:20:35 AM
Quote from: Zydar on January 07, 2016, 05:20:33 AM
I'm sure there will be an HDTracks version available for purchase too, as with their other RR albums.

yes, probably. And it should come (I hope) with PDF-booklet
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pebsie on January 07, 2016, 06:24:55 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 05:14:54 AM
Quote from: Zydar on January 07, 2016, 05:13:25 AM
I still haven't pre-ordered mine (I need to though, no music store in this town). I'll just go for the regular edition.

This.

I wanted the Vinyl but not for £70 thanks.

It doesn't seem that outrageous when you break it down:
£9.99 for 1 LP
Astonishing is 4 LPs so that's £40, inclusion of a couple posters prolly worth £4 each that's £48. On Amazon it's £60 so it's only expensive by £12. I'd still rather just pay £40 for a no bullshit version though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 07, 2016, 06:32:14 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 06, 2016, 08:06:15 PM
Need moar updates.

(https://i1.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/000/574/moar-cat.jpg)
(https://www.humoar.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/wedding-cake-moar.jpg)
(https://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/208/132/1322366919047.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 06:44:19 AM
Quote from: Pebsie on January 07, 2016, 06:24:55 AM

£9.99 for 1 LP
Astonishing is 4 LPs so that's £40, inclusion of a couple posters prolly worth £4 each that's £48. On Amazon it's £60 so it's only expensive by £12. I'd still rather just pay £40 for a no bullshit version though.


I might get it eventually. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Curious Orange on January 07, 2016, 07:11:25 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 07, 2016, 05:51:05 AM

 I hope at least the booklet is removable. I wanna be able to get it out and read it comfortably.

Oh, there's nothing worse than glued-on booklets. Why do they do it?

hashtag#first_world_problems.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DP_Gumby on January 07, 2016, 08:16:37 AM
Does anyone here read the magazine Rock Hard France?

Because they have interviewed Petrucci about the new album in the January issue of the magazine.




Throwing a subtle nudge nudge in all general directions.  ;)


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 07, 2016, 08:21:03 AM
I can't wait to have it in my hands and give myself pleasure with both discs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 07, 2016, 08:25:53 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 07, 2016, 08:21:03 AM
I can't wait to have it in my hands and give myself pleasure with both discs.

So that's how NOMACs were visualized!  :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 07, 2016, 08:36:06 AM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 07, 2016, 08:25:53 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 07, 2016, 08:21:03 AM
I can't wait to have it in my hands and give myself pleasure with both discs.

So that's how NOMACs were visualized!  :omg:

He created the NOMACs while staring at his balls?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 08:41:15 AM
Not only his balls. (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/70x/db/67/28/db67280719d946cfe8521b07f35f46a3.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 07, 2016, 08:58:17 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 06, 2016, 06:47:27 PM
Bosk, can you answer this question? Would the album be available on HD Tracks? If so, is there a discount code for that? Hahaha. I remember buying BTFW mere minutes after it appeared on HD TRacks only to know later that there is a discount code. :p Thanks.
I have no idea.  Sorry.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: zmazar on January 07, 2016, 09:05:51 AM
Anyone notice that when you refresh The Astonishing page there's a new image that flashes for a split second?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 07, 2016, 09:15:59 AM
Quote from: zmazar on January 07, 2016, 09:05:51 AM
Anyone notice that when you refresh The Astonishing page there's a new image that flashes for a split second?

It only did it once for me, but I think it was the picture used for Along For The Ride in the self-titled album booklet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 07, 2016, 09:17:11 AM
You sure it's not the Along for the Ride artwork that comes up for a split second while the pages loads you're talking about? It's an image of a landscape with a wooden house and a car or something.

EDIT: the bear beat me to it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 07, 2016, 09:20:35 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 07, 2016, 09:17:11 AM
You sure it's not the Along for the Ride artwork that comes up for a split second while the pages loads you're talking about? It's an image of a landscape with a wooden house and a car or something.

EDIT: the bear beat me to it.

ROOOAAAR!!! :neverusethis:

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 07, 2016, 09:27:38 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 07, 2016, 08:58:17 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 06, 2016, 06:47:27 PM
Bosk, can you answer this question? Would the album be available on HD Tracks? If so, is there a discount code for that? Hahaha. I remember buying BTFW mere minutes after it appeared on HD TRacks only to know later that there is a discount code. :p Thanks.
I have no idea.  Sorry.

OK, thanks. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Dexter1225 on January 07, 2016, 09:35:56 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 06:44:19 AM
Quote from: Pebsie on January 07, 2016, 06:24:55 AM

£9.99 for 1 LP
Astonishing is 4 LPs so that's £40, inclusion of a couple posters prolly worth £4 each that's £48. On Amazon it's £60 so it's only expensive by £12. I'd still rather just pay £40 for a no bullshit version though.


I might get it eventually. :)

I sadly might wait, too.  If it were only $70USD, I'd jump on it, but $100 (and I'm not sure if that includes shipping) seems a little excessive. 

Preordered the 2CD set for the time being.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 07, 2016, 09:50:02 AM
What if clock person is an old woman, more likely a shaman?

BITS pt. 2

An Astonishing Turn of Events
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on January 07, 2016, 09:51:24 AM
Along for the Ride to the Astonishing Future (Part II): On the Backs of NOMACs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on January 07, 2016, 10:17:01 AM
Quote from: jsbru on January 07, 2016, 09:51:24 AM
Along for the Ride to the Astonishing Future (Part II): On the Backs of NOMACs.

 :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SkiFiX on January 07, 2016, 10:20:06 AM
34 tracks... 22 days left.
and only one track released.

No snippets, no preview, no review, no video... nothing.
Only characters and a map...

I'm a little bit disappointed.  :tdwn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on January 07, 2016, 10:25:59 AM
Quote from: SkiFiX on January 07, 2016, 10:20:06 AM
34 tracks... 22 days left.
and only one track released.

No snippets, no preview, no review, no video... nothing.
Only characters and a map...

I'm a little bit disappointed.  :tdwn

totally agree. The hype level has decreased   :'(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 10:27:51 AM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on January 07, 2016, 09:50:02 AM
What if clock person is an old woman, more likely a shaman?

BITS pt. 2

An Astonishing Turn of Events

Well Metropolis is track 5 on Images and Words and Bridges In The Sky is track 5 on  ADTOE & seeing as how A Dramatic Turn of Events is the same album - they've gone from Song to album and

instead gone song to double album this time.




:vomitard:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 10:29:49 AM
itz like pottery it rims
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 07, 2016, 10:41:11 AM
Quote from: lightbug on January 07, 2016, 10:25:59 AM
Quote from: SkiFiX on January 07, 2016, 10:20:06 AM
34 tracks... 22 days left.
and only one track released.

No snippets, no preview, no review, no video... nothing.
Only characters and a map...

I'm a little bit disappointed.  :tdwn

How many tracks are usually released before an album is released? ONE.

totally agree. The hype level has decreased   :'(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 07, 2016, 10:41:53 AM
Hang in there, people. We've got this far. Just three weeks to go.

Any of you got plans to build-up to the album? Discography sessions, etc.?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 10:53:20 AM
Yes I plan to listen to Metropolis then Scenes From A Memory then Bridges In The Sky then The Astonishing since they're all connected


:splodetard: :splodetard: :splodetard:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MegaDTSX on January 07, 2016, 10:57:37 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 10:53:20 AM
Yes I plan to listen to Metropolis then Scenes From A Memory then Bridges In The Sky then The Astonishing since they're all connected


:splodetard: :splodetard: :splodetard:


Can my personal favorite Dream Theater epic, A Change of Seasons, somehow be intermingled and interconnected with The Astonishing?  Let's discuss how it might be.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 11:00:39 AM
Very poorly since it is DT's worst Epic.  :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 07, 2016, 11:03:32 AM
The real reason why ACoS was excluded from I&W was because it sucked too much to be included among the other songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 07, 2016, 11:09:31 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 11:00:39 AM
Very poorly since it is DT's worst Epic.  :biggrin: :biggrin:

You gotta be kidding me.... Where's the green font? >:(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: goo-goo on January 07, 2016, 11:12:30 AM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on January 07, 2016, 11:09:31 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 11:00:39 AM
Very poorly since it is DT's worst Epic.  :biggrin: :biggrin:

You gotta be kidding me.... Where's the green font? >:(

Green font = sarcasm

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 11:14:26 AM
To my ears - ACOS sounds like 5 jigsaw puzzles that someones tried to join together anyway.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 07, 2016, 11:15:44 AM
Actually, I only totally dislike the studio version of ACOS.
The LSFNY is very enjoyable tho. Still, the instrumental sections are not my cup of tea.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 07, 2016, 11:21:42 AM
 :huh: any updates?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 07, 2016, 11:24:49 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMIe4qQYr_k

Yes, The Emperor is on that video.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 07, 2016, 11:25:08 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 07, 2016, 11:21:42 AM
:huh: any updates?

Not yet.  And as a reminder to others:  This thread is for album updates and discussion.  The thread is long enough as it is without silly spam and off-topic discussion.  There is a chat thread for the former and lots of other threads for the latter.  Please keep discussion where it belongs and reasonably focused.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 07, 2016, 11:56:06 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 07, 2016, 11:24:49 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMIe4qQYr_k

Yes, The Emperor is on that video.

(https://i65.tinypic.com/2ih8b54.png)(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201511/emperornafaryus.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 07, 2016, 11:58:54 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 07, 2016, 11:24:49 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMIe4qQYr_k

Yes, The Emperor is on that video.

I spoiled that one month ago my friend  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 12:04:44 PM
::) SYYYYYMMMMMEEEEE
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 07, 2016, 12:08:21 PM
Dark Moor's Imperial Earth is sequel to The Astonishing.

The Astonishing is the name of an Alien race spaceship
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 07, 2016, 12:09:13 PM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 07, 2016, 11:58:54 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 07, 2016, 11:24:49 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMIe4qQYr_k

Yes, The Emperor is on that video.

I spoiled that one month ago my friend  ;D

I've been making fun of it to for a long time. I think I also posted it somewhere in another thread, it just got lost.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on January 07, 2016, 01:49:00 PM
WHAT IF







The clock guy is alien like those on that Dark Moor video  ::)


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 07, 2016, 01:54:06 PM
I'm beginning to wonder if the band/label have read this thread's speculation about "Clock Guy" and are deliberately delaying his reveal in order to build the "hype" up/annoy us?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 07, 2016, 01:59:37 PM
As to the last part of your post, no.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on January 07, 2016, 02:00:08 PM
Actually my hype level has decreased quite much because of that silence. And that's a shame.  :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 07, 2016, 02:04:29 PM
I'm currently equally hyped for Megadeth, but as soon as it's released I'll focus on DT again, by then it's only a week away.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 02:05:07 PM
If tomorrow is not the day, I will be just like: uwotm8.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 07, 2016, 02:06:05 PM
Why would someone be annoyed about Clock Guy not being revealed yet?

The album is released in 22 days, why are people desperate for updates?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 07, 2016, 02:09:04 PM
(https://m.memegen.com/16u1qh.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on January 07, 2016, 02:10:41 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 07, 2016, 02:06:05 PM
Why would someone be annoyed about Clock Guy not being revealed yet?

The album is released in 22 days, why are people desperate for updates?

My thoughts exactly. A lack of updates merely increases my anticipation and excitement. Whenever we get news, great! If not, well like you said 3 weeks is nothing. And if I recall all we had last album was TEI anyway!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 07, 2016, 02:11:52 PM
If they release some new bit of info, great.

If not, the album will be out on the 29th. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 07, 2016, 02:12:41 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 07, 2016, 02:10:41 PM
My thoughts exactly. A lack of updates merely increases my anticipation and excitement. Whenever we get news, great! If not, well like you said 3 weeks is nothing. And if I recall all we had last album was TEI anyway!

+AftR and 4 hype videos.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 02:14:32 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 07, 2016, 02:10:41 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 07, 2016, 02:06:05 PM
Why would someone be annoyed about Clock Guy not being revealed yet?

The album is released in 22 days, why are people desperate for updates?

My thoughts exactly. A lack of updates merely increases my anticipation and excitement. Whenever we get news, great! If not, well like you said 3 weeks is nothing. And if I recall all we had last album was TEI anyway!

We also had Along for the Ride.

And c'mon, people manage anxiety differently. I don't think people should tell eachother how anxious they should be and try to end people's expectations. Someone might be more anxious than me but they control it better. We are only humans xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 07, 2016, 02:15:47 PM
+ the streaming of TLG iirc...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: 7deg_inner_happiness on January 07, 2016, 02:15:56 PM
Patience, my friends.

Besides, it has been said that you should consult your doctor if you experience erections lasting for more than 4 hours.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on January 07, 2016, 02:16:08 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 02:14:32 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 07, 2016, 02:10:41 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 07, 2016, 02:06:05 PM
Why would someone be annoyed about Clock Guy not being revealed yet?

The album is released in 22 days, why are people desperate for updates?

My thoughts exactly. A lack of updates merely increases my anticipation and excitement. Whenever we get news, great! If not, well like you said 3 weeks is nothing. And if I recall all we had last album was TEI anyway!

We also had Along for the Ride.

And c'mon, people manage anxiety differently. I don't think people should tell eachother how anxious they should be and try to end people's expectations. Someone might be more anxious than me but they control it better. We are only humans xD

Of all the things in life and in the world...well, it's a luxury if this is all you have to be anxious about!  :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 07, 2016, 02:21:14 PM
Right now, the 29th feels like an eternity away. And there's still (relatively) a lot to be revealed. The last character, the last map piece, the Places section, the videos, the two red buttons on the NOMAC. I just hoped there'd be something near the beginning of the month to celebrate us reaching release month.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 02:22:55 PM
Quote from: millahh on January 07, 2016, 02:16:08 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 02:14:32 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 07, 2016, 02:10:41 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 07, 2016, 02:06:05 PM
Why would someone be annoyed about Clock Guy not being revealed yet?

The album is released in 22 days, why are people desperate for updates?

My thoughts exactly. A lack of updates merely increases my anticipation and excitement. Whenever we get news, great! If not, well like you said 3 weeks is nothing. And if I recall all we had last album was TEI anyway!

We also had Along for the Ride.

And c'mon, people manage anxiety differently. I don't think people should tell eachother how anxious they should be and try to end people's expectations. Someone might be more anxious than me but they control it better. We are only humans xD

Of all the things in life and in the world...well, it's a luxury if this is all you have to be anxious about!  :)

I never said it was? I just said that people manage it differently. I'm anxious for the return of my German and Russian language classes. I'm anxious to start my translator course. I'm anxious for more books. I'm anxious for Dream Theater's new album. Sorry if I can't split my anxiety that well :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 02:24:16 PM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on January 07, 2016, 02:15:47 PM
+ the streaming of TLG iirc...

That was in a Radio show I think.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 07, 2016, 02:26:18 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 07, 2016, 02:21:14 PM
Right now, the 29th feels like an eternity away. And there's still (relatively) a lot to be revealed. The last character, the last map piece, the Places section, the videos, the two red buttons on the NOMAC. I just hoped there'd be something near the beginning of the month to celebrate us reaching release month.
I agree.  With the listening parties some of the stuff could be anticlimactic when released.  They should just released everything now :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on January 07, 2016, 02:30:31 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 02:24:16 PM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on January 07, 2016, 02:15:47 PM
+ the streaming of TLG iirc...

That was in a Radio show I think.

Yup. There was a livestream on the Monday before release, and that show aired Sunday night
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on January 07, 2016, 02:43:45 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 07, 2016, 02:21:14 PM
Right now, the 29th feels like an eternity away. And there's still (relatively) a lot to be revealed. The last character, the last map piece, the Places section, the videos, the two red buttons on the NOMAC. I just hoped there'd be something near the beginning of the month to celebrate us reaching release month.

This could probably be my only problem. All we have is 90% of the characters and most of the (semi-obscured) map. It would've been nice to have proper chunks of info to absorb and get to know before diving into the album. If they end up with a huge barrage of backstory, descriptions of places etc  right before release day it would be quite a bit to take in at once.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 07, 2016, 02:44:55 PM
Quote from: rab7 on January 07, 2016, 02:30:31 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 02:24:16 PM
Quote from: lucasembarbosa on January 07, 2016, 02:15:47 PM
+ the streaming of TLG iirc...

That was in a Radio show I think.

Yup. There was a livestream on the Monday before release, and that show aired Sunday night
I thought they played Along for the Ride on the radio show and TLG was later with the video. :dunno:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 07, 2016, 03:00:22 PM
The best solution we have maybe is to stop waiting like stupid zombies all this promotion shit, and ignore any DT forum or social network until the 29th of January.
I'm really pissed off with myself refreshing every DT related website just to get a tiny glimpse of what is to come. (which I have already pre ordered and paid 175 fucking euros for this)
Like a drug addict who wants his fix..Enough is enough with this shit
Sorry for my language.
end of rant
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 07, 2016, 03:21:05 PM
(https://media.giphy.com/media/4KRLj4bQnxRDi/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolven74 on January 07, 2016, 03:35:05 PM
Did we lose the suicide emoji, because that's what this thread has become. This thread has died and gone to purgatory.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 07, 2016, 03:42:02 PM
:marriageanalogy:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 07, 2016, 03:42:28 PM
Quote from: Panar on January 07, 2016, 03:00:22 PM
The best solution we have maybe is to stop waiting like stupid zombies all this promotion shit, and ignore any DT forum or social network until the 29th of January.
I'm really pissed off with myself refreshing every DT related website just to get a tiny glimpse of what is to come. (which I have already pre ordered and paid 175 fucking euros for this)
Like a drug addict who wants his fix..Enough is enough with this shit
Sorry for my language.
end of rant
:rant:

That's ok.  I'm sure we're all feeling that on some level.  We'll get an update and all will be good again.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 07, 2016, 03:47:34 PM
Is anybody here who remember what Metallica did for the promotion of St.Anger?
If so, remember the dedicated website with exclusive content and every day updates up until the album release?
That's what DT should do in the next album.
Because the interesting thing is this:
If you choose to IGNORE all the promo and micro teaser stuff (like i said earlier), then the whole promotional moves and schedules are pointless.
But IF you choose to follow all of this like we all do now, then you feeling annoyed if you dont get an update for a day and you end up like a junkie.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 07, 2016, 03:51:00 PM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 07, 2016, 03:42:28 PM
Quote from: Panar on January 07, 2016, 03:00:22 PM
The best solution we have maybe is to stop waiting like stupid zombies all this promotion shit, and ignore any DT forum or social network until the 29th of January.
I'm really pissed off with myself refreshing every DT related website just to get a tiny glimpse of what is to come. (which I have already pre ordered and paid 175 fucking euros for this)
Like a drug addict who wants his fix..Enough is enough with this shit
Sorry for my language.
end of rant
:rant:

That's ok.  I'm sure we're all feeling that on some level.  We'll get an update and all will be good again.

Our brothers Bosk and Nox
They're all the hope we need
Shining like a beacons in the night
shepherds of all the fans
A reason to believe
A leak is not the gift they brings
The forum stops to listen when they speak!

 :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 07, 2016, 03:54:23 PM
Quote from: Panar on January 07, 2016, 03:47:34 PM
Is anybody here who remember what Metallica did for the promotion of St.Anger?
If so, remember the dedicated website with exclusive content and every day updates up until the album release?

...but it was for St. Anger.

Updates ultimately don't matter that much considering we already know when to expect to listen to the album. Info before then is really just a bonus.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 07, 2016, 03:58:16 PM
Well, think of what we would have gotten so far if this wasn't a concept album, or if it was a concept album but DT didn't chose to immerse us in the story this early on by making that website, by now we would have had nothing but the coverart, track titles and the release date, as usual with every album release wait we've had since as far as I can remember.
The only album cycle I wasn't around for was SFAM cause I found DT a year after it came out but I don't think there was a website with a slow reveal of the characters, story line, etc.
However I am a little ticked but I am as ticked as I am with every album I've waited for since the internet was invented. My dad never knew when there was a new Pink Floyd album available in stores until he actually walked into a store and was "Oh look, a new album from my favorite band! I'll get that and enjoy it tonight!", the shit here is that we know that much in advance about a new album coming out and of course that's dip shit greed from the record companies and mind rape aka marketing but that's the way it goes now and there's no fighting it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 07, 2016, 03:59:10 PM
That's just silly Panar.


I'm not losing my mind but if news comes out or samples come out I'll be happy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Awaken on January 07, 2016, 04:03:43 PM
Quote from: Panar on January 07, 2016, 03:00:22 PM
The best solution we have maybe is to stop waiting like stupid zombies all this promotion shit, and ignore any DT forum or social network until the 29th of January.
I'm really pissed off with myself refreshing every DT related website just to get a tiny glimpse of what is to come. (which I have already pre ordered and paid 175 fucking euros for this)
Like a drug addict who wants his fix..Enough is enough with this shit
Sorry for my language.
end of rant


yikes
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 07, 2016, 04:10:50 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 07, 2016, 03:58:16 PM
Well, think of what we would have gotten so far if this wasn't a concept album, or if it was a concept album but DT didn't chose to immerse us in the story this early on by making that website, by now we would have had nothing but the coverart, track titles and the release date, as usual with every album release wait we've had since as far as I can remember.
The only album cycle I wasn't around for was SFAM cause I found DT a year after it came out but I don't think there was a website with a slow reveal of the characters, story line, etc.
However I am a little ticked but I am as ticked as I am with every album I've waited for since the internet was invented. My dad never knew when there was a new Pink Floyd album available in stores until he actually walked into a store and was "Oh look, a new album from my favorite band! I'll get that and enjoy it tonight!", the shit here is that we know that much in advance about a new album coming out and of course that's dip shit greed from the record companies and mind rape aka marketing but that's the way it goes now and there's no fighting it.

My thoughts exactly!
 
Quote
My dad never knew when there was a new Pink Floyd album available in stores until he actually walked into a store and was "Oh look, a new album from my favorite band! I'll get that and enjoy it tonight!

These times were great my friend!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lightbug on January 07, 2016, 04:17:14 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 07, 2016, 03:51:00 PM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 07, 2016, 03:42:28 PM
Quote from: Panar on January 07, 2016, 03:00:22 PM
The best solution we have maybe is to stop waiting like stupid zombies all this promotion shit, and ignore any DT forum or social network until the 29th of January.
I'm really pissed off with myself refreshing every DT related website just to get a tiny glimpse of what is to come. (which I have already pre ordered and paid 175 fucking euros for this)
Like a drug addict who wants his fix..Enough is enough with this shit
Sorry for my language.
end of rant

 :metal :metal :metal


:rant:

That's ok.  I'm sure we're all feeling that on some level.  We'll get an update and all will be good again.

Our brothers Bosk and Nox
They're all the hope we need
Shining like a beacons in the night
shepherds of all the fans
A reason to believe
A leak is not the gift they brings
The forum stops to listen when they speak!

 :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: T-ski on January 07, 2016, 04:26:30 PM
R-E-L-A-X.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Dexter1225 on January 07, 2016, 04:51:51 PM
Quote from: T-ski on January 07, 2016, 04:26:30 PM
R-E-L-A-X.

Like  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 04:55:29 PM
I AM RELAXED!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 07, 2016, 05:00:49 PM
 :chill  :hat I'm pretty shure that we'll get something soon! right??????? hahahahaha
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 05:02:24 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 07, 2016, 05:00:49 PM
:chill  :hat I'm pretty shure that we'll get something soon! right??????? hahahahaha

Siii amigo, estamos locoooos!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ledlemos08 on January 07, 2016, 05:37:08 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 07, 2016, 03:51:00 PM

Our brothers Bosk and Nox
They're all the hope we need
Shining like a beacons in the night
shepherds of all the fans
A reason to believe
A leak is not the gift they brings
The forum stops to listen when they speak!

 :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 07, 2016, 05:59:38 PM
Quote from: T-ski on January 07, 2016, 04:26:30 PM
R-E-L-A-X.

Don't do it.....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 07, 2016, 06:04:58 PM
What if the last track Astonishing is a reprise medley of rearranged parts of The Killing Hand, Metropolis, Octavarium, The Count Of Tuscany and Outcry and the album ends with the chord or sound that opens The Descent Of The NOMACS?  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 07, 2016, 06:06:57 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 07, 2016, 06:04:58 PM
What if the last track Astonishing is a reprise medley of rearranged parts of The Killing Hand, Metropolis, Octavarium, The Count Of Tuscany and Outcry and the album ends with the chord or sound that opens The Descent Of The NOMACS?  :metal
Except that it won't be, so why even say that?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 07, 2016, 06:08:56 PM
Here's how I predict the album starting:

A quiet clock ticking when we hear Nafaryus whispering to his newborn Aryhys; "the story begins where it ends". Then we hear a loud sound of NOMACS flying overhead.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 07, 2016, 06:09:29 PM
First review

https://metalhammer.teamrock.com/reviews/2016-01-07/dream-theater-the-astonishing

So the embargo was lifted
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 07, 2016, 06:10:15 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 07, 2016, 06:06:57 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 07, 2016, 06:04:58 PM
What if the last track Astonishing is a reprise medley of rearranged parts of The Killing Hand, Metropolis, Octavarium, The Count Of Tuscany and Outcry and the album ends with the chord or sound that opens The Descent Of The NOMACS?  :metal
Except that it won't be, so why even say that?

Because as dedicated DT fans, we have hopes and dreams and are bored to death...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 07, 2016, 06:10:57 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 07, 2016, 06:06:57 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 07, 2016, 06:04:58 PM
What if the last track Astonishing is a reprise medley of rearranged parts of The Killing Hand, Metropolis, Octavarium, The Count Of Tuscany and Outcry and the album ends with the chord or sound that opens The Descent Of The NOMACS?  :metal
Except that it won't be, so why even say that?

Actually i have a hard rock band here in venezuela, and our last album was made in that way, the last note of the album is actually the first one, sounds pretty awesome!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 06:19:47 PM
Quote from: ericoml on January 07, 2016, 06:09:29 PM
First review

https://metalhammer.teamrock.com/reviews/2016-01-07/dream-theater-the-astonishing

So the embargo was lifted

No offense to the reviewer, but man, is that a lazy review. Such few words for the magnitude of the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: vazquez on January 07, 2016, 06:21:25 PM
Quote from: ericoml on January 07, 2016, 06:09:29 PM
First review
https://metalhammer.teamrock.com/reviews/2016-01-07/dream-theater-the-astonishing

"Stupefyingly complex, cinematic and ambitious almost to the point of lunacy" is everything I could dream of (no pun intended). As they say, the more lunatic, the better. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 07, 2016, 06:24:40 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 06:19:47 PM
Quote from: ericoml on January 07, 2016, 06:09:29 PM
First review

https://metalhammer.teamrock.com/reviews/2016-01-07/dream-theater-the-astonishing

So the embargo was lifted

No offense to the reviewer, but man, is that a lazy review. Such few words for the magnitude of the album.
I'd leave off the "No offense to the reviewer", that was a terrible, though positive, review.  Lazy beyond belief.  Why even bother writing that ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 07, 2016, 06:32:45 PM
The embargo may not be lifted and thus the vague and incomplete review
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 06:37:57 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on January 07, 2016, 06:32:45 PM
The embargo may not be lifted and thus the vague and incomplete review

That would be strange, because they already gave a score.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 07, 2016, 07:14:25 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 06:19:47 PM
Quote from: ericoml on January 07, 2016, 06:09:29 PM
First review

https://metalhammer.teamrock.com/reviews/2016-01-07/dream-theater-the-astonishing

So the embargo was lifted

No offense to the reviewer, but man, is that a lazy review. Such few words for the magnitude of the album.

Energy?

Power?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dparrott on January 07, 2016, 07:23:22 PM
I have to sign in to read a "lazy" article?  Pass.   :tdwn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 07:36:24 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on January 07, 2016, 07:14:25 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 06:19:47 PM
Quote from: ericoml on January 07, 2016, 06:09:29 PM
First review

https://metalhammer.teamrock.com/reviews/2016-01-07/dream-theater-the-astonishing

So the embargo was lifted

No offense to the reviewer, but man, is that a lazy review. Such few words for the magnitude of the album.

Energy?

Power?

Lazy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 07, 2016, 07:42:49 PM
3 pages of new posts since I last checked, so I assumed that there was some new info. Nope. DTF. :lol

"Clock guy" isn't all that exciting, but we've still got two videos to look forward to at some point! And of course the album itself, which will be worth the wait.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 07:45:41 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 07, 2016, 07:42:49 PM
3 pages of new posts since I last checked, so I assumed that there was some new info. Nope. DTF. :lol

"Clock guy" isn't all that exciting, but we've still got two videos to look forward to at some point! And of course the album itself, which will be worth the wait.

Well, we've got some new info. The laziest review ever written for a 2 hour album. Lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 07, 2016, 08:12:01 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 07:45:41 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 07, 2016, 07:42:49 PM
3 pages of new posts since I last checked, so I assumed that there was some new info. Nope. DTF. :lol

"Clock guy" isn't all that exciting, but we've still got two videos to look forward to at some point! And of course the album itself, which will be worth the wait.

Well, we've got some new info. The laziest review ever written for a 2 hour album. Lol.

The page wouldn't even let me read the full article, so I got nothing from it. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 07, 2016, 08:16:01 PM
Don't worry, you're not missing anything.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on January 07, 2016, 09:07:01 PM
You know what I would love the album to have? Moments that sound as epic and beautiful as "Who Cares?" From Extreme's "III Sides To Every Story". It would be amazing if we got a prog metal equivalent of that album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on January 07, 2016, 09:08:53 PM
Sorry for the double post, my tablet's insane.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: porcacultor on January 07, 2016, 09:49:05 PM
One silly thing I'd like to share with you, one that comes to mind whenever an album by a band I love is about to come out, is:

Cherish these moments in which you have no idea about how the album sounds like. You might end up forgetting how some of it goes, but we all (well, all of us who weren't privy to press versions, and those people had this moment before too) have no idea how this sounds like and will have a chance of listening to it for the first time ever. For now it's all a big question mark in our minds, and that'll never happen again with this album.

I dunno, this makes me feel excited. In a way, it's a once in a lifetime thing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 07, 2016, 10:08:43 PM
Ugh...no matter how many times I see you post, I keep seeing your name as PornCalculator.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on January 08, 2016, 12:00:19 AM
Why are people being so disparaging about that review? Ok it's a short one, but it seems well informed and gets across well the fact that the reviewer liked it. Not every review needs to be a 10,000 track by track dissertation.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 08, 2016, 12:20:34 AM
Yeah, im not doing a track by track this time around. It'll spoil too much of the story.

Publishing as soon as my new thing goes online, which I hope is no later than next week.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 08, 2016, 12:30:35 AM
3 weeks to the release!! It's the right moment for another song!!! ;D
Don't you think it's a little weird that my first thought when I wake up in the morning is to check for some updates here on DTF?! ???
However I'm so hyped and optimistic!!! I've just ordered my copy and started to inform people not to bother me on the 30th, cause that is gonna be my "Astonishing Day"!! :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 08, 2016, 01:15:57 AM
Prog metal voyagers go off the deep end
Whether you already love or hate these US/Canadian prog metal messiahs, The Astonishing will only amplify that opinion.

Dream Theater: The Astonishing Cover
Since drummer Mike Portnoy’s shocking exit in 2010 consecutive Grammy nominations have brought the band new respect, despite some hardcore fans accusing DT of coasting across two Portnoy-less releases. Enhanced by a choir and an orchestra, The Astonishing is the statement they needed to make to reclaim those doubters: stupefyingly complex, cinematic and ambitious almost to the point of lunacy.

Spread over two hours, its 34 chapters document a rivalry between warring factions The Great Northern Empire and The Ravenskill Militia, James LaBrie summoning multiple voices for the main characters, including its hero The Chosen One. Imagine Lord Of The Rings meets Star Wars with paradiddles, Flying Vs and a drum riser the size of the average Channel Island.

The sheer grandness of scope intimidates, but the album includes many classic-sounding Dream Theater songs, including The Gift Of Music, Act Of Fayth and A Life Left Behind. You won’t appreciate The Astonishing’s depth, value or melodic content during a single sitting, but rest assured – it’s a grower.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 08, 2016, 01:20:40 AM
I've got a feeling that today is january 8th.
Hope I'm right.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 08, 2016, 01:24:07 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 08, 2016, 01:20:40 AM
I've got a feeling that today is january 8th.
Hope I'm right.

A man with feeling on a friday  ::)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 08, 2016, 01:30:22 AM
Act of Faythe and A Life Left Behind. Hmm...Me thinks this gonna kick our asses.

Also, I think tomorrow's announcement will be huge.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 08, 2016, 01:41:11 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 08, 2016, 01:20:40 AM
I've got a feeling that today is january 8th.
Hope I'm right.
Funny feeeeling...

Quote from: Ben_Jamin on January 08, 2016, 01:30:22 AM
Act of Faythe and A Life Left Behind. Hmm...Me thinks this gonna kick our asses.

Also, I think tomorrow's announcement will be huge.
Actually all of us could have written a much more detailed review...
However, which announcement?! :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 08, 2016, 01:56:23 AM
Just speculation. It just feels like tomorrow they're gonna announce something good.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 08, 2016, 01:59:37 AM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on January 08, 2016, 01:56:23 AM
Just speculation. It just feels like tomorrow they're gonna announce something good.

Since there will possibly be reviews coming out this weekend I think you might be right....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 08, 2016, 02:03:57 AM
No need to wait for clock guy. The image has leaked!

(https://i.imgur.com/s2piXjH.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 08, 2016, 02:27:22 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 08, 2016, 01:15:57 AM
Prog metal voyagers go off the deep end
Whether you already love or hate these US/Canadian prog metal messiahs, The Astonishing will only amplify that opinion.

Dream Theater: The Astonishing Cover
Since drummer Mike Portnoy’s shocking exit in 2010 consecutive Grammy nominations have brought the band new respect, despite some hardcore fans accusing DT of coasting across two Portnoy-less releases. Enhanced by a choir and an orchestra, The Astonishing is the statement they needed to make to reclaim those doubters: stupefyingly complex, cinematic and ambitious almost to the point of lunacy.

Spread over two hours, its 34 chapters document a rivalry between warring factions The Great Northern Empire and The Ravenskill Militia, James LaBrie summoning multiple voices for the main characters, including its hero The Chosen One. Imagine Lord Of The Rings meets Star Wars with paradiddles, Flying Vs and a drum riser the size of the average Channel Island.

The sheer grandness of scope intimidates, but the album includes many classic-sounding Dream Theater songs, including The Gift Of Music, Act Of Fayth and A Life Left Behind. You won’t appreciate The Astonishing’s depth, value or melodic content during a single sitting, but rest assured – it’s a grower.

Is that legit what it said? You could have written that review without even listening to the album. :lol
Act of Faythe is absolutely amazing tho.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 08, 2016, 02:38:10 AM
I'd never thought I see the day when people highlighted a ballad on a DT album in front of other more technical tracks ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 08, 2016, 02:43:24 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 08, 2016, 02:38:10 AM
I'd never thought I see the day when people highlighted a ballad on a DT album in front of other more technical tracks ;)

Man, I haven't heard a ballad I've liked from DT this much since possibly SDOIT days. It's beautiful, and downright epic, and different to anything they've done in a while. That kind of strong melodic songwriting is what excites me about this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 08, 2016, 02:46:35 AM
Why is the album not in my hands yet.... everyting you two say makes me more eager to hear it.
Three weeks left... 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 08, 2016, 02:54:54 AM
Actually is less than 3 weeks because it will leak anyway. Either 2 or 4 days before the release date it will leak. Its inevitable.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 08, 2016, 03:06:37 AM
We don't talk about leaks here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 08, 2016, 03:18:17 AM
Not going to listen until I can follow the lyrics in the booklet...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 08, 2016, 03:24:11 AM
Yeah, that's actually one of the things that are hard with promos - they rarely have artwork and lyrics. So when *BLEEP* *BLEEPS* *BLEEP*, I can't quite grasp -exactly- who *BLEEPED* who. I mean, there's obviously some intricacies here to the story that I'm missing, because I don't know if I understood it correctly when I heard that *BLEEP* on the *BLEEP*, which had such a huge effect on th *BLEEP* and I mean, that's why *BLEEP* to the *BLEEP* after they *BLEEP* and so forth.

I mean, I still don't quite get why *BLEEP* is so Astonishing...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Stray Seed on January 08, 2016, 03:48:46 AM
A question for Noxon, and for anyone who has already heard the album in its entirety.
How would you judge the story? Does it flow well, is it interesting from beginning to end? Is it well woven? And how does the setting feel? Is it deep and 'realistic' enough? We've talked a lot about the music and much less about the story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 08, 2016, 04:21:57 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 08, 2016, 03:24:11 AM
Yeah, that's actually one of the things that are hard with promos - they rarely have artwork and lyrics. So when *BLEEP* *BLEEPS* *BLEEP*, I can't quite grasp -exactly- who *BLEEPED* who. I mean, there's obviously some intricacies here to the story that I'm missing, because I don't know if I understood it correctly when I heard that *BLEEP* on the *BLEEP*, which had such a huge effect on th *BLEEP* and I mean, that's why *BLEEP* to the *BLEEP* after they *BLEEP* and so forth.

I mean, I still don't quite get why *BLEEP* is so Astonishing...

I know exactly who bleeped who.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 08, 2016, 04:23:42 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 08, 2016, 03:24:11 AM
Yeah, that's actually one of the things that are hard with promos - they rarely have artwork and lyrics. So when *BLEEP* *BLEEPS* *BLEEP*, I can't quite grasp -exactly- who *BLEEPED* who. I mean, there's obviously some intricacies here to the story that I'm missing, because I don't know if I understood it correctly when I heard that *BLEEP* on the *BLEEP*, which had such a huge effect on th *BLEEP* and I mean, that's why *BLEEP* to the *BLEEP* after they *BLEEP* and so forth.

I mean, I still don't quite get why *BLEEP* is so Astonishing...

*ahem*  see my comment the other day about cryptic teasers....

Anyway, it was clearly (Digital) Clock Guy doing the bleeping.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 08, 2016, 04:25:39 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 08, 2016, 03:24:11 AM
I mean, I still don't quite get why *BLEEP* is so Astonishing...

So the Astonishing is indeed a person and not as some would have you think an event....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 08, 2016, 04:33:15 AM
The *BLEEP* could still be the name of an event.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 08, 2016, 05:16:10 AM
The Team Rock review seems to have a similarly vague quality to the first DT12 review. Don't expect the most detailed reviews to come first. Interestingly, DT12's Team Rock Review rates higher than TA, yet the TA review claims that the album will 'reclaim the doubters'. Written by the same person as well.

Quote from: noxon on January 08, 2016, 12:20:34 AM
Yeah, im not doing a track by track this time around. It'll spoil too much of the story.

Publishing as soon as my new thing goes online, which I hope is no later than next week.

Nice, I wanted to get an overall idea of the album without plot spoilers considering the album seems to be heavy on that.

Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 08, 2016, 02:43:24 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 08, 2016, 02:38:10 AM
I'd never thought I see the day when people highlighted a ballad on a DT album in front of other more technical tracks ;)

Man, I haven't heard a ballad I've liked from DT this much since possibly SDOIT days. It's beautiful, and downright epic, and different to anything they've done in a while. That kind of strong melodic songwriting is what excites me about this album.

Goddamnit Blob, you're making me even more hyped.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 08, 2016, 05:25:39 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 08, 2016, 05:16:10 AM
Goddamnit Blob, you're making me even more hyped.  :lol

:lol Sorry, I'm just enjoying what I've heard so far a lot more than the last two albums, and I'm excited that I'm excited!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on January 08, 2016, 05:36:44 AM
(https://i.imgflip.com/dx79h.gif)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 08, 2016, 05:40:10 AM
With regards to review from the press, I would expect them to be extremely mixed this time around. A 2h10min album is a lot to get into, and when you're a professional reviewer who has to do several albums and articles per publication, digging deeply into the story and the concept will just not be your priority. Even just getting into the music will be hard. And this album, if you just "skim" it, won't reveal all its qualities. And I think a lot of reviewers in the more metal oriented magazines will struggle with it, simply because it's so different and unexpected. Prog magazines will struggle with it because it's not "technical" enough. Where it will probably score the best will be the more classic rock type magazines, and maybe even the day press actually.

I mean, this is the first album in a long time that I truly felt I could play to anyone, and they'll find something to enjoy in it, but at the same time i realize that people have come to expect something from DT, and this is so far outside of what anyone could've expected that there probably (and very sadly so) be a certain amount of negative attention to it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 08, 2016, 05:43:02 AM
Sounds like it really is something Astonishing  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 08, 2016, 05:50:43 AM
 :mehlin
 :mehlin
 :mehlin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MacClaus on January 08, 2016, 05:57:50 AM
short Review: https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dream_theater/the_astonishing/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 08, 2016, 06:00:13 AM
Quote from: MacClaus on January 08, 2016, 05:57:50 AM
short Review: https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dream_theater/the_astonishing/

I wouldn't post this since it's not official...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 08, 2016, 06:06:38 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 08, 2016, 02:43:24 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 08, 2016, 02:38:10 AM
I'd never thought I see the day when people highlighted a ballad on a DT album in front of other more technical tracks ;)

Man, I haven't heard a ballad I've liked from DT this much since possibly SDOIT days. It's beautiful, and downright epic, and different to anything they've done in a while. That kind of strong melodic songwriting is what excites me about this album.

Now this is making me excited, an epic ballad? Hell yes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 08, 2016, 06:29:44 AM
Interesting that this album seems to adress to the "most alleged" problems of DT: the lack of connection of the lyrics with the music itself and the lack of really great songs melodies. Personally I don't agree with that, just an observation.
Noxon or anyone who listened to the album, if this don't spoil too much, I'm curious about if the resemblance The Astonishing has with FII is only in the melodic aspect of that album or is it also about the groove aspect of FII. IMO FII has a rhythmic quality that no DT album after that has, and I blame Derek for that! ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 08, 2016, 06:42:42 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 08, 2016, 05:25:39 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 08, 2016, 05:16:10 AM
Goddamnit Blob, you're making me even more hyped.  :lol

:lol Sorry, I'm just enjoying what I've heard so far a lot more than the last two albums, and I'm excited that I'm excited!

You son of a bitch.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on January 08, 2016, 06:44:22 AM
Do we think there's any particular reason that the clock has been left last with such a long gap between the last character reveal?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on January 08, 2016, 06:46:57 AM
Quote from: Jinx on January 08, 2016, 06:44:22 AM
Do we think there's any particular reason that the clock has been left last with such a long gap between the last character reveal?

I'd assume it's to screw with everyone asking about it.   :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 08, 2016, 06:56:45 AM
I wonder whether there will be any ballads like TSCO with the mind blowingly epic guitar solo?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on January 08, 2016, 07:03:18 AM
Homework assignment.

Go to Megadeth's Youtube channel to check out their new song Dystopia and tell me the first thing that comes to mind in relation
to The Astonishing album  :laugh:

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 08, 2016, 07:12:18 AM
Sometimes I think people never heard about cyberpunk/dystopic themes. Floating orbs/scanners is such an old concept.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 08, 2016, 07:13:06 AM
Quote from: emtee on January 08, 2016, 07:03:18 AM
Homework assignment.

Go to Megadeth's Youtube channel to check out their new song Dystopia and tell me the first thing that comes to mind in relation
to The Astonishing album  :laugh:


Well yea the album is called Dystopia, whaddya expect.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on January 08, 2016, 07:13:14 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 08, 2016, 07:12:18 AM
Sometimes I think people never heard about cyberpunk/dystopic themes. Floating orbs/scanners is such an old concept.

Wrong answer. Did you see the video? Do you see those things flying around?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 08, 2016, 07:16:12 AM
Quote from: emtee on January 08, 2016, 07:03:18 AM
Homework assignment.

Go to Megadeth's Youtube channel to check out their new song Dystopia and tell me the first thing that comes to mind in relation
to The Astonishing album  :laugh:

Dave Mustaine can't sing and Kiko is selling himself way short?  Oh sorry, that was just the first thing that came to mind.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on January 08, 2016, 07:17:19 AM
My bad. Need more coffee. I'm obviously not into the whole scene.

Carry on...

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 08, 2016, 07:26:39 AM
Quote from: emtee on January 08, 2016, 07:13:14 AM
Wrong answer. Did you see the video? Do you see those things flying around?

They look nothing like NOMACS apart from them being flying spheres (also, the NOMACS are massive compared to them). I think the song is awesome though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 08, 2016, 07:33:00 AM
What I'm saying is that the Megadeth album vs The Astonishing comparison is coming up so many times that it seems people believe that Mustaine and Petrucci invented the concept of flying orbs and other cyberpunkity stuff.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 08, 2016, 07:34:12 AM
Though, it is kind of weird that both bands make so similar concepts at the same time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 08, 2016, 07:49:20 AM
ok.

WHERS NEWZ
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on January 08, 2016, 07:52:18 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 08, 2016, 05:16:10 AM
The Team Rock review seems to have a similarly vague quality to the first DT12 review. Don't expect the most detailed reviews to come first. Interestingly, DT12's Team Rock Review rates higher than TA, yet the TA review claims that the album will 'reclaim the doubters'. Written by the same person as well.
To explain, Team Rock is a composite website covering the Metal Hammer, Classic Rock, and Prog magazines. That review was the Metal Hammer one. I would be gobsmacked if Prog didn't do their own, longer, one as well. Classic Rock probably not as Prog was always an offshoot of that anyway.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on January 08, 2016, 07:55:00 AM
Yeah I guess I'm out of the Dystopia loop. Just odd timing that in my 53 years I've never read a book or seen a movie with flying
round objects and then within a couple weeks 2 bands that I've followed for many years go down the same path.


Sorry for wasting your time :laugh:

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 08, 2016, 07:58:12 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 08, 2016, 07:34:12 AM
Though, it is kind of weird that both bands make so similar concepts at the same time.

Would be strange of dystopian books and movies were nowhere to be seen.... but, there are quite a few ones around eh...

It's the same with Hollywood, quite often you have movies coming out in the same year that have the same basic premises.

Couple of years before The Great Debate a lot of movies came out that dealt with gene modifications. I remember one was called Gattaca. This was probably because media covered stem cell research and gene modifications a lot during the time before.

Dystopian stories are popular now possibly because we see the media covering the end of the earth as we know it.... wheather we believe it or not media covering is pretty dystopian now
Best headline of last year was - bothersome changes as the world is going under 😉

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 08, 2016, 08:04:56 AM
Yes of course it's not a completely unheard of coincidence. But even if dystopian stories are very popular, i havent seen many music albums containing flying orbs, and now two are released within a week of each other!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 08, 2016, 08:16:40 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 08, 2016, 08:04:56 AM
Yes of course it's not a completely unheard of coincidence. But even if dystopian stories are very popular, i havent seen many music albums containing flying orbs, and now two are released within a week of each other!

Maybe they have both been inspired by the movie Oblivion. I guess they both started to write the albums after Oblivion was released.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SkiFiX on January 08, 2016, 08:39:53 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 10:37:48 AM
This should be a VERY fun week.  Looking forward to it.  :corn

I already finished my popcorn... :facepalm: ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 08, 2016, 08:42:42 AM
Quote from: SkiFiX on January 08, 2016, 08:39:53 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 10:37:48 AM
This should be a VERY fun week.  Looking forward to it.  :corn

I already finished my popcorn... :facepalm: ;D

 :corn this is my 4th bag...  :sad:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 08, 2016, 08:44:50 AM
Maybe it's time to make some tonight  :corn  :corn  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 08, 2016, 08:55:47 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 08, 2016, 08:42:42 AM
Quote from: SkiFiX on January 08, 2016, 08:39:53 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 10:37:48 AM
This should be a VERY fun week.  Looking forward to it.  :corn

I already finished my popcorn... :facepalm: ;D

 :corn this is my 4th bag...  :sad:
:rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 08, 2016, 08:59:43 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 08, 2016, 01:20:40 AM
I've got a feeling that today is january 8th.
Hope I'm right.
You are a prophet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 09:04:17 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 08, 2016, 08:42:42 AM
Quote from: SkiFiX on January 08, 2016, 08:39:53 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 10:37:48 AM
This should be a VERY fun week.  Looking forward to it.  :corn

I already finished my popcorn... :facepalm: ;D

 :corn this is my 4th bag...  :sad:
:lol  Sorry.  But the week is not over yet...  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 08, 2016, 09:05:36 AM
 :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 08, 2016, 09:06:06 AM
I don't know why everyone is getting so worked up :lol

The album is out 3 weeks today. I have a full time job. Those 3 weeks will be gone in a flash.

You know what will make the wait even longer ?

Checking this thread 10 times a day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TempusVox on January 08, 2016, 09:13:12 AM
A watched pot never boils...
Or is it, Pot watching boils down to never...
Never boil a watch in a pot..
A boil never watches pot
Boiling pots never watches... watches never boil pots...boiled pot never...watching boils...pot never...ahh fuck it!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 09:15:58 AM
As an experiment, I once sat and stared a pot down during the entire heating process until it finally boiled over.  I immediately screamed "BOOYAH!" directly into the pot and triumphantly roundhouse kicked it off the stove and across the room.  ...then I had to start a new pot before I could have tea.  That was really dumb.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 08, 2016, 09:18:10 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 08, 2016, 09:06:06 AM
I don't know why everyone is getting so worked up :lol

The album is out 3 weeks today. I have a full time job. Those 3 weeks will be gone in a flash.

You know what will make the wait even longer ?

Checking this thread 10 times a day.

Actually, the wait will be the exact same length of time regardless of whether you click this thread. :)


Unless you're actually in some kind of vessel moving at near the speed of light to pass the time via time dilation, and using your computer and loading a webpage drains some power from the engines causing time to pass at a slower rate. In which case, disregard my comments and let me along for the ride through space and time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 08, 2016, 09:24:59 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 08, 2016, 09:18:10 AM
Unless you're actually in some kind of vessel moving at near the speed of light to pass the time via time dilation, and using your computer and loading a webpage drains some power from the engines causing time to pass at a slower rate. In which case, disregard my comments and let me along for the ride through space and time.
:clap:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 08, 2016, 09:28:58 AM
i actually can smell the upgrade!... it's almost here!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamerTV on January 08, 2016, 09:30:19 AM
It's not a problem and all, but you're about to release your most ambitious, and maybe complex, album ever, and your Fb account is preatty much promoting Vip packages and nothing more - except for the Rock Hard cover - twitter is just a repost from facebook, as it is Instragram, you've completely abandoned Arhys and Nefaryus Twitter accounts and the email thing, and your website (the main one) still has DT12 artwork as the background.

What i want to say is that from what "guys who have heard" seems like listeners will need to be introduced to this album by a lots of details about the story. The risk is that at the first listens, between the plot and the album, which is very long, lots of people could feel lost and the last thing i want for this album is to fail (comments on the net will come after the very first spin).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Implode on January 08, 2016, 09:41:45 AM
Does anyone have that popcorn emote with the pile of bags and popcorn?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 08, 2016, 09:48:31 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 08, 2016, 09:18:10 AM

Unless you're actually in some kind of vessel moving at near the speed of light to pass the time via time dilation, and using your computer and loading a webpage drains some power from the engines causing time to pass at a slower rate. In which case, disregard my comments and let me along for the ride through space and time.


Oh the things you'll see !!!!


1. The outdoors !!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 08, 2016, 09:49:58 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 08, 2016, 09:48:31 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 08, 2016, 09:18:10 AM

Unless you're actually in some kind of vessel moving at near the speed of light to pass the time via time dilation, and using your computer and loading a webpage drains some power from the engines causing time to pass at a slower rate. In which case, disregard my comments and let me along for the ride through space and time.


Oh the things you'll see !!!!


1. The outdoors !!

...what?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 08, 2016, 09:50:40 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 08, 2016, 09:48:31 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 08, 2016, 09:18:10 AM

Unless you're actually in some kind of vessel moving at near the speed of light to pass the time via time dilation, and using your computer and loading a webpage drains some power from the engines causing time to pass at a slower rate. In which case, disregard my comments and let me along for the ride through space and time.


Oh the things you'll see !!!!


1. The outdoors !!



No deal. I'll just wait until the 29th.


Stupid linear time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 08, 2016, 09:53:26 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 08, 2016, 09:49:58 AM

...what?

Ah you have a lot to learn about our regulars :p
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 08, 2016, 10:00:59 AM
Have you guys tried to click on the nomac's eyes on The Astonishing page?  :omg: nothing will happen
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 08, 2016, 10:01:15 AM
Quote from: DreamerTV on January 08, 2016, 09:30:19 AM
It's not a problem and all, but you're about to release your most ambitious, and maybe complex, album ever, and your Fb account is preatty much promoting Vip packages and nothing more - except for the Rock Hard cover - twitter is just a repost from facebook, as it is Instragram, you've completely abandoned Arhys and Nefaryus Twitter accounts and the email thing, and your website (the main one) still has DT12 artwork as the background.

Agreed. After the fantastic Rolling Stone "reveal" I am kind of surprised how they are handling things so far. Not that it in any way detracts from their music, but it just seems a bit odd to me after the initial hype period.

Also, since I saw it mentioned somewhere in this thread; I dislike how they treat vinyl this time around, I have to pay about three times the amount I paid for their previous albums and Score, which is also 4 LP's, cost me only about ten bucks more than their regular releases. I mean, I get why the new album is more expansive than that and all, but this is ridiculous. Iron Maiden's 3-LP album Book of Souls with nice packaging and dedicated vinyl mastering cost me about 35 dollars, so yeah...

That said, I am hyped! Everything so far sounds great. Concept sounds silly, but many concept albums sound silly on paper. I'll let the performance speak for it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 08, 2016, 10:02:54 AM
Quote from: CDrice on January 08, 2016, 10:00:59 AM
Have you guys tried to click on the nomac's eyes on The Astonishing page?  :omg: nothing will happen
No, never once thought of it since they made that page, what a great idea, maybe they're clickable!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 08, 2016, 10:10:50 AM
Man, you're expecting too much! I remember a time when the only way I could discover a new album was by going to the store and suddenly seeing it there on the shelves.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 08, 2016, 10:16:38 AM
That seems so strange, not knowing that your favourite bands are releasing albums. Was there no way to find out? No magazines writing about upcoming albums and such?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 10:17:54 AM
Quote from: ErHaO on January 08, 2016, 10:01:15 AM
After the fantastic Rolling Stone "reveal" I am kind of surprised how they are handling things so far.

What do you mean, "how they are handling things?"  Who is "they" and how are they not "handling things" properly?  ???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 08, 2016, 10:19:12 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 08, 2016, 10:02:54 AM
Quote from: CDrice on January 08, 2016, 10:00:59 AM
Have you guys tried to click on the nomac's eyes on The Astonishing page?  :omg: nothing will happen
No, never once thought of it since they made that page, what a great idea, maybe they're clickable!

That's also what I naught... I mean thought. Anyway, while the clock is ticking and the updates have dialed down, there's still 3 weeks left. I think that leaves enough time for us to watch the band hype the new album
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 08, 2016, 10:24:28 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 08, 2016, 10:16:38 AM
That seems so strange, not knowing that your favourite bands are releasing albums. Was there no way to find out? No magazines writing about upcoming albums and such?

I remember that period very well... the man working in the record store I went to could sometimes tell you a week or so in advance that an album was coming but mostly you knew when you saw it in the store. Taking it to the listening post and giving it a first spin right then and there...

Good times....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MegaDTSX on January 08, 2016, 10:26:17 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 08, 2016, 08:59:43 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 08, 2016, 01:20:40 AM
I've got a feeling that today is january 8th.
Hope I'm right.
You are a prophet.


You could say he's....Astonishing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: James.v6 on January 08, 2016, 11:03:04 AM
Quote from: MegaDTSX on January 08, 2016, 10:26:17 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 08, 2016, 08:59:43 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 08, 2016, 01:20:40 AM
I've got a feeling that today is january 8th.
Hope I'm right.
You are a prophet.


You could say he's....Astonishing.
You are THE Astonishing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 08, 2016, 11:04:28 AM
Quote from: MegaDTSX on January 08, 2016, 10:26:17 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 08, 2016, 08:59:43 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 08, 2016, 01:20:40 AM
I've got a feeling that today is january 8th.
Hope I'm right.
You are a prophet.


You could say he's....Astonishing.
Well, YOU could say that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 08, 2016, 11:05:55 AM
I haven't had you yet so I can't say Hef.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 08, 2016, 11:18:21 AM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 08, 2016, 11:05:55 AM
I haven't had you yet so I can't say Hef.
You've had me.

In your dreams.

But enough about that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MegaDTSX on January 08, 2016, 11:25:07 AM
I just wanted to take a moment to thank the guys that have been allowed to listen to the reviewable/promo copies of the album earlier than the rest of us.

You guys have done a great job of containing yourselves and holding back information you cannot reveal, despite many of us trying to pick your brain for stuff.  It would be super tempting to just share info to discuss what you've heard and you've all done a great job keeping it in and revealing what ever little things you are allowed to reveal.


Great job!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 08, 2016, 11:30:47 AM
And tomorrow is saturday. January 9th.


(https://s27.postimg.org/65054h1z7/la_realta_di_adam_kadmon.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on January 08, 2016, 11:32:19 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 08, 2016, 11:30:47 AM
And tomorrow is saturday. January 9th.


(https://s27.postimg.org/65054h1z7/la_realta_di_adam_kadmon.jpg)

You're kidding..?! I thought it was Thursday January 7th yesterday!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 08, 2016, 12:00:40 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 10:17:54 AM
Quote from: ErHaO on January 08, 2016, 10:01:15 AM
After the fantastic Rolling Stone "reveal" I am kind of surprised how they are handling things so far.

What do you mean, "how they are handling things?"  Who is "they" and how are they not "handling things" properly?  ???


Oh, just the quote I replied to. It doesn't really bother me or anything, but I guess with the way they revealed it my expectations were just different. I did not mean this like the release build-up is bad or anything, nor where my expectations sky high, but after setting the stages, certain marketing things just felt a bit underutilized to me I guess (twitter, the voting). Not anything major, however. But maybe that is because I sometimes also follow releases in other media, such as games, series and film  (they are different for obvious reasons though, I know  ;)). And I rarely actively follow CD releases to this extent. The website is cool though, and I like that they gave each character a reveal.

And in regards of DTF: the people in this thread do make me look forward to this a lot!

The only thing that does bother me is the vinyl release, since that is the standard format of me and it seems to be very popular nowadays (a lot of  record stores here have vinyl sections outgrowing CD sections).  That and I hope they do not suddenly announce a better sounding version on HD tracks after the fact, like last time (and before that as well? can't remember). Though I do not buy HD tracks myself.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on January 08, 2016, 12:01:36 PM
Quote from: millahh on January 08, 2016, 06:46:57 AM
Quote from: Jinx on January 08, 2016, 06:44:22 AM
Do we think there's any particular reason that the clock has been left last with such a long gap between the last character reveal?

I'd assume it's to screw with everyone asking about it.   :biggrin:

 :rollin

Clock guy may be Neil Peart - Clockwork Angels
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: nattmorker on January 08, 2016, 01:24:17 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 08, 2016, 09:18:10 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 08, 2016, 09:06:06 AM
I don't know why everyone is getting so worked up :lol

The album is out 3 weeks today. I have a full time job. Those 3 weeks will be gone in a flash.

You know what will make the wait even longer ?

Checking this thread 10 times a day.

Actually, the wait will be the exact same length of time regardless of whether you click this thread. :)


Unless you're actually in some kind of vessel moving at near the speed of light to pass the time via time dilation, and using your computer and loading a webpage drains some power from the engines causing time to pass at a slower rate. In which case, disregard my comments and let me along for the ride through space and time.

Or if loading this thread in your computer makes you closer to a super massive black hole in which case the time will pass slower.  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 08, 2016, 01:36:30 PM
Things must be really bad if the tightly regulated what we know so far thread has also derailed into panty/pastey conversations.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 08, 2016, 01:43:20 PM
Besides the final character, map piece, and the two locked videos on The Astonishing's page, I expect nothing else to be released before January 29th. I feel like these expectations will produce the best results.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dream75 on January 08, 2016, 01:51:15 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 09:04:17 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 08, 2016, 08:42:42 AM
Quote from: SkiFiX on January 08, 2016, 08:39:53 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 10:37:48 AM
This should be a VERY fun week.  Looking forward to it.  :corn

I already finished my popcorn... :facepalm: ;D

 :corn this is my 4th bag...  :sad:
:lol  Sorry.  But the week is not over yet...  :corn


Another day without news !!! The week is over now  :facepalm: :tdwn :censored
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 08, 2016, 01:59:11 PM
Quote from: dream75 on January 08, 2016, 01:51:15 PM
Another day without news !!! The week is over now  :facepalm: :tdwn :censored

Still 3 hours of Friday left here (8 hours in NY, where DT are based), and Saturday and Sunday too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on January 08, 2016, 02:01:44 PM
Well seeing as the 9th (tomorrow of course) is the day that those various magazines go on sale I truly believe that the floodgates of info will open on here and on the TA site too  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 08, 2016, 02:07:34 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 08, 2016, 02:01:44 PM
Well seeing as the 9th (tomorrow of course) is the day that those various magazines go on sale I truly believe that the floodgates of info will open on here and on the TA site too  :tup

Yeah, I think that makes sense.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on January 08, 2016, 02:26:50 PM
Quote from: dream75 on January 08, 2016, 01:51:15 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 09:04:17 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 08, 2016, 08:42:42 AM
Quote from: SkiFiX on January 08, 2016, 08:39:53 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 04, 2016, 10:37:48 AM
This should be a VERY fun week.  Looking forward to it.  :corn

I already finished my popcorn... :facepalm: ;D

 :corn this is my 4th bag...  :sad:
:lol  Sorry.  But the week is not over yet...  :corn


Another day without news !!! The week is over now  :facepalm: :tdwn :censored

I hope nothing major has happened and that the album's release is not affected. If some updates haven't happened as they were originally scheduled, that can also mean that we could get them in shorter timespans in between for the next couple of weeks leading up to release date.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 02:36:47 PM
Yeah, it's hard to say.  The schedule has been fluid and has changed repeatedly (as it was designed to do), but has stayed fairly close to schedule most of the time.  But there actually was something specifically scheduled for today, so I am surprised it has not happened.  I would keep eyes opened next week though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 08, 2016, 02:37:32 PM
 5:43:57... that number!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 08, 2016, 02:40:57 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 02:36:47 PM
Yeah, it's hard to say.  The schedule has been fluid and has changed repeatedly (as it was designed to do), but has stayed fairly close to schedule most of the time.  But there actually was something specifically scheduled for today, so I am surprised it has not happened.  I would keep eyes opened next week though.

Well, today is not over yet is it?     :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on January 08, 2016, 02:44:07 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 02:36:47 PM
   I would keep eyes opened next week though.

We've heard that before!

:neverusethis:


Seriously, I am really looking forward to this album. The anticipated use of James' range, piano, etc..have me very pumped.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 02:45:16 PM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on January 08, 2016, 02:40:57 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 02:36:47 PM
Yeah, it's hard to say.  The schedule has been fluid and has changed repeatedly (as it was designed to do), but has stayed fairly close to schedule most of the time.  But there actually was something specifically scheduled for today, so I am surprised it has not happened.  I would keep eyes opened next week though.

Well, today is not over yet is it?     :corn

No, but it's close to 5:00 p.m. on the East Coast, so I doubt we will get anything today if it hasn't happened yet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 08, 2016, 02:47:14 PM
Quote from: TAC on January 08, 2016, 02:44:07 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 02:36:47 PM
   I would keep eyes opened next week though.

We've heard that before!

:neverusethis:


Seriously, I am really looking forward to this album. The anticipated use of James' range, piano, etc..have me very pumped.

Jacked and pumped?  Lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on January 08, 2016, 02:50:53 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 08, 2016, 02:47:14 PM
Quote from: TAC on January 08, 2016, 02:44:07 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 02:36:47 PM
   I would keep eyes opened next week though.

We've heard that before!

:neverusethis:


Seriously, I am really looking forward to this album. The anticipated use of James' range, piano, etc..have me very pumped.

Jacked and pumped?  Lol

(https://nesncom.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/6a0115709f071f970b017d3cb97cbc970c.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 08, 2016, 02:55:11 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 02:45:16 PM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on January 08, 2016, 02:40:57 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 02:36:47 PM
Yeah, it's hard to say.  The schedule has been fluid and has changed repeatedly (as it was designed to do), but has stayed fairly close to schedule most of the time.  But there actually was something specifically scheduled for today, so I am surprised it has not happened.  I would keep eyes opened next week though.

Well, today is not over yet is it?     :corn

No, but it's close to 5:00 p.m. on the East Coast, so I doubt we will get anything today if it hasn't happened yet.

(https://41.media.tumblr.com/7388c62dbb9601713a5196b7dc50a4ac/tumblr_o08p6aY4ox1u7lctbo1_500.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on January 08, 2016, 03:00:54 PM
I'm a noob when it comes to bying CD's and such (I've never bought a CD in my life before, lol). Those ''HD tracks'' are something I've never heard before. I always thought when you buy CD, it's the best sounding version possible, and it's always better than listening to it on youtube, and such. But wait, you're telling me if you buy regular CD, you're actually not getting the best sounding version possible, or what? I'm confused now :S
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Lucien on January 08, 2016, 03:03:13 PM
Quote from: Pax on January 08, 2016, 03:00:54 PM
I'm a noob when it comes to bying CD's and such (I've never bought a CD in my life before, lol). Those ''HD tracks'' are something I've never heard before. I always thought when you buy CD, it's the best sounding version possible, and it's always better than listening to it on youtube, and such. But wait, you're telling me if you buy regular CD, you're actually not getting the best sounding version possible, or what? I'm confused now :S

Well, there's definitely a reason why people say vinyls have better quality sound than CDs. Think about that
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 08, 2016, 03:27:11 PM
Quote from: Pax on January 08, 2016, 03:00:54 PM
I'm a noob when it comes to bying CD's and such (I've never bought a CD in my life before, lol). Those ''HD tracks'' are something I've never heard before. I always thought when you buy CD, it's the best sounding version possible, and it's always better than listening to it on youtube, and such. But wait, you're telling me if you buy regular CD, you're actually not getting the best sounding version possible, or what? I'm confused now :S

Well, the HDtracks versions usually have a different mastering applied, so they sound more dynamic. They could release the same master on CDs, but the HDtracks is one more way to get more money out of the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 08, 2016, 03:29:48 PM
CDs should really be the best sound but then Death Magnetic.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 08, 2016, 03:31:16 PM
(https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--EYwkXpOU--/c_scale,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/1944e8i53dgfkjpg.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 08, 2016, 03:32:17 PM
Quote from: Lucien on January 08, 2016, 03:03:13 PM


Well, there's definitely a reason why people say vinyls have better quality sound than CDs. Think about that


... but just because people say that, it doesn't actually make it true by any stretch of the imagination
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 08, 2016, 03:33:22 PM
Quote from: nikatapi on January 08, 2016, 03:27:11 PM
Well, the HDtracks versions usually have a different mastering applied, so they sound more dynamic. They could release the same master on CDs, but the HDtracks is one more way to get more money out of the album.

Is there even a need for it this time around though? IIRC Blob said a few pages ago that one of the heaviest songs on the album had a dynamic range of DR8, which is pretty high by today's standards.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 08, 2016, 03:35:22 PM
Other than the way James changes character, I'm most curious about JP's solos. I missed a beautiful and emotional Octavarium like solo in the last record. Something along the lines of Goodnight Kiss would also be great.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 08, 2016, 03:36:52 PM
It's one more way for a revenue stream.   Think of it this way.  You see the new Star Wars in the theater then you see it again in IMAX 3D.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 08, 2016, 03:54:00 PM
 :censored :censored :censored >:( >:(  Can the moderator be banned for getting our hopes up?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 08, 2016, 04:05:51 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 08, 2016, 03:32:17 PM
Quote from: Lucien on January 08, 2016, 03:03:13 PM


Well, there's definitely a reason why people say vinyls have better quality sound than CDs. Think about that


... but just because people say that, it doesn't actually make it true by any stretch of the imagination


We covered this on my music degree. CDs don't bother with the frequencies that humans can't hear ( 20hz-20,000hz ).

Records do have these freqs and they resonate sympathetically with the audible freqs making vinyl appear warmer to us.

But CD doesn't wear out over time or get dirty etc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TL on January 08, 2016, 04:07:15 PM
Quote from: Lucien on January 08, 2016, 03:03:13 PM
Quote from: Pax on January 08, 2016, 03:00:54 PM
I'm a noob when it comes to bying CD's and such (I've never bought a CD in my life before, lol). Those ''HD tracks'' are something I've never heard before. I always thought when you buy CD, it's the best sounding version possible, and it's always better than listening to it on youtube, and such. But wait, you're telling me if you buy regular CD, you're actually not getting the best sounding version possible, or what? I'm confused now :S

Well, there's definitely a reason why people say vinyls have better quality sound than CDs. Think about that

CD is capable of sounding better than vinyl.
The thing is, many of the mixing/mastering decisions that make CDs sound bad literally can't be done on vinyl. Digital makes it possible to crank the volume well past the natural limits. If you used a master like that on vinyl, the needle would literally jump out of the groove. Vinyl basically forces the use of a decent mastering, or at least one that isn't over compressed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dparrott on January 08, 2016, 04:34:07 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 08, 2016, 04:05:51 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 08, 2016, 03:32:17 PM
Quote from: Lucien on January 08, 2016, 03:03:13 PM


Well, there's definitely a reason why people say vinyls have better quality sound than CDs. Think about that


... but just because people say that, it doesn't actually make it true by any stretch of the imagination


We covered this on my music degree. CDs don't bother with the frequencies that humans can't hear ( 20hz-20,000hz ).

Records do have these freqs and they resonate sympathetically with the audible freqs making vinyl appear warmer to us.

But CD doesn't wear out over time or get dirty etc.

Didn't we already establish the fact that, aside from mastering, HD tracks are just a marketing gimmick?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 08, 2016, 05:30:07 PM
I gotta say, when you're drunk as shit as I am right now, this thread is really confusing to read through.

The Achtunganshing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 08, 2016, 05:31:43 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 08, 2016, 05:30:07 PM
I gotta say, when you're drunk as shit as I am right now, this thread is really confusing to read through.

The Achtunganshing.

You should quote and interpret for us right now some of the posts.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 08, 2016, 05:33:53 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 08, 2016, 05:30:07 PM
I gotta say, when you're drunk as shit as I am right now, this thread is really confusing to read through.

The Achtunganshing.

Eintritt verboten?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 08, 2016, 05:35:48 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 08, 2016, 05:30:07 PM
I gotta say, when you're drunk as shit as I am right now, this thread is really confusing to read through.

The Achtunganshing.

Whahíbrido Pickingant
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 08, 2016, 06:03:59 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 08, 2016, 05:31:43 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 08, 2016, 05:30:07 PM
I gotta say, when you're drunk as shit as I am right now, this thread is really confusing to read through.

The Achtunganshing.

You should quote and interpret for us right now some of the posts.

You got it.

Quote from: kingshmegland on January 08, 2016, 03:36:52 PM
It's one more way for a revenue stream.   Think of it this way.  You see the new Star Wars in the theater then you see it again in IMAX 3D.

This is obvouxly a metaphore for modern western consumerism.

Quote from: noxon on January 08, 2016, 03:32:17 PM
Quote from: Lucien on January 08, 2016, 03:03:13 PM


Well, there's definitely a reason why people say vinyls have better quality sound than CDs. Think about that


... but just because people say that, it doesn't actually make it true by any stretch of the imagination

This is a comment on the lmitations of human imagination. Deep shit.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 08, 2016, 06:05:01 PM
 :lol

Perfect!!  Do more!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on January 08, 2016, 06:17:19 PM
Don't do it, BlackInk. It's a :tiojorge:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 08, 2016, 06:17:45 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 08, 2016, 10:17:54 AM
Quote from: ErHaO on January 08, 2016, 10:01:15 AM
After the fantastic Rolling Stone "reveal" I am kind of surprised how they are handling things so far.

What do you mean, "how they are handling things?"  Who is "they" and how are they not "handling things" properly?  ???

Exactly 50% or 6his sentence is in quotation marks, indicating a lack of self-confidence and ability to exprtess yourself using your own words.

Quote from: nikatapi on January 08, 2016, 03:27:11 PM
Well, the HDtracks versions usually have a different mastering applied, so they sound more dynamic. They could release the same master on CDs, but the HDtracks is one more way to get more money out of the album.

Thisa post is made by a greek guy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on January 08, 2016, 06:18:51 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 08, 2016, 06:25:13 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 08, 2016, 06:17:45 PM

Quote from: nikatapi on January 08, 2016, 03:27:11 PM
Well, the HDtracks versions usually have a different mastering applied, so they sound more dynamic. They could release the same master on CDs, but the HDtracks is one more way to get more money out of the album.

Thisa post is made by a greek guy.

That's true :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on January 08, 2016, 06:25:55 PM
BlackInk, you need to join the drink tread in GD...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 08, 2016, 06:29:58 PM
Quote from: nikatapi on January 08, 2016, 06:25:13 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 08, 2016, 06:17:45 PM

Quote from: nikatapi on January 08, 2016, 03:27:11 PM
Well, the HDtracks versions usually have a different mastering applied, so they sound more dynamic. They could release the same master on CDs, but the HDtracks is one more way to get more money out of the album.

Thisa post is made by a greek guy.

That's true :lol

Obviously. I'm rarely wrong
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on January 08, 2016, 06:38:36 PM
Do we know if the standard double cd will have the lyrics?  Also, this talk about the cd got me thinking, is the standard cd sound better than iTunes download to a cd?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on January 08, 2016, 06:39:52 PM
So... has something happened on these last 50 pages? Besides speculation, character/map reveals, and noxon teasing us  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 08, 2016, 06:52:28 PM
This has been the most entertaining couple of pages of this thread.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 08, 2016, 07:15:04 PM
Come on DT, give us a video or SOMETHING!!!!!  :censored

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ToT-147 on January 08, 2016, 07:22:35 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 08, 2016, 05:30:07 PM
I gotta say, when you're drunk as shit as I am right now, this thread is really confusing to read through.

This thread doesn't need anybody to be drunk to get lost within it..

Quote from: mike099 on January 08, 2016, 06:38:36 PM
Do we know if the standard double cd will have the lyrics?

Why shouldn't have them?..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 08, 2016, 08:07:50 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 08, 2016, 05:35:48 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 08, 2016, 05:30:07 PM
I gotta say, when you're drunk as shit as I am right now, this thread is really confusing to read through.

The Achtunganshing.

Whahíbrido Pickingant

You're all drunk on Whahíbrido Pickingant. And the only cure, is more Astonishing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 08, 2016, 08:16:27 PM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on January 08, 2016, 08:07:50 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 08, 2016, 05:35:48 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 08, 2016, 05:30:07 PM
I gotta say, when you're drunk as shit as I am right now, this thread is really confusing to read through.

The Achtunganshing.

Whahíbrido Pickingant

You're all drunk on Whahíbrido Pickingant. And the only cure, is more Astonishing.
The whole Whahíbrido Pickingant thing has really gotten to a point of making me :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on January 08, 2016, 09:16:28 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 08, 2016, 07:22:35 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 08, 2016, 05:30:07 PM
I gotta say, when you're drunk as shit as I am right now, this thread is really confusing to read through.

This thread doesn't need anybody to be drunk to get lost within it..

Quote from: mike099 on January 08, 2016, 06:38:36 PM
Do we know if the standard double cd will have the lyrics?

Why shouldn't have them?..

I meant the written lyrics.  It seems like a lot of the cds now do not have a lyric sheet in a booklet with the cd
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ToT-147 on January 08, 2016, 10:02:02 PM
Quote from: mike099 on January 08, 2016, 09:16:28 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 08, 2016, 07:22:35 PM
Quote from: mike099 on January 08, 2016, 06:38:36 PM
Do we know if the standard double cd will have the lyrics?

Why shouldn't have them?..

I meant the written lyrics.  It seems like a lot of the cds now do not have a lyric sheet in a booklet with the cd

But DT's have always had one.. I don't see them not doing it this time just for the amount of lyrics.. Think of SDoIT.. They'll only have to add some more pages I suppose..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 08, 2016, 10:41:07 PM
DT albums always have lyrics, and this album is dependent on the lyrics more than usual, for knowing which characters are speaking and understanding the story etc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 09, 2016, 04:00:23 AM
Quote from: mike099 on January 08, 2016, 09:16:28 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 08, 2016, 07:22:35 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 08, 2016, 05:30:07 PM
I gotta say, when you're drunk as shit as I am right now, this thread is really confusing to read through.

This thread doesn't need anybody to be drunk to get lost within it..

Quote from: mike099 on January 08, 2016, 06:38:36 PM
Do we know if the standard double cd will have the lyrics?

Why shouldn't have them?..

I meant the written lyrics.  It seems like a lot of the cds now do not have a lyric sheet in a booklet with the cd

Which CDs do you buy? all my CDs of all kind and genre has lyrics. Only Helloween didn't on one of their recent records and on their website they gave away for free a PDF of the lyrics. I also remember Metallica's Load didn't have them, 'cause they thought photos of them with short hair were more interesting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 09, 2016, 04:06:30 AM
Well my Pomegranate Tiger CD doesn't have lyrics, just some bogus story about how Martin thanks his family and fans for the support :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 09, 2016, 04:08:48 AM
Tool have never included lyrics.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 09, 2016, 04:29:24 AM
Has anyone read the Rock Hard France review released today?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: James.v6 on January 09, 2016, 05:04:20 AM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 09, 2016, 04:29:24 AM
Has anyone read the Rock Hard France review released today?
Do you have a link please ? I can't find it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 09, 2016, 05:16:29 AM
If anyone has the magazine, it'd be nice if they would tell us what is said in the interview.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 09, 2016, 05:25:10 AM
Opeth's Watershed doesn't have lyrics as we'll...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hadi-persian on January 09, 2016, 05:32:14 AM
roadrunner records italia said in 1/8/2016:We offer to 10 of you the opportunity to hear a preview of the new album of Dream Theater in an exclusive listening session on 18 January!
Send an email to info.rritaly@gmail.com-subject "Dream Theater listening session" - indicating your data (name, surname) and attach proof of purchase of the preorder on store forecasts (Itunes, Amazon... https://lnk.to/DTTheAstonishing) "the astonishing".
The 10 lucky people will be contacted by e-mail.
You have until 24:00 pm on Thursday 14 January!
The listening session will take place at the offices of Warner music in Milan.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AleBl4st on January 09, 2016, 05:36:16 AM
Come on french guys :laugh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 09, 2016, 05:37:12 AM
Come on brothers in France! We are waiting!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hadi-persian on January 09, 2016, 05:38:38 AM
 i wanna listen first Act 1.and two month later i'll listen the act 2. but the album is conceptual.this is not my problem. after act one i'm waiting 2 month and i write the B.S concept about astonishing.(Riff/solo/lyrics)but not as JP riffs or solo.i'm releasing ACT 2 in 29th march by myself.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 05:42:07 AM
Good luck :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 09, 2016, 05:45:40 AM
I'm downloading the magazine through the App Store app. I don't know French but I'll figure out a way to translate it maybe.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AleBl4st on January 09, 2016, 05:49:22 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 09, 2016, 05:45:40 AM
I'm downloading the magazine through the App Store app. I don't know French but I'll figure out a way to translate it maybe.

Great, thank you! If you're in trouble I may help you somehow (Well I'm italian but I can speak a bit of french)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 09, 2016, 05:49:30 AM
5 full pages of interview!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 09, 2016, 05:57:28 AM
Quote from: hadi-persian on January 09, 2016, 05:38:38 AM
i wanna listen first Act 1.and two month later i'll listen the act 2. but the album is conceptual.this is not my problem. after act one i'm waiting 2 month and i write the B.S concept about astonishing.(Riff/solo/lyrics)but not as JP riffs or solo.i'm releasing ACT 2 in 29th march by myself.

You will not succeed in doing this.

Quote from: Panar on January 09, 2016, 05:45:40 AM
I'm downloading the magazine through the App Store app. I don't know French but I'll figure out a way to translate it maybe.

Just use Google Translate.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 09, 2016, 06:09:18 AM
Mixing lasted 2 months.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 09, 2016, 06:31:58 AM
I converted the image to text with OCR and then I paste it to google translate but the translation is so bad that is nearly unreadable
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 09, 2016, 06:42:40 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 09, 2016, 06:31:58 AM
I converted the image to text with OCR and then I paste it to google translate but the translation is so bad that is nearly unreadable
I think is better in french than translated with google translate!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 09, 2016, 06:43:23 AM
Downloaded it and read it with my limited knowledge of french.
Long and nice interview but not much new information that I could find. It was done before mixing was finished.

JP wrote the background story and all lyrics. JR & JP wrote the music together. Giving half finished ideas for David Campbell to embellish for the orchestra and choir.

The tour will be just the five of them. The story will be told visually on screen and possibly with things happening on stage. They considered touring with an orchestra but it would be logistically and financially problematic.

No finite plans for recording a show yet but if they do they would like to do it full scale with orchestra and choir.

Plans for the future are not set. They could do a "garage band" recording a normal DT album or a continuation of the Astonishing story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 09, 2016, 06:54:20 AM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on January 09, 2016, 06:43:23 AM
Downloaded it and read it with my limited knowledge of french.
Long and nice interview but not much new information that I could find. It was done before mixing was finished.

JP wrote the background story and all lyrics. JR & JP wrote the music together. Giving half finished ideas for David Campbell to embellish for the orchestra and choir.

The tour will be just the five of them. The story will be told visually on screen and possibly with things happening on stage. They considered touring with an orchestra but it would be logistically and financially problematic.

No finite plans for recording a show yet but if they do they would like to do it full scale with orchestra and choir.

Plans for the future are not set. They could do a "garage band" recording a normal DT album or a continuation of the Astonishing story.
Interesting the part that talks about the shows... No orchestra and... no choir I imagine...
Next album a continuation of The Astonishing story?!!? :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 09, 2016, 06:55:07 AM
They didn't reviewed the album?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 09, 2016, 06:58:54 AM
Quote from: ericoml on January 09, 2016, 06:55:07 AM
They didn't reviewed the album?

Nope... an interview done before mixing was done. One question was about the length of the album. JP did not know but guessed 2:15.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 09, 2016, 07:04:57 AM
And apparently they listened to the 9 track promo disc...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on January 09, 2016, 07:11:35 AM
I wonder if they written all their post-portnoy albums like that (JP+JR writing the music alone) or if that was done specifically with this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 09, 2016, 07:13:39 AM
Hey guys, I'm French and I'm an English teacher, so I could translate the article for you ;) (I already sent a PM to Panar). You could get the translation by 6-7 PM (GMT + 1)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 09, 2016, 07:18:47 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on January 09, 2016, 07:11:35 AM
I wonder if they written all their post-portnoy albums like that (JP+JR writing the music alone) or if that was done specifically with this album.

ADToE and DT12 were written in the studio with all members contributing to the process (though many ideas were taken from previous jams).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 09, 2016, 07:25:24 AM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 09, 2016, 07:13:39 AM
Hey guys, I'm French and I'm an English teacher, so I could translate the article for you ;) (I already sent a PM to Panar). You could get the translation by 6-7 PM (GMT + 1)

 :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 09, 2016, 07:41:17 AM
Quote from: ericoml on January 09, 2016, 07:25:24 AM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 09, 2016, 07:13:39 AM
Hey guys, I'm French and I'm an English teacher, so I could translate the article for you ;) (I already sent a PM to Panar). You could get the translation by 6-7 PM (GMT + 1)

 :metal

THANK YOU!!!!!!!  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 08:11:01 AM
Dt14 = St. Anger.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 09, 2016, 08:13:29 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 08:11:01 AM
Dt14 = St. Anger.

WHAT!? I LOVE ST. ANGER!!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: millahh on January 09, 2016, 08:16:19 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 08:11:01 AM
Dt14 = St. Anger.

After that, let's see if anyone ever bitches about MM's drum sounds on aDToE or DT12 again!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on January 09, 2016, 09:00:54 AM
MM throws his snare to garbage and take metal plate to hit instead.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Onno on January 09, 2016, 09:07:11 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 09, 2016, 08:13:29 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 08:11:01 AM
Dt14 = St. Anger.

WHAT!? I LOVE ST. ANGER!!!!!
Well, you'd have nothing to complain about then, would you?  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 09:09:11 AM
All joking aside I actually do really enjoy St Anger in small doses.

It's a perfect album to listen to when you're in a foul mood. That or Iowa by SlipKnot.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 09, 2016, 09:10:32 AM
I always thought many of the songs on St. Anger were quite good, just a bit too long for their content.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 09:14:47 AM
The one thing SA has over DM is energy in the performances. Lars - despite the shoddy drum sound - is a beast on that album. Some of his most creative drum work ever.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: goo-goo on January 09, 2016, 09:32:49 AM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on January 09, 2016, 06:43:23 AM

JP wrote the background story and all lyrics. JR & JP wrote the music together. Giving half finished ideas for David Campbell to embellish for the orchestra and choir.



Disappointed by the lack of JLB/JM lyrics :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on January 09, 2016, 09:42:10 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 09:14:47 AM
The one thing SA has over DM is energy in the performances. Lars - despite the shoddy drum sound - is a beast on that album. Some of his most creative drum work ever.

If it wasn't for the bad production, bad drum sound, and bad singing, St. Anger would be an amazing album. The music is great if not overly long, the lyrics are great, and as you said the energy is awesome. I still vastly prefer Death Magnetic, but I think St. Anger is awesome.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 09:42:13 AM
I was never into JM lyrics :dunno:


The lyrics to Fatal Tragedy are no better or worse than anything else on SFAM...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 09, 2016, 09:44:31 AM
Quote from: goo-goo on January 09, 2016, 09:32:49 AM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on January 09, 2016, 06:43:23 AM

JP wrote the background story and all lyrics. JR & JP wrote the music together. Giving half finished ideas for David Campbell to embellish for the orchestra and choir.



Disappointed by the lack of JLB/JM lyrics :-\
Me too... :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 09, 2016, 09:47:31 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 09:42:13 AM
I was never into JM lyrics :dunno:


The lyrics to Fatal Tragedy are no better or worse than anything else on SFAM...

That's not a very representative song given that he was restricted to a narrow part of a story, which doesn't seem like something that works for JM's creative process and writing style. That said, I don't think he's significantly better than anyone else in the band for lyrics.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 09:51:16 AM
I think people like JMs lyrics as they tend to be more deep and poetic.

Which doesn't necessarily mean they're better.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 09, 2016, 09:57:22 AM
I was hoping that Petrucci would have explained the story to other lyricists (well, at least James) so that he could have a go with a couple of songs... anyway, "sequel" to the album? 34 songs for 130+ minutes of music and still they haven't told the whole story?  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 09, 2016, 10:02:18 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 09, 2016, 09:57:22 AM
I was hoping that Petrucci would have explained the story to other lyricists (well, at least James) so that he could have a go with a couple of songs... anyway, "sequel" to the album? 34 songs for 130+ minutes of music and still they haven't told the whole story?  :biggrin:

I was expecting that with 130+ minutes of music, he'd have to delegate some lyrical duties for sure, so that's a huge workload for one person, on top of writing the music too.
The album is good movie length, so that should well and truly be able to tell the whole story. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 09, 2016, 10:13:28 AM
I enjoy Myung's lyrical writing.  The only one I like better is JP, and that includes past and present.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 09, 2016, 10:20:07 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 09, 2016, 09:57:22 AM
I was hoping that Petrucci would have explained the story to other lyricists (well, at least James) so that he could have a go with a couple of songs... anyway, "sequel" to the album? 34 songs for 130+ minutes of music and still they haven't told the whole story?  :biggrin:

The Astonishing, Pt. 2: Scenes From a Dystopia!?

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on January 09, 2016, 10:31:57 AM
I'm sure some legend did an amazing remix of St Anger where they actually rerecorded the drums and edited some of the songs... it was great...

I'm just going to google it right now...

Oh no wait, I got it wrong, they actually just redid the entire album as a band... the vocals are fine and don't sound that different to James. The drums are much better but could sound even better (think the snare is triggered?)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU-UI3_6HcM
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 09, 2016, 10:33:48 AM
Here are the main facts (if you need a complete translation, it'll take some time) I have from the first page.

So you were right, they did listen to the 9 tracks and the interview was done with JP.
The beginning of the interview is about the terrorist attacks at the Bataclan, the 30th anniversary tour so I won't translate as the name of the thread is : The Astonishing.
The idea of composing a new concept album is not new, they have had it in mind for a few years and some years had passed since SFaM so it was an opportunity to catch as you can't release a concept album every two years. Moreover, John had to think about a good story in order to avoid meeting the rest of the group and saying "hey guys, I got a new concept album" without any ideas in mind.
So two years ago, he started thinking seriously about the concept and started recording on his phone (he still has the demos on his phone) and the concept, the story took one year to be created.
The rest of the group was not fully aware of what was going on inside John's mind. He just told them bits and pieces of the project but again, he wanted to have a consistant project, the way things would be set on stage, the way the concept would be revealed to the public, before explaining his ideas to the rest of the group.
Next question refers to a previous interview in 2013 where he stated he already had ideas about the next album (The Astonishing).
Then the interviewer wants to know if, by composing Illumination Theory and by playing with an orchestra on Breaking the Fourth Wall, John was not in fact "rehearsing" for his new project. And John says he wasn't, because, as a creative person, he likes art in a global way and especially science fiction, dystopias, movies, orchestras in rock music, so that's his background and his tastes that led him to create The Astonishing.

End of the first page, I'll edit or post again when I get the rest of the interview.


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ToT-147 on January 09, 2016, 10:37:25 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on January 09, 2016, 07:11:35 AM
I wonder if they written all their post-portnoy albums like that (JP+JR writing the music alone) or if that was done specifically with this album.

This would be the first time... ever.. And I'm surprised JM/MM/JLB didn't contribute with anything in the album..

To be more precise about the answer to your question, check these links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Dramatic_Turn_of_Events#Track_listing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_Theater_(album)#Track_listing



Btw, reading the TA's Wikipedia article, I found this:

<<The first review of the album, by Teamrock.com, was positive. Calling the album "stupefyingly complex, cinematic and ambitious almost to the point of lunacy", they gave it the rating of 8 out of 10.">>

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on January 09, 2016, 10:56:19 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 09, 2016, 10:37:25 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on January 09, 2016, 07:11:35 AM
I wonder if they written all their post-portnoy albums like that (JP+JR writing the music alone) or if that was done specifically with this album.

This would be the first time... ever.. And I'm surprised JM/MM/JLB didn't contribute with anything in the album..

To be more precise about the answer to your question, check these links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Dramatic_Turn_of_Events#Track_listing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_Theater_(album)#Track_listing



Btw, reading the TA's Wikipedia article, I found this:

<<The first review of the album, by Teamrock.com, was positive. Calling the album "stupefyingly complex, cinematic and ambitious almost to the point of lunacy", they gave it the rating of 8 out of 10.">>

It just seems so weird to me to think of JP and JR coming to JM and MM and just telling them "make some bass and drums" Labrie I can understand as he doesnt seem to be much involved with the music writing, but having it the way JP say it was on this album seems kinda off to me. Not saying it wouldnt be great, just feels weird for me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 09, 2016, 11:04:48 AM
Some points (thanks @vazquez)
- It was watching a documentary of the band MUSE that JP decided to get D. Campbell in the project.
- The scenario for the shows will be impressive, with 3D projections, but it would be impossible to carry the Orchestra together - it would need 20 trucks and 15 buses more than they already need. But they won´t be using playbacks.
- But it´s possible that, down the road, they could decide to record a DVD with the whole Orchestra. And if they do that, will be really with the whole Orchestra, not only with 10 or 12 musicians, because the harmonies are too complex to be reduced.
- What they will do next? JP jokes maybe they will retire, or release a garage record, or an 'usual DT record' - "8 songs with an epic", or even part 2 of The Astonishing - it doesn´t matter. It´s not important to release better and better albums, but to remain creative.
- JP says DT is related more with a "rebel" than being part of a "empire', but there will be some surprises on the album because things will not be black and white on the story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 09, 2016, 11:09:48 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 09, 2016, 11:04:48 AM
- But it´s possible that, down the road, they could decide to record a DVD with the whole Orchestra. And if they do that, will be really with the whole Orchestra, not only with 10 or 12 musicians, because the harmonies are too complex to be reduced.

I'm assuming that the tour will have backing tracks to fill it out then if they are placing this much importance on the harmonies.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 09, 2016, 11:10:05 AM
No playback? So the choirs and strings that we hear on the album won't be heard live?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 09, 2016, 11:10:15 AM
Ok I have 10min to translate p 2 and 3 : John wants to point out that it is really different from SFaM : the story is more complex so it really is a rock opera with a dedicated show which could turn into a book or a movie (I said could...).
At the beginning they wanted to hire female vocalists but they wanted to release a "Dream Theater" album so, no guests and at the end of the process, John was really astonished by the voice of James : he could sing like a woman or a 60 years old man.
Then it is all about praising James' vocal capacities.
Next question is about Richard's involvement in the process: he was the sixth member of the group and he was along John and Jordan when they started writing and demoing the album. He had to work with 570 tracks during the mixing process.
John and Jordan worked in a room with a piano and not in a studio to compose the album. As a result, the album is more melodic.
The first thing created, was the story, then they composed the music (John and Jordan) then the lyrics. Some musical themes are associated with specific characters just like in an opera.
John wrote all the lyrics and it was a kind of a demand from him and he recognize it was a little selfish but he was the first to have the idea of a rock opera.
Inspiration came from: A Clockwork Orange, Hunger Games, Star Wars, LotR or Jesus Christ Superstar as Kevin Moore and John were huge fans of the musical.
No inspiration corner except from The Wall.
On the website, eventually, we will have all the information about the concept, the story....

Ok, so far for pages 2 and 3, I'll finish what I started maybe in a few hours.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaasMah on January 09, 2016, 11:10:32 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 09, 2016, 11:04:48 AM
What they will do next? JP jokes maybe they will retire

There is a little truth in every joke :|

I hardly think they would retire, but I definitely see them doing some side projects after the tour. Maybe we will finally get JP solo album 2.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on January 09, 2016, 11:18:59 AM
the keyboard wizard: Thanks! :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on January 09, 2016, 11:24:49 AM
A warning about reproducing magazine articles:

If the article is available for free online, then I'm not too fussed about posting full translations here. But if it's from a paid magazine, then full reproductions or translations shouldn't really be posted here. Explaining any tidbits or key points (as others have done) is absolutely fine, but the full content is the property of the magazine and it's not fair on them to just post it for all to see.

I've no idea if that French one is a paid magazine or not; my point was a general one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 09, 2016, 11:38:28 AM
It's not just "not fair", it's actually copyright infringment. That WOULD go for free magazines as well - copying full text from one site to another is strictly speaking copyright infringment.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on January 09, 2016, 11:42:07 AM
True, though less common because you can just link to the site, which is what normally happens and I would expect people to do that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 11:43:39 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 09, 2016, 10:02:18 AM

I was expecting that with 130+ minutes of music, he'd have to delegate some lyrical duties for sure, so that's a huge workload for one person, on top of writing the music too.
The album is good movie length, so that should well and truly be able to tell the whole story. :lol


Didn't the RS interview say that he spent a whole year writing it ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ToT-147 on January 09, 2016, 11:56:20 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 09, 2016, 11:04:48 AM
- JP says DT is related more with a "rebel" than being part of a "empire', but there will be some surprises on the album because things will not be black and white on the story.

Good to know.. :tup :|
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 11:59:22 AM
Things will not be black and white on the album...




Except the piano :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 09, 2016, 12:00:54 PM
So no Dream of Mirrors cover?  :'(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 09, 2016, 12:05:25 PM
The whole creative process seems so different from any other DT album, it actually makes me very excited.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 09, 2016, 12:22:29 PM
Quote from: Panar on January 09, 2016, 11:04:48 AM
- The scenario for the shows will be impressive, with 3D projections

Do you know what he means when he says 3D projections? What kind of 3D, do we need 3D glasses?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 09, 2016, 12:36:09 PM
 :corn i'm still waiting the great week...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 12:51:21 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 09, 2016, 12:36:09 PM
:corn i'm still waiting the great week...

I think that was a wind up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 09, 2016, 12:52:05 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 09, 2016, 12:36:09 PM
:corn i'm still waiting the great week...


Beware of the salt overdose with all that popcorn.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 09, 2016, 12:53:27 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 09, 2016, 12:36:09 PM
:corn i'm still waiting the great week...

The week ending the 29th will be the great week.

I think...

I hope...

Unless...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on January 09, 2016, 01:17:01 PM
For those of you that have seen DT live without choir or orchestra, how did they play songs like, OTBOA,IT and BAI?  Did they have recorded tapes or played without.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 09, 2016, 01:34:10 PM
I saw them last tour without orchestra, and everything sounded like on the albums. Mid section in Illumination Theory was a tape, with a video in the background (the band went off stage).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 09, 2016, 01:40:09 PM
3D projection is just a term for a special technique of project where you take the surface of what you display your image on into account.

One of the best examples I know of for this is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX6JcybgDFo

You'll often see it used in sports:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5cRoQgQzdw

The coolest ones are where you see existing buildings get transformed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy_jyxoWj5c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSR0Xady02o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 09, 2016, 01:42:46 PM
Oh, cool. I was a little worried. I'm going to the show with my step-brother who only has one eye, and therefore can't experience 3D videos and stuff like that. (IMAX 3D for example)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 09, 2016, 01:49:10 PM
Dream Theater invented fully functional Star Wars three dimensional holograms.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 09, 2016, 02:29:08 PM
Guys!!!!!  I've stuck in my chair from the pop corn I ate all this week! HELP!

 :corn :corn :corn :corn :corn :corn :corn :corn :corn :corn :corn :corn :corn



 :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 09, 2016, 02:36:12 PM
There is still one day left of the week, so you gotta pop some more corn  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 09, 2016, 03:10:13 PM
Getting tired of popcorn... can't we have something else instead. Like crisps or nuts....  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 03:11:38 PM
I just finished the last of my nuts from christmas  :corn

Mixed, Peanuts & Cashews.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 09, 2016, 03:39:02 PM
 :-\ this is a really sad weekend!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 09, 2016, 03:46:32 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 09, 2016, 03:39:02 PM
:-\ this is a really sad weekend!

When was the last update? A year ago???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 09, 2016, 03:47:43 PM
Last year...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 09, 2016, 03:59:03 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 09, 2016, 03:47:43 PM
Last year...

don't be exaggerated! was like 7 or 8 months?  :lol
(In DTF time measurement)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 09, 2016, 04:28:19 PM
Yeah, Faythe's picture reveal was so 2015!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 09, 2016, 04:35:54 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 09, 2016, 03:59:03 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 09, 2016, 03:47:43 PM
Last year...

don't be exaggerated! was like 7 or 8 months?  :lol
(In DTF time measurement)

Yes as we all know a day is like a month in DTF time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 09, 2016, 04:46:42 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 09, 2016, 04:35:54 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 09, 2016, 03:59:03 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 09, 2016, 03:47:43 PM
Last year...

don't be exaggerated! was like 7 or 8 months?  :lol
(In DTF time measurement)

Yes as we all know a day is like a month in DTF time.

So that means that the weeks that are left for the album's release aaaaare:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Peter Mc on January 09, 2016, 04:58:26 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 09, 2016, 11:38:28 AM
It's not just "not fair", it's actually copyright infringment. That WOULD go for free magazines as well - copying full text from one site to another is strictly speaking copyright infringment.


Come on guys, he's hardly transcribing it word for word, just giving us the gist of what was said. Plus the fact the magazine is in French. How many French people are in this thread who were intending to buy this magazine and have now decided against it? I would say the vast majority are not French speakers and therefore the magazine are not losing out on much potential revenue here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Peter Mc on January 09, 2016, 05:09:50 PM
On the subject of lyrics, I think it makes sense for JP to have taken control of this if it is his baby. Do enjoy Myung's lyrics but can't say I am devastated by James' lack of contribution. I love the guy as a singer and always defend him but can't honestly say his lyrics have ever done anything for me.

It is more of a surprise that the music is exclusively JP/JR. I do get the impression that they are the main composers anyway but strange for the others to have no input at all. It does seem very much to be a JP project but he would get Jordan involved for the more orchestral side of things as that seems to be his area. Anyway the consensus on here from those who have heard stuff is that this is excellent so am really looking forward to hearing more.

Oh yeah, and thanks to the guy for translating the interview, good of you to "take the time".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 09, 2016, 05:21:03 PM
Let's just hope John Petrucci doesn't turn into Roger Waters.

Presenting:
The Astonishing
by
John Petrucci
performed by Dream Theater
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on January 09, 2016, 05:22:17 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 09, 2016, 09:47:31 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 09, 2016, 09:42:13 AM
I was never into JM lyrics :dunno:


The lyrics to Fatal Tragedy are no better or worse than anything else on SFAM...

That's not a very representative song given that he was restricted to a narrow part of a story, which doesn't seem like something that works for JM's creative process and writing style. That said, I don't think he's significantly better than anyone else in the band for lyrics.

Good point, and it should also be noted that JP changed JM's original lyrics, so the final version is an altered contribution.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 09, 2016, 06:01:11 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 09, 2016, 05:21:03 PM
Let's just hope John Petrucci doesn't turn into Roger Waters.

Presenting:
The Astonishing
by
John Petrucci
performed by Dream Theater

Unlike Waters, JP has never struck me as:

a) an asshole
b) an angry person
c) a bitter person

So I wouldn't worry about that happening. :lol :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 09, 2016, 06:15:42 PM
That is very true. (Even if i think Waters was a genious in the seventies).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on January 09, 2016, 06:17:34 PM
JLB wrote Blind Faith lyrics, every argument against his lyrical skill is invalid :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 09, 2016, 06:21:06 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 09, 2016, 06:15:42 PM
That is very true. (Even if i think Waters was a genious in the seventies).
I've always found Waters is kind of a miserable human being, and I also think that thanks to that he's one of the most prolific and important rock composers of the 20th century.

JP is just a nice guy who happens to have awesome guitar chops and has healthy relationships with his bandmates, his family and people around him.

I also wouldn't make the comparison at all!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 09, 2016, 06:44:12 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on January 09, 2016, 06:01:11 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 09, 2016, 05:21:03 PM
Let's just hope John Petrucci doesn't turn into Roger Waters.

Presenting:
The Astonishing
by
John Petrucci
performed by Dream Theater

Unlike Waters, JP has never struck me as:

a) an asshole
b) an angry person
c) a bitter person

So I wouldn't worry about that happening. :lol :biggrin:
JP is extremely polite and well-mannered.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on January 09, 2016, 11:33:44 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on January 09, 2016, 06:01:11 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 09, 2016, 05:21:03 PM
Let's just hope John Petrucci doesn't turn into Roger Waters.

Presenting:
The Astonishing
by
John Petrucci
performed by Dream Theater

Unlike Waters, JP has never struck me as:

a) an asshole
b) an angry person
c) a bitter person

So I wouldn't worry about that happening. :lol :biggrin:

To be fair, isn't Waters a bit less assholey, angry, and bitter than he was?  I think old age and reflection have softened him up a bit.



....I'm probably wrong.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 09, 2016, 11:37:41 PM
So when they're in their 60s, we'll have:

John Petrucci performing The Astonishing solo (with Russell Allen and the Boston Symphony Orchestra????)
Jordan Rudess touring a solo piano version of SFAM
And Mike Portnoy's all-star metal supergroup playing the 12 Step Suite

 :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 09, 2016, 11:38:35 PM
All that I know is that I think this next week is bound to be good. I mean, there can't be two weeks without anything (right? right?).

I suppose a new thread will be created after the listening parties where people who attended can share their impressions?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on January 09, 2016, 11:40:23 PM
I'm thinking we'll have to get the clock kid next week.  He just have to, right? RIGHT?!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 10, 2016, 01:26:03 AM
Quote from: Pax on January 09, 2016, 06:17:34 PM
JLB wrote Blind Faith lyrics, every argument against his lyrical skill is invalid :P

And he wrote Disappear as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TK on January 10, 2016, 02:00:00 AM
From Jordan's Twitter:

"Join Jordan Rudess as he STREAMS LIVE on Facebook SUNDAY at 3:00 PM  eastern standard time."

Could this be something Astonishing-related?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 10, 2016, 02:09:25 AM
It's probably some awesome piano or gadget noodling. Maybe there will be something Astonishing related though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AboutToCrash on January 10, 2016, 03:19:54 AM
He mentioned in the post that it was to do with Geo Shred, but hopefully he has something else to say!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 10, 2016, 03:20:44 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 10, 2016, 02:09:25 AM
It's probably some awesome piano or gadget noodling. Maybe there will be something Astonishing related though.

He's just released an app and an album.  It's got to be DT related, last time he did a stream it was the US tour announcement.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Panar on January 10, 2016, 03:33:17 AM
More "pop corn".....meh
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 10, 2016, 03:36:26 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on January 10, 2016, 03:19:54 AM
He mentioned in the post that it was to do with Geo Shred, but hopefully he has something else to say!

Oh..  Nevermind then.

Actually, I don't think it does mention any of the apps.  That was the previous post(s).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 10, 2016, 06:47:06 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 10, 2016, 03:36:26 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on January 10, 2016, 03:19:54 AM
He mentioned in the post that it was to do with Geo Shred, but hopefully he has something else to say!

Oh..  Nevermind then.

Actually, I don't think it does mention any of the apps.  That was the previous post(s).

"Join Jordan Rudess as he STREAMS LIVE on Facebook SUNDAY at 3:00 PM eastern standard time. Jordan will highlight and discuss his new iPad app GeoShred as well as play some keys! see you there!"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AboutToCrash on January 10, 2016, 07:25:30 AM
Yeah that's the post I was referring to!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 10, 2016, 07:32:29 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 10, 2016, 06:47:06 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 10, 2016, 03:36:26 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on January 10, 2016, 03:19:54 AM
He mentioned in the post that it was to do with Geo Shred, but hopefully he has something else to say!

Oh..  Nevermind then.

Actually, I don't think it does mention any of the apps.  That was the previous post(s).

"Join Jordan Rudess as he STREAMS LIVE on Facebook SUNDAY at 3:00 PM eastern standard time. Jordan will highlight and discuss his new iPad app GeoShred as well as play some keys! see you there!"

How weird...  The one I saw said:

"Join Jordan Rudess as he STREAMS LIVE on Facebook SUNDAY at 3:00 PM eastern standard time."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolven74 on January 10, 2016, 11:30:54 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 10, 2016, 07:32:29 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 10, 2016, 06:47:06 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 10, 2016, 03:36:26 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on January 10, 2016, 03:19:54 AM
He mentioned in the post that it was to do with Geo Shred, but hopefully he has something else to say!

Oh..  Nevermind then.

Actually, I don't think it does mention any of the apps.  That was the previous post(s).

"Join Jordan Rudess as he STREAMS LIVE on Facebook SUNDAY at 3:00 PM eastern standard time. Jordan will highlight and discuss his new iPad app GeoShred as well as play some keys! see you there!"

How weird...  The one I saw said:

"Join Jordan Rudess as he STREAMS LIVE on Facebook SUNDAY at 3:00 PM eastern standard time."

Didn't this happen like 3 weeks ago?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 10, 2016, 11:31:50 AM
I for one think it is great that this is solely Petrucci's concept storywise/lyrically. He seems to have had a very clear vision of what he wants and I think having him as the sole writer increases chances for a cohesive narrative and clear musical direction for the band. Normally I agree with people wanting lyrics from the whole band, but in cases like these I prefer the idea of the person with the vision giving the story content shape, instead of having other artists work within the boundaries of someone else's imagination.

It was initially a bit of a worry for me actually, that they were just having some fun in the studio and decided to randomly take a few popular intellectual properties and mash those story elements onto some DT tunes. But that is definately not the case here, which is great. This one has been in Petrucci's mind for quite some while. I obviously cannot speak for the quality of the concept yet, however.

Also, I think Labrie is a great singer to do the task of bringing the characters to life. I remember reading Arjen Lucassen said the way Labrie prepared for his role of Me in Human Equation was impressive; he really thinks his characters trough. And the approach Petrucci/Jordan took with the writing, more melodic and many short(er) songs, is likely to allow plenty of diversity and oppertunities for the different band members to shine.  And then there are the choir and orchestra, which is awesome.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 10, 2016, 12:04:26 PM

Quote from: Thematt202 on January 10, 2016, 07:32:29 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 10, 2016, 06:47:06 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 10, 2016, 03:36:26 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on January 10, 2016, 03:19:54 AM
He mentioned in the post that it was to do with Geo Shred, but hopefully he has something else to say!

Oh..  Nevermind then.

Actually, I don't think it does mention any of the apps.  That was the previous post(s).

"Join Jordan Rudess as he STREAMS LIVE on Facebook SUNDAY at 3:00 PM eastern standard time. Jordan will highlight and discuss his new iPad app GeoShred as well as play some keys! see you there!"

How weird...  The one I saw said:

"Join Jordan Rudess as he STREAMS LIVE on Facebook SUNDAY at 3:00 PM eastern standard time."
Yeah if this was centered around the new album I think Dream Theater would announce the stream themselves, thinking this will be just about the GeoShred
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 10, 2016, 12:05:28 PM
Which is useless to me because I don't have an iPad. Neeeeext!  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 10, 2016, 12:11:57 PM
 :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: porcacultor on January 10, 2016, 12:15:22 PM
Quote from: ErHaO on January 10, 2016, 11:31:50 AM
I for one think it is great that this is solely Petrucci's concept storywise/lyrically. He seems to have had a very clear vision of what he wants and I think having him as the sole writer increases chances for a cohesive narrative and clear musical direction for the band. Normally I agree with people wanting lyrics from the whole band, but in cases like these I prefer the idea of the person with the vision giving the story content shape, instead of having other artists work within the boundaries of someone else's imagination.

It was initially a bit of a worry for me actually, that they were just having some fun in the studio and decided to randomly take a few popular intellectual properties and mash those story elements onto some DT tunes. But that is definately not the case here, which is great. This one has been in Petrucci's mind for quite some while. I obviously cannot speak for the quality of the concept yet, however.

Also, I think Labrie is a great singer to do the task of bringing the characters to life. I remember reading Arjen Lucassen said the way Labrie prepared for his role of Me in Human Equation was impressive; he really thinks his characters trough. And the approach Petrucci/Jordan took with the writing, more melodic and many short(er) songs, is likely to allow plenty of diversity and oppertunities for the different band members to shine.  And then there are the choir and orchestra, which is awesome.

Yes!! I was trying to speak my mind on the fact that petrucci wrote all the lyrics (and how that isn't necessarily a bad thing), but you summed it all up well. I also thought of Ayreon regarding James' ability of bringing other people's characters to life. I've got a great feeling about the whole thing, for sure!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 10, 2016, 01:23:49 PM
How are you supposed to view this stream?!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 10, 2016, 01:27:43 PM
https://www.facebook.com/jordanrudessofficial/videos/vb.8717682988/10153448134877989/?type=2&theater&notif_t=live_video

There you go, he's already been live for half an hour though so if you don't want to miss it I guess it will be uploaded afterwards.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 10, 2016, 01:28:43 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 10, 2016, 01:27:43 PM
https://www.facebook.com/jordanrudessofficial/videos/vb.8717682988/10153448134877989/?type=2&theater&notif_t=live_video

There you go, he's already been live for half an hour though so if you don't want to miss it I guess it will be uploaded afterwards.

So far, he has teased the new album twice with words, but didn't play anything xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 10, 2016, 01:31:12 PM
I really like the groovy dirty organs he just played, hope there will be something along those lines on the album!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 10, 2016, 01:40:03 PM
Ah, looks like you need a FB account to view it.  I kept refreshing the main JR FB page (the part anyone can see without logging in) and wondering why nothing was happening.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Mladen on January 10, 2016, 01:49:41 PM
This is some really cool stuff he's doing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 10, 2016, 02:32:30 PM
He told in the stream there's a Montreal-based visual company that's doing all the visuals for the tour. Any ideas what company might that be?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: JMSE on January 10, 2016, 02:36:21 PM
Quote from: porcacultor on January 10, 2016, 12:15:22 PM
Quote from: ErHaO on January 10, 2016, 11:31:50 AM
I for one think it is great that this is solely Petrucci's concept storywise/lyrically. He seems to have had a very clear vision of what he wants and I think having him as the sole writer increases chances for a cohesive narrative and clear musical direction for the band. Normally I agree with people wanting lyrics from the whole band, but in cases like these I prefer the idea of the person with the vision giving the story content shape, instead of having other artists work within the boundaries of someone else's imagination.

It was initially a bit of a worry for me actually, that they were just having some fun in the studio and decided to randomly take a few popular intellectual properties and mash those story elements onto some DT tunes. But that is definately not the case here, which is great. This one has been in Petrucci's mind for quite some while. I obviously cannot speak for the quality of the concept yet, however.

Also, I think Labrie is a great singer to do the task of bringing the characters to life. I remember reading Arjen Lucassen said the way Labrie prepared for his role of Me in Human Equation was impressive; he really thinks his characters trough. And the approach Petrucci/Jordan took with the writing, more melodic and many short(er) songs, is likely to allow plenty of diversity and oppertunities for the different band members to shine.  And then there are the choir and orchestra, which is awesome.

Yes!! I was trying to speak my mind on the fact that petrucci wrote all the lyrics (and how that isn't necessarily a bad thing), but you summed it all up well. I also thought of Ayreon regarding James' ability of bringing other people's characters to life. I've got a great feeling about the whole thing, for sure!

I agree. I've been in the camp of people wanting DT to break their formula for a while. I still have to listen to the album to fully see if they did so, but something like the way they wrote the album  seems very different than the jamming process they usually do. I remember from the RS interview JP saying that he brought the idea to the team fully developed in terms of the story, the characters, and his vision of how it'd work and everybody was on board with it.

I'm thinking MM and JM had freedom to insert their vision on how their instruments should sound throughout the album; which is no different than JP striking a cool chord or melody in a jam session and MM going "that's cool let me try this groove over that riff". 

I cannot wait to hear the final result 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 10, 2016, 02:50:47 PM
I don't think DT could've broken the formula more than by this album without going to play an entirely different class of music...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 10, 2016, 02:59:06 PM
Here's the recording of today's streaming : https://www.facebook.com/JRfanclubTheWheel/posts/1120029388008310
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 10, 2016, 03:27:27 PM
Monday will be a good day.






Because I will eat Lasagna.
But maybe we get something album related too?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 10, 2016, 03:36:51 PM
Monday marks two weeks since the last update. It will surprise me if don't get anything tomorrow  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 10, 2016, 03:38:43 PM
 :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 10, 2016, 03:46:33 PM
Actually... Imagine was written by Jordan Rudess and sold to Lennon.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: JMSE on January 10, 2016, 04:12:08 PM
I have a feeling that "Clock Guy" (AKA the Boba Fett of the Astonishing) will be revealed tomorrow
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 10, 2016, 04:27:00 PM
Quote from: JMSE on January 10, 2016, 04:12:08 PM
I have a feeling that "Clock Guy" (AKA the Boba Fett of the Astonishing) will be revealed tomorrow

May Petrucci hear you.  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: porcacultor on January 10, 2016, 09:05:24 PM
Clock guy's reveal:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYgCVszCKaQ
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 10, 2016, 09:16:04 PM
I'd prefer 30 seconds of another track than a picture.  Don't give a crap about "Clock Guy", TBH.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 10, 2016, 09:36:28 PM
Quote from: BelichickFan on January 10, 2016, 09:16:04 PM
I'd prefer 30 seconds of another track than a picture.  Don't give a crap about "Clock Guy", TBH.

I prefer Clock Guy than nothing at all, lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on January 10, 2016, 10:35:49 PM
Not sure if anyone's said anything about this, but I'm 99% sure clock guy is Ahrys and Gabriel's brother.

If we go back to the first Ahrys email, he says he's one of three remaining heirs to the Legion of Sorrowful Song. He and Gabriel are obviously the first two.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on January 11, 2016, 12:00:24 AM
Don't know why they would wait this long to reveal char8 if he didn't have some greater significance than just being the last character. I do think he is going to have a pivotal role in the story somehow.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 11, 2016, 12:14:00 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 10, 2016, 02:32:30 PM
He told in the stream there's a Montreal-based visual company that's doing all the visuals for the tour. Any ideas what company might that be?

Maybe its.........

(https://www.wired.com/images_blogs/gamelife/2012/02/AC3.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 11, 2016, 12:28:53 AM
Could it be that the will of Petrucci for this album was to create their own "The Wall"? Or maybe HIS own...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 01:01:02 AM
Maybe Clock Guy is The Astonshing. I'm calling it. :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 11, 2016, 01:20:42 AM
We've been talking about the clock guy since the first days "The Astonishing" page was revealed... This could be another reason!! :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SkiFiX on January 11, 2016, 02:48:09 AM
The clock guy wear jeans and a t-shirt. He look quite different from the other characters and he's probably a kid.
(https://i63.tinypic.com/2lnkec5.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 11, 2016, 03:22:25 AM
However clock guy will look, that will be the face I'll forever associate with hadi-persian.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 11, 2016, 03:32:32 AM
Quote from: SkiFiX on January 11, 2016, 02:48:09 AM
The clock guy wear jeans and a t-shirt. He look quite different from the other characters and he's probably a kid.
(https://i63.tinypic.com/2lnkec5.png)

And the theory suggested above that clock guy may be Arhys and Gabriel's younger brother is perfectly valid.

B.Lee

Edit : btw, the shadow may be suggesting he is big-headed ( ;D), but I guess that what we see is the shadow of wireless headphones. Given the pic, he might be a teenager. OK, now I have a theory myself : Faythe looks also like a teenager. What if the love story was between her and Clock guy, a love story a la Romeo and Juliet amidst a war between two opposing factions? After all, JP is a fan of Shakespeare as shown in Pull Me Under, no?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 11, 2016, 04:19:25 AM
Clock Guy is a girl... There are 4 male characters and 3 female ones. She could be Arhys daughter or something like that. I think today we'll have not only the Clock Person revealed but also the "Places" button unlocked. Let's see what's next...


Edit: B.Lee, I think that the main "love story" could be between Gabriel and Faythe, but that's something we'll find out soon!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 11, 2016, 04:29:26 AM
I don't have much cause for optimism on these "I think today we'll have..." posts. The boy who cried wolf and all that. We've failed miserably so far on just about every prediction about this album. I think the only one some of us got right is that it's a double concept album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 11, 2016, 04:32:26 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 11, 2016, 04:29:26 AM
I don't have much cause for optimism on these "I think today we'll have..." posts. The boy who cried wolf and all that.

The album release date draws closer, so with every day the odds of it being correct increase, right? :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 11, 2016, 04:45:52 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 11, 2016, 04:32:26 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 11, 2016, 04:29:26 AM
I don't have much cause for optimism on these "I think today we'll have..." posts. The boy who cried wolf and all that.

The album release date draws closer, so with every day the odds of it being correct increase, right? :lol

18 more guesses then right?! :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on January 11, 2016, 04:51:35 AM
My prediction is that the clock guy actually is the Chosen One, and Gabriel is the evil guy :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 11, 2016, 04:53:59 AM
If there's no news today, I'll eat my gentleman potatoes...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 11, 2016, 04:58:02 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 11, 2016, 04:53:59 AM
If there's no news today, I'll eat my gentleman potatoes...

I will hold you to that. And I will demand video as proof.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 11, 2016, 05:04:19 AM
I won't watch that video but I will take Blob's nerdy word as proof.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 11, 2016, 05:11:47 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 11, 2016, 05:04:19 AM
I won't watch that video but I will take Blob's nerdy word as proof.

I'm thrilled to know that you trust my word on all things related to gentleman potatoes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 11, 2016, 05:19:59 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 11, 2016, 05:11:47 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 11, 2016, 05:04:19 AM
I won't watch that video but I will take Blob's nerdy word as proof.

I'm thrilled to know that you trust my word on all things related to gentleman potatoes.

Well you have more free time than I to devote to the intense study of such things....If you were so inclined...:zydar:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MacClaus on January 11, 2016, 06:22:55 AM
Finally I heard a review copy. No spoilers, but it is defintitely not worth the wait.

Music 4/10
Sound 5/10
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Moor on January 11, 2016, 06:31:34 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 11, 2016, 03:22:25 AM
However clock guy will look, that will be the face I'll forever associate with hadi-persian.

same here! Char8
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Gappie on January 11, 2016, 06:35:40 AM
Quote from: MacClaus on January 11, 2016, 06:22:55 AM
Finally I heard a review copy. No spoilers, but it is defintitely not worth the wait.

Music 4/10
Sound 5/10
Are you serious? can you be a little bit more detailed about your opinion please? I am really curious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AngelBack on January 11, 2016, 06:35:57 AM
Quote from: MacClaus on January 11, 2016, 06:22:55 AM
Finally I heard a review copy. No spoilers, but it is defintitely not worth the wait.

Music 4/10
Sound 5/10


Well TGOM has already disproved your statement.


Legitimacy.    1/10
User name.    0/10
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ledlemos08 on January 11, 2016, 06:39:21 AM
They need to release some news today, am I right?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 11, 2016, 06:47:25 AM
Quote from: AngelBack on January 11, 2016, 06:35:57 AM
Quote from: MacClaus on January 11, 2016, 06:22:55 AM
Finally I heard a review copy. No spoilers, but it is defintitely not worth the wait.

Music 4/10
Sound 5/10


Well TGOM has already disproved your statement.


Legitimacy.    1/10
User name.    0/10

Check out his previous posts on TGOM. Yeah........

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 11, 2016, 06:48:45 AM
Quote from: ledlemos08 on January 11, 2016, 06:39:21 AM
They need to release some news today, am I right?
We need them to.  Don't know if they need to.

Regardless, 29-11 = 18  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 06:52:21 AM
There will always be someone who doesn't like an album. Even the most "objectively good" albums. It seems like he doesn't like TGOM or the album. All the others have said that if we liked TGOM there is a good chance that we will love the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DreamerTV on January 11, 2016, 06:52:52 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 11, 2016, 06:47:25 AM
Quote from: AngelBack on January 11, 2016, 06:35:57 AM
Quote from: MacClaus on January 11, 2016, 06:22:55 AM
Finally I heard a review copy. No spoilers, but it is defintitely not worth the wait.

Music 4/10
Sound 5/10


Well TGOM has already disproved your statement.


Legitimacy.    1/10
User name.    0/10

Check out his previous posts on TGOM. Yeah........

And on where Dt ranks among his favourites bands.
It's just an opinion, and of course a legit and respectable one, but we could have expected not more than this.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Curious Orange on January 11, 2016, 06:54:07 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 11, 2016, 03:32:32 AM
After all, JP is a fan of Shakespeare as shown in Pull Me Under, no?

No. KevMo wrote Pull me Under
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 11, 2016, 06:55:54 AM
Quote from: DreamerTV on January 11, 2016, 06:52:52 AM
And on where Dt ranks among his favourites bands.
It's just an opinion, and of course a legit and respectable one, but we could have expected not more than this.

All opinions are equal, but in this case I don't think it's very representative or relevant to the average DTF'er, that's all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 11, 2016, 07:03:42 AM
Quote from: The Curious Orange on January 11, 2016, 06:54:07 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 11, 2016, 03:32:32 AM
After all, JP is a fan of Shakespeare as shown in Pull Me Under, no?

No. KevMo wrote Pull me Under

Oops! My bad! My memory has failed me.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 11, 2016, 07:06:51 AM
Quote from: ledlemos08 on January 11, 2016, 06:39:21 AM
They need to release some news today, am I right?

No they don't.

It'll happen when it happens, and even then, the album will be in our hands in 18 days anyway.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 11, 2016, 07:12:21 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 11, 2016, 07:06:51 AM
Quote from: ledlemos08 on January 11, 2016, 06:39:21 AM
They need to release some news today, am I right?

No they don't.

I think that what ledlemos08 wanted to say was : "I need them to release some news today".

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 07:16:32 AM
Can someone answer if John Myung is more audible on this album than before?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 11, 2016, 07:27:24 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 11, 2016, 07:16:32 AM
Can someone answer if John Myung is more audible on this album than before?

Why does it matter? All he does is double the guitar parts anyway nowadays. The last album where I actually cared about what Myung was playing was like Train of Thought.  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ledlemos08 on January 11, 2016, 07:30:47 AM
HAHAHAHAHA  :rollin

Of course they doesn't need to, but would be cool release something... or just reveal the last character and the map.

I'm not asking too much hahahaha
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 11, 2016, 07:33:31 AM
No need. The album is not worth the wait.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Podaar on January 11, 2016, 07:34:34 AM
I wouldn't really have time for it anyway.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ledlemos08 on January 11, 2016, 07:36:32 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 07:33:31 AM
No need. The album is not worth the wait.

(https://troll-face.ru/static/images/okay_guy.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 11, 2016, 07:40:38 AM
People just don't have the t
                                                i
                                                  m
                                                     e for waiting anymore
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 11, 2016, 07:50:01 AM

Quote from: thosava on January 11, 2016, 07:16:32 AM
Can someone answer if John Myung is more audible on this album than before?

Judging by The Gift of Music on youtube, I hear the bass well (and this is coming from a guy who usually has a hard time hearing it) so I would guess that he should be fairly audible on the album.

Quote from: jakepriest on January 11, 2016, 07:27:24 AM
Why does it matter? All he does is double the guitar parts anyway nowadays. The last album where I actually cared about what Myung was playing was like Train of Thought.  :corn

I personnally think that the self-titled was pretty good in term of cool bass parts.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erciccio on January 11, 2016, 07:52:00 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 07:33:31 AM
No need. The album is not worth the wait.
Worst. Album. Ever.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 11, 2016, 07:53:47 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 07:33:31 AM
No need. The album is not worth the wait.

It's easy to say when you don't have to wait for it  >:(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: goo-goo on January 11, 2016, 08:31:41 AM


Quote from: jakepriest on January 11, 2016, 07:27:24 AM


I personnally think that the self-titled was pretty good in term of cool bass parts.

This. The presence of the bass, and not just guitar doubling, brought a big smile back.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 11, 2016, 08:37:11 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 07:33:31 AM
No need. The album is not worth the wait.
Good!!!  So now I can concentrate myself on the wait for Metallica's next album...

Next time remember to use the green font!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 11, 2016, 08:39:39 AM
The boy:

https://i11a.3djuegos.com/juegos/8223/metal_gear_solid_5/fotos/set/metal_gear_solid_5-2091927.jpg
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 11, 2016, 08:52:15 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 11, 2016, 07:16:32 AM
Can someone answer if John Myung is more audible on this album than before?
I can hear Myung well on TGOM in my car. Much more audible than the youtube stream I had been listening to before I pre-ordered the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on January 11, 2016, 08:56:57 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 11, 2016, 08:52:15 AM
In "The Gift of Music" during Arhys' vocal part, the first line is "My brother Gabriel..."

Yes, and this doesn't exempt him from having more than one brother
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Billzo on January 11, 2016, 09:01:55 AM
THEY JUST POSTED A TRAILER ON THEIR FB PAGE  :omg: :eek ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 11, 2016, 09:02:24 AM
Oh boi, gonna check it out right now!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Billzo on January 11, 2016, 09:04:47 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3YdzMy593Y

OMG It's so amazing  :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Nihil-Morari on January 11, 2016, 09:04:57 AM
Sounds great, but looks awful, haha  :lol Love the cheesiness though. I don't think I'll take this seriously  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on January 11, 2016, 09:04:59 AM
Clock Guy is Clock Kid.  Haha, that was a pretty fun little trailer!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 11, 2016, 09:05:25 AM
 :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on January 11, 2016, 09:05:53 AM
Quote from: Nihil-Morari on January 11, 2016, 09:04:57 AM
Sounds great, but looks awful, haha  :lol Love the cheesiness though. I don't think I'll take this seriously  ;)

Cheese factor is very high, but I'm okay with that!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 11, 2016, 09:06:47 AM
Quote from: Billzo on January 11, 2016, 09:01:55 AM
THEY JUST POSTED A TRAILER ON THEIR FB PAGE  :omg: :eek ;D


Cool trailer, but the most entertaining part about the trailer is that groovy ass guitar near the end, face it.


Oh and of course, this is the first appearance of CLOCK GUY
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on January 11, 2016, 09:08:13 AM
Dream Theater – The Astonishing (Official Trailer) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3YdzMy593Y)

Dammit you guys are quick. Can't type faster dammit!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MegaDTSX on January 11, 2016, 09:09:39 AM
Yea....


They should have reallllly gotten Brendon Small to help animate this for them as he does a great job with Metalocalypse (and especially The Doomstar Requiem, which is a rock opera as well).


Having seen this I'm not too hyped for the video/concert story but I am still extremely pumped for what I should be pumped for:  the album/music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on January 11, 2016, 09:09:43 AM
The music sounds amazing. So much so, that I couldn't hear what the guy was saying cause I was too focused on the music.

I'm probably gonna have this on loop all day
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ledlemos08 on January 11, 2016, 09:10:20 AM
This is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: kartmaze2 on January 11, 2016, 09:11:50 AM
Some really awesome audio snippets here and there! Can't wait! I'm super excited  :metal

edit: I just try to ignore the narration and I don't look at the video. I only care for the new music we haven't heard yet, which sounds really cool and right up my alley.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Mladen on January 11, 2016, 09:12:13 AM
That was pretty cool.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 11, 2016, 09:14:22 AM
One needs to remove the narration...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rumborak on January 11, 2016, 09:15:05 AM
Oh man.  :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 11, 2016, 09:15:27 AM
The whole animation thing looks a little amateur, but the little snippets sound very interesting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheOutlawXanadu on January 11, 2016, 09:15:49 AM
All of the music sounds really melodic and soulful. I'm getting pumped!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CharlesPL on January 11, 2016, 09:16:22 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 11, 2016, 09:09:43 AM
The music sounds amazing. So much so, that I couldn't hear what the guy was saying  I was too focused on the music.

Thx for the info, I saw with no sound, Still waiting for a premiere  :angel:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Gappie on January 11, 2016, 09:16:30 AM
Quote from: Billzo on January 11, 2016, 09:01:55 AM
THEY JUST POSTED A TRAILER ON THEIR FB PAGE  :omg: :eek ;D
And it sounds amazing!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Zydar on January 11, 2016, 09:17:18 AM
Nice nice.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 11, 2016, 09:17:57 AM
Love the riff where the description of Ravenskill begins!  :metal :metal

 :corn :corn :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on January 11, 2016, 09:18:23 AM
I really enjoyed those snippets, especially towards the end.

Clock guy (kid) riding on the giant raven's back cracked me up.  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on January 11, 2016, 09:19:58 AM
Quote from: CharlesPL on January 11, 2016, 09:16:22 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 11, 2016, 09:09:43 AM
The music sounds amazing. So much so, that I couldn't hear what the guy was saying  I was too focused on the music.

Thx for the info, I saw with no sound, Still waiting for a premiere  :angel:

So you just saw the images, but not the words?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AboutToCrash on January 11, 2016, 09:21:05 AM
How long is the snippet?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 11, 2016, 09:21:45 AM
The death of Bowie kind of shocks me still, so I wasn't able to enjoy this as I normally would have. I'll try watching again later.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 11, 2016, 09:25:11 AM
Will have to watch with earphones later to really hear the music. As much  as I heard sounded good though.

As for the animations.... They will have a movie length of animations but their budget must be much lower than a movie.... what did you expect?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 11, 2016, 09:25:23 AM
The little clips of the songs in the video sound awesome which is the most important thing to me. Are the animations in the video the best? Nope, but as long as the music is great, that's all that matters to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 11, 2016, 09:26:48 AM
AAAH!!! :panicattack: :caffeine:

That intro when the full band kicks in is AWESOME! Beginning of Dystopian Overture, perhaps?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 11, 2016, 09:28:50 AM
good, i love what i heard
though 90 seconds ain't that much
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: T-ski on January 11, 2016, 09:29:06 AM
Terry Brown wasn't available for narration?  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 11, 2016, 09:31:33 AM
Guys, THE CLOCK
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Laughingplace56 on January 11, 2016, 09:31:54 AM
Video was kinda lame but DONT CARE THE MUSIC YEESSSSS
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 09:32:25 AM
Omg, that was awesome! Let me go put this popcorn away now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: T-ski on January 11, 2016, 09:33:27 AM
In my head I've been saying "Ravens-kill", but in the video they say "Raven-skill".

Raven-skill sounds funny.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 11, 2016, 09:34:54 AM
Music was absolutely fantastic. Visuals? Eh, not so much. I do hope the tour has a better visual presentation than whatever that was. Also, the narration was cheese to the max.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 11, 2016, 09:36:18 AM
Quote from: MacClaus on January 11, 2016, 06:22:55 AM
Finally I heard a review copy. No spoilers, but it is defintitely not worth the wait.

Music 4/10
Sound 5/10

"I don' like Dream Theater that much, but I had a CD promo and some review to do... so what the f@ck!" - Kevin Moore, I&W Live in Tokyo  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: goo-goo on January 11, 2016, 09:36:28 AM
The cheese factor was up there with the Blind Guardian and the animation felt sub-par. However, the music sounds amazing.

I'm super cheese-stoked!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 11, 2016, 09:37:28 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 11, 2016, 09:34:54 AM
Music was absolutely fantastic. Visuals? Eh, not so much. I do hope the tour has a better visual presentation than whatever that was. Also, the narration was cheese to the max.

I'd bet the visuals in that video were snippets of the videos that will be used on tour. Yeah they weren't great, but ultimately they are just there to support the music, so if the music is great, the visuals aren't that big of a deal to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 11, 2016, 09:37:43 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 11, 2016, 09:34:54 AM
Also, the narration was cheese to the max.

Did you expect something that wasn't cheese? lol

I think the extreme cheesy factor is fine, because I think that's what it means to be. There are some budget limitations that are very noticeable, but I won't mind. I'm excited as hell for this!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on January 11, 2016, 09:38:40 AM
Regarding the visuals, I think it will look much neater when it's huge and on the 3d screens. I was watching a video of Trans Siberian Orchestra earlier and there's one where a dragon is flying over a mountain but it's on 3 mahooosive screens and looks amazing. BUT I bet if I was to see just the isolated video I would think it looked a bit "meh".

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 11, 2016, 09:38:45 AM
Well, maybe they could at least upload the clock guy's picture in the TA page, since we've already seen him in this trailer…
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 11, 2016, 09:40:22 AM
Holy fuck this was so cheesy.  :rollin
Concept is gonna be pretty bad, but the music sounds good, so it doesn't matter anyway.

Also am I the only one who feels like JP's tone has been getting worse ever since BC&SL?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on January 11, 2016, 09:41:42 AM
Quote from: AboutToCrash on January 11, 2016, 09:21:05 AM
How long is the snippet?

The trailer itself is 94 seconds long, and it contains a couple of less than 10-second snippets of some songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ericoml on January 11, 2016, 09:42:05 AM
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-official-the-astonishing-album-trailer/

Blabbermouth links to a mini-track on the Astonishing website, but the URL isn't available

https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishing#mini_track

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 11, 2016, 09:42:33 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 11, 2016, 09:37:43 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 11, 2016, 09:34:54 AM
Also, the narration was cheese to the max.

Did you expect something that wasn't cheese? lol

I think the extreme cheesy factor is fine, because I think that's what it means to be. There are some budget limitations that are very noticeable, but I won't mind. I'm excited as hell for this!

No, but combined with the visual part, it doesn't come off that great. Also, I just wanted to hear the awesome music.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 11, 2016, 09:44:17 AM
The video isn't up on the site either. I hope it means those are 'making of' videos.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ansell on January 11, 2016, 09:45:08 AM
Calling it now. Fire hammer dancing dude is going be a key figure in the story...with those moves, he's gotta be.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on January 11, 2016, 09:46:28 AM
The cheese levels are off the chart.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 09:47:16 AM
The video is up on The Astonishing site now. The mini_track thing just links to the tracklisting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 09:47:35 AM
Anyone wanna guess which songs some of those clips came from?  At least one is really obvious since it was the chorus.  :lol  Any guesses on the others?  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 09:47:54 AM
The music in that video has got me drooling, the video itself does not, but that's not the point.  This album seems like it's going to be very good  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Evermind on January 11, 2016, 09:49:09 AM
I lost it when the guy riding the raven appeared. :rollin

The music was pretty good though, especially the very first snippet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 09:50:52 AM
There is part of one song in there where they gave us the buildup to a really killer riff.  As I watched it, I was anticipating the riff, and then...fadeout.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AngelBack on January 11, 2016, 09:52:35 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 11, 2016, 09:47:16 AM
The video is up on The Astonishing site now. The mini_track thing just links to the tracklisting.

This is Dream Theater..not DreamWorks.....


Oops meant to reply to cheese haters
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Pax on January 11, 2016, 09:53:35 AM
Dat 1:09 riff.......
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 11, 2016, 09:53:38 AM
Anyone for the full transcript of the voice over? Between the music, the killer riffs and my 16 months daughter who plays near me, I'm having troubles to focus on the exact words of the narrator.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 11, 2016, 09:53:46 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 09:47:35 AM
Anyone wanna guess which songs some of those clips came from?  At least one is really obvious since it was the chorus.  :lol  Any guesses on the others?  :corn

Our New World? :p
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jdprsaga on January 11, 2016, 09:53:53 AM
we can list 100% sure that our new world and TGOM where in the  trailer
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 11, 2016, 09:54:08 AM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 11, 2016, 09:44:17 AM
The video isn't up on the site either. I hope it means those are 'making of' videos.

So much for hoping!  ???

Still pumped though! Production is pretty good I felt!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 11, 2016, 09:54:26 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 09:47:35 AM
Anyone wanna guess which songs some of those clips came from?  At least one is really obvious since it was the chorus.  :lol  Any guesses on the others?  :corn
Is this trailer what you were expecting last week ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 11, 2016, 09:55:50 AM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 11, 2016, 09:53:38 AM
Anyone for the full transcript of the voice over? Between the music, the killer riffs and my 16 months daughter who plays near me, I'm having troubles to focus on the exact words of the narrator.

Yeah, I'm having trouble making all the words out as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 11, 2016, 09:56:18 AM
My guesses, with timestamps based on the trailer on Youtube:

0:00 - Descent of the NOMACs, possibly the beginning of the whole album
0:12 - Dystopian Overture
0:27 - NOMAC sound, could be from any of the NOMAC tracks
0:33 - Ravenskill
0:45 - The Gift of Music (unless it reappears in a later track)
0:56 - Our New World
1:07 - Lord Nafaryus
1:19 - End of Dystopian Overture
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 11, 2016, 09:56:43 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 09:47:35 AM
Anyone wanna guess which songs some of those clips came from?  At least one is really obvious since it was the chorus.  :lol  Any guesses on the others?  :corn
One of those surely is Our New World lols.

I'm also willing to bet that one of the heavy riffs are from Lord Nafaryus.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on January 11, 2016, 09:57:25 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 09:47:35 AM
Anyone wanna guess which songs some of those clips came from?  At least one is really obvious since it was the chorus.  :lol  Any guesses on the others?  :corn

0:00 is from Descent of the NOMACS

0:13 is Dystopian Overture, probably going to be repeated later on.

0:24 is another snippet from Dystopian Overture

0:27 has to be from Descent of the NOMACS

0:34 not sure. Maybe Dystopian Overture again

1:07 and 1:20....Dystopian Overture?

If I guess DO enough times, one of them has to be right  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 11, 2016, 10:01:44 AM
The trailer has appeared in one of the two "Videos" spaces on the Astonishing website.

I wonder if this is it for today, or will more be revealed later?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 11, 2016, 10:02:00 AM
So Daryus kills people....

That was a cool little clip--cinematic for sure. Sounds like DT, I am excited
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 11, 2016, 10:03:43 AM
Starting to like Daryus more.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 11, 2016, 10:03:52 AM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 11, 2016, 09:53:38 AM
Anyone for the full transcript of the voice over? Between the music, the killer riffs and my 16 months daughter who plays near me, I'm having troubles to focus on the exact words of the narrator.

I just wish they'd have not had that narration at all. That trailer was a mess. A cheesy mess.

Music sounded fine from what I could tell though. But if the lyrics are as cheesy as I fear, this album will be impossible to listen to.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 11, 2016, 10:04:02 AM
LegenDaryus
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Billzo on January 11, 2016, 10:04:05 AM
"For generations The Great Northern Empire of the Americas remained unchallenged.
The mock elegance of an elite aristocracy, in the illusion of comfort they provided,
Conjured a medieval like feudalism, from within the ruins of societal collapse.

But now, from the distant village of Ravenskill,
A magnificent power threatens the false tranquillity enforced by the ever watchful Nomacs.
A literal voice stirs the people in the heavens, threatening the very deepest of slumbers
with the awakening power of artistic expression.

There is a fiery passion which could light the way toward a vibrant future
If it doesn't engulf the world in flames.

Welcome to: The Astonishing."



Could be wrong, but this is what I can make out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 10:05:20 AM
It's feudalism. And nomads should be Nomacs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 10:05:57 AM
Quote from: BelichickFan on January 11, 2016, 09:54:26 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 09:47:35 AM
Anyone wanna guess which songs some of those clips came from?  At least one is really obvious since it was the chorus.  :lol  Any guesses on the others?  :corn
Is this trailer what you were expecting last week ?
Yes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Billzo on January 11, 2016, 10:06:06 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 11, 2016, 10:05:20 AM
It's feudalism. And nomads should be Nomacs.

Thanks dude. Fixed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 11, 2016, 10:06:18 AM
Ninja'd
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on January 11, 2016, 10:07:21 AM
The music's great.

When marketing began, we were given a choice of which side to "support". I was hoping for some shades of gray in the good guy/bad guy thing. Seems to be pretty black and white.  But so long as the music's good.. who cares?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Woodworker1 on January 11, 2016, 10:07:27 AM
Is the video intended to be taken seriously, or is it poking fun at cliqued sci-fi/fantasy video game stories?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 11, 2016, 10:07:55 AM
Quote from: Woodworker1 on January 11, 2016, 10:07:27 AM
Is the video intended to be taken seriously, or is it poking fun at cliqued sci-fi/fantasy video game stories?

It's srs business.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 10:08:26 AM
Heh, i was just done transcribing the video, went here and saw it was already here  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: liran95 on January 11, 2016, 10:08:43 AM
Can someone please describe what's been shown in the video for those who want to avoid the snippets? Thanks!  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: V_R11 on January 11, 2016, 10:09:08 AM
Man this music has got me so hyped! All I thought about while watching this video was "I am going to love this album"  :metal

29th can't come fast enough

edit: 0:27-0:29...NOMAC sounds?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 11, 2016, 10:09:27 AM
Its Xander time!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 11, 2016, 10:09:34 AM
That riff starting at 1:07 in the video is so god damn heavy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 10:09:47 AM
Quote from: liran95 on January 11, 2016, 10:08:43 AM
Can someone please describe what's been shown in the video for those who want to avoid the snippets? Thanks!  ;D
Why don't you just watch it on mute?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 10:10:10 AM
Quote from: Destiny Of Chaos on January 11, 2016, 10:07:21 AM
The music's great.

When marketing began, we were given a choice of which side to "support". I was hoping for some shades of gray in the good guy/bad guy thing. Seems to be pretty black and white.  But so long as the music's good.. who cares?

I believe JP said that Dream Theater identifies the most with Ravenskill, but that it's not just black and white.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: porcacultor on January 11, 2016, 10:10:48 AM
Daryus is threatening clock guy NO, NO, NO

I think Faythe is giving herself in to save clock guy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Billzo on January 11, 2016, 10:10:57 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 11, 2016, 10:08:26 AM
Heh, i was just done transcribing the video, went here and saw it was already here  :P

 :lol Sorry dude, I just saw that someone requested it a few posts above mine so I listened again and typed it up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MarkFitDT on January 11, 2016, 10:11:11 AM
Absolutely love all the music in this snippet. This album is going to be a monster - cheesy lyrics or not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Implode on January 11, 2016, 10:12:42 AM
Everyone is screaming cheese, which I thought would be the case since it was obvious they were making a rock opera.

But the question remains. Which is cheesier? The Astonishing? Or an Ayreon album?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: liran95 on January 11, 2016, 10:13:26 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 10:09:47 AM
Quote from: liran95 on January 11, 2016, 10:08:43 AM
Can someone please describe what's been shown in the video for those who want to avoid the snippets? Thanks!  ;D
Why don't you just watch it on mute?

Yeah, I figured it out after posting.  :facepalm:

Thanks anyway!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 10:15:11 AM
Quote from: Billzo on January 11, 2016, 10:10:57 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 11, 2016, 10:08:26 AM
Heh, i was just done transcribing the video, went here and saw it was already here  :P

 :lol Sorry dude, I just saw that someone requested it a few posts above mine so I listened again and typed it up.

Yeah, they should put up a warning of incredibly fast ninjas  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: James.v6 on January 11, 2016, 10:15:39 AM
I think that HEAVYBRUTHAL riff come at 0:31.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 11, 2016, 10:16:26 AM
And Clock Boy, Xander, is up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erciccio on January 11, 2016, 10:16:37 AM
Say hello to Xander, the Clock guy.
And map complited...

the snippets are... :yarr :yarr :yarr :yarr
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MarkFitDT on January 11, 2016, 10:17:11 AM
I like cheese, I mentioned cheese in my post because someone had posted they wouldn't be able to listen to the album if it had cheesy lyrics despite  us only having heard the lyrics to TGOM and the 3 words "Our New World" that are the only lyrics that I can hear in the snippet to make any sort of judgement on at this stage! Its almost as if some people don't want to like it! Only on DTF!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 10:19:24 AM
So i guess we can expect another trailer on the website before the album is released?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 11, 2016, 10:22:57 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 11, 2016, 10:19:24 AM
So i guess we can expect another trailer on the website before the album is released?
Their website for the new album certainly implies that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: majo on January 11, 2016, 10:27:19 AM
those drums still sound like crap  :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Sacul on January 11, 2016, 10:27:46 AM
So the video is pretty lame imo, but the music sounds great so  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on January 11, 2016, 10:36:03 AM
Just because I've not seen it in this thread yet...

(https://www.dreamtheater.net/sites/g/files/g2000003226/f/201601/09876.jpg)

Xander - Ravenskill
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on January 11, 2016, 10:36:36 AM
Where on Earth is hadi-persian? After the big reveal of his beloved clock guy!!  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 11, 2016, 10:40:45 AM
Quote from: Implode on January 11, 2016, 10:12:42 AM
But the question remains. Which is cheesier? The Astonishing? Or an Ayreon album?

I often do think Ayreon is on an almost unlistanable level of cheese, so I hope The Astonishing will be better.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: porcacultor on January 11, 2016, 10:43:49 AM
On the music, there's a predominance of 7-string guitars with the orchestra following suit in the low notes... Yarrr  :xbones
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on January 11, 2016, 10:44:41 AM
The video is HILARIOUS, but I'm absolutely fine with that. So unintentionally funny, but still so excited.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 11, 2016, 10:47:50 AM
Quote from: majo on January 11, 2016, 10:27:19 AM
those drums still sound like crap  :(

Youtube will make them sound bad anyway.  the quality drop and compression on audio on YT is enormous.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on January 11, 2016, 10:51:18 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 11, 2016, 09:57:25 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 09:47:35 AM
Anyone wanna guess which songs some of those clips came from?  At least one is really obvious since it was the chorus.  :lol  Any guesses on the others?  :corn

0:00 is from Descent of the NOMACS

0:13 is Dystopian Overture, probably going to be repeated later on.

0:24 is another snippet from Dystopian Overture

0:27 has to be from Descent of the NOMACS

0:34 not sure. Maybe Dystopian Overture again

1:07 and 1:20....Dystopian Overture?

If I guess DO enough times, one of them has to be right  ;D

 :lol Immediately made me think of this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2AWKfMvDtw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2AWKfMvDtw)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wolven74 on January 11, 2016, 10:51:38 AM
The snippets of music behind the video are sounding really awesome! :metal :2metal:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: AngelBack on January 11, 2016, 10:51:45 AM
Yeah I remember how cheesy the video for 2112 was.....oh wait..there wasn't one...can't we just wait for the album and be happy that the guys are trying to keep things fresh and add some variety for us?????  Would it be better if there were no portraits maps and vids?......sheesh
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: metrojam on January 11, 2016, 10:52:39 AM
Can't wait for the album release to hear the music but really have very little interest in all this "role playing fantasy world" animation and story. SFAM was a classic concept album because it dealt with a subject that was very "real world" and relevant to many MANY poeple around the world whereas this is just pure fantasy world fiction. Its great if you like that sort of thing and I know many do (and good luck to them too) but I have absolutely no interest in it.
BUT like I say, I am very excited about the MUSIC and feel that the album could well be their best for a very long time, so however cringe worthy this "trailer and animations" are, I am still super excited about the 29th :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 10:58:27 AM
Quote from: metrojam on January 11, 2016, 10:52:39 AM
Can't wait for the album release to hear the music but really have very little interest in all this "role playing fantasy world" animation and story. SFAM was a classic concept album because it dealt with a subject that was very "real world" and relevant to many MANY poeple around the world whereas this is just pure fantasy world fiction. Its great if you like that sort of thing and I know many do (and good luck to them too) but I have absolutely no interest in it.
BUT like I say, I am very excited about the MUSIC and feel that the album could well be their best for a very long time, so however cringe worthy this "trailer and animations" are, I am still super excited about the 29th :)

Im not sure I agree SFAM was anything "real world" sure the emotions were (I'd imagine the emotions of the characters in this will be as well), but I don't think there is anything real world about souls living on through different people.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on January 11, 2016, 10:59:27 AM
Im rather interested in what the second video is now, as well as the Places section.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: erciccio on January 11, 2016, 10:59:38 AM
Quote from: metrojam on January 11, 2016, 10:52:39 AM
Can't wait for the album release to hear the music but really have very little interest in all this "role playing fantasy world" animation and story. SFAM was a classic concept album because it dealt with a subject that was very "real world"

Real world? Then I'm quite happy I don't have neither a psychiatrist nor a brother...they might be quite dangerous...:)

SFAM concept was pure Brie cheese, even worse than this..and those Videos.... :( :( :( :( :(
But still, SFAM is a great album.

So close your eyes, abd begin to relax...you will soon be astonished!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on January 11, 2016, 10:59:50 AM
Quote from: metrojam on January 11, 2016, 10:52:39 AM
Can't wait for the album release to hear the music but really have very little interest in all this "role playing fantasy world" animation and story. SFAM was a classic concept album because it dealt with a subject that was very "real world" and relevant to many MANY poeple around the world whereas this is just pure fantasy world fiction. Its great if you like that sort of thing and I know many do (and good luck to them too) but I have absolutely no interest in it.
BUT like I say, I am very excited about the MUSIC and feel that the album could well be their best for a very long time, so however cringe worthy this "trailer and animations" are, I am still super excited about the 29th :)

Noxon said this in an earlier post, but just because it's set in a futuristic environment doesn't make it any less real.

The relationships between characters, their growth, and the emotional conflict will be extremely relatable. Lord of the Rings and Star Wars are in entirely fictional universes, but the global concepts of struggle and good vs evil are always real.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: metrojam on January 11, 2016, 11:07:28 AM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 10:58:27 AM
Quote from: metrojam on January 11, 2016, 10:52:39 AM
Can't wait for the album release to hear the music but really have very little interest in all this "role playing fantasy world" animation and story. SFAM was a classic concept album because it dealt with a subject that was very "real world" and relevant to many MANY poeple around the world whereas this is just pure fantasy world fiction. Its great if you like that sort of thing and I know many do (and good luck to them too) but I have absolutely no interest in it.
BUT like I say, I am very excited about the MUSIC and feel that the album could well be their best for a very long time, so however cringe worthy this "trailer and animations" are, I am still super excited about the 29th :)

Im not sure I agree SFAM was anything "real world" sure the emotions were (I'd imagine the emotions of the characters in this will be as well), but I don't think there is anything real world about souls living on through different people.

Hundreds of thousands of people over the years have "believed" they have lived before and have undergone regression sessions to try to recall their "past lives" so i think that "story" is a little more relevant to the "real world" than the role playing fantasy story we are going to get with "The Astonishing"!!
But there you go, each to their own "real world" I guess!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Evermind on January 11, 2016, 11:08:34 AM
You know, I often see the same argument about the general fantasy books with magic and dragons and whatever. I mean, if you dislike the setting, then fine, alright, maybe it's not for you, but in a lot of cases isn't not about the setting at all. It could be some fantasy medieval world, it could be a sci-fi dystopian world, it could be another planet and another race entirely, it could be a realistic setting in a World War II, it could be anything - the story isn't about the world. The setting, the world are just the instruments to fledge out the story. It could be a poignant dramatic tale about the struggle of two opposite factions and how it affects people - something that often happens in the real world, hell, something that happens in some countries right now - despite the fact it's set in some future with the flying orbs that play weird noise music. You make it sound like "pure fantasy world fiction" can't be relevant to many many people around the world.

Of course, it could be a total cheese-fest, but I don't know how you can discard an important aspect of the album released by one of your favourite bands just after you found out about the setting. I'll avoid judging the story before I've heard the full story.

And yeah, SFAM is indeed a classic concept album for many of people here, but for me it's definitely not because "it dealt with a subject that was very real world". For what it's worth, all the SFAM very "real world" was just a setting too, and the story wasn't exactly about that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 11:09:26 AM
Quote from: metrojam on January 11, 2016, 11:07:28 AM
role playing fantasy

I have no idea what this means in the context of this album or what we are discussing in this thread.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: majo on January 11, 2016, 11:11:06 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 11, 2016, 10:47:50 AM
Quote from: majo on January 11, 2016, 10:27:19 AM
those drums still sound like crap  :(

Youtube will make them sound bad anyway.  the quality drop and compression on audio on YT is enormous.
not that much though... yt audio is around 150kbps which is decent - not expecting huge improvement on the CD. not as bad as dt12 but still pretty bad.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 11, 2016, 11:11:45 AM
Quote from: AngelBack on January 11, 2016, 10:51:45 AM
can't we just wait for the album and be happy that the guys are trying to keep things fresh and add some variety for us?????  Would it be better if there were no portraits maps and vids?......sheesh

For working this hard to make it something new and different, the band definetely deserves my respect, which they've got. But that doesn't mean that I have to like what I see and hear when it comes to the material itself.

Quote from: metrojam on January 11, 2016, 11:07:28 AM
Hundreds of thousands of people over the years have "believed" they have lived before and have undergone regression sessions to try to recall their "past lives" so i think that "story" is a little more relevant to the "real world" than the role playing fantasy story we are going to get with "The Astonishing"!!
But there you go, each to their own "real world" I guess!!

I don't know dude, standing up against a "tyranical" government is a lot more relevant for the real world today I'd say.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 11, 2016, 11:13:23 AM
I'm sorry, but i just LOVE IT! :laugh: ;D :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 11, 2016, 11:14:25 AM
I'm just glad that I don't have to eat my man-meat! 

Really, really enjoyed the trailer.  Can't wait to hear the album and can't wait to see the full performance with the video clips (ropey animation or not)!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 11, 2016, 11:14:44 AM
So Ravenskill is called the way it is because their people literally have skills at riding giant ravens? Am I getting this right?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 11:15:35 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 11, 2016, 11:14:25 AM
I'm just glad that I don't have to eat my man-meat! 

No!  Eat your meat until you're breathless!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 11, 2016, 11:25:46 AM
The one gripe I have with the trailer is that it entirely misrepresents what the album is going to sound like. I get that it's because the melodic ballady stuff isn't exciting - but if you go out expecting a Prog metal bombastic album (which this trailer implies), well, you WILL be disappointed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 11, 2016, 11:25:49 AM
The animations remind me a bit of the cartoons in the show Cosmos (the new one with Neil DeGrasse Tyson). One that show, the animations were sort of simple, but really stylish. To me, the DT video looks like it has a certain style to it, as apposed to appearing like they just didn't have the budget for CGI.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 11, 2016, 11:26:58 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 11:25:46 AM
The one gripe I have with the trailer is that it entirely misrepresents what the album is going to sound like. I get that it's because the melodic ballady stuff isn't exciting - but if you go out expecting a Prog metal bombastic album (which this trailer implies), well, you WILL be disappointed.
I'm glad you said that because after I watched the trailer, I thought: Sounds exactly like DT, nothing new here  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: rab7 on January 11, 2016, 11:29:26 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 11:25:46 AM
The one gripe I have with the trailer is that it entirely misrepresents what the album is going to sound like. I get that it's because the melodic ballady stuff isn't exciting - but if you go out expecting a Prog metal bombastic album (which this trailer implies), well, you WILL be disappointed.

I'm actually glad they did this. I've been reading all your mentions of clean melodic music, and I'm really excited that when I hear it on the 29th, it'll be for the first time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on January 11, 2016, 11:30:39 AM
Quote from: Evermind on January 11, 2016, 11:08:34 AM
You know, I often see the same argument about the general fantasy books with magic and dragons and whatever. I mean, if you dislike the setting, then fine, alright, maybe it's not for you, but in a lot of cases isn't not about the setting at all. It could be some fantasy medieval world, it could be a sci-fi dystopian world, it could be another planet and another race entirely, it could be a realistic setting in a World War II, it could be anything - the story isn't about the world. The setting, the world are just the instruments to fledge out the story. It could be a pickingant dramatic tale about the struggle of two opposite factions and how it affects people - something that often happens in the real world, hell, something that happens in some countries right now - despite the fact it's set in some future with the flying orbs that play weird noise music. You make it sound like "pure fantasy world fiction" can't be relevant to many many people around the world.

Of course, it could be a total cheese-fest, but I don't know how you can discard an important aspect of the album released by one of your favourite bands just after you found out about the setting. I'll avoid judging the story before I've heard the full story.

And yeah, SFAM is indeed a classic concept album for many of people here, but for me it's definitely not because "it dealt with a subject that was very real world". For what it's worth, all the SFAM very "real world" was just a setting too, and the story wasn't exactly about that.

FTFY
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: metrojam on January 11, 2016, 11:32:06 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 11:25:46 AM
The one gripe I have with the trailer is that it entirely misrepresents what the album is going to sound like. I get that it's because the melodic ballady stuff isn't exciting - but if you go out expecting a Prog metal bombastic album (which this trailer implies), well, you WILL be disappointed.

:( Despite being extremely underwhelmed by the animations and storyline, I AM very excited and stoked for the music but that's a little disappointing to hear you say that, especially when you say it "ENTIRELY MISREPRESENTS" the album :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on January 11, 2016, 11:32:59 AM
I don't think I saw anyone mention that the "clock kid" is now revealed on the site as well. His name is Xander.

EDIT: Also, the map is complete.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Aythesryche on January 11, 2016, 11:34:10 AM
Man, those Nomacs look super pissed.

(https://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/llamabearduck/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-11%20at%201.32.05%20PM_zpsktim5fhi.png~original)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 11, 2016, 11:35:09 AM
Where is the Glock Guy though?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 11, 2016, 11:35:30 AM
Places tab next week maybe? Or next video? :0
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 11:36:01 AM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on January 11, 2016, 11:32:59 AM
I don't think I saw anyone mention that the "clock kid" is now revealed on the site as well. His name is Xander.

EDIT: Also, the map is complete.

And the video is updated with the trailer, so one video left, assumed (or known to be) a music video right?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 11, 2016, 11:36:20 AM
Quote from: Aythesryche on January 11, 2016, 11:34:10 AM
Man, those Nomacs look super pissed.

(https://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/llamabearduck/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-11%20at%201.32.05%20PM_zpsktim5fhi.png~original)

 :metal

The NOMACS look pretty cool throughout the entire video IMO.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Jinx on January 11, 2016, 11:36:35 AM
I'm thinking I hear some Machine Chatter in there  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on January 11, 2016, 11:38:16 AM
First off, I've noticed that after watching the trailer, some of you have said things to the effect of "the concept is gonna be bad". You can't honestly judge the story off of the animation style, no matter how wonky and clunky it looks. You just can't. I'm sure the story is gonna be sweet.

It looks to me like the only significance the clock has to the story is that Xander (and possibly his family) are living/hiding inside it for some reason. Anyone else kinda gather that from the trailer?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 11, 2016, 11:39:21 AM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 11:36:01 AM
And the video is updated with the trailer, so one video left, assumed (or known to be) a music video right?

Inb4 they troll us and just stick the Gift of Music 'video' in that slot.  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Evermind on January 11, 2016, 11:39:28 AM
Quote from: MustActFastToCoverUp on January 11, 2016, 11:30:39 AM
Quote from: Evermind on January 11, 2016, 11:08:34 AM
You know, I often see the same argument about the general fantasy books with magic and dragons and whatever. I mean, if you dislike the setting, then fine, alright, maybe it's not for you, but in a lot of cases isn't not about the setting at all. It could be some fantasy medieval world, it could be a sci-fi dystopian world, it could be another planet and another race entirely, it could be a realistic setting in a World War II, it could be anything - the story isn't about the world. The setting, the world are just the instruments to fledge out the story. It could be a pickingant dramatic tale about the struggle of two opposite factions and how it affects people - something that often happens in the real world, hell, something that happens in some countries right now - despite the fact it's set in some future with the flying orbs that play weird noise music. You make it sound like "pure fantasy world fiction" can't be relevant to many many people around the world.

Of course, it could be a total cheese-fest, but I don't know how you can discard an important aspect of the album released by one of your favourite bands just after you found out about the setting. I'll avoid judging the story before I've heard the full story.

And yeah, SFAM is indeed a classic concept album for many of people here, but for me it's definitely not because "it dealt with a subject that was very real world". For what it's worth, all the SFAM very "real world" was just a setting too, and the story wasn't exactly about that.

FTFY

Right. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Awaken on January 11, 2016, 11:39:44 AM
Looking forward to hearing more of the solo that begins around 1:02 . . . .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 11, 2016, 11:40:12 AM
Love the music and I like the premise. I kind of hate the word cheese actually, as people tend to use it as a dismissive term. Realistic/vague/depressing is not inherently better than fantastical stories or a more "in your face storytelling" in my opinion. Some of history's greatest pieces of art, be it musicals, rock operas, novels, or film, belong to the latter category.

That said, this is definitely over the top  :lol I think the narrator overdid it a bit. And what visually bugs me about this trailer is the faces of some of the characters, I feel they fall in the wrong region between (well) stylized and realistic, which gives a somewhat "creepy" look (enhanced by the simple animations). So yeah, I wished the artist went a tad more towards a (serious looking) graphic novel artstyle (more stylized) instead of aiming at a more realistic look. That said, the assets are not necessarily bad; 1.03 onwards looks visually ace I think. Partially because the characters are displayed as silhouettes or under darker lighting, making them feel less out of place. I really think these visuals will work well for the show though!

This is an example of good storytelling with simple animations and art: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8YUDfFtH2A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8YUDfFtH2A) (The Witcher III game intro)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 11, 2016, 11:40:24 AM
Despite the crappy animations (didn't expect more tho) I am
quite stoked. This sounds huge
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 11, 2016, 11:44:46 AM
Yeah, I mean, the background art looks beautiful in my opinion.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 11, 2016, 11:45:15 AM
Can't watch now.  Looking forward to seeing it later.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jonny108 on January 11, 2016, 11:47:24 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 11:25:46 AM
The one gripe I have with the trailer is that it entirely misrepresents what the album is going to sound like. I get that it's because the melodic ballady stuff isn't exciting - but if you go out expecting a Prog metal bombastic album (which this trailer implies), well, you WILL be disappointed.

I'm liking the sound of this.  When does the embargo lift so you can post your review Noxon? 18 days  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 11, 2016, 11:52:37 AM
Quote from: TheLordOfTheStrings on January 11, 2016, 11:38:16 AM
First off, I've noticed that after watching the trailer, some of you have said things to the effect of "the concept is gonna be bad". You can't honestly judge the story off of the animation style, no matter how wonky and clunky it looks. You just can't. I'm sure the story is gonna be sweet.

Yeah, I don't really understand the thought process of that. The concept sounds pretty good to me from what I've gathered.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 11, 2016, 11:54:53 AM
Quote from: jonny108 on January 11, 2016, 11:47:24 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 11:25:46 AM
The one gripe I have with the trailer is that it entirely misrepresents what the album is going to sound like. I get that it's because the melodic ballady stuff isn't exciting - but if you go out expecting a Prog metal bombastic album (which this trailer implies), well, you WILL be disappointed.

I'm liking the sound of this.  When does the embargo lift so you can post your review Noxon? 18 days  :metal

I think it's gone since there's a review up already. He's just waiting for his website to be ready.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mike099 on January 11, 2016, 11:58:39 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 11, 2016, 11:36:20 AM
Quote from: Aythesryche on January 11, 2016, 11:34:10 AM
Man, those Nomacs look super pissed.

(https://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/llamabearduck/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-11%20at%201.32.05%20PM_zpsktim5fhi.png~original)

 :metal

The NOMACS look pretty cool throughout the entire video IMO.

They look like angry piranhas :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: emtee on January 11, 2016, 12:00:04 PM
As with all trailers of such short length it's impossible to form any opinion. It's just another step in the direction of finally hearing
the album. I will say it sounds pretty epic and cinematic and in that regard it feels like an extension of DT12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 11, 2016, 12:00:17 PM
Waiting implies i'm sitting idly by ;) No, i'm frantically working to get it done asap. Hoping to have it done by friday... Just have 10 articles to write, a couple of biographies and then picking out a choice select amount of old school interviews and reviews...

SO that when the content is ready, the world will be launched...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 11, 2016, 12:03:19 PM
Maybe I should have said that the review is waiting. My bad.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 11, 2016, 12:07:56 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 11:25:46 AM
The one gripe I have with the trailer is that it entirely misrepresents what the album is going to sound like. I get that it's because the melodic ballady stuff isn't exciting - but if you go out expecting a Prog metal bombastic album (which this trailer implies), well, you WILL be disappointed.

Well now you've gone and made me sad.  :( I've never been a fan of DT's ballads apart from a few standout gems.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TL on January 11, 2016, 12:13:04 PM
Yeah... really not feeling this.

I'll still absolutely be listening to this album when it comes out, but I think I'm going to have to ignore all of the marketing stuff if I want to have any chance of enjoying it.
I'm all for cheese in music; cheese can be a lot of fun. This is a whole other level though. Like, this is just my opinion, but I've found everything they've shown so far to be actively off-putting.

The bits of music we've heard have been promising, so I'm still cautiously optimistic about the album, but yeah, everything else about this whole thing is very much not for me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 11, 2016, 12:15:19 PM
Quote from: metrojam on January 11, 2016, 11:32:06 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 11:25:46 AM
The one gripe I have with the trailer is that it entirely misrepresents what the album is going to sound like. I get that it's because the melodic ballady stuff isn't exciting - but if you go out expecting a Prog metal bombastic album (which this trailer implies), well, you WILL be disappointed.

:( Despite being extremely underwhelmed by the animations and storyline, I AM very excited and stoked for the music but that's a little disappointing to hear you say that, especially when you say it "ENTIRELY MISREPRESENTS" the album :(

Which is EXACTLY why I'm making that statement! I mean, obviously these parts exist, but the trailer makes it seem like this is what the album sounds like. Its absolutely not. There's a lack of dynamics - theres no piano and orchestra solo parts, theres no violin or flute or bagpipe, no acousttic guitars - and yet, everyone ive spoken to have pointed out just how much of THAT there is on the album. How little of the metal side we see.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Kyo on January 11, 2016, 12:21:07 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 11:25:46 AM
The one gripe I have with the trailer is that it entirely misrepresents what the album is going to sound like. I get that it's because the melodic ballady stuff isn't exciting - but if you go out expecting a Prog metal bombastic album (which this trailer implies), well, you WILL be disappointed.

Yep, wise words - I've been listening to the album since mid-December and I was thinking the same thing when I saw the trailer.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 11, 2016, 12:25:15 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 12:15:19 PM
Quote from: metrojam on January 11, 2016, 11:32:06 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 11:25:46 AM
The one gripe I have with the trailer is that it entirely misrepresents what the album is going to sound like. I get that it's because the melodic ballady stuff isn't exciting - but if you go out expecting a Prog metal bombastic album (which this trailer implies), well, you WILL be disappointed.

:( Despite being extremely underwhelmed by the animations and storyline, I AM very excited and stoked for the music but that's a little disappointing to hear you say that, especially when you say it "ENTIRELY MISREPRESENTS" the album :(

Which is EXACTLY why I'm making that statement! I mean, obviously these parts exist, but the trailer makes it seem like this is what the album sounds like. Its absolutely not. There's a lack of dynamics - theres no piano and orchestra solo parts, theres no violin or flute or bagpipe, no acousttic guitars - and yet, everyone ive spoken to have pointed out just how much of THAT there is on the album. How little of the metal side we see.

I totally get what you mean. The trailer sounds exactly like "normal" DT and doesn't give us the variety some of you have spoken about. I'm really really pumped for this album. I mean tango, bagpipes, flute, whole orchestra, choir? WTF?!? Bring it on, baby!

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 11, 2016, 12:34:18 PM
Quote from: Kyo on January 11, 2016, 12:21:07 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 11:25:46 AM
The one gripe I have with the trailer is that it entirely misrepresents what the album is going to sound like. I get that it's because the melodic ballady stuff isn't exciting - but if you go out expecting a Prog metal bombastic album (which this trailer implies), well, you WILL be disappointed.

Yep, wise words - I've been listening to the album since mid-December and I was thinking the same thing when I saw the trailer.

Well,it's a one minute trailer for a 2hr 40min album. Plus, I liked it thought the music was good. Can't wait to be surprised with what's all in the music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 11, 2016, 12:39:55 PM
Watching the video without sound (I'm strong and resolute in my desire to listen to the entire album on purchase day without having heard a single note beforehand) is quite a WTF experience  :lol

I don't mind the low budget graphics, actually it's cool to see the characters come "alive" in a sense. Looks like indeed there's a lot of story going on, I'm not a fan of those "concept albums" that promise to tell a story but in the end all the lyrics are mumbo jumbo about abstract stuff that you would never guess they're part of a concept unless you're not told so.

So, the cast of characters is complete, the map is complete (did anyone else notice that or I missed the thousand posts of excitement?), and we have one video to go.... then all we'll have to do is listen to the album  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: As I Am on January 11, 2016, 12:47:44 PM
I'll say it now....I have a feeling this album is going to be a MAJOR disappointment!  :censored

I really hope it proves me wrong! :chill
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 11, 2016, 12:49:18 PM
Quote from: As I Am on January 11, 2016, 12:47:44 PM
I'll say it now....I have a feeling this album is going to be a MAJOR disappointment!  :censored

Based on what?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: noxon on January 11, 2016, 12:51:05 PM
If your favorite track is "As I Am", you will be disappointed.  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater's "The Astonishing" - What We Know So Far
Post by: MustActFastToCoverUp on January 11, 2016, 12:54:11 PM
In the lower right corner of the map it goes 'published by...'
Can anybody read this? Lokks like its a name and a date.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 11, 2016, 12:57:51 PM
Let me join the chorus of people saying cheesy video (that's ok - it was kind of expected) and great sounding music.

I did notice a couple of things that sounded like other songs:

0:12 Trailer = 1:33 Fatal Tragedy
0:33 Trailer = Bridges in the Sky?

Hard to say since the clips are so short.  I'm still very excited to hear the album, it would really take a lot to disappoint me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 11, 2016, 12:59:10 PM
Now we understand what Bosk meant by NOMAC hotel.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 11, 2016, 01:01:45 PM
I am guessing they chose a lot of heavy stuff because it's a Road Runner video promo.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 11, 2016, 01:06:50 PM
Still waiting for something more, that's not enough to understand the identity of the album... However, the release date is not so far!!!
Talking about the graphics, what can I say....?! :rollin

(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/12400523_10207124823072037_9195706707622978505_n.jpg?oh=a90116ad9ff12a01540efc8ed536136c&oe=56FD181F)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 11, 2016, 01:09:01 PM
Quote from: |KirK| on January 11, 2016, 01:06:50 PM
Still waiting for something more, that's not enough to understand the identity of the album... However, the release date is not so far!!!
Talking about the graphics, what can I say....?! :rollin

(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/12400523_10207124823072037_9195706707622978505_n.jpg?oh=a90116ad9ff12a01540efc8ed536136c&oe=56FD181F)

This is everything.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Crow on January 11, 2016, 01:09:17 PM
the animation literally made me lol it was so bad

music sounds cool tho but we'll see
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 11, 2016, 01:09:23 PM
If the album bombs, instead of DT jumping the shark we'll say that they flew with the raven  :lol
Title: Re: Re: Dream Theater's "The Astonishing" - What We Know So Far
Post by: Prog Snob on January 11, 2016, 01:09:26 PM
It's really hard to make out what it says. It looks like below the name is a year. I'm also curious as to the name of the city below Victory Isleland.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 01:10:58 PM
Had an interview with John Petrucci today. Some info I can share: during liveshows there will be no encore, they will solely be about The Astonishing. The album is mastered at a lower volume than A Dramatic Turn Of Events and Dream Theater, making it more dynamic. Petrucci wrote all the lyrics. Rudess and Petrucci wrote all the the music.

Besides that: Petrucci's second solo album has been written! He wanted to have it recorded by now, but he didn't have the time to record it yet, because The Astonishing took him longer than expected. Probably will take more than a year as Dream Theater is going full throttle now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 11, 2016, 01:11:48 PM
Is Daryus gonna kill Xander which starts the war?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 11, 2016, 01:12:34 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 01:10:58 PM
Some info I can share: during liveshows there will be no encore, they will solely be about The Astonishing.

Could have been the icing on the cake, but I'm fine either way. At least now we know, so we won't be two thirds into the show all thinking "Will they play Metropolis or Octavarium?"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Estiui on January 11, 2016, 01:13:08 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 12:15:19 PM
Quote from: metrojam on January 11, 2016, 11:32:06 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 11:25:46 AM
The one gripe I have with the trailer is that it entirely misrepresents what the album is going to sound like. I get that it's because the melodic ballady stuff isn't exciting - but if you go out expecting a Prog metal bombastic album (which this trailer implies), well, you WILL be disappointed.

:( Despite being extremely underwhelmed by the animations and storyline, I AM very excited and stoked for the music but that's a little disappointing to hear you say that, especially when you say it "ENTIRELY MISREPRESENTS" the album :(

Which is EXACTLY why I'm making that statement! I mean, obviously these parts exist, but the trailer makes it seem like this is what the album sounds like. Its absolutely not. There's a lack of dynamics - theres no piano and orchestra solo parts, theres no violin or flute or bagpipe, no acousttic guitars - and yet, everyone ive spoken to have pointed out just how much of THAT there is on the album. How little of the metal side we see.

I'm guessing JR had its magic spread all over the composition process.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ariich on January 11, 2016, 01:13:33 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 11:09:26 AM
Quote from: metrojam on January 11, 2016, 11:07:28 AM
role playing fantasy

I have no idea what this means in the context of this album or what we are discussing in this thread.
Yeah seriously, wtf. This is the equivalent of people who hate metal music saying about the trailer "ugh I hate that death metal stuff, it's all just noise and angry shouting".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 11, 2016, 01:16:04 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 01:10:58 PM
Had an interview with John Petrucci today. Some info I can share: during liveshows there will be no encore, they will solely be about The Astonishing. The album is mastered at a lower volume than A Dramatic Turn Of Events and Dream Theater, making it more dynamic. Petrucci wrote all the lyrics. Rudess and Petrucci wrote all the the music.

Besides that: Petrucci's second solo album has been written! He wanted to have it recorded by now, but he didn't have the time to record it yet, because The Astonishing took him longer than expected. Probably will take more than a year as Dream Theater is going full throttle now.
" . . . second solo album has been written!" That's great news.  I really had given up on it.  I can wait now that I know it's been written, especially because I'll have TA to listen to.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 11, 2016, 01:17:23 PM
Quote from: |KirK| on January 11, 2016, 01:06:50 PM
(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/12400523_10207124823072037_9195706707622978505_n.jpg?oh=a90116ad9ff12a01540efc8ed536136c&oe=56FD181F)

omg yes ty
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 01:18:10 PM
Quote from: |KirK| on January 11, 2016, 01:06:50 PM
Talking about the graphics, what can I say....?! :rollin

(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/12400523_10207124823072037_9195706707622978505_n.jpg?oh=a90116ad9ff12a01540efc8ed536136c&oe=56FD181F)

Have you never seen portals "On the Backs of Ravens"?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 11, 2016, 01:20:39 PM
Quote from: ariich on January 11, 2016, 01:13:33 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 11:09:26 AM
Quote from: metrojam on January 11, 2016, 11:07:28 AM
role playing fantasy

I have no idea what this means in the context of this album or what we are discussing in this thread.
Yeah seriously, wtf. This is the equivalent of people who hate metal music saying about the trailer "ugh I hate that death metal stuff, it's all just noise and angry shouting".

I'm not sure where the "role playing fantasy" comes in. If he followed even an iota of what the subject matter of the story is, he wouldn't make such a ludicrous critique.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on January 11, 2016, 01:22:13 PM
Yeah, that raven/Xander drawing should have never been OK'ed by the band or anyone else that saw it. I'm fine with the other animations as I understand that this is not a multi-million dollar production, but that is terrible.

However, the music sounded great and I'm still very fond of the visuals (mostly the still ones though  :lol).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: NickySpanjaards on January 11, 2016, 01:22:35 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 11, 2016, 01:18:10 PM
Quote from: |KirK| on January 11, 2016, 01:06:50 PM
Talking about the graphics, what can I say....?! :rollin

(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/12400523_10207124823072037_9195706707622978505_n.jpg?oh=a90116ad9ff12a01540efc8ed536136c&oe=56FD181F)

Have you never seen portals "On the Backs of Ravens"?

Or watch the raven falling  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: dreamsforever on January 11, 2016, 01:23:41 PM
I have been a DT fan since before I&W, as I am from Long Island. I want to start by saying this. This album for me is one of their worst. I, for the life of me, cannot get into it. I have a bad feeling that a lot of people will feel this way after hearing the entire thing. It seems sterile and uninspired to me. Some of the melodies sound familiar like we have heard them before. I'm sorry, but this is my opinion. Not to say that there aren't some good moments on the CD, there are. However, the album being the length it is has many moments that I really felt bored. I've never said that listening to DT before. I just don't have much desire to go back and listen to it again and again, which for me is the telling tale.

I am curious to see other peoples reactions when everyone hears it though. But for me, it's just not even close to their other concept albums. I'm very disappointed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 01:33:17 PM
Cool story.  I'll be interested to know whether you still feel that way once you've actually heard it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 11, 2016, 01:34:19 PM
Quote from: dreamsforever on January 11, 2016, 01:23:41 PM
But for me, it's just not even close to their other concept albums.
Yeah, all those other concept albums they've done.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 01:35:16 PM
:lol  That too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 01:36:10 PM
Can't take a review seriously unless from a real source or after the album is released
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 11, 2016, 01:36:31 PM
Quote from: ariich on January 11, 2016, 01:34:19 PM
Quote from: dreamsforever on January 11, 2016, 01:23:41 PM
But for me, it's just not even close to their other concept albums.
Yeah, all those other concept albums they've done.

All of dream theater's concept albums...


All the concept albums...


.....





...Scenes From A Memory...


...


...ALl the...concept albums...


(https://media.muckrack.com.s3.amazonaws.com/link_thumbnails/oLpIp_stewart-lee-absolutely-nails-ukip-on-....jpg.220x0_q85_autocrop_crop-smart_upscale.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 11, 2016, 01:36:44 PM
Quote from: ariich on January 11, 2016, 01:34:19 PM
Quote from: dreamsforever on January 11, 2016, 01:23:41 PM
But for me, it's just not even close to their other concept albums.
Yeah, all those other concept albums they've done.

And not hearing one lick of the album either. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on January 11, 2016, 01:38:36 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 11, 2016, 01:18:10 PM
Quote from: |KirK| on January 11, 2016, 01:06:50 PM
Talking about the graphics, what can I say....?! :rollin

(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/12400523_10207124823072037_9195706707622978505_n.jpg?oh=a90116ad9ff12a01540efc8ed536136c&oe=56FD181F)

Have you never seen portals "On the Backs of Ravens"?

It's like a boy/raven version of a Centaur!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 11, 2016, 01:41:30 PM
Glad to hear the album sounds different than the trailer because the trailer sounded very "Newer DT by numbers" to me. 

I really like TGOM though so I am excited about the album.  Dynamics, acoustics, etc.... all of that sounds very exciting to me. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 11, 2016, 01:41:54 PM
Quote from: |KirK| on January 11, 2016, 01:06:50 PM
Still waiting for something more, that's not enough to understand the identity of the album... However, the release date is not so far!!!
Talking about the graphics, what can I say....?! :rollin

(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/12400523_10207124823072037_9195706707622978505_n.jpg?oh=a90116ad9ff12a01540efc8ed536136c&oe=56FD181F)

The rest of the video, I can sort of get but that is just silly. :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 11, 2016, 01:44:41 PM
Quote from: ariich on January 11, 2016, 01:34:19 PM
Quote from: dreamsforever on January 11, 2016, 01:23:41 PM
But for me, it's just not even close to their other concept albums.
Yeah, all those other concept albums they've done.

(https://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y393/Prog_Snob/loading-artist-41A043E043C0438043A0441044B0-4340435043D044C0-4410432044F0442043E0433043E0-4320430043B0435043D04420438043D043_zps02bfb2e4.gif)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 11, 2016, 01:53:07 PM
Octavarium's a concept album too. Not a narrative, but a thematic one. Everything goes in circles and ends where it begins.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 11, 2016, 01:54:50 PM
Damn if you get past the animation, some of the artwork is stunning!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Jinx on January 11, 2016, 01:56:24 PM
Are we quite sure Xander is meant to be riding that raven? From that still it looks like it might be suggesting he can read the ravens mind or taken its form something. Will have to rematch video.

Edit: rewatched and can't decide!  :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 11, 2016, 01:57:27 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 11, 2016, 01:12:34 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 01:10:58 PM
Some info I can share: during liveshows there will be no encore, they will solely be about The Astonishing.

Could have been the icing on the cake, but I'm fine either way.

Within the context of the show, I'd say it would feel more like icing on a stake.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 11, 2016, 01:58:24 PM
I love the music in the trailer by the way. It really sounds great.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TAC on January 11, 2016, 02:00:09 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on January 11, 2016, 01:58:24 PM
I love the music in the trailer by the way. It really sounds great.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 11, 2016, 02:01:49 PM
After many views I have to say that, without the part of the flying raven, the trailer would be so much better... but not Astonishing!!!  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 02:03:43 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 11, 2016, 01:57:27 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 11, 2016, 01:12:34 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 01:10:58 PM
Some info I can share: during liveshows there will be no encore, they will solely be about The Astonishing.

Could have been the icing on the cake, but I'm fine either way.

Within the context of the show, I'd say it would feel more like icing on a stake.

No encore?  So the whole show will be closer to 2 hours than 3?  No opener?  That doesn't seem right.  I mean, I'm sure a lot is going into the show so asking for more might be much, but we all know they can perform closer to 3 hours (2 hours 45 minutes) from thier previous evening with shows.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Billzo on January 11, 2016, 02:07:08 PM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 02:03:43 PM
I mean, I'm sure a lot is going into the show so asking for more might be much, but we all know they can perform closer to 3 hours (2 hours 45 minutes) from thier previous evening with shows.

Yeah and at a much higher ticket price!!!!  :tdwn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 02:10:19 PM
Quote from: Billzo on January 11, 2016, 02:07:08 PM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 02:03:43 PM
I mean, I'm sure a lot is going into the show so asking for more might be much, but we all know they can perform closer to 3 hours (2 hours 45 minutes) from thier previous evening with shows.

Yeah and at a much higher ticket price!!!!  :tdwn

For me, the ticket was a bit more as well ~$15-30 more than what I normally have paid for DT in the past.  Forgot about that, but the venue is way nicer too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rumborak on January 11, 2016, 02:17:23 PM
It is silly to dismiss an album based on a few snippets and stuff, but ... let me put it this way, most of what I've seen so far, the music would have to *make up* for it. This whole thing seems to position itself in an area I am not a big fan of at all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: dreamsforever on January 11, 2016, 02:17:39 PM
Ok maybe I mispoke...I could care less if its a concept album or not. And yes I have heard the whole album. I was referring to Scenes From A Memory and SDOIT. I sat and listened to that album when it came out and couldn't get out of my car until it was over. This one I have none of those feelings.

Whether you guys believe me is irrelevant. I'm just giving you guys my honest opinion after listening to it 3 times, which takes a lot of time. The hype for thing thing has been massive and was massive for me before hearing it. I really want to love it, but every time I listen to it, I just am not engaged. I just am simply rendering my opinion and if after everyone hears it they disagree fine. I have a feeling I won't be the only one who feels this way. And honestly I'm angry I don't like it. I couldn't sleep after listening to it the first time. I thought I may has "missed" something, but after repeated listens, I now know I didn't. Curious how the official reviews are.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on January 11, 2016, 02:24:19 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 11, 2016, 01:56:24 PM
Are we quite sure Xander is meant to be riding that raven? From that still it looks like it might be suggesting he can read the ravens mind or taken its form something. Will have to rematch video.

Edit: rewatched and can't decide!  :-\

They are going full GoT  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 02:24:36 PM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 02:03:43 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 11, 2016, 01:57:27 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 11, 2016, 01:12:34 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 01:10:58 PM
Some info I can share: during liveshows there will be no encore, they will solely be about The Astonishing.

Could have been the icing on the cake, but I'm fine either way.

Within the context of the show, I'd say it would feel more like icing on a stake.

No encore?  So the whole show will be closer to 2 hours than 3?  No opener?  That doesn't seem right.  I mean, I'm sure a lot is going into the show so asking for more might be much, but we all know they can perform closer to 3 hours (2 hours 45 minutes) from thier previous evening with shows.

It has been said multiple times that the album is two hours and ten minutes long. Add an intermission (which has been announced as well) and you're looking to a 2,5 hour show. My guess is that some songs will have an extra solo or maybe a short rehearsed jam (but I'm not sure). With that in mind you'll have a two hour and forty minute show, as has been announced as the official running time of the show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 11, 2016, 02:24:38 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 11, 2016, 02:17:23 PM
It is silly to dismiss an album based on a few snippets and stuff, but ... let me put it this way, most of what I've seen so far, the music would have to *make up* for it.

This is pretty much where I'm at with it too.

Earlier in the thread, someone asked something along the lines of "Would it be better if there were no portraits and maps and videos?".

At this point, for me... yes?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 11, 2016, 02:27:01 PM
Just like anything that has ever existed, I'm sure people will dislike this album and say it's not DT enough, heavy enough, SFAM enough, "early-DT" enough, Portnoy enough, and the like, but if you listen to a progressive band not expecting them to change their style - especially 30 years into their career - you might want to stay away from this album.

Of course, I haven't heard it, but I have read that it will be very melodic and, judging by the apparent prominence of acoustic guitar and piano, "soft", it will be different. I'm sure it will have heavy parts (especially judging by the trailer), but I am personally ecstatic for this album. It sounds grand, and I've always been fond of more soft, melodic songs than quick shredding and Rudess freaking out on keyboard. That's not to say I don't appreciate a killer riff here and there - Beyond This Life was a highlight on SFAM.

With that said though, the trailer is hysterical. I love concept albums and storytelling through music, and TA concept sounds very intriguing, but oh man, some of those animations were laughable. My hype is still in full force though, and I can't wait to sit down January 29 to listen to this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TAC on January 11, 2016, 02:27:48 PM
I'm approaching the music and the characters/videos as quite separate. It's like a CD booklet come to life. That's all it is. At the end of the day, it will be about the music. It always is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Implode on January 11, 2016, 02:30:00 PM
Quote from: TL on January 11, 2016, 02:24:38 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 11, 2016, 02:17:23 PM
It is silly to dismiss an album based on a few snippets and stuff, but ... let me put it this way, most of what I've seen so far, the music would have to *make up* for it.

This is pretty much where I'm at with it too.

Earlier in the thread, someone asked something along the lines of "Would it be better if there were no portraits and maps and videos?".

At this point, for me... yes?

After my outburst a couple weeks ago I've been avoiding anything that isn't simply music.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lightbug on January 11, 2016, 02:31:30 PM
Quote from: dreamsforever on January 11, 2016, 02:17:39 PM
Ok maybe I mispoke...I could care less if its a concept album or not. And yes I have heard the whole album. I was referring to Scenes From A Memory and SDOIT. I sat and listened to that album when it came out and couldn't get out of my car until it was over. This one I have none of those feelings.

Whether you guys believe me is irrelevant. I'm just giving you guys my honest opinion after listening to it 3 times, which takes a lot of time. The hype for thing thing has been massive and was massive for me before hearing it. I really want to love it, but every time I listen to it, I just am not engaged. I just am simply rendering my opinion and if after everyone hears it they disagree fine. I have a feeling I won't be the only one who feels this way. And honestly I'm angry I don't like it. I couldn't sleep after listening to it the first time. I thought I may has "missed" something, but after repeated listens, I now know I didn't. Curious how the official reviews are.

tell me your top 3 DT albums
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 02:32:44 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 02:24:36 PM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 02:03:43 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 11, 2016, 01:57:27 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 11, 2016, 01:12:34 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 01:10:58 PM
Some info I can share: during liveshows there will be no encore, they will solely be about The Astonishing.

Could have been the icing on the cake, but I'm fine either way.

Within the context of the show, I'd say it would feel more like icing on a stake.

No encore?  So the whole show will be closer to 2 hours than 3?  No opener?  That doesn't seem right.  I mean, I'm sure a lot is going into the show so asking for more might be much, but we all know they can perform closer to 3 hours (2 hours 45 minutes) from thier previous evening with shows.

It has been said multiple times that the album is two hours and ten minutes long. Add an intermission (which has been announced as well) and you're looking to a 2,5 hour show. My guess is that some songs will have an extra solo or maybe a short rehearsed jam (but I'm not sure). With that in mind you'll have a two hour and forty minute show, as has been announced as the official running time of the show.

I'd gladly accept some jams/extended solos... but given the setting, I'm not entirely sure it fits.  If they have a full video and presentation, it reminds me of a bit bigger version of the last show and that means following the script on the dot.  Granted they did do the ToT jam and extended/changed the SDV outro, but this is the essentially live premiere of the entire album.  My guess is that the show is exactly like the album and then one song encore like Metropolis or something.  I can't imagine them not playing a single song besides the new album.  Come to think of it, I've only ever been to one concert where the headliner did not do an encore, that was Offspring when they played the entire Smash album, yet that album is short so after the album was like a greatest hits set... but still no encore.  I find it strange.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 02:38:24 PM
My guess is that Xander is the son of Evangeline. They posted another picture on Facebook, showing a cross around his neck.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: flamingjp on January 11, 2016, 02:46:48 PM
Commander Arhys just tweeted saying Xander is his son.

Also first post, hey guys!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ZirconBlue on January 11, 2016, 02:48:08 PM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 02:03:43 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 11, 2016, 01:57:27 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 11, 2016, 01:12:34 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 01:10:58 PM
Some info I can share: during liveshows there will be no encore, they will solely be about The Astonishing.

Could have been the icing on the cake, but I'm fine either way.

Within the context of the show, I'd say it would feel more like icing on a stake.

No encore?  So the whole show will be closer to 2 hours than 3?  No opener?  That doesn't seem right.  I mean, I'm sure a lot is going into the show so asking for more might be much, but we all know they can perform closer to 3 hours (2 hours 45 minutes) from thier previous evening with shows.

Yes, but from the information given so far, it sounds like this album will have fewer/shorter instrumental sections than typical DT.  So, the show may be shorter than usual, but James might actually be singing more than usual.  And his voice is probably the main determining factor in how long they can play night after night.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 11, 2016, 02:49:27 PM
Quote from: TAC on January 11, 2016, 02:27:48 PM
I'm approaching the music and the characters/videos as quite separate. It's like a CD booklet come to life. That's all it is. At the end of the day, it will be about the music. It always is.
Quote for truth.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 11, 2016, 02:50:18 PM
Honestly, every album after Octavarium had its big share of metal-y heavy pieces and riffs, peaking with stuff like TEI, TDEN and ANTR which definitely aren't my favourite DT songs by a long shot, though enjoyable.
We could argue that ADTOE was the "lightest" and "proggiest" of the four done since 2005, but it still had its pretty heavy moments with songs like LNF, BMUBMD and BITS, so the tendency to go straight metal was still kept.

I was looking forward to a change more towards their light/prog/experimental side again for this one.
After hearing The Gift of Music and reading insiders' thoughts on the album, no matter the cheese or the presentation, from a musical standpoint I still believe I will not be disappointed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 02:53:49 PM
Quote from: flamingjp on January 11, 2016, 02:46:48 PM
Commander Arhys just tweeted saying Xander is his son.

Also first post, hey guys!

Then Arhys and Evangeline are probably married, with Xander as their son.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 11, 2016, 02:54:51 PM
So Xander is Arhys' son. Wonder how Evangeline (as the only female on the Ravenskill side) relates to them all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 11, 2016, 02:55:30 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 11, 2016, 10:47:50 AM
Quote from: majo on January 11, 2016, 10:27:19 AM
those drums still sound like crap  :(

Youtube will make them sound bad anyway.  the quality drop and compression on audio on YT is enormous.
Case in point that the actual mp3 sounds miles head of the youtube stream for The Gift of Music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: V_R11 on January 11, 2016, 02:57:02 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 11, 2016, 02:53:49 PM
Quote from: flamingjp on January 11, 2016, 02:46:48 PM
Commander Arhys just tweeted saying Xander is his son.

Also first post, hey guys!

Then Arhys and Evangeline are probably married, with Xander as their son.

Maybe all of Empire is somehow related and all of Ravenskill is somehow related and it's actually a war between two families
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 11, 2016, 02:57:54 PM
How anyone can decide that the album is bad after three listens is beyond me. It's 2 hours and 10 minutes of music.

Then again, this is exactly the kind of reaction I expect from this album. This is why I've tried so hard to let people know what it is (or isn't).

I know the metal heads won't like it.

I know the people who are into the long instrumental wankoff sessions won't like it.

I know people who have not liked much of DT's output for the past 10 years have been very positive when they've heard stuff.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 11, 2016, 02:59:57 PM
Quote from: TheLordOfTheStrings on January 11, 2016, 11:38:16 AM
First off, I've noticed that after watching the trailer, some of you have said things to the effect of "the concept is gonna be bad". You can't honestly judge the story off of the animation style, no matter how wonky and clunky it looks. You just can't. I'm sure the story is gonna be sweet.
I just see it as people trying to find something to complain about.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TAC on January 11, 2016, 03:02:49 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 02:57:54 PM
I know the metal heads won't like it.

I'm a metal head and I'm looking forward to this very much. I can get my metal elsewhere. I do not need it, or even want it from DT. What I do want from DT is all of the non metal stuff that I can enjoy in bits, within a hard rock framework.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 03:03:50 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 02:57:54 PM
I know the metal heads won't like it.
I'm a metal head, and I love what I've heard.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 11, 2016, 03:08:02 PM
Quote from: TAC on January 11, 2016, 03:02:49 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 02:57:54 PM
I know the metal heads won't like it.

I'm a metal head and I'm looking forward to this very much. I can get my metal elsewhere. I do not need it, or even want it from DT. What I do want from DT is all of the non metal stuff that I can enjoy in bits, within a hard rock framework.
Same here.  I like metal but don't want that all the time - even in the same song.  I like the variety we get from DT.  Throw is a couple of good head banging riffs and i'm good.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 11, 2016, 03:09:50 PM
Quote from: dreamsforever on January 11, 2016, 01:23:41 PM
I have been a DT fan since before I&W, as I am from Long Island. I want to start by saying this. This album for me is one of their worst. I, for the life of me, cannot get into it. I have a bad feeling that a lot of people will feel this way after hearing the entire thing. It seems sterile and uninspired to me. Some of the melodies sound familiar like we have heard them before. I'm sorry, but this is my opinion. Not to say that there aren't some good moments on the CD, there are. However, the album being the length it is has many moments that I really felt bored. I've never said that listening to DT before. I just don't have much desire to go back and listen to it again and again, which for me is the telling tale.

I am curious to see other peoples reactions when everyone hears it though. But for me, it's just not even close to their other concept albums. I'm very disappointed.
DUDE. It's not even released yet. You're so full of it. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 03:10:05 PM
I just hope that all those ballads are more interesting than those types of songs normally are.
Edit: a normal ballad is usually boring to some extent. I want more progressive and unexpected stuff!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 03:12:03 PM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 02:32:44 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 02:24:36 PM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 02:03:43 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 11, 2016, 01:57:27 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 11, 2016, 01:12:34 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 01:10:58 PM
Some info I can share: during liveshows there will be no encore, they will solely be about The Astonishing.

Could have been the icing on the cake, but I'm fine either way.

Within the context of the show, I'd say it would feel more like icing on a stake.

No encore?  So the whole show will be closer to 2 hours than 3?  No opener?  That doesn't seem right.  I mean, I'm sure a lot is going into the show so asking for more might be much, but we all know they can perform closer to 3 hours (2 hours 45 minutes) from thier previous evening with shows.

It has been said multiple times that the album is two hours and ten minutes long. Add an intermission (which has been announced as well) and you're looking to a 2,5 hour show. My guess is that some songs will have an extra solo or maybe a short rehearsed jam (but I'm not sure). With that in mind you'll have a two hour and forty minute show, as has been announced as the official running time of the show.

I'd gladly accept some jams/extended solos... but given the setting, I'm not entirely sure it fits.  If they have a full video and presentation, it reminds me of a bit bigger version of the last show and that means following the script on the dot.  Granted they did do the ToT jam and extended/changed the SDV outro, but this is the essentially live premiere of the entire album.  My guess is that the show is exactly like the album and then one song encore like Metropolis or something.  I can't imagine them not playing a single song besides the new album.  Come to think of it, I've only ever been to one concert where the headliner did not do an encore, that was Offspring when they played the entire Smash album, yet that album is short so after the album was like a greatest hits set... but still no encore.  I find it strange.

Transcript from today's interview with Petrucci:

"This album, you know, we want to do something different. We've been touring for a long time. We've been a band for over thirty years and have done the traditional sort of show and this one is going to be different. This one is going to be sort of the way that Pink Floyd did with The Wall where we go out and we're presenting this album only, live. So, that's why we titled it 'Dream Theater presents The Astonishing Live'. It's in two acts. There is an intermission, but there is no encore. It's just the show. It's kinda like going to see an opera or musical where you're seeing a show. You know, we want to be really clear with people that this is something different. Again, very special venues and us presenting this album in its entirety and it's gonna be a different event and give our fans something different."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 11, 2016, 03:12:41 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 02:57:54 PM
I know the metal heads won't like it.

I know the people who are into the long instrumental wankoff sessions won't like it.
Not sure about these statements; I think what you mean is that people who only like those things probably won't like it. I'm a metalhead who enjoys a good prog instrumental, but I love a ton of other stuff too, including entirely unrelated genres.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 11, 2016, 03:14:12 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 03:03:50 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 02:57:54 PM
I know the metal heads won't like it.
I'm a metal head, and I love what I've heard.

Likewise, but I've not heard anywhere near as much as you have!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 11, 2016, 03:15:03 PM
a TRU metalhead would never admit to liking a ballad.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on January 11, 2016, 03:17:12 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 01:10:58 PM
Had an interview with John Petrucci today. Some info I can share: during liveshows there will be no encore, they will solely be about The Astonishing. The album is mastered at a lower volume than A Dramatic Turn Of Events and Dream Theater, making it more dynamic. Petrucci wrote all the lyrics. Rudess and Petrucci wrote all the the music.

Besides that: Petrucci's second solo album has been written! He wanted to have it recorded by now, but he didn't have the time to record it yet, because The Astonishing took him longer than expected. Probably will take more than a year as Dream Theater is going full throttle now.

It is excellent news that there is more dynamic range in this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 03:18:31 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 03:12:03 PM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 02:32:44 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 02:24:36 PM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 02:03:43 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 11, 2016, 01:57:27 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 11, 2016, 01:12:34 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 01:10:58 PM
Some info I can share: during liveshows there will be no encore, they will solely be about The Astonishing.

Could have been the icing on the cake, but I'm fine either way.

Within the context of the show, I'd say it would feel more like icing on a stake.

No encore?  So the whole show will be closer to 2 hours than 3?  No opener?  That doesn't seem right.  I mean, I'm sure a lot is going into the show so asking for more might be much, but we all know they can perform closer to 3 hours (2 hours 45 minutes) from thier previous evening with shows.

It has been said multiple times that the album is two hours and ten minutes long. Add an intermission (which has been announced as well) and you're looking to a 2,5 hour show. My guess is that some songs will have an extra solo or maybe a short rehearsed jam (but I'm not sure). With that in mind you'll have a two hour and forty minute show, as has been announced as the official running time of the show.

I'd gladly accept some jams/extended solos... but given the setting, I'm not entirely sure it fits.  If they have a full video and presentation, it reminds me of a bit bigger version of the last show and that means following the script on the dot.  Granted they did do the ToT jam and extended/changed the SDV outro, but this is the essentially live premiere of the entire album.  My guess is that the show is exactly like the album and then one song encore like Metropolis or something.  I can't imagine them not playing a single song besides the new album.  Come to think of it, I've only ever been to one concert where the headliner did not do an encore, that was Offspring when they played the entire Smash album, yet that album is short so after the album was like a greatest hits set... but still no encore.  I find it strange.

Transcript from today's interview with Petrucci:

"This album, you know, we want to do something different. We've been touring for a long time. We've been a band for over thirty years and have done the traditional sort of show and this one is going to be different. This one is going to be sort of the way that Pink Floyd did with The Wall where we go out and we're presenting this album only, live. So, that's why we titled it 'Dream Theater presents The Astonishing Live'. It's in two acts. There is an intermission, but there is no encore. It's just the show. It's kinda like going to see an opera or musical where you're seeing a show. You know, we want to be really clear with people that this is something different. Again, very special venues and us presenting this album in its entirety and it's gonna be a different event and give our fans something different."

Thanks for sharing... that is somewhat disappointing.  I am not going to cry for not seeing Metropilis again, but just thought there would be an extra song considering the album length isn't the length of a typical evening with DT show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 11, 2016, 03:18:35 PM
JP should put out his solo album in 2018

2005, 2018 :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ericoml on January 11, 2016, 03:19:02 PM
Most of Opeth's fans love Damnation. Even the "metal-heads". If TA will be so good as Damnation, I'm sure that any DT fan will love it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 11, 2016, 03:19:31 PM
I don't think it matters whether its heavy or light... all that matters is that it is actually GOOD!   

My favorite albums are definitely the classic era 90's albums and I prefer the less metal side of DT.  However, I personally think Octavarium is generally their worst album and Awake is great. 

It also depends on what kind of metal we are talking about.  I HATE NU Metal but I love 80's Metal (Maiden, Metallica).   

I would imagine when Noxon said the Metalheads won't like it he is referring to NU metal because DT has always been a metal band even with I&W... it was just hair metal.   




Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 11, 2016, 03:29:30 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 11, 2016, 02:59:57 PM
I just see it as people trying to find something to complain about.

I know I'll get stick for it, but I find this one of the most frustrating traits of humanity. But that's a topic for another thread.

I'm just happy the DT new album train is rolling again after it seemed to come to a standstill.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 11, 2016, 03:30:05 PM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 11, 2016, 03:19:31 PM
It also depends on what kind of metal we are talking about.  I HATE NU Metal but I love 80's Metal (Maiden, Metallica).   

I would imagine when Noxon said the Metalheads won't like it he is referring to NU metal because DT has always been a metal band even with I&W... it was just hair metal.   





Why would he refer to Nu-Metal?  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chrisbDTM on January 11, 2016, 03:32:01 PM
This Hunger Games: 2112 story is still a bit on the cringe-y side for me but it sounds like we will get the standard DT sound behind it
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: TAC on January 11, 2016, 03:32:47 PM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 03:18:31 PM
Quote from: The Paddies on January 11, 2016, 03:12:03 PM
Transcript from today's interview with Petrucci:

"This album, you know, we want to do something different. We've been touring for a long time. We've been a band for over thirty years and have done the traditional sort of show and this one is going to be different. This one is going to be sort of the way that Pink Floyd did with The Wall where we go out and we're presenting this album only, live. So, that's why we titled it 'Dream Theater presents The Astonishing Live'. It's in two acts. There is an intermission, but there is no encore. It's just the show. It's kinda like going to see an opera or musical where you're seeing a show. You know, we want to be really clear with people that this is something different. Again, very special venues and us presenting this album in its entirety and it's gonna be a different event and give our fans something different."

Thanks for sharing... that is somewhat disappointing.  I am not going to cry for not seeing Metropilis again, but just thought there would be an extra song considering the album length isn't the length of a typical evening with DT show.

Jeesh Cram. You're a tough customer! :)

I think the whole concept of how they are approaching this round of shows is actually pretty cool.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 11, 2016, 03:35:27 PM
2 hours and 40 minutes isn't long enough ?!

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: As I Am on January 11, 2016, 03:36:02 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 11, 2016, 02:17:23 PM
It is silly to dismiss an album based on a few snippets and stuff, but ... let me put it this way, most of what I've seen so far, the music would have to *make up* for it. This whole thing seems to position itself in an area I am not a big fan of at all.

My sentiments exactly.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 03:40:36 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 11, 2016, 03:35:27 PM
2 hours and 40 minutes isn't long enough ?!

It's actually less value in terms of music compared to previous DT shows.  Granted, there is supposed to be visuals and what not so I'd imagine that makes up for the "less value" but for a single band, 2 hours 40 minutes WITH an intermission is not a full concert IMO.  Yes, a full opera/musical/movie like JP mentioned they are trying to go for, but that is different than the normal DT show. 

I'm not complaining though, like I said, I'm not crying over missing the same DT song again considering I've seen them round 10 times now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 11, 2016, 03:41:54 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 11, 2016, 03:35:27 PM
2 hours and 40 minutes isn't long enough ?!

This. How many 3 hour DT shows have I been to? 1. All of the others were shorter. 2.5 hours is a long concert.

I was at 20th anniversary show as well, that wasn't even 3 hours if I remember right. And that was a long show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 11, 2016, 03:42:16 PM
For the record I was referring to TOT and SC as Nu-Metal although I realize they are not really defined as such.   They are just very different sounding than 80's metal bands which is why most of us fell in love with Dream Theater to begin with.  It was the 80's metal combined with progressive rock that early DT fans loved.   A lot of it has to do with the vocal production.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Awaken on January 11, 2016, 03:46:10 PM
Quote from: TAC on January 11, 2016, 02:27:48 PM
I'm approaching the music and the characters/videos as quite separate. It's like a CD booklet come to life. That's all it is. At the end of the day, it will be about the music. It always is.

This is exactly how I feel.  I appreciate the time they put into these things, but the music is what I'm most looking forward to.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: changing_seasons on January 11, 2016, 03:46:33 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 02:57:54 PM
I know the metal heads won't like it.

I know the people who are into the long instrumental wankoff sessions won't like it.

I know people who have not liked much of DT's output for the past 10 years have been very positive when they've heard stuff.

Aren't you contradicting yourself here? Weren't DT's past 10 years filled with more metal and long instrumental wankoff sessions than ever before? I have not been enjoying the past decade of Dream Theater, but I don't particularly enjoy long instrumental sessions (purely for the sake of being long instrumental sections at least), and I am DEFINITELY not a metal head.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 11, 2016, 03:50:50 PM
He is not being contradictory... he is saying if you like metal and long instrumental sections (like the past ten years of DT) then you are likely to be disappointed.  If you have been pining for more classic DT you will be happy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Implode on January 11, 2016, 03:52:56 PM
Yeah Noxon!!! #notallmetalheads  :angry:

(I think it's obvious what he means guys)

(...which also has me excited)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 11, 2016, 03:54:22 PM
Everything Noxon posts keeps lowering my hype more and more.   :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 03:54:44 PM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on January 11, 2016, 03:41:54 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 11, 2016, 03:35:27 PM
2 hours and 40 minutes isn't long enough ?!

This. How many 3 hour DT shows have I been to? 1. All of the others were shorter. 2.5 hours is a long concert.

I was at 20th anniversary show as well, that wasn't even 3 hours if I remember right. And that was a long show.

All others Im assuming had openers.  All others were cheaper.  Once again, not complaining, just telling the facts from my experiences.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 11, 2016, 03:57:50 PM
Everything Noxon posts makes ME more and more excited for this album:

More Dynamics
Lower Mastering Volume
More Organic Instruments
More Acoustic
Less Metal
More Melodies
Full Rock Opera

Its as if I was allowed to send DT a suggestion box and they used every suggestion for this album.   
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 11, 2016, 03:59:16 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 11, 2016, 03:54:22 PM
Everything Noxon posts keeps lowering my hype more and more.   :lol

It's to prepare you for the metal, wankfests and long songs divided into three or more tracks ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 04:01:01 PM
I'm very excited about everything, except the ballad thing  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 11, 2016, 04:03:03 PM
Wow.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 11, 2016, 04:03:54 PM
Indeed the album sounds more and more interesting, to be honest i'd never expect such a different album (at least that's the impression i have from all the comments) at this point from DT, and the fact that they do it now makes me super excited.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ThatOneGuy2112 on January 11, 2016, 04:05:28 PM
Man, "cheese" is one word that I'm gonna get really tired of reading for the foreseeable future.

The visuals in the trailer are pretty lame yeah, but the music does sound pretty great. Still excited for this thing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 04:12:13 PM
To anyone who has heard the album: how does the "average heavyness" compare to TGOM? Is it heavier, softer or about the same as that track?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 04:40:14 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 11, 2016, 04:12:13 PM
To anyone who has heard the album: how does the "average heavyness" compare to TGOM? Is it heavier, softer or about the same as that track?

It is a bit tricky to answer from the promo I have, and here's why:  the album just has a different kind of sound that is neither "heavy" nor "not heavy."  I heard lots of heavy moments in songs, but they are part of these huge, grand-sounding soundscapes that, when put together, might not really register as a typical "heavy song."  For example, there is one song in particular that you guys heard snippets of in a couple of different spots of that trailer.  Those snippets by themselves do not really signal that it is a "heavy" song.  But there are also some REALLY cool chunky, heavy riffs in that song that are typical of DT's heavy sound, and they are mixed in with the big symphonic sounding stuff, the soft piano parts, and all the other different elements of that same song. 

So..."heavy" is a bit hard to quantify on this album, but I would say there is a fair amount that is heavier than TGOM.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 11, 2016, 04:45:04 PM
Thanks! Now i'm getting really excited  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 11, 2016, 04:47:46 PM
The second I saw there was a new video up I got excited and after seeing the trailer a few times my current thoughts are that it will be more cheesier than I expected but also really fucking EPIC!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: dreamsforever on January 11, 2016, 04:57:35 PM
Noxon said:
How anyone can decide that the album is bad after three listens is beyond me. It's 2 hours and 10 minutes of music.

Then again, this is exactly the kind of reaction I expect from this album. This is why I've tried so hard to let people know what it is (or isn't).

I know the metal heads won't like it.

I know the people who are into the long instrumental wankoff sessions won't like it.

I know people who have not liked much of DT's output for the past 10 years have been very positive when they've heard stuff.

I didn't say it was bad, first of all. None of DT's album are "bad"

I am not necessarily a metalhead, but this has nothing to do with not liking ballads, etc. I've liked all of DT's output, but this is very different and that was what was said before. I, for one just don't find a lot of the melodies that good. Only a few stuck with me. However, I've only heard it three times and my opinion may change, but I don't think it would still be at all near my favorites of theirs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on January 11, 2016, 04:59:46 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 11, 2016, 11:14:44 AM
So Ravenskill is called the way it is because their people literally have skills at riding giant ravens? Am I getting this right?

On such a sad day with the news about Bowie, this observation has made me laugh so much. Thanks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 11, 2016, 05:05:09 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 04:40:14 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 11, 2016, 04:12:13 PM
To anyone who has heard the album: how does the "average heavyness" compare to TGOM? Is it heavier, softer or about the same as that track?

It is a bit tricky to answer from the promo I have, and here's why:  the album just has a different kind of sound that is neither "heavy" nor "not heavy."  I heard lots of heavy moments in songs, but they are part of these huge, grand-sounding soundscapes that, when put together, might not really register as a typical "heavy song."  For example, there is one song in particular that you guys heard snippets of in a couple of different spots of that trailer.  Those snippets by themselves do not really signal that it is a "heavy" song.  But there are also some REALLY cool chunky, heavy riffs in that song that are typical of DT's heavy sound, and they are mixed in with the big symphonic sounding stuff, the soft piano parts, and all the other different elements of that same song. 

So..."heavy" is a bit hard to quantify on this album, but I would say there is a fair amount that is heavier than TGOM.

Sounds nice, I like when all that stuff is mixed together. I am really optimistic about the album, although I get the feeling that it will be DT's most divisive album by far from what I keep seeing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: CDrice on January 11, 2016, 05:07:29 PM
Quote from: phospheneSOI on January 11, 2016, 04:59:46 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 11, 2016, 11:14:44 AM
So Ravenskill is called the way it is because their people literally have skills at riding giant ravens? Am I getting this right?

On such a sad day with the news about Bowie, this observation has made me laugh so much. Thanks.

Glad to hear it  :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 05:08:23 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 11, 2016, 05:05:09 PM
...although I get the feeling that it will be DT's most divisive album by far from what I keep seeing.

It could very well be.  But the one thing I am taking away from this thread is that no one seems to have the time for music anymore.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ledlemos08 on January 11, 2016, 05:12:43 PM
Quote from: dreamsforever on January 11, 2016, 04:57:35 PM
Noxon said:
How anyone can decide that the album is bad after three listens is beyond me. It's 2 hours and 10 minutes of music.

Then again, this is exactly the kind of reaction I expect from this album. This is why I've tried so hard to let people know what it is (or isn't).

I know the metal heads won't like it.

I know the people who are into the long instrumental wankoff sessions won't like it.

I know people who have not liked much of DT's output for the past 10 years have been very positive when they've heard stuff.

I didn't say it was bad, first of all. None of DT's album are "bad"

I am not necessarily a metalhead, but this has nothing to do with not liking ballads, etc. I've liked all of DT's output, but this is very different and that was what was said before. I, for one just don't find a lot of the melodies that good. Only a few stuck with me. However, I've only heard it three times and my opinion may change, but I don't think it would still be at all near my favorites of theirs.

Interesting...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 05:13:10 PM
I have had A Savior In the Square and Moment of Betrayal stuck in my head for days now.  SO good...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on January 11, 2016, 05:14:53 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 05:08:23 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 11, 2016, 05:05:09 PM
...although I get the feeling that it will be DT's most divisive album by far from what I keep seeing.

It could very well be.  But the one thing I am taking away from this thread is that no one seems to have the time for music anymore.

lols

DT don't, they're too busy playing with photoshops and after-effects.

Seriously - I can't be the only one who finds the trailer HILARIOUSLY FUNNY, but in a good way? DT have never, ever been even remotely cool. Even when they were young they felt like a bunch of Dads. And that's what I love about them. This trailer so ridiculous it just makes me smile... and the music so far is pointing in a very good direction so that's all that matters to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on January 11, 2016, 05:15:49 PM
Ps all of you that have heard it - shut your mouths #humblebrag  :laugh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pax on January 11, 2016, 05:18:10 PM
For some reason, latest noxon's posts made me a bit sad. Luckily, Bosk is there to give me hope with his posts lol.
I've appreciated DT because of their "technical wankery ", not because I'm some prog metal lunatic, but because I really find meaning in that when DT does it. Does "the Reckoning" from ITPOE pt 2 qualify as wankery? Cause that's the most beautiful thing from DT I ever heard. Somehow, I think that DT has always put their most brilliant musical moments in parts like that. Even reminds me of Chopin

However, I'd be fine if there are those beautiful not very heavy moments, just like Blind Faith "and still life pushes on...". But it's DT, they will do it for sure. The only thing I hope is that they didn't sacrifice music to make great story. I want MUSIC to be something that tells it's own story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 11, 2016, 05:25:01 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 05:13:10 PM
I have had A Savior In the Square and Moment of Betrayal stuck in my head for days now.  SO good...

Pls stahp.  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: dreamsforever on January 11, 2016, 05:26:31 PM
Yeah I think moment of betrayal is my favorite song on the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 05:27:08 PM
I have faith in DT, it may be different, it may not be heavy, it may be odd noises... but DT have not let me down and I do not expect to be left down.... The Gift of Music is an amazing track, so I wouldn't let your hopes down because someone says they don't like it or someone says it's not too heavy.  It is still DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 11, 2016, 05:28:29 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 05:13:10 PM
I have had A Savior In the Square and Moment of Betrayal stuck in my head for days now.  SO good...

Quote from: Enigmachine on January 08, 2016, 05:16:10 AM
Goddamnit bosk, you're making me even more hyped.  :lol


Quote from: Pax on January 11, 2016, 05:18:10 PM
For some reason, latest noxon's posts made me a bit sad. Luckily, Bosk is there to give me hope with his posts lol.
I've appreciated DT because of their "technical wankery ", not because I'm some prog metal lunatic, but because I really find meaning in that when DT does it. Does "the Reckoning" from ITPOE pt 2 qualify as wankery? Cause that's the most beautiful thing from DT I ever heard. Somehow, I think that DT has always put their most brilliant musical moments in parts like that. Even reminds me of Chopin

However, I'd be fine if there are those beautiful not very heavy moments, just like Blind Faith "and still life pushes on...". But it's DT, they will do it for sure. The only thing I hope is that they didn't sacrifice music to make great story. I want MUSIC to be something that tells it's own story.

I don't think TGoM sacrificed music for story. I think the two will compliment each other within the album, from what was said in the RS interview in December.

Quote from: cramx3 on January 11, 2016, 05:27:08 PM
I have faith in DT, it may be different, it may not be heavy, it may be odd noises... but DT have not let me down and I do not expect to be left down.... The Gift of Music is an amazing track, so I wouldn't let your hopes down because someone says they don't like it or someone says it's not too heavy.  It is still DT.

Yes. This.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 05:31:29 PM
To me, the music does seem to tell the story, kinda in the way we are used to with DT's music, but kinda in the same way as the score of a movie or show as well. 

But look, here's what I would say generally in response to almost everybody:  Whatever it is about DT that made you like them in the first place, it is probably on this album to some extent.  This album sounds like DT.  But they also took a different approach that makes it sound like something a bit different at the same time.  The first time I listened to the songs, the two terms "Dream Theater" and "rock opera" seemed to both fit perfectly.  While Noxon and I (and others who may have heard some or all of the album) could try and answer each and every person's questions about whether it will fit your own personal tastes, I think the bottom line is that that question can't really be answered by anyone but you after you hear the album, but the odds are good that if you are a fan of the band, you should easily be able to find things you like a lot about this album.  And if for some reason you end up being one of the few folks who comes away thinking, "I like a lot of the band's stuff, but this one just doesn't do it for me," it isn't like the band has somehow reinvented themselves and plans to do "The Astonishing II," "The Astonishing III," etc.  Next album will, in all likelihood sound a lot more like the DT you fell in love with at first, and all will be well again.  :)  But in the mean time, there will surely be a lot of things on this album most if not all fans can really enjoy, so let's enjoy it and applaud the band for doing something outside the box, especially so late in their career.  :tiojorge:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: yeah_93 on January 11, 2016, 05:36:16 PM
Wow, that trailer's really bad... Hope the music's good.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 11, 2016, 05:38:52 PM
Hey Bosk, have you heard the whole album or just some of it?
Because I'm wondering your thoughts on DT returning to the world that they've been building with The Astonishing?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ericoml on January 11, 2016, 05:39:29 PM
Is the Walking Shadow a character? There is a "shadow guy" with a spear in the trailer.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: As I Am on January 11, 2016, 05:48:10 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 05:31:29 PM
To me, the music does seem to tell the story, kinda in the way we are used to with DT's music, but kinda in the same way as the score of a movie or show as well. 

But look, here's what I would say generally in response to almost everybody:  Whatever it is about DT that made you like them in the first place, it is probably on this album to some extent.  This album sounds like DT.  But they also took a different approach that makes it sound like something a bit different at the same time.  The first time I listened to the songs, the two terms "Dream Theater" and "rock opera" seemed to both fit perfectly.  While Noxon and I (and others who may have heard some or all of the album) could try and answer each and every person's questions about whether it will fit your own personal tastes, I think the bottom line is that that question can't really be answered by anyone but you after you hear the album, but the odds are good that if you are a fan of the band, you should easily be able to find things you like a lot about this album.  And if for some reason you end up being one of the few folks who comes away thinking, "I like a lot of the band's stuff, but this one just doesn't do it for me," it isn't like the band has somehow reinvented themselves and plans to do "The Astonishing II," "The Astonishing III," etc.  Next album will, in all likelihood sound a lot more like the DT you fell in love with at first, and all will be well again.  :)  But in the mean time, there will surely be a lot of things on this album most if not all fans can really enjoy, so let's enjoy it and applaud the band for doing something outside the box, especially so late in their career.  :tiojorge:

VERY WELL STATED :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 05:48:57 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 11, 2016, 05:38:52 PM
Hey Bosk, have you heard the whole album or just some of it?

Only some.

Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 11, 2016, 05:38:52 PM
Because I'm wondering your thoughts on DT returning to the world that they've been building with The Astonishing?

What do you mean?  Do you mean like a follow up album later?  If so, I would hope not.  No matter how cool the concept, the idea of revisiting it later on seems like a bad idea to me.  Mindcrime II, for example, was a disaster despite having some cool ideas and some good songs.  The problem is, the story in Mindcrime was done.  And by the time Geoff Tate got around to writing Mindcrime II, he was in a completely different headspace, so it didn't match up well with the original.  Ultimately, it ended up feeling like a half-baked cash grab.  That isn't to say a multi-album approach can't work.  For example, I thought Charlie Dominicci had a set of albums with his O3 trilogy that worked well (despite some of the misgivings I have about the story).  But the difference there is that he had the framework of the entire story and had it planned as a trilogy from the outset.  So when he went and wrote and recorded the two subsequent parts, they still fit his overall vision seamlessly and were necessary parts.  What I think you are talking about is more akin to the Mindrime II scenario, which I think would be a bad idea.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: JMSE on January 11, 2016, 05:50:17 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 04:40:14 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 11, 2016, 04:12:13 PM
To anyone who has heard the album: how does the "average heavyness" compare to TGOM? Is it heavier, softer or about the same as that track?

It is a bit tricky to answer from the promo I have, and here's why:  the album just has a different kind of sound that is neither "heavy" nor "not heavy."  I heard lots of heavy moments in songs, but they are part of these huge, grand-sounding soundscapes that, when put together, might not really register as a typical "heavy song."  For example, there is one song in particular that you guys heard snippets of in a couple of different spots of that trailer.  Those snippets by themselves do not really signal that it is a "heavy" song.  But there are also some REALLY cool chunky, heavy riffs in that song that are typical of DT's heavy sound, and they are mixed in with the big symphonic sounding stuff, the soft piano parts, and all the other different elements of that same song. 

So..."heavy" is a bit hard to quantify on this album, but I would say there is a fair amount that is heavier than TGOM.

Sounds to me like a "Finally Free" type of thing  where if you hear the last riff you'd think it's a heavier song, but if you hear the one last time reprise you'd think it's a ballad
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: antigoon on January 11, 2016, 05:51:10 PM
Hello again.

I Won't comment on the music until I hear the full album.

But with visuals that poor, I mean, why even bother? I almost feel a little embarrassed for them.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 11, 2016, 05:52:01 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 05:48:57 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 11, 2016, 05:38:52 PM
Hey Bosk, have you heard the whole album or just some of it?

Only some.

Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 11, 2016, 05:38:52 PM
Because I'm wondering your thoughts on DT returning to the world that they've been building with The Astonishing?

What do you mean?  Do you mean like a follow up album later?  If so, I would hope not.  No matter how cool the concept, the idea of revisiting it later on seems like a bad idea to me.  Mindcrime II, for example, was a disaster despite having some cool ideas and some good songs.  The problem is, the story in Mindcrime was done.  And by the time Geoff Tate got around to writing Mindcrime II, he was in a completely different headspace, so it didn't match up well with the original.  Ultimately, it ended up feeling like a half-baked cash grab.  That isn't to say a multi-album approach can't work.  For example, I thought Charlie Dominicci had a set of albums with his O3 trilogy that worked well (despite some of the misgivings I have about the story).  But the difference there is that he had the framework of the entire story and had it planned as a trilogy from the outset.  So when he went and wrote and recorded the two subsequent parts, they still fit his overall vision seamlessly and were necessary parts.  What I think you are talking about is more akin to the Mindrime II scenario, which I think would be a bad idea.

I'm thinking more like Ayreon, where it takes another part of the same world and connects to a timeline but not in the sequel style.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Cream theater on January 11, 2016, 05:53:18 PM
for those that have heard the album. Which song do you think they will release as the single in the last video spot?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 05:58:57 PM
Quote from: JMSE on January 11, 2016, 05:50:17 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 04:40:14 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 11, 2016, 04:12:13 PM
To anyone who has heard the album: how does the "average heavyness" compare to TGOM? Is it heavier, softer or about the same as that track?

It is a bit tricky to answer from the promo I have, and here's why:  the album just has a different kind of sound that is neither "heavy" nor "not heavy."  I heard lots of heavy moments in songs, but they are part of these huge, grand-sounding soundscapes that, when put together, might not really register as a typical "heavy song."  For example, there is one song in particular that you guys heard snippets of in a couple of different spots of that trailer.  Those snippets by themselves do not really signal that it is a "heavy" song.  But there are also some REALLY cool chunky, heavy riffs in that song that are typical of DT's heavy sound, and they are mixed in with the big symphonic sounding stuff, the soft piano parts, and all the other different elements of that same song. 

So..."heavy" is a bit hard to quantify on this album, but I would say there is a fair amount that is heavier than TGOM.

Sounds to me like a "Finally Free" type of thing  where if you hear the last riff you'd think it's a heavier song, but if you hear the one last time reprise you'd think it's a ballad

VERY good comparison.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 11, 2016, 06:08:10 PM
Quote from: Cream theater on January 11, 2016, 05:53:18 PM
for those that have heard the album. Which song do you think they will release as the single in the last video spot?

We don't even know if it'll be a single yet :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 11, 2016, 06:11:25 PM
I hate to say it, but my excitement level for this record has been pretty low, and seeing that trailer didn't elevate it all. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 11, 2016, 06:13:09 PM
Bosk, think of an Ayreon type scenario, where DT do another album set in the same world but doesn't continue the story of Aryhys or Nafaryus. Instead we get a story that loosely connects to the world that the Astonishing is set in.

Eg. Kind of like if the Astonishing was The Final Experiment which was followed by Into the electric castle, which is a different story but the same world.

What would you think then?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 06:30:43 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 11, 2016, 06:13:09 PM
Bosk, think of an Ayreon type scenario, where DT do another album set in the same world but doesn't continue the story of Aryhys or Nafaryus. Instead we get a story that loosely connects to the world that the Astonishing is set in.

Eg. Kind of like if the Astonishing was The Final Experiment which was followed by Into the electric castle, which is a different story but the same world.

What would you think then?

Not sure.  It could work.  But still, I would rather they move on to something new after this and not revisit it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 11, 2016, 06:33:07 PM
Since the discussion seems to involve mostly the music, I'll ask about the lyrics: How are they? Usually DT lyrics aren't the strong suit, but in this album that tells a story, they need to be good. Obviously they'll be pretty straightforward, but what do you think of them? Any themes we can take away aside from the story itself? Are they good? Cheesy? I'm curious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Jamesman42 on January 11, 2016, 06:39:57 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on January 11, 2016, 06:11:25 PM
I hate to say it, but my excitement level for this record has been pretty low, and seeing that trailer didn't elevate it all. 

Quote from: antigoon on January 11, 2016, 05:51:10 PM
Hello again.

I Won't comment on the music until I hear the full album.

But with visuals that poor, I mean, why even bother? I almost feel a little embarrassed for them.

Same. It'd be cool if blob did those effects instead.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Trooper on January 11, 2016, 06:41:31 PM
I do not post much here, but lurk. But will say this is the BEST source of DT info. I respect opinions, enthusiasm, or lack of etc. ,,As a fan since 1988, there are things I love and some I just say hey, they are DT and roll with it. I will be honest and say I am a HUGE DT guy, in their best and worst. That said, I find it oddly, yet not surprising, the amount of criticism on an album that for the most part only few have heard. How can you pre judge something you have not heard, seen etc. I equate it to  a wedding reception. Regardless how much the couple spends on it, 1/2 will like it, 1/2 will not. So be it. DT fans are fickle. Why do people let others make up a pre conceived notion in their mind how good an album will be. I never have understood that. Wait to hear and in this case. see the finished product. If you do not like it, that is up to you. If you like it, that is up to you. I never understood the concept of, well he/she thinks it is good or bad so I will roll with it. If you like or dislike after hearing it in its entirety, who am I to judge what you think. It is a personal call. I , and call me odd, do not put much thought into what others think is good or bad. If I like it I do, if not well then I do not. That is my choice. Do not be a sheep.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 11, 2016, 06:43:00 PM
Quote from: Jamesman42 on January 11, 2016, 06:39:57 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on January 11, 2016, 06:11:25 PM
I hate to say it, but my excitement level for this record has been pretty low, and seeing that trailer didn't elevate it all. 

Quote from: antigoon on January 11, 2016, 05:51:10 PM
Hello again.

I Won't comment on the music until I hear the full album.

But with visuals that poor, I mean, why even bother? I almost feel a little embarrassed for them.

Same. It'd be cool if blob did those effects instead.

It would be nice to hear Blob's opinion on the visual stuff.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 11, 2016, 06:51:30 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 03:03:50 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 02:57:54 PM
I know the metal heads won't like it.
I'm a metal head, and I love what I've heard.
From what I understand, it has enough metal riffs and parts to make me happy while keeping that original-sound shorter-song type melodic arrangement that DT does. I'm a metal head as well, but I love when DT is dynamic.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Lucien on January 11, 2016, 06:56:30 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 11, 2016, 05:31:29 PM
let's applaud the band for doing something outside the box, especially so late in their career.

This is all I was hoping for. Change.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Implode on January 11, 2016, 06:59:27 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 11, 2016, 06:43:00 PM
It would be nice to hear Blob's opinion on the visual stuff.

I've been thinking this too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 11, 2016, 07:00:27 PM
I agree with noxon that the trailer didn't fully represent the album, but it's nice to finally have some new snippets out there. I was listening to the trailer, and aside from the snippet from Dystopian Overture, none of them are even from the songs I've heard and have been getting excited about over the thread. It doesn't show all of the variety, or many of the vocal sections which make up the vast majority of the album. Don't judge the album negatively based on a few seconds out of a 2+ hour album! I can't remember the last time I liked snippets, because they're out of context and too brief.

I disagree with noxon that metal fans will hate the album, unless you want to stereotype metal fans as incredibly narrow. While the metal isn't predominant, there are still some great headbanging moments. Perhaps if the only DT albums you like are TOT and SC, you'll hate it.
But if you enjoy beautiful melodic music, I think you'll love it. If all you care about is weedly weedly or chugga chugga, maybe you'll be disappointed it doesn't have enough, but that's not the album's problem. :biggrin:

Concerning the visuals, keep in mind they have over 2 hours of music to fill with video to tell the story, which is a tall order for the time and money. This also isn't in the context it was designed and intended for, so it's not how it would be experienced live.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 11, 2016, 07:05:29 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 11, 2016, 07:00:27 PM
If all you care about is weedly weedly or chugga chugga, maybe you'll be disappointed it doesn't have enough, but that's not the album's problem. :biggrin:

What if all I care about is whahibrido pickingant? Will I like it?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 11, 2016, 07:07:15 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 11, 2016, 07:05:29 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 11, 2016, 07:00:27 PM
If all you care about is weedly weedly or chugga chugga, maybe you'll be disappointed it doesn't have enough, but that's not the album's problem. :biggrin:

What if all I care about is whahibrido pickingant? Will I like it?

That depends on whether you're into the modern whahibrido pickingant, or whether you're a purist about the vintage whahibrido pickingant style. Some people say that JP's whahibrido pickingant technique isn't what it used to be, but I think it's very good here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ronnibran on January 11, 2016, 07:12:17 PM
Obviously I have only heard a few percent of the album, but DANG am I excited!  I am getting vibes from 6DOIT, Black Clouds, Train of Though, SFAM.  Those are just my personal takes from the small snippets in the promo.

I was excited before, now I am REALLY excited.  The visuals in the promo don't bother me, it's not like they made a movie.  They made a concept album and I think what they threw together for a promo was more than enough.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 11, 2016, 07:18:23 PM
Quote from: The Trooper on January 11, 2016, 06:41:31 PM
I do not post much here, but lurk. But will say this is the BEST source of DT info. I respect opinions, enthusiasm, or lack of etc. ,,As a fan since 1988, there are things I love and some I just say hey, they are DT and roll with it. I will be honest and say I am a HUGE DT guy, in their best and worst. That said, I find it oddly, yet not surprising, the amount of criticism on an album that for the most part only few have heard. How can you pre judge something you have not heard, seen etc. I equate it to  a wedding reception. Regardless how much the couple spends on it, 1/2 will like it, 1/2 will not. So be it. DT fans are fickle. Why do people let others make up a pre conceived notion in their mind how good an album will be. I never have understood that. Wait to hear and in this case. see the finished product. If you do not like it, that is up to you. If you like it, that is up to you. I never understood the concept of, well he/she thinks it is good or bad so I will roll with it. If you like or dislike after hearing it in its entirety, who am I to judge what you think. It is a personal call. I , and call me odd, do not put much thought into what others think is good or bad. If I like it I do, if not well then I do not. That is my choice. Do not be a sheep.

For me;
I obviously have no opinion on the album itself yet, since I haven't heard it.

I do have an opinion on the marketing material they've released so far, and that opinion is that I don't like it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: fischermasamune on January 11, 2016, 07:21:33 PM
I need to defend the visuals in the trailer. I actually like the mixed style, with realistic figurines over some backgrounds. Animations were pretty much as expected, but I think they fit well with the proposal. I wouldn't care if the whole concert had them in this shape, although they may be a bit distracting.

The trailer got me even more hyped. Now I decided to buy the album on stores to make sure no mail delay separates me from The Astonishing on 29th.

Hope I'm not excessively positive.  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on January 11, 2016, 07:22:02 PM
Quote from: T-ski on January 11, 2016, 09:33:27 AM
In my head I've been saying "Ravens-kill", but in the video they say "Raven-skill".

Raven-skill sounds funny.

Maybe the raven is skilled in whahibrido pickingant or however you spell it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jsbru on January 11, 2016, 07:22:49 PM
That's pretty cool.  It was actually less cheesy than I thought.  I think this is going to be fun.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: jsbru on January 11, 2016, 07:41:55 PM
Quote from: Evermind on January 11, 2016, 11:08:34 AM
You know, I often see the same argument about the general fantasy books with magic and dragons and whatever. I mean, if you dislike the setting, then fine, alright, maybe it's not for you, but in a lot of cases isn't not about the setting at all. It could be some fantasy medieval world, it could be a sci-fi dystopian world, it could be another planet and another race entirely, it could be a realistic setting in a World War II, it could be anything - the story isn't about the world. The setting, the world are just the instruments to fledge out the story. It could be a poignant dramatic tale about the struggle of two opposite factions and how it affects people - something that often happens in the real world, hell, something that happens in some countries right now - despite the fact it's set in some future with the flying orbs that play weird noise music. You make it sound like "pure fantasy world fiction" can't be relevant to many many people around the world.

Of course, it could be a total cheese-fest, but I don't know how you can discard an important aspect of the album released by one of your favourite bands just after you found out about the setting. I'll avoid judging the story before I've heard the full story.

And yeah, SFAM is indeed a classic concept album for many of people here, but for me it's definitely not because "it dealt with a subject that was very real world". For what it's worth, all the SFAM very "real world" was just a setting too, and the story wasn't exactly about that.

99% of all entertainment is fantasy.  Including and especially "reality TV."  At least fantasy is being up front with its viewers!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jsbru on January 11, 2016, 08:05:27 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 02:57:54 PM
How anyone can decide that the album is bad after three listens is beyond me. It's 2 hours and 10 minutes of music.

Then again, this is exactly the kind of reaction I expect from this album. This is why I've tried so hard to let people know what it is (or isn't).

I know the metal heads won't like it.

I know the people who are into the long instrumental wankoff sessions won't like it.

I know people who have not liked much of DT's output for the past 10 years have been very positive when they've heard stuff.

This makes me think I will really like it.  I do like some of DT's heavier songs, as Awake and TOT are two of my top 4 albums of theirs at this point (although I kind of disagree with how Awake gets classified as "heavy"...somber and a bit mysterious, yes, but 6:00, SM, LSOAD, SDV, and even IF are really not that heavy, and Scarred and Voices are pretty dynamic tone-wise).

I've been wanting to hear a more dynamic sound out of the band for a while.  ADTOE was my favorite album since Awake, but I was hoping for them to be even more dynamic than that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on January 11, 2016, 08:54:03 PM
Quote from: rab7 on January 11, 2016, 11:29:26 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 11:25:46 AM
The one gripe I have with the trailer is that it entirely misrepresents what the album is going to sound like. I get that it's because the melodic ballady stuff isn't exciting - but if you go out expecting a Prog metal bombastic album (which this trailer implies), well, you WILL be disappointed.

I'm actually glad they did this. I've been reading all your mentions of clean melodic music, and I'm really excited that when I hear it on the 29th, it'll be for the first time.

Me too.  I have no worries about DT drifting away from the bombastic metal stuff.  They've done that plenty of times (remember our DJENT fears after hearing DT12?).  Happy to hear DT explore their other strengths, particularly in the softer sonic range.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ToT-147 on January 11, 2016, 09:00:23 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 03:15:03 PM
a TRU metalhead would never admit to liking Dream Theater.

FTFY..

About the video, I don't understand people complaining about the graphics and all the visual part.. Isn't Dream Theater a group of MUSIC?.. Who the f*ck cares about the videos they do?..

Music is the gift they bring..

Music..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on January 11, 2016, 09:03:06 PM
The blinking.  The BLINKING!!  hahaha, I hope to see the characters blinking in the live 3D projection in the stage show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 11, 2016, 09:22:09 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on January 11, 2016, 09:03:06 PM
The blinking.  The BLINKING!!  hahaha, I hope to see the characters blinking in the live 3D projection in the stage show.

Yes! :lol
The scene with the kid riding the bird looks like something out of Frisky Dingo  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jsbru on January 11, 2016, 09:51:37 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 11, 2016, 09:00:23 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 03:15:03 PM
a TRU metalhead would never admit to liking Dream Theater.

FTFY..

About the video, I don't understand people complaining about the graphics and all the visual part.. Isn't Dream Theater a group of MUSIC?.. Who the f*ck cares about the videos they do?..

Music is the gift they bring..

Music..

Yeah, not quite sure what people are expecting.  It's expensive and time-consuming enough to sit in a studio for a year writing a 2+ hour album.  God forbid DT doesn't release a full HD movie in Dolby 7.1 with Hollywood actors to go with it.  You really have to expect that the artwork (which is fantastic by my standards already) is just there to tell the story and not aimed at winning an Oscar.

If they did that, people would be complaining about the price.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 11, 2016, 10:00:25 PM
I want to hear the rest of the guitar solo at the 1 min mark  :metal    The only metal I listen to on a constistent basis
is when it is played by dream theater.   Otherwise I would listen to White lion or Ratt but the new stuff is not that good
including Metallica.   I think this album will be the one I have always wanted them to make.  I loved "Leonardo : the absolute man"
that James sang on.    Instrumentally it was a little clunkY.     It seems like this album will be comparable but with the Majesty
of JP's guitar playing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 11, 2016, 10:10:30 PM
164 pages in and where ALMOST there!!!!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 11, 2016, 10:23:42 PM
Since watching the trailer a lot of times, it feels more like a preview of the Live show more than the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 11, 2016, 10:30:43 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 11, 2016, 09:22:09 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on January 11, 2016, 09:03:06 PM
The blinking.  The BLINKING!!  hahaha, I hope to see the characters blinking in the live 3D projection in the stage show.

Yes! :lol
The scene with the kid riding the bird looks like something out of Frisky Dingo  :rollin

Avatar material, I tell ya
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 11, 2016, 10:51:52 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 11, 2016, 07:00:27 PM
Concerning the visuals, keep in mind they have over 2 hours of music to fill with video to tell the story, which is a tall order for the time and money. This also isn't in the context it was designed and intended for, so it's not how it would be experienced live.

Now this makes me excited. Accidentally skipped this before posting. Haha.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Cedar redaC on January 11, 2016, 11:58:47 PM
I just saw the trailer. The hype is real. Some of those excerpts from the album sound so epic. Kinda gothic too, and I'm looking forward to hearing it in a broader context.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Fluffy Lothario on January 12, 2016, 01:32:48 AM
The music sounds... okay. But as someone who doesn't like concept albums, I've a feeling this isn't gonna be for me.

I'll give it a listen though, I suppose.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 12, 2016, 01:51:18 AM
So the Rudess-Petrucci writing all the music means JM and MM did nothing but playing over what the others had done?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Billzo on January 12, 2016, 01:57:29 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 12, 2016, 01:51:18 AM
So the Rudess-Petrucci writing all the music means JM and MM did nothing but playing over what the others had done?

I'm pretty sure they will have written most of their respective parts, but writing drum parts or bass lines doesn't give you song writing credits. Had this with my band. Even though I wrote practically all of my drum parts for the album, I only received songwriting credits for the songs in which I had input into the overall arrangement, melody, or lyrics.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 12, 2016, 02:05:55 AM
This is their best. Just from the trailer(and at that, might be live) it's gonna be good. Trust me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 12, 2016, 02:08:00 AM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 11, 2016, 10:10:30 PM
164 pages in and where ALMOST there!!!!  :metal

I'm literally at the edge of my seat....it's so close. :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Cyclopssss on January 12, 2016, 02:16:55 AM
I'm reading comments of people being disappointed the shows will ONLY be 2 hrs 40 minutes long? Seriously?? FFS, go watch a f' in dvd and jerk off to it. The band is trying something new, something a bit different. Deal with it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 12, 2016, 02:19:48 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on January 12, 2016, 02:16:55 AM
I'm reading comments of people being disappointed the shows will ONLY be 2 hrs 40 minutes long? Seriously?? FFS, go watch a f' in dvd and jerk off to it. The band is trying something new, somethfawing a bit different. Deal with it.

I'm excited they're doing this. It feels amazingly great. Yet they don't know. We all dont....which is the best anticipated ever album...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Jinx on January 12, 2016, 03:14:00 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 11, 2016, 07:00:27 PM
I agree with noxon that the trailer didn't fully represent the album, but it's nice to finally have some new snippets out there. I was listening to the trailer, and aside from the snippet from Dystopian Overture, none of them are even from the songs I've heard and have been getting excited about over the thread. It doesn't show all of the variety, or many of the vocal sections which make up the vast majority of the album. Don't judge the album negatively based on a few seconds out of a 2+ hour album! I can't remember the last time I liked snippets, because they're out of context and too brief.

I disagree with noxon that metal fans will hate the album, unless you want to stereotype metal fans as incredibly narrow. While the metal isn't predominant, there are still some great headbanging moments. Perhaps if the only DT albums you like are TOT and SC, you'll hate it.
But if you enjoy beautiful melodic music, I think you'll love it. If all you care about is weedly weedly or chugga chugga, maybe you'll be disappointed it doesn't have enough, but that's not the album's problem. :biggrin:

Concerning the visuals, keep in mind they have over 2 hours of music to fill with video to tell the story, which is a tall order for the time and money. This also isn't in the context it was designed and intended for, so it's not how it would be experienced live.

Blob are you doing any of the videos this time? Is that how comes you've heard some of it?

And I wonder if there is one dedicated artist for the whole thing or if there been a team? Some stuff might look different depending on the artist.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: me7 on January 12, 2016, 03:44:35 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 11, 2016, 09:00:23 PM
About the video, I don't understand people complaining about the graphics and all the visual part.. Isn't Dream Theater a group of MUSIC?.. Who the f*ck cares about the videos they do?..

Music is the gift they bring..

Music..

Exactly. But instead of more singles as marketing material we get this video. We would love to have some music to disect and jump to conclusions about the whole album. Since this is all we have, we must look at the graphics and form opinions on the album that way.

...or we could shut up and wait for the release but hey, this is DTF afterall.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wolfking on January 12, 2016, 04:09:33 AM
Just watched the trailer and it's sounding quite promising.  Sounds heavy enough for me too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 12, 2016, 04:49:26 AM
After listening to the trailer and TGOM quite a few times, my only beef with the album is the drum sound. M not even a drummer and at first I used to think people are just splitting hairs when it comes to the drums. But after multiple listens the videos almost sound like they are very well made drum covers.

Is it out of sync compression/reverb (if there is such a thing!) with respect to the other instruments. The less cymbal volume is obvious.I mean the drum parts are awesome complementing multiple instruments simultaneously n all. So I guess something goes wrong in the recording/production.

Maybe the drummers out here can shed some light on this coz MM sounds great in his other projects too.

EDIT: I am pretty pumped about the album though! Its going to be my first preordered album!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 12, 2016, 05:45:05 AM
And DT's Instagram still says "The Astonising"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erciccio on January 12, 2016, 06:02:30 AM
New review...in Greek!
https://www.rockhard.gr/%CF%80%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%AC%CF%83%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%82-%CE%B4%CE%AF%CF%83%CE%BA%CF%89%CE%BD/dream-theater-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9C-astonishing%E2%80%9D-roadrunner
9/10
 :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: zmazar on January 12, 2016, 06:08:41 AM
So I noticed in the trailer that the NOMACS seem to have 3 red "eyes", but on TA site there is one dimmed... I wonder if that means we'll get 3 new clickable links?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: zmazar on January 12, 2016, 06:14:44 AM
Quote from: erciccio on January 12, 2016, 06:02:30 AM
New review...in Greek!
https://www.rockhard.gr/%CF%80%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%AC%CF%83%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%82-%CE%B4%CE%AF%CF%83%CE%BA%CF%89%CE%BD/dream-theater-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9C-astonishing%E2%80%9D-roadrunner
9/10
 :metal :metal :metal

Google Chrome Translate is SUPER helpful!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MarkFitDT on January 12, 2016, 06:20:00 AM
doesn't that say 9.5/10?

Love the last part (via google translate anyway) :-

"Once again leaders. Once again, the absolute gods ..."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erciccio on January 12, 2016, 06:21:21 AM
Quote from: MarkFitDT on January 12, 2016, 06:20:00 AM
doesn't that say 9.5/10?

Love the last part (via google translate anyway) :-

"Once again leaders. Once again, the absolute gods ..."

Probably there are 3 reviews...
1) 9,5
2) 9
3) NA but sounds good..:)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 12, 2016, 06:22:00 AM
"Ruined my life, 10/10"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ericoml on January 12, 2016, 06:22:24 AM
There are 3 reviews, one rating 9, the other 9,5 and a third unrated.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 12, 2016, 06:22:54 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 12, 2016, 06:22:00 AM
"Ruined my life, 10/10"

So are you going to sue DT because you lost your job, wife, and bank account because all you do is listen to the album?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 12, 2016, 06:24:14 AM
There are 3 separate reviews in the greek Rockhard article.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MarkFitDT on January 12, 2016, 06:25:39 AM
Quote from: erciccio on January 12, 2016, 06:21:21 AM
Quote from: MarkFitDT on January 12, 2016, 06:20:00 AM
doesn't that say 9.5/10?

Love the last part (via google translate anyway) :-

"Once again leaders. Once again, the absolute gods ..."

Probably there are 3 reviews...
1) 9,5
2) 9
3) NA but sounds good..:)

ah, right, thanks!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: millahh on January 12, 2016, 06:27:37 AM
Not bothered by no encore.  I mean really, what would it be like to have seen The Wall, and then they come out after it's done and say, "Ok, we're gonna play Welcome to the Machine as an encore and then we can all be on our way".  Yeah, you would have gotten a little more bang for the buck, but it would have been really weird...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erciccio on January 12, 2016, 06:32:06 AM
Well, from what I've extracted from google translator ( :lol :lol :lol) looks like all the three reviewers are absolutely enthusiastic about "The Astonishing"...

Everything they say is pretty consistent with Noxon's anticipations...

The "Finally Free"-kind'a fans like me should be very satisfied with what they'll listen soon...:)



Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 12, 2016, 06:32:25 AM
Interesting... for a much more melodic album, a lot of praise for Mangini's drumming! Also very enthusiastic reviews by people not too impressed with DT recently.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 12, 2016, 06:59:43 AM
Which is exactly what I've been saying - and trying to convey. My comments are all about managing expectations. Creating hype, yes, but also managing expectations.

Those reviews pretty much mirror what I think about the album. Cool to see Savvas in the game again.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 12, 2016, 07:16:06 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 11, 2016, 09:00:23 PM
FTFY..

About the video, I don't understand people complaining about the graphics and all the visual part.. Isn't Dream Theater a group of MUSIC?.. Who the f*ck cares about the videos they do?..

Music is the gift they bring..

Music..

Quote
Music is the gift they bring..

Quote
the gift they bring..

Hmm...this reminds me of something... (https://yourmajesty.ytmnd.com/)





:neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 12, 2016, 07:28:44 AM
Quote from: jsbru on January 11, 2016, 09:51:37 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 11, 2016, 09:00:23 PM
About the video, I don't understand people complaining about the graphics and all the visual part.. Isn't Dream Theater a group of MUSIC?.. Who the f*ck cares about the videos they do?..

Music is the gift they bring..

Music..

Yeah, not quite sure what people are expecting.  It's expensive and time-consuming enough to sit in a studio for a year writing a 2+ hour album.  God forbid DT doesn't release a full HD movie in Dolby 7.1 with Hollywood actors to go with it.  You really have to expect that the artwork (which is fantastic by my standards already) is just there to tell the story and not aimed at winning an Oscar.

If they did that, people would be complaining about the price.

This is a product, if it's low budget then you present what you can and fans will understand, if this trailer was simply the narration over clips of music and a still of the coverart; no one would have said shit or complained, it's the half assing that gets to people, "the graphics are too expensive!" well don't do it then! no one demanded it! but you half ass shit then you prepare for the ridicule and like it. Again; this is a product, not a grant.
It doesn't bother me or affect excitement or my opinion of the album but I find it's poor quality funny and that's okay.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rumborak on January 12, 2016, 07:39:55 AM
I have found over the years that 99% of pre-release reviews are unabashedly positive, no matter the actual quality of the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 12, 2016, 07:41:43 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 12, 2016, 07:39:55 AM
I have found over the years that 99% of pre-release reviews are unabashedly positive, no matter the actual quality of the album.

Except for the reviews from melodicrock.com. They're known for their harsh judging.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bl5150 on January 12, 2016, 07:44:39 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 12, 2016, 07:41:43 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 12, 2016, 07:39:55 AM
I have found over the years that 99% of pre-release reviews are unabashedly positive, no matter the actual quality of the album.

Except for the reviews from melodicrock.com. They're known for their harsh judging.

If it's not formulaic and predictable cookie cutter stuff , it can expect to be dealt with harshly  ;D  They're the only albums that don't get a 90%+
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wolven74 on January 12, 2016, 07:45:02 AM
I have absolutely no problem with the trailer. The animation doesn't bother me. It's well done, in that it conveys that there is a story without giving any of the story away. The animators used what was given them, probably a script of the narration and an outline of the story, along with some of the artwork used on the album and told to animate it. Animation costs a lot of money. I imagine DT and RR have spent more money on this album than anything previously done. This isn't a Disney Pixar movie, people.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 12, 2016, 07:49:44 AM
Yea I can never take the ratings of reviews too seriously, one of my all-time favorite albums (Frances the Mute) got some god awful review scores, what I'm interested in with the reviews is the way they describe certain moments in the album, the weird stuff that is going on here and there, how certain moments compare to other bands etc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 12, 2016, 07:51:14 AM
Quote from: bl5150 on January 12, 2016, 07:44:39 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 12, 2016, 07:41:43 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 12, 2016, 07:39:55 AM
I have found over the years that 99% of pre-release reviews are unabashedly positive, no matter the actual quality of the album.

Except for the reviews from melodicrock.com. They're known for their harsh judging.

If it's not formulaic and predictable cookie cutter stuff , it can expect to be dealt with harshly  ;D  They're the only albums that don't get a 90%+

Not even an exaggeration. You can predict their album scores within 2 points just by how far it deviates from the Frontiers production line.

We haven't had that many full reviews of TA yet, but there are always reviews from both sides. DT is a band that obviously isn't for everyone, and for a prog rock opera, I'm sure those reviewers will make that known. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Tomislav95 on January 12, 2016, 07:51:41 AM
Since almost everyone keep bashing the video I''ll say tha shadow person throwing a hammer(?)  looks pretty cool. And every scene with no human(and especially animal) character looks decent.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 12, 2016, 07:53:56 AM
When reviews are well written, I generally like to read them not for the score they give an album but more for the reviews description of the songs, the sound, etc... Usually I find that more appealing than an actual score.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 12, 2016, 08:07:06 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 12, 2016, 07:39:55 AM
I have found over the years that 99% of pre-release reviews are unabashedly positive, no matter the actual quality of the album.

Of course! If you don't write that it's the best thing ever, JR will chew you out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 12, 2016, 08:27:09 AM
I'm sure there's an embargo on poor reviews before the thing is out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: dedSurroun on January 12, 2016, 08:27:27 AM
Quote from: Tomislav95 on January 12, 2016, 07:51:41 AM
Since almost everyone keep bashing the video I''ll say tha shadow person throwing a hammer(?)  looks pretty cool. And every scene with no human(and especially animal) character looks decent.

That's taken from the classic Apple commercial. Acts and swings and moves just like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYecfV3ubP8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYecfV3ubP8)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 12, 2016, 08:39:41 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 12, 2016, 08:27:09 AM
I'm sure there's an embargo on poor reviews before the thing is out.
There isn't.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: T-ski on January 12, 2016, 09:24:46 AM
forgive me if this has been answered, but for those that have the promo or advanced copies, is there narration on the album or no?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 12, 2016, 09:30:30 AM
Quote from: T-ski on January 12, 2016, 09:24:46 AM
forgive me if this has been answered, but for those that have the promo or advanced copies, is there narration on the album or no?

There's no narration, other than the third person type of singing like in Gift of Music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 12, 2016, 09:36:55 AM
Quote from: jsbru on January 11, 2016, 09:51:37 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 11, 2016, 09:00:23 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 03:15:03 PM
a TRU metalhead would never admit to liking Dream Theater.

FTFY..

About the video, I don't understand people complaining about the graphics and all the visual part.. Isn't Dream Theater a group of MUSIC?.. Who the f*ck cares about the videos they do?..

Music is the gift they bring..

Music..

Yeah, not quite sure what people are expecting.  It's expensive and time-consuming enough to sit in a studio for a year writing a 2+ hour album.  God forbid DT doesn't release a full HD movie in Dolby 7.1 with Hollywood actors to go with it.  You really have to expect that the artwork (which is fantastic by my standards already) is just there to tell the story and not aimed at winning an Oscar.

If they did that, people would be complaining about the price.
While there's something to be said for adjusting expectations for something that's working within limitations, there comes a point where, if you can't do something to a certain standard, maybe you just shouldn't do it. No one is expecting "hollywood actors". Literally no one is saying anything like that. No one is expecting Pixar level presentation here.
There are absolutely ways to put together an interesting visual presentation on a budget. This isn't it.
I'll say it again, they should have gone with something more stylized. You can go a long way on a tight budget with good art direction.

I would be way more excited about this album if I hadn't seen any of the marketing stuff they've released. Everything they've released has tempered my anticipation rather than raising it.

Yes, what matters in the end is the music, and I'll absolutely give the album a fair shake when it comes out.
What I've expressed an opinion so far is the marketing. I think the marketing is bad. Obviously some people disagree, and that's fine. That's why it's an opinion.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 12, 2016, 09:37:47 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 11, 2016, 09:00:23 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 03:15:03 PM
a TRU metalhead would never admit to liking Dream Theater.

FTFY..

About the video, I don't understand people complaining about the graphics and all the visual part.. Isn't Dream Theater a group of MUSIC?.. Who the f*ck cares about the videos they do?..

Music is the gift they bring..

Music..
You're allowed to be critical of things you like.
In fact, if anything, you should be more critical of things you consider worthwhile.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Laughing_man923 on January 12, 2016, 09:40:48 AM
I keep reading so many complaints on the band's facebook page about how cheesy and terrible this will be. What is wrong with being cheesy? Personally I dive into cheesy stuff every now and then, but does that really make it a terrible thing? I like where they are going with this, but maybe that's just my inner nerd coming out. Either way everybody has their own opinion so we'll have to see how well this story turns out on the 29th.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erciccio on January 12, 2016, 09:44:35 AM
Quote from: TL on January 12, 2016, 09:36:55 AM
Quote from: jsbru on January 11, 2016, 09:51:37 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 11, 2016, 09:00:23 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 11, 2016, 03:15:03 PM
a TRU metalhead would never admit to liking Dream Theater.





I would be way more excited about this album if I hadn't seen any of the marketing stuff they've released. Everything they've released has tempered my anticipation rather than raising it.



Just the opposite for me.

Al this marketing staff has been fun and entertaining during the long wait.
Much better than the usual silences/ rumors/ leaks patterns.

This time I don't need any leak or single...I'm fine with what they have delivered so far, and I'm just looking forward to listening the record in its entirety.

As concerns the quality of the videos, I like all the non-human visuals and I love the NOMACS..
As concerns the animations, it's pretty consistent with what I was expecting...they will "animate" 130 minutes of music during the shows, so it was impossible to produce a "professional cartoon movie"...
The visuals are just a background to the music and the lyrics, and they work for this scope.
 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erciccio on January 12, 2016, 09:51:17 AM
Quote from: Laughing_man923 on January 12, 2016, 09:40:48 AM
I keep reading so many complaints on the band's facebook page about how cheesy and terrible this will be. What is wrong with being cheesy? Personally I dive into cheesy stuff every now and then, but does that really make it a terrible thing? I like where they are going with this, but maybe that's just my inner nerd coming out. Either way everybody has their own opinion so we'll have to see how well this story turns out on the 29th.

Just remember that Internet (social sites in primis) are the typical vent for the frustrated.
Most people that write tend to complain, but they are a minority in the global population...
The rest of the population just enjoys what they like and do not waste their time trolling..

This forum is pretty good compared to the rest of the forums scenario...there are a couple of Italian DT "fans" forum where people just complain about everything.

They hate what Portnoy did in the last albums, but the want Portnoy back when you talk about Mangini.
They like the old stuff, but they complain when the new music sounds like the old staff.
They complain if there's no marketing, and they don't like the marketing, whatever marketing you make.

"Never Enough" tells this story quite well...:)

Let's just enjoy the music...and if you don't like it, go and look for something else insted of complaining! That's my attitude..:)

E.g. they are just now complaining that there's no Myung in the album, just based on a google-translated greek review ...OMG...

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 12, 2016, 09:52:49 AM
Quote from: Laughing_man923 on January 12, 2016, 09:40:48 AM
I keep reading so many complaints on the band's facebook page about how cheesy and terrible this will be. What is wrong with being cheesy? Personally I dive into cheesy stuff every now and then, but does that really make it a terrible thing? I like where they are going with this, but maybe that's just my inner nerd coming out. Either way everybody has their own opinion so we'll have to see how well this story turns out on the 29th.

I love cheese, specifically cheddar. 

But it's all about the music.  The animation isn't great, but they aren't animators, they are musicians.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 12, 2016, 09:54:03 AM
Quote from: Laughing_man923 on January 12, 2016, 09:40:48 AM
I keep reading so many complaints on the band's facebook page about how cheesy and terrible this will be. What is wrong with being cheesy? Personally I dive into cheesy stuff every now and then, but does that really make it a terrible thing? I like where they are going with this, but maybe that's just my inner nerd coming out. Either way everybody has their own opinion so we'll have to see how well this story turns out on the 29th.
Cheesy can be great. Cheesy can be a lot of fun. There is plenty of super cheesy music and other media that I absolutely love.
This is a whole other level though, at least for some people.

I'm really hoping the album proves me wrong, but so far it just all seems so self serious. Looking at the marketing material, I'm seeing a generic mishmash of fantasy tropes and cliches.

DT have plenty of material that is cheesy, that is also fantastic. The Count of Tuscany is a great example; that song is incredibly cheesy, and I love it. If they'd preceded it with this type of marketing campaign, I probably would have been very skeptical.

I hope I'm wrong, and I want to love this album. I've just found the marketing so far to be really off-putting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: T-ski on January 12, 2016, 10:00:53 AM
I'm a Wisconsin-ite and I hate cheese.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 12, 2016, 10:02:25 AM
Quote from: TL on January 12, 2016, 09:54:03 AM
Quote from: Laughing_man923 on January 12, 2016, 09:40:48 AM
I keep reading so many complaints on the band's facebook page about how cheesy and terrible this will be. What is wrong with being cheesy? Personally I dive into cheesy stuff every now and then, but does that really make it a terrible thing? I like where they are going with this, but maybe that's just my inner nerd coming out. Either way everybody has their own opinion so we'll have to see how well this story turns out on the 29th.
Cheesy can be great. Cheesy can be a lot of fun. There is plenty of super cheesy music and other media that I absolutely love.
This is a whole other level though, at least for some people.

I'm really hoping the album proves me wrong, but so far it just all seems so self serious. Looking at the marketing material, I'm seeing a generic mishmash of fantasy tropes and cliches.

DT have plenty of material that is cheesy, that is also fantastic. The Count of Tuscany is a great example; that song is incredibly cheesy, and I love it. If they'd preceded it with this type of marketing campaign, I probably would have been very skeptical.

I hope I'm wrong, and I want to love this album. I've just found the marketing so far to be really off-putting.

Spot on post from start to end, that's how I feel as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Implode on January 12, 2016, 10:19:17 AM
Quote from: erciccio on January 12, 2016, 09:51:17 AM
"Never Enough" tells this story quite well...:)

I'm sorry, but I simply cannot take Never Enough seriously.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: As I Am on January 12, 2016, 10:22:22 AM
Translated from Greek review:

For too many years, listening to the new album -ekastote- of DREAM THEATER, is a ritual, which usually share with dear friends cent-plus followers of the band (because the good is even better when you share). The matchmaking is not spoiled in the case of "The astonishing". When he got the link to the disk, I worked night and I could not hear it. Armed with patience, I waited almost a whole day, until at my leisure and fine company, we were in the offices of inkognito ROCK HARD for the hearing of their 13th studio disc, for whom I had wondered if I was grousouzikos ...

Many people know the 'stones throw' I've eaten here about 25 years with a specific shape, but I am one of those who were disappointed enough by the first, self titled album. What I emphasize every word, was that I seemed to have lost the ingredient "dream" of the band, which sounded as a simple, earthy complex, as several very good schemes out there. But not magic. No dream. And I waited with great impatience in "The astonishing", especially since the information saying that it is double, concept album !!! Listening unique piece that has been leaked to the moment of this writing, the "The gift of music", meant that I could not get out a conclusion, as I'm not at all from a song. Especially when it comes to the first passage of a double disc. Even though I remember George KOH, calling me on the track leaked while I was coagulated in traffic drive I did at the edge with alarm, I walked to the internet from the phone and I heard, twice to come to me equal ...

As I understand it's going to speak for very long, I will try to be as the most effective with the introduction of possible "The astonishing", then. The first question that I created, that is OK, can we talk about a double album, but for how long we talking about? The rascally wrote an album that lasts 130 minutes !!! Yes, 2 hours and 10 minutes duration. With the exception of one minute four imports to the sounds of the NOMACS (robots that are on the cover), talk about 125 minutes of pure music. Neither samples, or inclement weather (he once told one soul) or recitations. The inspiration for the album, it seems that overflowed from John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess, who wrote almost entirely the music (the Petrucci wrote the concept, which took almost two years to complete). As for its quality? A cinematic album, verging on paranoia of music, with lots of 70's influences, like in many places with the atmosphere and produce the "Scenes from a memory" and "Six degrees of inner turbulence". It's outrageous how much original music has been written, with few places to be repeated, with songs that last an average of 4-5 minutes each, have incredibly loose structures in places that there are some that do not even have distinct choruses. As for the traditional way of writing, that verse-chorus-verse-bridge-chorus-solo-chorus, "to leave, go elsewhere" saying and the amiable Gerontakos advertising.

I have always believed that it is much harder to write five-minute, solid pieces, than to write ten-minute epics, which can be "stretched" as much as you want. The same think and members of DREAM THEATER in every conversation we did. And this album has 30 (!!!) such songs !!! Songs in the style of "Spirit carries on" (with more feature "Brother can you hear me") and "Solitary shell". Style Tracks "Fatal tragedy" or "The test that stumped them all". Salemenes changes tango rhythms (yes, listen to the mad "Lord Nafaryus"), magical melodies and a LaBrie interpret eight different characters, men - women, good - bad, happy - angry, in far more demanding interpretation of his career and dare Say, if not the best, certainly the most varied. The Jordan Rudess, trying every possible and impossible sound to the keys while playing with vintage instruments, giving a different dimension to the sound of the group. The Petrucci do magic, since there are many times that there are no distinct main riff to pieces, but based on melodies that have been written about the keys and guitar, while many pieces "built" in the process, starting with a simple piano or guitar and in the process become huge and unexpected take final form. The Mangini, finally acquired personal sound and identity of the group, playing as himself, not as its predecessor, while Myung sounds less than you would like, the truth is ... As for chorus and orchestral parts, the only I will say, is that the sophisticated Phil Campbell, who has worked with artists of the size and caliber of MUSE, RUSH, METALLICA, Adele, U2 and countless others, stated that 'The astonishing "was the biggest project that has worked in his career (and is 68 years with more than 450 gold and platinum albums to his credit).

I hear and I can not believe it. 130 minutes album. In destroys. Whenever you hear this process takes more than two hours, you discover so many different things, influences and sounds, that when it reaches the final product with the lyrics and the story that seems complicated, you will probably close 2-3 months to hear only this album. An album that I think is so crucial, as "Scenes from a memory". Not because they can "save" the career of DREAM THEATER, as was done after "Falling into infinity". Right now DREAM THEATER is the high point of their career, with sales higher than ever, with concert unreachable productions for data groups of the range, with very new world that has entered the tripaki to monitor and of course very highest cassette before. But it is crucial, because the band decided to take him perhaps more adventurous album of his career, the most ambitious, a very difficult project in a period is "on top", showing once again that the difficult not scaring.

Let's forget about copy-paste discs in their early contract with Roadrunner, disks with identical structure, the pieces that say "this is METALLICA, this is TOOL, this is MUSE» etc., the medley for alcoholism. We are talking about an album in my opinion, I sound only "gulp", without being able to easily isolate some detachments, an album that will bring back behind many old school fans who were removed or steer with the recent music course. Hence the fact that will be presented in full on tour following the release, in a show that is expected to be a lifetime experience (even wonder how to teach LaBrie by heart many verses and other such music !!! ). He used to be "fashion" and hip to say that listening DREAM THEATER. As with other large, in recent years it has launched an effort to degradation, to the point considered "obsolete" and putting at the forefront more "mondernous" progressive musicians. Let's get all these in the Yob "The astonishing", to enter into their burrows to be inspired, to be able to make something that approaches the quality, even writing 40-50 minutes of music, not 130 ... Once again leaders. Once again, the absolute gods ...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 12, 2016, 10:29:24 AM
Quote from: As I Am on January 12, 2016, 10:22:22 AM
Translated from Greek review:

For too many years, *snip*  absolute gods ...
It this the one that people are saying is actually 3 reviews?  If so, where do they start/stop for each?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 12, 2016, 10:31:00 AM
The Petrucci do magic!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: As I Am on January 12, 2016, 10:31:33 AM
#2

DREAM THEATER - "The astonishing" (Roadrunner)

I am one of those who were highly critical of the DREAM THEATER after fleeing Mike Portnoy. A man who despite his obsessions, centralization and the apparent conceit, was the ultimate boss in the ranks of the band. And who after a short period of disorientation ("Octavarium" and "Systematic chaos" on a smaller scale), seemed to have again found the right touches to GREAT "Black clouds and silver linings".

With the advent of Mike Mangini and the John Petrucci to hold the reins, the two first samples seemed disoriented, moving in a completely different direction than you knew fan, whether related to the piece of music was moving in a completely safe paths as and concerts, where the element of surprise had been lost for good. And to be honest, just announced what will happen with "The astonishing", the basket was carrying was very small.

Let us swallow my tongue then! The new album DT is what I was looking for some time now of them, with a surprise with every song, the need to want to heard again because we got the bigger picture, to become again a fan, which I had left behind for two years. On the other with confused. With very confused.

Those who thought that "The astonishing" is another "Orthodox» concept album, have time to think about it again until its release. The general feeling that leaves you is the musical rather than the simple narrative of a story. Here you will not find repetitive parts, not even refrains, despite a few cases. Yes, you read, most songs do not meet the traditional sense. Much, too much music, one or two verses and move on.

However, there are ample verses, whom I want to study in order to fully understand the futuristic concept of "The astonishing". The LaBrie here proved excellent narrator puts emotion enters fully the role, starting all possible moods. Mystery ("Lord Nafaryus"), sensibility ("Ravenskill"), optimism ("Hymn of a thousand voices"), anger ("The walking shadow"). By itself, that is charged with a very difficult task on his back, if we think that everything should interpret fully for at least 130 minutes, as this album takes.

The same is even more difficult task have the rest and especially Jordan Rudess. Everything starts and ends in it. The keys are everywhere here, as if the Petrucci handed him the keys of DREAM THEATER, something that has not occurred since the "Awake". Here excels released and delivers the best moments in his long career.

Just released is the Mangini. The relatively simple hits of the previous two albums do not exist. Unfolds all given talent, makes playback more adventurous and is now one with the other. As for the mainman Petrucci, things are more or less data.

Ideally ties and classical orchestra under the direction of renowned conductor David Campbell. Whether it concerns the widespread use of violins or coloring songs sopranos, or wind. Everything about the service of history.

Generally DREAM THEATER sound like they were. Everyone gives its own concerts and together to sound like one body. There are many references to the two well-known concepts "Scenes from a memory" and the title track of "Six degrees of inner turbulence", but only in terms of style, some of the legendary "Images and words" and "Awake", as and some few in the recent past, such as "A life left behind" is nail "Breaking all illusions".

But there are external influences. Diffuse is the stigma of the ELP, in KANSAS, of PINK FLOYD, even their sealant SYMPHONY X points ("The path that divides"). There are also many great songs in all this deluge of music. Illustration to mention the "A savior in the square", "Three days", my favorite "A new beginning", "Moment of betrayal" and "Our new world". Ask me yet again in a few days and maybe say otherwise.

The "The astonishing" you can not do it on your farm with the first hearing. Has so countless things waiting to be discovered, they will take time and dedication to understand. It has a fascinating story to tell, you should carefully read it. It has so much wonderful music, you have to melt to the fun.

One thing is certain: The DREAM THEATER in "The astonishing" risking a lot. They will lose many recent friends, but you will win all their old fans. Those who accuse them of stagnation, like me. And I have no other option than to bow after some time in their splendor.
   

9/10
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: As I Am on January 12, 2016, 10:32:56 AM
#3 Greek review

Before I hit the play I promised myself that I will not have great expectations. The DREAM THEATER long, they need to enter the studio to write ten pieces and stops. Neither strange concept, even fictional characters or promo tricks on the internet or anything. Anything that can make even more commercial, more mainstream, more digestible to the public and juries decide Grammy Awards. They need to clean music that will take them out of the loop of writing patent following in recent years.

Fortunately, before I hit play I forgot the most basic. That provision that thinking and doing before the first hearing of an album from DREAM THEATER go down the drain.

1. Those of you used as the "Gospel" or as a reference point in your musical life in "Scenes from a Memory" and "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence", prepare enough space in the discotheque and in your heart for "The Astonishing" .
2. We are dealing with 130 minutes of music divided into two parts with the second lagging behind, in my opinion, than the first.
3. It is a difference that most "theatrical" band has released to date and is definitely an album that should sound the whole and not separately.
4. All the influences of the band are here to those of RUSH and KANSAS have the first place. Difficult, complex, progressive, no digestible technical, so you did not get it, makes me wonder how you can afford, well, live. Bet the THEATER invited to gain the essential help of video wall. I can not imagine different ...
5. Epic, classic, medieval, Renaissance with choirs, flute and violin sounds that instantly bring to mind compositions of James Horner & Hans Zimmer. Sounds and melodies that could be in soundtrack from "Braveheart" to the "Pirates of the Caribbean".
6. Argentine tango, swing from the 50s, jazz from the 60s make "The Astonishing" perhaps the most "thinking", synthetic, album released by DREAM THEATER today. If anything shows that the band "struggled" in the very studio.
7. O James LaBrie, recounts the story flawless (as usual when it is in the studio), reminding trouvero 11th century, constantly changing timbres and scales.
8. Jordan Rudess having the most important role of all, uses thousands of sounds while the times they have real substance playing an important role in the evolution of the concept. Most compositions having starting from piano, guitar escalate just before the end, synthetic prescription, bet and shows his trust in the last decade the band.
9. John Petrucci is experiencing one of the most melodic moments of his career, with the sound of the guitar, after a long time, to sound different.
10. I can not imagine someone outside of Mike Mangini and John Myung who could create more robust rhythm section for this album. Especially Mangini «comes beside himself."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 12, 2016, 10:35:31 AM
The loose song structure- no definite chorus- is what appeals to me the most. I love Metropolis, Pt1 because of that and it's my favorite song of theirs (amidst such a bulk of formidable songs).

For what it's worth using google translator, here is an extract of review number 3, which has me excited even more :

6. Argentine tango, swing from the 50s, jazz from the 60s make "The Astonishing" perhaps the most "thinking", synthetic, album released by DREAM THEATER today. If anything shows that the band "struggled" in the very studio.
7. O James LaBrie, recounts the story flawless (as usual when it is in the studio), reminding trouvero 11th century, constantly changing timbres and scales.

(emphasis mine)

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pax on January 12, 2016, 10:43:53 AM
When you say it reminds of SDOIT, do you also think about solitary shell and about to crash reprise? Those instrumental sections, of course. I just want to lie down, chill, and enjoy beautiful melodies and solos like those are
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 12, 2016, 10:49:16 AM
Quote from: Pax on January 12, 2016, 10:43:53 AM
When you say it reminds of SDOIT, do you also think about solitary shell and about to crash reprise? Those instrumental sections, of course. I just want to lie down, chill, and enjoy beautiful melodies and solos like those are

Those are parts that came to my mind the first time I listened.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 12, 2016, 10:57:39 AM
It's not really shocking that the 2nd Act doesn't have the same impact as Act I. That's how plays usually go for me as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ledlemos08 on January 12, 2016, 11:01:57 AM
As I Am, why??? Just.. why??? Reading theses reviews makes me completely crazy here.

Oh man... I'm speechless!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: GandL on January 12, 2016, 11:03:04 AM
This got me really pumped, can't wait for the 29th and for the show as well in April. I'm really happy they seem to have taken risk to come up with something out of the path.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: emtee on January 12, 2016, 11:09:14 AM
The reviews and other comments have this long time DT fan pretty pumped. I would like to hear more about the sonic quality but
I can wait.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 12, 2016, 11:18:53 AM
Quote from: emtee on January 12, 2016, 11:09:14 AM
The reviews and other comments have this long time DT fan pretty pumped. I would like to hear more about the sonic quality but
I can wait.

A few people have said it's a lot more dynamic than the last two albums . A couple of people on here who have heard it and JP himself in an interview.

So i'm happy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Laughing_man923 on January 12, 2016, 11:26:33 AM
I'm also very happy that Dream Theater decided to include this all in one package. Periphery made a mistake by splitting up their double album into two separate purchases.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on January 12, 2016, 11:46:18 AM
Quote from: Laughing_man923 on January 12, 2016, 11:26:33 AM
I'm also very happy that Dream Theater decided to include this all in one package. Periphery made a mistake by splitting up their double album into two separate purchases.

I'm happy just for the fact that it might help get DT their first #1 Billboard debut, since every album purchase will actually count as 2 units sold.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 12, 2016, 11:55:21 AM
It wont. I found out that it doesn't count as two on charts. It does count as two when looking at Platinum certifications (RIIA certification) and things like that though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mike099 on January 12, 2016, 11:57:10 AM
Wondering how they will handle the choir and strings and other instruments that they do not actually play.  Will they leave those out in the live shows or have backing tracks for those parts.

Excited by the above reviews, but waiting for the reviews from the DT folks on this forum.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jonny108 on January 12, 2016, 12:04:08 PM
I wonder why JM wasn't involved in the writing?  Still, I hope he has some awesome basslines. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: aurorablind on January 12, 2016, 12:06:54 PM
Quote from: mike099 on January 12, 2016, 11:57:10 AM
Wondering how they will handle the choir and strings and other instruments that they do not actually play.  Will they leave those out in the live shows or have backing tracks for those parts.

Excited by the above reviews, but waiting for the reviews from the DT folks on this forum.

Probably a mix between backing tracks and Rudess. They have been playing mostly with a click-track live since MM joined, and have used backing tracks for vocal-harmonies since they started doing that. A lot of bands does this, and it works well (Nightwish comes to mind).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 12, 2016, 12:07:51 PM
Because it was written in an entirely different way from before - from behind the piano with JP og JR...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 12, 2016, 12:10:02 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 12, 2016, 12:07:51 PM
Because it was written in an entirely different way from before - from behind the piano with JP og JR...

This is so interesting. What a change from all the previous albums. I wonder if this is the album i've been waiting for, with JR being a massive creative force and not a complimentary one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Podaar on January 12, 2016, 12:19:22 PM
Quote from: As I Am on January 12, 2016, 10:31:33 AM
The same is even more difficult task have the rest and especially Jordan Rudess. Everything starts and ends in it. The keys are everywhere here, as if the Petrucci handed him the keys of DREAM THEATER,

Okay, as long as this isn't hyperbole, I'm officially stoked. About the music, anyway.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: obelix5150 on January 12, 2016, 12:21:34 PM
Quote from: mike099 on January 12, 2016, 11:57:10 AM
Wondering how they will handle the choir and strings and other instruments that they do not actually play.  Will they leave those out in the live shows or have backing tracks for those parts.


If I recall correctly, didn't someone say in some interview (JP probably) that they are NOT using backing tracks for the choral and orchestral parts?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Woodworker1 on January 12, 2016, 12:23:10 PM
What I'm getting from these reviews is that Rudess is more important to this album.  I  feel he was underutilized in the last two albums, so this makes me very happy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 12, 2016, 12:44:04 PM
nikatapi, can youtranslate the reviews better than those google translate ones ? ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 12, 2016, 12:59:11 PM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 12, 2016, 12:21:34 PM
Quote from: mike099 on January 12, 2016, 11:57:10 AM
Wondering how they will handle the choir and strings and other instruments that they do not actually play.  Will they leave those out in the live shows or have backing tracks for those parts.


If I recall correctly, didn't someone say in some interview (JP probably) that they are NOT using backing tracks for the choral and orchestral parts?

Guys, if I win the powerball on Wednesday I'll pay for DT to tour with an orchestra, cool?

A past post in this thread did mention that JP said they would not use backing tracks, which I actually was kinda disappointed in. I don't mind them doing it since they put so much work into it and they playing Radio City in NY, would be great to hear even if just playback.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 12, 2016, 01:03:52 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 12, 2016, 12:44:04 PM
nikatapi, can youtranslate the reviews better than those google translate ones ? ;)

I honestly prefer the google ones. Not only is there enough context clues to get a very good idea of what the reviewer's talking about, but they're also hilarious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: obelix5150 on January 12, 2016, 01:47:37 PM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on January 12, 2016, 12:59:11 PM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 12, 2016, 12:21:34 PM
Quote from: mike099 on January 12, 2016, 11:57:10 AM
Wondering how they will handle the choir and strings and other instruments that they do not actually play.  Will they leave those out in the live shows or have backing tracks for those parts.


If I recall correctly, didn't someone say in some interview (JP probably) that they are NOT using backing tracks for the choral and orchestral parts?

Guys, if I win the powerball on Wednesday I'll pay for DT to tour with an orchestra, cool?

A past post in this thread did mention that JP said they would not use backing tracks, which I actually was kinda disappointed in. I don't mind them doing it since they put so much work into it and they playing Radio City in NY, would be great to hear even if just playback.

I completely agree. I really appreciate how JR doesn't resort to playback tracks when doing multiple keyboard parts live... but IMO orchestral and choral tracks are different, because they pretty much can't be truly done well on his Kronos (unless he's going to an INSANE level to sample every single choral and orchestral phrase...)

Given how this album is about bringing the full Astonishing experience to the stage, I would have no problem with them filling in the sound with those tracks. I mean Nightwish does it live and their live shows are massive as heck because of it!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 12, 2016, 01:57:29 PM
Oh god. That's exactly what I want to hear. CALL ME EXCITED
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on January 12, 2016, 02:03:18 PM
Quote from: Tomislav95 on January 12, 2016, 07:51:41 AM
Since almost everyone keep bashing the video I''ll say tha shadow person throwing a hammer(?)  looks pretty cool. And every scene with no human(and especially animal) character looks decent.

1984 Apple commercial.  Anyone else notice that?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 12, 2016, 02:09:07 PM
They should finish the Astonishing tour.

Then if they've made enough money from the album / tour sales - they should do a one off DVD filming with choir & orchestra in NY where they live so it won't cost so much.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 12, 2016, 02:09:36 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on January 12, 2016, 02:03:18 PM
Quote from: Tomislav95 on January 12, 2016, 07:51:41 AM
Since almost everyone keep bashing the video I''ll say tha shadow person throwing a hammer(?)  looks pretty cool. And every scene with no human(and especially animal) character looks decent.

1984 Apple commercial.  Anyone else notice that?

I noticed it, thought it an odd inclusion and just one of the out of place things. Not out of place thematically, but artistically. Still, I'm not here for the visual experience, I just want to ingest all of the snippets!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 12, 2016, 02:56:59 PM
New French interview. I'll try and translate it tomorrow (and I'll finish the Rock Hard translation). https://www.radiometal.com/article/dream-theater-a-la-reconquete-du-trone,199464
The new thing we can learn in this interview is : one of the character is a dead one... So I don't know how we can hear his voice but he/she is dead and James had to sing the parts.
Concerning the Greek reviews, I should get a French translation by tomorrow by a Greek member of Your Majesty. Then I would be able to translate it to English. But it could take some time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 12, 2016, 02:58:50 PM
Evangeline seems to make the most sense since her eyes are closed.... right? And she has light around her
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ericoml on January 12, 2016, 02:59:44 PM
I think that there is a character named The Walking Shadow (one of the songs), at the trailer you can see him with the Great North Empire members as a shadow with a spear, maybe the dead person.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 12, 2016, 03:00:40 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on January 12, 2016, 02:58:50 PM
Evangeline seems to make the most sense since her eyes are closed.... right? And she has light around her

And Arhys' tweet "I'll never forget my promise" makes sense. That promise could be rescue Xander or something.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 12, 2016, 03:02:09 PM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 12, 2016, 02:56:59 PM
one of the character is a dead one...

My money is on Evangeline. Arhys's tweet "I'll never forget my promise to you" when she was introduced makes more sense if she's dead.

Also her eyes are closed in her picture.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Flacracker on January 12, 2016, 03:02:49 PM
Yo Noxon or whoever else has heard the thing, is there anything similar to the Illumination Theory Easter egg on the album?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 12, 2016, 03:08:21 PM
James said : there are 8 characters among which 7 are alive and 1 is dead. So I presume, the dead one is a character we know.
I forgot to mention that the big information is that there will be along with the orchestra and the choir: a boys choir, a cello section and a soprano! It's gonna be majestic!
The article is really comprehensive concerning the writing process.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: fischermasamune on January 12, 2016, 03:09:38 PM
Quote from: Flacracker on January 12, 2016, 03:02:49 PM
Yo Noxon or whoever else has heard the thing, is there anything similar to the Illumination Theory Easter egg on the album?
I asked the same question weeks ago and it was met with "obviously not, why would someone think that?" (not verbatim) by the people who've heard the recording.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 12, 2016, 03:12:35 PM
 :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TAC on January 12, 2016, 03:19:17 PM
Quote


Let us swallow my tongue then! 

 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 12, 2016, 03:26:25 PM
Quote from: fischermasamune on January 12, 2016, 03:09:38 PM
Quote from: Flacracker on January 12, 2016, 03:02:49 PM
Yo Noxon or whoever else has heard the thing, is there anything similar to the Illumination Theory Easter egg on the album?
I asked the same question weeks ago and it was met with "obviously not, why would someone think that?" (not verbatim) by the people who've heard the recording.

Well, not really.  If it's the same post I'm thinking of, you asked if the same theme would reappear on this album, which is not the same thing as what was just asked.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TAC on January 12, 2016, 03:32:16 PM
Just played the trailer again. I cracked up again when Nafaryus smirks his chin. :lol


I actually really like the trailer. A little goofy, but I like it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 12, 2016, 03:34:54 PM
Quote from: TAC on January 12, 2016, 03:32:16 PM
Just played the trailer again. I cracked up again when Nafaryus smirks his chin. :lol


I actually really like the trailer. A little goofy, but I like it.

The way he moves his eyes is even more bizarre. His eyes are like: ^_>
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Podaar on January 12, 2016, 03:37:00 PM
(https://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss104/Podaar/smirk_zpshodcmufo.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TAC on January 12, 2016, 03:41:05 PM
That's it!  Cracks me up!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 12, 2016, 03:42:14 PM
Quote from: TAC on January 12, 2016, 03:32:16 PM
smirks his chin

Uh...what?  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TAC on January 12, 2016, 03:44:21 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 12, 2016, 03:42:14 PM
Quote from: TAC on January 12, 2016, 03:32:16 PM
smirks his chin

Uh...what?  :lol

 :lol

I didn't know how else to describe it. At least that's how it's said in Kingshmeglish.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 12, 2016, 04:01:28 PM
Quote from: Podaar on January 12, 2016, 03:37:00 PM
(https://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss104/Podaar/smirk_zpshodcmufo.jpg)

Tim, shut up your stupid git! :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TAC on January 12, 2016, 04:08:50 PM
 :P

 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Podaar on January 12, 2016, 04:09:52 PM
(https://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss104/Podaar/emp1_zpsrlimatwc.gif)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TAC on January 12, 2016, 04:11:36 PM
Awesome Greg!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Podaar on January 12, 2016, 04:16:15 PM
When I was going through the frames I couldn't help but notice his eye doing that funky little cross at the end...so of course I made him do it twice. haha
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 12, 2016, 04:20:18 PM
Quote from: TAC on January 12, 2016, 04:08:50 PM
:P

 :lol

He does look like Connery. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 12, 2016, 04:23:33 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 12, 2016, 04:20:18 PM
Quote from: TAC on January 12, 2016, 04:08:50 PM
:P

 :lol

He does look like Connery. :lol

You Musht Be Joking.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Podaar on January 12, 2016, 04:24:50 PM
Schurley there muscht be schome mischtake.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Podaar on January 12, 2016, 04:27:25 PM
Crap, ariich is coming. Everyone scram.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 12, 2016, 04:51:14 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on January 12, 2016, 02:58:50 PM
Evangeline seems to make the most sense since her eyes are closed.... right? And she has light around her


And in the trailer she appears as some sort of ghostly apparition (at 0:33)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: dedSurroun on January 12, 2016, 05:07:13 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on January 12, 2016, 02:03:18 PM
Quote from: Tomislav95 on January 12, 2016, 07:51:41 AM
Since almost everyone keep bashing the video I''ll say tha shadow person throwing a hammer(?)  looks pretty cool. And every scene with no human(and especially animal) character looks decent.

1984 Apple commercial.  Anyone else notice that?

Yeah and already said it a couple pages ago. Cheers.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 12, 2016, 05:19:20 PM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 12, 2016, 02:56:59 PM
New French interview. I'll try and translate it tomorrow (and I'll finish the Rock Hard translation). https://www.radiometal.com/article/dream-theater-a-la-reconquete-du-trone,199464

Thanks for the link! :tup It was a very interesting read, especially the part about how Jordan minds work in term of musical ideas 

We also get a little bit more about the general plot: In this sterile and soulless world, Gabriel (who seems to be a performer) is the hero who shows people the emotions, passion, happiness and hope that music brings. This worries Nafaryus who is now fearing an uprising.

Also Jordan mentionned that the album has an orchestra, a choir, a gospel choir, a young boy choir, a bagpipe player, cellos, a soprano singer and James Labrie.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BFRedrocks on January 12, 2016, 05:35:56 PM
Quote from: Podaar on January 12, 2016, 04:09:52 PM
(https://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss104/Podaar/emp1_zpsrlimatwc.gif)

"Stay thirsty my friend."

Is it just me or does he bear a striking resemblance to The Most Interesting Man in the World?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 12, 2016, 05:39:30 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 12, 2016, 05:19:20 PM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 12, 2016, 02:56:59 PM
New French interview. I'll try and translate it tomorrow (and I'll finish the Rock Hard translation). https://www.radiometal.com/article/dream-theater-a-la-reconquete-du-trone,199464

Thanks for the link! :tup It was a very interesting read, especially the part about how Jordan minds work in term of musical ideas 

We also get a little bit more about the general plot: In this sterile and soulless world, Gabriel (who seems to be a performer) is the hero who shows people the emotions, passion, happiness and hope that music brings. This worries Nafaryus who is now fearing an uprising.

Also Jordan mentionned that the album has an orchestra, a choir, a gospel choir, a young boy choir, a bagpipe player, cellos, a soprano singer and James Labrie.

The album has James Labrie? WTF?!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on January 12, 2016, 06:11:02 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 12, 2016, 05:39:30 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 12, 2016, 05:19:20 PM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 12, 2016, 02:56:59 PM
New French interview. I'll try and translate it tomorrow (and I'll finish the Rock Hard translation). https://www.radiometal.com/article/dream-theater-a-la-reconquete-du-trone,199464

Thanks for the link! :tup It was a very interesting read, especially the part about how Jordan minds work in term of musical ideas 

We also get a little bit more about the general plot: In this sterile and soulless world, Gabriel (who seems to be a performer) is the hero who shows people the emotions, passion, happiness and hope that music brings. This worries Nafaryus who is now fearing an uprising.

Also Jordan mentionned that the album has an orchestra, a choir, a gospel choir, a young boy choir, a bagpipe player, cellos, a soprano singer and James Labrie.

The album has James Labrie? WTF?!

Fuck, does that mean Chris Collins left?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ToT-147 on January 12, 2016, 06:50:36 PM
Quote from: TL on January 12, 2016, 09:37:47 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 11, 2016, 09:00:23 PM
About the video, I don't understand people complaining about the graphics and all the visual part.. Isn't Dream Theater a group of MUSIC?.. Who the f*ck cares about the videos they do?..

Music is the gift they bring..

Music..

You're allowed to be critical of things you like.
In fact, if anything, you should be more critical of things you consider worthwhile.


And I'm.. I'm very critical.. I don't like KM's songs e.g.. But in this case, I don't get the need to be critical towards something has nothing to do with the main (and only) art of the artists involved.. For the last time: they make music, not graphics.. So we should (and we do) judge their music.. Nothing else..

Quote from: me7 on January 12, 2016, 03:44:35 AM
We would love to have some music to disect and jump to conclusions about the whole album. Since this is all we have, we must look at the graphics and form opinions on the album that way.

Naa.. An album it consists of songs, not graphics or videos.. The booklet does consist of graphics, well, originally of lyrics and credits, which is still the main reason why they exists and are done, though having pictures or images makes it look better aesthetically.. But again, that's just a complement to what is really important.. Even the trailer of a movie.. That's not the movie, only a trailer.. So even if they released more snippets, an album trailer with more music or another single (the latter really surprises me hasn't arrived yet) all that would still be a short summary or a pinch of the album's music, but not the whole thing..

Stand patient.. Only 400 hours to wait.. :|
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 12, 2016, 06:52:30 PM
The Paddies said he interviewed JR and he mentioned he didn't think there would be another new song before the album is released.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 12, 2016, 06:55:24 PM
:shrug:

it's like two weeks til album day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rumborak on January 12, 2016, 06:55:39 PM
I disagree. If this was DT12 or ADTOE, sure, for them a video line this would be lolworthy but nobody would think more of it.
However, TA is seemingly *all* about the plot
 As such, the pictures on the site, the video, the map, they obviously factor heavily into the perception of the whole album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Laughing_man923 on January 12, 2016, 07:44:54 PM
I don't think they will release another single. TGoM was pretty much the story opener, not counting DotN and DO, so it wouldn't make sense to release another song that could possibly spoil the story for us early on.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on January 12, 2016, 08:02:33 PM
Quote from: dedSurroun on January 12, 2016, 05:07:13 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on January 12, 2016, 02:03:18 PM
Quote from: Tomislav95 on January 12, 2016, 07:51:41 AM
Since almost everyone keep bashing the video I''ll say tha shadow person throwing a hammer(?)  looks pretty cool. And every scene with no human(and especially animal) character looks decent.

1984 Apple commercial.  Anyone else notice that?

Yeah and already said it a couple pages ago. Cheers.

Cool.  I must have overlooked the comment in the dearth of new pages.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 12, 2016, 08:13:23 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 12, 2016, 06:55:39 PM
However, TA is seemingly *all* about the plot
 As such, the pictures on the site, the video, the map, they obviously factor heavily into the perception of the whole album.

It is all about the plot now, only because we have only heard one song. I think that the album will be more about the music than anything in the end.

But yes, at this point today, everything else is going to more heavily color our perception now. I love the website and reveals. I disliked the video. I think in the end for me, if the other stuff (plot, imagery, etc...) is good, it will enhance my appreciation of the album. If it isn't, it won't drag it down for me.

Is it my monitor, or is there a higher rez version of the map?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 12, 2016, 10:45:11 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 12, 2016, 06:50:36 PM
Quote from: TL on January 12, 2016, 09:37:47 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 11, 2016, 09:00:23 PM
About the video, I don't understand people complaining about the graphics and all the visual part.. Isn't Dream Theater a group of MUSIC?.. Who the f*ck cares about the videos they do?..

Music is the gift they bring..

Music..

You're allowed to be critical of things you like.
In fact, if anything, you should be more critical of things you consider worthwhile.


And I'm.. I'm very critical.. I don't like KM's songs e.g.. But in this case, I don't get the need to be critical towards something has nothing to do with the main (and only) art of the artists involved.. For the last time: they make music, not graphics.. So we should (and we do) judge their music.. Nothing else..

Quote from: me7 on January 12, 2016, 03:44:35 AM
We would love to have some music to disect and jump to conclusions about the whole album. Since this is all we have, we must look at the graphics and form opinions on the album that way.

Naa.. An album it consists of songs, not graphics or videos.. The booklet does consist of graphics, well, originally of lyrics and credits, which is still the main reason why they exists and are done, though having pictures or images makes it look better aesthetically.. But again, that's just a complement to what is really important.. Even the trailer of a movie.. That's not the movie, only a trailer.. So even if they released more snippets, an album trailer with more music or another single (the latter really surprises me hasn't arrived yet) all that would still be a short summary or a pinch of the album's music, but not the whole thing..

Stand patient.. Only 400 hours to wait.. :|
What's the point of a trailer if it apparently has nothing to do with the thing it's a trailer for?
Especially for something story driven, where they've been hyping up a visual stage show?

When you release promotional material for something, the entire point is to give the potential audience a taste; to evoke a sense of "If you like this, you'll want to check out the whole thing".

I'm not making a declarative decision on the whole album based on this stuff. I'm still going to listen to it and give it a fair shake. At the moment though, a person can only go on what has actually been released to the public.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ToT-147 on January 12, 2016, 11:21:38 PM
Quote from: TL on January 12, 2016, 10:45:11 PM
What's the point of a trailer if it apparently has nothing to do with the thing it's a trailer for?
Especially for something story driven, where they've been hyping up a visual stage show?

When you release promotional material for something, the entire point is to give the potential audience a taste; to evoke a sense of "If you like this, you'll want to check out the whole thing".

I'm not making a declarative decision on the whole album based on this stuff. I'm still going to listen to it and give it a fair shake. At the moment though, a person can only go on what has actually been released to the public.

I'm not saying it has nothing to do with the album.. It does.. But is not *the album* per se, which is the thing DT and, usually, the rest of the bands in the world do: an album.. Not a trailer to it..

So, while you're right about the trailer giving the potential audience a taste of the actual material, you still don't get my point.. Which is, simply, that my opinion about anything DT or any other band releases will be about the entire work they do.. Not just a part of it.. You don't judge a piece of an artwork, but the whole artwork..

The Bigger Picture.. Not only some of its parts..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 12, 2016, 11:29:56 PM
Quote from: Podaar on January 12, 2016, 04:09:52 PM
(https://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss104/Podaar/emp1_zpsrlimatwc.gif)

That awkward moment in which you try to be sexy only to fail miserably and losing the love of your life right in front your blinking eyes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on January 13, 2016, 12:18:48 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 12, 2016, 11:21:38 PM
Quote from: TL on January 12, 2016, 10:45:11 PM
What's the point of a trailer if it apparently has nothing to do with the thing it's a trailer for?
Especially for something story driven, where they've been hyping up a visual stage show?

When you release promotional material for something, the entire point is to give the potential audience a taste; to evoke a sense of "If you like this, you'll want to check out the whole thing".

I'm not making a declarative decision on the whole album based on this stuff. I'm still going to listen to it and give it a fair shake. At the moment though, a person can only go on what has actually been released to the public.

I'm not saying it has nothing to do with the album.. It does.. But is not *the album* per se, which is the thing DT and, usually, the rest of the bands in the world do: an album.. Not a trailer to it..

So, while you're right about the trailer giving the potential audience a taste of the actual material, you still don't get my point.. Which is, simply, that my opinion about anything DT or any other band releases will be about the entire work they do.. Not just a part of it.. You don't judge a piece of an artwork, but the whole artwork..

The Bigger Picture.. Not only some of its parts..

Uhhh...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 13, 2016, 03:34:24 AM
I wonder the next video, what it will be??? any guesses??
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DP_Gumby on January 13, 2016, 03:47:08 AM
Any hope left for a behind the scenes video next?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 13, 2016, 04:22:31 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 12, 2016, 12:44:04 PM
nikatapi, can youtranslate the reviews better than those google translate ones ? ;)

I can this is true, but i'm pissed at Warner here in Greece that hasn't sent us the album yet due to an incredible unprofessionalism, so i'm not really keen on doing it right now, i would prefer adding my own review  :biggrin: . The google translate ones can give you the main idea, and the reviewers are big fanboys, so i don't want to create more hype than what already exists.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 04:58:21 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 13, 2016, 03:34:24 AM
I wonder the next video, what it will be??? any guesses??

Well JR or JP confirmed there's no making of this time either due to how busy they were with everything else.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 13, 2016, 05:00:27 AM
I would guess the second video is either another song in a similar style to the TGOM video, or another trailer similar to the most recent one, but with more substantial snippets and without the voiceover.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Cyclopssss on January 13, 2016, 05:01:28 AM
Probably the preview to the Sequel, The Astonishing II: Emperor Nefaryus Strikes Back (Rise of the Dark Side).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 13, 2016, 05:04:09 AM
Quote from: nikatapi on January 13, 2016, 04:22:31 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 12, 2016, 12:44:04 PM
nikatapi, can youtranslate the reviews better than those google translate ones ? ;)

I can this is true, but i'm pissed at Warner here in Greece that hasn't sent us the album yet due to an incredible unprofessionalism, so i'm not really keen on doing it right now, i would prefer adding my own review  :biggrin: . The google translate ones can give you the main idea, and the reviewers are big fanboys, so i don't want to create more hype than what already exists.

hahahhahaa,,, Warner Greece is a big joke my friend.....periptero!!! hahahhaah
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 13, 2016, 05:46:51 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on January 13, 2016, 05:01:28 AM
Probably the preview to the Sequel, The Astonishing II: Emperor Nefaryus Strikes Back (Rise of the DARK MASTER).

FTFY
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jayvee3 on January 13, 2016, 07:07:35 AM
Frankly, the negativity of some towards the video and the marketing beats the shit outta me. It's Dream Theater. Most of us interested enough in coming to a forum dedicated to the band, should probably know what they are all about by now. Is it awesome animation? No, its just basic animation based on some character artwork. South Park borders on rubbish animation, but it doesn't stop it from being piss funny at times. Is it a little cheesy. Sure. We're talking about a 'rock opera' here. But they've been doing this style of animation at shows for yonks now. It's not really a big surprise. Does it get me amped for the album though? Friggn' absolutely!

It's bloody Dream Theater - thats what they do, and thats whats made me be a fan since I&W. I'm looking forward to it, and I've loved the marketing strategy. It all feels grand, and it's above and beyond what most bands do. For those that may have unrealistic expectations, and already resigned themselves to thinking the album is not for them - oh well. All I know is come the 29th, I'll sit back with my headphones and an aged tequila and enjoy the shit out of the album. Like I have done for  years.

Rant over.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: AngelBack on January 13, 2016, 07:17:04 AM
Quote from: jayvee3 on January 13, 2016, 07:07:35 AM
Frankly, the negativity of some towards the video and the marketing beats the shit outta me. It's Dream Theater. Most of us interested enough in coming to a forum dedicated to the band, should probably know what they are all about by now. Is it awesome animation? No, its just basic animation based on some character artwork. South Park borders on rubbish animation, but it doesn't stop it from being piss funny at times. Is it a little cheesy. Sure. But they've been doing this style of animation at shows for yonks now. It's not really a big surprise. Does it get me amped for the album though? Friggn' absolutely!

It's bloody Dream Theater - thats what they do, and thats whats made me be a fan since I&W. I'm looking forward to it, and I've loved the marketing strategy. It all feels grand, and it's above and beyond what most bands do. For those that may have unrealistic expectations, and already resigned themselves to thinking the album is not for them - oh well. All I know is come the 29th, I'll sit back with my headphones and an aged tequila and enjoy the shit out of the album. Like I have done for  years.

Rant over.  :biggrin:


Exactly this!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 13, 2016, 07:18:38 AM
Quote from: jayvee3 on January 13, 2016, 07:07:35 AM
South Park borders on rubbish animation, but it doesn't stop it from being piss funny at times.

Yeah, the problem is that the album trailer is funny too. At least South Park is supposed to be funny.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jayvee3 on January 13, 2016, 07:24:06 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 13, 2016, 07:18:38 AM
Quote from: jayvee3 on January 13, 2016, 07:07:35 AM
South Park borders on rubbish animation, but it doesn't stop it from being piss funny at times.

Yeah, the problem is that the album trailer is funny too. At least South Park is supposed to be funny.

As I don't have a problem with it mate, that's your issue to deal with.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 13, 2016, 07:25:49 AM
Frankly, it's not like we'll get a feature film the 29th of january - We'll get an album with artwork. That's it. The animation doesn't need to be astonishing. The music needs to.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: majo on January 13, 2016, 07:27:57 AM
Quote from: jayvee3 on January 13, 2016, 07:07:35 AM
Frankly, the negativity of some towards the video and the marketing beats the shit outta me. It's Dream Theater. Most of us interested enough in coming to a forum dedicated to the band, should probably know what they are all about by now. Is it awesome animation? No, its just basic animation based on some character artwork. South Park borders on rubbish animation, but it doesn't stop it from being piss funny at times. Is it a little cheesy. Sure. We're talking about a 'rock opera' here. But they've been doing this style of animation at shows for yonks now. It's not really a big surprise. Does it get me amped for the album though? Friggn' absolutely!

It's bloody Dream Theater - thats what they do, and thats whats made me be a fan since I&W. I'm looking forward to it, and I've loved the marketing strategy. It all feels grand, and it's above and beyond what most bands do. For those that may have unrealistic expectations, and already resigned themselves to thinking the album is not for them - oh well. All I know is come the 29th, I'll sit back with my headphones and an aged tequila and enjoy the shit out of the album. Like I have done for  years.

Rant over.  :biggrin:
i personally don't give a beep about some silly animation, but sound and music are equally important to me. so far i'm little bit worried (especially about the drums) and skeptical (previous 2 records were sub-par sonically and what i heard from TA so far isn't making me very thrilled - yeah, i know its yt and all but still...)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 13, 2016, 07:36:29 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 13, 2016, 07:18:38 AM
Quote from: jayvee3 on January 13, 2016, 07:07:35 AM
South Park borders on rubbish animation, but it doesn't stop it from being piss funny at times.

Yeah, the problem is that the album trailer is funny too. At least South Park is supposed to be funny.

We're also talking about a band who have animated alter egos such as a genie, a wizard and a pirate. So while the plot seems somewhat serious and grandiose, I would not be surprise if they threw in a bit of tongue-in-cheek stuff here and there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 07:37:31 AM
Quote from: mikemangioy on January 13, 2016, 07:25:49 AM
Frankly, it's not like we'll get a feature film the 29th of january - We'll get an album with artwork. That's it. The animation doesn't need to be astonishing. The music needs to.

Yes, this is an important thing to consider to those worried about the album / concept due to the quality of animation. There's also the matter of how long it takes to make a top quality animated film at around 2 hours (can take years) and then consider how quick the turnaround is to provide animations to this 2 hour concept album (likely only a few months, maybe not even that) so naturally the result won't be comparable.

Also, am I the only one who likes the drum sound?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 13, 2016, 07:39:22 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 07:37:31 AM
Also, am I the only one who likes the drum sound?

I like it. It sounds like an improved I&W type of sound, and it's ages better than DT12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 13, 2016, 07:43:09 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 13, 2016, 07:18:38 AM
Quote from: jayvee3 on January 13, 2016, 07:07:35 AM
South Park borders on rubbish animation, but it doesn't stop it from being piss funny at times.

Yeah, the problem is that the album trailer is funny too. At least South Park is supposed to be funny.

I think your confusing DT with other bands that have the revenue for what you want as a trailer.  Lets not fools ourselves to think DT is rolling in the money to be artsy enough for you.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 13, 2016, 07:43:30 AM
I don't hate it, so I'll take it. It's by far the best the drums have sounded on a DT studio album since MM joined, so I'm happy about that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ericoml on January 13, 2016, 08:04:59 AM
I think the real problem with the drums is the snare, everything else sounds good.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 13, 2016, 08:08:00 AM
Quote from: ericoml on January 13, 2016, 08:04:59 AM
I think the real problem with the drums is the snare, everything else sounds good.

On a subjective note, I don't like the lower tuned snare sound, it lacks the snap of a higher snare. I also think it still lacks some dynamics, but it's a lot better here than on DT12. I can actually make out ghost notes now.
Overall I think it's clear they've taken on board the major criticisms of the production on the previous album, because it's a big improvement imo.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 08:09:21 AM
Quote from: ericoml on January 13, 2016, 08:04:59 AM
I think the real problem with the drums is the snare, everything else sounds good.

I don't even see that as an issue. To me, the snare sounds clear and impactful.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 13, 2016, 08:22:39 AM
It is indeed a big improvement over the last two albums. Still, the drums lack depth and sound way too artificial, and cymbals still lack clarity and presence in the mix. It's a shame really, watching Mike play live in a clinic it makes you wonder what goes wrong during the mixing process of the albums, because he sounds so dynamic and powerful when you listen to his drums live.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 13, 2016, 08:27:04 AM
The drums lacks punch as well (compare with SDOIT for example) but I think that the way Mangini plays has an effect on the sound.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 13, 2016, 08:33:33 AM
I can only speak for what i heard during the Zildjian day last year, where Mike played The Enemy Inside. And holy shit, it was such a difference in sound, way more powerful and organic.
What i think might have an impact on the sound, besides compression and guitar stealing away cymbal frequencies, is the way his kit is captured by microphones. It's a very unusual kit, and maybe there is a problem with leakage between microphones, so they use compression (and triggering at some cases) to fight that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 13, 2016, 08:36:54 AM
Quote from: nikatapi on January 13, 2016, 08:22:39 AM
It's a shame really, watching Mike play live in a clinic it makes you wonder what goes wrong during the mixing process of the albums, because he sounds so dynamic and powerful when you listen to his drums live.

I'm not a production guy so I don't really know what I'm talking about, but I think I remember an interview with Mike where  mentionned that they had a hard time setting up the mic for recording his drum for A Dramatic Turn of Events. I'm guessing it's because there was a lot of sound leakage where it shouldn't.

If that's the case, maybe this drum sound and production is the way they found to make reduce this problem.

Edit: I got ninja'd by nikatapi.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lightbug on January 13, 2016, 08:47:37 AM
if DT can't get a decent drum sound (in the last album was awful, really) why people expect to get a decent animation, artwork, video, or anything else beside the music...


I'm not blaming the music, which is awesome, but for a 30 years old band ,there are some basic stuff that has to be done (mix , mastering , etc)

regarding the video, the first time i saw it I was like OMFG, that was really cool , even with the weird animations. what i liked the most was the narration, the snippets and the artwork.

 ...then I returned to the forum.... my god  :facepalm:

don't complain of everything, just enjoy it!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 13, 2016, 08:50:56 AM
Two quotes from mangini:
"No Drum trigger(s) David. I didn't know what or how to use it, or what it did or how ... on ADToE, I hit the living crap out of every hit. Maybe that's what you're hearing?"

"Hi all... I have not changed my personal tuning much at all. I think they're bit higher now for more tone. What you hear is in the engineering's area of work. What I think is that the drums being too natural means they get lost with all the music tracks. I don't know though. I also have never triggered a drum sound as I play with too much dynamics in person. NO triggered snare ever. Never ever unless someone hooked one up when I wasn't looking ! I have however just tried a TM-2 this year to trigger what's called an "element" on the kicks so I can hear where they're landing in my ear monitors. Not a drum sound. An "element" like a "tick." That's for my ears though, not for the final sound. My snare is actually tuned up and it is quite bright when the cymbals are as loud as I am actually hitting them. I wish you could hear the kit in my drum-only mixes I use to learn songs. And my trashformer comes from an old, bent, tin cymbal that melted in a car window. Stacking normal cymbals make vacuums and a bent one allows for any cymbal to rattle more."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Implode on January 13, 2016, 08:51:14 AM
I like how everyone's arguments against criticism of the artwork don't even defend the art or say it's good. They all just say we aren't allowed to be critical and should automatically like everything DT put out or that our expectations are too high or that the art isn't important.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rumborak on January 13, 2016, 08:57:39 AM
Regarding the drum sound, I really can't unhear the "typewriter section" in TGOM.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 13, 2016, 09:03:43 AM
Quote from: CDrice on January 13, 2016, 07:36:29 AM
We're also talking about a band who have animated alter egos such as a genie, a wizard and a pirate. So while the plot seems somewhat serious and grandiose, I would not be surprise if they threw in a bit of tongue-in-cheek stuff here and there.

Yes, but so far, we've seen nothing like that, which is what makes it a bit cringye-worthy.

Quote from: kingshmegland on January 13, 2016, 07:43:09 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 13, 2016, 07:18:38 AM
Yeah, the problem is that the album trailer is funny too. At least South Park is supposed to be funny.

I think your confusing DT with other bands that have the revenue for what you want as a trailer.  Lets not fools ourselves to think DT is rolling in the money to be artsy enough for you.

What I want as a trailer? What I would be fine with is some music snippets with an image, maybe some text. An my biggest problem with the trailer isn't even the animation, it's the narration. It's not more expensive to not record ridiculous narration. So it would be much cheaper way to make it "artsy" enough for me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ToT-147 on January 13, 2016, 09:09:58 AM
Quote from: IDontNotDoThings on January 13, 2016, 12:18:48 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 12, 2016, 11:21:38 PM
Quote from: TL on January 12, 2016, 10:45:11 PM
What's the point of a trailer if it apparently has nothing to do with the thing it's a trailer for?
Especially for something story driven, where they've been hyping up a visual stage show?

When you release promotional material for something, the entire point is to give the potential audience a taste; to evoke a sense of "If you like this, you'll want to check out the whole thing".

I'm not making a declarative decision on the whole album based on this stuff. I'm still going to listen to it and give it a fair shake. At the moment though, a person can only go on what has actually been released to the public.

I'm not saying it has nothing to do with the album.. It does.. But is not *the album* per se, which is the thing DT and, usually, the rest of the bands in the world do: an album.. Not a trailer to it..

So, while you're right about the trailer giving the potential audience a taste of the actual material, you still don't get my point.. Which is, simply, that my opinion about anything DT or any other band releases will be about the entire work they do.. Not just a part of it.. You don't judge a piece of an artwork, but the whole artwork..

The Bigger Picture.. Not only some of its parts..

Uhhh...

Read the whole thing..

(precisely...)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on January 13, 2016, 09:13:03 AM
Quote from: Implode on January 13, 2016, 08:51:14 AM
I like how everyone's arguments against criticism of the artwork don't even defend the art or say it's good. They all just say we aren't allowed to be critical and should automatically like everything DT put out or that our expectations are too high or that the art isn't important.

I notice that tends to happen with DT (not necessarily just here, BTW). The way I look at it is that if the band wants to do something "above and beyond" or not within the norm, they definitely should get appreciation for their efforts, but they also must open themselves up for criticism to those things. It ideally should be constructive, rather than "this is terrible," etc., as I don't defend, at all, what would be constituted as bashing.

Personally, I'm thrilled by the concept, believe that the still art is amazing, love the world that they have built with the characters/map/etc., and can't wait to receive the physical goodies in the boxset. However, I also recognize that the animation in the trailer is subpar. I'm very optimistic, as Blob, I believe, indicated that the trailer is not indicative of how the art/animations will actually be used in the live shows.

In the end though, unlike a movie, or even a video game, Dream Theater is about the music. I do think that some people are going overboard with how much they are letting the extra materials impact their enjoyment of the album cycle, when in reality, those that hate it may love the album, and someone like me that really enjoy this extra stuff could actually end up disliking the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 13, 2016, 09:16:59 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 13, 2016, 09:09:58 AM
Quote from: IDontNotDoThings on January 13, 2016, 12:18:48 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 12, 2016, 11:21:38 PM
Quote from: TL on January 12, 2016, 10:45:11 PM
What's the point of a trailer if it apparently has nothing to do with the thing it's a trailer for?
Especially for something story driven, where they've been hyping up a visual stage show?

When you release promotional material for something, the entire point is to give the potential audience a taste; to evoke a sense of "If you like this, you'll want to check out the whole thing".

I'm not making a declarative decision on the whole album based on this stuff. I'm still going to listen to it and give it a fair shake. At the moment though, a person can only go on what has actually been released to the public.

I'm not saying it has nothing to do with the album.. It does.. But is not *the album* per se, which is the thing DT and, usually, the rest of the bands in the world do: an album.. Not a trailer to it..

So, while you're right about the trailer giving the potential audience a taste of the actual material, you still don't get my point.. Which is, simply, that my opinion about anything DT or any other band releases will be about the entire work they do.. Not just a part of it.. You don't judge a piece of an artwork, but the whole artwork..

The Bigger Picture.. Not only some of its parts..

Uhhh...

Read the whole thing..

(precisely...)
How did... you specifically re-read the entire thing, and still missed the point?

I literally said that I'm only judging what we've seen, and not the entire album. That I'm reserving judgment of the overall album for when I actually hear the album.

Then you said I shouldn't judge the whole album based on a trailer.

Which I wasn't doing in the first place, and have made pretty clear.

Like, the thing you highlighted backs up what I'm saying, not what you're saying.

If you like the promotional material they've released so far, that's great! I'm not saying you shouldn't. I'm literally expressing my opinion about what I think of the promotional material so far. That's all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 13, 2016, 09:18:50 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 13, 2016, 09:03:43 AM
Quote from: CDrice on January 13, 2016, 07:36:29 AM
We're also talking about a band who have animated alter egos such as a genie, a wizard and a pirate. So while the plot seems somewhat serious and grandiose, I would not be surprise if they threw in a bit of tongue-in-cheek stuff here and there.

Yes, but so far, we've seen nothing like that, which is what makes it a bit cringye-worthy.

That makes sense.

Quote from: BlackInk on January 13, 2016, 09:03:43 AM
An my biggest problem with the trailer isn't even the animation, it's the narration. It's not more expensive to not record ridiculous narration.

One could argue that the ridiculous narration might be part of what I'm talking about though. Of course, it's impossible to know .



Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 09:19:37 AM
Quote from: Shadow2222 on January 13, 2016, 09:13:03 AM
I'm very optimistic, as Blob, I believe, indicated that the trailer is not indicative of how the art/animations will actually be used in the live shows.

He mentioned that they were out of context, but didn't say that they would be used in a different way.

Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 11, 2016, 07:00:27 PM
Concerning the visuals, keep in mind they have over 2 hours of music to fill with video to tell the story, which is a tall order for the time and money. This also isn't in the context it was designed and intended for, so it's not how it would be experienced live.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 13, 2016, 09:22:50 AM
So... If the drum sound problems stem from problems micing MM's kit... Then why wouldn't someone (engineer) properly identify that and inform the band. MM could easily use a kit similar to the smaller one he used at clinics when recording. If that would translate to a better drum sound I feel like it would be worth it.

That being said, I've seen many drummers use unusual setups and still get great drum sound in the studio. Judging by TGoM, MM's drums sound good to my ear, certainly the best drum sound he has gotten on a DT record yet, but stack that drum sound against FII or SFAM or SDOIT and it seems like it could be a lot better.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TAC on January 13, 2016, 09:25:18 AM
I see that the narration of the trailer is mentioned a few posts above. I just want to say that the narration is awesome. And hilarious. But awesome.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 13, 2016, 09:27:43 AM
Regarding the video  I don't care if it is Cheesy .   I love it.   This reminds me of a Zelda videogame with Dream Theater writing the score.
I suppose if DT put clothes dryers on the stage they would get crap too.   One thing I like about Rush fans is that to them Rush is King
of the world and everthing they do is great.   Dream Theater fans are of a different sort.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 13, 2016, 09:29:52 AM
Quote
[/qI see that the narration of the trailer is mentioned a few posts above. I just want to say that the narration is awesome. And hilarious. But awesome.
uote]
Quote

Exactly.   The narration is perfect IMO.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ToT-147 on January 13, 2016, 09:30:31 AM
Quote from: Implode on January 13, 2016, 08:51:14 AM
I like how everyone's arguments against criticism of the artwork don't even defend the art or say it's good. They all just say we aren't allowed to be critical and should automatically like everything DT put out or that our expectations are too high or that the art isn't important.

You're not saying it was bad either..

As for me, I don't care about the video.. I care about the music, and I really liked what I heard, in both TGoM and the trailer.. I don't think (as others do think, only that in the opposite way: that "we MUST look at the graphics and form opinions on the album that way") that you're not allowed to be critical.. Do what you want.. But, IMHO, you *should* not be judging a band for their videos.. Not even for their videoclips.. Music is what they do.. Accept it for once..

You should NOT automatically like everything DT put out, regarding music or whatever, but the relevant thing is the former..

At least my expectations are too high, yeah.. It's DT..

The art isn't THAT important, to right away be writing your opinion about it instead of how bad/meh/good/excellent was what you listened there which is, in the end, and for the last time, all that matters..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 09:35:23 AM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on January 13, 2016, 09:22:50 AM
Then why wouldn't someone (engineer) properly identify that and inform the band.

Because there's nothing objectively wrong with the end result.

Quote from: mikeyd23 on January 13, 2016, 09:22:50 AM
but stack that drum sound against FII or SFAM or SDOIT and it seems like it could be a lot better.

Eh, not to my ears. TGoM's drum sound is punchy and unique and a lot of the aspects others see as an issue, I see as another way for the overall sound to be more distinctive from other DT albums.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 13, 2016, 09:39:30 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 13, 2016, 09:03:43 AM
Quote from: CDrice on January 13, 2016, 07:36:29 AM
We're also talking about a band who have animated alter egos such as a genie, a wizard and a pirate. So while the plot seems somewhat serious and grandiose, I would not be surprise if they threw in a bit of tongue-in-cheek stuff here and there.

Yes, but so far, we've seen nothing like that, which is what makes it a bit cringye-worthy.

Quote from: kingshmegland on January 13, 2016, 07:43:09 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 13, 2016, 07:18:38 AM
Yeah, the problem is that the album trailer is funny too. At least South Park is supposed to be funny.

I think your confusing DT with other bands that have the revenue for what you want as a trailer.  Lets not fools ourselves to think DT is rolling in the money to be artsy enough for you.

What I want as a trailer? What I would be fine with is some music snippets with an image, maybe some text. An my biggest problem with the trailer isn't even the animation, it's the narration. It's not more expensive to not record ridiculous narration. So it would be much cheaper way to make it "artsy" enough for me.

It isn't as bad as you put it.  I think your overanalyzing it.  The album is really the most important,  not the trailer.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 13, 2016, 09:41:10 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 07:37:31 AM
Also, am I the only one who likes the drum sound?
I've never had an issue with Mangini's drum sound, but I will say I like what I've heard from the new album the best.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 09:42:00 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 13, 2016, 08:08:00 AM
Quote from: ericoml on January 13, 2016, 08:04:59 AM
I think the real problem with the drums is the snare, everything else sounds good.

On a subjective note, I don't like the lower tuned snare sound, it lacks the snap of a higher snare. I also think it still lacks some dynamics, but it's a lot better here than on DT12. I can actually make out ghost notes now.
Overall I think it's clear they've taken on board the major criticisms of the production on the previous album, because it's a big improvement imo.

I can't wait to blast the CD in my headphones whilst on a long walk :) . I always import into iTunes as WAV and I have a good set of headphones so looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 13, 2016, 09:45:21 AM
Quote from: CDrice on January 13, 2016, 08:36:54 AM
Quote from: nikatapi on January 13, 2016, 08:22:39 AM
It's a shame really, watching Mike play live in a clinic it makes you wonder what goes wrong during the mixing process of the albums, because he sounds so dynamic and powerful when you listen to his drums live.

I'm not a production guy so I don't really know what I'm talking about, but I think I remember an interview with Mike where  mentionned that they had a hard time setting up the mic for recording his drum for A Dramatic Turn of Events. I'm guessing it's because there was a lot of sound leakage where it shouldn't.

If that's the case, maybe this drum sound and production is the way they found to make reduce this problem.

Edit: I got ninja'd by nikatapi.
And maybe the amount of albums he's been on has allowed him to tweak/experiment with the mic setup and that's why we've basically gotten a better sound from his kit on recordings over time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 09:46:11 AM
How does his kit sound on James two MullMuzzler albums ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 13, 2016, 09:46:18 AM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on January 13, 2016, 09:27:43 AM
Regarding the video  I don't care if it is Cheesy .   I love it.   This reminds me of a Zelda videogame with Dream Theater writing the score.
I suppose if DT put clothes dryers on the stage they would get crap too.   One thing I like about Rush fans is that to them Rush is King
of the world and everthing they do is great.   Dream Theater fans are of a different sort.

I agree that there's a lot of bands doing unique things like Rush's stage show, and that those things just kind of slide under the radar, unmentioned. I also see that there's even more bands who do less.

Blind Guardian recently released a (more or less) concept album, which was a Part 2 to an older album, and they released nothing but one "lyric video". Symphony X had a couple lyric videos for Underworld and that was a really strong themed album, like a concept album.... but no other promotion at all. They may have played most of the new album on the tour, but still, no supplemental material for an album that would have been perfect for it.

Kamelot had a couple real MTV style videos, and Nightwish released a bunch of "Making of" videos... but none of these bands brought up new websites, had dedicated Twitter feeds, rolled out a true campaign or took extra effort to explain the uniqueness and subtlety of what they were doing to the fans or to the masses. All of them had albums that were in a similar genre as DT, and albums that would have been a great fit for that type of marketing.

I guess I see it as DT going the extra mile, for the fans, to give us all something fun to think about in the troubled world. I'm just so happy to go to their sites and hit F5, and I just feel like it's so far above and beyond the call of duty to do what they've done.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Implode on January 13, 2016, 09:49:25 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 13, 2016, 09:30:31 AM
Quote from: Implode on January 13, 2016, 08:51:14 AM
I like how everyone's arguments against criticism of the artwork don't even defend the art or say it's good. They all just say we aren't allowed to be critical and should automatically like everything DT put out or that our expectations are too high or that the art isn't important.

You're not saying it was bad either..

Didn't I? I thought that was clear. It's bad. I think it's bad. I'm saying it's bad.

That being said, I don't hold it against DT in the slightest, and it won't affect my enjoyment of the album when I actually listen to it. But that also doesn't mean it's not awful because...it kind of is. And to be specific I'm merely talking about the artwork. The concept of the video trailer and voice over and cheese all in all is great imo. I'm still pumped for the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Podaar on January 13, 2016, 09:49:41 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 09:35:23 AM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on January 13, 2016, 09:22:50 AM
but stack that drum sound against FII or SFAM or SDOIT and it seems like it could be a lot better.

Eh, not to my ears. TGoM's drum sound is punchy and unique and a lot of the aspects others see as an issue, I see as another way for the overall sound to be more distinctive from other DT albums.

I agree with the exception of the kick drum. It stands out too much for my liking when listening over speakers (Rumby's typewriter). Headphones tend to reduce the problem though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 13, 2016, 09:50:57 AM
ADTOE is by far his best DT drum sound. And even that sound is bloody horrible. I seriously don't get it since everything else I've heard from his apart from DT sounded pretty fine.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 13, 2016, 09:53:50 AM
I know Bosk (I think it was Bosk) said it would be a very divisive album, I didn't know the animations would be as well. :lol

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 13, 2016, 09:55:40 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 09:46:11 AM
How does his kit sound on James two MullMuzzler albums ?

Drums sound good on Elements of Persuasion if you ask me. Drums also sound fine on BTFW.  I don't personally believe it is a MM problem.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Paintbox on January 13, 2016, 09:56:41 AM
Did you already read/post this?
(https://i.imgur.com/dWXqyjw.png)
(Found on reddit)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 13, 2016, 09:59:03 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 09:35:23 AM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on January 13, 2016, 09:22:50 AM
Then why wouldn't someone (engineer) properly identify that and inform the band.
Because there's nothing objectively wrong with the end result.
This is a very important point that most people are missing. It seems the majority (at least how I've seen the argument) of people don't like MM's drum sound, which is a preference.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 09:59:26 AM
There you go. I never thought the snare on DT12 was triggered.  He's just that consistent.

Plus you have compression, gating etc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 13, 2016, 10:01:37 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 09:59:26 AM
There you go. I never thought the snare on DT12 was triggered.  He's just that consistent.

Plus you have compression, gating etc.
Considering how he plays, this doesn't surprise me at all. The dude is insanely consistent to the point where people actually believe it's triggered.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 10:02:46 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkSuGV0Zhsg

New-ish Mangini Video.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Implode on January 13, 2016, 10:05:10 AM
I distinctly remember this exact discussion happening back when ADTOE came out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: vazquez on January 13, 2016, 10:09:13 AM
Strange. I think I´m one of the few who doesn´t bother with the drum sound on ADTOE or DT12. Ok, they are not amazing, so what? I believe the rest of the instruments were so much better than before (mostly the bass), and they are more important to me.

I believe in the past albums Portnoy had a greater influence during the mix, so the drums sounded a lot better, but that made the remaining instruments worse (again, mostly the bass). I.e., I´m listening to the official bootleg Tokyo, Japan 10/28/95, where Portnoy had a lot of influence mixing/mastering, and I can´t believe how high are the drums on it. It almost kills the album.

As long as the musicians are ok, I believe the sound of the guy with the sticks can be sacrificed without great loss.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 10:11:33 AM
Mangini seems like everything has to be so exact to his specs - I would not be phased at all if he said he has slightly different sticks for left and right hands :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 10:13:38 AM
Quote from: Paintbox on January 13, 2016, 09:56:41 AM
Did you already read/post this?
(https://i.imgur.com/dWXqyjw.png)
(Found on reddit)

I have. It's basically saying that the drum sound on the album is designed to fit in with the rest of the mix and not how he would listen to it in isolation, which makes sense.

Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 13, 2016, 09:59:03 AM
This is a very important point that most people are missing. It seems the majority (at least how I've seen the argument) of people don't like MM's drum sound, which is a preference.

It does annoy me when so many people talk about it like they are surprised that DT don't 'hear it', that it needs 'fixing' or when there is discussion about who should be 'blamed'. Like you said, it's just preference and I'm ok with people not liking the sound but it is not an issue when everthing is captured well, it sits well in the mix etc. Beyond that, it's the engineer's / producer's decision to get a specific sound out of the kit and I quite like what I've heard and am sure DT do as well even if it's not the exact sound MM wants.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ToT-147 on January 13, 2016, 10:14:35 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 13, 2016, 09:53:50 AM
I know Bosk (I think it was Bosk) said it would be a very divisive album, I didn't know the animations would be as well. :lol

B.Lee

I don't think so.. No one's saying the animations are good.. There's only negative opinions about it..

I prefer to concentrate in the concept rather than in the animations.. Well, the story was divisive from the beggining, with that whole Ravenskill against Empire thing.. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 13, 2016, 10:15:04 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 09:42:00 AM


I can't wait to blast the CD in my headphones whilst on a long walk :) . I always import into iTunes as WAV and I have a good set of headphones so looking forward to it.

Just wondering, how does importing as WAV make a difference compared to mp3?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 10:16:47 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 13, 2016, 10:15:04 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 09:42:00 AM


I can't wait to blast the CD in my headphones whilst on a long walk :) . I always import into iTunes as WAV and I have a good set of headphones so looking forward to it.

Just wondering, how does importing as WAV make a difference compared to mp3?

It's a higher quality file and converts into AAC which doesn't sacrifice that quality.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 13, 2016, 10:17:24 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 13, 2016, 10:15:04 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 09:42:00 AM


I can't wait to blast the CD in my headphones whilst on a long walk :) . I always import into iTunes as WAV and I have a good set of headphones so looking forward to it.

Just wondering, how does importing as WAV make a difference compared to mp3?

WAV is not compressed audio, so better sound quality
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 13, 2016, 10:18:11 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 13, 2016, 10:15:04 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 09:42:00 AM


I can't wait to blast the CD in my headphones whilst on a long walk :) . I always import into iTunes as WAV and I have a good set of headphones so looking forward to it.

Just wondering, how does importing as WAV make a difference compared to mp3?

WAV is a lossless format as opposed to mp3 which is lossy, which means WAV is higher quality and closer matches the original CD. In practice there's not much difference between a high bitrate mp3 and the lossless file though.

edit: Myung'd
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Curious Orange on January 13, 2016, 10:18:54 AM
OK, my 2 cents:

The Drum Sound For my money, the drums have always been too high in the mix. That's part of the trademark DT sound for many of us. With ADTOE I think they put the drums back to where they "should" be, and to many of us they sounded too quiet. On DT12 the drums are much better, except for the fact that album is badly mastered. As a result the drums sound clipped and flat.

The Trailer It made me laugh. Is it cheesy, bombastic, slightly ridiculous and totally preposterous? Hell yes! Am I stoked for the new album? Hell yes! Did it therefore do its job? Hell yes!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 13, 2016, 10:20:27 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 13, 2016, 10:18:11 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 13, 2016, 10:15:04 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 09:42:00 AM


I can't wait to blast the CD in my headphones whilst on a long walk :) . I always import into iTunes as WAV and I have a good set of headphones so looking forward to it.

Just wondering, how does importing as WAV make a difference compared to mp3?

WAV is a lossless format as opposed to mp3 which is lossy, which means WAV is higher quality and closer matches the original CD. In practice there's not much difference between a high bitrate mp3 and the lossless file though.

edit: Myung'd

In terms of size, how does a Wav file compare to a 320 kbps mp3?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 13, 2016, 10:20:40 AM
Quote from: vazquez on January 13, 2016, 10:09:13 AM
I believe in the past albums Portnoy had a greater influence during the mix, so the drums sounded a lot better, but that made the remaining instruments worse (again, mostly the bass). I.e., I´m listening to the official bootleg Tokyo, Japan 10/28/95, where Portnoy had a lot of influence mixing/mastering, and I can´t believe how high are the drums on it. It almost kills the album.

I always thought the drums on Awake were the most load and prominent drums I've heard on an album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 10:21:52 AM
Wav files are at least 30MB per song.


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 13, 2016, 10:21:56 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 13, 2016, 10:20:27 AM
In terms of size, how does a Wav file compare to a 320 kbps mp3?

A WAV file is 1411kbps, so about 4.5x larger. It's about 10-11mb per minute of music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 10:22:14 AM
Quote from: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 13, 2016, 10:20:40 AM
Quote from: vazquez on January 13, 2016, 10:09:13 AM
I believe in the past albums Portnoy had a greater influence during the mix, so the drums sounded a lot better, but that made the remaining instruments worse (again, mostly the bass). I.e., I´m listening to the official bootleg Tokyo, Japan 10/28/95, where Portnoy had a lot of influence mixing/mastering, and I can´t believe how high are the drums on it. It almost kills the album.

I always thought the drums on Awake were the most load and prominent drums I've heard on an album.

The drums on Falling Into Infinity sound the most natural.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 10:25:29 AM
Quote from: The Curious Orange on January 13, 2016, 10:18:54 AM
The Trailer It made me laugh. Is it cheesy, bombastic, slightly ridiculous and totally preposterous? Hell yes! Am I stoked for the new album? Hell yes! Did it therefore do its job? Hell yes!  :metal

It is quite endearingly cheesy, I did smile and come away with a positive impression after watching it the first time. Plus, like many have said, there were some VERY promising snippets of the album in there (even if it is a misrepresentation of the general style).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TAC on January 13, 2016, 10:26:03 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 10:02:46 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkSuGV0Zhsg

New-ish Mangini Video.

Around the 7:00 mark he proves Tom Brady's innocence!  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 13, 2016, 10:27:54 AM
One thing I'll say about the concept/trailer.
If I see anything that suggests that they're just having fun with this, rather than it being super self-serious, it'll improve my opinion of the whole thing drastically.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 13, 2016, 10:36:04 AM
My only issue with the drum sound that I have heard on TGOM is that the cymbals are still quite low, especially his ride sources.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 10:41:12 AM
Quote from: TL on January 13, 2016, 10:27:54 AM
One thing I'll say about the concept/trailer.
If I see anything that suggests that they're just having fun with this, rather than it being super self-serious, it'll improve my opinion of the whole thing drastically.

I really hope so. DT aren't a super dour serious band. The worst thing they could possibly do is take all of this seriously.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 13, 2016, 10:42:18 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 13, 2016, 10:21:56 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 13, 2016, 10:20:27 AM
In terms of size, how does a Wav file compare to a 320 kbps mp3?

A WAV file is 1411kbps, so about 4.5x larger. It's about 10-11mb per minute of music.

That would make the album around 1.4 GB :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 13, 2016, 10:48:34 AM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 13, 2016, 09:39:30 AM
The album is really the most important,  not the trailer.

Yes. Obviously. No one is arguing that. But that doesn't make the trailer better or worse.

Quote from: kingshmegland on January 13, 2016, 09:39:30 AM
It isn't as bad as you put it.  I think your overanalyzing it.

All my comments with opinions on the trailer:

"A cheesy mess." It's most definetely that. It's cheesy, and the way they mixed the narration over the music makes it messy and hard to focus on.

"It's funny." I and several others found it funny. Some say in a good way, I say bad. Not too harsh.

"A bit cringe-worthy." Because they seem to be taking it all so damn seriously that when it's presented in this funny way, it makes me cringe a little.

"Music sounds fine."

That's everything I've said about the trailer. More negative than positive? I guess, but not at all what I would call "overanalyzing". And I liked the actual music in it, which is what counts as you yourself and everyone else here has stated as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 10:53:27 AM
The only thing that ever bothered me about Mangini's sound was the snare on DT12. I think everyone can agree something went awry there. Not quite St. Anger wrong, but it was an odd production choice (and make no mistake, it's a post production thing).

Do the HD Tracks of DT12 sound better in regards to this? I haven't bothered with ever downloading an HD Tracks version of anything, but I have a nice headphone DAC/AMP setup, so I'm a little curious....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 13, 2016, 10:58:03 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 13, 2016, 09:59:03 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 09:35:23 AM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on January 13, 2016, 09:22:50 AM
Then why wouldn't someone (engineer) properly identify that and inform the band.
Because there's nothing objectively wrong with the end result.
This is a very important point that most people are missing. It seems the majority (at least how I've seen the argument) of people don't like MM's drum sound, which is a preference.

I love MM's drum sound. When I see videos of clinics his playing sounds full, dynamic, etc... I don't always love the sound of his drums on the DT albums he has played on.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 10:58:57 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 13, 2016, 10:42:18 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 13, 2016, 10:21:56 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 13, 2016, 10:20:27 AM
In terms of size, how does a Wav file compare to a 320 kbps mp3?

A WAV file is 1411kbps, so about 4.5x larger. It's about 10-11mb per minute of music.

That would make the album around 1.4 GB :o


I just checked and ADTOE in AIFF ( Apple's own Wav format ) is 820MB.

The Astonishing will be around double that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 13, 2016, 10:59:36 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 13, 2016, 10:48:34 AM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 13, 2016, 09:39:30 AM
The album is really the most important,  not the trailer.

Yes. Obviously. No one is arguing that. But that doesn't make the trailer better or worse.

Quote from: kingshmegland on January 13, 2016, 09:39:30 AM
It isn't as bad as you put it.  I think your overanalyzing it.

All my comments with opinions on the trailer:

"A cheesy mess." It's most definetely that. It's cheesy, and the way they mixed the narration over the music makes it messy and hard to focus on.

"It's funny." I and several others found it funny. Some say in a good way, I say bad. Not too harsh.

"A bit cringe-worthy." Because they seem to be taking it all so damn seriously that when it's presented in this funny way, it makes me cringe a little.

"Music sounds fine."

That's everything I've said about the trailer. More negative than positive? I guess, but not at all what I would call "overanalyzing". And I liked the actual music in it, which is what counts as you yourself and everyone else here has stated as well.

The video itself was a little cheesy but the narrative was what I expected.  I understand your impression but that video in no way lessons my expectation of the album.  You can never really know anything until that album is in your hands.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 13, 2016, 10:59:54 AM
If you're importing it to itunes anyways, why not import it as ALAC? Half the space, same quality.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 11:01:12 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 13, 2016, 10:59:54 AM
If you're importing it to itunes anyways, why not import it as ALAC? Half the space, same quality.

+1. I actually rip my CDs in Foobar directly into ALAC instead of FLAC or WAV as well. Great format, and compatible with my many iOS devices in a pinch.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Implode on January 13, 2016, 11:04:12 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 10:58:57 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 13, 2016, 10:42:18 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 13, 2016, 10:21:56 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 13, 2016, 10:20:27 AM
In terms of size, how does a Wav file compare to a 320 kbps mp3?

A WAV file is 1411kbps, so about 4.5x larger. It's about 10-11mb per minute of music.

That would make the album around 1.4 GB :o


I just checked and ADTOE in AIFF ( Apple's own Wav format ) is 820MB.

The Astonishing will be around double that.

I just checked the size of my HD tracks version of ADTOE. It's 1.6GB. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 13, 2016, 11:07:56 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 10:13:38 AM
It does annoy me when so many people talk about it like they are surprised that DT don't 'hear it', that it needs 'fixing' or when there is discussion about who should be 'blamed'. Like you said, it's just preference and I'm ok with people not liking the sound but it is not an issue when everthing is captured well, it sits well in the mix etc. Beyond that, it's the engineer's / producer's decision to get a specific sound out of the kit and I quite like what I've heard and am sure DT do as well even if it's not the exact sound MM wants.

Sorry to annoy you there brother. Not sure if this is directed toward me but my previous comments in this thread regarding MM's drum sound were in response to this:

Quote from: CDrice on January 13, 2016, 08:36:54 AM
I'm not a production guy so I don't really know what I'm talking about, but I think I remember an interview with Mike where  mentionned that they had a hard time setting up the mic for recording his drum for A Dramatic Turn of Events. I'm guessing it's because there was a lot of sound leakage where it shouldn't.

If that's the case, maybe this drum sound and production is the way they found to make reduce this problem.

I don't know the interview source, it just got me thinking that if they "had a hard time setting up the mics" for ADTOE maybe the engineer wasn't able to capture the drums exactly how he wanted to and changes were made that later effected the drum sound. Once again, for the record, I really am not that critical of MM's drum sounds. But like you said "when everything is captured well" comes into play here. All I'm saying is that his kit set-up might have negatively effected how things were captured. In fact MM's comment in that interview (once again, I'm basing this off of a user post because I don't know the interview in question) confirms they had issue micing the kit.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 11:11:22 AM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 10:53:27 AM
I think everyone can agree something went awry there.

I can't, though I'm probably in the minority.

Quote from: mikeyd23 on January 13, 2016, 11:07:56 AM
Sorry to annoy you there brother. Not sure if this is directed toward me but my previous comments in this thread regarding MM's drum sound were in response to this:

Nah, that was just a general comment on what I've seen around the internet. Not directed at you.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 13, 2016, 11:13:45 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 11:11:22 AM
Nah, that was just a general comment on what I've seen around the internet. Not directed at you.

Cool, its all good. I get the frustration. And your point stands, at the end of the day it's completely an opinion as to whether FII drums sound better than DT12 drums. In fact I know several people that prefer DT12's, I don't, I think most of the people at DTF don't, but that's just an opinion.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Jinx on January 13, 2016, 11:18:54 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 10:11:33 AM
Mangini seems like everything has to be so exact to his specs - I would not be phased at all if he said he has slightly different sticks for left and right hands :lol

I can't for the life of me remember which video I watched about this but he did basically say he has a different weighted stick for each hand and that although ambidextrous he is still right hand dominant.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 13, 2016, 11:29:44 AM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 10:53:27 AM
The only thing that ever bothered me about Mangini's sound was the snare on DT12. I think everyone can agree something went awry there. Not quite St. Anger wrong, but it was an odd production choice (and make no mistake, it's a post production thing).

I have no idea what you are talking about.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 11:32:44 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 13, 2016, 11:29:44 AM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 10:53:27 AM
The only thing that ever bothered me about Mangini's sound was the snare on DT12. I think everyone can agree something went awry there. Not quite St. Anger wrong, but it was an odd production choice (and make no mistake, it's a post production thing).

I have no idea what you are talking about.

Maybe generalizing as something went wrong is the wrong way to put it, but you really don't hear the immense difference in snare between ADToE and DT12?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TJPNET on January 13, 2016, 11:38:21 AM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 11:32:44 AM
Maybe generalizing as something went wrong is the wrong way to put it, but you really don't hear the immense difference in snare between ADToE and DT12?

There is certainly a difference but I've never understood the hate it gets.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 13, 2016, 11:42:26 AM
It's because it doesn't sound like a snare. What I hear is someone pushing a button on a computer, and some cheap snare sample comes out with the near exact same loudness each time. Maybe would've worked really well on Skrillex's next album, but not on a metal/rock album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 11:43:15 AM
Quote from: TJPNET on January 13, 2016, 11:38:21 AM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 11:32:44 AM
Maybe generalizing as something went wrong is the wrong way to put it, but you really don't hear the immense difference in snare between ADToE and DT12?

There is certainly a difference but I've never understood the hate it gets.

The word I always use to describe it is 'squishy'. To me it feels out of place and electronic (like from a literal electronic drum module). I know it isn't, but that's what it comes across as to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 13, 2016, 11:46:24 AM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on January 13, 2016, 11:07:56 AM
Quote from: CDrice on January 13, 2016, 08:36:54 AM
I'm not a production guy so I don't really know what I'm talking about, but I think I remember an interview with Mike where  mentionned that they had a hard time setting up the mic for recording his drum for A Dramatic Turn of Events. I'm guessing it's because there was a lot of sound leakage where it shouldn't.

If that's the case, maybe this drum sound and production is the way they found to make reduce this problem.

I don't know the interview source, it just got me thinking that if they "had a hard time setting up the mics" for ADTOE maybe the engineer wasn't able to capture the drums exactly how he wanted to and changes were made that later effected the drum sound. Once again, for the record, I really am not that critical of MM's drum sounds. But like you said "when everything is captured well" comes into play here. All I'm saying is that his kit set-up might have negatively effected how things were captured. In fact MM's comment in that interview (once again, I'm basing this off of a user post because I don't know the interview in question) confirms they had issue micing the kit.

I think this was the interview I was talking about: https://noisefull.com/interviews/mike-mangini-dream-theater

Okay, so he doesn't exactly talk about mic placement, but here are a few quotes from the article about the challenges he had:

''From “A Dramatic Turn Of Events”, I learned a lot about almost sounding like there were two microphones in the room and that was it. That was not the case, but that’s my impression of my sound. It’s like, ok, there are those drums in the room, and you can hear all the leakage, because I have all that stuff…once you add a zillion tracks of guitar and keyboards, then my performed nuances and power disappears without detailed equalization strategies.''

''If I was engineering it, I would want at least a solid 4 or 5 days alone with it. I’d then want another two days after all the instruments are weaved in just to adjust to all those other frequencies. However, I basically have to get the drum sound set in a day or two.''

''My toms exploded with transience on “Dream Theater.” They were incredible. However, you can’t do anything you want to the toms without affecting all the “ride” sources, which are the rides, hihats, effects and stacks, on my kit.''
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 13, 2016, 11:55:11 AM
Nice find, thanks man.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mike099 on January 13, 2016, 11:55:58 AM
Does anyone have an opinion on the live show?  Will they somehow account for the choir and orchestra or will they leave it out? We will find out after the first show in London. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 13, 2016, 12:17:28 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 13, 2016, 11:42:26 AM
It's because it doesn't sound like a snare. What I hear is someone pushing a button on a computer, and some cheap snare sample comes out with the near exact same loudness each time. Maybe would've worked really well on Skrillex's next album, but not on a metal/rock album.
I don't hear what you are hearing.  It sounds like a snare to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 13, 2016, 12:27:24 PM
It does sound like a snare, just the worst sounding snare in the history of metal music.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 12:29:44 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 13, 2016, 12:27:24 PM
It does sound like a snare, just the worst sounding snare in the history of metal music.  :lol

Um... St. Anger?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 13, 2016, 12:33:10 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 12:29:44 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 13, 2016, 12:27:24 PM
It does sound like a snare, just the worst sounding snare in the history of metal music.  :lol

Um... St. Anger?

Much more tolerable for me. It atleast has that unique ring that the DT snare lacks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 13, 2016, 12:38:05 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 13, 2016, 12:17:28 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 13, 2016, 11:42:26 AM
It's because it doesn't sound like a snare. What I hear is someone pushing a button on a computer, and some cheap snare sample comes out with the near exact same loudness each time. Maybe would've worked really well on Skrillex's next album, but not on a metal/rock album.
I don't hear what you are hearing.  It sounds like a snare to me.

Meh, the snare sound he has in this video is much better https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qieLc3BmaMw&t=0m17s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qieLc3BmaMw&t=0m17s)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Crow on January 13, 2016, 12:39:10 PM
dt12 probably has the worst production of any album in my library, and i have black metal albums in my library that intentionally nuked the production for atmosphere's sake

i will honestly blame the production for a lot of why i dislike the album but the real fault was weak songwriting not even close to good enough to overcome the production.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Jinx on January 13, 2016, 12:40:21 PM
Just went back and rewatched The Gift of Music and the animation of the (main) NOMAC was much better than the teaser trailer, not that I didn't enjoy that trailer. So I guess we will just wait for the tour!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Jinx on January 13, 2016, 12:42:50 PM
Also I just thank God that evidently my ears aren't as tuned in as a lot of the guys on here. Honestly, I just listen to it and love it. Didnt have a problem with ADTOE or DT, I thought they both sounded great!  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 13, 2016, 12:45:25 PM
I'm glad that drums are the least important instrument for me!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 12:48:42 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 13, 2016, 12:42:50 PM
Also I just thank God that evidently my ears aren't as tuned in as a lot of the guys on here. Honestly, I just listen to it and love it. Didnt have a problem with ADTOE or DT, I thought they both sounded great!  :hat

It's not really a matter of being able to hear it, it's more that what people hear is quite divisive. I thought that both albums sound really good as well even if I can hear a lot of what many dislike about them sound-wise.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 13, 2016, 12:49:10 PM
Quote from: Parama on January 13, 2016, 12:39:10 PM
dt12 probably has the worst production of any album in my library, and i have black metal albums in my library that intentionally nuked the production for atmosphere's sake

Wow, so I'm guessing you don't have a huge music library, eh?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ToT-147 on January 13, 2016, 12:49:48 PM
Quote from: TL on January 13, 2016, 10:27:54 AM
One thing I'll say about the concept/trailer.
If I see anything that suggests that they're just having fun with this, rather than it being super self-serious, it'll improve my opinion of the whole thing drastically.

Probably the trailer wasn't taken so seriously.. But the concept is.. I think the plot is fine, but, most of all, the main idea of it, which Petrucci told in an interview.. That's not joke at all man..




PS: "Warning - while you were typing..." every single time.. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ZirconBlue on January 13, 2016, 12:51:40 PM
My least favorite snare sound is MP's on A Change of Seasons.  I don't have any issue with the sound of MM's drums, other than some of the cool stuff that was lost in the mix (esp. cymbal parts).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 12:52:04 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 13, 2016, 12:33:10 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 12:29:44 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 13, 2016, 12:27:24 PM
It does sound like a snare, just the worst sounding snare in the history of metal music.  :lol

Um... St. Anger?

Much more tolerable for me. It atleast has that unique ring that the DT snare lacks.

I can't listen to St. Anger's original release. I can enjoy DT12. St. Anger also (I believe) wasn't a post production tweak/choice/error, Lars intentionally wanted to have that sound (and you can kinda tell that he's always leaned towards it, he just finally went off the deep end with it there). Mangini sounds great in every other instance, live or otherwise, I've ever heard him. Something changed on DT12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 13, 2016, 12:53:37 PM
All this fuzz about the trailer will be forgotten when the album will be out. Right now people discuss it because it's the only thing we have, basically.

What is the importance of the video for The Looking Glass now that the self titled is out since 2013? how much even the memory that there was a video for On the Back of Angels has an impact in reflecting back on the 2011 album? the trailer will be a very minor footnote in the whole Astonishing history.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MarkFitDT on January 13, 2016, 12:55:21 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 13, 2016, 12:42:50 PM
Also I just thank God that evidently my ears aren't as tuned in as a lot of the guys on here. Honestly, I just listen to it and love it. Didnt have a problem with ADTOE or DT, I thought they both sounded great!  :hat
haha, me too. Certainly not weak songwriting on DT12 in my opinion either, its one of my fav DT albums.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 13, 2016, 12:55:48 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 12:52:04 PM
Mangini sounds great in every other instance, live or otherwise, I've ever heard him. Something changed on DT12.

Well the snare sounds horrible on the new album aswell so it's not a DT12 problem. (unless some drastic sound changes happened between the Gift of Music release and the final product which I doubt)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 12:56:18 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 13, 2016, 12:53:37 PM
All this fuzz about the trailer will be forgotten when the album will be out. Right now people discuss it because it's the only thing we have, basically.

What is the importance of the video for The Looking Glass now that the self titled is out since 2013? how much even the memory that there was a video for On the Back of Angels has an impact in reflecting back on the 2011 album? the trailer will be a very minor footnote in the whole Astonishing history.

There's a difference here - while I personally don't care about the trailer's significance, it may or may not be an indication of the final product as brought to us in the live show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 13, 2016, 12:57:33 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 12:48:42 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 13, 2016, 12:42:50 PM
Also I just thank God that evidently my ears aren't as tuned in as a lot of the guys on here. Honestly, I just listen to it and love it. Didnt have a problem with ADTOE or DT, I thought they both sounded great!  :hat

It's not really a matter of being able to hear it, it's more that what people hear is quite divisive. I thought that both albums sound really good as well even if I can hear a lot of what many dislike about them sound-wise.

And you get this from a Youtube clip?  Maybe you should wait until you have a better quality of album in your hands.  Or am I wrong and you have one in your hands right now?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 12:58:40 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 13, 2016, 12:57:33 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 12:48:42 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 13, 2016, 12:42:50 PM
Also I just thank God that evidently my ears aren't as tuned in as a lot of the guys on here. Honestly, I just listen to it and love it. Didnt have a problem with ADTOE or DT, I thought they both sounded great!  :hat

It's not really a matter of being able to hear it, it's more that what people hear is quite divisive. I thought that both albums sound really good as well even if I can hear a lot of what many dislike about them sound-wise.

And you get this from a Youtube clip?  Maybe you should wait until you have a better quality of album in your hands.  Or am I wrong and you have one in your hands right now?

Anyone who preordered has a very nice quality (presumably the final mastered) TGoM track.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 13, 2016, 01:00:11 PM
Ah.  Thanks what i was wondering  Thanks!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 13, 2016, 01:02:56 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 11:43:15 AM
Quote from: TJPNET on January 13, 2016, 11:38:21 AM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 11:32:44 AM
Maybe generalizing as something went wrong is the wrong way to put it, but you really don't hear the immense difference in snare between ADToE and DT12?

There is certainly a difference but I've never understood the hate it gets.

The word I always use to describe it is 'squishy'. To me it feels out of place and electronic (like from a literal electronic drum module). I know it isn't, but that's what it comes across as to me.

I think I can relate to what you're saying... from ADToE to DT12 (while both don't really have the best drum production in the whole catalogue) and the other albums there is quite a big difference.

The snare on ADToE sounds bright and very snappy, a bit thin compared to the others. If you pay attention you can hear the slight inconsistencies of the hits that make it natural and dynamic.

In DT12 it always sounds like it is hit with the exact same strength in the exact same point and gives the exact same level and tone, other than being a lot more darker and tuned lower. It definitely feels like either a trigger drum sample or a post-production augmented snare with samples.

The TGOM snare, while changing the character and the tone of the previous snare, doesn't change the feel of it. You can hear it especially on the "machine gun" sounding drum rolls and the fact that it always sounds and feels the same, no matter what.

I understand the fact that a lot of metal bands are using and have used triggers and samples to augment their snare sound and improve the consistency of the hits, I just feel that Mangini as a drummer doesn't need it to shine, nor DT needs it for the atmosphere. In my opinion it kills a bit of the vibe Mangini's playing brings when he plays live, where he is at his best.

All this IMHO, and it definitely will not stop me from totally enjoying The Astonishing when it releases. At least the master's good this time around.

EDIT: I've based my opinion of TGOM's snare on the RR track from the preorder, but you can hear it quite well on the youtube compressed version... the only thing that changes is the general tone of the mix being a bit darker and less "defined"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 13, 2016, 01:05:18 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 12:58:40 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 13, 2016, 12:57:33 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 12:48:42 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 13, 2016, 12:42:50 PM
Also I just thank God that evidently my ears aren't as tuned in as a lot of the guys on here. Honestly, I just listen to it and love it. Didnt have a problem with ADTOE or DT, I thought they both sounded great!  :hat

It's not really a matter of being able to hear it, it's more that what people hear is quite divisive. I thought that both albums sound really good as well even if I can hear a lot of what many dislike about them sound-wise.

And you get this from a Youtube clip?  Maybe you should wait until you have a better quality of album in your hands.  Or am I wrong and you have one in your hands right now?

Anyone who preordered has a very nice quality (presumably the final mastered) TGoM track.
Wow, I literally did not know that I got a high quality TGOM file along with my pre-order confirmation  :facepalm: personally I'm not a huge audio critic, I'm not noticing too much difference between this and the Spotify one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 13, 2016, 01:06:06 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 12:56:18 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 13, 2016, 12:53:37 PM
All this fuzz about the trailer will be forgotten when the album will be out. Right now people discuss it because it's the only thing we have, basically.

What is the importance of the video for The Looking Glass now that the self titled is out since 2013? how much even the memory that there was a video for On the Back of Angels has an impact in reflecting back on the 2011 album? the trailer will be a very minor footnote in the whole Astonishing history.

There's a difference here - while I personally don't care about the trailer's significance, it may or may not be an indication of the final product as brought to us in the live show.

Mh, didn't see it that way. You could be right, this kind of animation *may* turn out in the live show, or maybe it will be something completely different... we'll see, after all the animations for the last tour were good even though abstract, so maybe they'll keep the same level.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 13, 2016, 01:08:18 PM
Quote from: mike099 on January 13, 2016, 11:55:58 AM
Does anyone have an opinion on the live show? 
Haven't seen it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 13, 2016, 01:10:12 PM
Mike assured us he doesn't ever use triggers. That's just the way he sounds, precise as hell! I definitely can hear quite a ton of ghost notes on the snare this time around. There were a few in ADTOE and they were completely absent in DT12, but this time they were audible, and that's quite a good sign.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 01:12:03 PM
I actually really like the snare on TGoM, even the YouTube mix. DT12 was instantaneous for me. I heard it, I didn't like it, but I grew to appreciate the album as a whole. With TGoM I had none of the initial reaction (well, I had the reaction of 'thank god, the snare is back to normal'). There's definitely dynamics, but for the most part MM sounds like his ultra accurate self. I feel like that's just Mangini being as accurate/consistent as he is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sacul on January 13, 2016, 01:17:26 PM
Quote from: Parama on January 13, 2016, 12:39:10 PM
dt12 probably has the worst production of any album in my library, and i have black metal albums in my library that intentionally nuked the production for atmosphere's sake
Even worse than Nattens Madrigal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3WdtS4FZck)? Come on :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 01:24:51 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 13, 2016, 12:57:33 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 12:48:42 PM
It's not really a matter of being able to hear it, it's more that what people hear is quite divisive. I thought that both albums sound really good as well even if I can hear a lot of what many dislike about them sound-wise.

And you get this from a Youtube clip?  Maybe you should wait until you have a better quality of album in your hands.  Or am I wrong and you have one in your hands right now?

Are you sure you meant to reply to me? Because I'm talking about ADToE and DT12, the versions I physically own.

Quote from: Sacul on January 13, 2016, 01:17:26 PM
Quote from: Parama on January 13, 2016, 12:39:10 PM
dt12 probably has the worst production of any album in my library, and i have black metal albums in my library that intentionally nuked the production for atmosphere's sake
Even worse than Nattens Madrigal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3WdtS4FZck)? Come on :P

I'm assuming Parama is using a ton of hyperbole there, I can't really see how the DT12 snare is worse the one on Nattens Madrigal.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 13, 2016, 01:29:10 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 01:24:51 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 13, 2016, 12:57:33 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 12:48:42 PM
It's not really a matter of being able to hear it, it's more that what people hear is quite divisive. I thought that both albums sound really good as well even if I can hear a lot of what many dislike about them sound-wise.

And you get this from a Youtube clip?  Maybe you should wait until you have a better quality of album in your hands.  Or am I wrong and you have one in your hands right now?

Are you sure you meant to reply to me? Because I'm talking about ADToE and DT12, the versions I physically own.

Quote from: Sacul on January 13, 2016, 01:17:26 PM
Quote from: Parama on January 13, 2016, 12:39:10 PM
dt12 probably has the worst production of any album in my library, and i have black metal albums in my library that intentionally nuked the production for atmosphere's sake
Even worse than Nattens Madrigal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3WdtS4FZck)? Come on :P

I'm assuming Parama is using a ton of hyperbole there, I can't really see how the DT12 snare is worse the one on Nattens Madrigal.

I thought the subject was on TA.  My bad.  Sorry! 

Since we are on that topic.  I do not like the drum sound on DT12.  It doesn't kill it for me.  No St. Anger.  That is the worst sounding snare I have ever heard.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 13, 2016, 01:31:12 PM
Those of you fixated with the production of a record and details like the drum snare or the guitar tone clearly never lived in the cassette tapes era, where all you had to get by was a cassette taped from a friend taped from a friend taped from a friend that copied it from a lucky rich friend that had the newest wonder of technology, a CD player.

Try to survive on third hand tapes all your formative years, even St. Anger will sound wonderful then  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 13, 2016, 01:37:02 PM
Those were the days.  Don't forget the tinny 80's days as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 13, 2016, 01:39:12 PM
I love the Drum sound on St Anger AND DT12
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 13, 2016, 01:41:31 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 13, 2016, 01:31:12 PM
Those of you fixated with the production of a record and details like the drum snare or the guitar tone clearly never lived in the cassette tapes era, where all you had to get by was a cassette taped from a friend taped from a friend taped from a friend that copied it from a lucky rich friend that had the newest wonder of technology, a CD player.

Try to survive on third hand tapes all your formative years, even St. Anger will sound wonderful then  :biggrin:

I still remember how good the Journey concert at the philadelphia spectrum I recorded off the radio sounded.   Nothing could have been done to improve it.
My tape of Journey "escape"  sounded perfect as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: zmazar on January 13, 2016, 01:44:05 PM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 13, 2016, 01:05:18 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 13, 2016, 12:58:40 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 13, 2016, 12:57:33 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 12:48:42 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 13, 2016, 12:42:50 PM
Also I just thank God that evidently my ears aren't as tuned in as a lot of the guys on here. Honestly, I just listen to it and love it. Didnt have a problem with ADTOE or DT, I thought they both sounded great!  :hat

It's not really a matter of being able to hear it, it's more that what people hear is quite divisive. I thought that both albums sound really good as well even if I can hear a lot of what many dislike about them sound-wise.

And you get this from a Youtube clip?  Maybe you should wait until you have a better quality of album in your hands.  Or am I wrong and you have one in your hands right now?

Anyone who preordered has a very nice quality (presumably the final mastered) TGoM track.
Wow, I literally did not know that I got a high quality TGOM file along with my pre-order confirmation  :facepalm: personally I'm not a huge audio critic, I'm not noticing too much difference between this and the Spotify one.

And I didn't notice it until I read your post.....  :facepalm: :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: LimblessBoyRidingRaven on January 13, 2016, 02:09:12 PM
(https://i.giphy.com/1RN15aQ0xRR7i.gif)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 13, 2016, 02:10:13 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 13, 2016, 01:31:12 PM
Those of you fixated with the production of a record and details like the drum snare or the guitar tone clearly never lived in the cassette tapes era, where all you had to get by was a cassette taped from a friend taped from a friend taped from a friend that copied it from a lucky rich friend that had the newest wonder of technology, a CD player.

Try to survive on third hand tapes all your formative years, even St. Anger will sound wonderful then  :biggrin:
While I didn't survive on third hand tapes I do have memories of their sound :lol It's just that being a sort of obsessed audiophile I tend to notice many small details... sometimes it's great, sometimes it's annoying, but it rarely gets in the way of the actual music. It is something that can bother me after repeated listens, when I consciously search for smaller details.

...by the way, I don't mind St Anger nor St Anger's snare. While ridiculously frying-pan-beaten-with-a-ladle sounding, it has its character.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Implode on January 13, 2016, 02:49:14 PM
I'm curious as to what the new forum themes will look like!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 13, 2016, 02:51:56 PM
Quote from: Implode on January 13, 2016, 02:49:14 PM
I'm curious as to what the new forum themes will look like!

Did not even think about this, I wonder if Bosk has something worked up for this.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 13, 2016, 03:10:56 PM
You may be astonished to know that I am not planning on new themes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 13, 2016, 03:29:46 PM
I'd keep it dark blue even if you did.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 13, 2016, 03:41:11 PM
Quote from: The Curious Orange on January 13, 2016, 10:18:54 AM
The Trailer It made me laugh. Is it cheesy, bombastic, slightly ridiculous and totally preposterous? Hell yes! Am I stoked for the new album? Hell yes! Did it therefore do its job? Hell yes!  :metal
Just quoting this because it's so spot on. The cheese factor is such a part of what makes DT endearing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 13, 2016, 03:48:15 PM
Also, why are people insisting that "taking it seriously" and "having fun with it" are mutually exclusive. Like many bands (and indeed artists of any kind) DT do both.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TAC on January 13, 2016, 03:53:59 PM
Quote from: ariich on January 13, 2016, 03:48:15 PM
Also, why are people insisting that "taking it seriously" and "having fun with it" are mutually exclusive. 

Great point!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 04:26:46 PM
Quote from: ariich on January 13, 2016, 03:48:15 PM
Also, why are people insisting that "taking it seriously" and "having fun with it" are mutually exclusive. Like many bands (and indeed artists of any kind) DT do both.

Yup, if DT were 100% serious, I don't think we'd have stuff like the Zappa section in BtL, the Jingle Bells quote from Octavarium, the animation to Enigma Machine among many other things. DT love to have fun with their music alongside being very dedicated to it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 13, 2016, 04:29:38 PM
but at the same time they never recorded MP's most famous song EMAAB
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pax on January 13, 2016, 05:25:20 PM
I'm just thinking, I really don't understand those guys saying that trailer animation sucks. I mean, ffs, they're a fucking BAND, not Star Wars' producers. The trailer is there just to be something fun, to help us visualise the story, while we are waiting for the album. We should be grateful for having any trailer in the first place. I mean, chill, guys :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 13, 2016, 05:34:07 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 13, 2016, 03:10:56 PM
You may be astonished to know that I am not planning on new themes.
Boooooooooo
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 13, 2016, 05:35:53 PM
I thought the forums wouldn't surprise me anymore, but I come here to more or less 3 pages talking about snares. Lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 13, 2016, 05:41:48 PM
I know this is said over and over, but it's true. This is DTF. If we don't have new band-related news to discuss, we speculate. When we have new band-related news to discuss, it devolves into a bunch of nit-picking and ridiculous arguments over the dumbest shit.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 05:43:00 PM
Quote from: Pax on January 13, 2016, 05:25:20 PM
I'm just thinking, I really don't understand those guys saying that trailer animation sucks. I mean, ffs, they're a fucking BAND, not Star Wars' producers. The trailer is there just to be something fun, to help us visualise the story, while we are waiting for the album. We should be grateful for having any trailer in the first place. I mean, chill, guys :D

The worst thing is, I see some comments (not here though, unless I missed something) that say that the trailer stopped them from buying it. That's a bit ridiculous.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: AngelBack on January 13, 2016, 05:56:34 PM
Blowjob analogy.....

So to all those intent on making a point of their disappointment with the quality of the video.  This is the best analogy I can come up with as to why I think it is petty and unappreciative.

You are in a relationship for 10 years with a gf/wife.  She gives great blowjobs.  Some better than others, but all good.  Then after 10 years she wants to surprise you and mix things up and add some excitement so she tells you while blowing you she wants you to download in her mouth and she will swallow.  So your excitement builds then the boom....but as she is choking it down she makes a terrible face.  And rather than appreciate the fact that she took it to another level you focus on the bad expression rather than the act and the overall main event.  You lose some of your own enjoyment over something that is kinda irrelevant.  And in the process you bitch to her that she had diminished your pleasure by not fulfilling the "above and beyond" the way you would have liked.  Good luck getting that from her again you unappreciative SOB....

Fair analogy?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 13, 2016, 05:59:48 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 05:43:00 PM
Quote from: Pax on January 13, 2016, 05:25:20 PM
I'm just thinking, I really don't understand those guys saying that trailer animation sucks. I mean, ffs, they're a fucking BAND, not Star Wars' producers. The trailer is there just to be something fun, to help us visualise the story, while we are waiting for the album. We should be grateful for having any trailer in the first place. I mean, chill, guys :D

The worst thing is, I see some comments (not here though, unless I missed something) that say that the trailer stopped them from buying it. That's a bit ridiculous.
That's just people finding an excuse to bash the band publicly and/or to justify not buying the album. People like that are just looking for any tiny thing to declare to the public that they aren't planning on buying the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 13, 2016, 06:37:21 PM
It's just an animated artwork. Nothing else. I don't have a problem with that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Podaar on January 13, 2016, 07:06:20 PM
Quote from: AngelBack on January 13, 2016, 05:56:34 PM
Fair analogy?

Nope.

But awesome!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Dream Team on January 13, 2016, 07:25:58 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 13, 2016, 05:43:00 PM
Quote from: Pax on January 13, 2016, 05:25:20 PM
I'm just thinking, I really don't understand those guys saying that trailer animation sucks. I mean, ffs, they're a fucking BAND, not Star Wars' producers. The trailer is there just to be something fun, to help us visualise the story, while we are waiting for the album. We should be grateful for having any trailer in the first place. I mean, chill, guys :D

The worst thing is, I see some comments (not here though, unless I missed something) that say that the trailer stopped them from buying it. That's a bit ridiculous.

Yup, the comments have been ridiculous.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Laughing_man923 on January 13, 2016, 07:29:21 PM
Quote from: AngelBack on January 13, 2016, 05:56:34 PM
Blowjob analogy.....

So to all those intent on making a point of their disappointment with the quality of the video.  This is the best analogy I can come up with as to why I think it is petty and unappreciative.

You are in a relationship for 10 years with a gf/wife.  She gives great blowjobs.  Some better than others, but all good.  Then after 10 years she wants to surprise you and mix things up and add some excitement so she tells you while blowing you she wants you to download in her mouth and she will swallow.  So your excitement builds then the boom....but as she is choking it down she makes a terrible face.  And rather than appreciate the fact that she took it to another level you focus on the bad expression rather than the act and the overall main event.  You lose some of your own enjoyment over something that is kinda irrelevant.  And in the process you bitch to her that she had diminished your pleasure by not fulfilling the "above and beyond" the way you would have liked.  Good luck getting that from her again you unappreciative SOB....

Fair analogy?

And the award for best analogy goes to...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 13, 2016, 07:44:52 PM
Wait... Isn't the norwegian listening party today? (Tomorrow for some people). Man, I wonder if we will get some fresh info.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on January 13, 2016, 08:01:34 PM
Quote from: Laughing_man923 on January 13, 2016, 07:29:21 PM
Quote from: AngelBack on January 13, 2016, 05:56:34 PM
Blowjob analogy.....

So to all those intent on making a point of their disappointment with the quality of the video.  This is the best analogy I can come up with as to why I think it is petty and unappreciative.

You are in a relationship for 10 years with a gf/wife.  She gives great blowjobs.  Some better than others, but all good.  Then after 10 years she wants to surprise you and mix things up and add some excitement so she tells you while blowing you she wants you to download in her mouth and she will swallow.  So your excitement builds then the boom....but as she is choking it down she makes a terrible face.  And rather than appreciate the fact that she took it to another level you focus on the bad expression rather than the act and the overall main event.  You lose some of your own enjoyment over something that is kinda irrelevant.  And in the process you bitch to her that she had diminished your pleasure by not fulfilling the "above and beyond" the way you would have liked.  Good luck getting that from her again you unappreciative SOB....

Fair analogy?

And the award for best analogy goes to...

...this! :marriageanalogy:


Anyway, to address the actual point AngelBack is trying to make, I wouldn't say that's a fair analogy because:

1) Blowjobs generally aren't remembered months after they're given

2) Blowjobs don't affect anyone other than the person giving & the person receiving, so one person's opinion makes a lot more difference

3) The wife most likely didn't make that face intentionally, DT's promotional team knew what they were creating the whole time they were creating it

4) The above point also plays in because DT didn't have to do what they did. As others have pointed out in this thread, they could've gone with the simpler hand-drawn approach rather than making it all "realistic-looking" if they didn't have the budget to make the characters look like they were meant to. If you do anything, that thing is open to positive & negative opinions, & if the general consensus turns out to be negative, the ol' Never Enough argument of "Can't you see I'm trying? Stop pointing out flaws in my work." doesn't really work out too well.

5) Very few people are actually saying TA is 100% going to suck & giving up all positivity they have over it because they didn't like the trailer. It's like acusing of an ad hominem: if you acuse someone of an ad hominem, you're acusing them of dismissing your point via an insult, not just the insult itself. Same case here, saying the trailer is bad isn't synonymous with saying TA will suck because the trailer is bad. See the difference? (& yes I do know that a slight minority are saying the latter, but given the scarcity of these comments, & the fact that they haven't been on DTF, I doubt those are the people you were actually referring to).

6) The reason people aren't focusing on the "overall main event" is because TA isn't out yet, so people are just going with what they have so far & if what they have so far is bad in their eyes, small & irrelevant as it may be, it's still bad to those people

Personally, the trailer doesn't bother me too much, but if people have an issue with it, I'm not going to belittle their opinion just because it's their opinion of a small part of a bigger picture... especially when this counter-reaction wouldn't have occurred if the general consensus for the trailer was positivity.

Rant over.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Zook on January 13, 2016, 08:08:44 PM
People still care about videos? Album trailer videos no less? Yeah, the "animation" is pretty bad, but who the fuck cares? The trailer was meant to give us a taste of the music. Should they hire someone else for animation duties next time? Most definitely, but the music is what matters. I can understand if it was an official music video that made it to MTV, then sure, I'd be embarrassed too, but it's what, a minute long teaser? Go outside.

Unless Lord Nafaryus is an alien and he was caught morphing back into his human disguise.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on January 13, 2016, 08:12:30 PM
Yeah, what is this? A thread where we discuss our opinions on updates for the new album? Yeah, that'd be dumb.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jsbru on January 13, 2016, 08:17:24 PM
Quote from: ZirconBlue on January 13, 2016, 12:51:40 PM
My least favorite snare sound is MP's on A Change of Seasons.  I don't have any issue with the sound of MM's drums, other than some of the cool stuff that was lost in the mix (esp. cymbal parts).

I was just about to say that I think that was possibly the best snare sound ever.  It's a little bit echo-y, but it sounds like a real drum.

In other words, to each his own.

However, in terms of how much I like the album, the snare sound is about 0.043% of the total determination of whether I like it or not.  Songwriting and mood are usually 1 and 2.  Even for albums like St. Anger (in that case, the douchiness of what that band turned into overrode all other factors by a significant degree).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 13, 2016, 08:31:07 PM
I'm glad the drums aren't over dominating. They compliment the other instruments so well you can barely tell at times. The drums carry the melodies, and the bass is finally nicely mixed again it carries the groove and rhythm.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 13, 2016, 08:32:21 PM
I'll take a cheesy video over a lewd analogy any day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 13, 2016, 09:30:23 PM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on January 13, 2016, 08:31:07 PM
I'm glad the drums aren't over dominating. They compliment the other instruments so well you can barely tell at times. The drums carry the melodies, and the bass is finally nicely mixed again it carries the groove and rhythm.

The drums going up and down during the unison section of TGOM is amazing. MM's unique setup allows him to hit one tom at a time during a run.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Gpals71 on January 13, 2016, 09:49:15 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 13, 2016, 07:44:52 PM
Wait... Isn't the norwegian listening party today? (Tomorrow for some people). Man, I wonder if we will get some fresh info.
Yes. The Norwegian listening party is today, Thursday at 1900 (7 PM) CET.
I am sure we'll get a review. Most likely several. Maybe some news too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 13, 2016, 09:58:09 PM
I hope they live tweet it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 13, 2016, 10:44:09 PM
Quote from: Pax on January 13, 2016, 05:25:20 PM
I'm just thinking, I really don't understand those guys saying that trailer animation sucks. I mean, ffs, they're a fucking BAND, not Star Wars' producers. The trailer is there just to be something fun, to help us visualise the story, while we are waiting for the album. We should be grateful for having any trailer in the first place. I mean, chill, guys :D
For literally the ten billionth time, no one is expecting hollywood level production.
Even within the context of it being the promo for a band putting out an album, I thought it was bad.

Some of you people should familiarize yourself with this;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man

Also, yes, if the album is amazing, then I won't give a shit about the quality of a pre-release trailer. Seeing as we are still pre-release though, and most of us haven't heard the album yet, we can only talk about what we have seen and heard.

Quote from: ariich on January 13, 2016, 03:48:15 PM
Also, why are people insisting that "taking it seriously" and "having fun with it" are mutually exclusive. Like many bands (and indeed artists of any kind) DT do both.
I can only speak for myself, but my concern is that is that they'll take it too seriously.
From what we've seen of the story and characters and such, it could work if they have a bit of self awareness and just have fun with it, and you're right that fun and a bit of seriousness aren't mutually exclusive. I do think though that if they take this concept too seriously, it could be terrible.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 13, 2016, 11:28:14 PM
Victoria is Nafaryus and Evangeline's daughter.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 14, 2016, 12:42:43 AM
We've been talking about the quality of the trailer just because it's more or less the only thing we have... And in the trailer we have 20 seconds of new music, that's why we're focusing so much on the images than in the...words!!
But yes, we should appreciate more what they're doing for us and I do appreciate it!!! The video is pretty good and enjoyable, it's just.... the clock guy riding the raven!!!  :rollin
I just wanted to say that if I were the guy who worked on the animations I wouldn't have put that part in the trailer!!
I think all of that stuff will be really nice in the live shows!!!

However I'm so excited and hyped!! I think this album will be great!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Rodni Demental on January 14, 2016, 01:54:53 AM
Quote from: TL on January 13, 2016, 10:44:09 PM
I can only speak for myself, but my concern is that is that they'll take it too seriously.
From what we've seen of the story and characters and such, it could work if they have a bit of self awareness and just have fun with it, and you're right that fun and a bit of seriousness aren't mutually exclusive. I do think though that if they take this concept too seriously, it could be terrible.

I think your perception of how serious the band is taking it, will influence how seriously you'll take it. I mean, don't get me wrong, it seems you don't want it to be taken seriously, it's just the way you're approaching your concern of their seriousness seems kinda.. serious? I wouldn't worry about it.
Even if if the final product seems super serious man, that sounds like something to not be taken seriously.  :P

I don't know if it's worth clarifying, but I'm refering to the kind of tragic seriousness like, "this is important stuff because look how seriously we're taking it". But I'm happy for DT to take it seriously in a sort of sincere way, as in they took the music sincerely not seriously.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 14, 2016, 02:51:13 AM
Quote from: TL on January 13, 2016, 10:44:09 PM
Quote from: ariich on January 13, 2016, 03:48:15 PM
Also, why are people insisting that "taking it seriously" and "having fun with it" are mutually exclusive. Like many bands (and indeed artists of any kind) DT do both.
I can only speak for myself, but my concern is that is that they'll take it too seriously.
From what we've seen of the story and characters and such, it could work if they have a bit of self awareness and just have fun with it, and you're right that fun and a bit of seriousness aren't mutually exclusive. I do think though that if they take this concept too seriously, it could be terrible.
I guess I don't really know what "too seriously" means. Was SFAM too serious? Because that's cheesky as fuck and considered by many (not me) to be one of DT's finest and one of the best prog albums ever.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pettor on January 14, 2016, 03:24:11 AM
I think the trailer tells a lot of really awesome things. From previous albums I lacked some fun and inspiration. So Petrucci decides it's time to create a concept album. He develops characters, locations, event and overall story for the concept to take place. That should in itself be very inspiring, but having a visual touch to it adds a lot more and would add an extra element to the live show and album itself. And they have found a way to do that good enought imo.

For me the trailer just show a band that had a hell lot of fun during production. Imagine actually creating this album with various themes for the characters etc. and then actually bringing it to life with visuals. I don't see "taking it too serious" or whatever has been questioned. I think The Gift of Music in itself represents a great level of fun and serious.

There will be some visuals quirks but in the end take it for what it is. Should they have left out the visuals just because it couldn't meet the high expections that comes from visuals today. Surely not! If they felt visuals was a fun addition, then go for it! Personally I feel this is a project I would have loved to be part of.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erciccio on January 14, 2016, 03:38:51 AM
A couple of thoughts..

1) Visuals- I'm fine with them, and I'm sure that they will play their role perfectly during the shows...
They are supposed to be a background, not the main part of the show!
We'll be there for the music!
I find zillions of time more ridicolous stuff like this one below, considering that it was produced with 300€ Millions budget...
(https://www.widemovie.it/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/avatar.jpg)

2) Drums production
Yesterday I played in my car SFAM and immediately after The Enemy Inside..
Well, it's clear that I have different tastes vs most of the people here, because I think that the drums production in TEI is way better than anything  in SFAM, it really kicks your ass! And in that song that kind of sound really works perfectly...(same for Behind the Veil, or Surrender to Reason)

The problem comes with songs like The Bigger Picture or Along For The Ride, where that kind of snare sound is totally out of context...
But I think TGOM goes in the right direction, beacuse the lower level of compression and the slighly different snare sound work certainly better..

Let's wait for the rest of the album in CD quality for a final judgment.


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 14, 2016, 03:48:03 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 14, 2016, 02:51:13 AM
Quote from: TL on January 13, 2016, 10:44:09 PM
Quote from: ariich on January 13, 2016, 03:48:15 PM
Also, why are people insisting that "taking it seriously" and "having fun with it" are mutually exclusive. Like many bands (and indeed artists of any kind) DT do both.
I can only speak for myself, but my concern is that is that they'll take it too seriously.
From what we've seen of the story and characters and such, it could work if they have a bit of self awareness and just have fun with it, and you're right that fun and a bit of seriousness aren't mutually exclusive. I do think though that if they take this concept too seriously, it could be terrible.
I guess I don't really know what "too seriously" means. Was SFAM too serious? Because that's cheesky as fuck and considered by many (not me) to be one of DT's finest and one of the best prog albums ever.

Cheesy as hell story (which they appear to have taken seriously enough), and on Metropolis 2000 the most awful visuals imaginable. :lol
So I'm not worried about any of this stuff, as long as they deliver great music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 14, 2016, 04:36:12 AM
I don't find SFAM's story or lyrics cheesy, and I don't even believe in reincarnation. I think it was the right approach of "seriousness" for that story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 14, 2016, 04:41:54 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 14, 2016, 04:36:12 AM
I don't find SFAM's story or lyrics cheesy, and I don't even believe in reincarnation. I think it was the right approach of "seriousness" for that story.
"I've been given so much more in life; I've got a son, I've got a wife"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 14, 2016, 04:43:17 AM
Yeh the idea that that trailer would make the album worse in any way... :lol

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 14, 2016, 04:49:41 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 14, 2016, 04:41:54 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 14, 2016, 04:36:12 AM
I don't find SFAM's story or lyrics cheesy, and I don't even believe in reincarnation. I think it was the right approach of "seriousness" for that story.
"I've been given so much more in life; I've got a son, I've got a wife"

I like it. I like all of Through Her Eyes, music and lyrics and the moment of the story it conveys.

If at all, why bother mentioning having a family when it never ever gets mentioned before or since, were they on a road trip and daddy found nothing better to do than getting hypnosis sessions with the reincarnation of the killer of his former girly self?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 14, 2016, 05:04:41 AM
Honestly the entire SFAM story is pretty terrible and incredibly cheesy. The music is top notch though so who cares?  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 14, 2016, 05:06:01 AM
This is my point, it's all a matter of personal opinion and perspective. People are talking as though DT objectively did a "bad thing" with that trailer.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Astonished on January 14, 2016, 05:12:15 AM
It's when I listen to those very long 70 minute albums where I truly realise the length of the upcoming monster that is The Astonishing. 135 minutes is freakishly long for an album. I really hope the listening procedure isn't affected much by its sheer scope.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pettor on January 14, 2016, 05:15:59 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 14, 2016, 05:06:01 AM
This is my point, it's all a matter of personal opinion and perspective. People are talking as though DT objectively did a "bad thing" with that trailer.

Exactly!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: zmazar on January 14, 2016, 05:30:49 AM
Quote from: The Astonished on January 14, 2016, 05:12:15 AM
It's when I listen to those very long 70 minute albums where I truly realise the length of the upcoming monster that is The Astonishing. 135 minutes is freakishly long for an album. I really hope the listening procedure isn't affected much by its sheer scope.

I agree.  Not gonna lie I'll probably end up taking a 10 minute break between Act 1 and 2.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Astonished on January 14, 2016, 05:37:35 AM
Quote from: zmazar on January 14, 2016, 05:30:49 AM
Quote from: The Astonished on January 14, 2016, 05:12:15 AM
It's when I listen to those very long 70 minute albums where I truly realise the length of the upcoming monster that is The Astonishing. 135 minutes is freakishly long for an album. I really hope the listening procedure isn't affected much by its sheer scope.

I agree.  Not gonna lie I'll probably end up taking a 10 minute break between Act 1 and 2.

You might have the right mindset with that volition. And I feel that its length might be too much to process for the first time, even though all of us wish for a fantastic and memorable first spin of the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 14, 2016, 05:44:06 AM
I'll certainly be taking an intermission between the two discs. I often do this during 70-min+ single-disc albums, so I'll certainly need a break during a 130-minute album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 14, 2016, 06:19:09 AM
I love listening to new albums on walks so I might plan a 70 minute walk and do it once per disk.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TheOutlawXanadu on January 14, 2016, 06:25:19 AM
Sometimes, I wish that people viewed DT's music a little more like Rush's, in that the cheesy, nerdy moments would be viewed as more of a positive than a negative. As I understand it, Rush always took their music seriously, even though the lyrics got a little silly at times, but that became a part of their charm. I see no reason why I, as a fan, shouldn't approach Dream Theater the same way. I personally couldn't care less if the Astonishing is just a two hour geek fest.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on January 14, 2016, 06:25:24 AM
Quote from: Pettor on January 14, 2016, 05:15:59 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 14, 2016, 05:06:01 AM
This is my point, it's all a matter of personal opinion and perspective. People are talking as though DT objectively did a "bad thing" with that trailer.

Exactly!

I think the fact it's got so much attention - good or bad - means objectively it's not a bad thing for them :p
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on January 14, 2016, 06:26:55 AM
Quote from: TheOutlawXanadu on January 14, 2016, 06:25:19 AM
Sometimes, I wish that people viewed DT's music a little more like Rush's, in that the cheesy, nerdy moments would be viewed as more of a positive than a negative. As I understand it, Rush always took their music seriously, even though the lyrics got a little silly at times, but that became a part of their charm. I see no reason why I, as a fan, shouldn't approach Dream Theater the same way. I personally couldn't care less if the Astonishing is just a two hour geek fest.

Totally with you on this. In fact, I've been surprised by just how "serious" many DT fans take them. Don't get me wrong, DT are to be taken seriously at points like Rush are too, but overall DT have always been uncool and that's part of the reason I like them. SFAM might be amazing overall, but the story is fucking dumb.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 06:28:19 AM
For me, SFAM teaches you to appreciate life and the things you have, because others might not have been as lucky as you are, and the people that pass away don't disappear forever, they go on in our memories and that.

So I don't see why all the son and wife thing being unnecessary or cheesy is even a valid point.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 14, 2016, 06:39:04 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 06:28:19 AM
For me, SFAM teaches you to appreciate life and the things you have, because others might not have been as lucky as you are, and the people that pass away don't disappear forever, they go on in our memories and that.

So I don't see why all the son and wife thing being unnecessary or cheesy is even a valid point.
That is EXACTLY my point. It wasn't a criticism of SFAM.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 14, 2016, 07:41:24 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 14, 2016, 02:51:13 AM
Quote from: TL on January 13, 2016, 10:44:09 PM
Quote from: ariich on January 13, 2016, 03:48:15 PM
Also, why are people insisting that "taking it seriously" and "having fun with it" are mutually exclusive. Like many bands (and indeed artists of any kind) DT do both.
I can only speak for myself, but my concern is that is that they'll take it too seriously.
From what we've seen of the story and characters and such, it could work if they have a bit of self awareness and just have fun with it, and you're right that fun and a bit of seriousness aren't mutually exclusive. I do think though that if they take this concept too seriously, it could be terrible.
I guess I don't really know what "too seriously" means. Was SFAM too serious? Because that's cheesky as fuck and considered by many (not me) to be one of DT's finest and one of the best prog albums ever.
It's not just seriousness. It's having a very cliche looking story and set of characters, and then treating it like it's much more profound than it is. Scenes stuck me as more creative. Plus, my first taste of Scenes was the music, and then I actually listened to the lyrics after being drawn in. The music set my first impression, rather than a marketing campaign with maps and character portraits that I don't find the least bit compelling.

But sure, it makes it a lot easier to argue if you leave out half the context of what I'm saying.

I hope I'm wrong. I really do hope that this album is amazing.

Quote from: TheOutlawXanadu on January 14, 2016, 06:25:19 AM
Sometimes, I wish that people viewed DT's music a little more like Rush's, in that the cheesy, nerdy moments would be viewed as more of a positive than a negative. As I understand it, Rush always took their music seriously, even though the lyrics got a little silly at times, but that became a part of their charm. I see no reason why I, as a fan, shouldn't approach Dream Theater the same way. I personally couldn't care less if the Astonishing is just a two hour geek fest.

I'm not talking about how seriously the fans take it. I'm talking about the tone the band decides to go with. Again, I really do hope that my initial impression from the marketing is wrong.

Quote from: ariich on January 14, 2016, 05:06:01 AM
This is my point, it's all a matter of personal opinion and perspective. People are talking as though DT objectively did a "bad thing" with that trailer.
I can only speak for myself, but I think I've been pretty clear that I'm just stating my opinion. My opinion is that the marketing material so far, to me, looks bad. It's really not in line with my tastes though, and it's completely possible that some people really like what they've seen so far. That's okay! I'm literally just saying what I personally think of it. You don't have to agree. It's fine for people to express opposing opinions, but it gets a bit irritating when some people in this thread start to act like any kind of negative opinion is objectively wrong.

Quote from: erciccio on January 14, 2016, 03:38:51 AM
A couple of thoughts..

1) Visuals- I'm fine with them, and I'm sure that they will play their role perfectly during the shows...
They are supposed to be a background, not the main part of the show!
We'll be there for the music!
I find zillions of time more ridicolous stuff like this one below, considering that it was produced with 300€ Millions budget...
(https://www.widemovie.it/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/avatar.jpg)
I mean, I hated Avatar, so I don't disagree on that point.  :P
Plus, something can be bad even if there are worse things.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Tumdace on January 14, 2016, 07:50:37 AM
I find it fascinating that alot of people are willing to let something like a cheesy trailer tarnish their idea of what the album MIGHT be like.

If you go into it with this negative attitude you aren't going to come out of it with much of a positive opinion.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 14, 2016, 07:56:11 AM
Quote from: Tumdace on January 14, 2016, 07:50:37 AM
I find it fascinating that alot of people are willing to let something like a cheesy trailer tarnish their idea of what the album MIGHT be like.

If you go into it with this negative attitude you aren't going to come out of it with much of a positive opinion.
I didn't come into any of this wanting to be negative. That's just my honest reaction to what we've seen so far.

Let me ask you; what is the point of a trailer if you're supposed to just completely disregard it? Why do you think a trailer wouldn't be at all representative of the thing it's a trailer for?

I've said this over. And over. And over. When the album comes out, I'm going to listen to it with an open mind, wanting to absolutely love it. If it's great, then I'm not going to care about the quality of a pre-release trailer. At the moment though, since we haven't the album yet, the pre-release material is all I currently have to go on.

It's possible that it's just a bad trailer! I've seen terrible trailers for things I ended up really liking before. It happens. Hopefully this is one of those times.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: PixelDream on January 14, 2016, 08:12:23 AM
I haven't been invested in this whole conversation, but man, did that trailer come off ridiculous. Not only the images, but the music too. My anticipation is pretty much gone now, I didn't like TGOM either. Sorry to be so blunt, I don't mean to take away from the folks who are looking forward to this.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 14, 2016, 08:15:21 AM
Quote from: PixelDream on January 14, 2016, 08:12:23 AM
I haven't been invested in this whole conversation, but man, did that trailer come off ridiculous. Not only the images, but the music too. My anticipation is pretty much gone now, I didn't like TGOM either. Sorry to be so blunt, I don't mean to take away from the folks who are looking forward to this.

What type of music were you hoping to hear? According to noxon, the music in the trailer completely misrepresents the album
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 14, 2016, 08:28:06 AM
I think the best way to interpret Noxon (forgive me if I'm wrong sir), is that the trailer makes the album sound like A Nightmare to Remember 2.0, when its really closer to SFaM/6DoIT. I would imagine TGoM is a better representation of the album (progressive, dynamic, not chugga chugga) though, so if you didn't like TGoM I've got nothing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 08:38:09 AM
Personally, I don't think it "misrepresents" the album at all.  Perhaps it appears to emphasize certain aspects of the music that, in the context of the entire album, are somewhat secondary.  But I wouldn't say it misrepresents the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: GandL on January 14, 2016, 08:39:50 AM
I liked everything that I've heard and saw up to now, even the trailer.  Hey I was looking at Rocket Robin Hood when I was young and that trailer is miles better  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 14, 2016, 08:40:40 AM
My ears must be broken.  I've heard that style of music from DT before.

I find it hilarious that people can formulate how an album is from 10 second snippets.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 14, 2016, 08:48:29 AM
Just like how the majority of the reaction to TGOM was nitpicking about one JLB word, the majority of the trailer reaction is nitpicking about something that's not even the band's "fault", namely the animation. I agree that it's not the best I've seen, but this trailer has given the vast majority of us our first taste of other tracks on the new album aside from TGOM. The visuals and narration are secondary to the music, as should be the case for the entire album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Evermind on January 14, 2016, 09:01:26 AM
Quote from: TL on January 14, 2016, 07:56:11 AM
Quote from: Tumdace on January 14, 2016, 07:50:37 AM
I find it fascinating that alot of people are willing to let something like a cheesy trailer tarnish their idea of what the album MIGHT be like.

If you go into it with this negative attitude you aren't going to come out of it with much of a positive opinion.
I didn't come into any of this wanting to be negative. That's just my honest reaction to what we've seen so far.

Let me ask you; what is the point of a trailer if you're supposed to just completely disregard it? Why do you think a trailer wouldn't be at all representative of the thing it's a trailer for?

I've said this over. And over. And over. When the album comes out, I'm going to listen to it with an open mind, wanting to absolutely love it. If it's great, then I'm not going to care about the quality of a pre-release trailer. At the moment though, since we haven't the album yet, the pre-release material is all I currently have to go on.

It's possible that it's just a bad trailer! I've seen terrible trailers for things I ended up really liking before. It happens. Hopefully this is one of those times.

You know, I actually agree with all TL wrote here. Who said people who disliked the animation or narration or whatever in the trailer has already allowed it to affect their thoughts of an album? Some people, including me, thought that most of the animation in the trailer wasn't too good, and posted their honest opinion in the thread that is created to discuss everything related to the album, only to get told that they basically (I'm probably paraphrasing here) shouldn't discuss the video because the album is about music and all that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 14, 2016, 09:09:40 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 14, 2016, 08:48:29 AM
Just like how the majority of the reaction to TGOM was nitpicking about one JLB word, the majority of the trailer reaction is nitpicking about something that's not even the band's "fault", namely the animation. I agree that it's not the best I've seen, but this trailer has given the vast majority of us our first taste of other tracks on the new album aside from TGOM. The visuals and narration are secondary to the music, as should be the case for the entire album.

I think you mean the minority of reactions, because in both case I feel that the majority of reactions have been positive. Which is why I'm wondering why people focus so much about the negative opinions. It's better to focus on the excitement that the campaign brings you than getting irritated by a few people that have some reservations about what they've seen so far. If they don't like something, just let them not like it. They have the right to and it's no big deal, really.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 14, 2016, 09:15:16 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 13, 2016, 05:34:07 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 13, 2016, 03:10:56 PM
You may be astonished to know that I am not planning on new themes.
Boooooooooo
Yeah, booo.   I've really enjoyed the transitions as each album comes out. Is it a lot of work to create a new theme?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 09:23:20 AM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 14, 2016, 09:15:16 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 13, 2016, 05:34:07 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 13, 2016, 03:10:56 PM
You may be astonished to know that I am not planning on new themes.
Boooooooooo
Yeah, booo.   I've really enjoyed the transitions as each album comes out. Is it a lot of work to create a new theme?
I honestly don't know.  I'm not the one who makes them, since I don't know how.  That is why *I* am not planning on any new themes.  Whether the guy who actually makes them is, ...we'll just have to wait and see.  :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 14, 2016, 09:41:48 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 09:23:20 AM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 14, 2016, 09:15:16 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 13, 2016, 05:34:07 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 13, 2016, 03:10:56 PM
You may be astonished to know that I am not planning on new themes.
Boooooooooo
Yeah, booo.   I've really enjoyed the transitions as each album comes out. Is it a lot of work to create a new theme?
I honestly don't know.  I'm not the one who makes them, since I don't know how.  That is why *I* am not planning on any new themes.  Whether the guy who actually makes them is, ...we'll just have to wait and see.  :neverusethis:

What you did there. I see it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 10:04:18 AM
Most who complain about the animations, myself included, also say that the music is more important and that we'll wait to judge the album until we hear it. I think you guys are focusing on our negative points on things and somehow miss that we're all (mostly) on the same page when it comes to the music. Which is what you all keep saying is the most important.

Quote from: RoeDent on January 14, 2016, 08:48:29 AM
Just like how the majority of the reaction to TGOM was nitpicking about one JLB word,

Oh, the weird effect is all over his singing in that song, it's just worst on that word.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 14, 2016, 10:21:51 AM
The rules need to be changed banning the discussion of anything being cheesy.    Cheesy is actually not a word except in the context of pizza or other food.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ThatOneGuy2112 on January 14, 2016, 10:23:05 AM
Partially unrelated, I always wondered what it was about fantasy plotlines that some, if not many people just want to keep as far away from their music as possible. It seems acceptable in novel or film, say, Lord of the Rings or some such, but what is it about this genre of story-telling that makes people "cringe" when it enters their music? I've talked to plenty of people who love the LOTR franchise, but run for the hills when Rhapsody of Fire is mentioned.

I assume it all comes down to how well the medium is at telling a coherent story. Perhaps there's something about music that makes any potential narrative take a backseat to the actual composition in the minds of most people. I'm not much different in that regard. I understand the point of being turned off by the idea of a concept where its ideas are being presented as more profound than they really are, but in the case of TA, I haven't really seen any hint of that so far. We have a general idea of the story-line and the themes its going to be trying to convey, but until we hear the whole thing, we won't get the full picture just yet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 14, 2016, 10:24:05 AM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on January 14, 2016, 10:21:51 AM
The rules need to be changed banning the discussion of anything being cheesy.    Cheesy is actually not a word except in the context of pizza or other food.

I'd ban you for mentioning pizza in this super serious majestic discussion about the best band on the planet.







:neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 14, 2016, 10:25:14 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 10:04:18 AM
Most who complain about the animations, myself included, also say that the music is more important and that we'll wait to judge the album until we hear it. I think you guys are focusing on our negative points on things and somehow miss that we're all (mostly) on the same page when it comes to the music. Which is what you all keep saying is the most important.

Quote from: RoeDent on January 14, 2016, 08:48:29 AM
Just like how the majority of the reaction to TGOM was nitpicking about one JLB word,

Oh, the weird effect is all over his singing in that song, it's just worst on that word.

But didn't bosk ask the band and they confirmed that no effects were used?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 14, 2016, 10:26:11 AM
It's a trailer.

Not for a movie, or a TV show, or a video game.  But for an album of music.

In other words, it's a video representation of something that is in itself purely audio.

So I don't care if it looks cheesy, or fantastic, or awful, or not bad, because it is, in any real measure of the thing itself, entirely irrelevant.

Have you ever seen a trailer for a book?  I have.  They are, for better or for worse, roughly equivalent to this.

It is what it is.  Which is to say, it's irrelevant.  Just something to keep remembering that there is a new DT release on the way.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 14, 2016, 10:30:03 AM
Quote from: ThatOneGuy2112 on January 14, 2016, 10:23:05 AM
Partially unrelated, I always wondered what it was about fantasy plotlines that some, if not many people just want to keep as far away from their music as possible. It seems acceptable in novel or film, say, Lord of the Rings or some such, but what is it about this genre of story-telling that makes people "cringe" when it enters their music? I've talked to plenty of people who love the LOTR franchise, but run for the hills when Rhapsody of Fire is mentioned.

I assume it all comes down to how well the medium is at telling a coherent story. Perhaps there's something about music that makes any potential narrative take a backseat to the actual composition in the minds of most people. I'm not much different in that regard. I understand the point of being turned off by the idea of a concept where its ideas are being presented as more profound than they really are, but in the case of TA, I haven't really seen any hint of that so far. We have a general idea of the story-line and the themes its going to be trying to convey, but until we hear the whole thing, we won't get the full picture just yet.

Also what if DT made something like "The messiah" by Handel.   I know I would love it but this forum would have a cow.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 14, 2016, 10:31:00 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 14, 2016, 10:26:11 AM
It's a trailer.

Not for a movie, or a TV show, or a video game.  But for an album of music.

In other words, it's a video representation of something that is in itself purely audio.

So I don't care if it looks cheesy, or fantastic, or awful, or not bad, because it is, in any real measure of the thing itself, entirely irrelevant.

Have you ever seen a trailer for a book?  I have.  They are, for better or for worse, roughly equivalent to this.

It is what it is.  Which is to say, it's irrelevant.  Just something to keep remembering that there is a new DT release on the way.

Stop being so rational.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 14, 2016, 10:31:42 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 09:23:20 AM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 14, 2016, 09:15:16 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 13, 2016, 05:34:07 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 13, 2016, 03:10:56 PM
You may be astonished to know that I am not planning on new themes.
Boooooooooo
Yeah, booo.   I've really enjoyed the transitions as each album comes out. Is it a lot of work to create a new theme?
I honestly don't know.  I'm not the one who makes them, since I don't know how.  That is why *I* am not planning on any new themes.  Whether the guy who actually makes them is, ...we'll just have to wait and see.  :neverusethis:

I'll just XD you.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jadiggerdt on January 14, 2016, 10:44:30 AM
20 min to countdown in Oslo and Trondheim.⏰
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 14, 2016, 10:48:38 AM
I wish i wasn't in school away from Oslo.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 10:53:59 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 14, 2016, 10:25:14 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 10:04:18 AM
Most who complain about the animations, myself included, also say that the music is more important and that we'll wait to judge the album until we hear it. I think you guys are focusing on our negative points on things and somehow miss that we're all (mostly) on the same page when it comes to the music. Which is what you all keep saying is the most important.

Quote from: RoeDent on January 14, 2016, 08:48:29 AM
Just like how the majority of the reaction to TGOM was nitpicking about one JLB word,

Oh, the weird effect is all over his singing in that song, it's just worst on that word.

But didn't bosk ask the band and they confirmed that no effects were used?

You are correct.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Tomislav95 on January 14, 2016, 10:58:53 AM
I wonder why people are talking about trailer and not, for example,  about additional personas on the album. Didn't someone say there is female vocalist for one of female characters? Or was that in my dreams  :huh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Zydar on January 14, 2016, 11:01:36 AM
No, James does all the vocals himself.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 14, 2016, 11:02:23 AM
Quote from: Tomislav95 on January 14, 2016, 10:58:53 AM
I wonder why people are talking about trailer and not, for example,  about additional personas on the album. Didn't someone say there is female vocalist for one of female characters? Or was that in my dreams  :huh:

James is impersonnating all the characters. However in a french interview that was linked earlier in this thread, Jordan mentionned that there was a female soprano singer on the album. I'm not really sure what she'll do though. Maybe she's there just to add vocal texture.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 14, 2016, 11:04:11 AM
I did :D There is a soprano but I'm pretty sure it's for backing vocals. James stated he did all the voices of all the characters. They wanted to invite a female singer but as there are many parts, they wanted the Astonishing to be a full DT album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 14, 2016, 11:04:47 AM
Must be a part of the choir. Maybe she gets some kind of "solo" spot?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ericoml on January 14, 2016, 11:06:00 AM
The Norway listening party will be discussed here? Who goes there are now free to comment the album? I think that Noxon ad brosk can comment everything from now in.. am I wrong?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Tomislav95 on January 14, 2016, 11:08:55 AM
Quote from: ericoml on January 14, 2016, 11:06:00 AM
The Norway listening party will be discussed here? Who goes there are now free to comment the album? I think that Noxon ad brosk can comment everything from now in.. am I wrong?
I think there should be separated thread for up until album comes out since there are people who don't want to hear anything that could spoil their first listen.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 14, 2016, 11:14:30 AM
Like this one?

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=45413.0
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 14, 2016, 11:22:30 AM
Quote from: ThatOneGuy2112 on January 14, 2016, 10:23:05 AM
Partially unrelated, I always wondered what it was about fantasy plotlines that some, if not many people just want to keep as far away from their music as possible. It seems acceptable in novel or film, say, Lord of the Rings or some such, but what is it about this genre of story-telling that makes people "cringe" when it enters their music? I've talked to plenty of people who love the LOTR franchise, but run for the hills when Rhapsody of Fire is mentioned.

I assume it all comes down to how well the medium is at telling a coherent story. Perhaps there's something about music that makes any potential narrative take a backseat to the actual composition in the minds of most people. I'm not much different in that regard. I understand the point of being turned off by the idea of a concept where its ideas are being presented as more profound than they really are, but in the case of TA, I haven't really seen any hint of that so far. We have a general idea of the story-line and the themes its going to be trying to convey, but until we hear the whole thing, we won't get the full picture just yet.
I don't typically like that stuff in film or novels either (I've never finished a Lord of the Rings movie, even though I've tried to watch them several times. That doesn't mean I think they're bad, and they clearly resonate with a lot of people. They're just not for me).
I'm not saying that stuff is bad, or that I have a rational reason for not liking it. All I'm saying is that I've given stuff like that a shot before, and in most cases, at best it doesn't resonate with me, and I often flat-out dislike it.

If other people like it, that's great! It just doesn't appeal to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 11:39:16 AM
Quote from: Tomislav95 on January 14, 2016, 11:08:55 AM
Quote from: ericoml on January 14, 2016, 11:06:00 AM
The Norway listening party will be discussed here? Who goes there are now free to comment the album? I think that Noxon ad brosk can comment everything from now in.. am I wrong?
I think there should be separated thread for up until album comes out since there are people who don't want to hear anything that could spoil their first listen.
Yes, put it in the separate thread.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pax on January 14, 2016, 12:20:16 PM
Quote
The drums going up and down during the unison section of TGOM is amazing. MM's unique setup allows him to hit one tom at a time during a run.
There's a unison in TGOM? o.O
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 14, 2016, 12:30:12 PM
Quote from: Pax on January 14, 2016, 12:20:16 PM
Quote
The drums going up and down during the unison section of TGOM is amazing. MM's unique setup allows him to hit one tom at a time during a run.
There's a unison in TGOM? o.O
I wouldn't call it a unison, but there some layered guitar and keyboards parts that are playing some slightly different lines at one point, post-guitar solo.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 14, 2016, 01:18:07 PM
Quote from: Pax on January 14, 2016, 12:20:16 PM
Quote
The drums going up and down during the unison section of TGOM is amazing. MM's unique setup allows him to hit one tom at a time during a run.
There's a unison in TGOM? o.O

There's something amazing in TGOM? :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 01:26:14 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 14, 2016, 10:25:14 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 10:04:18 AM
Most who complain about the animations, myself included, also say that the music is more important and that we'll wait to judge the album until we hear it. I think you guys are focusing on our negative points on things and somehow miss that we're all (mostly) on the same page when it comes to the music. Which is what you all keep saying is the most important.

Quote from: RoeDent on January 14, 2016, 08:48:29 AM
Just like how the majority of the reaction to TGOM was nitpicking about one JLB word,

Oh, the weird effect is all over his singing in that song, it's just worst on that word.

But didn't bosk ask the band and they confirmed that no effects were used?

Well, either they're lying, or they don't know, or James LaBrie has surgically installed some sort of robot voice-changer into his throat because that's not what a human being sounds like naturally.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: JMSE on January 14, 2016, 01:26:59 PM
Listening to "Innocence Faded" now. If the new album has at least a tune along those lines I'll be a very happy fan. What a solo!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 01:33:07 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 01:26:14 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 14, 2016, 10:25:14 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 10:04:18 AM
Most who complain about the animations, myself included, also say that the music is more important and that we'll wait to judge the album until we hear it. I think you guys are focusing on our negative points on things and somehow miss that we're all (mostly) on the same page when it comes to the music. Which is what you all keep saying is the most important.

Quote from: RoeDent on January 14, 2016, 08:48:29 AM
Just like how the majority of the reaction to TGOM was nitpicking about one JLB word,

Oh, the weird effect is all over his singing in that song, it's just worst on that word.

But didn't bosk ask the band and they confirmed that no effects were used?

Well, either they're lying, or they don't know, or James LaBrie has surgically installed some sort of robot voice-changer into his throat because that's not what a human being sounds like naturally.

They've never lied to me before, so I have no reason to believe they are doing so now.  And I was told that was 100% James and the way he sung it.  And I'm not really sure why a couple of people refuse to believe that.  It isn't hard to duplicate it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 01:39:08 PM
Because it sounds like he's singing through a robot. It's not really noticable when the entire band is going at it, but all through that calm section it's really obvious. It's so in your face how non natural and not quite like a human being it sounds. Am as unsure as you are, but over how this isn't being considered undesputable fact, no matter what the band says.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 14, 2016, 01:42:37 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 01:39:08 PM
Because it sounds like he's singing through a robot. It's not really noticable when the entire band is going at it, but all through that calm section it's really obvious. It's so in your face how non natural and not quite like a human being it sounds. Am as unsure as you are, but over how this isn't being considered undesputable fact, no matter what the band says.

What the band says about it should surely be the be-all-and-end-all of the matter. They were there when they recorded it. We weren't.

(PS. What's up with my posts being the first one on several new pages? It's happened at least 3 times on this thread.)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on January 14, 2016, 01:44:30 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 01:39:08 PM
Because it sounds like he's singing through a robot. It's not really noticable when the entire band is going at it, but all through that calm section it's really obvious. It's so in your face how non natural and not quite like a human being it sounds. Am as unsure as you are, but over how this isn't being considered undesputable fact, no matter what the band says.

I don't want to reignite this discussion, but unless it is the compression, I clearly also hear the effect throughout the "we are living day to day..." section. Actually, the word "time" doesn't bother me nearly as much as "lion's share" does. It's very quiet, but it is there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 14, 2016, 01:46:55 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 14, 2016, 01:42:37 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 01:39:08 PM
Because it sounds like he's singing through a robot. It's not really noticable when the entire band is going at it, but all through that calm section it's really obvious. It's so in your face how non natural and not quite like a human being it sounds. Am as unsure as you are, but over how this isn't being considered undesputable fact, no matter what the band says.

What the band says about it should surely be the be-all-and-end-all of the matter. They were there when they recorded it. We weren't.

(PS. What's up with my posts being the first one on several new pages? It's happened at least 3 times on this thread.)

To be fair, and not in the interest of malice, but doesn't James do his own thing in a studio in Canada, then deliver the takes to the guys back in the New York studio?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 14, 2016, 01:49:50 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 01:39:08 PM
Because it sounds like he's singing through a robot. It's not really noticable when the entire band is going at it, but all through that calm section it's really obvious. It's so in your face how non natural and not quite like a human being it sounds. Am as unsure as you are, but over how this isn't being considered undesputable fact, no matter what the band says.

I think I remember someone saying that not only was it possible, but that it wasn't even that hard to do.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Crow on January 14, 2016, 01:57:48 PM
Quote from: Sacul on January 13, 2016, 01:17:26 PM
Quote from: Parama on January 13, 2016, 12:39:10 PM
dt12 probably has the worst production of any album in my library, and i have black metal albums in my library that intentionally nuked the production for atmosphere's sake
Even worse than Nattens Madrigal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3WdtS4FZck)? Come on :P
i mean, i don't have that album and probably never will
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pax on January 14, 2016, 02:00:03 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 14, 2016, 12:30:12 PM
Quote from: Pax on January 14, 2016, 12:20:16 PM
Quote
The drums going up and down during the unison section of TGOM is amazing. MM's unique setup allows him to hit one tom at a time during a run.
There's a unison in TGOM? o.O
I wouldn't call it a unison, but there some layered guitar and keyboards parts that are playing some slightly different lines at one point, post-guitar solo.
Yeah, that has nothing to do with a unison, and the fact they're contrapuntally playing different compatible voices, makes that part very special, and very different from unison, it's like anti-unison by definition hahah
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 14, 2016, 02:12:52 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 01:39:08 PM
Because it sounds like he's singing through a robot. It's not really noticable when the entire band is going at it, but all through that calm section it's really obvious. It's so in your face how non natural and not quite like a human being it sounds. Am as unsure as you are, but over how this isn't being considered undesputable fact, no matter what the band says.
Yeah, if James did this naturally I would absolutely love to know how because the timbre especially on "time" just sounds odd. It's not just the fact that the pitch bend is awkward, the tone quality of that word especially just does not sound natural to me. I would love to get a vocals-only stem of this song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 02:16:26 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 14, 2016, 01:49:50 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 01:39:08 PM
Because it sounds like he's singing through a robot. It's not really noticable when the entire band is going at it, but all through that calm section it's really obvious. It's so in your face how non natural and not quite like a human being it sounds. Am as unsure as you are, but over how this isn't being considered undesputable fact, no matter what the band says.

I think I remember someone saying that not only was it possible, but that it wasn't even that hard to do.

Yeah I remember that, and I always got the impression me and him were talking about two completely different things.


Quote from: RoeDent on January 14, 2016, 01:42:37 PM
What the band says about it should surely be the be-all-and-end-all of the matter. They were there when they recorded it. We weren't.

Not if what they say just doesn't make sense. I wouldn't believe them if they told me that there's no distortion on the guitar either. Because it's clearly there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 14, 2016, 02:17:21 PM
Quote from: Pax on January 14, 2016, 02:00:03 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 14, 2016, 12:30:12 PM
Quote from: Pax on January 14, 2016, 12:20:16 PM
Quote
The drums going up and down during the unison section of TGOM is amazing. MM's unique setup allows him to hit one tom at a time during a run.
There's a unison in TGOM? o.O
I wouldn't call it a unison, but there some layered guitar and keyboards parts that are playing some slightly different lines at one point, post-guitar solo.
Yeah, that has nothing to do with a unison, and the fact they're contrapuntally playing different compatible voices, makes that part very special, and very different from unison, it's like anti-unison by definition hahah
Pretty much. It's a very cool part, but not a unison, by definition.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: obelix5150 on January 14, 2016, 02:18:00 PM
I have to agree that the way James's voice glitches from an E down to a C sounds like an autotune glitch, because of the way the vocal timbre changes so much on its way down (gets a lot lower just as an audio file does when its transposed down).

But I don't care. It bothered me on the first few listens after I heard it, because it was tough to un-hear, but it's such a minute thing that I stopped caring after a while.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 14, 2016, 02:41:54 PM
Let me preface this by saying that I'm not sure if it's related to the album, but Jie Ma posted this piece of art, which shows an oddly familiar structure, on his portfolio website.

https://cdn2.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/001/791/186/large/jie-ma-tt4.jpg?1452784604 (https://cdn2.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/001/791/186/large/jie-ma-tt4.jpg?1452784604)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jdprsaga on January 14, 2016, 02:48:59 PM
WOW  :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 14, 2016, 02:49:04 PM
At least that's a NOMAC from behind in the middle. (so it must be album related)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Jinx on January 14, 2016, 02:51:47 PM
Maybe the Places tab will be live soon then  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 14, 2016, 03:01:25 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 14, 2016, 02:41:54 PM
Let me preface this by saying that I'm not sure if it's related to the album, but Jie Ma posted this piece of art, which shows an oddly familiar structure, on his portfolio website.

https://cdn2.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/001/791/186/large/jie-ma-tt4.jpg?1452784604 (https://cdn2.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/001/791/186/large/jie-ma-tt4.jpg?1452784604)

Beautiful.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 14, 2016, 03:08:35 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 14, 2016, 02:41:54 PM
Let me preface this by saying that I'm not sure if it's related to the album, but Jie Ma posted this piece of art, which shows an oddly familiar structure, on his portfolio website.

https://cdn2.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/001/791/186/large/jie-ma-tt4.jpg?1452784604 (https://cdn2.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/001/791/186/large/jie-ma-tt4.jpg?1452784604)
That looks absolutely incredible. And with what appears to be a NOMAC in the middle, I'm almost certain it's related to the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Mebert78 on January 14, 2016, 03:09:10 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 14, 2016, 02:41:54 PM
Let me preface this by saying that I'm not sure if it's related to the album, but Jie Ma posted this piece of art, which shows an oddly familiar structure, on his portfolio website.

https://cdn2.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/001/791/186/large/jie-ma-tt4.jpg?1452784604 (https://cdn2.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/001/791/186/large/jie-ma-tt4.jpg?1452784604)

The lady in the black dress leaning against the wall on the far left is kinda cute! :p

Also, I feel like the inner shafts the NOMACS have a sort-of majesty logo shape. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 03:11:55 PM
Quote from: Mebert78 on January 14, 2016, 03:09:10 PM
Also, I feel like the inner shafts the NOMACS have a sort-of majesty logo shape. :)

Um, no, Mike.  They have EXACTLY a majesty logo shape.  :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 14, 2016, 03:14:52 PM
I REALLY like the idea of a symbol being around since the beggining of the band, is now being "transformed" into something in a concept album. The majesty symbol has sort of become the skeleton of the NOMACs :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ToT-147 on January 14, 2016, 03:22:22 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 14, 2016, 01:42:37 PM
What's up with my posts being the first one on several new pages? It's happened at least 3 times on this thread.

Well, that's probably due to the amount of pages this thread has.. I'm sure you're not alone with that.. :lol

Quote from: RoeDent on January 14, 2016, 08:48:29 AM
Just like how the majority of the reaction to TGOM was nitpicking about one JLB word,

Btw, what word are you talking about?..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 14, 2016, 03:30:40 PM
I'm really hoping these "Places" are backgrounds in the album packaging or something like that. Because from what I've seen (which has been rumored to be a part of the album's concept), everything has looked fantastic.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Tomislav95 on January 14, 2016, 03:33:10 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 14, 2016, 03:22:22 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 14, 2016, 08:48:29 AM
Just like how the majority of the reaction to TGOM was nitpicking about one JLB word,

Btw, what word are you talking about?..
It's "time" in "People just don't have the time for music anymore".
I may be crazy but James' unusual vibrato had same impact as on this song on their previous releases (even on live albums). I believe they didn't use something like autotune or that other effect which name I forgot but combination of James' vibrato and some other vocal effects may gives us this result. However, I don't hear it to the point it would bother me.
EDIT: That artwork is awesome :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 14, 2016, 03:33:59 PM
Bosk confirmed there were no vocal autotone or melodyne (sp?) on James' vocals, I believe.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 03:38:14 PM
Correct.  At least, not on that part.  I'm not saying there aren't any vocal effects used anywhere else (I didn't ask).  But definitely NOT on that part.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Tomislav95 on January 14, 2016, 03:41:10 PM
I meant "simple" usual effects like reverb. It's not like there was just James and his mic and they didn't add anything to it or double vocal tracks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 14, 2016, 03:46:53 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 14, 2016, 03:30:40 PM
I'm really hoping these "Places" are backgrounds in the album packaging or something like that. Because from what I've seen (which has been rumored to be a part of the album's concept), everything has looked fantastic.

Agreed. That image posted earlier is absolutely stunning. I would love to see it in the booklet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on January 14, 2016, 04:03:35 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 14, 2016, 02:41:54 PM
Let me preface this by saying that I'm not sure if it's related to the album, but Jie Ma posted this piece of art, which shows an oddly familiar structure, on his portfolio website.

https://cdn2.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/001/791/186/large/jie-ma-tt4.jpg?1452784604 (https://cdn2.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/001/791/186/large/jie-ma-tt4.jpg?1452784604)

That is absolutely STUNNING to look at! I really hope they utilize these places well, on the album packaging and in the live show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 14, 2016, 04:15:17 PM
Hey, no one noticed that amazon had leaked the back cover of the album?
(https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41gz7ublNkL.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 14, 2016, 04:16:32 PM
:dangerwillrobinson: IT'S NOT CENTRAL :dangerwillrobinson:

OCD ALERT
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 04:17:54 PM
I don't know that that is a "leak."  There is no reason why they cannot post it.  If it was a "leak," you would be banned right now for re-posting it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 14, 2016, 04:19:39 PM
Of course, it's official, it's on amazon.fr, I used the term "leak" as the back cover was not announced officially by twitter, facebook or the website ;) I should have used : unveiled
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 14, 2016, 04:20:49 PM
Did you look behind the veil ? :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 14, 2016, 04:22:16 PM
I tried to look at the bigger picture but the resolution was too small :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 14, 2016, 04:22:53 PM
As did I :(

And that NOMAC isn't central between the two Acts. :(



Who does Jam Mie think he is?

HUGH SYME ?

:neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DreamTension on January 14, 2016, 04:31:40 PM
Quote from: Pax on January 14, 2016, 12:20:16 PM
Quote
The drums going up and down during the unison section of TGOM is amazing. MM's unique setup allows him to hit one tom at a time during a run.
There's a unison in TGOM? o.O


The unison is short, but it starts around 3:16
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 04:48:39 PM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 14, 2016, 04:19:39 PM
Of course, it's official, it's on amazon.fr

That doesn't mean anything.  Amazon has made mistakes and leaked information before.  Just because something is on some random Internet site that the band or label does not control does NOT mean that it is an official, authorized release.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 14, 2016, 05:07:24 PM
Now that the first listening party has concluded, does it mean that the embargos have been lifted? 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jayvee3 on January 14, 2016, 05:53:42 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 01:39:08 PM
Because it sounds like he's singing through a robot. It's not really noticable when the entire band is going at it, but all through that calm section it's really obvious. It's so in your face how non natural and not quite like a human being it sounds. Am as unsure as you are, but over how this isn't being considered undesputable fact, no matter what the band says.

What a bunch of horseshit. Listening to the song countless times, I truly have no idea what all the fuss is about. If people can hear whatever it is they can hear, thats fine. But to carry on like James sounds like Bane or something is such an over-eggaterration, and pretty pointless considering we are talking about something that is lucky to last a second. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jsbru on January 14, 2016, 06:01:40 PM
Quote from: TheOutlawXanadu on January 14, 2016, 06:25:19 AM
Sometimes, I wish that people viewed DT's music a little more like Rush's, in that the cheesy, nerdy moments would be viewed as more of a positive than a negative. As I understand it, Rush always took their music seriously, even though the lyrics got a little silly at times, but that became a part of their charm. I see no reason why I, as a fan, shouldn't approach Dream Theater the same way. I personally couldn't care less if the Astonishing is just a two hour geek fest.

No kidding.

They're just having fun.  That this story is over the top just shows they have a sense of humor about things.  It's the fans that are taking things too seriously.  Just listen to the music and let yourself be entertained instead of being hyper-critical over every little irrelevant detail.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 14, 2016, 06:02:43 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 04:48:39 PM
Just because something is on some random Internet site...

I get your point about the mistakes, but Amazon a "random internet site?" :p

Revenue: US$88.988 billion
Total assets: US$54.505 billion
Total equity: US$10.741 billion
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 14, 2016, 06:13:56 PM
I remember when I commented on an Amazon Japan link four days or so before the ADTOE release and I got banned for a few days, I was really scared for some reason as if it truly mattered in my offline life that I was banned from DTF, I just remember getting kinda depressed and I don't know why  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Implode on January 14, 2016, 06:30:51 PM
And then I linked to your post and got banned too...

Good times!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on January 14, 2016, 06:33:20 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 01:33:07 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 01:26:14 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 14, 2016, 10:25:14 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 10:04:18 AM
Most who complain about the animations, myself included, also say that the music is more important and that we'll wait to judge the album until we hear it. I think you guys are focusing on our negative points on things and somehow miss that we're all (mostly) on the same page when it comes to the music. Which is what you all keep saying is the most important.

Quote from: RoeDent on January 14, 2016, 08:48:29 AM
Just like how the majority of the reaction to TGOM was nitpicking about one JLB word,

Oh, the weird effect is all over his singing in that song, it's just worst on that word.

But didn't bosk ask the band and they confirmed that no effects were used?

Well, either they're lying, or they don't know, or James LaBrie has surgically installed some sort of robot voice-changer into his throat because that's not what a human being sounds like naturally.

They've never lied to me before, so I have no reason to believe they are doing so now.  And I was told that was 100% James and the way he sung it.  And I'm not really sure why a couple of people refuse to believe that.  It isn't hard to duplicate it.

I know this could go around and around in endless circles, but what James' voice does in that small moment ("time") is not easy to duplicate. No way in hell. If it is - somebody please upload a youtube video of them doing it cos I can't believe that until I see it.

Personally I could two shits if they did manipulate it,and the sound doesn't bother me at all, but the whole thing is a bit odd. But yeah, until I see someone replicating it on a youtube vid I can't believe that it's "not hard to duplicate"; I can't think of any other natural example like it in all of music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 14, 2016, 06:44:59 PM
Quote from: Implode on January 14, 2016, 06:30:51 PM
And then I linked to your post and got banned too...

Good times!
I can't believe that you remember that. :lol  I'm sorry that you got banned too

I don't even remember who originally posted the link, but I remember being really confused
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 14, 2016, 06:47:24 PM
It's almost here and we can nitpick about ALL the tracks!!!!!!  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 07:57:20 PM
Quote from: Cool Chris on January 14, 2016, 06:02:43 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 04:48:39 PM
Just because something is on some random Internet site...

I get your point about the mistakes, but Amazon a "random internet site?" :p

Revenue: US$88.988 billion
Total assets: US$54.505 billion
Total equity: US$10.741 billion

In terms of this discussion, yes.  They are simply an online music vendor and, in terms of the content that gets posted and the timing, are simply a mill.  A minion behind a computer puts the post together for a particular album, and keys that information to go live at whatever point in time his supervisor(s) or some email tells him to.  He has no idea whatsoever what the particular band's or label's marketing plan is, or what any of the specifics are.  So, yeah, while they may be a HUGE retail site, they have no connection whatsoever to the band's or the label's decision-making processes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 07:58:18 PM
Quote from: phospheneSOI on January 14, 2016, 06:33:20 PM
I know this could go around and around in endless circles, but what James' voice does in that small moment ("time") is not easy to duplicate. No way in hell. If it is - somebody please upload a youtube video of them doing it cos I can't believe that until I see it.

Sorry, but that's just a ridiculous claim.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 14, 2016, 08:32:07 PM
Why is the melodyne thing being discussed again? We were so over it.  :-[

The band said no pitch correction software. It's JLB. That's about it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 08:34:14 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 14, 2016, 08:32:07 PM
Why is the melodyne thing being discussed again? We were so over it.  :-[

The band said no pitch correction software. It's JLB. That's about it.

Because DTF, so people who think they know better than the band feel the need to bring it up out of the blue and ignore facts to show how superior their knowledge is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 08:46:36 PM
James LaBrie is vocaloid
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 14, 2016, 08:49:47 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 08:46:36 PM
James LaBrie is vocaloid

James LaBrie gave voice to the NOMACs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 08:52:48 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 14, 2016, 08:49:47 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 08:46:36 PM
James LaBrie is vocaloid

James LaBrie gave voice to the NOMACs.

...You're not Kuja...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 14, 2016, 08:57:13 PM
Guys guys new theory.

Maybe the 'melodyne' thing is because it's a NOMAC singing. That's why it sounds robotic! That's why it says 'people just don't have the time for music anymore', it's clearly from the point of view of a machine... like the machine referenced in Constant Motion, that which never stops working. Systematic Chaos Part II confirmed. :neverusethis: :neverusethis: :neverusethis:

Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 08:52:48 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 14, 2016, 08:49:47 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 08:46:36 PM
James LaBrie is vocaloid

James LaBrie gave voice to the NOMACs.

...You're not Kuja...

I AM Kuja.

I just transformed into a Xander/bird hybrid.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 09:04:39 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 14, 2016, 08:57:13 PM
Guys guys new theory.

Maybe the 'melodyne' thing is because it's a NOMAC singing. That's why it sounds robotic! That's why it says 'people just don't have the time for music anymore', it's clearly from the point of view of a machine... like the machine referenced in Constant Motion, that which never stops working. Systematic Chaos Part II confirmed. :neverusethis: :neverusethis: :neverusethis:

Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 08:52:48 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 14, 2016, 08:49:47 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 08:46:36 PM
James LaBrie is vocaloid

James LaBrie gave voice to the NOMACs.

...You're not Kuja...

I AM Kuja.

I just transformed into a Xander/bird hybrid.

Then it's time to revert everything to zero...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 09:05:53 PM
NOMAC's make two sound, one whilst shitting and the other one while talking.

I swear the interlude between Panic Attack and Never Enough is a fucking NOMAC.

The robot singing at ITPOE was another one, good catch Kujie.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 14, 2016, 09:20:24 PM
Not that I want to start the traditional artwork nitpicking session just yet, but the central vault's bricks just don't look right… do they? :sad:
Also, that NOMAC is different from the ones on the album cover… I wonder what's the deal with those different designs.

(https://cdn2.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/001/791/186/large/jie-ma-tt4.jpg?1452784604)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 14, 2016, 09:24:40 PM
Holy Shiitake mushrooms... The NOMACs are huge. I remember getting that email with the person for comparison, but to see them in this artwork  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 14, 2016, 09:36:06 PM
The big circley bit on the ground reminds me of a Stargate. :lol

Great artwork too. It doesn't look like elements Photoshopped together, it looks like it was rendered as a whole to fit together, everything matches up. I expect this will be booklet artwork?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 14, 2016, 09:37:10 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 14, 2016, 09:36:06 PM
The big circley bit on the ground reminds me of a Stargate. :lol

Great artwork too. It doesn't look like elements Photoshopped together, it looks like it was rendered as a whole to fit together, everything matches up. I expect this will be booklet artwork?
Im hoping--I almost wish they would have had an art book with the special edition or something
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 14, 2016, 09:38:53 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on January 14, 2016, 09:37:10 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 14, 2016, 09:36:06 PM
The big circley bit on the ground reminds me of a Stargate. :lol

Great artwork too. It doesn't look like elements Photoshopped together, it looks like it was rendered as a whole to fit together, everything matches up. I expect this will be booklet artwork?
Im hoping--I almost wish they would have had an art book with the special edition or something

That would be a nice idea to give some setting for the story, with pictures, backstory, characters etc. The box set says it includes "The Astonishing Lyric book in the form of a screenplay", which sounds cool either way.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Laughing_man923 on January 14, 2016, 10:36:52 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 09:04:39 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 14, 2016, 08:57:13 PM
Guys guys new theory.

Maybe the 'melodyne' thing is because it's a NOMAC singing. That's why it sounds robotic! That's why it says 'people just don't have the time for music anymore', it's clearly from the point of view of a machine... like the machine referenced in Constant Motion, that which never stops working. Systematic Chaos Part II confirmed. :neverusethis: :neverusethis: :neverusethis:

Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 08:52:48 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 14, 2016, 08:49:47 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 08:46:36 PM
James LaBrie is vocaloid

James LaBrie gave voice to the NOMACs.

...You're not Kuja...

I AM Kuja.

I just transformed into a Xander/bird hybrid.

Then it's time to revert everything to zero...

Hold on a second, let me see who I want to choose for my party this time around. Do you prefer Thievery or Grand Lethal?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 14, 2016, 11:20:22 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 08:34:14 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 14, 2016, 08:32:07 PM
Why is the melodyne thing being discussed again? We were so over it.  :-[

The band said no pitch correction software. It's JLB. That's about it.

Because DTF, so people who think they know better than the band feel the need to bring it up out of the blue and ignore facts to show how superior their knowledge is.

To be fair, I'm not necessarily saying "pitch correction", I'm saying that it's some sort of effect that makes him sound a bit like a robot. And that people keep insisting that it isn't there os baffling, because it clearly is.

And my knowledge is hardly superior. I know very litte about vocal production. The only thing I know is what every other human on the planet sounds like when they make sounds with their mouths, and this ain't it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 14, 2016, 11:27:56 PM
He is not human. The NOMACs are here to take him back home.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on January 14, 2016, 11:48:32 PM
It's just a little bit of a fryish tone entering his voice as he slides down. Nothing really unusual. The word "have" earlier in that line is a much likelier effects/alteration candidate, even without the knowledge that bosk gave from the band.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 15, 2016, 12:03:36 AM
Quote from: The Presence of Frenemies on January 14, 2016, 11:48:32 PM
It's just a little bit of a fryish tone entering his voice as he slides down. Nothing really unusual. The word "have" earlier in that line is a much likelier effects/alteration candidate, even without the knowledge that bosk gave from the band.

Yes, I'm talking about the entire section, not just the word "time".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Eldomm on January 15, 2016, 12:03:44 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 14, 2016, 08:57:13 PM
Guys guys new theory.

Maybe the 'melodyne' thing is because it's a NOMAC singing. That's why it sounds robotic! That's why it says 'people just don't have the time for music anymore', it's clearly from the point of view of a machine... like the machine referenced in Constant Motion, that which never stops working. Systematic Chaos Part II confirmed. :neverusethis: :neverusethis: :neverusethis:

Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 08:52:48 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 14, 2016, 08:49:47 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 14, 2016, 08:46:36 PM
James LaBrie is vocaloid

James LaBrie gave voice to the NOMACs.

...You're not Kuja...

I AM Kuja.

I just transformed into a Xander/bird hybrid.

You mean a Xander/bird wahybrido pickingant, don't you?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Curious Orange on January 15, 2016, 01:11:00 AM
Loving the artwork.

Thinking perhaps that vault is using false perspective, that it's sloped towards you to give the impression that it's deeper than it really is - in which case the bricks would be right, but just look a bit weird.

And yes, a high quality coffee table artbook is definitely a necessity...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 15, 2016, 01:37:34 AM
Italian interview to JP : https://issuu.com/italiandreamers/docs/ytseitalia_-_intervista_petrucci_co/1

I've read a couple of pages... JP says that Gabriel is like Jesus Christ for the inhabitants of Ravenskill (a little city) and they call him "The Astonishing".. However this word is not referred only to him...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 15, 2016, 01:49:18 AM
Quote from: The Curious Orange on January 15, 2016, 01:11:00 AM
Loving the artwork.

Thinking perhaps that vault is using false perspective, that it's sloped towards you to give the impression that it's deeper than it really is - in which case the bricks would be right, but just look a bit weird.

And yes, a high quality coffee table artbook is definitely a necessity...

Seeing how the NOMACs are shown to be enormous in comparison to an average human, it could be just the trick of perspective... maybe that NOMAC is a bit further down than it appears to be.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Estiui on January 15, 2016, 02:43:58 AM
Dear noxon, it's already Friday. Can we read your review?   :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 15, 2016, 02:52:19 AM
Maybe monday.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on January 15, 2016, 03:05:09 AM
Due to the delay until March, any speculation as to what the bonus gift will be for those of us that purchased the box sets?

Some of this artwork would make really nice prints.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 15, 2016, 03:10:18 AM
Quote from: |KirK| on January 15, 2016, 01:37:34 AM
Italian interview to JP : https://issuu.com/italiandreamers/docs/ytseitalia_-_intervista_petrucci_co/1

I've read a couple of pages... JP says that Gabriel is like Jesus Christ for the inhabitants of Ravenskill (a little city) and they call him "The Astonishing".. However this word is not referred only to him...

Other things JP said in the interview:
- He started writing the story in the summer of 2013, before any music.
- He and JR started writing music in November 2014.
- They wrote the music mainly as a soundtrack to the story, but some songs can be appreciated by themselves, out of context.
- They consciously made the choice of revealing bit by bit of the album and concept and not until very late into the recording-producing phase to build up hype and keep it interesting.
- Every song talking about a character has its own kind of sound to it (character themes?).
- Live they will have some sort of scenography built by a third-party company, to accompany their performance.
- There may be a live DVD with a real choir and orchestra in the future. On this tour the choir and orchestra will only be part of the movie on the stage screens (backing tracks confirmed?).
- The interviewer asked him about doing the DVD in Italy, he said it would be a great place to do that ("The Astonishing Live in Milan" FTW!  :biggrin:).
- He loved the drum mix and sound in the last album, but he says this time around the snare is much better and whoever didn't like it in DT12 will like it this time. He thinks there can't be a better drum sound than the one in The Astonishing, since they focused much more on it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 15, 2016, 03:27:28 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 15, 2016, 02:52:19 AM
Maybe monday.

George R.R. Noxon
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 15, 2016, 03:36:50 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 15, 2016, 03:27:28 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 15, 2016, 02:52:19 AM
Maybe monday.

George R.R. Noxon
:lol

EDIT: Also worth noting the "RR" initials and their relevance to the word "Soon".


:soon:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Estiui on January 15, 2016, 03:57:27 AM
They're coming...

https://gofleye.com/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Cyclopssss on January 15, 2016, 04:00:35 AM
LOL! No(Mac) Fly zone...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: majo on January 15, 2016, 04:20:33 AM
Quote from: CoT67 on January 15, 2016, 03:10:18 AM
Quote from: |KirK| on January 15, 2016, 01:37:34 AM
Italian interview to JP : https://issuu.com/italiandreamers/docs/ytseitalia_-_intervista_petrucci_co/1 (https://issuu.com/italiandreamers/docs/ytseitalia_-_intervista_petrucci_co/1)

I've read a couple of pages... JP says that Gabriel is like Jesus Christ for the inhabitants of Ravenskill (a little city) and they call him "The Astonishing".. However this word is not referred only to him...

Other things JP said in the interview:
- He started writing the story in the summer of 2013, before any music.
- He and JR started writing music in November 2014.
- They wrote the music mainly as a soundtrack to the story, but some songs can be appreciated by themselves, out of context.
- They consciously made the choice of revealing bit by bit of the album and concept and not until very late into the recording-producing phase to build up hype and keep it interesting.
- Every song talking about a character has its own kind of sound to it (character themes?).
- Live they will have some sort of scenography built by a third-party company, to accompany their performance.
- There may be a live DVD with a real choir and orchestra in the future. On this tour the choir and orchestra will only be part of the movie on the stage screens (backing tracks confirmed?).
- The interviewer asked him about doing the DVD in Italy, he said it would be a great place to do that ("The Astonishing Live in Milan" FTW!  :biggrin: ).
- He loved the drum mix and sound in the last album, but he says this time around the snare is much better and whoever didn't like it in DT12 will like it this time. He thinks there can't be a better drum sound than the one in The Astonishing, since they focused much more on it.
well... that sounds intriguing but then i play tgom and it's just  ???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 15, 2016, 04:37:14 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 15, 2016, 03:36:50 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 15, 2016, 03:27:28 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 15, 2016, 02:52:19 AM
Maybe monday.

George R.R. Noxon
:lol

EDIT: Also worth noting the "RR" initials and their relevance to the word "Soon".


:soon:

Lol, we're so multi-layered here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 15, 2016, 04:42:33 AM
If you want to speed up the launch, write me a 4000 word biography of DT from the beginning till today, without plagiarising any other sources (quotations are fine). And a 2000 word biography of each member, current and past.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pax on January 15, 2016, 04:44:17 AM
Quote from: DreamTension on January 14, 2016, 04:31:40 PM
Quote from: Pax on January 14, 2016, 12:20:16 PM
Quote
The drums going up and down during the unison section of TGOM is amazing. MM's unique setup allows him to hit one tom at a time during a run.
There's a unison in TGOM? o.O


The unison is short, but it starts around 3:16
I didn't realize it that part has keyboards, thought it's only guitar
thanks :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: vazquez on January 15, 2016, 04:44:46 AM
There´s a short interview with JR here, in German:

https://www.metal.de/progressive-metal/interview/dream-theater/63160-interview-mit-jordan-rudess-zum-kommenden-album-the-astonishing/

Nothing new, I believe...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pax on January 15, 2016, 04:52:24 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 15, 2016, 02:06:16 AM
Tracklengths on RYM are correct...
https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dream_theater/the_astonishing/

I told you guys that I were sure in our calculations. In your face, non-believers in statistics :p
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Stray Seed on January 15, 2016, 05:02:06 AM
Quote from: majo on January 15, 2016, 04:20:33 AM
Quote from: CoT67 on January 15, 2016, 03:10:18 AM
Quote from: |KirK| on January 15, 2016, 01:37:34 AM
Italian interview to JP : https://issuu.com/italiandreamers/docs/ytseitalia_-_intervista_petrucci_co/1 (https://issuu.com/italiandreamers/docs/ytseitalia_-_intervista_petrucci_co/1)

I've read a couple of pages... JP says that Gabriel is like Jesus Christ for the inhabitants of Ravenskill (a little city) and they call him "The Astonishing".. However this word is not referred only to him...

Other things JP said in the interview:
- He started writing the story in the summer of 2013, before any music.
- He and JR started writing music in November 2014.
- They wrote the music mainly as a soundtrack to the story, but some songs can be appreciated by themselves, out of context.
- They consciously made the choice of revealing bit by bit of the album and concept and not until very late into the recording-producing phase to build up hype and keep it interesting.
- Every song talking about a character has its own kind of sound to it (character themes?).
- Live they will have some sort of scenography built by a third-party company, to accompany their performance.
- There may be a live DVD with a real choir and orchestra in the future. On this tour the choir and orchestra will only be part of the movie on the stage screens (backing tracks confirmed?).
- The interviewer asked him about doing the DVD in Italy, he said it would be a great place to do that ("The Astonishing Live in Milan" FTW!  :biggrin: ).
- He loved the drum mix and sound in the last album, but he says this time around the snare is much better and whoever didn't like it in DT12 will like it this time. He thinks there can't be a better drum sound than the one in The Astonishing, since they focused much more on it.
well... that sounds intriguing but then i play tgom and it's just  ???
It's totally fine for me. It's very dry, so it's not the snare you usually hear in a metal album, where they usually go for a fat sound. Also, Mangini's drumming is precise as hell and it might give the sensation of a less "dynamic" sound, as some have said, but I think it's just his style of playing (it was confirmed that no trigger has been used, if I remember correctly) and saying it sounds like a "drum machine" is totally out of place IMO. I think that many people are complaining not for the fact that "all they can do is complaining" as someone has said, but just because it's different from what they're used to, from what they expect. But sure it has nothing to do with the snare from DT12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erciccio on January 15, 2016, 05:04:23 AM
Track by track review...in Italian! :)
https://spaziorock.it/speciale.php?&id=dream-theater-track-by-track-the-astonishing-2016
Sound very promising!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with premier of The Gift of Music!)
Post by: The Astonished on January 15, 2016, 05:04:38 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 05, 2016, 09:02:02 AM
Quote from: -teo on January 05, 2016, 08:54:31 AM
So, i found the track lenghts here:

*snip*

Source: Rateyourmusic.

I don't know if it's official.

They're ballpark, but they're mostly wrong.

This is what happens when you rely on sneaky pie charts.

Not according to Blob...  ???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mike099 on January 15, 2016, 05:05:20 AM
Quote from: CoT67 on January 15, 2016, 03:10:18 AM
Quote from: |KirK| on January 15, 2016, 01:37:34 AM
Italian interview to JP : https://issuu.com/italiandreamers/docs/ytseitalia_-_intervista_petrucci_co/1

I've read a couple of pages... JP says that Gabriel is like Jesus Christ for the inhabitants of Ravenskill (a little city) and they call him "The Astonishing".. However this word is not referred only to him...

Other things JP said in the interview:
- He started writing the story in the summer of 2013, before any music.
- He and JR started writing music in November 2014.
- They wrote the music mainly as a soundtrack to the story, but some songs can be appreciated by themselves, out of context.
- They consciously made the choice of revealing bit by bit of the album and concept and not until very late into the recording-producing phase to build up hype and keep it interesting.
- Every song talking about a character has its own kind of sound to it (character themes?).
- Live they will have some sort of scenography built by a third-party company, to accompany their performance.
- There may be a live DVD with a real choir and orchestra in the future. On this tour the choir and orchestra will only be part of the movie on the stage screens (backing tracks confirmed?).
- The interviewer asked him about doing the DVD in Italy, he said it would be a great place to do that ("The Astonishing Live in Milan" FTW!  :biggrin:).
- He loved the drum mix and sound in the last album, but he says this time around the snare is much better and whoever didn't like it in DT12 will like it this time. He thinks there can't be a better drum sound than the one in The Astonishing, since they focused much more on it.

Thanks for the translation! Without backing tracks for the choir and orchestra the songs live may not sound as good.  This is my only concern about the live show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 15, 2016, 05:09:58 AM
Quote from: The Astonished on January 15, 2016, 05:04:38 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 05, 2016, 09:02:02 AM
Quote from: -teo on January 05, 2016, 08:54:31 AM
So, i found the track lenghts here:

*snip*

Source: Rateyourmusic.

I don't know if it's official.

They're ballpark, but they're mostly wrong.

This is what happens when you rely on sneaky pie charts.

Not according to Blob...  ???

They're all close, so the calculations were right, but unless the CD is slightly different lengths to what I've got (which is possible), some of these are 5-10 seconds off, probably due to the precision of the measurements. Maybe my copies are cut slightly differently though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 15, 2016, 05:12:16 AM
The Gift Of Music is 4:00 on the CD.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 15, 2016, 05:15:45 AM
That wasn't one of the songs I was worried about. My versions appear to be the same length or longer to various degrees, so there's probably some additional silence on mine given the different source.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Zydar on January 15, 2016, 05:16:22 AM
You have the Australian Edition, with additional kangaroo noices.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 15, 2016, 05:17:08 AM
Quote from: Zydar on January 15, 2016, 05:16:22 AM
You have the Australian Edition, with additional kangaroo noices.

What next, you'll tell me that Overture 1928 doesn't actually start with a low didgeridoo note?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 15, 2016, 05:18:22 AM
Yours is probably from the same source that originated the first promo - every track there were many seconds longer (with descent of the nomacs being a full minute longer). I believe that was sourced before the final touches were done, and before the mastering.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 15, 2016, 05:20:14 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 15, 2016, 05:18:22 AM
Yours is probably from the same source that originated the first promo - every track there were many seconds longer (with descent of the nomacs being a full minute longer). I believe that was sourced before the final touches were done, and before the mastering.

Well Descent of the Nomacs is a full minute longer for a reason, as I'm sure you're aware of.
But yeah, that sounds very likely, as these versions would have been what as available as early as possible.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 15, 2016, 05:32:12 AM
I'm actually not, but it's okay.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 15, 2016, 05:38:22 AM
Quote from: erciccio on January 15, 2016, 05:04:23 AM
Track by track review...in Italian! :)
https://spaziorock.it/speciale.php?&id=dream-theater-track-by-track-the-astonishing-2016
Sound very promising!

Absolutely it does!

Damn I am so stoked and hyped now, best album ever incoming!!!!!  :metal

I'll try to manage my expectations 'cause I have a gut feeling that this will be the best thing happened to mankind in this entire millennium!

About track lengths... am I the only one that think that this time around they don't really matter? sure, with albums made up of a collection of songs it was cool to learn which was the epic, which the most concise etc etc but this time around all songs are scenes from a musical movie, so the length serves only the story, it does not give any real indication about how the song is structured - they're all parts of a bigger scheme anyway.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 15, 2016, 05:42:46 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 15, 2016, 05:38:22 AM

I'll try to manage my expectations 'cause I have a gut feeling that this will be the best thing happened to mankind in this entire millennium!


 :rollin :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 15, 2016, 05:43:59 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 15, 2016, 05:20:14 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 15, 2016, 05:18:22 AM
Yours is probably from the same source that originated the first promo - every track there were many seconds longer (with descent of the nomacs being a full minute longer). I believe that was sourced before the final touches were done, and before the mastering.

Well Descent of the Nomacs is a full minute longer for a reason, as I'm sure you're aware of.
But yeah, that sounds very likely, as these versions would have been what as available as early as possible.

I'm intrigued now!  Was something cut?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 15, 2016, 05:45:06 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 15, 2016, 05:38:22 AM
Quote from: erciccio on January 15, 2016, 05:04:23 AM
Track by track review...in Italian! :)
https://spaziorock.it/speciale.php?&id=dream-theater-track-by-track-the-astonishing-2016
Sound very promising!

Absolutely it does!

Damn I am so stoked and hyped now, best album ever incoming!!!!!  :metal

I'll try to manage my expectations 'cause I have a gut feeling that this will be the best thing happened to mankind in this entire millennium!

About track lengths... am I the only one that think that this time around they don't really matter? sure, with albums made up of a collection of songs it was cool to learn which was the epic, which the most concise etc etc but this time around all songs are scenes from a musical movie, so the length serves only the story, it does not give any real indication about how the song is structured - they're all parts of a bigger scheme anyway.

I see your point. It sorta mattered when we had no idea, but after finding out you realize there's not that much insight to gain in this instance, beyond the initial mystery of the NOMACS tracks.

Quote from: noxon on January 15, 2016, 05:32:12 AM
I'm actually not, but it's okay.

In that case, I've said too much. :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 15, 2016, 06:00:23 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 15, 2016, 05:45:06 AM
In that case, I've said too much. :P

Yes, because that never happens.  
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 15, 2016, 06:04:13 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 15, 2016, 05:43:59 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 15, 2016, 05:20:14 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 15, 2016, 05:18:22 AM
Yours is probably from the same source that originated the first promo - every track there were many seconds longer (with descent of the nomacs being a full minute longer). I believe that was sourced before the final touches were done, and before the mastering.

Well Descent of the Nomacs is a full minute longer for a reason, as I'm sure you're aware of.
But yeah, that sounds very likely, as these versions would have been what as available as early as possible.

I'm intrigued now!  Was something cut?

No, the difference is (at least on the promo i had) a longer fade in at the beginning, and a few more klaxons/bllaaarts at the end... Not anything important.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 15, 2016, 06:14:13 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 15, 2016, 05:20:14 AM
Well Descent of the Nomacs is a full minute longer for a reason, as I'm sure you're aware of.
EXPLAIN
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 15, 2016, 06:25:04 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 15, 2016, 06:04:13 AM
Quote from: Thematt202 on January 15, 2016, 05:43:59 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 15, 2016, 05:20:14 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 15, 2016, 05:18:22 AM
Yours is probably from the same source that originated the first promo - every track there were many seconds longer (with descent of the nomacs being a full minute longer). I believe that was sourced before the final touches were done, and before the mastering.

Well Descent of the Nomacs is a full minute longer for a reason, as I'm sure you're aware of.
But yeah, that sounds very likely, as these versions would have been what as available as early as possible.

I'm intrigued now!  Was something cut?

No, the difference is (at least on the promo i had) a longer fade in at the beginning, and a few more klaxons/bllaaarts at the end... Not anything important.

Ah, cool.  Thanks for the clarification!  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 15, 2016, 07:08:45 AM
Quote from: erciccio on January 15, 2016, 05:04:23 AM
Track by track review...in Italian! :)
https://spaziorock.it/speciale.php?&id=dream-theater-track-by-track-the-astonishing-2016
Sound very promising!

Jesus, things are getting more exiting by the minute here! (If someone is interested in a good translation just say the word.)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 15, 2016, 07:09:50 AM
Whahibrido?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chwik on January 15, 2016, 07:13:11 AM
Quote from: mikemangioy on January 15, 2016, 07:08:45 AM

Quote from: erciccio on January 15, 2016, 05:04:23 AM
Track by track review...in Italian! :)
https://spaziorock.it/speciale.php?&id=dream-theater-track-by-track-the-astonishing-2016
Sound very promising!


Jesus, things are getting more exiting by the minute here! (If someone is interested to a good translation just say the word.)

word
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 15, 2016, 07:16:36 AM
:soon:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 15, 2016, 07:18:18 AM
I put that Italian review through Translate. I'm really excited now! 2 weeks to go!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 15, 2016, 07:42:54 AM
I'm italian and I read carefully that review. Sounds promising, of course there's a lot of ballads but it's inevitable, we're talking about 34 tracks. I like the idea of a musical, I do love the circus-oriented themes, I love JL playing different characters... don't know if I will love that Disney stuff..... Didn't quite catch what the reviewer means.....

So the "all metal" thing is related to one or a couple of tracks (no big issue, in my opinion). Most of tracks seems to have an epic a/o symphonic sound and that IS DEFINITELY good.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 15, 2016, 08:04:55 AM
I'm pretty pumped after that (google translated) Italian review. It is caressed by the first solo of Petrucci, indeed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on January 15, 2016, 08:16:20 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 14, 2016, 07:58:18 PM
Quote from: phospheneSOI on January 14, 2016, 06:33:20 PM
I know this could go around and around in endless circles, but what James' voice does in that small moment ("time") is not easy to duplicate. No way in hell. If it is - somebody please upload a youtube video of them doing it cos I can't believe that until I see it.

Sorry, but that's just a ridiculous claim.

If it is - then I'm sure someone on the internet will prove me wrong. I'll ask some of the professional singers I know to give it a go, actually I'm seeing a guy tonight who's about to London to star in a West End show. If he says it's possible then I'll apologise in full.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erciccio on January 15, 2016, 08:18:38 AM
Actually the second Italian review (metallitalia) is not that good, but is clearly written by a guy that loves TRUE METAL "Manowar-style".. :metal
:metal and loves SFAM

He liked the second part much more than the first, because in the first parts there are too many ballads and no True Metal
And he complains that some songs are not as good as finally free or the spiriti carries on...

But even in this generally negative attitude, there are many positive things that come out anyway..:)

 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 15, 2016, 08:41:07 AM
Actually it doesn't seen unnatural to me even the note sequence....two close instances I found are

Wait for sleep - Palm of her hand to my head

Metropolis - The city's cold blood teaches us to survive

maybe not the same notes but the same kind of drop.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 15, 2016, 08:46:34 AM
Man, I love latin languages. My native portuguese was enough to unerstand most of that review :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Tumdace on January 15, 2016, 08:56:33 AM
Everyone's a sound engineer in this thread...

That section everyone is going nuts over sounds unaltered to me... sounds just like his voice dropping down a tone (is that the right terminology?). Doesn't sound altered at all to me.

Plus what reason would they have to lie?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 15, 2016, 09:04:28 AM
Quote from: Tumdace on January 15, 2016, 08:56:33 AM
Everyone's a sound engineer in this thread...

That section everyone is going nuts over sounds unaltered to me... sounds just like his voice dropping down a tone (is that the right terminology?). Doesn't sound altered at all to me.

Plus what reason would they have to lie?

Yea and why would JLB (who averaged 6 takes per line on SC!) let this go and be altered when he can easily change the melody a bit and sing it to perfection?

(https://imgflip.com/i/xes3a)

EDIT : Dunno if suggested earlier......He could have used the UAGM 'Time'! ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 15, 2016, 09:09:47 AM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 15, 2016, 09:04:28 AM
Quote from: Tumdace on January 15, 2016, 08:56:33 AM
Everyone's a sound engineer in this thread...

That section everyone is going nuts over sounds unaltered to me... sounds just like his voice dropping down a tone (is that the right terminology?). Doesn't sound altered at all to me.

Plus what reason would they have to lie?

Yea and why would JLB (who averaged 6 takes per line on SC!) let this go and be altered when he can easily change the melody a bit and sing it to perfection?

(https://imgflip.com/i/xes3a)

EDIT : Dunno if suggested earlier......He could have used the UAGM 'Time'! ;)

The argument isn't about how JLB delivered the line. He would have liked the take. The argument is that someone in post messed up what was probably supposed to be a minor correction. People have been mentioning Melodyne, but I just had a thought - what if it was meant to be a comp of takes, and for some reason they comped two different takes of the word time? Just a thought...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 15, 2016, 09:29:25 AM
Does anyone already posted this track by track?! This site is always negative when it has to review a DT album...
BIG SPOILER INSIDE!!!
https://metalitalia.com/articolo/dream-theater-the-astonishing-traccia-per-traccia/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 15, 2016, 09:34:02 AM
Please discuss it in the other Listening Party thread.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 15, 2016, 10:15:12 AM
If it is a review that is not from the listening party, then it belongs in this thread.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 15, 2016, 10:22:12 AM
These next two weeks are going to feel really long for me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 15, 2016, 10:37:22 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 15, 2016, 10:15:12 AM
If it is a review that is not from the listening party, then it belongs in this thread.
Yes, it's a review from an Italian website/magazine, I think it's the right thread.. The listening party in Italy is gonna take place on Tuesday...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 15, 2016, 10:40:15 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 15, 2016, 10:15:12 AM
If it is a review that is not from the listening party, then it belongs in this thread.

Sorry, You're right. The only way to avoid any spoilers mild or otherwise is to not read any media at all and that's not possible for me! So bring it on.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 15, 2016, 11:10:16 AM
Quote from: |KirK| on January 15, 2016, 09:29:25 AM
Does anyone already posted this track by track?! This site is always negative when it has to review a DT album...
BIG SPOILER INSIDE!!!
https://metalitalia.com/articolo/dream-theater-the-astonishing-traccia-per-traccia/
I like how they have each track broken down.  Another review referred to each song but just in the context of the paragraph.

WOW!  Trying to read through how they describe each track, the transitions, references to previous DT songs etc. is really hard to take in.  And I've only gotten through Act 1.  I've only got 3 months to get through this before the concert.  I might not be ready :)

I am really, really excited!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 15, 2016, 11:11:36 AM
New audio interview. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/phil-simon/dream-theaters-john-petru_b_8990916.html
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Gappie on January 15, 2016, 11:27:06 AM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 15, 2016, 11:10:16 AM
Quote from: |KirK| on January 15, 2016, 09:29:25 AM
Does anyone already posted this track by track?! This site is always negative when it has to review a DT album...
BIG SPOILER INSIDE!!!
https://metalitalia.com/articolo/dream-theater-the-astonishing-traccia-per-traccia/
I like how they have each track broken down.  Another review referred to each song but just in the context of the paragraph.

WOW!  Trying to read through how they describe each track, the transitions, references to previous DT songs etc. is really hard to take in.  And I've only gotten through Act 1.  I've only got 3 months to get through this before the concert.  I might not be ready :)

I am really, really excited!
Yes it was a very interesting read!  going to see them within a month in Amsterdam. Cant wait!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 15, 2016, 11:29:50 AM
don't know that guy from Metalitalia but his review expresses all the limits of die-hard DT fans: the fear of changing.
In my opinion, after all these years (and after 2-3 bad albums) it's time for a change, it's time to listen to something fresh and new. I've really had enough of all those angry guitar riffs.

I'm much more optimistic now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 15, 2016, 11:33:57 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 15, 2016, 11:11:36 AM
New audio interview. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/phil-simon/dream-theaters-john-petru_b_8990916.html

Cool JP interview! Thanks for posting!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 15, 2016, 11:35:35 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 15, 2016, 11:29:50 AM
don't know that guy from Metalitalia but his review expresses all the limits of die-hard DT fans: the fear of changing.
In my opinion, after all these years (and after 2-3 bad albums) it's time for a change, it's time to listen to something fresh and new. I've really had enough of all those angry guitar riffs.

I'm much more optimistic now.

While I'm always up for them trying something new, I definitely wouldn't call the last two albums bad. They may not have been to your liking, but a lot of people, myself included, thought ADTOE and DT were pretty good.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 15, 2016, 11:40:22 AM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 15, 2016, 10:40:15 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 15, 2016, 10:15:12 AM
If it is a review that is not from the listening party, then it belongs in this thread.

Sorry, You're right. The only way to avoid any spoilers mild or otherwise is to not read any media at all and that's not possible for me! So bring it on.
If I could go back I would not read this track by track. There's a big spoiler about the plot. I think it's wrong when you're writing reviews of albums like this to anticipate important events of the story!! :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 15, 2016, 11:41:04 AM
The 85 in 2285 is because the band was formed in 1985. JP actually said the word 'nugget'.

8/5. 5/8. Octavarium Part II confirmed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 15, 2016, 11:42:51 AM
Quote from: TL on January 15, 2016, 11:35:35 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 15, 2016, 11:29:50 AM
don't know that guy from Metalitalia but his review expresses all the limits of die-hard DT fans: the fear of changing.
In my opinion, after all these years (and after 2-3 bad albums) it's time for a change, it's time to listen to something fresh and new. I've really had enough of all those angry guitar riffs.

I'm much more optimistic now.

While I'm always up for them trying something new, I definitely wouldn't call the last two albums bad. They may not have been to your liking, but a lot of people, myself included, thought ADTOE and DT were pretty good.

I was a little concise before, I did refer to Systematic Chaos and BC&SL (and a little bit to TOT). Last two very records are good indeed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 15, 2016, 12:13:55 PM
Nice interview with JP there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Presence of Frenemies on January 15, 2016, 01:04:32 PM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 15, 2016, 08:41:07 AM
Actually it doesn't seen unnatural to me even the note sequence....two close instances I found are

Wait for sleep - Palm of her hand to my head

Metropolis - The city's cold blood teaches us to survive

maybe not the same notes but the same kind of drop.

I was watching the trailer again yesterday, and when the narrator says "But now..." around 0:32, it's the same thing there as well. Again, it's just a bit of vocal fry entering on a slide down.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 15, 2016, 01:05:06 PM
I was ninja'd on reddit, someone translated it before I completed mine, so what the thell https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/412xu1/spoiler_trackbytrack_review_in_italian/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/412xu1/spoiler_trackbytrack_review_in_italian/)

EDIT: this is actually the translation of the BAD review. I'll do the good one ,then  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 15, 2016, 01:13:24 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on January 15, 2016, 01:05:06 PM
I was ninja'd on reddit, someone translated it before I completed mine, so what the thell https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/412xu1/spoiler_trackbytrack_review_in_italian/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/412xu1/spoiler_trackbytrack_review_in_italian/)

EDIT: this is actually the translation of the BAD review. I'll do the good one ,then  :metal

I thought so. It looked nothing like the google translated one that I read. Thankfully, he didn't include the spoiler that people keep mentioning
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 15, 2016, 01:27:56 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on January 15, 2016, 01:05:06 PM
I was ninja'd on reddit, someone translated it before I completed mine, so what the thell https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/412xu1/spoiler_trackbytrack_review_in_italian/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/412xu1/spoiler_trackbytrack_review_in_italian/)

EDIT: this is actually the translation of the BAD review. I'll do the good one ,then  :metal

Honestly, I didn't feel this review as bad. Just not as excited as the other ones. I get that he prefers the heavier parts, but he did give praise to James on the quiet parts. Didn't really sound negative to me as some people are implying.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chwik on January 15, 2016, 01:39:13 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 15, 2016, 01:27:56 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on January 15, 2016, 01:05:06 PM
I was ninja'd on reddit, someone translated it before I completed mine, so what the thell https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/412xu1/spoiler_trackbytrack_review_in_italian/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/Dreamtheater/comments/412xu1/spoiler_trackbytrack_review_in_italian/)

EDIT: this is actually the translation of the BAD review. I'll do the good one ,then  :metal

Honestly, I didn't feel this review as bad. Just not as excited as the other ones. I get that he prefers the heavier parts, but he did give praise to James on the quiet parts. Didn't really sound negative to me as some people are implying.

Maybe even the negative ones will in some ways be "positive". There is no denying the impressive effort and energy channeled into creating this (IMO potential masterpice) of an album. Thus acknowledgement might be given even when the music is not at the personal level of preference.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: me7 on January 15, 2016, 02:05:03 PM
If I understood this right, the review mainly complains about a lack of songs in the vein of verse-chorus-verse-chorus-solo-chorus.
For me, this is actually a positive surprise. I expected the opposite based on the track lengths, I expected a lot of songs like Wither, Forsaken and I walk beside you.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chwik on January 15, 2016, 02:07:46 PM
Quote from: me7 on January 15, 2016, 02:05:03 PM
If I understood this right, the review mainly complains about a lack of songs in the vein of verse-chorus-verse-chorus-solo-chorus.
For me, this is actually a positive surprise. I expected the opposite based on the track lengths, I expected a lot of songs like Wither, Forsaken and I walk beside you.
Let me just say that TA is nothing like those songs you mentioned.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 15, 2016, 02:09:55 PM
I wouldn't call that review negative, just not as excited by it as everyone else seems to be...and it seems like he was pretty confused by a lot of sections too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 15, 2016, 02:56:57 PM
People keep mentioning a spoiler.

If there is one, DON'T MENTION IT IN THIS THREAD.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 15, 2016, 02:57:15 PM
I'd say that it's poorly written, it just talks about the structure without giving away the actual vibe of the song.

here's the first part of the translation (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rSBA1YAai23STnN3agBdveZHe9eiMtlKVSKQ64_WBlo/edit?usp=sharing/edit), it's not that perfect, but it's kinda late.

edit: ninja'd again. (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WK1J0Z-HZ6dawZ3DaKMkIEq4A-PIs6Bm879b2aMxis4/edit?usp=sharing) I must be slow or something.

edit part 2: now the link should work.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: hadi-persian on January 15, 2016, 04:42:47 PM
ok. u r very graet DTF. the fans around the world needs ur idea aboaut DT arcives
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 15, 2016, 04:43:25 PM
Please do not do that again.  The thread is already long enough as it is.  The nonsense posts have been deleted.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 15, 2016, 04:45:57 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 15, 2016, 04:43:25 PM
Please do not do that again.  The thread is already long enough as it is.  The nonsense posts have been deleted.

Thanks. I apologize for taking the bait. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Paintbox on January 15, 2016, 05:08:26 PM
Actually there's not even need to write and post translations, english-italian and italian-english google translations are very reliable.
Anyway, reading the comments on Metalitalia I don't understand why DT had to add two dates in Milan, they all seem to hate them, those who follow DT apparently don't comment.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on January 15, 2016, 06:07:23 PM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 15, 2016, 08:41:07 AM
Actually it doesn't seen unnatural to me even the note sequence....two close instances I found are

Wait for sleep - Palm of her hand to my head

Metropolis - The city's cold blood teaches us to survive

maybe not the same notes but the same kind of drop.

I listened to both of you suggestions. I cannot stress enough how much I don't care if Dream Theater used manipulation or not, all I'm saying is that the way he sings "time" sounds absolutely mental and unnatural to my ears. Maybe it is real, but it's still weird. The examples you gave sound nowhere near as extreme as the "time" in question.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 15, 2016, 06:15:17 PM
This has probably been thought of before, but the band only said no vocal effects were used. So, this doesn't exclude the possibility that there were 2 recordings that were spliced together in the middle of a word, right?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 15, 2016, 06:36:11 PM
Quote from: pcs90 on January 15, 2016, 06:15:17 PM
This has probably been thought of before, but the band only said no vocal effects were used. So, this doesn't exclude the possibility that there were 2 recordings that were spliced together in the middle of a word, right?
Possible, but the way it was explained to me is that it is exactly how James sang it, which implies that what we are hearing on that part is a single take that James did naturally (which is what I hear).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 15, 2016, 06:58:09 PM
Quote from: phospheneSOI on January 15, 2016, 06:07:23 PM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 15, 2016, 08:41:07 AM
Actually it doesn't seen unnatural to me even the note sequence....two close instances I found are

Wait for sleep - Palm of her hand to my head

Metropolis - The city's cold blood teaches us to survive

maybe not the same notes but the same kind of drop.

I listened to both of you suggestions. I cannot stress enough how much I don't care if Dream Theater used manipulation or not, all I'm saying is that the way he sings "time" sounds absolutely mental and unnatural to my ears. Maybe it is real, but it's still weird. The examples you gave sound nowhere near as extreme as the "time" in question.


Come on DTF, you're STILL arguing over this??
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 15, 2016, 07:45:13 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 15, 2016, 06:58:09 PM
Quote from: phospheneSOI on January 15, 2016, 06:07:23 PM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 15, 2016, 08:41:07 AM
Actually it doesn't seen unnatural to me even the note sequence....two close instances I found are

Wait for sleep - Palm of her hand to my head

Metropolis - The city's cold blood teaches us to survive

maybe not the same notes but the same kind of drop.

I listened to both of you suggestions. I cannot stress enough how much I don't care if Dream Theater used manipulation or not, all I'm saying is that the way he sings "time" sounds absolutely mental and unnatural to my ears. Maybe it is real, but it's still weird. The examples you gave sound nowhere near as extreme as the "time" in question.


Come on DTF, you're STILL arguing over this??

You seem surprised.  :\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 15, 2016, 08:30:47 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on January 15, 2016, 07:45:13 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 15, 2016, 06:58:09 PM
Quote from: phospheneSOI on January 15, 2016, 06:07:23 PM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 15, 2016, 08:41:07 AM
Actually it doesn't seen unnatural to me even the note sequence....two close instances I found are

Wait for sleep - Palm of her hand to my head

Metropolis - The city's cold blood teaches us to survive

maybe not the same notes but the same kind of drop.

I listened to both of you suggestions. I cannot stress enough how much I don't care if Dream Theater used manipulation or not, all I'm saying is that the way he sings "time" sounds absolutely mental and unnatural to my ears. Maybe it is real, but it's still weird. The examples you gave sound nowhere near as extreme as the "time" in question.


Come on DTF, you're STILL arguing over this??

You seem surprised.  :\

Oh Natalie  ;)  :heart It shouldn't be, but after trailer I would expect these hippies' attention to be on that but it's DTF....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Slipknot on January 15, 2016, 08:32:56 PM
Our next album will be twice as big as The Astonishing and we'll make a movie with it too!
Now JUMP DA FUCK UP MOTHERFUCKER!!!!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 15, 2016, 09:29:20 PM
No more gift of music voice processing Nazi's   :censored
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 15, 2016, 10:27:52 PM
I bet 5 years from now people will  still be discussing "tiiiime".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rumborak on January 15, 2016, 10:45:33 PM
I find reading this subforum somewhat bewildering. People talk about the greatness of the people before having heard it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 15, 2016, 10:53:42 PM
Here it comes.   "those two notes in the apreggio JP played were on millionth of a hertz out of tune"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 15, 2016, 11:10:17 PM
If there's one thing
You remember
Remember, I tried.

JLB Rules!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on January 16, 2016, 09:15:15 AM
Quote from: pcs90 on January 15, 2016, 10:27:52 PM
I bet 5 years from now people will  still be discussing "tiiiime".

What I find weird is since I've pitched in, I've stated several times that I have no agenda. I just want to know how it sounds like it does and nobody has given me a real answer. I'm not accusing the  band or being liars, and even if some effects were used I wouldn't care because I'm not snobby about that.

What I do find bewildering is that some people in this forum seem to be in complete denial that it sounds and weird and unnatural as it clearly does to many other people, and as soon as it's brought up they're shot down in flames because some of you have decided the conversation is over.

However, why does it have to be over? It still sounds crazy so I happen to be super curious about it, even more so if it is natural and we have good reason to believe.

I saw my West End friend last night but we were having too much of a good time for me to ask him about. I will follow this up though, so if it's annoying to any of you the best thing that you can do is ignore the conversation and let those of us who want to discuss it get on with it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 16, 2016, 09:22:28 AM
I never heard anything wrong with time. And it doesn't bother me at all.

Although , my friend said he heard some pitch correction in The Shattered Fortress "I am ready, HELP me be" I was like really couldn't notice until live.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jonny108 on January 16, 2016, 09:39:33 AM
https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search (https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search)

Another track-by-track from Metal Hammer Italy.  This a live review so he's only heard it once. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erciccio on January 16, 2016, 09:48:59 AM
Quote from: jonny108 on January 16, 2016, 09:39:33 AM
https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search (https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search)

Another track-by-track from Metal Hammer Italy.  This a live review so he's only heard it once.

This is the most negative so far.
Very similiar to the metalitalia one...
The guy was hoping for more traditional DT (!!) and for more metal, and complains for the too many ballads.

He appreciates the second disc more than the first, very good work by James and 6-7 great song, but overall negative vibe.

But reading the comments from some of his friends/ collegues, looks like they were expecting him to write something like this...

Sounds full of the traditional "let's bash DT" prejudices..

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 16, 2016, 09:53:42 AM
Quote from: erciccio on January 16, 2016, 09:48:59 AM
Sounds full of the traditional "let's bash DT" prejudices..

On the Spazio Rock review one of the comments said that it would have been astonishingly boring and that he thought that DT ran out of creativity after SFAM, he was basically horrified at the idea of sitting through 34 songs... I mean... why even bothering with listening to DT anymore if it's 15 years that they let you down?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Evermind on January 16, 2016, 09:57:02 AM
Too many ballads is never a bad thing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 16, 2016, 09:59:14 AM
Quote from: jonny108 on January 16, 2016, 09:39:33 AM
https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search (https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search)

Another track-by-track from Metal Hammer Italy.  This a live review so he's only heard it once.

I've known Pippo for a long time. He used to be quite reliable but in the last couple of years he changed a lot his musical tastes, I don't trust him anymore :D
He also disapproved Kamelot's last album which was very good indeed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Evermind on January 16, 2016, 10:02:18 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 16, 2016, 09:59:14 AM
Quote from: jonny108 on January 16, 2016, 09:39:33 AM
https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search (https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search)

Another track-by-track from Metal Hammer Italy.  This a live review so he's only heard it once.

I've known Pippo for a long time. He used to be quite reliable but in the last couple of years he changed a lot his musical tastes, I don't trust him anymore :D
He also disapproved Kamelot's last album which was very good indeed.

I guess it comes down to tastes again, but I really don't think Haven was very good, more like ranging from great (Fallen Star, Citizen Zero) to good (Insomnia, Veil of Elysium) to painfully mediocre (Revolution, Under Grey Skies, End of Innocence), and there also was Beautiful Apocalypse that I skip every time I spin the album now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 16, 2016, 10:04:30 AM
I think Haven is the best one since Epica actually... about the review, being italian I read it, it's clear that the reviewer was expecting something else, not so many soft moments and so little "prog metal". I think having too many expectations on a certain direction can hinder your enjoyment of something, at least from these review I know the first act is kinda slow so I won't be annoyed or preoccupied by the lack of heavy stuff!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 16, 2016, 10:09:24 AM
And here you see directly why I have said the things I've said. Why I've been so adamant about stating that people should not expect a metal album.

I think this will be the reaction many have when they first hear the album - especially the people who prefer later DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Evermind on January 16, 2016, 10:11:25 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 16, 2016, 10:04:30 AM
I think Haven is the best one since Epica actually... about the review, being italian I read it, it's clear that the reviewer was expecting something else, not so many soft moments and so little "prog metal". I think having too many expectations on a certain direction can hinder your enjoyment of something, at least from these review I know the first act is kinda slow so I won't be annoyed or preoccupied by the lack of heavy stuff!

The Black Halo was the best since Epica.

Carry on.

Edit: oh, also, come to Polls / Survivors sub-forum if you want to and join the upcoming Kamelot survivor. The link to the thread is in my signature.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 16, 2016, 10:12:05 AM
Unless you have some instant revulsion at the mere thought of a ballad, it's not a bad thing at all.
There's variety within the ballads, with heavier sections, guitar leads/solos, orchestral stuff, and there are sections with just piano/acoustic/vocals. It's not corny/cheesy straight up radio type stuff, just beautiful softer stuff. They're like short epic ballads, I guess?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 16, 2016, 10:13:06 AM
I like soft Opeth and I like heavy Opeth. I like soft DT and I like heavy DT.

It looks like I'm im for a treat!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Evermind on January 16, 2016, 10:13:44 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 16, 2016, 10:12:05 AM
Unless you have some instant revulsion at the mere thought of a ballad, it's not a bad thing at all.
There's variety within the ballads, with heavier sections, guitar leads/solos, orchestral stuff, and there are sections with just piano/acoustic/vocals. It's not corny/cheesy straight up radio type stuff, just beautiful softer stuff. They're like short epic ballads, I guess?

I totally love ballads and posts like these are increasing my faith in this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 16, 2016, 10:14:20 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 16, 2016, 10:12:05 AM
It's not corny/cheesy straight up radio type stuff, just beautiful softer stuff. They're like short epic ballads, I guess?

In the vein of Meat Loaf maybe? would love that! piano was all over Meat Loaf's songs but it doesn't mean they were all sappy ballads.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 16, 2016, 10:17:03 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 16, 2016, 10:14:20 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 16, 2016, 10:12:05 AM
It's not corny/cheesy straight up radio type stuff, just beautiful softer stuff. They're like short epic ballads, I guess?

In the vein of Meat Loaf maybe? would love that! piano was all over Meat Loaf's songs but it doesn't mean they were all sappy ballads.

I'm not familiar with Meat Loaf to compare them. I'm reminded more of stuff like Medicate (Octavarium) or The Bigger Picture than say AFTR. It's not predictable cliche pop ballads, it's softer arrangements.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 16, 2016, 10:18:27 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 16, 2016, 10:17:03 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 16, 2016, 10:14:20 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 16, 2016, 10:12:05 AM
It's not corny/cheesy straight up radio type stuff, just beautiful softer stuff. They're like short epic ballads, I guess?

In the vein of Meat Loaf maybe? would love that! piano was all over Meat Loaf's songs but it doesn't mean they were all sappy ballads.



I'm not familiar with Meat Loaf to compare them. I'm reminded more of stuff like Medicate (Octavarium) or The Bigger Picture than say AFTR. It's not predictable cliche pop ballads, it's softer arrangements.

Medicate is one of my top favorite softer stuff DT has ever done, so this is great.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: serrano on January 16, 2016, 10:36:09 AM
Agreed, medicate is just great. Good news, that's just the kind of soft DT parts I really like. The Bigger Picture was the highlight for me in DT12. Love that vibe.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 16, 2016, 10:41:33 AM
Quote from: Evermind on January 16, 2016, 10:02:18 AM

I guess it comes down to tastes again, but I really don't think Haven was very good, more like ranging from great (Fallen Star, Citizen Zero) to good (Insomnia, Veil of Elysium) to painfully mediocre (Revolution, Under Grey Skies, End of Innocence), and there also was Beautiful Apocalypse that I skip every time I spin the album now.

Couldn't disagree more, especially for Beautiful Apocalypse.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 16, 2016, 11:00:59 AM
Quote from: phospheneSOI on January 16, 2016, 09:15:15 AM
However, why does it have to be over? It still sounds crazy so I happen to be super curious about it, even more so if it is natural and we have good reason to believe.
Exactly. For me, I don't care if they used effects or not; it doesn't lower my opinion of the song, album, or James at all. I'm just really curious how, if it was natural, that sound was created because I have never heard any human sound like that without any effects.
At this point I've gotten so used to it that I just treat it as part of the song, but it still interests me regardless.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: obelix5150 on January 16, 2016, 11:07:24 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 16, 2016, 10:41:33 AM
Quote from: Evermind on January 16, 2016, 10:02:18 AM

I guess it comes down to tastes again, but I really don't think Haven was very good, more like ranging from great (Fallen Star, Citizen Zero) to good (Insomnia, Veil of Elysium) to painfully mediocre (Revolution, Under Grey Skies, End of Innocence), and there also was Beautiful Apocalypse that I skip every time I spin the album now.

Couldn't disagree more, especially for Beautiful Apocalypse.

Me too. Under Grey Skies is actually one of my favorite ballads of 2015 believe it or not.. absolute magic hearing Charlotte and Tommy duke it out with each other during that last chorus. Total Broadway material and I love it haha.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Evermind on January 16, 2016, 11:15:17 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 16, 2016, 10:41:33 AM
Quote from: Evermind on January 16, 2016, 10:02:18 AM

I guess it comes down to tastes again, but I really don't think Haven was very good, more like ranging from great (Fallen Star, Citizen Zero) to good (Insomnia, Veil of Elysium) to painfully mediocre (Revolution, Under Grey Skies, End of Innocence), and there also was Beautiful Apocalypse that I skip every time I spin the album now.

Couldn't disagree more, especially for Beautiful Apocalypse.

Quote from: obelix5150 on January 16, 2016, 11:07:24 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 16, 2016, 10:41:33 AM
Quote from: Evermind on January 16, 2016, 10:02:18 AM

I guess it comes down to tastes again, but I really don't think Haven was very good, more like ranging from great (Fallen Star, Citizen Zero) to good (Insomnia, Veil of Elysium) to painfully mediocre (Revolution, Under Grey Skies, End of Innocence), and there also was Beautiful Apocalypse that I skip every time I spin the album now.

Couldn't disagree more, especially for Beautiful Apocalypse.

Me too. Under Grey Skies is actually one of my favorite ballads of 2015 believe it or not.. absolute magic hearing Charlotte and Tommy duke it out with each other during that last chorus. Total Broadway material and I love it haha.

Well, to each their own. Under Grey Skies is absolutely bland compared to the great ballads Kamelot released earlier, like Sailorman's Hymn, Abandoned, So Long and from the recent ones Song of Jolee and Falling like the Fahrenheit; and Beautiful Apocalypse, well, I get the "apocalypse" part but I can't see how it's beautiful at all. One of my least favourite songs from Kamelot overall.

Anyway, don't let me to sway the thread away from DT discussion.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 16, 2016, 11:23:45 AM
Less than 2 more weeks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on January 16, 2016, 01:44:42 PM
Quote from: pcs90 on January 16, 2016, 11:00:59 AM
Quote from: phospheneSOI on January 16, 2016, 09:15:15 AM
However, why does it have to be over? It still sounds crazy so I happen to be super curious about it, even more so if it is natural and we have good reason to believe.
Exactly. For me, I don't care if they used effects or not; it doesn't lower my opinion of the song, album, or James at all. I'm just really curious how, if it was natural, that sound was created because I have never heard any human sound like that without any effects.
At this point I've gotten so used to it that I just treat it as part of the song, but it still interests me regardless.

Thank God I'm not alone, thought maybe I was the one who was crazy  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 16, 2016, 01:48:48 PM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 16, 2016, 11:10:02 AM
That Metal Hammer review is hilarious on Google Translate. (https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search)

"Rudess, you will pay dearly..." 

EDIT: sorry for the double post, can't find the delete button..

This review seems written by some angry metal fanboy. Jesus.

Seriously, for some reason, people like to hate on DT in my country especially. Even with metalheads there is always something to complain. I don't get it...
The Metalitalia and Metal Hammer review come across as  pretty close-minded and that's quite embarassing. It gets childish at some point.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 16, 2016, 02:01:08 PM
Same here man. It seems in fashion. I guess their awesomeness makes these ppl feel bad about themselves and their favourite band!  :xbones
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 16, 2016, 02:02:03 PM
The term "ballad" is misused a lot now anyway, as some will call any DT song that doesn't rock or prog out a ballad.   For example, Along for the Ride is a song that is more mellow than not, but I wouldn't call it a ballad.  Ballad usually are supposed to refer to slower love songs, not just any slower song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Lowdz on January 16, 2016, 02:14:01 PM
Best quote?

"and the voice of James trying to make the woman,"  :biggrin:

I like the sound of this album, even though the guy was bashing it. Lots of melody? Piano? Violin? Count me in. I don't need wall to wall metal and this sounds like a nice departure. I'm not overwhelmed by the setting and the pics and maps and shit, even though I like all that in my fiction, but yeah, I'm thinking this is going to be great.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 16, 2016, 02:16:27 PM
Quote from: mikemangioy on January 16, 2016, 01:48:48 PM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 16, 2016, 11:10:02 AM
That Metal Hammer review is hilarious on Google Translate. (https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search)

"Rudess, you will pay dearly..." 

EDIT: sorry for the double post, can't find the delete button..

This review seems written by some angry metal fanboy. Jesus.

Seriously, for some reason, people like to hate on DT in my country especially. Even with metalheads there is always something to complain. I don't get it...
The Metalitalia and Metal Hammer review come across as  pretty close-minded and that's quite embarassing. It gets childish at some point.

As a fellow italian, I think the main reason they hate current DT is simply that they're not old DT or Portnoy DT... they just don't expect them to change like every progressive band ever... living in the past as usual.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 16, 2016, 02:18:55 PM
Quote from: CoT67 on January 16, 2016, 02:16:27 PM
As a fellow italian, I think the main reason they hate current DT is simply that they're not old DT or Portnoy DT... they just don't expect them to change like every progressive band ever. Living in the past as usual.

100% this.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 16, 2016, 02:25:28 PM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on January 16, 2016, 11:23:45 AM
Less than 2 more weeks.

 :metal

I'm also looking forward to the new Megadeth album which is less than a week now (and wanting to listen to the new Rhapsody of Fire, which came out yesterday). 3 awesome weeks in a row.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 16, 2016, 02:28:29 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on January 16, 2016, 02:02:03 PM
The term "ballad" is misused a lot now anyway, as some will call any DT song that doesn't rock or prog out a ballad.   For example, Along for the Ride is a song that is more mellow than not, but I wouldn't call it a ballad.  Ballad usually are supposed to refer to slower love songs, not just any slower song.

Agreed, AFTR to me is more of an anthem.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wolven74 on January 16, 2016, 02:55:37 PM
So having read the track-by-track, I'm super hyped. Not sure if the review is bad per se, but it's clear that the reviewer wanted more metal. I'm calling this Octovarium pt 2. Seems like it's gonna be softer generally than anything they've done with MM, but that's ok. From the trailer there seems to be some fairly heavy stuff. I'm glad the reviews are calling it different than anything they've done in a while. Change is good. Less :bnb: and more :zydar:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 16, 2016, 03:07:41 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on January 16, 2016, 02:02:03 PM
The term "ballad" is misused a lot now anyway, as some will call any DT song that doesn't rock or prog out a ballad.   For example, Along for the Ride is a song that is more mellow than not, but I wouldn't call it a ballad.  Ballad usually are supposed to refer to slower love songs, not just any slower song.

I disagree with that. Nowadays it is associated with slow love song by many due to pop music, but the term ballad actually stems from a form of poetry with a sentimental/melancholic narrative (see definition). And that form of poetry set to music is also referred to as a ballad. I am no expert on this subject or anything, nor would I know what to call a ballad or not exactly. But as far as I am concerned, most slower love songs are ballads, but not all ballads are slower love songs.

But, as with all genre/classification discussions, a lot of it is highly subjective. And cultural, offcourse (especially since many languages have the word in some form, but possibly with slightly different meanings). And I maybe think the word is used in different ways (one way refers to the lyrical content, the other to the music itself?).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 16, 2016, 03:46:22 PM
Quote from: KevShmev on January 16, 2016, 02:02:03 PM
Ballad usually are supposed to refer to slower love songs, not just any slower song.

Endless Sacrifice is therefore Dream Theater best ballad :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 16, 2016, 03:50:07 PM
It does seem that those two negative reviews are pretty hung up on the fact there's not as much metal to this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 16, 2016, 03:53:55 PM
And we'll see a lot more of those.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 16, 2016, 04:00:46 PM
Absolutely. You've been the messenger of that particular piece of info for weeks now.

Based on the comparisons, I'm thinking my favorite album being SDOIT should make me like this new one immediately.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: palmeiras on January 16, 2016, 06:25:36 PM
How many ballads, how many heavy and how many heavy/ ballads in TA?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ToT-147 on January 16, 2016, 07:22:20 PM
You mean power ballads, right?..

Quote from: Pax on January 15, 2016, 04:52:24 AM
https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dream_theater/the_astonishing/

Someone can confirm if these are the final tracklenghts?..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 16, 2016, 08:13:56 PM
yes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ToT-147 on January 16, 2016, 08:49:40 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 16, 2016, 08:13:56 PM
yes.

Yes they are or yes you can confirm it?.. :lol



So... Noxon, call me n00b or as you like, but I couldn't find this information anywhere: who are you specifically?.. How are you related to the band?..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 16, 2016, 09:08:49 PM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 16, 2016, 08:49:40 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 16, 2016, 08:13:56 PM
yes.

Yes they are or yes you can confirm it?.. :lol



So... Noxon, call me n00b or as you like, but I couldn't find this information anywhere: who are you specifically?.. How are you related to the band?..

You can trust him. No need to be afraid, but I'd say look in the listening Party thread,unless you don't want spoilers. Which isn't much considering what's been said.

We all need to listen , and I'm ready to engage in this lovely Rock Opera
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 17, 2016, 02:46:02 AM
Less metal is good. JR being a main force in this record also sounds great. I'm still curious about JLB's singing, it seems to be praised in almost any review, something that i'm not used to reading. In general this albums seems like it's a lot less JP (or at least metal JP) and more of a collaborative thing.

Still curious about the rhythm section, on TGOM it was ok, but not so impressive.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 17, 2016, 02:48:19 AM
The main thing that I'm looking forward to after being exposed to tidbits of music in the trailer is Our New World, that solo sounds SO good, and I've only heard 2 seconds of it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 17, 2016, 02:49:22 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 16, 2016, 08:49:40 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 16, 2016, 08:13:56 PM
yes.

Yes they are or yes you can confirm it?.. :lol



So... Noxon, call me n00b or as you like, but I couldn't find this information anywhere: who are you specifically?.. How are you related to the band?..


He is all 5 of their grandmas.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 17, 2016, 02:54:08 AM
It still surprises me how many people (the majority, it seems) respond either positively or negatively to "less metal". Obviously everyone has different tastes, but I guess I thought more people (certainly here) would be less bothered about genre/style.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 17, 2016, 02:56:22 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 17, 2016, 02:54:08 AM
It still surprises me how many people (the majority, it seems) respond either positively or negatively to "less metal". Obviously everyone has different tastes, but I guess I thought more people (certainly here) would be less bothered about genre/style.

You'd think so, but I find a lot of prog fans seem to be biased against metal, or anything that deviates slightly from vanilla prog. It's not as if metal means suddenly the song can't be good or melodic or balanced.

I don't care whether it's metal or not, as long as it's good. TGP is one of my favourite DT songs, but so is Hollow Years.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 17, 2016, 02:58:02 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 17, 2016, 02:54:08 AM
It still surprises me how many people (the majority, it seems) respond either positively or negatively to "less metal". Obviously everyone has different tastes, but I guess I thought more people (certainly here) would be less bothered about genre/style.

Οr maybe it's just a matter of balance, and giving all the members of the band a chance to shine. More dynamics in terms of the music is also interesting. And of course, it's something different than the previous albums as it seems, so change is interesting as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 17, 2016, 02:59:10 AM
I don't give a crap about how metal the new album is.

I know a guy that only and I mean only listens to Metal.

He scores albums on how "heavy" they are.

And is excited by a band's new album if " they said it was heavier than before !!!! "

:) I'm a fan of songs and melody. If it has both of those then I don't care if it's metal or not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 17, 2016, 03:04:46 AM
Quote from: ToT-147 on January 16, 2016, 08:49:40 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 16, 2016, 08:13:56 PM
yes.

Yes they are or yes you can confirm it?.. :lol



So... Noxon, call me n00b or as you like, but I couldn't find this information anywhere: who are you specifically?.. How are you related to the band?..

I am the head of the fan club.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 17, 2016, 03:09:47 AM
While being mostly a metalhead, I'm all about great songs first and foremost, regardless if they're fast or slow.

Take Nightwish for example, their album Imaginaerum - it has a jazz song (Slow, Love, Slow) that has nothing to do with the rest of the album or their entire discography but it's so damn good that I like it. It will be the same with the new album, if there are many slower songs and they're all great, so be it! I look forward the most to the WTF moments, the tango / swingjazz stuff, the bagpipes, all the crazy insanity that I love to find here and there in records (another example, Unia from Sonata Arctica... a total mindfuck of an album, many hate it, I consider it one of their very best. Sometimes with an estabilished band it's fun to just not know what's coming next).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 17, 2016, 03:11:53 AM
When reading the last few posts I tried to ask myself which side of DT I like best. I don't know really. I mean, I like the heavier side, but they have a lot of lighter stuff that I love as well, so I think I'll be fine.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Zydar on January 17, 2016, 03:18:26 AM
Personally I've never been a metalhead. I am a fan of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and some other metal bands, but it's never been my favourite genre. My interest in metal has diminished over the years, and it's pretty much at an all time low by this point. So if this album has less metal than their previous couple of albums, it's all fine by me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Evermind on January 17, 2016, 03:19:20 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 17, 2016, 03:09:47 AM
I'm all about great songs first and foremost, regardless if they're fast or slow.

Take Nightwish for example, their album Imaginaerum - it has a jazz song (Slow, Love, Slow) that has nothing to do with the rest of the album or their entire discography but it's so damn good that I like it. It will be the same with the new album, if there are many slower songs and they're all great, so be it! I look forward the most to the WTF moments, the tango / swingjazz stuff, the bagpipes, all the crazy insanity that I love to find here and there in records (another example, Unia from Sonata Arctica... a total mindfuck of an album, many hate it, I consider it one of their very best. Sometimes with an estabilished band it's fun to just not know what's coming next).

Now this I can agree with.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 04:00:00 AM
Anyway, it's kinda Astonishing that they haven't realeased a new track yet (out of 34).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 17, 2016, 04:21:23 AM
If they wanted, we'd have gotten a second song instead than a trailer.

I guess they want to emhasize the whole "One big pic of work" concept.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 04:35:16 AM
Even the reviews that are being called negative are praising James' work. This is really exciting. I wonder if this will turn out to be his best or at least top 3 or 5 post accident.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on January 17, 2016, 04:36:06 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 17, 2016, 03:09:47 AM
While being mostly a metalhead, I'm all about great songs first and foremost, regardless if they're fast or slow.

Take Nightwish for example, their album Imaginaerum - it has a jazz song (Slow, Love, Slow) that has nothing to do with the rest of the album or their entire discography but it's so damn good that I like it. It will be the same with the new album, if there are many slower songs and they're all great, so be it! I look forward the most to the WTF moments, the tango / swingjazz stuff, the bagpipes, all the crazy insanity that I love to find here and there in records (another example, Unia from Sonata Arctica... a total mindfuck of an album, many hate it, I consider it one of their very best. Sometimes with an estabilished band it's fun to just not know what's coming next).

I love how your examples are so Finnish! :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: palmeiras on January 17, 2016, 04:41:19 AM
I love ballads, I love heavy songs, I love crazy instrumental shred section, I love experimental music, I love mix styles with diferent instruments. Só i think i will love the astonishing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 04:42:14 AM
It's funny because while I love soft stuff, with regards to Finland I always turn to the heavier and wackier stuff like Finntroll, Moonsorrow, CoB... Other than that, it's all glorious folkiness to me. Korpi, Turisas...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 17, 2016, 05:27:17 AM
If you are a Dream Theater fan, you love all their sides. That's what always drawn me to them.  The diversity.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 17, 2016, 05:28:36 AM
Quote from: nikatapi on January 17, 2016, 02:58:02 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 17, 2016, 02:54:08 AM
It still surprises me how many people (the majority, it seems) respond either positively or negatively to "less metal". Obviously everyone has different tastes, but I guess I thought more people (certainly here) would be less bothered about genre/style.

Οr maybe it's just a matter of balance, and giving all the members of the band a chance to shine. More dynamics in terms of the music is also interesting. And of course, it's something different than the previous albums as it seems, so change is interesting as well.
Well of course, balance, diversity and something new are all things that interest me too. But I don't think those have anything to do with "less metal" or "more metal".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 17, 2016, 05:51:11 AM
When bands do the same style over a long career fans complain.   This is the only band that people bitch about diversity.   It makes me giggle.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: JediKnight1969 on January 17, 2016, 06:05:57 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 17, 2016, 02:54:08 AM
It still surprises me how many people (the majority, it seems) respond either positively or negatively to "less metal". Obviously everyone has different tastes, but I guess I thought more people (certainly here) would be less bothered about genre/style.

It doesn't surprise me...

Quote from: JediKnight1969 on December 22, 2015, 09:42:51 AM
Sadly, I think many fans (not me) are going to complain about the lack of metal on this record...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 17, 2016, 06:07:07 AM
Same the other way as well, lots are excited about it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 06:26:50 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 17, 2016, 06:07:07 AM
Same the other way as well, lots are excited about it.

I'm somewhat a recent ran. Been following the band before Black Clouds was released. This is the most excited I have ever been for a Dream Theater record.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 06:38:04 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 04:35:16 AM
Even the reviews that are being called negative are praising James' work. This is really exciting.

That encourages me a lot.
Whether the instrumentals are good or not, you're going nowhere without exciting vocals.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: JediKnight1969 on January 17, 2016, 07:30:26 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 17, 2016, 06:07:07 AM
Same the other way as well, lots are excited about it.

Me included. I'm a true MUSIC lover. Therefore, DT die hard fan.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 17, 2016, 07:41:03 AM
So if you're not a DT die hard fan you don't love music?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 17, 2016, 07:44:46 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 17, 2016, 07:41:03 AM
So if you're not a DT die hard fan you don't love music?

Fuck music man. I just like DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mike099 on January 17, 2016, 07:50:01 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 06:38:04 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 04:35:16 AM
Even the reviews that are being called negative are praising James' work. This is really exciting.

That encourages me a lot.
Whether the instrumentals are good or not, you're going nowhere without exciting vocals.

The tour has 3 consecutive shows a few times.  Hoping that James' voice holds up without a days rest.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 17, 2016, 08:28:35 AM
Yup, I actually get a third show in a row, hope that won't make such a difference...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 17, 2016, 08:44:16 AM
The more I read, the more it feels like The Wall, which is good.

I'm excited for the NOMAC tracks and Dystopian Overture.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 17, 2016, 09:24:41 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 17, 2016, 08:28:35 AM
Yup, I actually get a third show in a row, hope that won't make such a difference...
I'm a bit worried too. I'm going to the third show in Oslo.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rumborak on January 17, 2016, 09:36:11 AM
Quote from: jonny108 on January 16, 2016, 09:39:33 AM
https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search (https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search)

Another track-by-track from Metal Hammer Italy.  This a live review so he's only heard it once.

"They have no intention of sciropparsi metal castings steaming"

What does that mean?! And is it different from whahibrido pickingant?!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 17, 2016, 09:39:20 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 17, 2016, 09:36:11 AM
Quote from: jonny108 on January 16, 2016, 09:39:33 AM
https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search (https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search)

Another track-by-track from Metal Hammer Italy.  This a live review so he's only heard it once.

"They have no intention of sciropparsi metal castings steaming"

What does that mean?! And is it different from whahibrido pickingant?!

Tordenperle krall. Literally.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 17, 2016, 09:41:54 AM
Sciropparsi sounds like the fancier man's whahibrido.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 17, 2016, 09:51:36 AM
It means "they haven't got any intention of bathing in molten metal anymore"

meaning : Y U NO HEAVY DT
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 09:53:31 AM
I took the courage of reading this review and oh man... that's the first review where the author sounds like a whining kid. One of the lines basically reading: "THIS IS NOT DT, WHERE IS MY DT"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wasteland on January 17, 2016, 09:53:50 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 17, 2016, 09:36:11 AM
Quote from: jonny108 on January 16, 2016, 09:39:33 AM
https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search (https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search)

Another track-by-track from Metal Hammer Italy.  This a live review so he's only heard it once.

"They have no intention of sciropparsi metal castings steaming"

What does that mean?! And is it different from whahibrido pickingant?!

Quote
Ma la verità è secondo me un'altra: i DT sono ormai rispettabili musicisti di 50 anni e passa l'uno. Non hanno più intenzione di sciropparsi colate di metallo fumante, i loro gusti sono cambiati, i loro ascolti lo sono. Dobbiamo arrenderci all'evidenza, questo disco ci consegna una band di mostruosi professionisti dello strumento, che veleggiano serenamente verso i sessant'anni.

"But in my opinion the truth is another: DT are at this point respectable musicians each over 50 years old. They aren't willing to put up with castings of fuming metal anymore, their tastes changed, and so has what they listen to. We need to surrender to the evidence, this disc gives us a band of terrific professionals of their instrument, peacefully sailing towards their sixties."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 17, 2016, 09:54:39 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 17, 2016, 09:41:54 AM
Sciropparsi sounds like the fancier man's whahibrido.
Naw, Sciropparsi is like Magnum. Whahibrido is Blue Steel.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 17, 2016, 09:59:02 AM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on January 17, 2016, 09:54:39 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 17, 2016, 09:41:54 AM
Sciropparsi sounds like the fancier man's whahibrido.
Naw, Sciropparsi is like Magnum. Whahibrido is Blue Steel.

Sorry to spoil the fun by translating but the verb comes from the italian word for syrup, sciroppo. It means having to put up with something that bores you, like you would "syrup down" a movie you don't care for but your girlfriend wants you to see it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 17, 2016, 10:04:52 AM
Quote from: wasteland on January 17, 2016, 09:53:50 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 17, 2016, 09:36:11 AM
Quote from: jonny108 on January 16, 2016, 09:39:33 AM
https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search (https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=https://www.metalhammer.it/interview.aspx/1179/dream-theater-il-track-by-track-di-the-astonishing/&prev=search)

Another track-by-track from Metal Hammer Italy.  This a live review so he's only heard it once.

"They have no intention of sciropparsi metal castings steaming"

What does that mean?! And is it different from whahibrido pickingant?!

Quote
Ma la verità è secondo me un'altra: i DT sono ormai rispettabili musicisti di 50 anni e passa l'uno. Non hanno più intenzione di sciropparsi colate di metallo fumante, i loro gusti sono cambiati, i loro ascolti lo sono. Dobbiamo arrenderci all'evidenza, questo disco ci consegna una band di mostruosi professionisti dello strumento, che veleggiano serenamente verso i sessant'anni.

"But in my opinion the truth is another: DT are at this point respectable musicians each over 50 years old. They aren't willing to put up with castings of fuming metal anymore, their tastes changed, and so has what they listen to. We need to surrender to the evidence, this disc gives us a band of terrific professionals of their instrument, peacefully sailing towards their sixties."
:lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 17, 2016, 10:05:37 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 17, 2016, 09:59:02 AM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on January 17, 2016, 09:54:39 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 17, 2016, 09:41:54 AM
Sciropparsi sounds like the fancier man's whahibrido.
Naw, Sciropparsi is like Magnum. Whahibrido is Blue Steel.

Sorry to spoil the fun by translating but the verb comes from the italian word for syrup, sciroppo. It means having to put up with something that bores you, like you would "syrup down" a movie you don't care for but your girlfriend wants you to see it.

So you're saying he wanted more Whahibrido?....  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 17, 2016, 10:10:29 AM
Quote from: wasteland on January 17, 2016, 09:53:50 AM
Quote
Ma la verità è secondo me un'altra: i DT sono ormai rispettabili musicisti di 50 anni e passa l'uno. Non hanno più intenzione di sciropparsi colate di metallo fumante, i loro gusti sono cambiati, i loro ascolti lo sono. Dobbiamo arrenderci all'evidenza, questo disco ci consegna una band di mostruosi professionisti dello strumento, che veleggiano serenamente verso i sessant'anni.

"But in my opinion the truth is another: DT are at this point respectable musicians each over 50 years old. They aren't willing to put up with castings of fuming metal anymore, their tastes changed, and so has what they listen to. We need to surrender to the evidence, this disc gives us a band of terrific professionals of their instrument, peacefully sailing towards their sixties."

Either your translation sucks or the writer has no idea what he's talking about.   :lol   I'm leaning more towards the latter.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: millahh on January 17, 2016, 10:17:17 AM
So the contention is that, because the band is doing something highly unusual and very ambitious, but happens to not have as many stormtrooper riffs, the band has become easy-listening because they're older?

That is sooo...fucking...stupid.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 17, 2016, 10:18:01 AM
Quote from: millahh on January 17, 2016, 10:17:17 AM
stormtrooper riffs

This is so awesome.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Zydar on January 17, 2016, 10:21:08 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 17, 2016, 10:18:01 AM
Quote from: millahh on January 17, 2016, 10:17:17 AM
stormtrooper riffs

This is so awesome.

(https://www.galacticbinder.com/images/Guitars/japanese-trooper-guitar.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 10:24:00 AM
Guys, most of Pippo's reviews are hilarious. Don't take it too serious.
He's a big DT fan. He and I went to DT concert in Tuscany last july
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 17, 2016, 10:26:04 AM
Ahhh....the good ol Pippo review. O forgot
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 10:27:24 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 10:24:00 AM
Guys, most of Pippo's reviews are hilarious. Don't take it too serious.
He's a big DT fan. He and I went to DT concert in Tuscany last july

Did you both go for a drive with a guide along the way?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 17, 2016, 10:28:45 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 10:27:24 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 10:24:00 AM
Guys, most of Pippo's reviews are hilarious. Don't take it too serious.
He's a big DT fan. He and I went to DT concert in Tuscany last july

Did you both go for a drive with a guide along the way?

I see what you did thare!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 10:30:28 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 10:27:24 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 10:24:00 AM
Guys, most of Pippo's reviews are hilarious. Don't take it too serious.
He's a big DT fan. He and I went to DT concert in Tuscany last july

Did you both go for a drive with a guide along the way?

sorry?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jjfumbly on January 17, 2016, 10:38:25 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 10:30:28 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 10:27:24 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 10:24:00 AM
Guys, most of Pippo's reviews are hilarious. Don't take it too serious.
He's a big DT fan. He and I went to DT concert in Tuscany last july

Did you both go for a drive with a guide along the way?

sorry?

Did the guide introduce you to his bearded historian brother?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 17, 2016, 10:45:52 AM
Was he sucking on his pipe? Did he have a distinguished accent?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 10:49:11 AM
oh my, I've never bothered reading the lyrics from TCOT as it's included in one of DT's albums I hate the most  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wasteland on January 17, 2016, 10:52:19 AM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 17, 2016, 10:45:52 AM
Was he sucking on his pipe? Did he have a distinguished accent?

As an Italian living in Tuscany, I am convinced that not one person from Tuscany has, had or will ever have a distinguished accent. Quite the opposite, actually.  :lol

PS. to all the toscani accidentally reading this post, I love you nevertheless  :-*
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 17, 2016, 10:55:17 AM
U it's no accident
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 10:56:16 AM
Quote from: wasteland on January 17, 2016, 10:52:19 AM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 17, 2016, 10:45:52 AM
Was he sucking on his pipe? Did he have a distinguished accent?

As an Italian living in Tuscany, I am convinced that not one person from Tuscany has, had or will ever have a distinguished accent. Quite the opposite, actually.  :lol

PS. to all the toscani accidentally reading this post, I love you nevertheless  :-*

No italian has a distinguished accent. That's the funny thing about us, sons of ancient Rome and kings of the world (united)  :loser:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 10:59:27 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 10:56:16 AM
Quote from: wasteland on January 17, 2016, 10:52:19 AM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 17, 2016, 10:45:52 AM
Was he sucking on his pipe? Did he have a distinguished accent?

As an Italian living in Tuscany, I am convinced that not one person from Tuscany has, had or will ever have a distinguished accent. Quite the opposite, actually.  :lol

PS. to all the toscani accidentally reading this post, I love you nevertheless  :-*


No italian has a distinguished accent. That's the funny thing about us, sons of ancient Rome and kings of the world (united)  :loser:

Are you saying that if I learn italian (which is in fact in my plans because I love learning languages) I will be able to understand everyone in the whole country, unlike German (which I'm currently learning)?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wasteland on January 17, 2016, 11:05:14 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 10:59:27 AM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 10:56:16 AM
Quote from: wasteland on January 17, 2016, 10:52:19 AM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 17, 2016, 10:45:52 AM
Was he sucking on his pipe? Did he have a distinguished accent?

As an Italian living in Tuscany, I am convinced that not one person from Tuscany has, had or will ever have a distinguished accent. Quite the opposite, actually.  :lol

PS. to all the toscani accidentally reading this post, I love you nevertheless  :-*


No italian has a distinguished accent. That's the funny thing about us, sons of ancient Rome and kings of the world (united)  :loser:

Are you saying that if I learn italian (which is in fact in my plans because I love learning languages) I will be able to understand everyone in the whole country, unlike German (which I'm currently learning)?

It depends on them. If they want you to understand them then you will understand. Otherwise you will hardly catch a word. We are known to enjoy high-speed speaking  :lol
As for the regional variations, they can be wide ranging, but unless the speaker starts deploying his hometown's dialect, you are theoretically safe. The inflection might be very different, though, and that can be confusing at first.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 17, 2016, 11:06:06 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 17, 2016, 09:59:02 AM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on January 17, 2016, 09:54:39 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 17, 2016, 09:41:54 AM
Sciropparsi sounds like the fancier man's whahibrido.
Naw, Sciropparsi is like Magnum. Whahibrido is Blue Steel.

Sorry to spoil the fun by translating but the verb comes from the italian word for syrup, sciroppo. It means having to put up with something that bores you, like you would "syrup down" a movie you don't care for but your girlfriend wants you to see it.

Does the author mean that DT has no intention playing metal because of their fans? (boyfriend going to a film his girlfriend wants that?). Or does he mean he himself has to drag trough this album because he expected to do so?

Either way, it is fine someone does not like non-metal DT. It really is. And I know there are plenty of people that think the other way around as well. And as long as people word their opinions well, I know their reviews do not apply to my tastes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 11:06:23 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 10:59:27 AM
Are you saying that if I learn italian (which is in fact in my plans because I love learning languages) I will be able to understand everyone in the whole country, unlike German (which I'm currently learning)?

I will just tell you that sometimes it's even hard to understand people living 30-40 miles away from you
In Italy we probably have 40-50 accents
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 11:07:48 AM
Well, I guess the fact that brazilian portuguese is my native language is a good start as I could understand a good chunk of those reviews without translation :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 11:10:46 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 11:07:48 AM
Well, I guess the fact that brazilian portuguese is my native language is a good start as I could understand a good chunk of those reviews without translation :)

just a little OT: think about all chinese's dialets and accents. No chance.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 17, 2016, 11:11:08 AM
In the end, Arhys will be the hero, as he will sacrifice his life and neglect his kid and wife.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 17, 2016, 11:12:23 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 17, 2016, 11:11:08 AM
In the end, Arhys will be the hero, as he will sacrifice his life and neglect his kid and wife.

I wonder if he will bleed on Nafaryus' brand new floor.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 11:28:02 AM
Oh I forgot, Pippo said that the whole Astonishing story is probably hidden in the lyrics of Illumination Theory. Could you confirm that?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 17, 2016, 11:28:57 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 17, 2016, 11:11:08 AM
In the end, Arhys will be the hero, as he will sacrifice his life and neglect his kid and wife.

All for Gabriel to be happy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 17, 2016, 11:45:36 AM
::) Never Astonishing Enough...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 17, 2016, 12:28:27 PM
Everything is astonishingly never enough
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 17, 2016, 12:29:55 PM
Quote from: millahh on January 17, 2016, 10:17:17 AM
So the contention is that, because the band is doing something highly unusual and very ambitious, but happens to not have as many stormtrooper riffs, the band has become easy-listening because they're older?

That is sooo...fucking...stupid.
That's pretty much my conclusion as well. That reviewer just doesn't have a clue.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 17, 2016, 12:30:55 PM
Quote from: Zydar on January 17, 2016, 10:21:08 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 17, 2016, 10:18:01 AM
Quote from: millahh on January 17, 2016, 10:17:17 AM
stormtrooper riffs

This is so awesome.

(https://www.galacticbinder.com/images/Guitars/japanese-trooper-guitar.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPV9NNvtL20
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Mastermax0213 on January 17, 2016, 12:40:47 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 17, 2016, 12:30:55 PM
Quote from: Zydar on January 17, 2016, 10:21:08 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 17, 2016, 10:18:01 AM
Quote from: millahh on January 17, 2016, 10:17:17 AM
stormtrooper riffs

This is so awesome.

(https://www.galacticbinder.com/images/Guitars/japanese-trooper-guitar.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPV9NNvtL20

 :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 17, 2016, 12:53:30 PM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 11:28:02 AM
Oh I forgot, Pippo said that the whole Astonishing story is probably hidden in the lyrics of Illumination Theory. Could you confirm that?

...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: OnTheBacksofAngela on January 17, 2016, 12:54:50 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 17, 2016, 12:53:30 PM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 11:28:02 AM
Oh I forgot, Pippo said that the whole Astonishing story is probably hidden in the lyrics of Illumination Theory. Could you confirm that?

...
My response exactly.  :huh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 17, 2016, 12:56:30 PM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 11:28:02 AM
Oh I forgot, Pippo said that the whole Astonishing story is probably hidden in the lyrics of Illumination Theory. Could you confirm that?

Oh sure, it's in the lyrics from 19:47 to 22:19.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 17, 2016, 01:10:45 PM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 11:28:02 AM
Oh I forgot, Pippo said that the whole Astonishing story is probably hidden in the lyrics of Illumination Theory. Could you confirm that?

Actually, they've planted hints of The Astonishing since their beginnings. The Killing Hand, Metropolis Part 1 and Part 2, Blind Faythe, Octavarium, The Count of Tuscany and Outcry.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 17, 2016, 01:16:21 PM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 11:06:23 AM
In Italy we probably have 40-50 accents

Pretty much (https://www.zingarate.com/pictures/20140702/mappa-dialetti.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 17, 2016, 01:18:18 PM
I've been wondering if Chapman Stick made it to TA
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Lowdz on January 17, 2016, 01:55:59 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 17, 2016, 12:53:30 PM
Quote from: Frankgate on January 17, 2016, 11:28:02 AM
Oh I forgot, Pippo said that the whole Astonishing story is probably hidden in the lyrics of Illumination Theory. Could you confirm that?

...

The whole story is hidden in 2112 and the WeWill Rock You stage show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 17, 2016, 01:56:56 PM
Quote from: wasteland on January 17, 2016, 10:52:19 AM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 17, 2016, 10:45:52 AM
Was he sucking on his pipe? Did he have a distinguished accent?

As an Italian living in Tuscany, I am convinced that not one person from Tuscany has, had or will ever have a distinguished accent. Quite the opposite, actually.  :lol

PS. to all the toscani accidentally reading this post, I love you nevertheless  :-*

As a fellow tuscan, I think this bearded gentleman does have a bit of a distinguished accent... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDzu_YWcRdc  :biggrin:

...complete with an ending that I'm sure would have creeped out JP in an ancient, dark and moist cellar.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 17, 2016, 02:12:20 PM
Quote from: ErHaO on January 17, 2016, 11:06:06 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 17, 2016, 09:59:02 AM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on January 17, 2016, 09:54:39 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 17, 2016, 09:41:54 AM
Sciropparsi sounds like the fancier man's whahibrido.
Naw, Sciropparsi is like Magnum. Whahibrido is Blue Steel.

Sorry to spoil the fun by translating but the verb comes from the italian word for syrup, sciroppo. It means having to put up with something that bores you, like you would "syrup down" a movie you don't care for but your girlfriend wants you to see it.

Does the author mean that DT has no intention playing metal because of their fans? (boyfriend going to a film his girlfriend wants that?). Or does he mean he himself has to drag trough this album because he expected to do so?

My "watching a movie you don't like 'cause your girlfriend wants you to" was an example to explain what the italian expression "sciropparsi" meant.

The reviewer's opinion was that DT simply can't be bothered with metal anymore 'cause they're on their way to their '60s.

(And I don't really think that's the case, this time they simply wanted to do something different)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 17, 2016, 03:11:59 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 17, 2016, 02:12:20 PM
Quote from: ErHaO on January 17, 2016, 11:06:06 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 17, 2016, 09:59:02 AM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on January 17, 2016, 09:54:39 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 17, 2016, 09:41:54 AM
Sciropparsi sounds like the fancier man's whahibrido.
Naw, Sciropparsi is like Magnum. Whahibrido is Blue Steel.

Sorry to spoil the fun by translating but the verb comes from the italian word for syrup, sciroppo. It means having to put up with something that bores you, like you would "syrup down" a movie you don't care for but your girlfriend wants you to see it.

Does the author mean that DT has no intention playing metal because of their fans? (boyfriend going to a film his girlfriend wants that?). Or does he mean he himself has to drag trough this album because he expected to do so?

My "watching a movie you don't like 'cause your girlfriend wants you to" was an example to explain what the italian expression "sciropparsi" meant.

The reviewer's opinion was that DT simply can't be bothered with metal anymore 'cause they're on their way to their '60s.

(And I don't really think that's the case, this time they simply wanted to do something different)

Ah, thanks. And yeah, that is a pretty baseless assumption. Especially given their most recent metal output isn't even all that long ago and their last shows were predominantly heavier stuff. It is not like they went all Opeth at us (which I wouldn't mind as long as it is good music).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 17, 2016, 06:30:52 PM
I'm fucking pumped for TA, but now we have to learn a ton of new song abbreviations  :( :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 18, 2016, 12:29:34 AM
Here's another post relating about The Astonishing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Slipknot on January 18, 2016, 12:51:51 AM
When is John and John getting a haircut? Without a mask they look GAY!!  :mehlin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Astonished on January 18, 2016, 01:50:09 AM
Quote from: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 17, 2016, 06:30:52 PM
I'm fucking pumped for TA, but now we have to learn a ton of new song abbreviations  :( :-\

DotN
DO
TGoM
TA  :facepalm:
ABL
LN
ASinS
WYTHC
AoF
TD
THS
B, CYHM?
ALLB
R
C
ATO
DD
TXA
ANB
TRTR
2285E
MoB
HC
BA
TPTD
MC (Obviously feat. Eninem)  :lol
TWS
MLF (About Arabelle?  ;D)
LF
WotW
HoaTV
ONW
PD
A


Now remembering is the key!

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 18, 2016, 02:05:35 AM
Or we could all, you know, TYPE the damn words :P

What exactly do you all do in the time you save by typing only the initials, go on a holiday or something? isn't even the most important word of the title, like Ministry of Illumination, enough to save 1/10 of a second and get the point across? by the time you spell in your head the initials of the 7th song on the debut album, you alredy wrote the actual title.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Stray Seed on January 18, 2016, 02:55:02 AM
Yes, this is the first great outcome we'll get from this album. If they want to be understood, people will have no choice other than typing the words. This makes me even more hyped! :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 18, 2016, 03:18:50 AM
Quote from: Slipknot on January 18, 2016, 12:51:51 AM
When is John and John getting a haircut? Without a mask they look GAY!!  :mehlin
Well a haircut won't get them free masks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 18, 2016, 04:06:46 AM
Quote from: The Stray Seed on January 18, 2016, 02:55:02 AM
Yes, this is the first great outcome we'll get from this album. If they want to be understood, people will have no choice other than typing the words. This makes me even more hyped! :metal

You're hyped because we have to type out the full names of the songs? OK then.

Now that it's Monday of the week before release, The Astonishing feels significantly closer. Letting it sink in that the album is released NEXT FRIDAY!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Stray Seed on January 18, 2016, 04:14:53 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 18, 2016, 04:06:46 AM
Quote from: The Stray Seed on January 18, 2016, 02:55:02 AM
Yes, this is the first great outcome we'll get from this album. If they want to be understood, people will have no choice other than typing the words. This makes me even more hyped! :metal

You're hyped because we have to type out the full names of the songs? OK then.
Yes. The perspective of proper written language gets me hyped.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chwik on January 18, 2016, 04:39:15 AM
Quote from: The Stray Seed on January 18, 2016, 04:14:53 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 18, 2016, 04:06:46 AM
Quote from: The Stray Seed on January 18, 2016, 02:55:02 AM
Yes, this is the first great outcome we'll get from this album. If they want to be understood, people will have no choice other than typing the words. This makes me even more hyped! :metal

You're hyped because we have to type out the full names of the songs? OK then.
Yes. The perspective of proper written language gets me hyped.

Agreed. Proper language is a form of music in it self.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 18, 2016, 04:41:46 AM
https://www.metallus.it/speciali/dream-theater-the-astonishing-traccia-per-traccia/ (https://www.metallus.it/speciali/dream-theater-the-astonishing-traccia-per-traccia/)

Yet another track by track, this time it's not fanboy-ishly silly.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erciccio on January 18, 2016, 05:32:27 AM
Quote from: mikemangioy on January 18, 2016, 04:41:46 AM
https://www.metallus.it/speciali/dream-theater-the-astonishing-traccia-per-traccia/ (https://www.metallus.it/speciali/dream-theater-the-astonishing-traccia-per-traccia/)
Yet another track by track, this time it's not fanboy-ishly silly.
This is a good one!
Be careful, there is a relevant spoiler on the finale at the end of the review
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 05:37:38 AM
And yet anoter review praising James! I can't wait!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: James.v6 on January 18, 2016, 05:38:11 AM
JP and JR will be on Eddie Trunk’s show tonight for quite some time, maybe debuting an new track?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 18, 2016, 06:26:13 AM
Just puttin' this here: https://dreamtheater.club/blog/2016/01/11/dream-theater-the-astonishing/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: YtseJohn on January 18, 2016, 06:26:41 AM
Quote from: James.v6 on January 18, 2016, 05:38:11 AM
JP and JR will be on Eddie Trunk’s show tonight for quite some time, maybe debuting an new track?

Yup(I think he means Jan 18th 6-10pm ET):

Eddie Trunk @EddieTrunk
Even though most people are off tomorrow I'll be live 6-10P ET @SIRIUSXM 39 #TrunkNation . @JPetrucci & @Jcrudess @dreamtheaternet in studio

https://eddietrunk.com/115-glenn-hughes-podcast-poughkeepsie-appearance-dream-theater-more/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Gappie on January 18, 2016, 06:40:07 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 18, 2016, 06:26:13 AM
Just puttin' this here: https://dreamtheater.club/blog/2016/01/11/dream-theater-the-astonishing/
Nice! going to read it now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Podaar on January 18, 2016, 06:48:34 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 18, 2016, 06:26:13 AM
Just puttin' this here: https://dreamtheater.club/blog/2016/01/11/dream-theater-the-astonishing/

Noxon,

Just curious, do you have a specific reason for docking the album one point? Or do you on principle not give 10/10 for anything?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 18, 2016, 06:51:44 AM
Quote from: Podaar on January 18, 2016, 06:48:34 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 18, 2016, 06:26:13 AM
Just puttin' this here: https://dreamtheater.club/blog/2016/01/11/dream-theater-the-astonishing/

Noxon,

Just curious, do you have a specific reason for docking the album one point? Or do you on principle not give 10/10 for anything?

He criticised the drum sound.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TheOutlawXanadu on January 18, 2016, 07:01:28 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 18, 2016, 06:26:13 AM
Just puttin' this here: https://dreamtheater.club/blog/2016/01/11/dream-theater-the-astonishing/

Thanks for the review Nox. I have a hard time believing anyone's going to write a better one! I'm super excited for the album now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Zydar on January 18, 2016, 07:02:04 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 18, 2016, 06:51:44 AM
Quote from: Podaar on January 18, 2016, 06:48:34 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 18, 2016, 06:26:13 AM
Just puttin' this here: https://dreamtheater.club/blog/2016/01/11/dream-theater-the-astonishing/ (https://dreamtheater.club/blog/2016/01/11/dream-theater-the-astonishing/)

Noxon,

Just curious, do you have a specific reason for docking the album one point? Or do you on principle not give 10/10 for anything?


He criticised the drum sound.

And for this: "It’s not without its flaws (at 2 hours and 10 minutes, there’s bound to be some missteps on the way)".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 18, 2016, 07:04:29 AM
Great review, Noxon! Really enjoyed reading it.  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 18, 2016, 07:10:37 AM
Great review. I'm so excited to hear this myself.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 18, 2016, 07:17:37 AM
Noxon's review mentioned fans of SFAM and SDOIT would probably like this album, those are two albums I love, so I'm pretty excited. Other thought after reading his review: he states there is a focus on piano and vocals throughout the record, to me that sounds like Octavarium, which once again, IMO is a good thing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pettor on January 18, 2016, 07:32:10 AM
I love that piano and vocals are the centerpiece. That sounds like an album for me  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Podaar on January 18, 2016, 07:48:10 AM
Yeah, I should have mentioned that I also enjoyed the review...as always. Great work!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 18, 2016, 08:02:06 AM
Excellent review noxon, you write better than many people who do this "professionally".

So basically after an entire carreer of going crazy in the studio with guitars, bass and drums and then suddenly remembering there's a canadian dude that has to be there somehow and therefore needs a vocal line and some lyrics, they wrote an entire album around the story making it entirely vocally driven?

As I already said, I have to lower my expectations 'cause I think I may have my next favorite record in 11 days!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 18, 2016, 08:08:36 AM
As we appear to have established that the only instrumentals are the NOMAC tracks and the two overtures, I'm curious as to what The X Aspect is. It sounds so abstract, it could be anything.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 18, 2016, 08:16:36 AM
Spoiler: Have you seen X somewhere else?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: serrano on January 18, 2016, 08:22:46 AM
Xander?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 18, 2016, 08:28:24 AM
Quote from: Slipknot on January 18, 2016, 12:51:51 AM
When is John and John getting a haircut? Without a mask they look GAY!!  :mehlin
This, combined with your posting history to date, is good for a warning.  Clean it up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 18, 2016, 08:31:16 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 18, 2016, 08:16:36 AM
Spoiler: Have you seen X somewhere else?

Holy Shi-
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 18, 2016, 08:51:27 AM
18 - The X Ander
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lightbug on January 18, 2016, 09:59:05 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 18, 2016, 08:16:36 AM
Spoiler: Have you seen X somewhere else?

ehh ... mmm ... what!?

maybe here (a fake obviously) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1gxvtX4s_w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1gxvtX4s_w)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 18, 2016, 10:45:10 AM
It's been a week since the last update. Do you guys think we'll get another one today? Maybe they'll open up the "places" section?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lightbug on January 18, 2016, 10:56:58 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 18, 2016, 10:45:10 AM
It's been a week since the last update. Do you guys think we'll get another one today? Maybe they'll open up the "places" section?

maybe...
today - places (11 days left)
friday - video 2 (7 days left)  ;)

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 18, 2016, 11:00:27 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 18, 2016, 10:45:10 AM
It's been a week since the last update. Do you guys think we'll get another one today? Maybe they'll open up the "places" section?

YES! If they unlocked "Places" today, and unveiled the last video next week... that would take us right to release date!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on January 18, 2016, 11:07:15 AM
On Wikipedia, it says that Act I is 79:58. That can't be right, can it?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 18, 2016, 11:09:58 AM
Quote from: lightbug on January 18, 2016, 09:59:05 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 18, 2016, 08:16:36 AM
Spoiler: Have you seen X somewhere else?

ehh ... mmm ... what!?

maybe here (a fake obviously) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1gxvtX4s_w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1gxvtX4s_w)
It's one of the better fake tracks I've heard so far though. Some parts do remind me of something Jordan would come up with.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 18, 2016, 11:14:45 AM
Quote from: fadetoblackdude7 on January 18, 2016, 11:07:15 AM
On Wikipedia, it says that Act I is 79:58. That can't be right, can it?

Why not? A CD can be up to 80 mins long.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 18, 2016, 11:15:00 AM
Quote from: fadetoblackdude7 on January 18, 2016, 11:07:15 AM
On Wikipedia, it says that Act I is 79:58. That can't be right, can it?
It can be.

Not sure if it is.  But it CAN be.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 18, 2016, 11:16:40 AM
Quote from: fadetoblackdude7 on January 18, 2016, 11:07:15 AM
On Wikipedia, it says that Act I is 79:58. That can't be right, can it?

I added up the track lengths from Noxon's review, and it is actually 79:58
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on January 18, 2016, 11:24:52 AM
I was under the impression that a cd can only hold 78:59 until it starts skipping from overload. But it is what it is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kyo on January 18, 2016, 11:31:54 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 18, 2016, 06:26:13 AM
Just puttin' this here: https://dreamtheater.club/blog/2016/01/11/dream-theater-the-astonishing/

As someone who's heard the album many times since mid-December let me just say that Noxon's review is excellent and I agree with almost everything in it. My own German review, which will be published soon, really reads like a short version of Noxon's - earlier today we were actually laughing about how in his opening paragraphs he hits the very same spots that I focused on. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Lucien on January 18, 2016, 11:33:26 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 18, 2016, 11:16:40 AM
Quote from: fadetoblackdude7 on January 18, 2016, 11:07:15 AM
On Wikipedia, it says that Act I is 79:58. That can't be right, can it?

I added up the track lengths from Noxon's review, and it is actually 79:58

7+9 = 16, like 2016
5+8 = 13, like 13th album

hmm
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 18, 2016, 11:35:23 AM
Quote from: fadetoblackdude7 on January 18, 2016, 11:24:52 AM
I was under the impression that a cd can only hold 78:59 until it starts skipping from overload. But it is what it is.

I read a bit about it, and i couldn't find any clear answers. Some say CD's hold up to 80 minutes. https://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Audio_CD (https://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Audio_CD) Here it says up to 80, but in the list below it says 79.8.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 18, 2016, 11:35:41 AM
Quote from: Lucien on January 18, 2016, 11:33:26 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 18, 2016, 11:16:40 AM
Quote from: fadetoblackdude7 on January 18, 2016, 11:07:15 AM
On Wikipedia, it says that Act I is 79:58. That can't be right, can it?

I added up the track lengths from Noxon's review, and it is actually 79:58

7+9 = 16, like 2016
5+8 = 13, like 13th album

hmm

(https://truvagida.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/7/0/10702292/6272496_orig.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 18, 2016, 11:36:06 AM
13+16=29

Release date: January 29  :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 18, 2016, 11:38:59 AM
I don't know if this has been posted yet, but i believe this is the guy playing bagpipes on the album (Eric Rigler):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNgvK1WJX7g (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNgvK1WJX7g)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 18, 2016, 11:42:43 AM
Quote from: CDrice on January 18, 2016, 11:36:06 AM
13+16=29

Release date: January 29  :omg:

(https://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/nuggets/sites/default/files/styles/news_block_medium/public/dn-dancers-v2-760x442.jpg?itok=qoNXmPSP)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 18, 2016, 12:05:02 PM
Quote from: fadetoblackdude7 on January 18, 2016, 11:24:52 AM
I was under the impression that a cd can only hold 78:59 until it starts skipping from overload. But it is what it is.
79:58 is, in fact, less than 79:59.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 18, 2016, 12:07:10 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 18, 2016, 12:05:02 PM
Quote from: fadetoblackdude7 on January 18, 2016, 11:24:52 AM
I was under the impression that a cd can only hold 78:59 until it starts skipping from overload. But it is what it is.
79:58 is, in fact, less than 79:59.
But 79:58 is not less than 78:59...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 18, 2016, 12:10:49 PM
Ban him hef

Quote from: mikemangioy on January 18, 2016, 11:56:22 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/O3DHIA5.gif)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 18, 2016, 12:13:10 PM
Don't live up to your name.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 18, 2016, 12:17:25 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on January 18, 2016, 11:42:43 AM
(https://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/nuggets/sites/default/files/styles/news_block_medium/public/dn-dancers-v2-760x442.jpg?itok=qoNXmPSP)

So Lucien get nuggets and I get three sexy girls? That's so unfair!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 18, 2016, 12:21:17 PM
Judging by the times provided by Noxon, this looks like being the longest studio album in my collection, beating The Flower Kings' Stardust We Are by just 4 seconds.

On the subject of what CDs can hold, I have a few classical CDs that actually go over 80 minutes, one of which is 82 mins. And I'm aware of a hybrid SACD disc that has 86 minutes of music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 18, 2016, 12:23:24 PM
Quote from: pcs90 on January 18, 2016, 12:07:10 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 18, 2016, 12:05:02 PM
Quote from: fadetoblackdude7 on January 18, 2016, 11:24:52 AM
I was under the impression that a cd can only hold 78:59 until it starts skipping from overload. But it is what it is.
79:58 is, in fact, less than 79:59.
But 79:58 is not less than 78:59...
Ah.

lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: millahh on January 18, 2016, 12:40:24 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 18, 2016, 12:21:17 PM
Judging by Noxon's length
:omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 12:42:58 PM
 :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Zydar on January 18, 2016, 12:45:42 PM
:zydar:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 18, 2016, 01:16:30 PM
Giggity.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 18, 2016, 01:50:24 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 18, 2016, 12:17:25 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on January 18, 2016, 11:42:43 AM
(https://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/nuggets/sites/default/files/styles/news_block_medium/public/dn-dancers-v2-760x442.jpg?itok=qoNXmPSP)

So Lucien get nuggets and I get three sexy girls? That's so unfair!

Denver Nuggets cheerleaders to be precise.   :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: kartmaze2 on January 18, 2016, 01:57:44 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 18, 2016, 06:26:13 AM
Just puttin' this here: https://dreamtheater.club/blog/2016/01/11/dream-theater-the-astonishing/

Excellent review!

As others have mentioned as well, the SFAM and SDOIT similarities with the melodies in focus make me extremely excited.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Trooper on January 18, 2016, 02:18:36 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on January 18, 2016, 01:50:24 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 18, 2016, 12:17:25 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on January 18, 2016, 11:42:43 AM
(https://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/nuggets/sites/default/files/styles/news_block_medium/public/dn-dancers-v2-760x442.jpg?itok=qoNXmPSP)

So Lucien get nuggets and I get three sexy girls? That's so unfair!

Denver Nuggets cheerleaders to be precise.   :lol

MMMMMMMMMMMMM NUGGETS!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: InFlames235 on January 18, 2016, 02:58:08 PM
Noxon, when is FiveEight gonna be fixed?? haha great review by the way!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Dark Master on January 18, 2016, 03:46:38 PM
Quote from: fadetoblackdude7 on January 18, 2016, 11:24:52 AM
I was under the impression that a cd can only hold 78:59 until it starts skipping from overload. But it is what it is.

I believe that was only the case back in the mid-90's when 80 minute cds were first introduced.  Most players on the market at the time were only designed to handle 74 minute cds and had difficulty playing cds that were a full 80 minutes long.  Most cd players made from the late-90s and after should have no problems playing a cd that is longer then 78:59.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 04:04:37 PM
Eddie Trunk show is starting and has JP and JR on it... possibly revealing a new song from the album
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 18, 2016, 04:24:05 PM
Hey Systolic! Nice to see you here buddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: InFlames235 on January 18, 2016, 04:24:47 PM
Is everyone here from FiveEight??
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 18, 2016, 04:25:39 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 04:04:37 PM
Eddie Trunk show is starting and has JP and JR on it... possibly revealing a new song from the album

I don't want to get my hopes up, and as cool as it would be, I doubt they do. TGOM seems like a good "introductory" song for the album, giving a good rundown of the story and I feel like any other song could potentially give away more information than DT wants. But who nows, maybe I'll be proven wrong. I wouldn't be mad if they debuted a new song..  :laugh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jonny108 on January 18, 2016, 04:28:39 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 04:04:37 PM
Eddie Trunk show is starting and has JP and JR on it... possibly revealing a new song from the album

They're going to be on in about half an hour.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 18, 2016, 04:36:00 PM
Quote from: jonny108 on January 18, 2016, 04:28:39 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 04:04:37 PM
Eddie Trunk show is starting and has JP and JR on it... possibly revealing a new song from the album

They're going to be on in about half an hour.
Where?  Is there an online stream?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jonny108 on January 18, 2016, 04:36:58 PM
https://www.siriusxm.com/

You have to subscribe but there's a free trial. 

On Channel 39.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 18, 2016, 04:46:10 PM
Thanks!  Listening now.

Edit:  JP and JR aren't on until 8pm eastern
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: YtseJohn on January 18, 2016, 04:54:27 PM
8pm ET for JP and JR, on Sirius 39 Hair Nation. 866 315 2663 to call in.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jonny108 on January 18, 2016, 04:55:38 PM
Ooops wrong time from me.  So another hourish to go.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jdprsaga on January 18, 2016, 05:02:48 PM
do you think they will have a podcast later with it?? I'll be in a meeting at work no way I'll be able to catch it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 18, 2016, 05:11:00 PM
Quote from: jdprsaga on January 18, 2016, 05:02:48 PM
do you think they will have a podcast later with it?? I'll be in a meeting at work no way I'll be able to catch it.

Not sure, but you can count on people here to fill you in with any important tidbits the band members say, and I'm sure you'll hear the new song if they debut one. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jonny108 on January 18, 2016, 05:30:17 PM
Did he just say "new music"?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 18, 2016, 05:35:34 PM
Don't get my hopes up...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 18, 2016, 05:38:54 PM
Does anyone have another link for the streaming? Can't find my way in this website :sad:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jonny108 on January 18, 2016, 05:47:05 PM
Click "Sign Up for a Trial" here https://www.siriusxm.com/ (https://www.siriusxm.com/)

Once you've done that go back to the homepage and click "Listen Online" at the top of the page, then go to Channels - Music - Channel 39 Hair Nation.   
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 18, 2016, 05:52:27 PM
"We'll check out some music on their new album.."

I hope they don't just play TGOM.  :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: InFlames235 on January 18, 2016, 05:56:14 PM
Quote from: Wubbagubba on January 18, 2016, 05:52:27 PM
"We'll check out some music on their new album.."

I hope they don't just play TGOM.  :-\

You know they're going to haha if they were releasing something new tonight they'd have put it on their FB page for people to join.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: VincentMDO on January 18, 2016, 05:57:28 PM
Quote from: InFlames235 on January 18, 2016, 05:56:14 PM
Quote from: Wubbagubba on January 18, 2016, 05:52:27 PM
"We'll check out some music on their new album.."

I hope they don't just play TGOM.  :-\

You know they're going to haha if they were releasing something new tonight they'd have put it on their FB page for people to join.

Actually not. I remember JP went Eddie Trunk's show right before the release of the last album and they premiered "The Looking Glass" without any warning on any media.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 18, 2016, 06:04:22 PM
Quote from: jonny108 on January 18, 2016, 05:47:05 PM
Click "Sign Up for a Trial" here https://www.siriusxm.com/ (https://www.siriusxm.com/)

Once you've done that go back to the homepage and click "Listen Online" at the top of the page, then go to Channels - Music - Channel 39 Hair Nation.

It felt like going through a maze, but I made it! Thank you!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 06:08:16 PM
Haha, this is the first time JP and JR are seeing the album xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 18, 2016, 06:24:50 PM
Did they actually start?  I'm just hearing more songs . . . come on man! get to it!

Edit:  I'm an idiot.  Thought I was doing it live, I guess not. uhg!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 06:26:01 PM
So NOMAC Means Noise Machine
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: LastShoot on January 18, 2016, 06:27:07 PM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 18, 2016, 06:24:50 PM
Did they actually start?  I'm just hearing more songs . . . come on man! get to it!
You have to press the live button to go live!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 18, 2016, 06:29:48 PM
This is hilarious!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 18, 2016, 06:30:43 PM
Quote from: LastShoot on January 18, 2016, 06:27:07 PM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 18, 2016, 06:24:50 PM
Did they actually start?  I'm just hearing more songs . . . come on man! get to it!
You have to press the live button to go live!
I clicked LIVE and it said I was live.  Edit my last post.  This is what happens when you get too excited and too many adult beverages.  I'm out.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: LastShoot on January 18, 2016, 06:34:29 PM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 18, 2016, 06:30:43 PM
Quote from: LastShoot on January 18, 2016, 06:27:07 PM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 18, 2016, 06:24:50 PM
Did they actually start?  I'm just hearing more songs . . . come on man! get to it!
You have to press the live button to go live!
I clicked LIVE and it said I was live.  Edit my last post.  This is what happens when you get too excited and too many adult beverages.  I'm out.

 :lol enjoy the show
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 18, 2016, 07:13:51 PM
update please  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:16:50 PM
They are playing two songs!!!!!!!!!!!!! :0
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: VincentMDO on January 18, 2016, 07:17:01 PM
new song hype soon!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 18, 2016, 07:17:04 PM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on January 18, 2016, 07:13:51 PM
update please  :corn

The Gift of Music, premiering another song, and then question time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on January 18, 2016, 07:17:14 PM
And they'll be taking calls!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:17:40 PM
I will be recording this
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jonny108 on January 18, 2016, 07:17:57 PM
I need to go to bed but no chance now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jdprsaga on January 18, 2016, 07:20:40 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:17:40 PM
I will be recording this

Yess please!!!! hopefully you can share!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: VincentMDO on January 18, 2016, 07:21:50 PM
inb4 00:30 The Hovering Sojourn ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:22:25 PM
Quote from: VincentMDO on January 18, 2016, 07:21:50 PM
inb4 00:30 The Hovering Sojourn ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

LOL!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Laughing_man923 on January 18, 2016, 07:23:15 PM
I hope they don't pull a Haken on us and tease us with just 7 seconds of music lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 18, 2016, 07:26:50 PM
I knew I should have went through all the rigamarole for the trial offer...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: LastShoot on January 18, 2016, 07:28:35 PM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on January 18, 2016, 07:26:50 PM
I knew I should have went through all the rigamarole for the trial offer...
You can still do it o.o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:34:14 PM
Soooooo many calls.... xD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:34:43 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:34:14 PM
Soooooo many calls from women.... xD

fixd
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Voices on January 18, 2016, 07:37:00 PM
The album will be out before all that calls... :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:38:30 PM
That long call about Monterrey... :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: InFlames235 on January 18, 2016, 07:39:10 PM
This isn't loading for me :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 18, 2016, 07:39:28 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:38:30 PM
That long call about Monterrey... :lol

"ALRIGHT BRUNO GET TO THE QUESTION"

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: LastShoot on January 18, 2016, 07:40:00 PM
I didn't know James was not a woman  :huh: :huh: :huh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:40:28 PM
Haha, John thinking the caller already had the new album. "Nooooooooooooo"  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:40:38 PM
These calls are terrible

DT has such a terrible fanbase  :mehlin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 18, 2016, 07:42:39 PM
Ahhhhhh  :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg:

I'm definitely sizzling Eddie
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:42:44 PM
Moment of Betrayal!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: VincentMDO on January 18, 2016, 07:42:55 PM
Moment of Betrayal, here we go!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 18, 2016, 07:43:06 PM
Record it!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: LastShoot on January 18, 2016, 07:43:16 PM
 :corn :corn :corn :corn :corn :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 18, 2016, 07:43:25 PM
JUST IN TIME, AWWWWW YEAAAAAAAAAH

Just got up with the program, how can I listen to the entire interview later?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:43:39 PM
We will get to listen to the badass riff that bosk mentioned! :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: InFlames235 on January 18, 2016, 07:43:46 PM
Portnoy question!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:44:30 PM
That piano... those strings... goosebumps!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cookienut on January 18, 2016, 07:44:40 PM
I'm expecting Portnoy to jump into the studio and have a bacon fight.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jdprsaga on January 18, 2016, 07:44:53 PM
Made it ... just signed in.. what did I miss? they are playing moment of betrayel in a bit
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 18, 2016, 07:45:27 PM
Oh my god... HOLY SHIT CHILLS

I KNOW THIS FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE TRAILER
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:46:02 PM
That pre-chorus!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: InFlames235 on January 18, 2016, 07:46:41 PM
Wow my feed is WAY behind - I just got past the guy who asked about Portnoy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jonny108 on January 18, 2016, 07:47:27 PM
Holy moly James.  He sounds awesome.  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:47:38 PM
"He will be defenseleeeess!" Damn, that was beautiful!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 18, 2016, 07:47:58 PM
That instrumental....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 18, 2016, 07:48:09 PM
Holy Jesus Christ this is fucking groovy. I love this. JP's solos on this album also sound much more inspired to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: LastShoot on January 18, 2016, 07:48:33 PM
Just wow...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:48:38 PM
JP's solo O_O
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jdprsaga on January 18, 2016, 07:48:53 PM
myung!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cookienut on January 18, 2016, 07:49:18 PM
Streaming from Australia. Mega delayed. They're talking about touring and everyone here is saying "OMG THE STRINGS AND GROOVE". And I never realised Jordans voice was that epic lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 18, 2016, 07:49:39 PM
JM ON STEROIDS
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:49:43 PM
Mangini is really badass here too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 18, 2016, 07:50:14 PM
Hopefully it isn't against the rules for someone to post a recording of this later since the band is clearly OK with it being played...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: VincentMDO on January 18, 2016, 07:50:21 PM
Great song! Nice JP solo!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:50:44 PM
That... oh... my... I know this is alot different from the rest of the album, but boy this just became one of my favorite songs from their most recent albums. INSTANT like.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wolven74 on January 18, 2016, 07:51:12 PM
is there anyway we can post a link to the song, without going to sirius xm. I'm assuming if they're premiering it tonight, it'll likely be online somewhere tonight or tomorrow, yes?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:51:52 PM
Recorded it.

Not that hyped about it.  Kinda bland song imo
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 18, 2016, 07:52:31 PM
what song are they playing?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 18, 2016, 07:52:44 PM
 :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :mehlin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 18, 2016, 07:52:52 PM
Yeah, can someone record even? If it's not against the rules, with it being on a radio show  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jdprsaga on January 18, 2016, 07:53:48 PM
IMO It did sound kinda like from the last couple of albums... with an opera rock feel for sure.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: paulstfu on January 18, 2016, 07:54:03 PM
Listening from México. Holy fuck, as soon as the page loaded, Moment of Betrayal began playing. I don't know what to think. The chorus is immense, the instrumental break before the solo is glorious... OH MY GOD, THAT SOLO!! I'M SHAKING, HOLY FUCK!!! :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Voices on January 18, 2016, 07:54:20 PM
I'm addicted already. What a beautiful and powerful song!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:55:19 PM
Sounds just like ADTOE and DT12. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 18, 2016, 07:56:09 PM
Didn't hear it but these emoticons are great.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Marion Crane on January 18, 2016, 07:56:43 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:55:19 PM
Sounds just like ADTOE and DT12.

What I was afraid of
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jdprsaga on January 18, 2016, 07:56:51 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:55:19 PM
Sounds just like ADTOE and DT12.

My opinion as well..
 solo and Myung unison before the solo were great tho
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:57:37 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:55:19 PM
Sounds just like ADTOE and DT12.

Disagree completely.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:57:42 PM
The instrumental section sounded cool but it was way too short and not fulfilling.

James sounds really overproduced
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:59:34 PM
I'm glad. I'm not looking for long instrumental sections. And the rest of the album from noxon and other reviewer's words is completely different. I even got A Glass Prison pre-chorus vibe.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 18, 2016, 08:00:32 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:57:42 PM
James sounds really overproduced

I do agree with that. Could just be this song, because I didn't exactly feel it on TGOM, but geez. I couldn't stand his voice on DT12 either.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 18, 2016, 08:00:43 PM
I WANNA HEAR IT!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASEEEEE!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 18, 2016, 08:01:23 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:55:19 PM
Sounds just like ADTOE and DT12.

Musically, sonically, or both?

I disagree. Obviously there are similarities, but I get a completely different vibe from it. This is probably one of the more single-ish or normal songs too, so not representative of how the whole album will feel and sound.

James does sound a little overproduced, but I wonder if that could at all be related to the "voices" he's doing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 08:02:32 PM
Reminds me way too much of Behind the Veil, Bridges in the Sky, and The Bigger Picture.  Take those three songs and put them in a blender and you get Moment of Betrayal.  The song is REALLY formulaic in structure too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 18, 2016, 08:02:38 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:59:34 PM
I'm glad. I'm not looking for long instrumental sections.
I love long instrumentals, but I dislike ones that go on for too long with no purpose. Without having heard this new song yet my impression for this album is that there are plenty of instrumental parts, but a lot shorter and mostly without extended rambling technical solos that go nowhere. If this is true, I will probably love it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: paulstfu on January 18, 2016, 08:03:24 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:57:42 PM
The instrumental section sounded cool but it was way too short and not fulfilling.

James sounds really overproduced

Yeah, he sounds like on The Great Debate I think.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 18, 2016, 08:04:29 PM
Moment of Betrayal sounds killer. Mix is amazing, Myung's bass sounds incredible, the sound stage they were able to create with all of the elements is insane, so much depth. Beyond pumped for the new record.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 18, 2016, 08:05:20 PM
Of all the songs I've hear so far, this one is one of my least favourites. Does nothing for me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 08:06:27 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 18, 2016, 08:05:20 PM
Of all the songs I've hear so far, this one is one of my least favourites. Does nothing for me.

And I loved it, so I can't wait to listen to what you've actually heard O_o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Laughing_man923 on January 18, 2016, 08:07:37 PM
I will not sleep until I hear it regardless of what I think.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 08:08:05 PM
Dont let your DT fanboyism blind you

This song is very very by-the-numbers and bland.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chrisbDTM on January 18, 2016, 08:08:31 PM
I was really hoping this album wouldn't be 'business as usual' DT. Sure it's a new concept but it still sounds like the last couple albums. But yes yes 2 hours of music to hear before total judgement.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 18, 2016, 08:08:41 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 08:02:32 PM
Reminds me way too much of Behind the Veil, Bridges in the Sky, and The Bigger Picture.  Take those three songs and put them in a blender and you get Moment of Betrayal.  The song is REALLY formulaic in structure too.

I mean, those are pretty great, and different songs. It is fairly formulaic in structure, but according to the reviews, very few songs are like that. It was probably previewed for that reason. It isn't exactly a groundbreaking song, but singles and songs that are previewed almost never are.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: InFlames235 on January 18, 2016, 08:08:51 PM
LOVED IT! I don't agree at all that it sounds like ADTOE or the self-titled. Can't wait to hear the rest of this :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 08:09:08 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 08:08:05 PM
Dont let your DT fanboyism blind you

This song is very very by-the-numbers and bland.

And I will completely disagree and I'll leave it at that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jdprsaga on January 18, 2016, 08:09:53 PM
Quote from: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 18, 2016, 08:01:23 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:55:19 PM
Sounds just like ADTOE and DT12.

Musically, sonically, or both?

I disagree. Obviously there are similarities, but I get a completely different vibe from it. This is probably one of the more single-ish or normal songs too, so not representative of how the whole album will feel and sound.

James does sound a little overproduced, but I wonder if that could at all be related to the "voices" he's doing.

The beginning was definitely different,
during the verses, rift and drums were just like from ADToE and DT12.
Chorus and bridge were very opera rock which is different
Instrumental part was like from ADToE and DT12 until the myung unison at the end that where I jzzed
solo was really good
Ending reminded me of Sacrificed Sons Ending.. very epic and nice
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Voices on January 18, 2016, 08:10:03 PM
The quality of the stream doesn't help to properly hear the dynamics, imo. The riffing sounds more like DT12 to me (which is good!). James vocals sounds pretty much like The Great Debate (which is good too!). But I hear nothing from ADTOE there...absolutely nothing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 08:10:23 PM
*snip

EDIT by admin:  Please do not post personal recordings of any released material.  This was a one-off performance and is owned by the Eddie Trunk show.  If and when it becomes available for re-streaming, it may be posted.  Until then, it is out of bounds.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wolven74 on January 18, 2016, 08:11:02 PM
I've not heard the song, but since it's been heard by many, I have to wonder how long it'll take for a cover of it to be put up on Youtube? Tomorrow? :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 18, 2016, 08:11:48 PM
*snip

EDIT by admin:  Please do not post personal recordings of any released material.  This was a one-off performance and is owned by the Eddie Trunk show.  If and when it becomes available for re-streaming, it may be posted.  Until then, it is out of bounds.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 18, 2016, 08:12:07 PM
Quote from: jdprsaga on January 18, 2016, 08:09:53 PM
Quote from: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 18, 2016, 08:01:23 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:55:19 PM
Sounds just like ADTOE and DT12.

Musically, sonically, or both?

I disagree. Obviously there are similarities, but I get a completely different vibe from it. This is probably one of the more single-ish or normal songs too, so not representative of how the whole album will feel and sound.

James does sound a little overproduced, but I wonder if that could at all be related to the "voices" he's doing.

The beginning was definitely different,
during the verses, rift and drums were just like from ADToE and DT12.
Chorus and bridge were very opera rock which is different
Instrumental part was like from ADToE and DT12 until the myung unison at the end that where I jzzed
solo was really good
Ending reminded me of Sacrificed Sons Ending.. very epic and nice

Agreed. I thoroughly agree. I thought it was a great song overall.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 18, 2016, 08:17:45 PM
I reckon they chose this track to ease the minds of the fans who like the metal and shred.
Hopefully I enjoy the song more in the context of the whole act/album, but individually it's not a standout for me. It has some nice stuff going on though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Lucien on January 18, 2016, 08:19:31 PM
very cool
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 18, 2016, 08:19:42 PM
Holy Sh!t!!!!!!!!!! that was just perfect!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: goo-goo on January 18, 2016, 08:20:12 PM
Sweet track! Didn't like the section where JLB sings in a higher pitch but overall I'm pumped :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 18, 2016, 08:21:15 PM
I don't love the vocal melody, it's not bad but nothing to get excited about.  Love the instrumentation around it, though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 08:21:38 PM
"He will be defenseless" is my favorite bit! :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Marion Crane on January 18, 2016, 08:24:26 PM
I'm sure it'll sit better in context, but yeah this really reminded me of something on DT12.

And I'm really getting sick of them pushing the beat and not letting melodies flow.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 08:27:43 PM
Btw, a certain section of the lyrics is REALLY spoiler-heavy as JP mentioned, lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: InFlames235 on January 18, 2016, 08:28:43 PM
This just makes me more amped up. Of course the two songs they'd release are going to be the more straight forward DT sound that a lot of fans really like. I am just stoked that those straight forward DT songs have both been really fun. I don't find it uninspired at all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 18, 2016, 08:30:14 PM
Quote from: InFlames235 on January 18, 2016, 08:28:43 PM
This just makes me more amped up. Of course the two songs they'd release are going to be the more straight forward DT sound that a lot of fans really like. I am just stoked that those straight forward DT songs have both been really fun. I don't find it uninspired at all.

Yes. Thank you.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 18, 2016, 08:33:46 PM
What always amazes me is that how, in like an hour, we will find youtube videos of people playing the song through on their guitar.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jsbru on January 18, 2016, 08:35:07 PM
Quote from: jdprsaga on January 18, 2016, 07:53:48 PM
IMO It did sound kinda like from the last couple of albums... with an opera rock feel for sure.

It did kind of have that same sound from the last few albums, but IMO it was very well-done.  Given what noxon has said, though, this song may not be typical of what's on the albums.  That one was longer, heavier, and did have a lot of longer, proggy soloing.  I guess I'll have to wait to hear the softer stuff.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Prog Snob on January 18, 2016, 08:36:20 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 18, 2016, 08:17:45 PM
I reckon they chose this track to ease the minds of the fans who like the metal and shred.
Hopefully I enjoy the song more in the context of the whole act/album, but individually it's not a standout for me. It has some nice stuff going on though.

I agree completely. It's really good but not something that completely blew me away, though that might change in time. I liked TGOM more.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Laughing_man923 on January 18, 2016, 08:39:38 PM
I just like it a lot, as simple as that sounds. I do hear a bit  of the same sound as the last 2 albums, but then it sounds like something else entirely. I really enjoyed this track a lot, no complaints from me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 18, 2016, 08:40:31 PM
OMG MYUNG WTf??!?!?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Siddhartha on January 18, 2016, 08:41:07 PM
I have liked a lot the two songs that I have heard from the album.

And I am relieved, because I´m one of those who hated what they did with DT12.

If the rest of the album is that good I´m going to enjoy this one a lot.

EDIT: And this doesn´t sound at all like DT12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 08:42:16 PM
Quote from: Panar on January 18, 2016, 08:40:31 PM
OMG MYUNG WTf??!?!?

Yeah, he was basically "I will just play what JP played... WITH MY FINGERS."  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 18, 2016, 08:48:36 PM
Just heard it. WOW, that was awesome! Some sections with vocals remind me a little of The Great Debate in style.
The intro theme, chorus, and instrumental are amazing. Sure, it's similar to the last 2 albums, but I love the last 2 albums. Plus they aren't going to release something really different early.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 18, 2016, 08:49:06 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 08:42:16 PM
Quote from: Panar on January 18, 2016, 08:40:31 PM
OMG MYUNG WTf??!?!?

Yeah, he was basically "I will just play what JP played... WITH MY FINGERS."  :lol
Hahahaha exactly!!! Lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: adastra on January 18, 2016, 08:49:34 PM
Damn o.o I liked that!!! Cool song!, Nice solo from Petrucci, piano by Rudess <3, Myung unison Solo!
But I still don't like that snare... or drumming.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: JMSE on January 18, 2016, 08:51:34 PM
Mangini wins in this track regardless of the snare sound. Bombastic as fuck.

About the song: HOLY MOTHER of GOD  :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jsbru on January 18, 2016, 09:03:28 PM
The best parts are the intro and the first verse, plus the guitar solo.  Other than that, it's okay, and it sounds a lot like the last two albums.  This probably won't be my favorite song on the album.  I think TGOM is above it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Randaran on January 18, 2016, 09:06:23 PM
I love the intro and the instrumental section, but the rest does little for me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 18, 2016, 09:09:39 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 08:27:43 PM
Btw, a certain section of the lyrics is REALLY spoiler-heavy as JP mentioned, lol.

Well, good thing I couldn't understand most of the lyrics
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 18, 2016, 09:09:49 PM
The quality of the youtube link is basically unlistenably bad... please tell me that its just the quality of the link and not actually the mix...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 18, 2016, 09:11:24 PM
Quote from: Prog Snob on January 18, 2016, 08:36:20 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 18, 2016, 08:17:45 PM
I reckon they chose this track to ease the minds of the fans who like the metal and shred.
Hopefully I enjoy the song more in the context of the whole act/album, but individually it's not a standout for me. It has some nice stuff going on though.

I agree completely. It's really good but not something that completely blew me away, though that might change in time. I liked TGOM more.

I still love TGOM. I've already listened to it more than anything from ADTOE and DT12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jsbru on January 18, 2016, 09:13:09 PM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 18, 2016, 09:09:49 PM
The quality of the youtube link is basically unlistenably bad... please tell me that its just the quality of the link and not actually the mix...

I'm sure it is.  It was recorded off a live Sirius radio show, first off.  Then YouTube mangles it up some more.  That's the last thing I'm worried about.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 18, 2016, 09:15:08 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 08:27:43 PM
Btw, a certain section of the lyrics is REALLY spoiler-heavy as JP mentioned, lol.

which one?  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 18, 2016, 09:16:50 PM
Quote from: jsbru on January 18, 2016, 09:13:09 PM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 18, 2016, 09:09:49 PM
The quality of the youtube link is basically unlistenably bad... please tell me that its just the quality of the link and not actually the mix...

I'm sure it is.  It was recorded off a live Sirius radio show, first off.  Then YouTube mangles it up some more.  That's the last thing I'm worried about.


I really hope so because as it stands, based on the youtube version, this would be the worst DT song I have ever heard by far.    I love TGOM.   

Despite the quality being terrible the vocal melody sounds extremely tiring and unfresh... I really hope its all just a sonic issue.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: maximumrocker on January 18, 2016, 09:17:23 PM
The part where JLB sings "Lead me tonight where the star touch the sky"

That part was awesome!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bl5150 on January 18, 2016, 09:18:08 PM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 18, 2016, 09:09:49 PM
The quality of the youtube link is basically unlistenably bad... please tell me that its just the quality of the link and not actually the mix...

The file has had two big hits -  1) radio show rip and then 2) Youtube , so I wouldn't read much into it.  I think the guitar sound is a bit too muddy but apart from that I won't comment on the sound.

As far as the song goes , my expectations just soared based on that song,.  If that is one of the lesser tracks then this is going to be one of those rare things - a concept album that I love.   I couldn't understand half the lyrics , so no real spoilers there for me either.

My main gripe with concept albums is that in all but the best of the best , I feel like the lyrics are shoe-horned into the music ..............like "these are the words and they are going to be used because they're essential to the story , even though I can't quite get the music to sound as good as it might otherwise".  I like that better than just about anything on SFAM - main reason being that the song stands up on its own for me.   I want to be able to listen to most of the songs on a concept individually and am not a fan of the "needs to be listened to as a whole" thing.

Count me much more pumped for this release than before - if DT can get me to like a sci-fi/fantasy cheesy concept album then they've crossed the final frontier . :lol

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 18, 2016, 09:22:56 PM
OMG this is amazing.

People judging sound quality: please don't.

I can't wait for the full-quality version.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 18, 2016, 09:26:06 PM
I didn't listen that closely to the Youtube sound quality, but the sound on the album is good.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 18, 2016, 09:26:41 PM
When do you guys think we'll get an official release of Moment of Betrayal?
 I mean MOB
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 18, 2016, 09:27:06 PM
Well... take my words with a grain of salt because I'm struggling to find a quality version but from what I hear this is one of the least inspired dream theater songs I have ever heard.  It is completely "Bad DT by numbers" and has all the qualities of a bad DT song:

Labrie sounds horrible and the vocal melody is not just boring but actually grating to my ears.  The instrumental is technical garbage and the chorus might be their worst yet. 

I have tried three times now and can't make it through the whole song.     

Again, I love TGOM and have played it about 50 times.     

I really hope this is just a one off because my confidence in this album just plummeted. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ansell on January 18, 2016, 09:27:34 PM
They talk about whats to come for the albums website in the interview. Going to be awesome when the album is out!

Edit: Its at about 2:17:00 in the interview.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 09:27:45 PM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 18, 2016, 09:15:08 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 08:27:43 PM
Btw, a certain section of the lyrics is REALLY spoiler-heavy as JP mentioned, lol.

which one?  :corn

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER AHEAD: "I will give you what you need My brother for my son, Guilt and shame will burden me Until my days are done"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 18, 2016, 09:29:02 PM
Quote from: jsbru on January 18, 2016, 09:03:28 PM
The best parts are the intro and the first verse, plus the guitar solo.  Other than that, it's okay, and it sounds a lot like the last two albums.  This probably won't be my favorite song on the album.  I think TGOM is above it.

Add this to the fact that people are placing TGOM in the middle of the pack! Man this album will be Astonishing!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 09:31:30 PM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 18, 2016, 09:27:06 PM
Well... take my words with a grain of salt because I'm struggling to find a quality version but from what I hear this is one of the least inspired dream theater songs I have ever heard.  It is completely "Bad DT by numbers" and has all the qualities of a bad DT song:

Labrie sounds horrible and the vocal melody is not just boring but actually grating to my ears.  The instrumental is technical garbage and the chorus might be their worst yet. 

I have tried three times now and can't make it through the whole song.     

Again, I love TGOM and have played it about 50 times.     

I really hope this is just a one off because my confidence in this album just plummeted.

I on the other hand can't stop listening to it and I love James' singing on it. Loved the instrumental section.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 18, 2016, 09:32:58 PM
Quote from: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 18, 2016, 09:26:41 PM
When do you guys think we'll get an official release of Moment of Betrayal?
 I mean MOB
ADRENALINE

MOB

(https://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff421/perpetualjoe/PS/MPWARRIOR.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 18, 2016, 09:34:53 PM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 18, 2016, 09:27:06 PM
Well... take my words with a grain of salt because I'm struggling to find a quality version but from what I hear this is one of the least inspired dream theater songs I have ever heard.  It is completely "Bad DT by numbers" and has all the qualities of a bad DT song:

Labrie sounds horrible and the vocal melody is not just boring but actually grating to my ears.  The instrumental is technical garbage and the chorus might be their worst yet. 

I have tried three times now and can't make it through the whole song.     

Again, I love TGOM and have played it about 50 times.     

I really hope this is just a one off because my confidence in this album just plummeted.

I mean, I disagree with this just about as much as one can possibly disagree with something, but to each their own.  :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 18, 2016, 09:35:10 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 09:31:30 PM
I on the other hand can't stop listening to it and I love James' singing on it. Loved the instrumental section.
Same here! James sounds great! Sure, the vocal melodies are simple, but so what? The instrumental section is perfect especially JM's unison part and JP's solo.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 18, 2016, 09:35:46 PM
Muthafuckin psychosane  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 18, 2016, 09:36:24 PM
So if I HATED DT12, will I like the Astonishing?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 09:37:39 PM
"There will be no witness"   :|
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 18, 2016, 09:39:19 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 18, 2016, 09:36:24 PM
So if I HATED DT12, will I like the Astonishing?

Nullius in Verba
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 18, 2016, 09:39:43 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 08:08:05 PM
Dont let your DT fanboyism blind you

This song is very very by-the-numbers and bland.
You're trying too hard.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 09:40:24 PM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 18, 2016, 09:39:19 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 18, 2016, 09:36:24 PM
So if I HATED DT12, will I like the Astonishing?

Nullius in Verba

Lorem ipsum presto felice amore
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 18, 2016, 09:42:10 PM
That fast syncopated riff with James singing is pretty cool, gonna be awesome live. I hope James can do it all. That chorus is lovely.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 18, 2016, 09:43:57 PM

Quote from: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 09:40:24 PM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 18, 2016, 09:39:19 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 18, 2016, 09:36:24 PM
So if I HATED DT12, will I like the Astonishing?

Nullius in Verba

Lorem ipsum presto felice amore

:hifive:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 18, 2016, 09:44:20 PM
The main theme from this song is amazing. I can't get enough of it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 18, 2016, 09:47:12 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 18, 2016, 09:44:20 PM
The main theme from this song is amazing. I can't get enough of it.

Yeah. I have it on repeat while I'm trying to fall asleep. Gonna be a while
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 18, 2016, 09:50:17 PM
I just figured out the spoiler / meaning of the song. Great plot point.

And Manginis drumming on second verse and outro is beyond amazing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 18, 2016, 09:51:58 PM
I'm already spoiling myself big time by listening the song on repeat. I'm doing my best in not spoiling myself any lyrical matters until I have the physical copy on my hands and I can read while listening to the whole thing.  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 18, 2016, 09:57:37 PM
SPOILER: This song will be a DT classic. I like it even better than GOM.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Marion Crane on January 18, 2016, 10:11:16 PM
TGOM was bliss to my ears because it reminded me very much of SFAM, 6 Degrees and something new combined. I've probably listened to it 100 times in the last month.

This song is 98% DT12, with a sprinkle of 6 Degrees to me. I've listened to it twice and probably won't again until I hear the full album. Not really working for me.

Again, hoping it will work in context.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 18, 2016, 10:21:37 PM
When SFAM came out it was totally different than everything before. If we had heard Finally Free 2 weeks before album release and heard JL sing "I ran into Julian said we'd get together soon" we'd all be like "huh?"...in this context this song will be a major plot point and I think the song will grow on the fans of the album a lot.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 18, 2016, 10:22:41 PM
After listening to it on a more quality version I don't have the extreme hatred for the song that I first did and now that I can actually hear Labrie he sounds fine.

With that said the melodies on this song are still boring and sound like a band that has run out of ideas which is worrisome.   I am confident that this is just a one off though and there will still be plenty to like on the album based on the rave reviews by many on this board.

The only part of the song I actually like is the obvious "The Great Debate" rip off because it sounds like... The Great Debate, which IMO is on the last album that the band actually sounded inspired.

Hopefully it grows on me as most DT songs do... although I really liked TGOM right from the beginning.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 18, 2016, 10:24:08 PM
I've spent the last 2 and a half hours trying to write down the lyrics, but there are some pieces still missing and others which I'm not quite sure of. I wanted to see if any native English speakers could help me out with that, is it OK if I post here what I've got so far?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: metropofreak on January 18, 2016, 10:26:56 PM
Well that was incredible! The only similarity to DT12 that I see is the medium tempo chorus, just like Behind the Veil. Saying that, I think it is far better executed in Moment of Betrayal...

Also, there are some comments that says this is DT by numbers. I'm curious, what do people actually mean when this phrase is tossed around?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: FsF on January 18, 2016, 10:27:22 PM
Really don't like the chorus, but enjoyed pretty much everything else. Also the closest Mangini has come to a memorable DT drum performance, to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on January 18, 2016, 11:48:29 PM
That was like a good mix between The Great Debate and Behind the Veil. Liked but not so overstocked. Great to hear another tune though!!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kyo on January 19, 2016, 12:23:04 AM
It makes sense that they would debut Moment of Betrayal in the context of a metal radio show. It's easily one of the most metal and most straightforward things on the album. But of course this choice in the context of the other marketing activities goes further down the misleading path of the trailer, indicating that the album is much more along the lines of modern heavy DT (think DT12) than it really is. The intro before the verse riff kicks in, particularly the first ~22 seconds with just the piano and the violin (or is it a cello?), are actually more representative of a good chunk of the album than the metal song that follows is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lonestar on January 19, 2016, 12:32:38 AM
Ok, I gotta admit, I fucking love the new track.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chwik on January 19, 2016, 01:04:13 AM
Quote from: Kyo on January 19, 2016, 12:23:04 AM
It makes sense that they would debut Moment of Betrayal in the context of a metal radio show. It's easily one of the most metal and most straightforward things on the album. But of course this choice in the context of the other marketing activities goes further down the misleading path of the trailer, indicating that the album is much more along the lines of modern heavy DT (think DT12) than it really is. The intro before the verse riff kicks in, particularly the first ~22 seconds with just the piano and the violin (or is it a cello?), are actually more representative of a good chunk of the album than the metal song that follows is.
I concur. Having only listened to the album once, I do remember this track as the most "standard DT-track" on the album, but it makes sense to release this track in the contexst of a metal show. But as said, it is not really that representative for the album as a whole. Remember that this album is still going to sound as DT, but at the same time it is not ;-)

I like this song, think it will kick ass when played live :-)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 19, 2016, 01:06:37 AM
Wow, what a way to wake up  :lol
Amazing song, and yeah, many reviewers said that it's the most 'standard DT' one in the album.
Many moments made me go  :eek
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Zydar on January 19, 2016, 01:07:40 AM
A fine song, and a nice catchy chorus. Needs a few more spins though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 19, 2016, 01:23:39 AM
I just sampled the song, but the youtube quality is really killing it, so I'll wait until there will be a better version, even if that means I'll wait till release. The couple of seconds I sampled were very promising  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: alexofsweden on January 19, 2016, 01:55:32 AM
Great song, could be the best they´ve made since Breaking All Illussions. BUT, i´m a bit dissapointed in Manginis playing...There´s nothing memorable in his playing. Don´t get me wrong, I thnk he´s an awsome drummer but not ever once i´ve had the urge to airplay drums to an DT track with Mangini on drums. Kinda miss Portnoy now...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Frankgate on January 19, 2016, 02:03:10 AM
Awesome song, I'm even more encouraged. It reminds a lot of SFAM (and a bit of I&W). The good old days when DT just needed 6 minutes to write a wonderful song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on January 19, 2016, 02:09:03 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on January 19, 2016, 01:55:32 AM
not ever once i´ve had the urge to airplay drums to an DT track with Mangini on drums.

That's great point.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 02:10:06 AM
The verses give me a big TCOT vibe for some reason. The instrumental is pretty good; overall I feel the song might be a grower.
Real shame about the drum sound, which is pretty bad, but much better than DT12. LaBrie could have cut down on the effects aswell.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 19, 2016, 02:18:39 AM
On further listens, this sounds like a mesh of The Great Debate, Outcry and The Bigger Picture. Interesting mixture right there, the song is quite unique, when you put it in this perspective.
Also, the chorus reminds me of The Ones Who Helped To Set The Sun.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 19, 2016, 02:27:03 AM
Quote from: alexofsweden on January 19, 2016, 01:55:32 AM
Great song, could be the best they´ve made since Breaking All Illussions. BUT, i´m a bit dissapointed in Manginis playing...There´s nothing memorable in his playing. Don´t get me wrong, I thnk he´s an awsome drummer but not ever once i´ve had the urge to airplay drums to an DT track with Mangini on drums. Kinda miss Portnoy now...

I've never in the past had the urge to air-drum to anything Mangini either, but some of the songs on the new album have me drumming along. There are some great beats and fills, and I think this album is the best MM has fit with DT yet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Zydar on January 19, 2016, 02:30:40 AM
I've found myself air drumming to Enigma Machine a couple of times.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 19, 2016, 02:36:45 AM
I was air drumming to the final section of moment of betrayal.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 19, 2016, 02:37:53 AM
I've been air drumming to most of ADTOE and IT, TEI, TLG, yeah i love MM's playing i think.
The new song is not something i'm very excited about, i think the vocal lines kind of ruin it for me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pettor on January 19, 2016, 02:42:22 AM
Omg, I will love this album  :metal

Edit: I always love when James LaBrie does this hi and low singing as with the chorus here. A bit like in the Ministry of Lost Souls chorus.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 03:22:11 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:57:37 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:55:19 PM
Sounds just like ADTOE and DT12.

Disagree completely.

I got a huge SDOIT vibe from it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 19, 2016, 03:30:07 AM
Finally read noxon's review, and one thing that really stands out from his descriptions (which were hugely informative by the way, thanks!) was just how much DT is following a traditional opera approach with this. The second act overture was specifically mentioned, but the other thing that stood out was the first act finale being the longest piece and bringing together most of the cast. First Act finales are often one of my favourite things in operas, and so I'm really looking forward to hearing that one!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Stray Seed on January 19, 2016, 03:33:04 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 03:22:11 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:57:37 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:55:19 PM
Sounds just like ADTOE and DT12.

Disagree completely.

I got a huge SDOIT vibe from it.
Intro gives me a pleasant Finally Free vibe. Found myself singing "Friday evening, the blood's still on my hands".
Considering it as a whole, the song is killer. I can already hear the crowd singing along to the chorus, like an anthem. JLB really has some soaring vocals on this one, but actually every DT member gets his moments to shine. Yes, it has the typical Dream Theater brand sound, I can hear influences from many previous works, but remember: many reviews have stated that this is one of the few "safe" songs on the album. Well, safe but killer anyway ;D Also, loving the mix and the overall sound.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on January 19, 2016, 03:33:12 AM
I listened to Moment of Betrayal MOB live during the show, and absolutely dug it.  I keep wanting to re-listen, but after hearing confirmation of spoilers in the lyrics, I really don't want to spoil the story.  So, I've resorted to just listening to the first little bit before the lyrics start a couple of times to hold me over - haha!

I have to say, the more I hear JP and JR talk about the use of the acoustic instruments rather than synthesized/digitized stuff, the more excited I get for this album.  You just can't replicate a live orchestra or chorus, nor a Steinway grand or a B3 with Leslie.  I've always felt that the sound, timbre, ambiance, mojo, whatever you want to call it, that these "real" instruments add to rock/prog/metal creates such an amazing and enjoyable listening experience when it's done right, but sadly we just don't get that often.  I look to albums like Metallica's S&M, Rush's Clockwork Angels, and even Illumination Theory from D12 (and BTFM), and I see it done right.  I really think if any band can this marriage of sound off right now, it's DT.

Sorry for rambling, or if none of that makes since.  It's 4:30am, and I've not slept at all tonight! Haha.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 03:35:55 AM
I deliberately listened to it without paying any attention to the lyrics. Not that I care about spoilers on a rock album anyway :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: V_R11 on January 19, 2016, 03:49:38 AM
That JP solo though :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 03:50:46 AM
Quote from: Zydar on January 19, 2016, 02:30:40 AM
I've found myself air drumming to Enigma Machine a couple of times.

I've air drummed to plenty of MM tracks. But I do miss MPs playing even though he only had about 5 fills.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 19, 2016, 03:58:27 AM
Everything about that track is awesome! The instrumental break definitely gives off Outcry vibes. Oh, and *sounds key change klaxon*
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on January 19, 2016, 04:21:17 AM
I like the song a lot. That intro!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 19, 2016, 04:27:44 AM
Moment Of Betrayal has a different sound than TGOM..maybe another mix??
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on January 19, 2016, 04:31:16 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 19, 2016, 04:27:44 AM
Moment Of Betrayal has a different sound than TGOM..maybe another mix??
It was taken from a radio show, therefore the quality is pretty bad.

I agree with whoever said that LaBrie sounds overproduced. Apart from that, the song is pretty neat. I do like the fact that the instrumental sections seem to be much shorter and way more focused.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 19, 2016, 04:47:38 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 19, 2016, 04:27:44 AM
Moment Of Betrayal has a different sound than TGOM..maybe another mix??
Apart from the quality, I think the guitars are more up front in this song... which IMHO isn't a bad thing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 04:50:33 AM
A few people who've heard the proper album say it's a lot more dynamic than usual. Which is fine by me.

I think Black Clouds is their best sounding RR album so far.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: V_R11 on January 19, 2016, 04:53:23 AM
Lyrics to MoB anyone?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 19, 2016, 04:54:01 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 04:50:33 AM
A few people who've heard the proper album say it's a lot more dynamic than usual. Which is fine by me.

I think Black Clouds is their best sounding RR album so far.

Definitely. Unfortunately I think that's because of their change of engineer, every album by Chycki seems to be plagued by similar issues in the mix (overproduced vocals and snare/drums in general)... At least it's getting better this time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 04:56:17 AM
Quote from: V_R11 on January 19, 2016, 04:53:23 AM
Lyrics to MoB anyone?

" Feeeeeeeeeel The Adrenaline..."  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Stray Seed on January 19, 2016, 05:02:44 AM
3:44 - 3:56 twelve seconds of pure awesomeness
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Cyclopssss on January 19, 2016, 05:03:03 AM
Must. Restrain. The. Urge.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 19, 2016, 05:10:36 AM
Do you think we're going to get an official release of the song? I'd love to hear it with a proper audio quality.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 19, 2016, 05:11:53 AM
How can james labrie sound "overproduced"? Good god!  :facepalm:

For me, he's sounding better than ever!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 19, 2016, 05:22:58 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on January 19, 2016, 05:03:03 AM
Must. Restrain. The. Urge.

Still not a single note?  :omg:

Good luck!  :metal

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 05:23:52 AM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 19, 2016, 05:22:58 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on January 19, 2016, 05:03:03 AM
Must. Restrain. The. Urge.

Still not a single note!  :omg:

Good luck!  :metal

2 songs out of 34 is hardly ruining the album. I've now heard in total about 10 minutes out of 130.

There's still TWO HOURS I haven't heard. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 19, 2016, 05:30:46 AM
To anyone that's heard the album, is MOB the "heaviest" song? Is it one of your favorites on the album? How does it compare to the rest?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kyo on January 19, 2016, 05:34:05 AM
Quote from: Wubbagubba on January 19, 2016, 05:30:46 AM
To anyone that's heard the album, is MOB the "heaviest" song? Is it one of your favorites on the album? How does it compare to the rest?

This was already answered, actually it was just one page back.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 19, 2016, 05:38:09 AM
SPOILER ALERT (Moment of Betrayal Lyrics)

To anyone who doesn't want to know anything about the story, I advise not to read the post.

Here's what I managed to understand of the lyrics. I'm not a native speaker, so please bear with me. If anyone has any idea of what stuff goes into the (?) parts or any other stuff I might have gotten wrong, I'll be glad to know.






MOMENT OF BETRAYAL

VERSE
Brace yourself my brother,
I have breaking news,
The Noise Machines lie still tonight,
There's no time to lose,

No more threats of bloodshed,
No more pain and fear,
Ravenskill will brave the storm,
Our victory is near

PRE-CHORUS
You will have to bear restraint (?),
Know what's in our oath (?)
I will be the one to change (?),
Father give me strength

CHORUS
Burning rose, secret soul,
Moment of betrayal,
Kiss of death, love, revenge,
Moment of betrayal

VERSE
I just want to live and die
By the warrior's code,
Never leave a man behind,
The God (?) within my soul,

I will give you what you need
My brother for my son,
Guilt and shame will burden me,
Until my days are done

PRE-CHORUS
Leave me tonight where the stars touch the sky,
He'll be alone there, with nowhere to hide

CHORUS

BRIDGE
He will be defenceless,
I will close the brutal fight,
There will be no witness,
They will call you hero tonight

(instrumental)

CHORUS

Threats of life (?), changing sides,
Moment of betrayal,
Wasted love, (???),
Moment of betrayal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 19, 2016, 05:53:01 AM
Quote from: CoT67 on January 19, 2016, 05:38:09 AM
SPOILER ALERT (Moment of Betrayal Lyrics)

To anyone who doesn't want to know anything about the story, I advise not to read the post.

Here's what I managed to understand of the lyrics. I'm not a native speaker, so please bear with me. If anyone has any idea of what stuff goes into the (???) and the (?) parts or any other stuff I might have gotten wrong, I'll be glad to know.






MOMENT OF BETRAYAL

Brace yourself my brother,
I have breaking news,
The Noise Machines (???) here tonight,
There's no time to lose,

No more threats of bloodshed,
No more pain and fear,
Ravenskill will brave the storm,
Our victory is near

You will have to bear restraint (?),
Know what's in our oath (?)
I will be the one to change (?),
Father give me strength

CHORUS
Then he rose (?), secret soul,
Moment of betrayal,
Tears of death, love, revenge,
Moment of betrayal

I just want to live and die
By the warrior's code,
Never leave a man behind,
The God (?) within my soul,

I have given you (?) what you need
My brother for my son,
Guilt and shame will burden me,
Until my days are done

Leave me tonight where the stars touch the sky,
He'll be alone there, with nowhere to hide

CHORUS

BRIDGE
He will be defenceless,
I will close the brutal fight,
There will be no witness,
They will call you hero tonight

(instrumental)

CHORUS

I always thought in the first stanza it was "The Noise Machines lie still tonight."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 19, 2016, 05:56:17 AM
Quote from: Wubbagubba on January 19, 2016, 05:53:01 AM
I always thought in the first stanza it was "The Noise Machines lie still tonight."

Nice, I'll edit that part, thanks.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: aurorablind on January 19, 2016, 06:05:51 AM
I think the last chorus has different lyrics.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 19, 2016, 06:10:00 AM
Quote from: aurorablind on January 19, 2016, 06:05:51 AM
I think the last chorus has different lyrics.

I completely forgot about that, thanks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: aurorablind on January 19, 2016, 06:15:11 AM
Im not sure, but Im hearing this on the chorus:

Burning rose
Secret soul
Moment of betrayal
Kiss of death
Love, revenge
Moment of betrayal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 06:16:27 AM
Quote from: metropofreak on January 18, 2016, 10:26:56 PM
Well that was incredible! The only similarity to DT12 that I see is the medium tempo chorus, just like Behind the Veil. Saying that, I think it is far better executed in Moment of Betrayal...

Also, there are some comments that says this is DT by numbers. I'm curious, what do people actually mean when this phrase is tossed around?


Bad DT by numbers =    straightforward metal, Labrie trying to sound sinister, chorus with a boring melody,  token instrumental part that doesn't progress the song or smoothly lead back to the versus or chorus. 


I am one of the ones who really enjoyed DT12.... but I consider The Enemy Inside a throwaway track.    So I am happy to hear that "Moment of Betrayal" is not representative of the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 19, 2016, 06:17:12 AM
Quote from: aurorablind on January 19, 2016, 06:15:11 AM
Im not sure, but Im hearing this on the chorus:

Burning rose
Secret soul
Moment of betrayal
Kiss of death
Love, revenge
Moment of betrayal

Might be. I'll update it... in the meantime, do you know the words for the last chorus?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 19, 2016, 06:23:26 AM
Saw 5 pages out of nowhere, figured out something had happened  :laugh: funny how the vast majority really likes it, and the rest really dislikes it.

Anyway, not listening to it, I wil resist until the end and I will listen to the entire album without hany kind of preview at all!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 19, 2016, 06:35:16 AM
Just realized why I don't like the vocal melodies - they are most reminiscent (to me) of A Rite of Passage, which is one of my least favorite DT tracks especially when it comes to the vocals.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Tabs on January 19, 2016, 06:35:53 AM
Here's what I hear for the lyrics:

(again - major story plot spoilers here - don't read this if you care about that)

Brace yourself my brother
I have breaking news
The noise machines lie still tonight
There's no time to lose
No more threats of bloodshed
No more pain and fear
Ravenskill will brave the storm
Our victory is near

You are acting very strange
Nervous and on edge
I will be a voice for change
Brother give me strength

Burning rose
Secret sold
Moment of betrayal
Kiss of death
Blood revenge
Moment of betrayal

I have sworn to live and die
By the warrior's code
Never leave a man behind
May god redeem my soul
I will give you what you need
My brother for my son
The guilt and shame will burden me
Until my days are done

Meet me tonight where the stars touch the sky
He'll be alone there with nowhere to hide

Burning rose
Secret sold
Moment of betrayal
Kiss of death
Blood revenge
Moment of betrayal

He will be defenseless
Out of guards, he'll put up a fight
There will be no witness
They will call you a hero tonight

Burning rose
Secret sold
Moment of betrayal
Kiss of death
Blood revenge
Moment of betrayal

Threats and lies
Changing sides
Moment of betrayal
Risking all
Savior's fall
Moment of betrayal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Voices on January 19, 2016, 06:37:28 AM
The instrumental section feels so natural. IMO, DT is improving that subject. Many instrumental sections from BCSL, for example, just doesn't flow naturally and sounds forced.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 19, 2016, 06:37:47 AM
I think the last part is:

Threats and lies, changing sides
Moment of betrayal
Risking all, secrets fall
Moment of betrayal

Also, I think it's "I will give you what you need" instead of "I have given you what you need", "blood" instead of "love" and "kiss" instead of "tears" in the chorus (although I'm not quite sure of this last one. Perhaps it makes sense in the context of the album).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: As I Am on January 19, 2016, 06:43:53 AM
Well, THAT was disappointing :tdwn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 19, 2016, 06:46:37 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 03:22:11 AM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 18, 2016, 07:57:37 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 18, 2016, 07:55:19 PM
Sounds just like ADTOE and DT12.

Disagree completely.

I got a huge SDOIT vibe from it.

One of the pre-chorus is The Great Debate and the main chorus reminds me of Losing Time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 19, 2016, 06:47:31 AM
Quote from: Tabs on January 19, 2016, 06:35:53 AM
He will be defenseless
Out of guards, he'll put up a fight
There will be no witness
They will call you a hero tonight

Mostly right, just a minor correction-

He will be defenseless
I'll look on
Say I put up a fight
There will be no witness
They will call you a hero tonight

Also the chorus says secrets told, not secret told, but that's pretty minor.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chwik on January 19, 2016, 06:54:38 AM
Quote from: As I Am on January 19, 2016, 06:43:53 AM
Well, THAT was disappointing :tdwn

Why?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 19, 2016, 07:02:21 AM
Quote from: Tabs on January 19, 2016, 06:35:53 AM
Here's what I hear for the lyrics:

(again - major story plot spoilers here - don't read this if you care about that)

Brace yourself my brother
I have breaking news
The noise machines lie still tonight
There's no time to lose
No more threats of bloodshed
No more pain and fear
Ravenskill will brave the storm
Our victory is near

You are acting very strange
Nervous and on edge
I will be a voice for change
Brother give me strength

Burning rose
Secret sold
Moment of betrayal
Kiss of death
Blood revenge
Moment of betrayal

I have sworn to live and die
By the warrior's code
Never leave a man behind
May god redeem my soul
I will give you what you need
My brother for my son
The guilt and shame will burden me
Until my days are done

Meet me tonight where the stars touch the sky
He'll be alone there with nowhere to hide

Burning rose
Secret sold
Moment of betrayal
Kiss of death
Blood revenge
Moment of betrayal

He will be defenseless
Out of guards, he'll put up a fight
There will be no witness
They will call you a hero tonight

Burning rose
Secret sold
Moment of betrayal
Kiss of death
Blood revenge
Moment of betrayal

Threats and lies
Changing sides
Moment of betrayal
Risking all
Savior's fall
Moment of betrayal

Whoa, I got a lot of stuff wrong... thanks for the lyrics!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 19, 2016, 07:05:05 AM
Some of the lyrics make me think it's Gabriel talking to Arhys, then others make me think it's the other way round. Maybe this is a "dialogue" song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 19, 2016, 07:05:30 AM
Quote from: chwik on January 19, 2016, 06:54:38 AM
Quote from: As I Am on January 19, 2016, 06:43:53 AM
Well, THAT was disappointing :tdwn

Why?

Maybe it's because the song was so good that he has no other choice than to buy the new album... at least that the case for me  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jayvee3 on January 19, 2016, 07:06:47 AM
Just terrific! Loving the direction of this and of course TGOM. I get a real 'Outcry-meets Sacrificed Sons' vibe from this song (which is great, as I love those two songs). I'm fairly easy to please in regards to DT music, and like lots of things even from the albums I listen to the least. But what I have heard of the Astonishing so far just appears right up my alley, and I really think this album will be something special. Pumped to listen to the album in full on release!  :tup :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Woodworker1 on January 19, 2016, 07:10:52 AM
1.  Mangini really is impressive on this song.  Every album he gets better and better (or I can hear him better).  He has some really catchy parts on this song.
2.  The instrumental breakdown is impressive even by DT standards.
3.  Based on The Gift of Music and Moment of Betrayal I predict this will be my second favorite DT album (behind Images and Words).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Polarbear on January 19, 2016, 07:13:19 AM
Gift of Music was good, but nothing that made me really excited about the rest of the album..

Moment of Betrayal was awesome, much better than anything from the DT12! Sounds like it would fit really nicely into Octavarium, minus the concept of course. I have not followed any of the updates for the album, but this song made me pretty excited to hear the rest of The Astonishing.

If this song is any indication on what we can expect from The Astonishing, it should be a damn good album!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: emtee on January 19, 2016, 07:38:42 AM
Didn't resonate with me at all on 1st spin but subsequent spins allowed it to settle in better. Overall it's a solid DT song with the
classic DT mixture of melody and musicianship.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: James.v6 on January 19, 2016, 07:38:49 AM
MoB is really interesting song. After few round with my brother and father ..our expression was  :metal  !
I got a feelings this album will destroy us. I really like the vibe and MM drumming is damn good. Love to hear JM and awesome Petrucci solo very technicall but still melodic. Rudess is monster he is everywhere in this song.
Cant wait guys.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 19, 2016, 07:50:33 AM
Also i have to say that's a perfect showcase for Mike, his playing is very interesting and fits the music well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 19, 2016, 07:53:27 AM
I really liked this. I had a potato quality rip playing on the way to work, but I got Finally Free/Test that Stumped Them All with a little bit of DT12 vibes thrown in. I loved it. I completely feel like (even with the potato quality) that they've managed to tap back in to that more dynamic, progressive sound. Nothing felt out of place, and even the song following a formula (which I imagine most do for the sake of the 'rock opera') didn't bother me as much as some of the cookie cutter stuff since Systematic Chaos. No sir, this is a keeper.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pettor on January 19, 2016, 07:59:10 AM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 19, 2016, 07:53:27 AM
I really liked this. I had a potato quality rip playing on the way to work, but I got Finally Free/Test that Stumped Them All with a little bit of DT12 vibes thrown in. I loved it. I completely feel like (even with the potato quality) that they've managed to tap back in to that more dynamic, progressive sound. Nothing felt out of place, and even the song following a formula (which I imagine most do for the sake of the 'rock opera') didn't bother me as much as some of the cookie cutter stuff since Systematic Chaos. No sir, this is a keeper.

Yes! Sometimes following a the typical formula can annoy me too much for the song to be enjoyable. Like Last Not Forgotten. A song that is long and all, but is actually just an extended song following a typical formula without a nice flow imo. This one progress and flows nice in a way that I really like. Actually the chorus is so dramatic and awesome :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chwik on January 19, 2016, 08:01:56 AM
I used to only embrace music in the shape of metal, technical metal and black metal, but my musical tastes has more or less metamorphosed the last 10 years. Although I still listen to bands like Emperor, Satyricon, Entomed, Sepultura and At the gates etc., today I am more into ambient, soundtrack movie music, melodic rock, and prog. Apart from DT, figuring on my playlist today are Gazpacho, Steven Wilson, Gustavo Santaolalla ("the last of us" soundtrack), Circus Maximus, Anathema, The Magnificent and Ulver.

My point is:

10 years ago the technical metal and prog used to be my favorite part of Dream Theater. Now it is the softer, melodic and more AOR parts that gets my attention. I used to ignore "Falling into infinity"; it was not to my preconceived taste and thereby I "searched" for evidence of not liking the album. Today, it is one of my favorite albums - it think it is excellent.  It will therefore be interesting from a philosophical point to see what people think about the Astonishing in a 10 years time, considering the change in the maturity (or immaturity) of the listener in that time frame. As of now, because of its diversity,  this album really suits my taste in music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jdprsaga on January 19, 2016, 08:05:40 AM
I gotta admit that now that I paid attention to the lyrics (last night i was only able to hear it once during the radio show) the song freaking jump 2 or 3 points up in my chart.  I'm way more interested in the story now.

TGoM didn't do that for me at least, this one did.

Just talking story wise and not music wise.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 08:08:38 AM
Slept on it and listened to it again.   Still a major snoozefest... I usually love Labrie's voice but I feel like he is actually trying to annoy the listener on this song.   Also can Mangini play anything other than a machine gun drum fill?   Where is Portnoy when you need him?  MP made melodies with his drums.  I feel like Mangini sounds like a kid just banging away at his new drum set.

The instrumental in this song seems totally forced.   

Glad some of you are digging it, I'm jealous.    This song really does sound like Octavarium and ADTOE wrapped up in one and those are probably my two least favorite DT albums.

I expect the rest to be better and hopefully much more like TGOM.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 19, 2016, 08:09:58 AM
Quote from: chwik on January 19, 2016, 08:01:56 AM
I used to only embrace music in the shape of metal, technical metal and black metal, but my musical tastes has more or less metamorphosed the last 10 years. Although I still listen to bands like Emperor, Satyricon, Entomed, Sepultura and At the gates etc., today I am more into ambient, soundtrack movie music, melodic rock, and prog. Apart from DT, figuring on my playlist today are Gazpacho, Steven Wilson, Gustavo Santaolalla ("the last of us" soundtrack), Circus Maximus, Anathema, The Magnificent and Ulver.

My point is:

10 years ago the technical metal and prog used to be my favorite part of Dream Theater. Now it is the softer, melodic and more AOR parts that gets my attention. I used to ignore "Falling into infinity"; it was not to my preconceived taste and thereby I "searched" for evidence of not liking the album. Today, it is one of my favorite albums - it think it is excellent.  I will therefore be interesting from a philosophical point to see what people think about the Astonishing in a 10 years time, considering the change in the maturity (or immaturity) of the listener in that time frame. As of now, because of its diversity,  this album really suits my taste in music.

I can relate to this. I used to shun songs that had moments of too much mainstream, or felt too.... I guess 'un metal'. A good example would be Innocence Faded - the section with "Beginnings get complicated...". It would make me physically cringe. It still kinda does, but I've learned to stop caring about preconceived notions of what sounds cool, or metal, or rock, and to take things in a broader context.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 08:12:39 AM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 08:08:38 AM
I feel like Mangini sounds like a kid just banging away at his new drum set.

I'm no Mangini lover, but seriously? Portnoy used one fill all the time and you insult Mangini's fills?  :justjen
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: As I Am on January 19, 2016, 08:17:03 AM
Quote from: chwik on January 19, 2016, 06:54:38 AM
Quote from: As I Am on January 19, 2016, 06:43:53 AM
Well, THAT was disappointing :tdwn

Why?

I didn't really hear anything different than anything off of DT12 with MOB. Maybe within context of entire album it will resonate better with me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 19, 2016, 08:18:41 AM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 08:12:39 AM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 08:08:38 AM
I feel like Mangini sounds like a kid just banging away at his new drum set.

I'm no Mangini lover, but seriously? Portnoy used one fill all the time and you insult Mangini's fills?  :justjen

Someone insults Mangini's fills, so you insult Portnoy's fills? Yeah, that's way better. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 08:21:11 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 19, 2016, 08:18:41 AM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 08:12:39 AM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 08:08:38 AM
I feel like Mangini sounds like a kid just banging away at his new drum set.

I'm no Mangini lover, but seriously? Portnoy used one fill all the time and you insult Mangini's fills?  :justjen

Someone insults Mangini's fills, so you insult Portnoy's fills? Yeah, that's way better. :lol

I love Portnoy. But fills were reeeeeeally not his strong suite. Especially post TOT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 19, 2016, 08:27:15 AM
I have listened to it 4 times, and i will not listen to either MoB or TGoM again before the album drops. As for MoB, i liked a few parts and found a few parts to be uninteresting. I actually liked that badass riff/part (in the beginning) better in the context of the trailer than in the song itself wich is a bit disappointing. I loved the intro and the instrumental section. The vocals in the first verse sounded very lifeless. I loved the chaotic parts, but the chorus was just kind of there. I liked TGOM much better. I hope and believe that MoB fits better in the context of the album :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 08:29:07 AM
Fills or no fills Portnoy wrote some great drum lines.   Portnoy did about 10 fills alone at the end of Finally Free so I'm not sure where this "one drum fill" thing is coming from.    I can't really tell what Mangini is trying to do on this song other than play fast and hard.

I just really can't stand the chorus of this song.  There is no emotion, sounds very lifeless.

The rest is growing on me a bit, and I actually think the verse after the first chorus is pretty killer.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 19, 2016, 08:29:32 AM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 08:21:11 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 19, 2016, 08:18:41 AM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 08:12:39 AM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 08:08:38 AM
I feel like Mangini sounds like a kid just banging away at his new drum set.

I'm no Mangini lover, but seriously? Portnoy used one fill all the time and you insult Mangini's fills?  :justjen

Someone insults Mangini's fills, so you insult Portnoy's fills? Yeah, that's way better. :lol

I love Portnoy. But fills were reeeeeeally not his strong suite. Especially post TOT.

I disagree. His work is hugely underrated, including a lot of the later stuff. MM's style has mostly quite bothered me on DT albums actually, both for the new stuff, and his interpretation on the older stuff.
I largely enjoy what he's done on TA though, probably because it feels more in line with that classic era DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 19, 2016, 08:36:43 AM
I guess I'm one of the few that actively tries not to compare the two. I'll just be enjoying both era's albums equally.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 19, 2016, 08:41:13 AM
Every drummer has fills that become somewhat repetitious. Gavin Harrison has fills that are repetitive, the snare rolls with tom hits are his fill and he uses them so often that I can tell when they are coming. I think we just get so used to it after awhile that its second nature to us. A casual fan or passerby wouldn't be able to pick out the fills or call them repetitive, we are just used to them.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 08:41:27 AM
I've generally enjoyed MM's drumming but everything about this song rubbed the wrong way when I first heard it and that included MM's drumming.

I will say that after multiple listens the song continues to grow on me so perhaps this album is a major GROWER and I need to withhold rash responses to songs until repeat listens.   

The Great Debate part, the second verse, and the Petrucci solo are all great.  The chorus and the instrumental breakdown are dissapointments.  There is not a moment on SFAM that sounds that lifeless... Maybe not a fair comparison but I expect greatness from this album given the level of effort put into it and I believed they were on the right track with TGOM.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 08:45:36 AM
A note on the Moment of Betrayal performance:  This one is a bit of a borderline call, but reposting personal recordings of the Eddie Trunk performance, in whole or in part, will NOT be allowed at this time.  Despite that the song has now been performed publicly, as far as I know, the stream of the show is not allowed to be recorded and rebroadcast by people.  This was a one-off performance and is owned by the Eddie Trunk show.  If and when it becomes available for re-streaming, it may be posted.  Until then, it is out of bounds.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 19, 2016, 08:49:52 AM
I enjoy and appreciate both MM and MP's work and interpretations. They're both very talented and interesting, and bring something different to the table.

I love Mangini's work on this track in particular though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bl5150 on January 19, 2016, 08:52:29 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 08:45:36 AM
A note on the Moment of Betrayal performance:  This one is a bit of a borderline call, but reposting personal recordings of the Eddie Trunk performance, in whole or in part, will NOT be allowed at this time.  Despite that the song has now been performed publicly, as far as I know, the stream of the show is not allowed to be recorded and rebroadcast by people.  This was a one-off performance and is owned by the Eddie Trunk show.  If and when it becomes available for re-streaming, it may be posted.  Until then, it is out of bounds.  Thanks.

The whole show can be downloaded here from Eddie Trunk's archive:

*snip

EDIT by admin:  See my post on the subject.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: dparrott on January 19, 2016, 08:58:31 AM
That beat change in verse 2!!! :metal

The first pre-chorus reminds me of Megadeth's Breakpoint a bit.

This is straight up DT with some extras mixed in, and that's not a bad thing for me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: emtee on January 19, 2016, 09:01:27 AM
I guess it's inevitable (forevermore) that comparisons will be made and people will have a favorite. I find the drumming on this to be
in line with all his other DT work. Linear, speedy, efficient and lined up in unison with the others. It doesn't stand out to me or
"pop" if you will, it blends at high speed like cylinders in an engine.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 19, 2016, 09:03:26 AM
Listened this morning.

Holy crap, that was pretty good.  Can't wait for this thing to drop.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 09:07:03 AM
Quote from: bl5150 on January 19, 2016, 08:52:29 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 08:45:36 AM
A note on the Moment of Betrayal performance:  This one is a bit of a borderline call, but reposting personal recordings of the Eddie Trunk performance, in whole or in part, will NOT be allowed at this time.  Despite that the song has now been performed publicly, as far as I know, the stream of the show is not allowed to be recorded and rebroadcast by people.  This was a one-off performance and is owned by the Eddie Trunk show.  If and when it becomes available for re-streaming, it may be posted.  Until then, it is out of bounds.  Thanks.

The whole show can be downloaded here from Eddie Trunk's archive:

*snip

Okay, thanks for that.  But here's the deal:  That is a fan archive, not the official Eddie Trunk archive.  Once it is officially put out there, it will be fair game.  But for now, no go.  But any of you can feel free to post once the official archive goes, or if there are any other performances that are actually officially put out there for consumption.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 19, 2016, 09:09:24 AM
Quote from: emtee on January 19, 2016, 09:01:27 AM
I guess it's inevitable (forevermore) that comparisons will be made and people will have a favorite.

Or until MM's been in the band for a good while. I mean, people don't compare JR with his predecessors as much as they used to.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 19, 2016, 09:11:26 AM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 19, 2016, 08:36:43 AM
I guess I'm one of the few that actively tries not to compare the two. I'll just be enjoying both era's albums equally.

I'm the same.

Quote from: SystematicThought on January 19, 2016, 08:41:13 AM
A casual fan or passerby wouldn't be able to pick out the fills or call them repetitive, we are just used to them.

I'm not sure if I'd call myself a casual fan, but I guess since I'm not a drummer I never thought MP's fills were repetitive. As long as they work in the context of the song, it's fine by me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 19, 2016, 09:11:47 AM
First off - Moment of Betrayal - I liked the song, nothing too groundbreaking or different, but its a nice prog-metal track with some great playing and a good hook. From what it sounds like, this is one of the heavier tracks on the record, so those hoping for something different, it seems like the album as a whole will deliver that.

Second - been listing to the interview with Trunk, definitely worth checking out, good stuff from JP and JR.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 19, 2016, 09:12:16 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 19, 2016, 06:47:31 AM
Quote from: Tabs on January 19, 2016, 06:35:53 AM
He will be defenseless
Out of guards, he'll put up a fight
There will be no witness
They will call you a hero tonight

Mostly right, just a minor correction-

He will be defenseless
I'll look on
Say I put up a fight
There will be no witness
They will call you a hero tonight

Also the chorus says secrets told, not secret told, but that's pretty minor.

Are you sure of that? It sounds pretty off to me :sad:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 19, 2016, 09:20:25 AM
Quote from: bl5150 on January 19, 2016, 08:52:29 AM
The whole show can be downloaded here from Eddie Trunk's archive:
*snip
Hey be careful, this link is not official, it's a site run by a fan, so it may be considered a leak... Just sayin'
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 19, 2016, 09:21:34 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on January 19, 2016, 09:12:16 AM
Are you sure of that? It sounds pretty off to me :sad:

That's taken from the actual lyrics, so yeah.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 09:28:45 AM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 19, 2016, 09:20:25 AM
Quote from: bl5150 on January 19, 2016, 08:52:29 AM
The whole show can be downloaded here from Eddie Trunk's archive:
*snip
Hey be careful, this link is not official, it's a site run by a fan, so it may be considered a leak... Just sayin'

Yes, thank you for that.  I edited my post.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 19, 2016, 09:31:35 AM
I think the whole 'MM stuff is lifeless/MP stuff was great even though less technical' may be rooted in cymbal usage and volume.

With MP you can easily tell if its a verse riff or a chorus or a balls to the wall interlude just by his cymbal choice and dynamics. He would even let you know whether its just a passing fill somewhere or its the drummer moment of the whole night! He used them as compositional tools.

While MM does that too (cases in point IT intro, OTBOA) it is scarce in comparison. Sometimes his verse, chorus and interlude cymbal choice and dynamic is the same (cases in point most of DT12). And with the cymbal volume being low the dynamic becomes even less prominent as it happens a little in the new tracks.

This problem does disappear in BTFW which is to date the best MM sound with DT and we really see Mangini shine through. But still his Finally Free fills leave me wanting there.

I may be wrong here but this is what I am guessing. Btw I have always been excited about the different flavor that MM keeps bringing to the band compared to the past material and that won't be changing anytime soon.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on January 19, 2016, 09:32:32 AM
Since I'm running through the whole discography (one album per day), I'm refusing to listen to anything released until TA drops. Based on comments though, MoB sounds promising!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 19, 2016, 09:35:44 AM
Listened to MoB this morning with really really crappy audio, and thought then that it was a really dull track. But I thought that was unfair and waited until I got home so that I could hear it with "proper" sound.

I actually think this track is alright. I like the main melody, the one in the beginning. The chorus is nice. I disagree with those saying that the instrumental section feels forced. I actually think it fits rather well both from a song-structural perspective and a thematic perspective, given what's going on in the lyrics. And the JM soloing was great, that was really fun to hear. I only wish that Petrucci would have held back for once and let Myung handle it by himself. The pre-choruses were also quite nice, and blended some cool melodies with decent silly lyrics.

As to things I didn't like. The first verse is a bit boring, and the second verse is an absolute mess in every way. And the Metallica-ish bad-ass riff in the beginning did nothing for me and struck me as a bit lazy. And I absolutely agree with someone a while back who said that JLB is over produced.

Other than that, I liked this one. I didn't love it, but it was fine.

Quote from: CDrice on January 19, 2016, 09:11:26 AM
I'm not sure if I'd call myself a casual fan, but I guess since I'm not a drummer I never thought MP's fills were repetitive. As long as they work in the context of the song, it's fine by me.

I am both a non-casual fan and a drummer, or at least used to be, and even I have never noticed this whole repetitive fill thing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: obelix5150 on January 19, 2016, 09:36:13 AM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 19, 2016, 09:31:35 AM
I think the whole 'MM stuff is lifeless/MP stuff was great even though less technical' may be rooted in cymbal usage and volume.

With MP you can easily tell if its a verse riff or a chorus or a balls to the wall interlude just by his cymbal choice and dynamics. He would even let you know whether its just a passing fill somewhere or its the drummer moment of the whole night! He used them as compositional tools.

While MM does that too (cases in point IT intro, OTBOA) it is scarce in comparison. Sometimes his verse, chorus and interlude cymbal choice and dynamic is the same (cases in point most of DT12). And with the cymbal volume being low the dynamic becomes even less prominent as it happens a little in the new tracks.

This problem does disappear in BTFW which is to date the best MM sound with DT and we really see Mangini shine through. But still his Finally Free fills leave me wanting there.

I may be wrong here but this is what I am guessing. Btw I have always been excited about the different flavor that MM keeps bringing to the band compared to the past material and that won't be changing anytime soon.

Something is definitely up with MM's cymbals but I don't think it's how he plays them. His crash cymbals always just sound so small in the mix, like he's either using a super cheap small 12" crash or it's just not mic'd well at all. This was definitely the case on Dramatic Turn (where I thought all of his cymbals sounded pretty cheap and not so greatly recorded), was slightly fixed on DT12, and was definitely not an issue on BTFW. But like, listen to the first big hits of Moment of Betrayal.. everything sounds huge and massive, except for his crash cymbals. Kind of bothers me.. but not enough to change my opinion that MoB is absolutely sick haha! In general though I think MM's cymbals could sound bigger and less insignificant in the mix, especially given how much genuinely cool intricate stuff eh does with them.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 19, 2016, 09:38:50 AM
Awesome song! Chorus is not my favourite, but I really like the song as a whole.

I like the drumming here. Portnoy is probably my favourite drummer ever as he always has a certain degree of "catchyness" to his drums. But that doesn't mean that I do not love Mangini's work. DT12 had some awesome Mangini parts and Moment of Betrayal drumming sounds awesome to me. I think the drums flows extremely well with the music and there are plenty of little dynamics that keep my attention.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 19, 2016, 09:41:01 AM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 19, 2016, 09:36:13 AM
But like, listen to the first big hits of Moment of Betrayal.. everything sounds huge and massive, except for his crash cymbals.

This I agree with. Those are some really weak sounding crash hits. Like the cymbals were still grumpy over having to get out of bed early.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 19, 2016, 09:42:53 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 19, 2016, 09:41:01 AM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 19, 2016, 09:36:13 AM
But like, listen to the first big hits of Moment of Betrayal.. everything sounds huge and massive, except for his crash cymbals.

This I agree with. Those are some really weak sounding crash hits. Like the cymbals were still grumpy over having to get out of bed early.

I would be willing to bet this is largely due to the compression of the stream. The first thing to get murdered when compressing below 240kbps is the high frequencies.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: V_R11 on January 19, 2016, 09:45:35 AM
Quote from: chego_voice on January 19, 2016, 05:11:53 AM
How can james labrie sound "overproduced"? Good god!  :facepalm:

For me, he's sounding better than ever!

Unlike some of the DT fandom I've got mad respect for LaBrie, but he DOES sound overproduced to me. I hope it's just the bad audio quality

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: obelix5150 on January 19, 2016, 09:46:48 AM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 19, 2016, 09:42:53 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 19, 2016, 09:41:01 AM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 19, 2016, 09:36:13 AM
But like, listen to the first big hits of Moment of Betrayal.. everything sounds huge and massive, except for his crash cymbals.

This I agree with. Those are some really weak sounding crash hits. Like the cymbals were still grumpy over having to get out of bed early.

I would be willing to bet this is largely due to the compression of the stream. The first thing to get murdered when compressing below 240kbps is the high frequencies.

That's my first instinct as well, if there wasn't precedence for MM's cymbals sounding lackluster on DT recordings... Frankly even on the Gift of Music his crashes don't sound very big - but it doesn't matter as much on a song like that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Jinx on January 19, 2016, 09:53:27 AM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 08:12:39 AM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 08:08:38 AM
I feel like Mangini sounds like a kid just banging away at his new drum set.

I'm no Mangini lover, but seriously? Portnoy used one fill all the time and you insult Mangini's fills?  :justjen

I find Mangini to actually be more musical than Portnoy. When you tune in and really listen and study to what he's doing its amazing. And I found that watching his Enemy Inside video I discovered even more cool things that I can now hear when I put the track on. Love these things! :tup :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Evermind on January 19, 2016, 09:59:41 AM
The best part of this song was absolutely the quiet intro. I liked the bombastic follow-up too, but the first twenty second or so were my favourite. I look forward to more parts like that on the album.

And yeah, this song isn't much more different from DT12 stuff for me. Alright track and certainly can be great in context of the album, but I'm not digging it that much. I did like the bridge and the lyrics overall. I think this song will grow on me when I get my hands on the full album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 19, 2016, 10:00:01 AM
I think people may be referring to there being frequent parts in the songs where one can hear multiple Labrie's singing at one time. As a power/symphonic metal fan I am used to that and I like it (when done right), but I can see why people do not like it.

Also, I think the cymballs are loud enough. I can clearly hear them and I personally do not like them very loud and in front. But that is personal preference, offcourse. I do agree they could be a tad louder at the start though, to capture that epic feeling.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 19, 2016, 10:04:18 AM
Quote from: Jinx on January 19, 2016, 09:53:27 AM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 08:12:39 AM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 08:08:38 AM
I feel like Mangini sounds like a kid just banging away at his new drum set.

I'm no Mangini lover, but seriously? Portnoy used one fill all the time and you insult Mangini's fills?  :justjen

I find Mangini to actually be more musical than Portnoy.

Wow. I love Mangini and all, but I do think this is a controversial opinion.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: GandL on January 19, 2016, 10:12:16 AM
At first listen, it was meh ! But after second and 3rd now I dig it, cool song, I like it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 19, 2016, 10:16:09 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 19, 2016, 10:04:18 AM
Quote from: Jinx on January 19, 2016, 09:53:27 AM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 08:12:39 AM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 08:08:38 AM
I feel like Mangini sounds like a kid just banging away at his new drum set.

I'm no Mangini lover, but seriously? Portnoy used one fill all the time and you insult Mangini's fills?  :justjen

I find Mangini to actually be more musical than Portnoy.

Wow. I love Mangini and all, but I do think this is a controversial opinion.  :lol

I'm unsure what different people define as "musical". I personally enjoy Portnoy's drumming a lot more because it always sounded interesting. His drums would sing their own parts rather than be an accompaniment like most drum parts. I think that's what people are defining as "musical."

Using this definition, the most "musical" thing I've heard from Mangini is his cymbal patterns during the main riff of The Enemy Inside. Everything else he does seems to just mirror the rhythm of the guitars or keyboards. I'm not denying his talent and skills, and I'm nowhere near the "Portnoy needs to come back" camp, but his parts just don't seem to sing like Portnoy's did.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 19, 2016, 10:24:44 AM
I adored the song, it reminded me what I liked most about the last two albums with a ton of energy and bombastic melodies. The sound quality wasn't great but that's to be expected from a conversion to a radio show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ansell on January 19, 2016, 10:24:48 AM
It blows my mind that there is 70 odd minutes of music to hear between these 2 songs, and another 70ish after Monent of Betrayal.

 :corn :corn :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 10:28:58 AM
That would be well over 140 minutes :lol

The entire album is 130 minutes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ansell on January 19, 2016, 10:29:50 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 10:28:58 AM
That would be well over 140 minutes :lol

The entire album is 130 minutes.

Hence my use of 'odd' and 'ish'  :lol

...math is hard.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 10:30:36 AM
Yeah it's funny that we've heard two songs off the new album and there's still 2 whole hours left to hear :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 10:30:52 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 19, 2016, 09:41:01 AM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 19, 2016, 09:36:13 AM
But like, listen to the first big hits of Moment of Betrayal.. everything sounds huge and massive, except for his crash cymbals.

This I agree with. Those are some really weak sounding crash hits. Like the cymbals were still grumpy over having to get out of bed early.

:lol  Not sure I feel exactly the same based on your description, but close enough.  Yeah, I have noticed that too.  I don't want to take away from Mangini's playing in any respect.  But while the production on his drums isn't bad by most standards, it just doesn't have the punch that I am used to in DT's music, and I do miss that.  But I cannot understate how difficult drums are to produce well in a mix.  Yes, I will concede that it isn't completely a lost art because a LOT of bands out there do it well.  But there have also been a lot of bands (probably more than the bands that do it well) that have had less than ideal drum tracks on their recordings.  I know this is a dated example, but I have mentioned before that I first really became aware of how difficult it must be as a result of years of listening to Jimmy DeGrasso.  I saw him live on numerous occasions in the '80s and '90s and was well aware of what a beast of a drummer he is (still one of my favorites to this day).  But none of the stuff he did with Y&T or most of his other projects during that time period really stood out in terms of the drum sound.  His stuff with Suicidal Tendencies sounded a bit better.  But it wasn't until his time in Megadeth that his drums were really recorded and reproduced well.  Say what you will about the music during his tenure, but the drum sound is amazing.  Same drummer, but completely different sound depending on who was recording/engineering the sound.  As a fan of DT, I just wish that they could find this "missing piece" and reproduce Magini's parts in a way that shows off his power as a drummer as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: V_R11 on January 19, 2016, 10:32:53 AM
The thing with DT for me is that I very rarely purely love what I hear at the first time, but the more I listen to it, the more it grows on me. That's the beauty of this band for me. Definitely pumped to hear the rest  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Stray Seed on January 19, 2016, 10:37:46 AM
I'm really impressed by the drumming, what a punch!! I absolutely love the rythmic section, it is so interesting from start to finish. Actually, everything in this song is impressive. Inspired, cohesive and melodic songwriting, excellent balance between instruments and such a natural flow in the music, one of the greatest build-ups since Finally Free. Can't help but listening again and again, and it keeps growing! Oh boy, you nailed it DT!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erciccio on January 19, 2016, 10:38:18 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 10:30:52 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 19, 2016, 09:41:01 AM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 19, 2016, 09:36:13 AM
But like, listen to the first big hits of Moment of Betrayal.. everything sounds huge and massive, except for his crash cymbals.

This I agree with. Those are some really weak sounding crash hits. Like the cymbals were still grumpy over having to get out of bed early.

:lol  Not sure I feel exactly the same based on your description, but close enough.  Yeah, I have noticed that too.  I don't want to take away from Mangini's playing in any respect.  But while the production on his drums isn't bad by most standards, it just doesn't have the punch that I am used to in DT's music, and I do miss that.  But I cannot understate how difficult drums are to produce well in a mix.  Yes, I will concede that it isn't completely a lost art because a LOT of bands out there do it well.  But there have also been a lot of bands (probably more than the bands that do it well) that have had less than ideal drum tracks on their recordings.  I know this is a dated example, but I have mentioned before that I first really became aware of how difficult it must be as a result of years of listening to Jimmy DeGrasso.  I saw him live on numerous occasions in the '80s and '90s and was well aware of what a beast of a drummer he is (still one of my favorites to this day).  But none of the stuff he did with Y&T or most of his other projects during that time period really stood out in terms of the drum sound.  His stuff with Suicidal Tendencies sounded a bit better.  But it wasn't until his time in Megadeth that his drums were really recorded and reproduced well.  Say what you will about the music during his tenure, but the drum sound is amazing.  Same drummer, but completely different sound depending on who was recording/engineering the sound.  As a fan of DT, I just wish that they could find this "missing piece" and reproduce Magini's parts in a way that shows off his power as a drummer as well.

I agree with you.
The doubt I have is that the Band (John Petrucci in primis) probably likes and is at ease with this kind of "drums sound", and they don't understand precisely what we are missing in there...
I don't know why, probably they didn't like the "over-the-top" style of Portnoy, and they prefer a more "mechanical" drumming that is more a pure frame to the rest of the music rather than a "primary" instrument...
I think it's a pity, because I love MM's style and where it stands out it really adds value to the songs (like in the Enemy Inside, where I think also the sound matches the song mood)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jsbru on January 19, 2016, 10:42:08 AM
Quote from: Kyo on January 19, 2016, 12:23:04 AM
It makes sense that they would debut Moment of Betrayal in the context of a metal radio show. It's easily one of the most metal and most straightforward things on the album. But of course this choice in the context of the other marketing activities goes further down the misleading path of the trailer, indicating that the album is much more along the lines of modern heavy DT (think DT12) than it really is. The intro before the verse riff kicks in, particularly the first ~22 seconds with just the piano and the violin (or is it a cello?), are actually more representative of a good chunk of the album than the metal song that follows is.

That's good, because that was my favorite part of the song.  I even liked the first verse being heavy the way it was.  The chorus was pretty cliché, though.  And the pre-chorus was a bit out of place.  As long as what you say is true, and as long as Petrucci's solos remain as good as this, I'm still very excited for this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 10:50:11 AM
Noxon, that was a great review.  That was really a well thought out approach, and I think it came off well in the execution.  Nice job.

One thought on this:

Quote
And when the conflict is resolved, and the story gets a happy ending, the songs become hopeful and anthemic. And yet, completely fresh sounding. Melodic rock and pop done absolutely to perfection. “Our New World” has the most catchy chorus from Dream Theater in a long time – I absolutely love it. And then there’s the credit sequence. Or that’s what it feels like at least. The title track feels a bit out of place, following the strong “Our New World”, because it already felt like we had our victory celebration, and this track comes along with yet another anthem.

I still have not heard the entire album, so I can only speculate a bit about context, but I will suggest a slightly different way of viewing it that seems to make sense to me both in terms of context AND how this sort of thing has been handled on some other prog concept albums I have heard (as well as some operas/musicals/theater productions).  Rather than being viewed as a "credit sequence," does it make sense more as an "epilogue?"  I say that because the function of an epilogue is often along the lines of, "Here is a bit of a recap of the ending and some a bit of a teaser into what happened to the characters next just to give a sense that life is continuing on after the story and things are still happening that are shaped by our story, even if the main part of the story itself has been resolved."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 10:54:42 AM
Quote from: erciccio on January 19, 2016, 10:38:18 AM
I agree with you.
The doubt I have is that the Band (John Petrucci in primis) probably likes and is at ease with this kind of "drums sound", and they don't understand precisely what we are missing in there...
I don't know why, probably they didn't like the "over-the-top" style of Portnoy, and they prefer a more "mechanical" drumming that is more a pure frame to the rest of the music rather than a "primary" instrument...
I think it's a pity, because I love MM's style and where it stands out it really adds value to the songs (like in the Enemy Inside, where I think also the sound matches the song mood)

I don't know that it is necessarily that they didn't "like" how Portnoy had his drums recorded and produced.  I think the much more likely scenario is simply that they just aren't as focused on the drum sound and don't have anyone onboard as part of the team that knows how to get a better overall drum sound.  When Portnoy was in the band, he and Petrucci co-produced and seemed to be much more in charge of the final sound.  As a drummer AND a type-A personality, Portnoy would have pushed to have the drum sound more up front and sounding a certain way.  And either he or whoever they had working on the album knew how to capture the sound Mike wanted.  I think Petrucci is more focused on the sound of the lead instruments (his guitar sound, the keyboards, and the vocals), and without Portnoy present, I think (and this is pure speculation) that the drum sound just gets neglected a bit, and without anyone there to push it or who knows how to produce it with that sound we are used to, it just doesn't happen.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wolven74 on January 19, 2016, 11:03:45 AM
I love the song as a whole, but I do want something different than DT12. Something that breathes. Thats why the intro to this song is so great. I felt a bit disappointed when the metal guitars kicked in, as we've heard that already in TGOM. I wanted something different in the second release from this album. Glad the majority of this album--according to reviews--is softer, more acoustic. I love JPs clean sounds.

That being said, I do love that when the metal kicks in on this track it's not busy. It's something you can bob your head to. It's definitely got groove. :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: obelix5150 on January 19, 2016, 11:14:20 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 10:30:52 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 19, 2016, 09:41:01 AM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 19, 2016, 09:36:13 AM
But like, listen to the first big hits of Moment of Betrayal.. everything sounds huge and massive, except for his crash cymbals.

This I agree with. Those are some really weak sounding crash hits. Like the cymbals were still grumpy over having to get out of bed early.

:lol  Not sure I feel exactly the same based on your description, but close enough.  Yeah, I have noticed that too.  I don't want to take away from Mangini's playing in any respect.  But while the production on his drums isn't bad by most standards, it just doesn't have the punch that I am used to in DT's music, and I do miss that.  But I cannot understate how difficult drums are to produce well in a mix.  Yes, I will concede that it isn't completely a lost art because a LOT of bands out there do it well.  But there have also been a lot of bands (probably more than the bands that do it well) that have had less than ideal drum tracks on their recordings.  I know this is a dated example, but I have mentioned before that I first really became aware of how difficult it must be as a result of years of listening to Jimmy DeGrasso.  I saw him live on numerous occasions in the '80s and '90s and was well aware of what a beast of a drummer he is (still one of my favorites to this day).  But none of the stuff he did with Y&T or most of his other projects during that time period really stood out in terms of the drum sound.  His stuff with Suicidal Tendencies sounded a bit better.  But it wasn't until his time in Megadeth that his drums were really recorded and reproduced well.  Say what you will about the music during his tenure, but the drum sound is amazing.  Same drummer, but completely different sound depending on who was recording/engineering the sound.  As a fan of DT, I just wish that they could find this "missing piece" and reproduce Magini's parts in a way that shows off his power as a drummer as well.

Yes, drums are a real drag to mix. But it's Chycki.. that guy has worked with so much high level talent. I am still waiting for the day when they call up Jens Bogren or Jacob Hansen to do one of their mixes...

More specific to what I've heard from TA.. The drums don't sound -bad- (to me). It's definitely a completely different ballgame compared to the hyper-real raw tones of an album like 6 Degrees, but I don't mind it. I just don't absolutely love it - I'll never be using this record's drum sound as a reference for one of my own mixes or what I want another mixing engineer to shoot for. And I'm consistently disappointed with how weak and small all of Mangini's cymbal sounds on the DT studio albums are. (I thought for a while that it was because he doesn't hit too hard when he's recording, but he's hardly The Animal for much of Breaking The Fourth Wall and his cymbals sound fine there) Will it break my enjoyment of TA? No way. But it's a shame that such an indisputably high level band can't get a correspondingly high level mix.

(I'm of course hesitant to evaluate a mix based on such a low quality stream, but it does sound to me like the mix as a whole is working - the guitars are smoother than I'd expect for a heavy song but they work, and I love how forward the keys are. I'm not so sure about how highly processed LaBrie is, and I wish the orchestra was given a little more sonic space to really make things sound massive in parts like the end. But on the whole I'd say this is the best mix of the MM era.. maybe on record #4 with MM they'll finally get that whole snare drum thing down! :P)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 19, 2016, 11:40:06 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 10:54:42 AM
Quote from: erciccio on January 19, 2016, 10:38:18 AM
I agree with you.
The doubt I have is that the Band (John Petrucci in primis) probably likes and is at ease with this kind of "drums sound", and they don't understand precisely what we are missing in there...
I don't know why, probably they didn't like the "over-the-top" style of Portnoy, and they prefer a more "mechanical" drumming that is more a pure frame to the rest of the music rather than a "primary" instrument...
I think it's a pity, because I love MM's style and where it stands out it really adds value to the songs (like in the Enemy Inside, where I think also the sound matches the song mood)

I don't know that it is necessarily that they didn't "like" how Portnoy had his drums recorded and produced.  I think the much more likely scenario is simply that they just aren't as focused on the drum sound and don't have anyone onboard as part of the team that knows how to get a better overall drum sound.  When Portnoy was in the band, he and Petrucci co-produced and seemed to be much more in charge of the final sound.  As a drummer AND a type-A personality, Portnoy would have pushed to have the drum sound more up front and sounding a certain way.  And either he or whoever they had working on the album knew how to capture the sound Mike wanted.  I think Petrucci is more focused on the sound of the lead instruments (his guitar sound, the keyboards, and the vocals), and without Portnoy present, I think (and this is pure speculation) that the drum sound just gets neglected a bit, and without anyone there to push it or who knows how to produce it with that sound we are used to, it just doesn't happen.
Exactly this.  I've always thought this when reading about the difference in the drum sounds.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chwik on January 19, 2016, 11:41:51 AM
Quote from: As I Am on January 19, 2016, 08:17:03 AM
Quote from: chwik on January 19, 2016, 06:54:38 AM
Quote from: As I Am on January 19, 2016, 06:43:53 AM
Well, THAT was disappointing :tdwn

Why?

I didn't really hear anything different than anything off of DT12 with MOB. Maybe within context of entire album it will resonate better with me.

Fair point. Yes, it makes sense in the story of the album. And if my memory (or "neurologically wired" bias as a DT fan) is not playing tricks on me; this is the most straight forward progmetal track on the album, which means you still have 120 min of varied material to look forward to (plus, noxons review basically confirms this, and I think he was not completely satisfied with DT12).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: emtee on January 19, 2016, 11:43:30 AM
I feel pretty confident that if we were able to hook a truth detector up to JP and ask him about the drums and the focus on the drums
he would say they put an incredible amount of time, energy and focus on trying to get it right. But there is a bottom line reality here
(well in my mind anyways) that the percussive department of MM is lacking in recorded quality as compared with earlier DT albums.
And when you hear MM talking about it, it's always 'this washes out that and that washes out this and when we try A it bleeds into
B and C suffers as a result. As Bosk mentioned, yes it's difficult but I have too many modern albums that have beautiful, warm
full bodied drum sounds and crisp clear cymbal sounds so I know it's not impossible. I guess if the entire DT team is OK with the
drums and cymbals then we are all wasting our energy talking about it. We have to come to terms with the fact that, for some of
us, when the drummer changed, the drummers sounds also changed. Permanently. And in fairness, since I don't have the album
yet and have not been able to play it through my home system, these comments could change. I may actually like it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 11:47:07 AM
^Well said.  I agree.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 19, 2016, 11:47:24 AM
I think that what bosk says might be true to a certain level, but there's something that also has to be taken into account: Portnoy plays TAMA drums, Mangini plays PEARL, and those two brands sound entirely different. Portnoy plays Sabian cymbals and Mangini plays Zidjian symbals, and those two brands sound entirely different. They play in entirely different styles, they use different mics, their drum placement in the studio is different so the bleed from each mic signal will affect the overall sound of the entire thing. Mangini is MUCH more precise metronome-wise, so no wonder he sounds like a human machine sometimes as opposed to Portnoy, who usually has a very organic/flawed sound to his playing.

The overall drum producing experience with both drummers seems like an entirely different beast, and we had been used to a certian drum sound for over 20 years so getting something different can be distracting at first.

One thing is for certain, I don't know if there's a Portnoy record that sounds bad drum-wise. His recordings are usually amazing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: adastra on January 19, 2016, 11:47:48 AM
I can't pinpoint the part that sounds like The Great Debate :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chwik on January 19, 2016, 11:50:35 AM
Quote from: adastra on January 19, 2016, 11:47:48 AM
I can't pinpoint the part that sounds like The Great Debate :(
Well, if you look closely there is a Great Debate going on in this thread  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 19, 2016, 11:52:43 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 19, 2016, 11:47:24 AM
I think that what bosk says might be true to a certain level, but there's something that also has to be taken into account: Portnoy plays TAMA drums, Mangini plays PEARL, and those two brands sound entirely different. Portnoy plays Sabian cymbals and Mangini plays Zidjian symbals, and those two brands sound entirely different. They play in entirely different styles, they use different mics, their drum placement in the studio is different so the bleed from each mic signal will affect the overall sound of the entire thing. Mangini is MUCH more precise metronome-wise, so no wonder he sounds like a human machine sometimes as opposed to Portnoy, who usually has a very organic/flawed sound to his playing.

The overall drum producing experience with both drummers seems like an entirely different beast, and we had been used to a certian drum sound for over 20 years, so getting something different can be distracting at first.

One thing is for certain, I don't know if there's a Portnoy record that sounds bad drum-wise. His recordings are usually amazing.

As a drummer, I can tell you that there isn't going to be a different sound between brands. Not one discernable after EQ, Compression and mixing. The difference in drums (and to a lesser extent, cymbals) comes in the material used, and the size of it. Then you have the heads and how they're tuned (the biggest factor), and then the stick, tip, how the drummer plays, etc. Then you've also gotta consider the room, the microphones used, the technique used with said microphones etc etc. Not saying your comment is wrong, but the basis is off.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 11:54:49 AM
Quote from: chwik on January 19, 2016, 11:50:35 AM
Quote from: adastra on January 19, 2016, 11:47:48 AM
I can't pinpoint the part that sounds like The Great Debate :(
Well, if you look closely there is a Great Debate going on in this thread  ;)


:vomitard:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: obelix5150 on January 19, 2016, 11:58:14 AM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 19, 2016, 11:52:43 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 19, 2016, 11:47:24 AM
I think that what bosk says might be true to a certain level, but there's something that also has to be taken into account: Portnoy plays TAMA drums, Mangini plays PEARL, and those two brands sound entirely different. Portnoy plays Sabian cymbals and Mangini plays Zidjian symbals, and those two brands sound entirely different. They play in entirely different styles, they use different mics, their drum placement in the studio is different so the bleed from each mic signal will affect the overall sound of the entire thing. Mangini is MUCH more precise metronome-wise, so no wonder he sounds like a human machine sometimes as opposed to Portnoy, who usually has a very organic/flawed sound to his playing.

The overall drum producing experience with both drummers seems like an entirely different beast, and we had been used to a certian drum sound for over 20 years, so getting something different can be distracting at first.

One thing is for certain, I don't know if there's a Portnoy record that sounds bad drum-wise. His recordings are usually amazing.

As a drummer, I can tell you that there isn't going to be a different sound between brands. Not one discernable after EQ, Compression and mixing. The difference in drums (and to a lesser extent, cymbals) comes in the material used, and the size of it. Then you have the heads and how they're tuned (the biggest factor), and then the stick, tip, how the drummer plays, etc. Then you've also gotta consider the room, the microphones used, the technique used with said microphones etc etc. Not saying your comment is wrong, but the basis is off.

ultimately, pretty true. It's not like all Zildjians are smaller and weaker sounding than all Sabians (actually my limited experience with the two has been the exact opposite). The biggest difference in sound between the two is probably the way they physically approach the drums more than anything else (which is pretty clear if you compare that one clinic Enemy Inside video to any of the videos of Portnoy tracking in the studio). It's also a question of the aesthetics they are going for - I feel like now post MP in the Chycki era, they are consciously going for really triggered mechanized sounding tones. So rather than general incompetence, I would say that it's just the aesthetic style they're going for - and it happens to not be my favorite. (That being said, I do wanna be clear that I don't -HATE- this drum tone, and I actually think it can suit the music at times, like in The Gift of Music)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 12:00:16 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 19, 2016, 11:47:24 AM
I think that what bosk says might be true to a certain level, but there's something that also has to be taken into account: Portnoy plays TAMA drums, Mangini plays PEARL, and those two brands sound entirely different. Portnoy plays Sabian cymbals and Mangini plays Zidjian symbals, and those two brands sound entirely different. They play in entirely different styles, they use different mics, their drum placement in the studio is different so the bleed from each mic signal will affect the overall sound of the entire thing. Mangini is MUCH more precise metronome-wise, so no wonder he sounds like a human machine sometimes as opposed to Portnoy, who usually has a very organic/flawed sound to his playing.

Honestly, I don't think it is a Tama vs. Pearl or a Sabian vs. Zildjian thing at all.  Yes, they sound different.  But two things to consider:
1.  There are LOTS of artists that play Pearl and/or Zildjian that sound amazing.
2.  Live recordings of Mangini typically sound MUCH better.
That leads me to believe it is strictly a recording and production issue, and not an instrument/playing issue. 

Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 19, 2016, 11:47:24 AM
One thing is for certain, I don't know if there's a Portnoy record that sounds bad drum-wise. His recordings are usually amazing.

That is true NOW, but I wouldn't say that was the case from the get-go.  WDADU...everything sounds bad, so you can't really single out the drums.  With I&W, I don't think he has a great drum sound, even aside from the triggered snare.  Awake is better, but still lacking.  But from then on, I agree.  I think Portnoy learned fairly early on how to capture a good drum sound, and has worked with guys at the production stage who get it as well, and he has benefitted from that.

Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 19, 2016, 11:47:24 AM
The overall drum producing experience with both drummers seems like an entirely different beast, and we had been used to a certian drum sound for over 20 years so getting something different can be distracting at first.

Yes.  And, to some degree, I get that it is just "different," and I try to back off my own preferences and what I am "used to" when offering any critique.  But that said, while I wouldn't say the drum sound is "bad," it could be a lot better than it is, and a lot of fans have recognized that.  It isn't just that it is different and may not fit our preferences based on DT's past sound.  We just feel that it definitely could benefit from being improved.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 19, 2016, 12:00:19 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 19, 2016, 11:52:43 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 19, 2016, 11:47:24 AM
I think that what bosk says might be true to a certain level, but there's something that also has to be taken into account: Portnoy plays TAMA drums, Mangini plays PEARL, and those two brands sound entirely different. Portnoy plays Sabian cymbals and Mangini plays Zidjian symbals, and those two brands sound entirely different. They play in entirely different styles, they use different mics, their drum placement in the studio is different so the bleed from each mic signal will affect the overall sound of the entire thing. Mangini is MUCH more precise metronome-wise, so no wonder he sounds like a human machine sometimes as opposed to Portnoy, who usually has a very organic/flawed sound to his playing.

The overall drum producing experience with both drummers seems like an entirely different beast, and we had been used to a certian drum sound for over 20 years, so getting something different can be distracting at first.

One thing is for certain, I don't know if there's a Portnoy record that sounds bad drum-wise. His recordings are usually amazing.

As a drummer, I can tell you that there isn't going to be a different sound between brands. Not one discernable after EQ, Compression and mixing. The difference in drums (and to a lesser extent, cymbals) comes in the material used, and the size of it. Then you have the heads and how they're tuned (the biggest factor), and then the stick, tip, how the drummer plays, etc. Then you've also gotta consider the room, the microphones used, the technique used with said microphones etc etc. Not saying your comment is wrong, but the basis is off.

I'm not a drummer myself, but I've worked with a lot of them and there's usually a big 'opinion' of Sabian being better sounding than Zidjian and so forth. I don't have a drum-trained ear, so I hear them both just fine. But, as with a lot of piano sounds, there are some that get along with mixes very well and there are some who don't, so I reckon it's something similar to that extent. It's good to have someone to clarify me the details, but I know that every recording is bound to sound different unless you replicate the room, the mics, the mic position, the preamps, the FX chain, the instrument, the musician, etc. so my point was based around that premise.

Thanks for the clarification, though.  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 19, 2016, 12:01:51 PM
Quote from: adastra on January 19, 2016, 11:47:48 AM
I can't pinpoint the part that sounds like The Great Debate :(

The first pre-chorus that starts with the word "through".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 19, 2016, 12:02:57 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 19, 2016, 09:53:27 AM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 08:12:39 AM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 08:08:38 AM
I feel like Mangini sounds like a kid just banging away at his new drum set.

I'm no Mangini lover, but seriously? Portnoy used one fill all the time and you insult Mangini's fills?  :justjen

I find Mangini to actually be more musical than Portnoy. When you tune in and really listen and study to what he's doing its amazing. And I found that watching his Enemy Inside video I discovered even more cool things that I can now hear when I put the track on. Love these things! :tup :tup

100% with you on that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: adastra on January 19, 2016, 12:03:35 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 19, 2016, 12:01:51 PM
Quote from: adastra on January 19, 2016, 11:47:48 AM
I can't pinpoint the part that sounds like The Great Debate :(

The first pre-chorus that starts with the word "through".

Oh :D  Well there's the reason i didn't find it!!!   It doesn't TGD at all!    :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 12:04:20 PM
Nor do I . :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 19, 2016, 12:09:16 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 12:00:16 PM
That is true NOW, but I wouldn't say that was the case from the get-go.  WDADU...everything sounds bad, so you can't really single out the drums.  With I&W, I don't think he has a great drum sound, even aside from the triggered snare.  Awake is better, but still lacking.  But from then on, I agree.  I think Portnoy learned fairly early on how to capture a good drum sound, and has worked with guys at the production stage who get it as well, and he has benefitted from that.

Ah, yes. I was thinking more of his post-97 work.

Definitely, his early days seemed like a learning curve from him in terms of making drums sound good in a recording. From Falling Into Infinity onwards, the guy has sounded great in the grand majority of records he's played on (and those who I don't think are great sounding are due to a mix I don't like and not because of the drum sound per se). 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chwik on January 19, 2016, 12:14:59 PM
In MOB: a cool little string section behind the guitar between 5:22 - 5:27.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 19, 2016, 12:41:11 PM
A few thoughts on MM's sound and related discussions going on in this thread...

In my own personal opinion, MM's playing is far superior to MP's. The problem is the sound. If we could have MP's drum sound but with MM actually playing the drums, that'd be heaven. I don't think there is much of a debate, after hearing videos of MM playing without processing, that he isn't a super robotic player. Listen to the TEI video, or better yet his audition jam with the band. He has feel and dynamics.

As far as drum and cymbal companies sound different from one another, there is a lot of truth to that. I buy and sell used drum gear constantly and have owned well over 150 cymbals (mostly to sell). Zildjian, regardless of cymbal line, has an overall brighter sound than Sabian or Meinl (my preferred choice). This is because, I assume, Zildjian now machine-makes all their lines, even the top-of-the-line ones, while Sabian still hand hammers several cymbal lines. Hand hammering gives a fuller, darker, more complex sound. MM is, as far as I know, using mostly cymbals from the various Z and A series, which are the brightest. With drums, it's more about the heads, tuning and shell material than brand. The comment about the drummers' set-ups being different is also very relevant considering the size of their kits and the number of things that need to be heard.

To me, while I wish MM's cymbals were a bit louder on this album, they do seem more balanced, frequency-wise, whereas on DT12 and BTFW they were too bright for my taste. At the beginning of MoB, the cymbals themselves don't seem to sound weak to me...a bit quiet yes, but they have enough sustain. What's disappointing is since a lot of the detailed stuff MM does is on the cymbals, and they are usually mixed incorrectly, it's hard to really get a feel for the very creative stuff he is coming up with.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 19, 2016, 12:49:36 PM
My quick comment on the drum sound. The issue I've had with MM's cymbal sound in particular on most of his DT work isn't with the cymbals themselves, but with a lack of room sound. I feel like with more overhead mics in the final mix, the cymbals would sound more natural and full. In fact, the whole kit might sound more natural and full if they used more overhead/ambient sounds from mics. His drums usually end up sounding like a mix of gated super close mics and triggers.

That being said, from what I have heard so far, TA drum sound isn't anything spectacular but it's definitely good enough that I don't think it will distract from my enjoyment of the album at all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on January 19, 2016, 01:05:24 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 19, 2016, 12:09:16 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 12:00:16 PM
That is true NOW, but I wouldn't say that was the case from the get-go.  WDADU...everything sounds bad, so you can't really single out the drums.  With I&W, I don't think he has a great drum sound, even aside from the triggered snare.  Awake is better, but still lacking.  But from then on, I agree.  I think Portnoy learned fairly early on how to capture a good drum sound, and has worked with guys at the production stage who get it as well, and he has benefitted from that.

Ah, yes. I was thinking more of his post-97 work.

Definitely, his early days seemed like a learning curve from him in terms of making drums sound good in a recording. From Falling Into Infinity onwards, the guy has sounded great in the grand majority of records he's played on (and those who I don't think are great sounding are due to a mix I don't like and not because of the drum sound per se).

I agree with MP's sound evolving with time. The Transatlantic "Kaleidoscope" drum sound is amazing IMO.

I also think MP and MM are different players, both with "heart" and "brains"; MP playing with more "heart" and MM playing with more "brains". I am a fan of what both bring to the band, even though a difference is noticeable.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 19, 2016, 01:07:03 PM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on January 19, 2016, 12:49:36 PM
My quick comment on the drum sound. The issue I've had with MM's cymbal sound in particular on most of his DT work isn't with the cymbals themselves, but with a lack of room sound. I feel like with more overhead mics in the final mix, the cymbals would sound more natural and full. In fact, the whole kit might sound more natural and full if they used more overhead/ambient sounds from mics. His drums usually end up sounding like a mix of gated super close mics and triggers.

That being said, from what I have heard so far, TA drum sound isn't anything spectacular but it's definitely good enough that I don't think it will distract from my enjoyment of the album at all.

That second sentence is actually the problem - the more overheads you add into the mix, the harder it is to actually capture just the cymbals. Overheads are about capturing the room and even the individual drums as much as everything else. I think the problem is less about how many mics it takes, and just his kit in general. Cymbals directly in front of him (which are probably his go-to cymbals) are going to be out of the way the mics point in a traditional overhead mic setup.

It's hard to tell without actually seeing how the engineer set it up. At the end of the day, Mike's job is to come in and play the kit. The microphones, placement, mixing and producing of the drums are probably all out of his hands.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 01:11:55 PM
Quote from: YouMakeMeSick on January 19, 2016, 01:05:24 PM
I agree with MP's sound evolving with time. The Transatlantic "Kaleidoscope" drum sound is amazing IMO.

Yeah. That has got to be Mike's best drum sound period. The toms, kick and snare all sound wonderful and work exceptionally well in the mix.  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on January 19, 2016, 01:12:29 PM
Major thoughts after first listen of MoB

I wish the choir was in this song too.... this song would be so much better with choir.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 19, 2016, 01:32:56 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 19, 2016, 01:07:03 PM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on January 19, 2016, 12:49:36 PM
My quick comment on the drum sound. The issue I've had with MM's cymbal sound in particular on most of his DT work isn't with the cymbals themselves, but with a lack of room sound. I feel like with more overhead mics in the final mix, the cymbals would sound more natural and full. In fact, the whole kit might sound more natural and full if they used more overhead/ambient sounds from mics. His drums usually end up sounding like a mix of gated super close mics and triggers.

That being said, from what I have heard so far, TA drum sound isn't anything spectacular but it's definitely good enough that I don't think it will distract from my enjoyment of the album at all.

That second sentence is actually the problem - the more overheads you add into the mix, the harder it is to actually capture just the cymbals. Overheads are about capturing the room and even the individual drums as much as everything else. I think the problem is less about how many mics it takes, and just his kit in general. Cymbals directly in front of him (which are probably his go-to cymbals) are going to be out of the way the mics point in a traditional overhead mic setup.

It's hard to tell without actually seeing how the engineer set it up. At the end of the day, Mike's job is to come in and play the kit. The microphones, placement, mixing and producing of the drums are probably all out of his hands.

Good post. I guess what I was trying to say applies more directly to a more traditional kit setup and also the placement of the overheads. But, as a general rule of thumb, overheads are typically closest to the cymbals so turning the overheads up usually provides you with a higher volume cymbal sound, and more "room" sound. So, yes they will pick up more of the drums too, but that goes along with capturing a more organic drum kit overall. You would then just adjust the direct mics placed on the drums themselves to compensate for the volume picked up by the overheads.

Random frame of reference, on some behind the scenes Metallica video (probably A Year and A Half in the Life) Lars and Bob Rock were talking about all the overheads and room mics they had on the kit for The Black Album, basically wanting to capture all the little reverberations, etc... of the drums and the cymbals in the room. This made the kit harder to mix, but gave the final drum kit sound a massive, great room sound. Of course, this was done on a traditional kit, not set up anything like MM's.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 19, 2016, 01:40:19 PM
And if it was that hard on Lars' kit (a comparatively simple setup), Mike's must be nigh impossible  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 19, 2016, 01:41:05 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 19, 2016, 01:40:19 PM
And if it was that hard on Lars' kit (a comparatively simple setup), Mike's must be nigh impossible  :lol

Haha agreed. I wouldn't want the job, for sure.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Krissi91 on January 19, 2016, 01:52:14 PM
It took me a few listens before I "got" Gift of Music, but I loved Moment of Betrayal right away at first listen. Catchy chorus and a really cool instrumental section.  :metal
Oh, this reminds me that I still have to preorder the album, going to do it now :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Hanz Gruber on January 19, 2016, 02:13:22 PM
Quote from: Randaran on January 18, 2016, 09:06:23 PM
I love the intro and the instrumental section, but the rest does little for me.

Same here.  Not a fan of the vocal parts...not the way that they were sung...just the song itself.  Loved the instruments though.  Good to hear Myung
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: SeRoX on January 19, 2016, 02:41:30 PM
I don't know what I feel about MoB. It feels like it's better than TGOM but then it's like it's even worse than TGOM. I guess musically better but vocally not. Other than that it's good know DT has a bassist.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: As I Am on January 19, 2016, 03:02:25 PM
Quote from: Evermind on January 19, 2016, 09:59:41 AM
The best part of this song was absolutely the quiet intro. I liked the bombastic follow-up too, but the first twenty second or so were my favorite.

I agree with this 100%
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wolven74 on January 19, 2016, 03:06:24 PM
Re: MMs drum sound...

One thing that you have to remember is that MP was a major producer with DT. It was usually MP and JP. I always figured that MP knew how to make his drums sound the way HE wanted them to. I'm sure he's produced on nearly if not all of his other projects. MM said during his audition video that he was looking forward to just playing. He's not doing anything other than that. SO...JP (the guitar player) has to make the drums sound the best he can, not being a drummer. I think he's done a fairly good job so far.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: As I Am on January 19, 2016, 03:06:43 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 19, 2016, 09:53:27 AM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 08:12:39 AM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 08:08:38 AM
I feel like Mangini sounds like a kid just banging away at his new drum set.

I'm no Mangini lover, but seriously? Portnoy used one fill all the time and you insult Mangini's fills?  :justjen

I find Mangini to actually be more musical than Portnoy.

Don't understand this^ at all? More "musical" than MP?  :facepalm: Just my opinion, but regardless of how great MM is (and he definitely is), he seems to just cover over notes. IMO, there's no "musicality" with that at all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 19, 2016, 03:10:10 PM
Quote from: As I Am on January 19, 2016, 03:06:43 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 19, 2016, 09:53:27 AM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 08:12:39 AM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 08:08:38 AM
I feel like Mangini sounds like a kid just banging away at his new drum set.

I'm no Mangini lover, but seriously? Portnoy used one fill all the time and you insult Mangini's fills?  :justjen

I find Mangini to actually be more musical than Portnoy.

Don't understand this^ at all? More "musical" than MP?  :facepalm: Just my opinion, but regardless of how great MM is (and he definitely is), he seems to just cover over notes. IMO, there's no "musicality" with that at all.

He explained later that if you listen closely you'll hear it. Honestly, I tried to listen closely and apart from the nice cymbal rhythm he had during The Enemy Inside, I discovered exactly what you discovered, that he covers notes.

I think the guy was mistaking "musicality" for "technicality"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: As I Am on January 19, 2016, 03:15:09 PM
Quote from: rab7 on January 19, 2016, 03:10:10 PM
Quote from: As I Am on January 19, 2016, 03:06:43 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 19, 2016, 09:53:27 AM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 08:12:39 AM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 08:08:38 AM
I feel like Mangini sounds like a kid just banging away at his new drum set.

I'm no Mangini lover, but seriously? Portnoy used one fill all the time and you insult Mangini's fills?  :justjen

I find Mangini to actually be more musical than Portnoy.

Don't understand this^ at all? More "musical" than MP?  :facepalm: Just my opinion, but regardless of how great MM is (and he definitely is), he seems to just cover over notes. IMO, there's no "musicality" with that at all.

He explained later that if you listen closely you'll hear it. Honestly, I tried to listen closely and apart from the nice cymbal rhythm he had during The Enemy Inside, I discovered exactly what you discovered, that he covers notes.

I think the guy was mistaking "musicality" for "technicality"
THAT would make much more sense. I agree that MM is technically more proficient than MP (then again, MM is probably "technically" more proficient than most drummers).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pfillion on January 19, 2016, 03:16:08 PM
New review

https://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=https://www.radiometal.com/article/dream-theater-the-astonishing,200147&prev=search

https://www.radiometal.com/article/dream-theater-the-astonishing,200147
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 19, 2016, 03:18:52 PM
Quote from: As I Am on January 19, 2016, 03:06:43 PM
Don't understand this^ at all? More "musical" than MP?  :facepalm: Just my opinion, but regardless of how great MM is (and he definitely is), he seems to just cover over notes. IMO, there's no "musicality" with that at all.

 :huh:

On the subject of MM vs MP, I think both suit the music they play on perfectly and I find both equally air-drummable. MP suits a more flowing, jammy style while MM has more is more focused on careful construction of parts and subtleties (doubling of the rhythm of other instruments, following their melodic patterns with toms etc.) with some crossing over. Both are amazing drummers (and the sound complements the role they play within the band very well IMO).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 19, 2016, 03:20:26 PM
If the google translation doesn't suit you, I could translate it roughly. But to put in a nutshell, the reviewer was pleased by the fact DT is taking risks but I wanted them to take higher risks. For him, the second CD is better.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 03:22:27 PM
Here's an interesting question...

Since JP wrote the script over two years and they wrote the music to the script...

Did they write & record The Astonishing in chronological order ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mike099 on January 19, 2016, 03:43:50 PM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 19, 2016, 03:20:26 PM
If the google translation doesn't suit you, I could translate it roughly. But to put in a nutshell, the reviewer was pleased by the fact DT is taking risks but I wanted them to take higher risks. For him, the second CD is better.

Thanks for the translation.  I had a chuckle from the start when the reviewer mentioned
Jordan and John as being the 'instigators'.   :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Jinx on January 19, 2016, 04:39:14 PM
Quote from: As I Am on January 19, 2016, 03:15:09 PM
Quote from: rab7 on January 19, 2016, 03:10:10 PM
Quote from: As I Am on January 19, 2016, 03:06:43 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 19, 2016, 09:53:27 AM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 19, 2016, 08:12:39 AM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 19, 2016, 08:08:38 AM
I feel like Mangini sounds like a kid just banging away at his new drum set.

I'm no Mangini lover, but seriously? Portnoy used one fill all the time and you insult Mangini's fills?  :justjen

I find Mangini to actually be more musical than Portnoy.

Don't understand this^ at all? More "musical" than MP?  :facepalm: Just my opinion, but regardless of how great MM is (and he definitely is), he seems to just cover over notes. IMO, there's no "musicality" with that at all.

He explained later that if you listen closely you'll hear it. Honestly, I tried to listen closely and apart from the nice cymbal rhythm he had during The Enemy Inside, I discovered exactly what you discovered, that he covers notes.

I think the guy was mistaking "musicality" for "technicality"
THAT would make much more sense. I agree that MM is technically more proficient than MP (then again, MM is probably "technically" more proficient than most drummers).

I guess his technicality just sounds more musical to my ears  :-\  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Jinx on January 19, 2016, 04:45:14 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 03:22:27 PM
Here's an interesting question...

Since JP wrote the script over two years and they wrote the music to the script...

Did they write & record The Astonishing in chronological order ?

Am I right in thinking the script was written before they worked on the music? I think JP must literally have started this right as they were finishing DT12 in the studio!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CDrice on January 19, 2016, 04:54:10 PM
Am I the only one who had Moment of Betrayal chorus stuck in my head during the entire day today? It's been a long time since it last happened to me, but it's so good  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 19, 2016, 05:08:48 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 19, 2016, 04:54:10 PM
Am I the only one who had Moment of Betrayal chorus stuck in my head during the entire day today? It's been a long time since it last happened to me, but it's so good  :metal

The same happened to me and the moment in the story makes it even nicer.  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 19, 2016, 05:11:21 PM
I know Eddie Trunk will dislike TA.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 05:12:44 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 19, 2016, 05:11:21 PM
I know Eddie Trunk will dislike TA.

Portnoy didn't play on it so yeah.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 19, 2016, 05:21:28 PM
Quote from: pfillion on January 19, 2016, 03:16:08 PM
New review

https://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=https://www.radiometal.com/article/dream-theater-the-astonishing,200147&prev=search

https://www.radiometal.com/article/dream-theater-the-astonishing,200147

The review sounds pretty negative. Looks like I was correct in assuming this album would be polarising.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Nearmyth on January 19, 2016, 05:22:38 PM
"Moment Of Betrayal" is very similar to Behind The Veil in progression I've noticed, but I'm diggin this track! This is an odd nitpick but the harmonies in the chorus bother me, I think he could have gone with just a single vocal track and it would've been much more impactful. I'm only listening to it once before the album releases though so I imagine the song as a whole will grow on me  :coolio
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 19, 2016, 05:34:48 PM
I'll be honest, Moment of Betrayal had to grow on me, but right now I'm loving it. Sometimes I wish LaBrie was a bit clearer among the instruments, but this song is so dramatic and grand. I've only heard one of the low quality rips from the radio show, and I can't wait to hear the album quality.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 19, 2016, 05:58:47 PM
Quote from: Wubbagubba on January 19, 2016, 05:34:48 PM
I'll be honest, Moment of Betrayal had to grow on me, but right now I'm loving it. Sometimes I wish LaBrie was a bit clearer among the instruments, but this song is so dramatic and grand. I've only heard one of the low quality rips from the radio show, and I can't wait to hear the album quality.
I'm almost convinced the rip from the radio stream and then being posted on youtube is partially responsible for this.

It's like stubbing your big toe really bad and then proceeding to blow it off with a shotgun.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: vazquez on January 19, 2016, 06:13:12 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 19, 2016, 05:21:28 PM
The review sounds pretty negative. Looks like I was correct in assuming this album would be polarising.

Yes, it is quite negative... there are 4 main criticisms:

1 - Unbalanced dynamics (although I believe this is quite hard to do in a double album, not even Tommy or The Wall are flawless in it´s dynamics). At the same it´s strange, because people here said the opposite.
2 - The new things (mainly the theatrical moments) are not explored enough.
3 - Few participation from the other members - Myung is hidden, Mangini also, the reviewer even has the courage to say that the album is more a Petrucci+Rudess project than a Dream Theater album! Can you believe that?
4 - The last song is not the great finale the reviewer was expecting.

As far as reviews go, I didn´t like it.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 19, 2016, 06:20:33 PM
I'm most worried about the final song. For 2 hours of content, such an ambitious concept, and the track record DT has for closing songs, I'd hope this one is good and the reviewer just had his own subjective disliking of it. He also mentioned "realistic audio snippets" (think gunshots in Finally Free) and I personally hope there are a good amount of those dabbled throughout the album. While some may think they're cheesy, I've always loved them and think they added to the story. Finally Free's best part IMO is when Victoria is murdered and you hear her screaming and the gunshots behind that awesome guitar riff.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 06:23:57 PM
Yes but that scream is like the most well known stock female scream.

It's basically the female Wilhelm Scream.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 19, 2016, 06:27:33 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 06:23:57 PM
Yes but that scream is like the most well known stock female scream.

It's basically the female Wilhelm Scream.

And it is really old. As a kid (and I still kind of think the same) I never thought it was a woman screaming. Always like like a distressed bird to me, lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 19, 2016, 06:55:48 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 19, 2016, 06:27:33 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 06:23:57 PM
Yes but that scream is like the most well known stock female scream.

It's basically the female Wilhelm Scream.

And it is really old. As a kid (and I still kind of think the same) I never thought it was a woman screaming. Always like like a distressed bird to me, lol.

You must have some pretty peculiar birds around your place :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 07:04:58 PM
Quote from: Wubbagubba on January 19, 2016, 06:20:33 PM
I'm most worried about the final song. For 2 hours of content, such an ambitious concept, and the track record DT has for closing songs, I'd hope this one is good and the reviewer just had his own subjective disliking of it. He also mentioned "realistic audio snippets" (think gunshots in Finally Free) and I personally hope there are a good amount of those dabbled throughout the album. While some may think they're cheesy, I've always loved them and think they added to the story. Finally Free's best part IMO is when Victoria is murdered and you hear her screaming and the gunshots behind that awesome guitar riff.

I hear what you are saying.  However, structurally, that may not be exactly what they were going for here.  I believe the way the album is structured, the big "climactic" song is the penultimate song rather than the last song, and the last song serves more as the "end credits" or "epilogue" role.  Musically, think more along the lines of the last two albums.  So on ADTOE, the climactic ending is Breaking All Illusions, but then you have the mellow "roll credits" moment with Beneath the Surface.  Or with DT12, you have the climactic "ending" of Illumination Theory, but then a few seconds later, you get a mellow "roll credits" moment with the "easter egg."  So I don't think there is a failure to have a climactic ending so much as that happening on the second to last track, with the final track serving a slightly different role.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 19, 2016, 07:11:56 PM
I've been to some Operas, the last song is usually like a summary of all the characters. Usually, not as epic and big as the climax.

I'm going to enjoy this album a lot.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 19, 2016, 07:12:57 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 07:04:58 PM
Quote from: Wubbagubba on January 19, 2016, 06:20:33 PM
I'm most worried about the final song. For 2 hours of content, such an ambitious concept, and the track record DT has for closing songs, I'd hope this one is good and the reviewer just had his own subjective disliking of it. He also mentioned "realistic audio snippets" (think gunshots in Finally Free) and I personally hope there are a good amount of those dabbled throughout the album. While some may think they're cheesy, I've always loved them and think they added to the story. Finally Free's best part IMO is when Victoria is murdered and you hear her screaming and the gunshots behind that awesome guitar riff.

I hear what you are saying.  However, structurally, that may not be exactly what they were going for here.  I believe the way the album is structured, the big "climactic" song is the penultimate song rather than the last song, and the last song serves more as the "end credits" or "epilogue" role.  Musically, think more along the lines of the last two albums.  So on ADTOE, the climactic ending is Breaking All Illusions, but then you have the mellow "roll credits" moment with Beneath the Surface.  Or with DT12, you have the climactic "ending" of Illumination Theory, but then a few seconds later, you get a mellow "roll credits" moment with the "easter egg."  So I don't think there is a failure to have a climactic ending so much as that happening on the second to last track, with the final track serving a slightly different role.

Really interesting. I'm sure I won't be disappointed, as this album sounds phenomenal from what I've heard and right up my alley. Thank you!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 19, 2016, 07:15:14 PM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on January 19, 2016, 06:55:48 PM
Quote from: RMGadelha on January 19, 2016, 06:27:33 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 19, 2016, 06:23:57 PM
Yes but that scream is like the most well known stock female scream.

It's basically the female Wilhelm Scream.

And it is really old. As a kid (and I still kind of think the same) I never thought it was a woman screaming. Always like like a distressed bird to me, lol.

You must have some pretty peculiar birds around your place :rollin

Haha :lol I meant more like a cartoon-esque bird.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Implode on January 19, 2016, 07:22:22 PM
You mean like this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5Zuv5PsXRY)?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 19, 2016, 07:26:27 PM
Quote from: Implode on January 19, 2016, 07:22:22 PM
You mean like this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5Zuv5PsXRY)?

Exactly! Just with the growl a bit deeper, heh.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 19, 2016, 07:29:26 PM
So Victoria was a bird?
"The songbird stops to listen when he sings"

METROPOLIS, PT. 3 CONFIRMED
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 19, 2016, 08:00:43 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 19, 2016, 04:54:10 PM
Am I the only one who had Moment of Betrayal chorus stuck in my head during the entire day today? It's been a long time since it last happened to me, but it's so good  :metal
Nope you are not the only one. It's so catchy. Although I've also listened to it like 15 times...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Systolic on January 19, 2016, 08:18:01 PM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on January 19, 2016, 07:11:56 PM
I've been to some Operas, the last song is usually like a summary of all the characters. Usually, not as epic and big as the climax.

I'm going to enjoy this album a lot.

This isnt even slightly true
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 19, 2016, 08:25:21 PM
Quote from: Systolic on January 19, 2016, 08:18:01 PM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on January 19, 2016, 07:11:56 PM
I've been to some Operas, the last song is usually like a summary of all the characters. Usually, not as epic and big as the climax.

I'm going to enjoy this album a lot.

This isnt even slightly true

I was basing off what I remember, it's been a long time. Guess I didn't pay much attention.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 19, 2016, 08:35:17 PM
Actually, Ben is right, some operas do have that format.
Others, of course, do not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 19, 2016, 10:40:27 PM
Only Eddie Trunk would as JP and JR if they smoke pot.    Having said that the callers were pretty lame.  It was a pretty cool interview though.
Noxon said JP sounds like Kee Marcello in his solo's.   I think "moment of betrayal" sounds a lot like those 90's Europe albums he played on.
In my opinion that is a good thing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 19, 2016, 10:43:48 PM
Quote from: pcs90 on January 19, 2016, 08:00:43 PM
Quote from: CDrice on January 19, 2016, 04:54:10 PM
Am I the only one who had Moment of Betrayal chorus stuck in my head during the entire day today? It's been a long time since it last happened to me, but it's so good  :metal
Nope you are not the only one. It's so catchy. Although I've also listened to it like 15 times...

Me too listening to it right now! Awesome chorus!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 19, 2016, 10:45:02 PM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on January 19, 2016, 10:40:27 PM
Only Eddie Trunk would as JP and JR if they smoke pot.    Having said that the callers were pretty lame.  It was a pretty cool interview though.


Some of the callers were horrible! Like the guy telling that drawn out story of how he thought James was a girl or whatever it was. The interview itself was really good though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 19, 2016, 10:55:32 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 19, 2016, 07:04:58 PM
Quote from: Wubbagubba on January 19, 2016, 06:20:33 PM
I'm most worried about the final song. For 2 hours of content, such an ambitious concept, and the track record DT has for closing songs, I'd hope this one is good and the reviewer just had his own subjective disliking of it. He also mentioned "realistic audio snippets" (think gunshots in Finally Free) and I personally hope there are a good amount of those dabbled throughout the album. While some may think they're cheesy, I've always loved them and think they added to the story. Finally Free's best part IMO is when Victoria is murdered and you hear her screaming and the gunshots behind that awesome guitar riff.

I hear what you are saying.  However, structurally, that may not be exactly what they were going for here.  I believe the way the album is structured, the big "climactic" song is the penultimate song rather than the last song, and the last song serves more as the "end credits" or "epilogue" role.  Musically, think more along the lines of the last two albums.  So on ADTOE, the climactic ending is Breaking All Illusions, but then you have the mellow "roll credits" moment with Beneath the Surface.  Or with DT12, you have the climactic "ending" of Illumination Theory, but then a few seconds later, you get a mellow "roll credits" moment with the "easter egg."  So I don't think there is a failure to have a climactic ending so much as that happening on the second to last track, with the final track serving a slightly different role.

Is it anything like this: https://youtu.be/w4kN2eZd_Ic
(like in the context of the concert)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 20, 2016, 12:07:26 AM
Quote from: Systolic on January 19, 2016, 08:18:01 PM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on January 19, 2016, 07:11:56 PM
I've been to some Operas, the last song is usually like a summary of all the characters. Usually, not as epic and big as the climax.

I'm going to enjoy this album a lot.

This isnt even slightly true
Er, actually it was, traditionally (not so with modern operas of course). That's why Mozart wrote a really cheesy "lessons learned" ending for Don Giovanni that frankly kills the mood, and the best productions of it just scrap it and end with him being dragged to hell. But the convention was definitely a relatively upbeat reflective ending back then.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 20, 2016, 12:20:11 AM
Just listened to Moment of Betrayal. Playing it alongside TGOM, the news that this album has a wider range of styles seems to be true. TGOM reminds me of SFAM + SDOIT (Disc 2) era Dream Theater, while this one sounds something like they would have done during the SC + BC&SL days, with a bit of the vibe of the self-titled.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 20, 2016, 12:26:29 AM
Update from the Genie:

"Also in just getting home, I have returned to The Astonishing Songs preparation. It is such a massive, versatile and vibe-varying body of work, that revisiting parts and trying to copy the improvised details is virtually not possible. It is really brutally hard work. I hope you all heard (JP & JR) and Moment of Betrayal on the Eddie Trunk radio show. It sounded really, really great to me in that environment; really alive and powerful. The radio brings out fantastic details. I still have to slow all the tunes down to really get them, no matter how slow or fast some are. 10 more days till you can sit with it on a kick ass sound system, or amazing set of headphones geared to your preferences for a couple of hours and read along. I can't wait to get my own copy very soon."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 20, 2016, 01:36:26 AM
Another review, from Scream Magazine in norway:

https://www.screammagazine.com/scream2014/anmeldelser/plateanmeldelser/item/438-dream-theater-the-astonishing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Cyclopssss on January 20, 2016, 01:52:49 AM
Suffice to say I caved and listened to A Moment of Betrayal. And liked it....  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Systolic on January 20, 2016, 03:34:32 AM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 19, 2016, 08:35:17 PM
Actually, Ben is right, some operas do have that format.
Others, of course, do not.

Not going to pull the credentials card here, but all I'm going to say is that I know from lots of performance experience that his statement is wrong 95% of the time.  Especially when it comes to Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, and Wagner.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Systolic on January 20, 2016, 03:37:31 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 20, 2016, 12:07:26 AM
Quote from: Systolic on January 19, 2016, 08:18:01 PM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on January 19, 2016, 07:11:56 PM
I've been to some Operas, the last song is usually like a summary of all the characters. Usually, not as epic and big as the climax.

I'm going to enjoy this album a lot.

This isnt even slightly true
Er, actually it was, traditionally (not so with modern operas of course). That's why Mozart wrote a really cheesy "lessons learned" ending for Don Giovanni that frankly kills the mood, and the best productions of it just scrap it and end with him being dragged to hell. But the convention was definitely a relatively upbeat reflective ending back then.

Well that's a one-off scenario.  You can always find the exception because it sticks out.  I didn't mention postmodern operas in my response because it just goes without saying.  I mean find a single Wagner opera that ends this way.  The Marriage of Figaro wasn't like that.  Die Zauberflote wasn't like that... I wouldn't even say that Don Giovanni's ending fits the way he was describing it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pringkaarwanda on January 20, 2016, 03:44:43 AM
(https://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n495/pringkaarwanda/Night%20Star%20Touch%20The%20Sky%20.jpg)

When I listening to Moment of Betrayal for the first time, I just realized something
Do you guys think that the place in this picture is the place in Moment of Betrayal song??
This is the picture from DT website

The lyric said it

"Meet me tonight where the star touch the sky"
And the place in the picture showing stars in the sky

"He'll be alone there with nowhere to hide"
I think its hard to hide in that kind of place haha

"There will be no witness"
in quite place like that, well.. There will be no witness haha
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 20, 2016, 03:48:49 AM
That MoB chorus is stuck in my head!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: The Stray Seed on January 20, 2016, 04:13:12 AM
+1 :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: SkiFiX on January 20, 2016, 04:24:05 AM
It seems that Gabriel is a modern version of Jesus Christ Superstar... or at least it has aspects in common
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 20, 2016, 04:27:40 AM
After a few listens, I've come to the realization that I prefer TGOM. That song does much more in 4 minutes and feels fresher. But MOB is amazing nontheless.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 20, 2016, 04:27:53 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on January 19, 2016, 07:29:26 PM
So Victoria was a bird?
"The songbird stops to listen when he sings"

METROPOLIS, PT. 3 CONFIRMED




(https://31.media.tumblr.com/avatar_d0c74ffb508e_128.png)  " Victorias a fookin' bird man. Ya know what I mean ? "
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Mladen on January 20, 2016, 04:33:55 AM
I actually listened to the entire interview last night. It was very informative and Trunk did a good job, although I thought he yelled a bit too much.  :lol The song was solid, I didn't find it too exciting, but then again, I only listened to it twice and it might work better in the context of the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 20, 2016, 04:34:12 AM
I was just watching THIS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDTYWwqchhQ and it made me like Mangini a little more actually. He is playing with a lot of passion and a good sound (!!!!) and you will discover a lot of details in his playing. Why can't the drums on DT12 sound like this?
I like the TA drum sound better than DT12 (at least what I have heard in the trailer and TGOM), but it's still nothing compared to FII wich imo was the best drum sound DT ever had.

Can anyone please describe Myungs Bass sound on MoB (since I'm not gonna listen to it) please? Couldn't really hear that much Bass in TGOM. Is it like DT12? I always felt that the Bass on that album had a little too many frequencies in the middle section (sry for my English). if you listen to Clockwork Angels, now that's what I call an awesome Bass sound.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 20, 2016, 04:35:48 AM
From my one listen to Moment of Betrayal on youtube - it sounded like his usual distorted bass tone on any other album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 20, 2016, 05:01:57 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 20, 2016, 04:35:48 AM
From my one listen to Moment of Betrayal on youtube - it sounded like his usual distorted bass tone on any other album.

But you do hear a difference between, say, Octavarium (Medicate) and Surrender To Reason?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 20, 2016, 05:14:04 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 20, 2016, 04:34:12 AM
I was just watching THIS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDTYWwqchhQ and it made me like Mangini a little more actually. He is playing with a lot of passion and a good sound (!!!!) and you will discover a lot of details in his playing. Why can't the drums on DT12 sound like this?

I'm shocked how good this sounds!  :omg: :tup His playing is not robotic AT ALL.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: home on January 20, 2016, 06:11:27 AM
Quote from: devieira73 on January 20, 2016, 05:14:04 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 20, 2016, 04:34:12 AM
I was just watching THIS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDTYWwqchhQ and it made me like Mangini a little more actually. He is playing with a lot of passion and a good sound (!!!!) and you will discover a lot of details in his playing. Why can't the drums on DT12 sound like this?

I'm shocked how good this sounds!  :omg: :tup His playing is not robotic AT ALL.

Indeed that sounds great!

I quite like Moment of Betrayal it has some epic moments. The strings at the beginning sound amazing! My only complaint is that the heavy guitar part after the piano/strings sounds so familiar to another song, but other than that it sound great.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 20, 2016, 06:20:31 AM
Quote from: devieira73 on January 20, 2016, 05:14:04 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 20, 2016, 04:34:12 AM
I was just watching THIS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDTYWwqchhQ and it made me like Mangini a little more actually. He is playing with a lot of passion and a good sound (!!!!) and you will discover a lot of details in his playing. Why can't the drums on DT12 sound like this?

I'm shocked how good this sounds!  :omg: :tup His playing is not robotic AT ALL.
Makes me wonder what do RC and JP do for the whole month of mixing! Just search your drummer's name on google and you will know how he is supposed to sound.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 20, 2016, 06:47:55 AM
I don't believe that the reason Manginis drums sound so .."strange" is because JP and RC don't know how to do it or because there is no drummer with them when they do the mix, but because they like it that way. Maybe they really want to take a step away from the "old" MP DT sound and create a new, unique one with/ for MM. JP must have been with MP countless times when they were producing and mixing his drums.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 20, 2016, 07:03:01 AM
I find it pretty interesting that the 2 tracks released were through Arhys, wonder what JL will sound like w other characters.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 20, 2016, 07:04:04 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 20, 2016, 06:47:55 AM
I don't believe that the reason Manginis drums sound so .."strange" is because JP and RC don't know how to do it or because there is no drummer with them when they do the mix, but because they like it that way. Maybe they really want to take a step away from the "old" MP DT sound and create a new, unique one with/ for MM. JP must have been with MP countless times when they were producing and mixing his drums.

I think this is more likely than anything else.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: vazquez on January 20, 2016, 07:06:58 AM
Two VERY positive reviews in German:

https://www.crossfire-metal.de/12360-0-DREAM-THEATER-THE-ASTONISHING.html (https://www.crossfire-metal.de/12360-0-DREAM-THEATER-THE-ASTONISHING.html)

9 out of 10... praising Myung and Mangini, opposite from the French review...

https://www.metalglory.de/reviews.php?nr=27008 (https://www.metalglory.de/reviews.php?nr=27008)

They say the album is PERFECT, an absolute masterpiece, 10 out of 10.

I can´t wait anymore...  :o :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 20, 2016, 07:11:39 AM
Quote from: vazquez on January 20, 2016, 07:06:58 AM
I can´t wait anymore...  :o :o :o :o :o :o
Thankfully, just 9 more days  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: vazquez on January 20, 2016, 07:23:16 AM
Quote from: BelichickFan on January 20, 2016, 07:11:39 AM
Thankfully, just 9 more days  :D

For most people... I will wait the Brazilian edition, that could take one day more to one month more to be released.

Even buying the american version I would need to wait at least a week to arrive...  :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 20, 2016, 07:24:43 AM
Quote from: vazquez on January 20, 2016, 07:06:58 AM
Two VERY positive reviews in German:

https://www.crossfire-metal.de/12360-0-DREAM-THEATER-THE-ASTONISHING.html (https://www.crossfire-metal.de/12360-0-DREAM-THEATER-THE-ASTONISHING.html)

9 out of 10... praising Myung and Mangini, opposite from the French review...

https://www.metalglory.de/reviews.php?nr=27008 (https://www.metalglory.de/reviews.php?nr=27008)

They say the album is PERFECT, an absolute masterpiece, 10 out of 10.

I can´t wait anymore...  :o :o :o :o :o :o

Really nice reviews
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 20, 2016, 07:27:16 AM
Quote from: vazquez on January 20, 2016, 07:23:16 AM
Quote from: BelichickFan on January 20, 2016, 07:11:39 AM
Thankfully, just 9 more days  :D

For most people... I will wait the Brazilian edition, that could take one day more to one month more to be released.

Even buying the american version I would need to wait at least a week to arrive...  :-\

Well you'll be able to hear us all talking about it, that'll make the wait easier for you  :angel:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 20, 2016, 08:00:29 AM
Quote from: devieira73 on January 20, 2016, 05:14:04 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 20, 2016, 04:34:12 AM
I was just watching THIS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDTYWwqchhQ and it made me like Mangini a little more actually. He is playing with a lot of passion and a good sound (!!!!) and you will discover a lot of details in his playing. Why can't the drums on DT12 sound like this?

I'm shocked how good this sounds!  :omg: :tup His playing is not robotic AT ALL.

As I mentioned before, it's not the player. And notice how he's playing on a MUCH more simple kit (compared to his normal rig). I think the easiest thing to take away from the comparison between the Zildjian performance and the album (and something that is quite apparent based on the snare alone) is that the kit is incredibly compressed in DT12's mix. More so than most metal drums. Maybe compressed to hell and back and then also gated a little too hard (which leads to the sterile, robotic sound).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 20, 2016, 08:20:33 AM
From the first German review posted above:
Quote
"A New Beginning", the most ambitious piece with orgasm end.

 ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 20, 2016, 08:20:56 AM
Quote from: vazquez on January 20, 2016, 07:23:16 AM
Quote from: BelichickFan on January 20, 2016, 07:11:39 AM
Thankfully, just 9 more days  :D

For most people... I will wait the Brazilian edition, that could take one day more to one month more to be released.

Even buying the american version I would need to wait at least a week to arrive...  :-\

Not really. If you buy it on Amazon, they give you a digital download, don't they? Unless you really NEED to have the booklet with you.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 20, 2016, 08:22:15 AM
Finally pre-ordered mine.  Signed up for Amazon prime too, which I had been considering, and now I will have it on release day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 20, 2016, 08:44:27 AM
I'm sure there are reasons, but since MM sounded so good on BTFW, I don't know why they don't just duplicate whatever was done for that recording when setting up album recording.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 20, 2016, 08:50:02 AM
Man, 9 days to go, and Amazon Canada still doesn't have a listing, aside from one for the vinyl version, with incorrect information, for nearly $200, which doesn't ship until February 5th.
(Amazon Canada also has no digital music service of any kind, and Prime, while the same price as in the US, doesn't include any sort of video service).

I really miss having a bunch of music stores around.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 20, 2016, 08:50:55 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 20, 2016, 08:44:27 AM
I'm sure there are reasons, but since MM sounded so good on BTFW, I don't know why they don't just duplicate whatever was done for that recording when setting up album recording.

That's what I was saying. You just moderated it.  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 20, 2016, 08:52:09 AM
Quote from: TL on January 20, 2016, 08:50:02 AM
Man, 9 days to go, and Amazon Canada still doesn't have a listing, aside from one for the vinyl version, with incorrect information, for nearly $200, which doesn't ship until February 5th.
(Amazon Canada also has no digital music service of any kind, and Prime, while the same price as in the US, doesn't include any sort of video service).

I really miss having a bunch of music stores around.

Can you just use the US version of Amazon?  I know I have used the Euro version to buy something for myself in the US, but I'm guessing it'll be an issue to get it on time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 20, 2016, 08:52:34 AM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 20, 2016, 08:00:29 AM
Quote from: devieira73 on January 20, 2016, 05:14:04 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 20, 2016, 04:34:12 AM
I was just watching THIS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDTYWwqchhQ and it made me like Mangini a little more actually. He is playing with a lot of passion and a good sound (!!!!) and you will discover a lot of details in his playing. Why can't the drums on DT12 sound like this?

I'm shocked how good this sounds!  :omg: :tup His playing is not robotic AT ALL.

As I mentioned before, it's not the player. And notice how he's playing on a MUCH more simple kit (compared to his normal rig). I think the easiest thing to take away from the comparison between the Zildjian performance and the album (and something that is quite apparent based on the snare alone) is that the kit is incredibly compressed in DT12's mix. More so than most metal drums. Maybe compressed to hell and back and then also gated a little too hard (which leads to the sterile, robotic sound).
Yeah, Mike is a very energetic, creative drummer. It's a shame that it doesn't come across more on his DT albums so far.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 20, 2016, 08:56:47 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 20, 2016, 08:44:27 AM
I'm sure there are reasons, but since MM sounded so good on BTFW, I don't know why they don't just duplicate whatever was done for that recording when setting up album recording.

That right there is where you get in to the argument where people talk about whether its better to record and perfect in isolation and make a tailored record, or go back to the old ways and just record it live as its played and hope everyone gets it right.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TL on January 20, 2016, 08:58:18 AM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 20, 2016, 08:52:09 AM
Quote from: TL on January 20, 2016, 08:50:02 AM
Man, 9 days to go, and Amazon Canada still doesn't have a listing, aside from one for the vinyl version, with incorrect information, for nearly $200, which doesn't ship until February 5th.
(Amazon Canada also has no digital music service of any kind, and Prime, while the same price as in the US, doesn't include any sort of video service).

I really miss having a bunch of music stores around.

Can you just use the US version of Amazon?  I know I have used the Euro version to buy something for myself in the US, but I'm guessing it'll be an issue to get it on time.
It's definitely not ideal. The Canadian dollar is in the toilet right now, so the exchange is a real killer. Shipping is usually pretty expensive (no free shipping across the boarder), as well as several fees that they seem to tack on just for the heck of it (basically a 'hey, go back to Canadian Amazon so we can price gouge you' fee).

I'll probably just hit up the local music stores around here and hope.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 20, 2016, 09:05:18 AM
That MM video is incredible! A large part of the joy of this guy is watching him pound the hell out of that drumkit (with facial expressions to match). It may sound "robotic" and "lacking in emotion" based purely on audio recordings, but when you watch MM, that's where the emotion comes out, in his facial expressions.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 20, 2016, 09:12:36 AM
That MM video is pretty good. Weird to hear Enemy Inside with a snare that actually sounds like a snare.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 20, 2016, 09:14:29 AM
Quote from: TL on January 20, 2016, 08:58:18 AM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 20, 2016, 08:52:09 AM
Quote from: TL on January 20, 2016, 08:50:02 AM
Man, 9 days to go, and Amazon Canada still doesn't have a listing, aside from one for the vinyl version, with incorrect information, for nearly $200, which doesn't ship until February 5th.
(Amazon Canada also has no digital music service of any kind, and Prime, while the same price as in the US, doesn't include any sort of video service).

I really miss having a bunch of music stores around.

Can you just use the US version of Amazon?  I know I have used the Euro version to buy something for myself in the US, but I'm guessing it'll be an issue to get it on time.
It's definitely not ideal. The Canadian dollar is in the toilet right now, so the exchange is a real killer. Shipping is usually pretty expensive (no free shipping across the boarder), as well as several fees that they seem to tack on just for the heck of it (basically a 'hey, go back to Canadian Amazon so we can price gouge you' fee).

I'll probably just hit up the local music stores around here and hope.

Yea I hear ya, that sucks!  I would imagine the music store would carry this.  I was always able to find DT at my local Best Buy on release day, until they got rid of the CD section.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 20, 2016, 09:52:06 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 20, 2016, 08:20:33 AM
From the first German review posted above:
Quote
"A New Beginning", the most ambitious piece with orgasm end.

 ;D

"Nevertheless, despite all about horny moments, "

I love those translations  :rollin

It's amazing how the translation prefers the horny translation of geil instead of cool ;p
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 20, 2016, 10:17:27 AM
I really enjoyed the interview. Really informative and makes me really excited once the albums released, we'll get clickable songs that describe what's in that scene.

I like how JP described listening to it like watching a movie. Which makes sense, it's also cool how much we know already about characters and certain places. I'll be sitting with my eyes closed and imagining the movie taking place.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 20, 2016, 11:33:07 AM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 20, 2016, 09:14:29 AM
Quote from: TL on January 20, 2016, 08:58:18 AM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 20, 2016, 08:52:09 AM
Quote from: TL on January 20, 2016, 08:50:02 AM
Man, 9 days to go, and Amazon Canada still doesn't have a listing, aside from one for the vinyl version, with incorrect information, for nearly $200, which doesn't ship until February 5th.
(Amazon Canada also has no digital music service of any kind, and Prime, while the same price as in the US, doesn't include any sort of video service).

I really miss having a bunch of music stores around.



Can you just use the US version of Amazon?  I know I have used the Euro version to buy something for myself in the US, but I'm guessing it'll be an issue to get it on time.
It's definitely not ideal. The Canadian dollar is in the toilet right now, so the exchange is a real killer. Shipping is usually pretty expensive (no free shipping across the boarder), as well as several fees that they seem to tack on just for the heck of it (basically a 'hey, go back to Canadian Amazon so we can price gouge you' fee).

I'll probably just hit up the local music stores around here and hope.

Yea I hear ya, that sucks!  I would imagine the music store would carry this.  I was always able to find DT at my local Best Buy on release day, until they got rid of the CD section.

They got rid of ALL THE CD SECTION? The last time I was in the states was last July, the Best Buy stores still had CD sections. They were pretty small though. I could not get the new Symphony X. The guy over there looked it up for me, I think they had Underworld in about one or  two Best Buys in all Wisconsin. Wich is a shame.
In Germany you still have big stores similar to Best Buy (like Media Markt, Saturn, Medi Max etc.) where there is a decent CD section. I ordered The Astonishing LP set online and will buy the CD next friday at 9:30am in my local Saturn.
My favorite stores are still stores like The Great Escape, there you can still go in and spend hours looking for CDs and LPs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 20, 2016, 11:39:51 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 20, 2016, 11:33:07 AM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 20, 2016, 09:14:29 AM
Quote from: TL on January 20, 2016, 08:58:18 AM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 20, 2016, 08:52:09 AM
Quote from: TL on January 20, 2016, 08:50:02 AM
Man, 9 days to go, and Amazon Canada still doesn't have a listing, aside from one for the vinyl version, with incorrect information, for nearly $200, which doesn't ship until February 5th.
(Amazon Canada also has no digital music service of any kind, and Prime, while the same price as in the US, doesn't include any sort of video service).

I really miss having a bunch of music stores around.



Can you just use the US version of Amazon?  I know I have used the Euro version to buy something for myself in the US, but I'm guessing it'll be an issue to get it on time.
It's definitely not ideal. The Canadian dollar is in the toilet right now, so the exchange is a real killer. Shipping is usually pretty expensive (no free shipping across the boarder), as well as several fees that they seem to tack on just for the heck of it (basically a 'hey, go back to Canadian Amazon so we can price gouge you' fee).

I'll probably just hit up the local music stores around here and hope.

Yea I hear ya, that sucks!  I would imagine the music store would carry this.  I was always able to find DT at my local Best Buy on release day, until they got rid of the CD section.

They got rid of ALL THE CD SECTION? The last time I was in the states was last July, the Best Buy stores still had CD sections. They were pretty small though. I could not get the new Symphony X. The guy over there looked it up for me, I think they had Underworld in about one or  two Best Buys in all Wisconsin. Wich is a shame.
In Germany you still have big stores similar to Best Buy (like Media Markt, Saturn, Medi Max etc.) where there is a decent CD section. I ordered The Astonishing LP set online and will buy the CD next friday at 9:30am in my local Saturn.
My favorite stores are still stores like The Great Escape, there you can still go in and spend hours looking for CDs and LPs.

The one by me used to have about 5 rows of CDs.  I believe it is down to one row of just the hits (not even a complete row).  I was exaggerating, but its clear they are phasing the CD section out.  I wouldn't go there to shop for music just because there is little to no chance of it being there, although I would say there is a good chance DT would be there as they technically are a top 20 album seller, at least for the week of release.  I just use amazon now though and almost exclusively digital, except for my very favorite bands, like DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: dparrott on January 20, 2016, 01:21:33 PM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 20, 2016, 11:33:07 AM


They got rid of ALL THE CD SECTION? The last time I was in the states was last July, the Best Buy stores still had CD sections. They were pretty small though. I could not get the new Symphony X. The guy over there looked it up for me, I think they had Underworld in about one or  two Best Buys in all Wisconsin. Wich is a shame.
In Germany you still have big stores similar to Best Buy (like Media Markt, Saturn, Medi Max etc.) where there is a decent CD section. I ordered The Astonishing LP set online and will buy the CD next friday at 9:30am in my local Saturn.
My favorite stores are still stores like The Great Escape, there you can still go in and spend hours looking for CDs and LPs.

Huh.  I got my Blur CD at my local BB last April, hope they haven't got rid of them!  I'll have to check before the release date.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lightbug on January 20, 2016, 02:28:25 PM
No updates today?  :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 20, 2016, 02:32:50 PM
At this point, my prediction is that we wont see any further updates until the release date.  :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 20, 2016, 02:34:39 PM
I'm guessing we get an update on monday. Maybe an official video of Moment of Betrayal, the places section, or another trailer-type video.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 20, 2016, 02:36:55 PM
I am predicting
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 20, 2016, 02:41:27 PM
I think we just lost Bosk everyone. How sad.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chwik on January 20, 2016, 02:44:20 PM
Yogi Berra had something to say about predictions: "Predictions are difficult, especially about the future". He also said when asked by his wife about where to be buried:"Surprise me!"  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 20, 2016, 03:37:37 PM
Man, I'm extremely anxious for the album, but I'm not really worried about getting an update or not at this point. Almost there ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 20, 2016, 03:38:29 PM
Regarding additional updates and information, I predict
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 20, 2016, 03:45:54 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 20, 2016, 03:38:29 PM
Regarding additional updates and information, I predict

Those predictions sound pretty accurate.

In all seriousness, do we even need anymore updates at this point? I mean, the album is only 9 days away. A Moment of Betreyal official video would be nice, but if we don't get anything else, we don't have that long to wait anymore so it's fine.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on January 20, 2016, 03:46:24 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 20, 2016, 03:38:29 PM
Regarding additional updates and information, I predict


Nothing. Just like I suspected. But it's almost release time, it's all good. Plus, I have the new Megadeth to blast while I wait.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 20, 2016, 03:47:25 PM
I imagine if there's any update it will be an official release for MoB...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 20, 2016, 03:52:02 PM
I think JP and JR mentioned during the Eddie Trunk show that more updates will be made in the website during the release day. I think he also mentioned texts explaining the songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 20, 2016, 03:52:55 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 20, 2016, 03:38:29 PM
Regarding additional updates and information, I predict
Seems like PMU Syndrome is spreading these days, almost like a
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 20, 2016, 03:53:39 PM
The impression I got was that stuff wouldn't be released until the album is out, though. Not before.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 20, 2016, 03:55:26 PM
Quote from: pcs90 on January 20, 2016, 03:53:39 PM
The impression I got was that stuff wouldn't be released until the album is out, though. Not before.

Well, yeah, that's what I got as well from listening to the Eddie Trunk show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 20, 2016, 04:22:38 PM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 20, 2016, 04:34:12 AM
I was just watching THIS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDTYWwqchhQ and it made me like Mangini a little more actually. He is playing with a lot of passion and a good sound (!!!!) and you will discover a lot of details in his playing.

What a monster! This man was born to be with JP in the same band, amazing!


Quote from: Fritzinger on January 20, 2016, 04:34:12 AM
Why can't the drums on DT12 sound like this?

People have been blaming that on Mangini? I always thought it was a production problem and that's why I really hoped JP would have the freakin production towel and sit this one out with The Astonishing but oh well, people have been saying good things about TA sound so we'll see.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 20, 2016, 04:58:51 PM
Quote from: ariich on January 20, 2016, 03:52:55 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 20, 2016, 03:38:29 PM
Regarding additional updates and information, I predict
Seems like PMU Syndrome is spreading these days, almost like a

Yeah, that's exactly what I
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: James.v6 on January 20, 2016, 05:01:23 PM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 20, 2016, 04:34:12 AM
I was just watching THIS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDTYWwqchhQ and it made me like Mangini a little more actually. He is playing with a lot of passion and a good sound (!!!!) and you will discover a lot of details in his playing. Why can't the drums on DT12 sound like this?
I like the TA drum sound better than DT12 (at least what I have heard in the trailer and TGOM), but it's still nothing compared to FII wich imo was the best drum sound DT ever had.

Can anyone please describe Myungs Bass sound on MoB (since I'm not gonna listen to it) please? Couldn't really hear that much Bass in TGOM. Is it like DT12? I always felt that the Bass on that album had a little too many frequencies in the middle section (sry for my English). if you listen to Clockwork Angels, now that's what I call an awesome Bass sound.
Ohhh god. DAT sound. Absolutely different from record and that passion !
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 20, 2016, 05:02:16 PM
Well obviously drums will sound good on that vid. The drums are way up front and the song is way in the background AND it's live.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 20, 2016, 05:20:04 PM
I don't get it. The drums on that video sound equally as bad as on ADToE, yet everyone is praising them. BTFW is still Mangini's best drum sound when it comes to DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TempusVox on January 20, 2016, 05:34:19 PM
I predict that the Astonishing will be loaded with music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 20, 2016, 08:16:34 PM
Quote from: TempusVox on January 20, 2016, 05:34:19 PM
I predict that the Astonishing will be loaded with music.
Bold.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Eren on January 20, 2016, 08:17:03 PM
Quote from: TempusVox on January 20, 2016, 05:34:19 PM
I predict that the Astonishing will be loaded with music.

Actually, it will really be loaded with music - and shut people up saying it's too technical whatever and not musical. It's just pure, beautiful, heartfelt music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 20, 2016, 08:32:01 PM
Quote from: Eren on January 20, 2016, 08:17:03 PM
Quote from: TempusVox on January 20, 2016, 05:34:19 PM
I predict that the Astonishing will be loaded with music.

Actually, it will really be loaded with music - and shut people up saying it's too technical whatever and not musical. It's just pure, beautiful, heartfelt music.

Oh hi Eren, regards.
Just saw BTFW a few hours ago, would have loved to be there and hear how was it really.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 20, 2016, 09:11:51 PM
Anyone here who got a copy of the Feb 2016  DRUM! Magazine issue released this January? There might be interesting tidbits in the Mike Mangini interview, especially because they wrote the lead like this:

"Most drummers would feel shortchanged if they had to record their band’s double concept album without even hearing the songs first. Mangini isn’t like most drummers. BY ANDREW NUSCA"

The article seems to be long, starts with page 26, next article starts at page 39.

And there seems to be a notation of TGOM drums, as can be seen in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Znlb1OIGlyA

I love how Nate Brown showed that ther eis much more going on in that section. The slowed down groove is really cool.  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 20, 2016, 09:48:37 PM
Awesome video. Checking others out now........
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 20, 2016, 10:09:56 PM
Quote from: Eren on January 20, 2016, 08:17:03 PM
Quote from: TempusVox on January 20, 2016, 05:34:19 PM
I predict that the Astonishing will be loaded with music.

Actually, it will really be loaded with music - and shut people up saying it's too technical whatever and not musical. It's just pure, beautiful, heartfelt music.
Well, that's a man with whom I cannot argue :lol
Nice to see such statement coming from you, Eren!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 21, 2016, 01:23:59 AM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 20, 2016, 05:20:04 PM
I don't get it. The drums on that video sound equally as bad as on ADToE, yet everyone is praising them. BTFW is still Mangini's best drum sound when it comes to DT.

First, the drums in ADTOE sound like that because they were probably mixed in raw, which in in my opinion is almost better than having an overproduced and compressed sound.

That being said, the sound in the video is not a studio quality tone (there's even clipping on the snare hits during the first couple minutes), but it proves that Mangini can definitely sound good while not being affected by the production at all... I think the reason everyone (including me) is praising it has more to do with the fact that you can hear very well the energy and dynamics Mangini brings in his playing without having to suffer through insane amounts of reverb/compression/gating, etc that cover up the nuances, not because the drums in TA should sound exactly like that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 21, 2016, 01:55:05 AM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 20, 2016, 05:20:04 PM
I don't get it. The drums on that video sound equally as bad as on ADToE, yet everyone is praising them. BTFW is still Mangini's best drum sound when it comes to DT.

ADToE and L@LP still have the best Mangini DT drum sounds for me. Not because they are particularly good, but just because they don't annoy me. DT12s snare sound annoys me at some point. So does BtFW. The sound in ADToE at least is natural, and so is the drum sound in the video..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 21, 2016, 02:06:22 AM
Quote from: pcs90 on January 20, 2016, 03:47:25 PM
I imagine if there's any update it will be an official release for MoB...

I hope so. If a band does radio and plays a brand new song, they should officially release it on Youtube a few hours later, so it's fair game for all of us (especially those in countries where the show airs overnight) to discuss.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 21, 2016, 04:29:26 AM
Interesting that Spotify, iTunes etc lists TGOM with 4.07 in length instead of 4.00 which is actually in the official CD. I wonder if this will change upon the release date.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 21, 2016, 04:38:20 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 21, 2016, 04:29:26 AM
Interesting that Spotify, iTunes etc lists TGOM with 4.07 in length instead of 4.00 which is actually in the official CD. I wonder if this will change upon the release date.

I don't understand how the length could just be changed. The song would have to be cut off, or not?

#edit: Just checked again, the song actually stops at 4:01 or so.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 21, 2016, 04:54:54 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 21, 2016, 04:38:20 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 21, 2016, 04:29:26 AM
Interesting that Spotify, iTunes etc lists TGOM with 4.07 in length instead of 4.00 which is actually in the official CD. I wonder if this will change upon the release date.

I don't understand how the length could just be changed. The song would have to be cut off, or not?

#edit: Just checked again, the song actually stops at 4:01 or so.
Yeah, and in general, songs lengths are determined in the final stage (in the final master they send out for manufacturing), so having a 7 seconds difference with the allegedly "official" release tells me that the TGOM single came from an "early" master. So it might sound different in the actual cd.
At this point, only Noxon and a few others can confirm this.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 21, 2016, 04:56:27 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 21, 2016, 04:54:54 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 21, 2016, 04:38:20 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 21, 2016, 04:29:26 AM
Interesting that Spotify, iTunes etc lists TGOM with 4.07 in length instead of 4.00 which is actually in the official CD. I wonder if this will change upon the release date.

I don't understand how the length could just be changed. The song would have to be cut off, or not?

#edit: Just checked again, the song actually stops at 4:01 or so.
Yeah, and in general, songs lengths are determined in the final stage (in the final master they send out for manufacturing), so having a 7 seconds difference with the allegedly "official" release tells me that the TGOM single came from an "early" master. So it might sound different in the actual cd.
At this point, only Noxon and a few others can confirm this.

Don't you think if the single versions are mastered differently, the promo version could be as well?
I am very excited for the final album sound.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 21, 2016, 05:02:11 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 21, 2016, 04:56:27 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 21, 2016, 04:54:54 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 21, 2016, 04:38:20 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 21, 2016, 04:29:26 AM
Interesting that Spotify, iTunes etc lists TGOM with 4.07 in length instead of 4.00 which is actually in the official CD. I wonder if this will change upon the release date.

I don't understand how the length could just be changed. The song would have to be cut off, or not?

#edit: Just checked again, the song actually stops at 4:01 or so.
Yeah, and in general, songs lengths are determined in the final stage (in the final master they send out for manufacturing), so having a 7 seconds difference with the allegedly "official" release tells me that the TGOM single came from an "early" master. So it might sound different in the actual cd.
At this point, only Noxon and a few others can confirm this.

Don't you think if the single versions are mastered differently, the promo version could be as well?
I am very excited for the final album sound.

Well, I don't think there is a reason for the single and the full length to be mastered differently except for rare occasions. I must mention that even from the bad quality rip for MOB the mix is somewhat different. The bass is more pronounced and the whole mix just RIPS. If the whole album sounds like this, I'll be floored!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 21, 2016, 05:03:40 AM
Quote from: Eren on January 20, 2016, 08:17:03 PM
... and shut people up saying it's too technical whatever and not musical.

I doubt it. They'll find something to moan about...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 21, 2016, 05:08:58 AM
I asked Rich Chycki on Twitter whether The Gift Of Music was pre or post final master and he said post master.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 21, 2016, 05:11:59 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 21, 2016, 05:08:58 AM
I asked Rich Chycki on Twitter whether The Gift Of Music was pre or post final master and he said post master.

So, I guess it's a mystery then!
 :corn :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 21, 2016, 05:20:38 AM
I'm not worried about it sounding like DT12.

To fit an orchestra and a choir in the mix - the album needs to be a lot more dynamic. I've heard from a few people on this board that is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 21, 2016, 05:25:22 AM
The timeline doesn't add up though - the mastering was done early december, but the gift of music was already sent out in the 4:07 version in mid november.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 21, 2016, 05:35:59 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 21, 2016, 05:25:22 AM
The timeline doesn't add up though - the mastering was done early december, but the gift of music was already sent out in the 4:07 version in mid november.

Yes that was my thought. Noxon, do you have the final product?? I mean the digipack with booklets and all that? If yes, the TGOM is exactly the same with the single from RR ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 05:42:43 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 21, 2016, 05:25:22 AM
The timeline doesn't add up though - the mastering was done early december, but the gift of music was already sent out in the 4:07 version in mid november.

Run a song from your copy through TT Dynamic Range Meter so I can see if it's the same master as what I've got, because the version I've got has a dynamic range of at least DR8, which would make it their most dynamic in a long time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 21, 2016, 05:49:02 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 21, 2016, 05:08:58 AM
I asked Rich Chycki on Twitter whether The Gift Of Music was pre or post final master and he said post master.
He may well have just meant post-mastering that song alone, rather than the whole album. Though of course, they presumably will have mastered it the same as they were planning to do the whole album, so I don't think it really matters.

Also just to point out that in the "single" version, the last 10 seconds or so are just the final chord fading out. They could very easily have re-done this to happen more quickly in order to fit the whole of Act I on a CD. That doesn't suggest a different mix or master at all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 21, 2016, 05:59:48 AM
BlobVanDam: my copy is the CD now. ;) The entire CD is at between DR7 and DR8.

-----------------------------------------------
 Statistics for:   1-03 The Gift Of Music.m4a
 Number of Samples:   10593408
-----------------------------------------------

      Left      Right

 Peak value:   -0.11 dB       -0.06 dB
 Avg RMS:   -8.69 dB       -8.59 dB
 DR channel:   7.34 dB       7.40 dB
-----------------------------------------------

 Official DR value:   DR7
===============================================

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 21, 2016, 06:01:22 AM
So DR1 is like [||||||||||||||||||||||]

And Dr14 is like /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

? Or other way around ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 21, 2016, 06:03:13 AM
https://dr.loudness-war.info/album/list?artist=dream+theater&album=
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 06:04:43 AM
Can you check Three Days, because I tested that one the other day and have the figures on me without having to switch computers.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 21, 2016, 06:05:26 AM
https://dr.loudness-war.info/album/view/68265

 :rollin :rollin wow.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 06:06:08 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 21, 2016, 06:01:22 AM
So DR1 is like [||||||||||||||||||||||]

And Dr14 is like /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

? Or other way around ?

Death Magnetic is something like DR2 in places. The Black Album is around DR10 from memory. Need I say more? :lol

Ninja'd by yourself.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 21, 2016, 06:09:55 AM
I was obviously going to check that.

If The Astonishing is DR7 it should sound OK . It's on the far end of the "Bad" scale.

But The Gift Of Music doesn't sound too squashed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 21, 2016, 06:13:33 AM
-----------------------------------------------
 Statistics for:   1-10 Three Days.wav
 Number of Samples:   9890160
-----------------------------------------------

      Left      Right

 Peak value:   -0.05 dB       -0.00 dB
 Avg RMS:   -9.30 dB       -9.50 dB
 DR channel:   7.31 dB       7.44 dB
-----------------------------------------------

 Official DR value:   DR7
===============================================



and for the whole album:

-----------------------------------------------
 Statistics for:   file.wav
 Number of Samples:   345671088
-----------------------------------------------

      Left      Right

 Peak value:   over       over
 Avg RMS:   -9.92 dB       -9.97 dB
 DR channel:   7.27 dB       7.38 dB
-----------------------------------------------

 Official DR value:   DR7
===============================================
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 21, 2016, 06:15:27 AM
So it's not terrible but could be a bit better ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 21, 2016, 06:16:49 AM
So it's only one point above DT12?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 06:20:27 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 21, 2016, 06:13:33 AM
-----------------------------------------------
 Statistics for:   1-10 Three Days.wav
 Number of Samples:   9890160
-----------------------------------------------

      Left      Right

 Peak value:   -0.05 dB       -0.00 dB
 Avg RMS:   -9.30 dB       -9.50 dB
 DR channel:   7.31 dB       7.44 dB
-----------------------------------------------

 Official DR value:   DR7
===============================================


Great, thanks.

I get-
Peak value: over       over
RMS: -9.5        -9.7
DR: 7.6         7.7

Perhaps there was slight limiting/compression applied between the two versions, but there's not much difference between the two.
And I'm very happy with the sound on the version I have.

Quote from: thosava on January 21, 2016, 06:16:49 AM
So it's only one point above DT12?

The DR number alone isn't the be-all of comparison, because TA sounds a lot better. It even sounds better than the HDTracks version of DT12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: majo on January 21, 2016, 06:25:54 AM
DR value is important but not the only aspect of good sound. there are albums with DR6-7 which actually sound pretty good and vice-versa. DR has nothing to do with shitty drum sound and quiet cymbals  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 06:33:33 AM
DR value is more like a tangible comparison of what you'd already hear. A way to quantify how badly something was compressed and pushed to the noise ceiling vs. other albums. After DR 6 or 7 you start to lose the ability to really distinguish how much dynamic range might be in a recording (unless you have a really good listening setup). What it tells us (the people who don't have the album yet) is that the dynamic range of the album is live and well, has room to breathe, and confirms a lot of the reviews saying as such.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 21, 2016, 06:38:17 AM
https://dr.loudness-war.info/album/view/90578 (https://dr.loudness-war.info/album/view/90578)

For instance, this is one of the best sounding album of last year, and it's just DR6. But it sounds amazing.

dt12 was also DR6. It did not sound amazing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 06:38:27 AM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 06:33:33 AM
DR value is more like a tangible comparison of what you'd already hear. A way to quantify how badly something was compressed and pushed to the noise ceiling vs. other albums. After DR 6 or 7 you start to lose the ability to really distinguish how much dynamic range might be in a recording (unless you have a really good listening setup). What it tells us (the people who don't have the album yet) is that the dynamic range of the album is live and well, has room to breathe, and confirms a lot of the reviews saying as such.

Yep. DR value alone is not an indicator of how good or bad an album will sound (unless it's below a certain point), it's supporting evidence most of the time. The number alone doesn't give the full story of what is causing that figure. SDOIT and FII don't return that great a DR value, but they sound great. WDADU has a much higher DR value, and that does nothing to help it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 21, 2016, 06:53:06 AM
Quote from: mikemangioy on January 21, 2016, 06:38:17 AM
https://dr.loudness-war.info/album/view/90578 (https://dr.loudness-war.info/album/view/90578)

For instance, this is one of the best sounding album of last year, and it's just DR6. But it sounds amazing.

dt12 was also DR6. It did not sound amazing.
That's really interesting. Coma Ecliptic is definitely an excellent sounding album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 21, 2016, 06:56:32 AM
I have no idea what you all are talking about.. But don't bother explaining it, I know it has something to do with loudness war, and English is not my first language so I won't understand it properly anyway.. :loser:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 21, 2016, 06:56:40 AM
Hopefully there won't be any
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: majo on January 21, 2016, 07:15:50 AM
well if you will hear the itunes version of TGoM you'll get the idea how the album will sound. me personally, it sounds pretty bad. not as bad as previous but still pretty bad. especially the drums/cymblas - i just can't get over them  :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 21, 2016, 07:19:03 AM
But that has to do with the mixing right?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: majo on January 21, 2016, 07:34:15 AM
and mic-ing and band's desire/goal etc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: emtee on January 21, 2016, 07:37:33 AM
The constant comments on the drums and cymbals from people who have heard this is really starting to make me concerned.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 21, 2016, 07:39:01 AM
It seems very divided. Some people say it sounds fantastic, and other say it sounds bad...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Podaar on January 21, 2016, 07:40:18 AM
...and is coloring your first experience with their bias, emtee.

Mine as well. I really need to stay out of these threads and let go others opinions.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 21, 2016, 07:40:25 AM
I'm not too worried, the drums will be
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: emtee on January 21, 2016, 07:45:12 AM
Quote from: Podaar on January 21, 2016, 07:40:18 AM
...and is coloring your first experience with their bias, emtee.

Mine as well. I really need to stay out of these threads and let go others opinions.

Very true. Unfortunately though there is a track record so the 'ol adage fool me once...fool me twice is giving me pause.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 21, 2016, 07:46:13 AM
Honestly if blob enjoys the sound I'll probably be fairly satisfied
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Awaken on January 21, 2016, 07:48:44 AM
I'm not sure I understand the concerns from those who 'haven't heard' the album.  There is a single release of the Gift of Music on Amazon which has been confirmed to be post-master.  Moment of Betrayal was only a radio broadcast and subsequent youtube quality, so I somewhat understand the concern there.  The mp3 of TGoM should be a barometer as to how you'll like the sound on the new album, not other people's reviews/comments. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 21, 2016, 07:51:06 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 21, 2016, 06:56:40 AM
Hopefully there won't be any
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 21, 2016, 07:40:25 AM
I'm not too worried, the drums will be

Maybe you should see a doctor, I'm afraid your PMU Syndrome is getting worse every
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: GasparXR on January 21, 2016, 07:54:45 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on January 21, 2016, 07:51:06 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 21, 2016, 06:56:40 AM
Hopefully there won't be any
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 21, 2016, 07:40:25 AM
I'm not too worried, the drums will be

Maybe you should see a doctor, I'm afraid your PMU Syndrome is getting worse every

I think we'll all be fine as long as we can extrapolate from incomplete
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 21, 2016, 07:56:11 AM
Quote from: Awaken on January 21, 2016, 07:48:44 AM
I'm not sure I understand the concerns from those who 'haven't heard' the album.  There is a single release of the Gift of Music on Amazon which has been confirmed to be post-master.  Moment of Betrayal was only a radio broadcast and subsequent youtube quality, so I somewhat understand the concern there.  The mp3 of TGoM should be a barometer as to how you'll like the sound on the new album, not other people's reviews/comments.

Your logic is absolutely right. BUT: Judging from the MOB track, the sound is a little different from TGOM. The bass is higher and rounder. So I assume that *maybe* they did some last minute changes to the master. And really the bad quality of a rip doesn't really affects the low frequencies so much.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Panar on January 21, 2016, 08:00:00 AM
OR could have been some output settings from the broadcast system ET is using. As I said earlier..its a mystery!
Anyway can't wait for the album..It's gonna be awesome for sure...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 21, 2016, 08:08:52 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on January 21, 2016, 07:51:06 AM

Maybe you should see a doctor, I'm afraid your PMU Syndrome is getting worse every













...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 21, 2016, 08:12:44 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 21, 2016, 07:56:11 AM
Quote from: Awaken on January 21, 2016, 07:48:44 AM
I'm not sure I understand the concerns from those who 'haven't heard' the album.  There is a single release of the Gift of Music on Amazon which has been confirmed to be post-master.  Moment of Betrayal was only a radio broadcast and subsequent youtube quality, so I somewhat understand the concern there.  The mp3 of TGoM should be a barometer as to how you'll like the sound on the new album, not other people's reviews/comments.

Your logic is absolutely right. BUT: Judging from the MOB track, the sound is a little different from TGOM. The bass is higher and rounder. So I assume that *maybe* they did some last minute changes to the master. And really the bad quality of a rip doesn't really affects the low frequencies so much.

To me the bass frequencies just sounded more distorted on the radio track, giving it more presence though artificially, which can happen on a very low quality compressed mp3. I think the major difference was that the guitar was much more up front than in TGoM, but that could be a choice based on the fact that MOB is far more guitar driven, not an album-wide mix choice.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 21, 2016, 08:18:47 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 21, 2016, 07:56:11 AM
Quote from: Awaken on January 21, 2016, 07:48:44 AM
I'm not sure I understand the concerns from those who 'haven't heard' the album.  There is a single release of the Gift of Music on Amazon which has been confirmed to be post-master.  Moment of Betrayal was only a radio broadcast and subsequent youtube quality, so I somewhat understand the concern there.  The mp3 of TGoM should be a barometer as to how you'll like the sound on the new album, not other people's reviews/comments.

Your logic is absolutely right. BUT: Judging from the MOB track, the sound is a little different from TGOM. The bass is higher and rounder. So I assume that *maybe* they did some last minute changes to the master. And really the bad quality of a rip doesn't really affects the low frequencies so much.

But it does affect the higher frequencies (such as the cymbals). That might have opened up some extra space for the bass to stand out, but I do admit I'm not an expert at that subject at all. Hope that's not the case though, I'd really like to hear a prominent bass sound in this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on January 21, 2016, 08:52:03 AM
So from what I understood from the pre-orders, we are supposed to get the CD on (or around) release date, along with a FLAC download, right? Does anybody know if that code will be emailed or will it be included with the CD?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 21, 2016, 08:55:13 AM
Quote from: YouMakeMeSick on January 21, 2016, 08:52:03 AM
So from what I understood from the pre-orders, we are supposed to get the CD on (or around) release date, along with a FLAC download, right? Does anybody know if that code will be emailed or will it be included with the CD?

If you bought it on RR store, it should be a link to download via email, the same way the pre-order TGoM was delivered. Dunno about Auto-Rip/Amazon though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on January 21, 2016, 08:57:24 AM
Quote from: CoT67 on January 21, 2016, 08:55:13 AM
Quote from: YouMakeMeSick on January 21, 2016, 08:52:03 AM
So from what I understood from the pre-orders, we are supposed to get the CD on (or around) release date, along with a FLAC download, right? Does anybody know if that code will be emailed or will it be included with the CD?

If you bought it on RR store, it should be a link to download via email, the same way the pre-order TGoM was delivered. Dunno about Auto-Rip/Amazon though.

Thanks, I should have stated that I ordered from the RR store. I would love to have those FLAC files on release day (or before, I wouldn't mind  :metal)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 09:13:15 AM
Quote from: YouMakeMeSick on January 21, 2016, 08:57:24 AM
Quote from: CoT67 on January 21, 2016, 08:55:13 AM
Quote from: YouMakeMeSick on January 21, 2016, 08:52:03 AM
So from what I understood from the pre-orders, we are supposed to get the CD on (or around) release date, along with a FLAC download, right? Does anybody know if that code will be emailed or will it be included with the CD?

If you bought it on RR store, it should be a link to download via email, the same way the pre-order TGoM was delivered. Dunno about Auto-Rip/Amazon though.

Thanks, I should have stated that I ordered from the RR store. I would love to have those FLAC files on release day (or before, I wouldn't mind  :metal)

First thing I'm going to do when I get home next Friday will be to load up those FLAC files, and zone in to The Astonishing for 2 hours and 10 minutes   :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: vazquez on January 21, 2016, 09:16:47 AM
And another review:

https://www.metalwani.com/2016/01/review-dream-theater-the-astonishing.html

9.5 out of 10.

Some bits:

"...the real prize goes to James LaBrie. Portraying 8 characters is not an easy task, but he somehow manages it and without compromising on quality or emotion. [...]  ‘The Astonishing’ tells us a story about the importance of music through music and what better story tellers than Dream Theater. The band has given fans, old and new, an album which they will cherish for a long time. This is the kind of album that people will look back on with fond memories, I know I will."

Some parts are obviosuly wrong, after reading some posts in this forum:

"The sound is perfect right from the guitar squeals to the splashes."

He must have received a special copy, not the "drum machine recorded in a Tascan" that some people here are listening...

"Mike Mangini on the drums never misses a beat, his critics may well be silenced by his performance on this album."

Yeah, dream on...  ::)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 09:19:17 AM
As much as I'll admit DT12's drum production was a miss step, ADToE, the live albums and the two Astonishing songs I've heard so far I haven't had any problem with...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on January 21, 2016, 09:25:43 AM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 09:13:15 AM
Quote from: YouMakeMeSick on January 21, 2016, 08:57:24 AM
Quote from: CoT67 on January 21, 2016, 08:55:13 AM
Quote from: YouMakeMeSick on January 21, 2016, 08:52:03 AM
So from what I understood from the pre-orders, we are supposed to get the CD on (or around) release date, along with a FLAC download, right? Does anybody know if that code will be emailed or will it be included with the CD?

If you bought it on RR store, it should be a link to download via email, the same way the pre-order TGoM was delivered. Dunno about Auto-Rip/Amazon though.

Thanks, I should have stated that I ordered from the RR store. I would love to have those FLAC files on release day (or before, I wouldn't mind  :metal)

First thing I'm going to do when I get home next Friday will be to load up those FLAC files, and zone in to The Astonishing for 2 hours and 10 minutes   :D

Me too, I'm gonna load that sucker on my Astell & Kern player and blast the hell out of it. I hope I get it that day and if not, I'm gonna have to go to Best Buy and get it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 21, 2016, 09:26:11 AM
That review seemed to be too negative for a 9.5 score. He criticized the first act being too long, and the second act only had a few good songs?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 21, 2016, 09:29:46 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 21, 2016, 09:26:11 AM
That review seemed to be too negative for a 9.5 score. He criticized the first act being too long, and the second act only had a few good songs?

Too negative? He had 2 negative things to say about it in the entire article. Did you miss the part where he said he'll look back on it with fond memories?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 21, 2016, 09:30:10 AM
I'm definitely taking a break between the two acts.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 21, 2016, 09:33:39 AM
How much staying power will the album have though? We may love it in the first few weeks, but how will the album sound six months or a year down the line? That's the real test of an album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Chino on January 21, 2016, 09:35:24 AM
What's with flying robot spheres?

(https://assets.rollingstone.com/assets/2015/media/218777/_original/1449150276/1035x1035-The_Astonishing_Cover.jpg)
(https://bravewords.com/medias-static/images/news/2015%20II/megadethdystopiacd.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 21, 2016, 09:35:57 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 21, 2016, 09:29:46 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 21, 2016, 09:26:11 AM
That review seemed to be too negative for a 9.5 score. He criticized the first act being too long, and the second act only had a few good songs?

Too negative? He had 2 negative things to say about it in the entire article. Did you miss the part where he said he'll look back on it with fond memories?

Yeah that was my first thought reading it. 9.5 is almost a perfect album, and from what i read i wouldn't have guessed that score if it didn't say it in the beginning. (I'm not trying to criticize, that was just my first thought).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 09:51:19 AM
Quote from: Chino on January 21, 2016, 09:35:24 AM
What's with flying robot spheres?

Welcome to several months ago.  FYI, your Delorian got a parking ticket because you forgot to feed the meter.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 10:39:01 AM
Interesting how that review has Moment of Betreyal as the best song on the album. What do the people who have heard the album make of this?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 10:48:22 AM
It's a great song, so I can certainly see it.  Of the tracks I have heard, my favorite would either be Moment of Betrayal or Savior In the Square.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 21, 2016, 10:48:55 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 10:39:01 AM
Interesting how that review has Moment of Betreyal as the best song on the album. What do the people who have heard the album make of this?

He didn't say it was the best, he said it was his favorite.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 21, 2016, 10:49:14 AM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on January 21, 2016, 07:51:06 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 21, 2016, 06:56:40 AM
Hopefully there won't be any
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 21, 2016, 07:40:25 AM
I'm not too worried, the drums will be

Maybe you should see a doctor, I'm afraid your PMU Syndrome is getting worse every

It's spreading...








...ACCUSATIONS!

I'll just leave for now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TempusVox on January 21, 2016, 10:53:15 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 09:51:19 AM
Quote from: Chino on January 21, 2016, 09:35:24 AM
What's with flying robot spheres?

Welcome to several months ago.  FYI, your Delorian got a parking ticket because you forgot to feed the meter.

Cut him some slack. The door got stuck on the phone booth and the gas station attendant across the street had to pry it open.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pdurbin22 on January 21, 2016, 11:25:06 AM
Like most average fans I've only heard "The Gift of Music" and "Moment of Betrayal," and the fact that there's still 120 minutes of music left to hear that could be this good or better has me very, very excited.

Regarding the whole drum production debate, I listened to "Along for the Ride" and "The Gift of Music" back-to-back this morning and I concluded there's a VAST improvement on the drum sound this time. I do like DT12 overall, but the snare sound (especially in the slower tracks where it has room to breathe) is definitely too lifeless for my liking. Not so with these new tracks. While the drum production is certainly less "organic" than when Portnoy was playing/producing, I really like what they've done this time around (and I'm a drummer).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 21, 2016, 11:28:11 AM
MOB has been posted on the official channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yhFSTAyHWs

Followed through a link from YtseItalia News.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 11:33:56 AM
Quote from: CoT67 on January 21, 2016, 11:28:11 AM
MOB has been posted on the official channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yhFSTAyHWs

Followed through a link from YtseItalia News.

Cool, it would've made sense to come out soon. I only just noticed that the two songs that have been released are the first real song of each act.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Evermind on January 21, 2016, 11:44:13 AM
I still can't get enough of the first 25 seconds before the guitar kicks in. This is one of the most awesome DT-related music parts I've heard for ages.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 21, 2016, 11:50:42 AM
Just listened to it again. I'm digging this song.

EDIT: Except the raise in pitch for the final chorus. No band or artist should ever do that. Ever.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 21, 2016, 11:52:56 AM
The passage starting 0:50, before the vocals begin, has such a swagger to it. DAT GUITAR!

Brilliant chorus, especially the harmonies.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 21, 2016, 11:53:15 AM
Official audio on YouTube sounds much better than the ET radio stream, obviously, I noticed a lot more going on in the mix hearing it on YT. Looking forward to getting the CD and being able to pick out more little details. I definitely like the song overall, its a cool, heavy rocker.

Oh - and the drum fill that starts around 5:20 is AWESOME!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lucasembarbosa on January 21, 2016, 11:53:36 AM
Much better quality, much more details! Loving it...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Voices on January 21, 2016, 11:53:59 AM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 21, 2016, 11:50:42 AM
Just listened to it again. I'm digging this song.

EDIT: Except the raise in pitch for the final chorus. No band or artist should ever do that. Ever.

Don't say that! I love when a band/artist do that  :omg:

And I'm completely addicted to this song. Can't get it out of my head!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 21, 2016, 11:58:13 AM
Modulation is the essential part of the art. Without it there is little music, for a piece derives its true beauty not from the large number of fixed modes which it embraces but rather from the subtle fabric of its modulation.
— Charles-Henri Blainville (1767)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: me7 on January 21, 2016, 12:02:48 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 21, 2016, 11:50:42 AM
Just listened to it again. I'm digging this song.

EDIT: Except the raise in pitch for the final chorus. No band or artist should ever do that. Ever.

Whenever I hear a song do that, I think "Go go Power Rangers!".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 12:03:19 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 21, 2016, 11:58:13 AM
Modulation is the essential part of the art. Without it there is little music, for a piece derives its true beauty not from the large number of fixed modes which it embraces but rather from the subtle fabric of its modulation.
— Charles-Henri Blainville (1767)
^That.  And in recent "popular music" history, modulating a final chorus has been done FREQUENTLY for effect precisely because it works effectively.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Marion Crane on January 21, 2016, 12:06:05 PM
Quote from: Evermind on January 21, 2016, 11:44:13 AM
I still can't get enough of the first 25 seconds before the guitar kicks in. This is one of the most awesome DT-related music parts I've heard for ages.

It's pretty for sure. But VERY VERY similar to ITNOG.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 21, 2016, 12:06:29 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 12:03:19 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 21, 2016, 11:58:13 AM
Modulation is the essential part of the art. Without it there is little music, for a piece derives its true beauty not from the large number of fixed modes which it embraces but rather from the subtle fabric of its modulation.
— Charles-Henri Blainville (1767)
^That.  And in recent "popular music" history, modulating a final chorus has been done FREQUENTLY for effect precisely because it works effectively.

"Youuuuu're here, there's NOOOOTHING I fear, and I know that the heart does go oooon."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 21, 2016, 12:09:00 PM
Quote from: Marion Crane on January 21, 2016, 12:06:05 PM
Quote from: Evermind on January 21, 2016, 11:44:13 AM
I still can't get enough of the first 25 seconds before the guitar kicks in. This is one of the most awesome DT-related music parts I've heard for ages.

It's pretty for sure. But VERY VERY similar to ITNOG.

That 1235, 1236 line is already very common in music. Plus, the rhythm is different enough (12/8 vs something I can't figure out) that I didn't even notice the similarity until someone brought it up on reddit a few days ago.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DP_Gumby on January 21, 2016, 12:11:37 PM
If the other songs on TA are half as good as i feel MOB is, this album is close to a masterpiece IMO.


Happy 200th page "anniversary" on the thread!  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 21, 2016, 12:12:21 PM
Is it the pop band Eternal who did that song " I wanna be the only one " or something and it had like 3 key changes at the end. :lol ridiculous.

Every couple of choruses it would go up a tone.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 21, 2016, 12:12:42 PM
HAPPY PAGE 200, GUYS!

:djhef:

8 days before release as well! :metardica:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 21, 2016, 12:15:52 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 21, 2016, 12:12:42 PM
HAPPY PAGE 200, GUYS!

:djhef:

8 days before release as well! :metardica:

That's 300 pages if we include the 100 page speculation thread that started in February
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlackInk on January 21, 2016, 12:20:28 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 12:03:19 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 21, 2016, 11:58:13 AM
Modulation is the essential part of the art. Without it there is little music, for a piece derives its true beauty not from the large number of fixed modes which it embraces but rather from the subtle fabric of its modulation.
— Charles-Henri Blainville (1767)
^That.  And in recent "popular music" history, modulating a final chorus has been done FREQUENTLY for effect precisely because it works effectively.

And I hate it just as much every time. Even pop music is moving away from that trend now, finally.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 21, 2016, 12:21:07 PM
I was wondering if we would reach 200 pages before or after the release  ;D a couple of days ago it was clear we would have went over, hehe!

Tomorrow we'll be able to say we're in the final week!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 21, 2016, 12:21:11 PM
I didn't like MoB that much the first 4-5 times i listened to it. I decided to wait until the album to listen again, but once i saw it on youtube in better quality i had to listen One Last Time. I'm starting to really like this song! And if the average quality of the album is the same as TGoM and MoB, then we may have another DT masterpiece :omg:

Merry 200 pages, and a happy new 100!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: aurorablind on January 21, 2016, 12:21:46 PM
Just to be clear: I am NOT one of those who will jump on the hate-train when it comes to the drum-sound. Its much better than on DT12.
But I just have to nitpick:
The snare doesn't really bug me, but the kick drums kind of do. They are a bit loud, and they are really missing the punch thats on BTFW (I really like that drum sound). It almost sounds like they sampled someone tapping on the mic, threw in some compression and gain and EQ'd some bass to the mix. Mangini is one of the best double-bass players in the world, so it's a bit sad.
The snare however has grown on me. It's really loud and punchy, yes, but the low-tuned, balls-to-the-walls sounding snare has kind of becomed Manginis signature sound. It sits much better in this mix than on DT12.

With that being said, I love the two songs that have been released so far. Every member shines, especially on this new track.
The vocals, the bass, the keys, the drums, the guitar...Im speechless.
This will rock!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Hanz Gruber on January 21, 2016, 12:22:32 PM
Before the good quality version was released I listed to MOB 2 times and really didn't like it that much.  Now after hearing a good quality version I actually like it.  It won't be my favorite off the album but it is a solid song.  I don;t know if the quality jump changed my mind or if it finally clicked on the 3rd listen

Edit:

Quote from: thosava on January 21, 2016, 12:21:11 PM
I didn't like MoB that much the first 4-5 times i listened to it. I decided to wait until the album to listen again, but once i saw it on youtube in better quality i had to listen One Last Time. I'm starting to really like this song! And if the average quality of the album is the same as TGoM and MoB, then we may have another DT masterpiece :omg:


Funny.  We were typing this around the same time.   My same feelings as well
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 21, 2016, 12:26:58 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 12:03:19 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 21, 2016, 11:58:13 AM
Modulation is the essential part of the art. Without it there is little music, for a piece derives its true beauty not from the large number of fixed modes which it embraces but rather from the subtle fabric of its modulation.
— Charles-Henri Blainville (1767)
^That.  And in recent "popular music" history, modulating a final chorus has been done FREQUENTLY for effect precisely because it works effectively.

Yes, and I love that. Just listen to Lionheart by TNT. The final chorus is glorious!


B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 21, 2016, 12:56:23 PM
Also, dat Mangini at 5:20. Damn he is awesome.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Evermind on January 21, 2016, 12:57:45 PM
Quote from: Marion Crane on January 21, 2016, 12:06:05 PM
Quote from: Evermind on January 21, 2016, 11:44:13 AM
I still can't get enough of the first 25 seconds before the guitar kicks in. This is one of the most awesome DT-related music parts I've heard for ages.

It's pretty for sure. But VERY VERY similar to ITNOG.

Well, ITNOG is my top 5 DT song, so I guess it's not much of a coincidence. However, the violin (or cello, I dunno, I think it's more like a violin) gives it quite a unique vibe for DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 01:02:53 PM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 21, 2016, 12:26:58 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 12:03:19 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 21, 2016, 11:58:13 AM
Modulation is the essential part of the art. Without it there is little music, for a piece derives its true beauty not from the large number of fixed modes which it embraces but rather from the subtle fabric of its modulation.
— Charles-Henri Blainville (1767)
^That.  And in recent "popular music" history, modulating a final chorus has been done FREQUENTLY for effect precisely because it works effectively.

Yes, and I love that. Just listen to Lionheart by TNT. The final chorus is glorious!


B.Lee

Or even Living On a Prayer by Bon Jovi. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 01:31:48 PM
Listened to MoB again. Holy crap, what a song! Every member of DT shines here, JLB whenever he sings, JP in that awesome solo, JR in his piano part in the intro, MM in the second verse keeping the song feeling really tense and JM when he goes from that unison to those really deep held notes. I think the production is excellent too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 21, 2016, 01:33:07 PM
https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6851509/dream-theater-moment-of-betrayal-song-premiere-the-astonishing-album (https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6851509/dream-theater-moment-of-betrayal-song-premiere-the-astonishing-album)

Maybe I am late to the party, but I think this makes it official right?  That we can share a link to listen to the new song.  From DT's facebook.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: dparrott on January 21, 2016, 01:33:31 PM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 21, 2016, 12:26:58 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 12:03:19 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 21, 2016, 11:58:13 AM
Modulation is the essential part of the art. Without it there is little music, for a piece derives its true beauty not from the large number of fixed modes which it embraces but rather from the subtle fabric of its modulation.
— Charles-Henri Blainville (1767)
^That.  And in recent "popular music" history, modulating a final chorus has been done FREQUENTLY for effect precisely because it works effectively.

Yes, and I love that. Just listen to Lionheart by TNT. The final chorus is glorious!


B.Lee

Just listened to Living Colour do this in "Someone Like You".  Boy did I sleep on that song!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 21, 2016, 01:38:44 PM
It also seems that the sound of the mix/master has changed a lot as someone said before, and now there's proof for it... a lot more bass and volume than TGoM in general. Can any current owner of the album/preview confirm the difference?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 21, 2016, 01:41:56 PM
Hell yeah an official release
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: dparrott on January 21, 2016, 01:46:45 PM
I feel having the song title in the chorus (and repeated so many times) is a bit cheesy.  Those lines could have been used to add more to the story.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 21, 2016, 01:49:04 PM
Yeah.. That's one of the things i don't like about DT12. Out of the non-instrumental songs they all use the title in the chorus except Illumination Theory. (sometimes it works, other times it feels forced.)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Lowdz on January 21, 2016, 01:50:25 PM
Quote from: BlackInk on January 21, 2016, 11:50:42 AM
Just listened to it again. I'm digging this song.

EDIT: Except the raise in pitch for the final chorus. No band or artist should ever do that. Ever.

You should listen to more hair metal  :biggrin: it's compulsory. Even if the singer then can't reach the correct pitch. Jon Bon Jovi I'm looking at you...

I See I was ninja'd higher up
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 21, 2016, 01:50:45 PM
Confirmation in the Billboard article that MoB is Gabriel speaking to Arhys.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: dparrott on January 21, 2016, 01:54:05 PM
Just listened to MoB and TGOM back to back, I like TGOM more.  It has a lot more going on, it's not as formulaic, and it doesn't say "the gift of muuuuuusiiiiiiiiic" haha
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: T-ski on January 21, 2016, 02:04:13 PM
put me on the list of those who dislike the drum sound.  I hated it on the last album and it doesn't really sound any better on the two tracks I've heard from the new one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: aurorablind on January 21, 2016, 02:06:28 PM
The instrumental section between 3:43-3:55 blows my mind. The drums and keyboards are mindblowing!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: JLa on January 21, 2016, 02:08:23 PM
I'm glad they went with a full scale orchestra this time. I can really hear the difference from their previous orchestrations.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 02:08:50 PM
Dunno if this means anything yet, but they didn't put MoB in the second video slot on the website...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chwik on January 21, 2016, 02:23:32 PM
Quote from: dparrott on January 21, 2016, 01:46:45 PM
I feel having the song title in the chorus (and repeated so many times) is a bit cheesy.  Those lines could have been used to add more to the story.

This might be because the lyrics are written before the title of the song is chosen, which is pretty common across mulitiple musical styles. Would it really be less cheesy if the chorus was sung as is, but the songtitle different?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: home on January 21, 2016, 02:33:41 PM
Does any think the chorus of A Moment of Betrayal is a bit similiar to a part in "The Thin Line Between Love and Hate" from Iron Maiden" ? The following part:

"I will hope, my soul will fly, so I will live forever
Heart will die, my soul will fly, and I will live forever"

It just gets stuck in my head every time I listen to Moment of Betrayal :p
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 02:40:16 PM
Quote from: home on January 21, 2016, 02:33:41 PM
Does any think the chorus of A Moment of Betrayal is a bit similiar to a part in "The Thin Line Between Love and Hate" from Iron Maiden" ? The following part:

"I will hope, my soul will fly, so I will live forever
Heart will die, my soul will fly, and I will live forever"

It just gets stuck in my head every time I listen to Moment of Betrayal :p

There's a different mood but yeah, they are quite similar. It's an awesome part in both cases.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: thosava on January 21, 2016, 02:42:45 PM
Quote from: home on January 21, 2016, 02:33:41 PM
Does any think the chorus of A Moment of Betrayal is a bit similiar to a part in "The Thin Line Between Love and Hate" from Iron Maiden" ? The following part:

"I will hope, my soul will fly, so I will live forever
Heart will die, my soul will fly, and I will live forever"

It just gets stuck in my head every time I listen to Moment of Betrayal :p

I can kind of hear it! I like the Maiden song better though  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chwik on January 21, 2016, 02:47:24 PM
With all the snare talk, I just listened to Circus Maximus new song "The Weight" and thought the snare sounded approx the same as MM's in the Astonishing. Might it be that the "progressive rock/metal snare" is supposed to sound this way today? Also, I wonder if people will show the same "emotional" degree when it comes to Circus Maximus snare drum or if this is a preconcived notion against MM with the history of MP in the band. Just curious on a general basis.

Personally, I have no skin in the snare game, although I understand both sides of the argument - I belive it comes down to personal preference.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: obelix5150 on January 21, 2016, 02:50:37 PM
New review from Heavy Blog is Heavy.
https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2016/01/21/dream-theater-the-astonishing/
EDIT: people who aren't interested in lukewarm reviews, stay away.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rumborak on January 21, 2016, 02:54:04 PM
This is legit and can thus be shared, right?

https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6851509/dream-theater-moment-of-betrayal-song-premiere-the-astonishing-album

(new song, "Moment of Betrayal")
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 02:56:11 PM
Quote from: chwik on January 21, 2016, 02:47:24 PM
With all the snare talk, I just listened to Circus Maximus new song "The Weight" and thought the snare sounded approx the same as MM's in the Astonishing. Might it be that the "progressive rock/metal snare" is supposed to sound this way today? Also, I wonder if people will show the same "emotional" degree when it comes to Circus Maximus snare drum or if this is a preconcived notion against MM with the history of MP in the band. Just curious on a general basis.

Personally, I have no skin in the snare game, although I understand both sides of the argument - I belive it comes down to personal preference.

I have never heard anyone complain about the Circus Maxumus snare even though, as you say, it is similar to MM's. In fact, I would say that TGoM and MoB sound better than CM's 'The Weight'.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 21, 2016, 02:57:18 PM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 21, 2016, 02:50:37 PM
New review from Heavy Blog is Heavy.
https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2016/01/21/dream-theater-the-astonishing/

Ah, I was tired of hearing endless positivity...

Regardless, I'll try my best to forget everything I read in this review when I finally listen.

EDIT: Can bosk or Noxon confirm whether his complaints are valid, or is he just complaining for the sake of complaining?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: T-ski on January 21, 2016, 02:57:24 PM
Quote from: chwik on January 21, 2016, 02:47:24 PM
With all the snare talk, I just listened to Circus Maximus new song "The Weight" and thought the snare sounded approx the same as MM's in the Astonishing. Might it be that the "progressive rock/metal snare" is supposed to sound this way today? Also, I wonder if people will show the same "emotional" degree when it comes to Circus Maximus snare drum or if this is a preconcived notion against MM with the history of MP in the band. Just curious on a general basis.

Personally, I have no skin in the snare game, although I understand both sides of the argument - I belive it comes down to personal preference.

for me it's not just the snare, all of his drums sound bad, especially the bass.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 21, 2016, 02:59:59 PM
Quote from: dparrott on January 21, 2016, 01:46:45 PM
I feel having the song title in the chorus (and repeated so many times) is a bit cheesy.  Those lines could have been used to add more to the story.

Quote from: thosava on January 21, 2016, 01:49:04 PM
Yeah.. That's one of the things i don't like about DT12. Out of the non-instrumental songs they all use the title in the chorus except Illumination Theory. (sometimes it works, other times it feels forced.)

Haven't heard the specific song yet, but... isn't this always the rule with every kind and style of music, with the odd alternative (no title mentioned, the title in a random moment of the lyrics) being the exception?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 03:01:02 PM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 21, 2016, 02:50:37 PM
New review from Heavy Blog is Heavy.
https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2016/01/21/dream-theater-the-astonishing/

Damn, sounds pretty negative. The score at the end (3/5) seems pretty high for how the review reads.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 21, 2016, 03:01:54 PM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 21, 2016, 02:50:37 PM
New review from Heavy Blog is Heavy.
https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2016/01/21/dream-theater-the-astonishing/

Now, this is an example of a good critic. I bashed the italian stuff before, because it was basically calling the album disappointing, just for the lack of metal. This has a point, and one that kind of worries too. But so far, only polarising reviews: either really good or really bad, as predicted by Noxon.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chwik on January 21, 2016, 03:02:32 PM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 21, 2016, 02:50:37 PM
New review from Heavy Blog is Heavy.
https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2016/01/21/dream-theater-the-astonishing/

I pretty much disagree with a lot that reviewer writes and it seems to me that he only likes the more metal parts of DT. My initial sentiment of TA is more in the line with Noxon. Different strokes for different folks I guess.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 21, 2016, 03:02:52 PM
Wow that review slammed Mangini hard. Though I can see why because TGOM and MOB were incredibly uninteresting when it comes to drums.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rumborak on January 21, 2016, 03:04:10 PM
Am I missing something? I just posted a new track from the album, but nobody replies to it?  :huh:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: vazquez on January 21, 2016, 03:04:23 PM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 21, 2016, 02:50:37 PM
New review from Heavy Blog is Heavy.
https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2016/01/21/dream-theater-the-astonishing/

"Instead, it’s a puerile attempt at a grand gesture that ultimately falls on its face, caught too close to the sun with wax spilling over, giving all its features the same, bland, indecipherable structure."

Ouch...  :eek

Interesting how critics diverge about some questions. One says one thing is amazing, the other says the same thing sucks...

A polarizing album?

Anyway, I always think it´s strange when they say - "if this album was shorter, 1/3 of his total time, it would be great...". It´s like "If the Ninth Symphony were only the first and fourth movement, it would be better" or something like that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 21, 2016, 03:05:08 PM
Yeah, when one of his criticisms of the album is "why does this ballad need to exist when we just had that ballad"... They're quite different, emotionally and texturally, and serve as character introductions. But it is as I predicted...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 21, 2016, 03:05:35 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 21, 2016, 03:04:10 PM
Am I missing something? I just posted a new track from the album, but nobody replies to it?  :huh:

It's been discussed for hours already.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 21, 2016, 03:06:13 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 21, 2016, 03:04:10 PM
Am I missing something? I just posted a new track from the album, but nobody replies to it?  :huh:
It was posted 2 or 3 times before  :lol Both the billboard link and the official youtube link on their youtube channel
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rumborak on January 21, 2016, 03:07:24 PM
Oh. Well then, carry on :p
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 03:09:49 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 02:08:50 PM
Dunno if this means anything yet, but they didn't put MoB in the second video slot on the website...

You are correct.  And I know what is there.  :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 21, 2016, 03:10:56 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 21, 2016, 03:05:08 PM
Yeah, when one of his criticisms of the album is "why does this ballad need to exist when we just had that ballad"... They're quite different, emotionally and texturally, and serve as character introductions. But it is as I predicted...

To me it seemed like it didn't matter if the ballads were good or not, but the amount of ballads he listened to. I actually don't care, because I like DT ballads.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 03:11:17 PM
Quote from: chwik on January 21, 2016, 03:02:32 PM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 21, 2016, 02:50:37 PM
New review from Heavy Blog is Heavy.
https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2016/01/21/dream-theater-the-astonishing/

I pretty much disagree with a lot that reviewer writes and it seems to me that he only likes the more metal parts of DT. My initial sentiment of TA is more in the line with Noxon. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

Hell, I haven't even listened anything but TGoM, MoB and the trailer and I already disagree hard with the statements about JM and MM.

Quote from: noxon on January 21, 2016, 03:05:08 PM
Yeah, when one of his criticisms of the album is "why does this ballad need to exist when we just had that ballad"... They're quite different, emotionally and texturally, and serve as character introductions. But it is as I predicted...

Oh yeah, that point as well. Going by his statement, no two songs can be in remotely the same style or mood which of course is ridiculous. I get the feeling that the reviewer hadn't quite let the album sink in.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 03:21:11 PM
On the topic of Circus Maximus and the drum sound, I don't mind the snare, but holy crap did they kill those toms... Sounds like he's hitting paper    :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 21, 2016, 03:21:22 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 21, 2016, 03:05:08 PM
Yeah, when one of his criticisms of the album is "why does this ballad need to exist when we just had that ballad"... They're quite different, emotionally and texturally, and serve as character introductions. But it is as I predicted...
I didn't read the whole thing, but it seems he's also judging it as a normal album, with his comments about filler tracks and so on, rather than as a rock opera. In fairness though, he admits right up front that unlike what he would usually do, he DID review in the context of DT's catalogue. I do find that a bit strange though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 21, 2016, 03:21:27 PM
An album of this scope that deviates from their regular material is bound to be polarizing. It will be interesting to see how this one will end upfor me, as many ballad-esque pieces can be extremely hit or miss for me. When a ballad does not connect, I am likely bored to death, whereas a subpar metal song at least has some energy or pace to it most of the time. I like Mangini's drumming in the latest song a lot and thought gift of music was good too, so I am not worried there.

Also, to some extent there are always "bad" reviews for any album. I recently stumbled upon old reviews of Maiden's AMOLAD and there were a few 5/10's of more well known outlets, but I think it is widely considered a fan favourite in general. And still, a 3/5 is by no means a bad review in the end.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 21, 2016, 03:23:20 PM
I think The Human Equation can also be considered a rock opera, yet there are no filler tracks there imo, so the criticism the reviewer made about filler tracks seems valid to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on January 21, 2016, 03:23:48 PM
Wow, thanks rumborak for sharing that Billboard article. Even though we've heard the song, this is honestly the most exciting piece of news to come out of it:

Quote from:  John Petrucci
“Other things could come out of it because the story is very rich as far as the characters and plot, so a video game, novel or anything else might happen; a movie or even a musical,” says Petrucci. “A bunch of those things I mentioned are in the works, and as they get closer we’ll reveal the schedule of [release].”

I always thought he was just spit-balling ideas, but it sounds like some are already going to happen!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 21, 2016, 03:28:47 PM
Would have figured he'd wait to see if enough people would like the album so much as to prompt creating something based on it in a different medium.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on January 21, 2016, 03:30:40 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 21, 2016, 03:28:47 PM
Would have figured he'd wait to see if enough people would like the album so much as to prompt creating something based on it in a different medium.

Yeah, but I suppose those decisions need to be made in advance so that the finished product comes out while people are still hyped up about it (meaning, IMO, within 1-2 years after the album). It's risky, but I think it is the right call.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rumborak on January 21, 2016, 03:31:43 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 21, 2016, 03:23:20 PM
I think The Human Equation can also be considered a rock opera, yet there are no filler tracks there imo, so the criticism the reviewer made about filler tracks seems valid to me.

I find it a weird criticism of the criticism as well. Quite a few bands' double albums suffer from the filler problem. Whether it actually applies to this album remains to be seen, but is a common and perfectly valid criticism overall.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 21, 2016, 03:31:56 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 21, 2016, 03:23:20 PM
I think The Human Equation can also be considered a rock opera, yet there are no filler tracks there imo, so the criticism the reviewer made about filler tracks seems valid to me.

The thing is, Lucassen needed 20 tracks to tell the story, and used 20 tracks. If THE could be told in 10 tracks then there would be 10 tracks of filler.

If DT needed 34 tracks to tell the story, and used 34 tracks, then that's not filler.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 21, 2016, 03:34:00 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 21, 2016, 03:23:20 PM
I think The Human Equation can also be considered a rock opera, yet there are no filler tracks there imo, so the criticism the reviewer made about filler tracks seems valid to me.

That is because you like the music. Filler is an empty word in context trying to convey your opinion to someone else, as people can also say DT12 was 50% filler because they only liked half the songs, for example.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rumborak on January 21, 2016, 03:34:04 PM
rab7, but you haven't heard the album, this guy has. I mean, he obviously has far more basis for his criticism than you have for the meta-criticism.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 21, 2016, 03:36:26 PM
How about me then?  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ariich on January 21, 2016, 03:36:27 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 21, 2016, 03:31:43 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 21, 2016, 03:23:20 PM
I think The Human Equation can also be considered a rock opera, yet there are no filler tracks there imo, so the criticism the reviewer made about filler tracks seems valid to me.

I find it a weird criticism of the criticism as well. Quite a few bands' double albums suffer from the filler problem. Whether it actually applies to this album remains to be seen, but is a common and perfectly valid criticism overall.
I'm not talking about it being a double album, I'm talking about it being a rock opera. The Human Equation has tracks I wouldn't listen to on their own, but as a rock opera it is well paced and everything contributes well to the story, so no filler. I'm just pointing out that the reviewer is judging the album a certain way that it's not necessarily intended. Wasn't a criticism as such.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 03:37:49 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 21, 2016, 03:34:04 PM
meta-criticism

whoa

:thereisnospoon:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rumborak on January 21, 2016, 03:41:31 PM
I mean, to make an analogy with the film world, the guy is criticizing the pacing of the album. They are trying to tell a story, and when you do that, the pacing becomes very important. Once again, I can't at all say whether the criticism is valid, but in general, criticizing an album based on whether or not it paces well, or had too much filler, is a complete fine aspect to criticize.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rab7 on January 21, 2016, 03:41:53 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 21, 2016, 03:34:04 PM
rab7, but you haven't heard the album, this guy has. I mean, he obviously has far more basis for his criticism than you have for the meta-criticism.

You're right. What I was really asking was for the others to validate my own personal bias  :smiley:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 03:43:03 PM
I don't like the word filler, or at least the context it's used in. It's a track written for the sole purpose of filling the length of the album but it doesn't neccesarily imply a track being underwhelming as songs like Black Sabbath's Paranoid are filler as said by the band themselves yet the song is really well-regarded. It seems a lot of people don't consider this when calling something filler.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 03:45:52 PM
I feel like the heavy blog guys probably gave one disinterested listen and didn't pay very much attention. From just TGoM and MoB, Myung is loud and clear (not quite as present as DT12), and Mangini is intricate as ever. I could see the 'tired fill' argument, as Mangini really does love to follow scale runs with his toms in the same way, but I don't think it warrants the very harsh criticism received.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 21, 2016, 03:56:41 PM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 21, 2016, 02:50:37 PM
New review from Heavy Blog is Heavy.
https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2016/01/21/dream-theater-the-astonishing/ (https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2016/01/21/dream-theater-the-astonishing/)
EDIT: people who aren't interested in lukewarm reviews, stay away.

I love how this guy started by praising the band in the first 4 - 5 paragraphs then went straight into bashing them under his brutal critic.
It was so sudden and so unexpected... especially for that 3/5 at the end.

I also wonder how much attention this guy paid to the mix and how he actually listened to it... I can hear Myung on MoB with earphones, even though the bass covers some very low frequencies!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 21, 2016, 03:59:20 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 03:43:03 PM
I don't like the word filler, or at least the context it's used in. It's a track written for the sole purpose of filling the length of the album but it doesn't neccesarily imply a track being underwhelming as songs like Black Sabbath's Paranoid are filler as said by the band themselves yet the song is really well-regarded. It seems a lot of people don't consider this when calling something filler.


Quite. The word filler is thrown about by people who use it to mean " I don't like this song ".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: chwik on January 21, 2016, 04:09:18 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 21, 2016, 03:59:20 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 03:43:03 PM
I don't like the word filler, or at least the context it's used in. It's a track written for the sole purpose of filling the length of the album but it doesn't neccesarily imply a track being underwhelming as songs like Black Sabbath's Paranoid are filler as said by the band themselves yet the song is really well-regarded. It seems a lot of people don't consider this when calling something filler.


Quite. The word filler is thrown about by people who use it to mean " I don't like this song ".
Using current logic: If filler track = I don't like this song ; then there is a lot of filler bands out there - for my taste anyway.;-)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 04:10:36 PM
RE: Filler - I feel like filler is often a personal definition kinda thing, because it's literal definition would be used to describe content in a piece of work that wasn't intended by the creator/artist. Did Dream Theater (Petrucci) absolutely feel like every song on The Astonishing belongs there? Probably. We've long passed the era where I think any outside influence cares about what DT does with their albums. I highly doubt a Road Runner exec was sitting in a dark corner rubbing his hands together and cackling about making them include Act of Faythe.

Petrucci had a story to tell, and he and Rudess created the score to that story. Does that mean a song is filler because you don't like it, or feel like it's out of place? No. I don't expect all 29 tracks to hit the mark with every single listener. If you could call anything on the album filler (without having heard them myself), you could maybe make an argument for the NOMAC tracks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 04:12:17 PM
Quote from: CoT67 on January 21, 2016, 03:56:41 PM
Quote from: obelix5150 on January 21, 2016, 02:50:37 PM
New review from Heavy Blog is Heavy.
https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2016/01/21/dream-theater-the-astonishing/ (https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2016/01/21/dream-theater-the-astonishing/)
EDIT: people who aren't interested in lukewarm reviews, stay away.

I love how this guy started by praising the band in the first 4 - 5 paragraphs then went straight into bashing them under his brutal critic.
It was so sudden and so unexpected... especially for that 3/5 at the end.

I also wonder how much attention this guy paid to the mix and how he actually listened to it... I can hear Myung on MoB with earphones, even though the bass covers some very low frequencies!

It doesn't seem very well written to me, there's all sorts of inconsistencies in that review.

Quote from: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 04:10:36 PM
If you could call anything on the album filler (without having heard them myself), you could maybe make an argument for the NOMAC tracks.

Even those seem to have a defined purpose on the album though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 21, 2016, 04:13:30 PM
I don't find any fillers on the album. They all serve a purpose in the story and the emotion it's supposed to build up. Of course, if you don't pay attention to the story, the first few listens it is kinda shocking just how much of the slow piano/vocal filled sections there are on the first half of the album. But i mean - between "The Answer" and "Act of Faythe", he has some very diverse tracks in A Better Life (a heavy rock song), Lord Nafaryus (metal tango), A Savior In the Square and When Your Time Has Come (extremely diverse, going from soft to exceedingly pompus to a rock song). Besides, the "thematic reference" is between Lord Nafaryus, A Savior In The Square and Act of Faythe - because the theme being repeated is kinda Faythes theme - while The Answer is by Gabriel.

And he refers to the filles being worse on CD2 - and precedes to give to an example - A Life Left Behind and Raveskill.. Neither of which are on CD2. And he says he doesn't understand why Ravenskill starts so slowly - did he even pay attention to the story? It makes completely sense when you know what happens there...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 04:14:45 PM
Oh I know they definitely do, and it's hard to argue otherwise without having heard them myself, I'm just playing devil's advocate for the sake of semantics. Would the experience be the same story without the NOMAC tracks?

TUNE IN NEXT WEEK TO FIND OUT!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 21, 2016, 04:15:57 PM
I absolutely can't get MOB out of my head.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: noxon on January 21, 2016, 04:17:05 PM
Besides, The Answer - Happy, uplifting.

Act of Faythe - Sad, reflective.

Its not even the same emotion they try to convey - they're from the POV of totally different characters...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: olddtfan51@gmail.com on January 21, 2016, 04:25:07 PM
I don't get what the reviewer ment by he cant hear Myung's bass. I hear it just fine. >:(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 04:27:04 PM
Quote from: olddtfan51@gmail.com on January 21, 2016, 04:25:07 PM
I don't get what the reviewer ment by he cant hear Myung's bass. I hear it just fine. >:(

I think his gen 1 apple earphones and lack of patience served his reviewing skills well  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 21, 2016, 05:04:07 PM
Sweet Child O' Mine is widely considered by GNR as a filler and is hated by Slash...

Becomes band's most famous song ever.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Skeever on January 21, 2016, 05:08:56 PM
Based on what I've heard, I find the review worryingly accurate. Of course, I'll need to hear for myself, but I'm quickly finding myself in the "bring MP back!" camp.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Randaran on January 21, 2016, 05:13:04 PM
Quote from: vazquez on January 21, 2016, 09:16:47 AM
https://www.metalwani.com/2016/01/review-dream-theater-the-astonishing.html

I haven't seen anyone else comment on this bit yet.

Quote
But I will say the when compared to the stories told in other concept albums it is pretty straightforward. I felt that there was more emphasis on characters and their relationships rather than in telling an intriguing story. Evidence of this can be found throughout the album through James LaBrie’s passionate performances of the characters.

I see this as a very good thing. A major issue I have with most concept albums, including SFAM, is the focus on having big, 'cool' events and shocking plot twists. Even if I like the music, the story itself is often a weak point. By focusing more on the characters than the story itself, DT could potentially avoid this problem.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 21, 2016, 05:14:25 PM
The reviewer gave very retarded point of views, many unvalid stuff and otherwise inconsistent.
While I have not heard the album, I choose to trust Noxon and Bosk on how they describe the album, than some angry metal fan.
"Artificial Strings" and "Over the top piano" that part was simply stupid, because you can't tell if he's being sarcastic or serious, which I think was the first.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Shine on January 21, 2016, 05:14:39 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 10:48:22 AM
It's a great song, so I can certainly see it.  Of the tracks I have heard, my favorite would either be Moment of Betrayal or Savior In the Square.

Altering listening to Moment of Betrayal...

That's not a good sign.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 21, 2016, 05:15:38 PM
Quote from: Shine on January 21, 2016, 05:14:39 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 10:48:22 AM
It's a great song, so I can certainly see it.  Of the tracks I have heard, my favorite would either be Moment of Betrayal or Savior In the Square.

Altering listening to Moment of Betrayal...

That's not a good sign.

"Of the tracks I have heard"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Shine on January 21, 2016, 05:18:05 PM
Filler means "the album is really long. These songs aren't as good as the other songs. They bring the average quality of the album down. The album would be improved by removing them."

Edit:

For example: Images and Words, in my mind, has no filler songs. Each song is superb. It's also (one of?) Dream Theaters shortest albums. I think it's their best album. I think Awake, an album with many songs just as good as those found on Images and Words, is a worse album because it has a few songs that aren't as good. Those songs (Caught in a Web, for example) are "filler" to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 05:20:00 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 21, 2016, 05:15:38 PM
Quote from: Shine on January 21, 2016, 05:14:39 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 10:48:22 AM
It's a great song, so I can certainly see it.  Of the tracks I have heard, my favorite would either be Moment of Betrayal or Savior In the Square.

Altering listening to Moment of Betrayal...

That's not a good sign.

"Of the tracks I have heard"

Speaking of which, what were the 9 songs included in the promo of the album (if that can be answered)?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 05:23:47 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 05:20:00 PM
Speaking of which, what were the 9 songs included in the promo of the album (if that can be answered)?

With all that has been revealed by this point, I don't see why not.  I mean, we have reviews that discuss the tracks.  So I will include a bit of detail.
1.  Descent of the NOMACS -- NOMAC noise as an intro to the album.  It makes sense.  Not a big, bombastic opening.  Just sound effects to set the stage.
2.  Dystopian Overture -- This is the true "opening" of the album.  What can I say?  It is an overture.  DT have written some nice overtures, and this may just be their best.  Lots of interesting new sounds I am not used to hearing from DT.  The choir really adds a lot to the atmosphere.
3.  The Gift of Music -- You all have heard it.
4.  Lord Nafaryus -- Oh, just...YES!  Nice military march-y type theme going throughout.  Very appropriate to the subject matter.  There is a palpable Queen influence here, especially in the vocal department.  It is big.  It is grand sounding.  It is just a lot of fun.
5.  A Savior in the Square - When Your Time Has Come -- LOTS of really cool parts in this one.  This is one of those songs that has cool themes show up, and then moves on to something else.  It does that frequently, but seamlessly.  Really nice track from start to finish.  And, for this album, a long track.  The opening, to me, has a Count of Tuscany vibe.
6.  Chosen -- Soaring ballad with great vocals and piano work.  For the most part, I prefer DT's heavier songs to their "ballady" type songs.  But they have written some incredibly strong ones in the Mangini era, and this is another one.
7.  Moment of Betrayal -- You all have heard this one, too.  I really like it.  Piano, dat riff!, ...soaring vocals from James.  Yeah, it just works.
8.  The Path That Divides -- Major plot point seems to happen here.  I can tell that even without having the whole story.  The music is dark and moody.  Nice track.
9.  Our New World -- Major ear worm.  Many will have the chorus stuck in their heads the week after release, I guarantee it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 05:29:02 PM
Quote from: Shine on January 21, 2016, 05:14:39 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 10:48:22 AM
It's a great song, so I can certainly see it.  Of the tracks I have heard, my favorite would either be Moment of Betrayal or Savior In the Square.

Altering listening to Moment of Betrayal...

That's not a good sign.

Of the tracks I've heard, Moment of Betrayal is one of my least favourites, so don't worry about bosky. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 21, 2016, 05:35:36 PM
Hold up !!

I'm positive I posted a while ago that I guessed MOB would be the next release.

I'll see if I can find it. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Skeever on January 21, 2016, 05:36:48 PM
It just feels lacking in momentum to me, like the went down a list and checked off all the boxes for things that are supposed to be in a operatic metal song, but then forgot to write an actual song that included any basic tension building or release.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: dparrott on January 21, 2016, 05:37:50 PM
CIAW? Filler???  What the what???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 05:41:09 PM
I went back and filled in a bit of description for the 9 songs.  Sort of a very cursory track-by-track "review."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Shine on January 21, 2016, 05:45:48 PM
Quote from: dparrott on January 21, 2016, 05:37:50 PM
CIAW? Filler???  What the what???

Yeah, it and Innocence Faded are my two least favorite songs on the album. Cut those two and I think you have a much better album overall. In my opinion.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 21, 2016, 05:55:29 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 21, 2016, 02:54:04 PM
This is legit and can thus be shared, right?

https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6851509/dream-theater-moment-of-betrayal-song-premiere-the-astonishing-album

(new song, "Moment of Betrayal")

Maybe you didn 't realise it, but this version of MoB is far better quality wise  than Eddie Trunks one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 05:56:11 PM
Quote from: devieira73 on January 21, 2016, 05:55:29 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 21, 2016, 02:54:04 PM
This is legit and can thus be shared, right?

https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6851509/dream-theater-moment-of-betrayal-song-premiere-the-astonishing-album

(new song, "Moment of Betrayal")

Maybe you didn 't realise it, but this version of MoB is far better quality wise  than Eddie Trunks one.

I'm pretty sure everyone realized it  :o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 06:00:35 PM
Quote from: Shine on January 21, 2016, 05:45:48 PM
Quote from: dparrott on January 21, 2016, 05:37:50 PM
CIAW? Filler???  What the what???

Yeah, it and Innocence Faded are my two least favorite songs on the album. Cut those two and I think you have a much better album overall. In my opinion.

Cut those two and you'd have an even weaker album that what it already is, in my opinion.
Plus, being the weakest track doesn't automatically make something filler. In the case of TA, in many regards I'm not sure what would even constitute filler. Perhaps with over two hours of music it's not all going to be their best, but it will all serve a purpose, and there's no need to "fill" anything when you're well beyond the necessary amount of music even for two discs. The only instrumentals are overtures to the acts, and the rest are all vocal tracks written specifically to tell a part of a story. Very little if any padding either.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: devieira73 on January 21, 2016, 06:03:09 PM
Just checking. ..  :tup
the talk was too much in the filler thing  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Shine on January 21, 2016, 06:08:43 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 06:00:35 PM
Cut those two and you'd have an even weaker album that what it already is, in my opinion.

Agree to disagree.  😉

Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 06:00:35 PM
In the case of TA, in many regards I'm not sure what would even constitute filler. Perhaps with over two hours of music it's not all going to be their best, but it will all serve a purpose

I suppose that's where the author of the review disagrees.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 21, 2016, 06:15:54 PM
Can not hear Myung. Mangini does same fills over and over.

So they really are just copying and pasting their old negative comments without even bothering to listen to the actual music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 06:22:06 PM
I give no credibility to any review that thinks Act of Faythe is filler that doesn't need to exist, when it's such a damn beautiful song.
The comments about the bass guitar aren't entirely unfounded, as it could be more prominent, but they're never close to absent either. When you have to fit that much into a mix, not everything is going to be upfront all the time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ozzy554 on January 21, 2016, 06:23:19 PM
Just found a gift card that I forgot I had.  So now I have this pre ordered   :metal :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 21, 2016, 06:27:40 PM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 21, 2016, 06:15:54 PM
Can not hear Myung. Mangini does same fills over and over.

So they really are just copying and pasting their old negative comments without even bothering to listen to the actual music.
Yeah, can't take that review seriously at all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: mike099 on January 21, 2016, 06:32:17 PM
Pardon if this question has been answered.  Does DT actually play instruments on the Nomac tracks?

By the way, have not heard any of the two tracks released and am waiting on the full cd with headphones.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 06:33:30 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 05:23:47 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 05:20:00 PM
Speaking of which, what were the 9 songs included in the promo of the album (if that can be answered)?

With all that has been revealed by this point, I don't see why not.  I mean, we have reviews that discuss the tracks.  So I will include a bit of detail.
1.  Descent of the NOMACS -- NOMAC noise as an intro to the album.  It makes sense.  Not a big, bombastic opening.  Just sound effects to set the stage.
2.  Dystopian Overture -- This is the true "opening" of the album.  What can I say?  It is an overture.  DT have written some nice overtures, and this may just be their best.  Lots of interesting new sounds I am not used to hearing from DT.  The choir really adds a lot to the atmosphere.
3.  The Gift of Music -- You all have heard it.
4.  Lord Nafaryus -- Oh, just...YES!  Nice military march-y type theme going throughout.  Very appropriate to the subject matter.  There is a palpable Queen influence here, especially in the vocal department.  It is big.  It is grand sounding.  It is just a lot of fun.
5.  A Savior in the Square - When Your Time Has Come -- LOTS of really cool parts in this one.  This is one of those songs that has cool themes show up, and then moves on to something else.  It does that frequently, but seamlessly.  Really nice track from start to finish.  And, for this album, a long track.  The opening, to me, has a Count of Tuscany vibe.
6.  Chosen -- Soaring ballad with great vocals and piano work.  For the most part, I prefer DT's heavier songs to their "ballady" type songs.  But they have written some incredibly strong ones in the Mangini era, and this is another one.
7.  Moment of Betrayal -- You all have heard this one, too.  I really like it.  Piano, dat riff!, ...soaring vocals from James.  Yeah, it just works.
8.  The Path That Divides -- Major plot point seems to happen here.  I can tell that even without having the whole story.  The music is dark and moody.  Nice track.
9.  Our New World -- Major ear worm.  Many will have the chorus stuck in their heads the week after release, I guarantee it.

Oh cool, so it's almost like a brief summary of the entire album. How well do ASitS and WYTHC flow as one unit as they are presented on the promo? Is it really obvious that it's two songs when you listen to them as one track? Sorry about all the questions.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 21, 2016, 06:36:55 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 05:23:47 PM
2.  Dystopian Overture -- This is the true "opening" of the album.  What can I say?  It is an overture.  DT have written some nice overtures, and this may just be their best.  Lots of interesting new sounds I am not used to hearing from DT.  The choir really adds a lot to the atmosphere.
This makes me very happy especially since I take it you don't generally enjoy the instrumental songs as much.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Bacong on January 21, 2016, 06:46:05 PM
the guy gives the album a 9.5 and you're picking apart his criticisms :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 06:50:14 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 06:33:30 PM
How well do ASitS and WYTHC flow as one unit as they are presented on the promo? Is it really obvious that it's two songs when you listen to them as one track? Sorry about all the questions.

I think they flow together really well.  I mean, the transition is obvious, but it is smooth and well thought out. 

Quote from: pcs90 on January 21, 2016, 06:36:55 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 05:23:47 PM
2.  Dystopian Overture -- This is the true "opening" of the album.  What can I say?  It is an overture.  DT have written some nice overtures, and this may just be their best.  Lots of interesting new sounds I am not used to hearing from DT.  The choir really adds a lot to the atmosphere.
This makes me very happy especially since I take it you don't generally enjoy the instrumental songs as much.

Yeah, not as much as "full songs."  But that is a generalization.  I still like a lot of the instrumentals.  And, like I said, this is a really good overture. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 21, 2016, 07:33:20 PM
I just hope there is at least a bass solo where JM plays a bass solo :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RuRoRul on January 21, 2016, 07:33:48 PM
Quote from: Bacong on January 21, 2016, 06:46:05 PM
the guy gives the album a 9.5 and you're picking apart his criticisms :lol
It was a 3/5 review (that read quite negatively for that score) that people were talking about mainly,
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 21, 2016, 08:29:39 PM
Moment of Betrayal is up on DT's official YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yhFSTAyHWs
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 21, 2016, 08:43:12 PM
We know ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 21, 2016, 08:45:47 PM
Oh damn I haven't read like the last page  :blush  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 21, 2016, 09:55:49 PM
I'm kind of surprised that people were surprised to see a quality jump between the official track release for MoB and the Eddie Trunk radio rip version.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 21, 2016, 09:57:46 PM
Lotsa god dang spoilers going around here fellas, for the non-spoilers thread; this is pretty spoily, just sayin.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 09:59:20 PM
This isn't a non-spoilers thread.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 21, 2016, 10:00:25 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 21, 2016, 09:55:49 PM
I'm kind of surprised that people were surprised to see a quality jump between the official track release for MoB and the Eddie Trunk radio rip version.

Beats me too. Seems like people just don't have the time for music to reason properly about that anymore.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: rumborak on January 21, 2016, 10:00:34 PM
If one doesn't want to hear or read stuff about the album, I would suggest staying away entirely until the release. There's no way you can cleanly separate posts like that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 21, 2016, 10:03:24 PM
I thought the listening parties thread was labeled spoilers cause this one is spoiler free bosk, I thought we're only discussing released material in here.
Looks like I thought wrong and gotta keep away for a while heh
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 21, 2016, 10:11:04 PM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on January 21, 2016, 10:00:25 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 21, 2016, 09:55:49 PM
I'm kind of surprised that people were surprised to see a quality jump between the official track release for MoB and the Eddie Trunk radio rip version.

Beats me too. Seems like people just don't have the time for music to reason properly about that anymore.

For me, at least, the cymbals sounded clearer in the official release.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 21, 2016, 10:13:51 PM
I really wanted JR lyrics, or MM :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 10:24:00 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 21, 2016, 10:03:24 PM
I thought the listening parties thread was labeled spoilers cause this one is spoiler free bosk, I thought we're only discussing released material in here.
Looks like I thought wrong and gotta keep away for a while heh

No.  I mean, the thread is about the new album.  So I didn't feel like it needed to have "SPOILERS," unless it was followed by "...well, duh!"  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 21, 2016, 10:49:42 PM
Listened to Moment of Betrayal on the more quality version... I don't get it.    It sounds better which is nice and I think the opening riff is actually pretty sweet.   I think its one of the worst DT instrumentals in their catalogue outside of the kick ass Petrucci solo.   I still think the chorus is lifeless and just plain bad.    Just not a good song.

As for MM.... I think he is fine on TGOM but I completely agree with the latest review of how he sounds on MOB.   There is not a single interesting drum part and his drumming is actually quite annoying.

I think DT12 was a great return to form for the band and I had no issues with MM's drumming.  Its really bad on MOB though....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 21, 2016, 11:00:43 PM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 21, 2016, 10:49:42 PM
Listened to Moment of Betrayal on the more quality version... I don't get it.    It sounds better which is nice and I think the opening riff is actually pretty sweet.   I think its one of the worst DT instrumentals in their catalogue outside of the kick ass Petrucci solo.   I still think the chorus is lifeless and just plain bad.    Just not a good song.

As for MM.... I think he is fine on TGOM but I completely agree with the latest review of how he sounds on MOB.   There is not a single interesting drum part and his drumming is actually quite annoying.

I think DT12 was a great return to form for the band and I had no issues with MM's drumming.  Its really bad on MOB though....

At this point, I think anybody who doesn't really like MM's style and do not find his drumming interesting really would never be converted. He has kept to the same philosophy in drum composition for many years: not drum fill-heavy, very prominent use of bass drums, a lot of focus on complementing what the other instruments are playing, melodic runs up and down the kit, and a lot of use of drum speed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 11:08:14 PM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 21, 2016, 10:49:42 PM
Listened to Moment of Betrayal on the more quality version... I don't get it.    It sounds better which is nice and I think the opening riff is actually pretty sweet.   I think its one of the worst DT instrumentals in their catalogue outside of the kick ass Petrucci solo.   I still think the chorus is lifeless and just plain bad.    Just not a good song.

As for MM.... I think he is fine on TGOM but I completely agree with the latest review of how he sounds on MOB.   There is not a single interesting drum part and his drumming is actually quite annoying.

I think DT12 was a great return to form for the band and I had no issues with MM's drumming.  Its really bad on MOB though....

I enjoy MM's work more on this album so far probably because there's less room for him to overdo it. The major reason I don't like MOB that much though is I find the pre-chorus annoying, which is in large part due to the drums.
Aside from that, I find his work on TA to be a lot more memorable and even air drum-worthy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 21, 2016, 11:28:34 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 11:08:14 PM
I enjoy MM's work more on this album so far probably because there's less room for him to overdo it. The major reason I don't like MOB that much though is I find the pre-chorus annoying, which is in large part due to the drums.

So you're referring specifically to when he do his machine-gun drums thing?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 11:48:27 PM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 21, 2016, 11:28:34 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 11:08:14 PM
I enjoy MM's work more on this album so far probably because there's less room for him to overdo it. The major reason I don't like MOB that much though is I find the pre-chorus annoying, which is in large part due to the drums.

So you're referring specifically to when he do his machine-gun drums thing?

Yeah, it's all the snare. It would need more dynamics and/or additional drums to work for me. It doesn't hold the section together enough given the rhythm of what the rest of the band is doing.
Just imo obviously. :) No problem at all with MM on TA so far other than that. I'm feeling a lot more of the classic DT vibe from his playing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: hipodilski on January 21, 2016, 11:58:53 PM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 21, 2016, 10:49:42 PM
As for MM.... I think he is fine on TGOM but I completely agree with the latest review of how he sounds on MOB.   There is not a single interesting drum part and his drumming is actually quite annoying.
Oh yeah? Because frantic overplaying of quads on toms/splashes/stacks/everything in sight is so much more original. </sarcasm>
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: majo on January 22, 2016, 12:04:52 AM
Quote from: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 21, 2016, 08:29:39 PM
Moment of Betrayal is up on DT's official YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yhFSTAyHWs

aaaand its gone
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 22, 2016, 12:08:24 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 11:48:27 PM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 21, 2016, 11:28:34 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 11:08:14 PM
I enjoy MM's work more on this album so far probably because there's less room for him to overdo it. The major reason I don't like MOB that much though is I find the pre-chorus annoying, which is in large part due to the drums.

So you're referring specifically to when he do his machine-gun drums thing?

Yeah, it's all the snare. It would need more dynamics and/or additional drums to work for me. It doesn't hold the section together enough given the rhythm of what the rest of the band is doing.
Just imo obviously. :) No problem at all with MM on TA so far other than that. I'm feeling a lot more of the classic DT vibe from his playing.

Yeah. Among his repertoire, that's one that does get tiring if overdone. I like it when he does it in spurts. Surprisingly, I like it in The Enemy Inside. Maybe because in that song he is doing it with one hand and mixing up other interesting tidbits with his other hand.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 22, 2016, 12:10:43 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 21, 2016, 03:41:31 PM
I mean, to make an analogy with the film world, the guy is criticizing the pacing of the album. They are trying to tell a story, and when you do that, the pacing becomes very important. Once again, I can't at all say whether the criticism is valid, but in general, criticizing an album based on whether or not it paces well, or had too much filler, is a complete fine aspect to criticize.
Pacing would certainly be a fair thing to talk about, but that's not what I got from it. Maybe it's the language used; as others have commented, the word "filler" gets misused a lot. Filler implies the track could just be scrapped, but by most accounts the plot wouldn't make sense and the emotional story wouldn't either. Like I said, it's different to a traditional album. I've never seen an opera or musical where every bit of music is killer standalone, that's just not the point.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 22, 2016, 12:15:57 AM
He's gotta show off his world record winning move, after all...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: bl5150 on January 22, 2016, 12:17:39 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 22, 2016, 12:08:24 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 11:48:27 PM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 21, 2016, 11:28:34 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 11:08:14 PM
I enjoy MM's work more on this album so far probably because there's less room for him to overdo it. The major reason I don't like MOB that much though is I find the pre-chorus annoying, which is in large part due to the drums.

So you're referring specifically to when he do his machine-gun drums thing?

Yeah, it's all the snare. It would need more dynamics and/or additional drums to work for me. It doesn't hold the section together enough given the rhythm of what the rest of the band is doing.
Just imo obviously. :) No problem at all with MM on TA so far other than that. I'm feeling a lot more of the classic DT vibe from his playing.

Yeah. Among his repertoire, that's one that does get tiring if overdone. I like it when he does it in spurts. Surprisingly, I like it in The Enemy Inside. Maybe because in that song he is doing it with one hand and mixing up other interesting tidbits with his other hand.  :lol

I love the drumming on TEI but I agree that on MOB that there's some stuff going on that doesn't really fit.  Not enough to really annoy me but noticeable.

Other than that I am liking it - unfortunately the better sound quality doesn't alter the awful rhythm guitar tone (lead is beautiful as usual). Funnily enough I find JP's album rhythm tone is way too thick/muddy (this and Dt12) and live ......way too tinny :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 22, 2016, 12:23:03 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 22, 2016, 12:08:24 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 11:48:27 PM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 21, 2016, 11:28:34 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 11:08:14 PM
I enjoy MM's work more on this album so far probably because there's less room for him to overdo it. The major reason I don't like MOB that much though is I find the pre-chorus annoying, which is in large part due to the drums.

So you're referring specifically to when he do his machine-gun drums thing?

Yeah, it's all the snare. It would need more dynamics and/or additional drums to work for me. It doesn't hold the section together enough given the rhythm of what the rest of the band is doing.
Just imo obviously. :) No problem at all with MM on TA so far other than that. I'm feeling a lot more of the classic DT vibe from his playing.

Yeah. Among his repertoire, that's one that does get tiring if overdone. I like it when he does it in spurts. Surprisingly, I like it in The Enemy Inside. Maybe because in that song he is doing it with one hand and mixing up other interesting tidbits with his other hand.  :lol

I have no problem with it in TEI either. This is the only time I recall any problem with that specific sound.
As I said though, overall I'm really enjoying MM's work on TA a lot more than any previous albums.

Quote from: hipodilski on January 21, 2016, 11:58:53 PM
Quote from: lovethedrake on January 21, 2016, 10:49:42 PM
As for MM.... I think he is fine on TGOM but I completely agree with the latest review of how he sounds on MOB.   There is not a single interesting drum part and his drumming is actually quite annoying.
Oh yeah? Because frantic overplaying of quads on toms/splashes/stacks/everything in sight is so much more original. </sarcasm>

Because that's exactly what he was suggesting. </sarcasm>
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Lucien on January 22, 2016, 12:38:59 AM
SEVEN DAYS REMAIN
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 22, 2016, 12:44:43 AM
Dang! I didn't realize we were so close. :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 22, 2016, 01:04:26 AM
Am I only one who heard some sort of reference to The Gift of Music in the guitar solo of Moment of Betrayal? That chord transition around 4:19 really sounds like the one around 2:31 of TGOM.

Maybe I am just reading too much into it.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 22, 2016, 01:26:42 AM
Quote from: bl5150 on January 22, 2016, 12:17:39 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 22, 2016, 12:08:24 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 11:48:27 PM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 21, 2016, 11:28:34 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 21, 2016, 11:08:14 PM
I enjoy MM's work more on this album so far probably because there's less room for him to overdo it. The major reason I don't like MOB that much though is I find the pre-chorus annoying, which is in large part due to the drums.

So you're referring specifically to when he do his machine-gun drums thing?

Yeah, it's all the snare. It would need more dynamics and/or additional drums to work for me. It doesn't hold the section together enough given the rhythm of what the rest of the band is doing.
Just imo obviously. :) No problem at all with MM on TA so far other than that. I'm feeling a lot more of the classic DT vibe from his playing.

Yeah. Among his repertoire, that's one that does get tiring if overdone. I like it when he does it in spurts. Surprisingly, I like it in The Enemy Inside. Maybe because in that song he is doing it with one hand and mixing up other interesting tidbits with his other hand.  :lol

I love the drumming on TEI but I agree that on MOB that there's some stuff going on that doesn't really fit.  Not enough to really annoy me but noticeable.

Other than that I am liking it - unfortunately the better sound quality doesn't alter the awful rhythm guitar tone (lead is beautiful as usual). Funnily enough I find JP's album rhythm tone is way too thick/muddy (this and Dt12) and live ......way too tinny :lol

Regarding the rhythm guitar tone, there's an interview of Petrucci talking about his DT12 tone that I posted on the JP signature amp thread... he said he left the whole processing to Chycki that EQ'd it quite heavily, while in the past JP always tried to get the sound as raw as possible in the mix, working more with mics and room ambience instead of post processing. It feels too smooth and not a "real" tone, if you ask me, compared for example to the one in ADToE.

I'm pretty sure they did almost the same thing this time, but I guess it was done to help mix together so many different instruments... the whole mix's balance is better than a single instrument's tone I presume.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Nefarius on January 22, 2016, 01:49:17 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 22, 2016, 01:04:26 AM
Maybe I am just reading too much into it.  :lol

DTF, so no. :biggrin:

Greetings...
Nef
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TioJorge on January 22, 2016, 01:56:48 AM
Really diggin' this track. I can't say I heard anything wrong with the drums but then again unless there is either something really legendary or really horrific with them, I usually don't notice. I haven't been utterly blown away by Mangini but I can say he's a really great fit for DT and that he's done a fine job thus far. It also might simply be that this track called for a more mellow and simple beat driven drum track. There are very few drummers out there that I've taken notice to and most often it's their imaginative use of their kit, not the mere beats per second or how 'much' they drum but rather what kind of ambiance they add atop their obvious role of keeping things centered. Mangini does that quite well.

I'm excited for the album though. I haven't had a good listen to any kind of conceptual piece in a long while so I'm all for this. They're not my first choice in albums and traditionally I very rarely listen to them given the album-centric necessities and my song/random playlist orientation but with how vast and deep this album seems, I'm totally down to dive into this uber nerd fest of awesomeness and hear the lore of the war.

DEM EYEBALLS DOE.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MacClaus on January 22, 2016, 01:58:52 AM
German Review...
https://powermetal.de/review/review-Dream_Theater/The_Astonishing,27540.html

another one...
https://www.metalwani.com/2016/01/review-dream-theater-the-astonishing.html
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Nefarius on January 22, 2016, 02:22:00 AM
For my ears Moment Of Betrayal recorded from a radio show and uploaded to YouTube still sounded nicer than most of DT12 in its original CD quality. I remember complaining about the The Enemy Inside online premiere during the last album cycle and how fatiguing I felt it was. The CD wasn't much better.

Both The Gift Of Music and Moment Of Betrayal made me hit the replay button immediately and both songs got better and better every time. That's the Dream Theater experience I like: Positive confusion the first time I hear it and coming back again and again for more details and awesomeness.

Greetings...
Nef
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: The Hairy Man on January 22, 2016, 02:28:19 AM
I was very surprised to hear TGOM on the radio in the car last night!!

Not sure if mentioned earlier but the radio guy was also plugging his show "One Man and his Prog" for this weekend Sunday @ midnight on Planet Rock - 3/5 of Dream Theater there to promote and discuss The Astonishing. Not sure if it is a new interview or just a re-hash of a generic one out there already - either way the show should probably be available to listen to at your leisure after the event on the Planet Rock website.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 22, 2016, 02:47:07 AM
Quote from: Nefarius on January 22, 2016, 02:22:00 AM
For my ears Moment Of Betrayal recorded from a radio show and uploaded to YouTube still sounded nicer than most of DT12 in its original CD quality. I remember complaining about the The Enemy Inside online premiere during the last album cycle and how fatiguing I felt it was. The CD wasn't much better.

Both The Gift Of Music and Moment Of Betrayal made me hit the replay button immediately and both songs got better and better every time. That's the Dream Theater experience I like: Positive confusion the first time I hear it and coming back again and again for more details and awesomeness.

Greetings...
Nef

Well, Nef, that's me in a nutshell!

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 22, 2016, 02:50:08 AM
+1  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 22, 2016, 03:47:15 AM
I'm liking this song much better now that it's released officialy with proper quality.

That intro already blew me away on first listen but it's even better now! It's so damn beautiful.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: wolfking on January 22, 2016, 04:25:51 AM
New song is solid.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: vazquez on January 22, 2016, 05:17:50 AM
Quote from: MacClaus on January 22, 2016, 01:58:52 AM
German Review...
https://powermetal.de/review/review-Dream_Theater/The_Astonishing,27540.html

As far as my German go, I could see three main points:

1. The album is different from others.
2. Labrie is amazing.
3. The critic wouldn´t place this album among his favorites from DT, but he confess the album is too complex to judge in a couple spins, and it´s a grower.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 22, 2016, 06:11:21 AM
The most common things among the reviews so far seem to be: how different the album is from past DT albums, and praising James LaBrie's vocal performance.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 22, 2016, 06:40:01 AM
The first was kinda a given, since this is a rock opera... I'm excited that everyone agree that James is amazing on this one!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: escruting on January 22, 2016, 06:45:58 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 22, 2016, 06:11:21 AM
The most common things among the reviews so far seem to be: how different the album is from past DT albums, and praising James LaBrie's vocal performance.

Hearing Labrie's voice on MoB i find that he's forcing too much out of his comfortable range. Hes forces too much and i think the voice loses strength.

I was listening to Haken's Visions (album) and Hand Cannot Erase and remembered how nice it is to hear a clean and strong vocal performance.

We all know that Labrie forces himself even more when playing live, so, i'm a bit worried. Spent 180€ to go to Italy and see them and i'm a bit concerned about the vocal output of this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: wolven74 on January 22, 2016, 06:51:40 AM
At first listen I liked TGOM better than MOB... But the more I listen to it (especially with the billboard stream) I think MOB is just as open as TGOM. The vocals were harder to understand the first spin, but the more I hear it the easier they are to understand. I love the odd time signature after the first chorus. It's almost dissonant, which is so different it's killer. The work Mangini does on these two tracks is stellar. Both tracks bode very well for the whole album. :soon:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 22, 2016, 07:04:38 AM
Quote from: vazquez on January 22, 2016, 05:17:50 AM
Quote from: MacClaus on January 22, 2016, 01:58:52 AM
German Review...
https://powermetal.de/review/review-Dream_Theater/The_Astonishing,27540.html

As far as my German go, I could see three main points:

1. The album is different from others.
2. Labrie is amazing.
3. The critic wouldn´t place this album among his favorites from DT, but he confess the album is too complex to judge in a couple spins, and it´s a grower.

I kinda had the impression the guy was holding back.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rab7 on January 22, 2016, 08:12:33 AM
Quote from: wolven74 on January 22, 2016, 06:51:40 AM
I love the odd time signature after the first chorus. It's almost dissonant, which is so different it's killer.

The cool thing is, that's actually 4/4 the whole way through, but in "Never leave a man behind", they subdivide it differently. Not sure what the musical term for it is, but the entire verse is in 4/4.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 22, 2016, 08:14:58 AM
Quote from: rab7 on January 22, 2016, 08:12:33 AM
Quote from: wolven74 on January 22, 2016, 06:51:40 AM
I love the odd time signature after the first chorus. It's almost dissonant, which is so different it's killer.

The cool thing is, that's actually 4/4 the whole way through, but in "Never leave a man behind", they subdivide it differently. Not sure what the musical term for it is, but the entire verse is in 4/4.

Jordan does this a lot in the band - he'll subdivide a part into two different time signatures, sometimes even by left and right hand to create interesting juxtapositions while the band sticks to a more uniform time signature. I'm trying to think of an example, but it's too early. Maybe Outcry.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 22, 2016, 09:35:25 AM
Quote from: Shine on January 21, 2016, 05:45:48 PM
Quote from: dparrott on January 21, 2016, 05:37:50 PM
CIAW? Filler???  What the what???

Yeah, it and Innocence Faded are my two least favorite songs on the album. Cut those two and I think you have a much better album overall. In my opinion.

Nope. Awake's first 3 songs are the best 3.

The album bores me after that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Pax on January 22, 2016, 09:36:14 AM
In my opinion, MOB is a nice track, the middle instrumental part reminds me of Outcry, and I love it, I also love that moment after the second chorus (before the instrumental), goes something like "heee will beeee defeeenseless", beautiful vocal melody in that part

However, the chorus annoys me a bit, especially because it appears THREE times (and twice would be completely enough). But there's no much repetition in TGOM.
Also, that TGOM ending riff, reminiscent of Blind Faith, and JP/JR solo after that riff , those parts really cuddle my soul and warm my heart, I can just lie back, relax and enjoy those parts with a big smile on my face.
So, overall, I'd say TGOM is just a little bit better for me than MOB (maybe because I'm happy to hear that SDOIT vibe once again, lol). Nevertheless, both songs make me look forward to the album, and if qualities of those songs are really below the album average quality like you guys say, this will most probably be in top 3 of my all-time favourite DT albums. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TAC on January 22, 2016, 09:38:04 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 22, 2016, 09:35:25 AM
Quote from: Shine on January 21, 2016, 05:45:48 PM
Quote from: dparrott on January 21, 2016, 05:37:50 PM
CIAW? Filler???  What the what???

Yeah, it and Innocence Faded are my two least favorite songs on the album. Cut those two and I think you have a much better album overall. In my opinion.

Nope. Awake's first 3 songs are the best 3.

The album bores me after that.

Wow.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Gappie on January 22, 2016, 10:11:29 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 22, 2016, 09:35:25 AM
Quote from: Shine on January 21, 2016, 05:45:48 PM
Quote from: dparrott on January 21, 2016, 05:37:50 PM
CIAW? Filler???  What the what???

Yeah, it and Innocence Faded are my two least favorite songs on the album. Cut those two and I think you have a much better album overall. In my opinion.

Nope. Awake's first 3 songs are the best 3.

The album bores me after that.
Seriously? how come?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Evermind on January 22, 2016, 10:18:35 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 22, 2016, 09:35:25 AM
Quote from: Shine on January 21, 2016, 05:45:48 PM
Quote from: dparrott on January 21, 2016, 05:37:50 PM
CIAW? Filler???  What the what???

Yeah, it and Innocence Faded are my two least favorite songs on the album. Cut those two and I think you have a much better album overall. In my opinion.

Nope. Awake's first 3 songs are the worst 3.

The album is outstanding after that.

FTFM
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 22, 2016, 10:25:31 AM
6:00 is about the only DT song that I consider horrible.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: efx on January 22, 2016, 10:27:29 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 22, 2016, 09:35:25 AM
Quote from: Shine on January 21, 2016, 05:45:48 PM
Quote from: dparrott on January 21, 2016, 05:37:50 PM
CIAW? Filler???  What the what???

Yeah, it and Innocence Faded are my two least favorite songs on the album. Cut those two and I think you have a much better album overall. In my opinion.

Nope. Awake's first 3 songs are the best 3.

The album bores me after that.

I'm not quite there with it but I do think that 6:00 and Innocence Faded are much better songs than say Voices and LSOAD though I still like the latter very much. The highs on that album are superb and some of the best work they've ever done but it's a very uneven album to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 22, 2016, 10:32:12 AM
in what universe is 6:00 better than voices?    :lol :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Lucien on January 22, 2016, 10:37:59 AM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on January 22, 2016, 10:32:12 AM
in what universe is 6:00 better than voices?    :lol :lol

Someone else's subjective, valid opinion.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 22, 2016, 10:41:58 AM
Wow you guys are crazy. Whenever I have one day full of lectures and rehearsals, I need one and a half hours to read through the 37 million new posts in this thread. And whenever I klick "reply", I get the message, that another 2 million posts were written while I was reading this page :D

Anyway, concerning the Circus Maximus song (yeah I'm sooo las week), I think the drums sound nothing like The Astonishing. More like Haken, at least the snare. The toms don't sound awesome, but they don't bother me. All in all a really good song! I really like this band but I'm not so much into the singers voice. Does anyone else have the feeling that there are similarities between The Weight's chorus and the one in Breaking All Illusions ("Searching out, reaching in...")?

I still have not listened to MoB, and it's killing me. It's killing me. Really.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 22, 2016, 10:48:32 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 22, 2016, 10:41:58 AM
Anyway, concerning the Circus Maximus song (yeah I'm sooo las week), I think the drums sound nothing like The Astonishing. More like Haken, at least the snare. The toms don't sound awesome, but they don't bother me. All in all a really good song! I really like this band but I'm not so much into the singers voice. Does anyone else have the feeling that there are similarities between The Weight's chorus and the one in Breaking All Illusions ("Searching out, reaching in...")?

IIRC, the song 'Last Goodbye' off of the last CM album Nine had a similar chorus and is kind of like a longer and more proggy version of 'The Weight'.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 22, 2016, 10:51:09 AM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 22, 2016, 10:48:32 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 22, 2016, 10:41:58 AM
Anyway, concerning the Circus Maximus song (yeah I'm sooo las week), I think the drums sound nothing like The Astonishing. More like Haken, at least the snare. The toms don't sound awesome, but they don't bother me. All in all a really good song! I really like this band but I'm not so much into the singers voice. Does anyone else have the feeling that there are similarities between The Weight's chorus and the one in Breaking All Illusions ("Searching out, reaching in...")?

IIRC, the song 'Last Goodbye' off of the last CM album Nine had a similar chorus and is kind of like a longer and more proggy version of 'The Weight'.

Honestly have to say, that the first album by CM is the only one I really checked out, the second one I heard about 9-10 times, maybe. I haven't heard Nine, but I am listening to Last Goodbye now.
What does IIRC mean?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Crow on January 22, 2016, 10:54:24 AM
Listening to this now for the first time. I don't like how processed the heavy guitars sound. Youtube could be responsible for that, I'm sure, but.
Also apparently people are complaining about the prechorus? I dunno I liked the frantic drumming there, it creates a good sense of buildup.

...the chorus feels really weak though  :lol

Man, I wish Rudess would get better patches. His synthstrings still sound awful here.
Petrucci's phrasing in his solo is so strange, it feels like a lot of different ideas awkwardly patched together. I'll like a 2-measure section then not really like the next one at all.

...I was already not that hyped for this album but this isn't helping  :mehlin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 22, 2016, 10:57:35 AM
Quote from: Parama on January 22, 2016, 10:54:24 AM
I dunno I liked the frantic drumming there, it creates a good sense of buildup.


(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/I-5RgaYJNHQ/maxresdefault.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Crow on January 22, 2016, 10:58:54 AM
i have no clue what you're trying to imply with that
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 22, 2016, 11:03:27 AM
Quote from: Parama on January 22, 2016, 10:54:24 AM

Man, I wish Rudess would get better patches. His synthstrings still sound awful here.


I'm pretty sure JR said in an interview that he mostly played piano and organ on the album, so when you hear strings, that's an orchestra playing, not JR...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: dparrott on January 22, 2016, 11:09:59 AM
Quote from: vazquez on January 22, 2016, 05:17:50 AM
Quote from: MacClaus on January 22, 2016, 01:58:52 AM
German Review...
https://powermetal.de/review/review-Dream_Theater/The_Astonishing,27540.html

As far as my German go, I could see three main points:

1. The album is different from others.
2. Labrie is amazing.

Well duh...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 22, 2016, 11:20:18 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 22, 2016, 10:51:09 AM
Honestly have to say, that the first album by CM is the only one I really checked out, the second one I heard about 9-10 times, maybe. I haven't heard Nine, but I am listening to Last Goodbye now.
What does IIRC mean?

It means "if I remember correctly".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: OleMP on January 22, 2016, 11:23:54 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 03:09:49 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 02:08:50 PM
Dunno if this means anything yet, but they didn't put MoB in the second video slot on the website...

You are correct.  And I know what is there.  :)

The next Star Wars movie?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RMGadelha on January 22, 2016, 11:31:02 AM
It's the album's deleted scenes
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 22, 2016, 11:33:51 AM
Quote from: OleMP on January 22, 2016, 11:23:54 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 03:09:49 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 02:08:50 PM
Dunno if this means anything yet, but they didn't put MoB in the second video slot on the website...

You are correct.  And I know what is there.  :)

The next Star Wars movie?

Dunno how I missed this reply, can you give us any info about what will go there?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 22, 2016, 11:45:38 AM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 22, 2016, 11:33:51 AM

Dunno how I missed this reply, can you give us any info about what will go there?

Yes ! :)

On January 29.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Crow on January 22, 2016, 12:29:08 PM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on January 22, 2016, 11:03:27 AM
Quote from: Parama on January 22, 2016, 10:54:24 AM

Man, I wish Rudess would get better patches. His synthstrings still sound awful here.


I'm pretty sure JR said in an interview that he mostly played piano and organ on the album, so when you hear strings, that's an orchestra playing, not JR...
okay, new question

why does the orchestra sound like JR's synthstrings
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 22, 2016, 12:30:13 PM
I for one think the last 3 months have flown by! Just thinking back to when all of this started with the distortion of the DT12 album art. We were told that the path will soon divide, and in the corner we got our first small glimpse of a NOMAC. Now, we're just 1 week away from release day! Whilst it's been mildly frustrating on occasion, the promo campaign has been enjoyable. And unpredictable. Who, in October, would have thought we'd end up with a 34-track album? All our perceptions of what a DT album should be were wiped away, week by week.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 22, 2016, 12:32:54 PM
Quote from: Parama on January 22, 2016, 12:29:08 PM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on January 22, 2016, 11:03:27 AM
Quote from: Parama on January 22, 2016, 10:54:24 AM

Man, I wish Rudess would get better patches. His synthstrings still sound awful here.


I'm pretty sure JR said in an interview that he mostly played piano and organ on the album, so when you hear strings, that's an orchestra playing, not JR...
okay, new question

why does the orchestra sound like JR's synthstrings

 :lol No clue man, I don't hear it like that, I was just letting you know what I heard in an interview. I think it was the JP/JR Trunk interview.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 22, 2016, 12:35:13 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 22, 2016, 12:30:13 PM
Whilst it's been mildly frustrating on occasion, the promo campaign has been enjoyable. And unpredictable. Who, in October, would have thought we'd end up with a 34-track album? All our perceptions of what a DT album should be were wiped away, week by week.

That's what I loved the most. Showing the tracklist bit by bit was a clever idea.

First 5 tracks appear.... "Mh, will it be 5 for both acts?"
Tracks double to ten... "Ok, this is it for the first act, maybe 10 songs each? double album then?"
Tracks go to 14 if I remember correctly... "Wow!!! double album for sure! how many of these will be one minute interludes?"

And from then onwards it was just time to call the WTF police and wonder where it all would have led  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: TAC on January 22, 2016, 12:41:33 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 22, 2016, 11:33:51 AM
Quote from: OleMP on January 22, 2016, 11:23:54 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 03:09:49 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 02:08:50 PM
Dunno if this means anything yet, but they didn't put MoB in the second video slot on the website...

You are correct.  And I know what is there.  :)

The next Star Wars movie?

Dunno how I missed this reply, can you give us any info about what will go there?

The second video leaked!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9mY9J2Z57Y
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: dparrott on January 22, 2016, 01:24:29 PM
Quote from: TAC on January 22, 2016, 12:41:33 PM
The second video leaked!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9mY9J2Z57Y

 :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 22, 2016, 01:26:27 PM
Quote from: TAC on January 22, 2016, 12:41:33 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 22, 2016, 11:33:51 AM
Quote from: OleMP on January 22, 2016, 11:23:54 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 03:09:49 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 02:08:50 PM
Dunno if this means anything yet, but they didn't put MoB in the second video slot on the website...

You are correct.  And I know what is there.  :)

The next Star Wars movie?

Dunno how I missed this reply, can you give us any info about what will go there?

The second video leaked!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9mY9J2Z57Y

I want hear a song about teh river
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 22, 2016, 01:41:59 PM
Wow, one reviewer states pretty affirmatively TA won't be his top favorite by DT, and another says they've come extremely close to topping SFAM. My hype is reaching new levels.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Panar on January 22, 2016, 01:47:45 PM
Why MOB isn't available as a single for purchase?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: paulstfu on January 22, 2016, 01:56:19 PM
Quote from: TAC on January 22, 2016, 12:41:33 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 22, 2016, 11:33:51 AM
Quote from: OleMP on January 22, 2016, 11:23:54 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 03:09:49 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 21, 2016, 02:08:50 PM
Dunno if this means anything yet, but they didn't put MoB in the second video slot on the website...

You are correct.  And I know what is there.  :)

The next Star Wars movie?

Dunno how I missed this reply, can you give us any info about what will go there?

The second video leaked!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9mY9J2Z57Y

When I clicked the link, my first thought was this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: lovethedrake on January 22, 2016, 02:02:27 PM
The newest MOB that posted on Youtube has MUCH better quality and sounds just like TGOM which puts my mind at ease.  Although I don't love the song the dynamics and sound are good.   

The beginning is beautiful and the Great Debate part is cool.   Petrucci's solo kicks ass.  Mangini's playing was really being hampered by the low quality versions that first came out.  He sounds good on the high quality version.

The biggest problem of this song is the chorus is just bad and the song just doesn't seem to fit Labrie.   The only time the chorus is kind of serviceable is the part after the solo when they slow it down.     

Glad that the sound quality is still good though.... that was really scaring me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Evermind on January 22, 2016, 02:09:43 PM
I thought the chorus along with the intro and the instrumental parts were the only good things.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MarkFitDT on January 22, 2016, 02:14:52 PM
Didn't really like the MOB the first few listens but its really grown on me now and I love it - especially the chorus which is stuck in my head at the moment. Cant wait for the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: Lowdz on January 22, 2016, 02:29:03 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 21, 2016, 05:04:07 PM
Sweet Child O' Mine is widely considered by GNR as a filler and is hated by Slash...

Becomes band's most famous song ever.

As joe Walsh once said of Rocky Mountain Way, "if I'd known I would have to play this song for the rest of my life, I'd have probably written something else"  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: lightbug on January 22, 2016, 03:06:51 PM
2 things:

1 - Bosk: (in MOB) what would be that riff you mentioned?
2 - Almost any piano sound that I have sounds much better that the piano recorded in The Astonishing. Besides that, the song is amazing!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: chwik on January 22, 2016, 03:41:48 PM
Quote from: lightbug on January 22, 2016, 03:06:51 PM
2 things:

1 - Bosk: (in MOB) what would be that riff you mentioned?
2 - Almost any piano sound that I have sounds much better that the piano recorded in The Astonishing. Besides that, the song is amazing!
Point 2. That's a pretty bold claim - prove it! ;-)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 22, 2016, 03:49:20 PM
Quote from: Lucien on January 22, 2016, 10:37:59 AM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on January 22, 2016, 10:32:12 AM
in what universe is 6:00 better than voices?    :lol :lol

Someone else's subjective, valid opinion.

Yup.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 22, 2016, 03:57:14 PM
I also like 6:00 better than Voices.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: dparrott on January 22, 2016, 04:00:02 PM
Quote from: kingshmegland on January 22, 2016, 03:57:14 PM
I also like 6:00 better than Voices.

Me too.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: lightbug on January 22, 2016, 04:05:51 PM
Quote from: chwik on January 22, 2016, 03:41:48 PM
Quote from: lightbug on January 22, 2016, 03:06:51 PM
2 things:

1 - Bosk: (in MOB) what would be that riff you mentioned?
2 - Almost any piano sound that I have sounds much better that the piano recorded in The Astonishing. Besides that, the song is amazing!
Point 2. That's a pretty bold claim - prove it! ;-)

haha I'm just saying that the piano sound could be better, maybe is the final mix or something like that, for me sounds very patched, the end of illumination theory sounds better IMHO, what do you think?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: countoftuscany42 on January 22, 2016, 04:08:32 PM
DT just posted on Facebook about a collaborative spotify playlist, checking it out now  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thosava on January 22, 2016, 04:21:10 PM
Does the album release fill your thoughts all the time too? Not a single hour goes by without me thinking about the album. The wait is getting pretty hard by now. In one week i'll have listened to the album about 2-3 times, but right now it feels like it's a year away
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 22, 2016, 04:23:19 PM
I've resisted fairly easily so far, but now that it's a week away I'm starting to really want to listen to it. I'm not obsessing over it, but as with every kind of waiting, the more it's about to end the more it's hard... but also sweeter in a sense, hehe!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Sir Walrus Cauliflower on January 22, 2016, 04:38:53 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 22, 2016, 04:21:10 PM
Does the album release fill your thoughts all the time too? Not a single hour goes by without me thinking about the album. The wait is getting pretty hard by now. In one week i'll have listened to the album about 2-3 times, but right now it feels like it's a year away

That's all?  :rollin

Seriously though, it's very hard to wait. I have been keeping myself busy with some bands I discovered around Christmas and some of the dt stuff I've listened to less though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Crow on January 22, 2016, 04:49:55 PM
i'm not even going to be done with my christmas haul by the time the astonishing comes out so i'm perfectly fine with the wai  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: dparrott on January 22, 2016, 05:36:47 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 22, 2016, 04:21:10 PM
Does the album release fill your thoughts all the time too? Not a single hour goes by without me thinking about the album. The wait is getting pretty hard by now. In one week i'll have listened to the album about 2-3 times, but right now it feels like it's a year away

For me, waiting for this feels the same as waiting for baseball season to start.  The closer it is, the longer it feels.  6 more days?  Ugh!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pringkaarwanda on January 22, 2016, 05:52:47 PM
Quote from: rab7 on January 22, 2016, 08:12:33 AM
Quote from: wolven74 on January 22, 2016, 06:51:40 AM
I love the odd time signature after the first chorus. It's almost dissonant, which is so different it's killer.

The cool thing is, that's actually 4/4 the whole way through, but in "Never leave a man behind", they subdivide it differently. Not sure what the musical term for it is, but the entire verse is in 4/4.
It's Metric Modulation, CMIIW  ;D
Since Mangini era, you can hear a lot of  this metric modulation. And yes, it just like the tempo of the song suddenly change
In Outro Moment of Betrayal (outro that used in trailer) you can hear this metric modulation again. It's still 4/4 with Original tempo but we feel like the tempo is suddenly change  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 22, 2016, 05:56:35 PM
Quote from: pringkaarwanda on January 22, 2016, 05:52:47 PM
It's Metric Modulation, CMIIW  ;D
Since Mangini era, you can hear a lot of  this metric modulation. And yes, it just like the tempo of the song suddenly change
In Outro Moment of Betrayal (outro that used in trailer) you can hear this metric modulation again. It's still 4/4 with Original tempo but we feel like the tempo is suddenly change  :D

It works brilliantly within the song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: jayvee3 on January 22, 2016, 06:02:38 PM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 22, 2016, 01:04:26 AM
Am I only one who heard some sort of reference to The Gift of Music in the guitar solo of Moment of Betrayal? That chord transition around 4:19 really sounds like the one around 2:31 of TGOM.

Maybe I am just reading too much into it.  :lol

Actually, I thought this myself when listening just yesterday.

The other one I was racking my brain over, was that the outtro sounded like I had heard something similar before. It dawned on me its very similar to the last couple of seconds of the outtro of the live version of 'Finally Free' from BTFW. Might be pure coincidence, might've been inspired by, might've been a taste of things to come. Either way, while I liked MoB on the first couple of listens, its a grower, and now I think it's fucking amazing  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 22, 2016, 06:11:11 PM
Quote from: jayvee3 on January 22, 2016, 06:02:38 PM
Either way, while I liked MoB on the first couple of listens, its a grower, and now I think it's fucking amazing  :tup

Yeah, definitely. It's completely revived my love for DT tbh. Their best song since Breaking All Illusions. Can't wait to get my hands on the album.  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 22, 2016, 06:13:39 PM
Who gets a "Final Fantasy" feel at 3:20 of MoB?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 22, 2016, 07:20:55 PM
Quote from: pringkaarwanda on January 22, 2016, 05:52:47 PM
Quote from: rab7 on January 22, 2016, 08:12:33 AM
Quote from: wolven74 on January 22, 2016, 06:51:40 AM
I love the odd time signature after the first chorus. It's almost dissonant, which is so different it's killer.

The cool thing is, that's actually 4/4 the whole way through, but in "Never leave a man behind", they subdivide it differently. Not sure what the musical term for it is, but the entire verse is in 4/4.
It's Metric Modulation, CMIIW  ;D
Since Mangini era, you can hear a lot of  this metric modulation. And yes, it just like the tempo of the song suddenly change
In Outro Moment of Betrayal (outro that used in trailer) you can hear this metric modulation again. It's still 4/4 with Original tempo but we feel like the tempo is suddenly change  :D

You can hear this also in Illumination Theory, Surrender to Reason and Behind the Veil. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 22, 2016, 08:01:38 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 22, 2016, 06:13:39 PM
Who gets a "Final Fantasy" feel at 3:20 of MoB?

I didn't, and I'm a Final Fantasy fanatic. I heard it immediately in Bridges in the Sky, for instance.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: JRuless on January 23, 2016, 03:44:19 AM
Great song. For me it beats almost everything back to 8V . I love the rythm and groove of the verses..fairly enough Mangini isn't the big groover as Mike was, but he's a brutal nailer. Can't wait to hear this live in the beautiful Carre in Amsterdam in less than a month!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 23, 2016, 04:17:05 AM
Mangini CAN groove, for example the "what is right and what is wrong " section in On The Backs Of Angels.

Am I the only one who always thinks "Transatlantic" when "TA" is written by somebody?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Estiui on January 23, 2016, 05:25:21 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 23, 2016, 04:17:05 AM
Am I the only one who always thinks "Transatlantic" when "TA" is written by somebody?

You're not alone  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TheOutlawXanadu on January 23, 2016, 06:45:08 AM
I loved TGOM, but am not digging MOB for some reason. Oh, well. I'm still expecting nothing less than an awesome album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Zydar on January 23, 2016, 06:48:00 AM
Can't get the chorus of Moment Of Betrayal out of my head.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 23, 2016, 07:14:05 AM
Quote from: Zydar on January 23, 2016, 06:48:00 AM
Can't get the chorus of Moment Of Betrayal out of my head.

+1
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MegaDTSX on January 23, 2016, 07:49:44 AM
I'm losing time while waiting on this album so anxiously...I need to surrender to reason and just put it out of my mind for awhile. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 23, 2016, 09:04:22 AM
Quote from: Estiui on January 23, 2016, 05:25:21 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 23, 2016, 04:17:05 AM
Am I the only one who always thinks "Transatlantic" when "TA" is written by somebody?

You're not alone  :lol

I wish people would write out the whole title. If you're on phone it's a pain I know but on desktop with a full keyboard it takes like 2 seconds.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 23, 2016, 09:15:36 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 23, 2016, 09:04:22 AM
I wish people would write out the whole title. If you're on phone it's a pain I know but on desktop with a full keyboard it takes like 2 seconds.

I knew I was not the only one in thinking this!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 23, 2016, 09:54:22 AM
Quote from: MegaDTSX on January 23, 2016, 07:49:44 AM
I'm losing time while waiting on this album so anxiously...I need to surrender to reason and just put it out of my mind for awhile.

We must not be loosing faythe that this album will be astonishing! As I am seeing this, it's only a matter of time until we will be finally free, although those six days will feel like a dance of eternity to me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 23, 2016, 10:00:18 AM
when dream and day unite awake images and words falling into infinity metropolis part 2 scenes from a memory six degrees of inner turbulence train of thought octavarium systematic chaos black clouds & silver linings a dramatic turn of events dream theater the astonishing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 23, 2016, 10:02:10 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 23, 2016, 10:00:18 AM
when dream and day unite awake images and words falling into infinity metropolis part 2 scenes from a memory six degrees of inner turbulence train of thought octavarium systematic chaos black clouds & silver linings a dramatic turn of events dream theater the astonishing

I'm not sure if I get what you are trying to say  :\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 23, 2016, 10:04:00 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 23, 2016, 10:00:18 AM
when dream and day unite awake images and words falling into infinity metropolis part 2 scenes from a memory six degrees of inner turbulence train of thought octavarium systematic chaos black clouds & silver linings raw dog a dramatic turn of events dream theater the astonishing

Fixed.

Careful with your releases.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 23, 2016, 10:17:03 AM
 :xbones
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Crow on January 23, 2016, 10:38:51 AM
i'm more bothered that he has Awake and I&W switched
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 23, 2016, 10:42:38 AM
Quote from: Parama on January 23, 2016, 10:38:51 AM
i'm more bothered that he has Awake and I&W switched
It's an alternate timeline, in which Kevin Moore fell in love with the magazine girl, wrote Space-Dye Vest for her and the magazine girl fell in love with Kevin (given they released Awake first in this timeline). They became a happy couple and Kevin wrote beautiful songs like Surrounded and Wait for Sleep all inspired in their love.

Suddenly, Kevin realised the girl had AIDS and John Myung wrote Learning to Live to help his good friend overcome the bad news. It was a lot for Kevin to handle, so he left the band.

Word.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 23, 2016, 10:42:52 AM
Quote from: Parama on January 23, 2016, 10:38:51 AM
i'm more bothered that he has Awake and I&W switched

That.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 23, 2016, 10:50:15 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 23, 2016, 10:42:38 AM
Quote from: Parama on January 23, 2016, 10:38:51 AM
i'm more bothered that he has Awake and I&W switched
It's an alternate timeline, in which Kevin Moore fell in love with the magazine girl, wrote Space-Dye Vest for her and the magazine girl fell in love with Kevin (given they released Awake first in this timeline). They became a happy couple and Kevin wrote beautiful songs like Surrounded and Wait for Sleep all inspired in their love.

Suddenly, Kevin realised the girl had AIDS and John Myung wrote Learning to Live to help his good friend overcome the bad news. It was a lot for Kevin to handle, so he left the band.

Word.

Sounds legit.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 23, 2016, 12:05:42 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 22, 2016, 06:13:39 PM
Who gets a "Final Fantasy" feel at 3:20 of MoB?

I actually did hahaha
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 23, 2016, 12:13:03 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 23, 2016, 10:42:38 AM
Quote from: Parama on January 23, 2016, 10:38:51 AM
i'm more bothered that he has Awake and I&W switched
It's an alternate timeline, in which Kevin Moore fell in love with the magazine girl, wrote Space-Dye Vest for her and the magazine girl fell in love with Kevin (given they released Awake first in this timeline). They became a happy couple and Kevin wrote beautiful songs like Surrounded and Wait for Sleep all inspired in their love.

Suddenly, Kevin realised the girl had AIDS and John Myung wrote Learning to Live to help his good friend overcome the bad news. It was a lot for Kevin to handle, so he left the band.

Word.

You forgot A Change Of Seasons, which should be included, if Raw Dog is. What up?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 23, 2016, 12:15:33 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 23, 2016, 12:05:42 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 22, 2016, 06:13:39 PM
Who gets a "Final Fantasy" feel at 3:20 of MoB?

I actually did hahaha
Definitely.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Saxman on January 23, 2016, 01:24:25 PM
Quote from: shadow1psc on January 22, 2016, 08:01:38 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 22, 2016, 06:13:39 PM
Who gets a "Final Fantasy" feel at 3:20 of MoB?

I didn't, and I'm a Final Fantasy fanatic. I heard it immediately in Bridges in the Sky, for instance.

I'm with this guy. FF is one of my top 3 series, and I only thought about it once I read this.  Although, I suppose it could pass off as a Boss Battle Theme.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 23, 2016, 01:46:59 PM
I did get FF vibes from it too. Though I never really played any modern FF nor do I play the classic games nowadays (I do have some soundtracks that I still listen to), so I felt a 90's FF vibe.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 23, 2016, 01:54:12 PM
I did get FF vibes from it, and agree with Erhao, it's very 90's and something you'd find in FFIX
I also get this same feeling from the Keyboard Octavarium solo, idk why.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Panar on January 23, 2016, 02:51:16 PM
I really hope the digital downloads through RR to become available 3 days earlier like it happened with DT12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 23, 2016, 03:30:22 PM
Quote from: Panar on January 23, 2016, 02:51:16 PM
I really hope the digital downloads through RR to become available 3 days earlier like it happened with DT12.
It would be nice, but don't count on it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 23, 2016, 04:52:24 PM
Quote from: CoT67 on January 23, 2016, 10:50:15 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 23, 2016, 10:42:38 AM
Quote from: Parama on January 23, 2016, 10:38:51 AM
i'm more bothered that he has Awake and I&W switched
It's an alternate timeline, in which Kevin Moore fell in love with the magazine girl, wrote Space-Dye Vest for her and the magazine girl fell in love with Kevin (given they released Awake first in this timeline). They became a happy couple and Kevin wrote beautiful songs like Surrounded and Wait for Sleep all inspired in their love.

Suddenly, Kevin realised the girl had AIDS and John Myung wrote Learning to Live to help his good friend overcome the bad news. It was a lot for Kevin to handle, so he left the band.

Word.

Sounds legit.

Also, it makes sense given Awake is a concept album about Spider-Man. The label didn't want another super hero based album, so they made the band write some 'mature' songs instead.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 23, 2016, 05:33:08 PM
Quote from: Panar on January 23, 2016, 02:51:16 PM
I really hope the digital downloads through RR to become available 3 days earlier like it happened with DT12.

Wow, that would be ...  :rollin :hefdaddy :eek :metal
That would be for those who pre-ordered?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 23, 2016, 09:00:17 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 22, 2016, 06:13:39 PM
Who gets a "Final Fantasy" feel at 3:20 of MoB?

I've actually been getting the Final Fantasy vibe since when they first announced the concept for this album :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 23, 2016, 09:01:34 PM
The most 'Final Fantasy' DT has ever sounded is during Bridges in the Sky. There's one part that's literally reprising a theme from Final Fantasy VIII.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on January 23, 2016, 09:09:01 PM
Less.  Than.  One.  Week.

 :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Outcrier on January 23, 2016, 09:19:32 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 23, 2016, 09:01:34 PM
The most 'Final Fantasy' DT has ever sounded is during Bridges in the Sky. There's one part that's literally reprising a theme from Final Fantasy VIII.  :lol

The Landing, to be exact.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 23, 2016, 09:19:59 PM
That's the one. Couldn't remember the name.

You can't get more FF than that lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: FusedInMetal on January 23, 2016, 10:54:48 PM
I'll just leave this here.

And now for something completely different...  the band and I discussed it, we will be focusing on brand new material and putting The Earthchime Trilogy on hold indefinitely.

We start writing next week. All the great material we've worked on is going on the back burner.  Haven't spoken to our singer yet but I'm sure Hignite will be more than up to task to join us on some co-writing. No one wants to make concept albums with the same prophetic thrust.

Best,

Dietrick, Brian & Craig
---------------------

Mindcage Press Release from Blabbermouth, 2013

Coming this fall with the September 17 release date is "Our Own Devices" from Florida-based progressive metallers MINDCAGE.

Mixed and mastered by rock legend Michael Wagener (METALLICA, OZZY OSBOURNE, SKID ROW, DOKKEN, RAVEN, MEGADETH), "Our Own Devices" is a fantasy storybook set to music. Combining cultural and literary elements of steampunk, dystopian society and futuristic technologies with highly articulate progressive metal music, the album transports the listener to a world broken and needing a hero. That oppressive world is devoid of arts, creativity, light, and ultimately, humanity. But from it springs an enigmatic character, Arabella Vash, who is called to The One Constant, a group of rebels who maintain the history and teachings of the last free society.

--------------------------

Dream Theater Press Release from Blabbermouth, 2016:


"The Astonishing" paints a tale of a retro-futurist post-apocalyptic dystopia ruled by medieval style feudalism. It's a place aching for a Chosen One to rise above the noise and defeat an Empire defined by the endless drone of noise machines and the illusion of safety in bland conformity.

The band comments on "The Astonishing" artwork: "This album cover extends an ominous invitation into the retro-futurist dystopian setting of 'The Astonishing'. The deceptively beautiful yet chillingly totalitarian image is a bold harbinger of the visual components and ideas presented by the sonic story that is our most ambitious creative work to date. We are very proud to soon bring you… 'The Astonishing'."

-----------------------
Similarities include character names, story arc, drones, a chosen one freeing a totalitarian dystopia from oppression and restoring the free society, arts and music that was systematically being bred out by an oppressive empire.

The story arc and character names are just too close to OOD, and though the next two will completely turn the story inside out... it's not time to tell those tales. We will just have the boys wrote some kick ass no-frills metal... how about that?

AetherWax Music

------------------------

Read more at https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-new-song-moment-of-betrayal-available-for-streaming/#JYa2A4KPDOBHbppS.99
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 24, 2016, 12:41:22 AM
Yes, because the chosen one set to fix a dystopian future is absolutely an original and unique idea.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 24, 2016, 12:48:52 AM
And so is an oppressive world devoid of arts, creativity, light, and ultimately, humanity.  :lol

But Arabelle.......hmm maybe a coincidence that the name in both case had the same inspiration.

Which other famous real/fictional character is named Arabelle apart from Harry Potter's neighbour?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 24, 2016, 12:58:40 AM
There's one similar character name for a character that's not even comparable.

I just had a quick look through the lyrics for this other album, and it appears to be mostly vague lyrics about oppression and breaking free and cogs? Knowing the full story/lyrics for The Astonishing, there's very little comparison. The Astonishing is a two hour story about many characters with lots of things going on, none of which is similar past the surface level summary. It's silly to compare them without even knowing how these elements fit into the narrative of The Astonishing.

I could name dozens of stories about chosen ones / dystopian futures / restoring the arts / drones, etc in science fiction/fantasy. These aren't original ideas, but they're being used to tell different stories.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 24, 2016, 01:56:37 AM
I finally heard the Eddie Trunk interview.
Correct me of I'm wrong but I understood from this interview that JP and JR wrote most of the music to this album on their own and NOT in studio jamming sessions with MM and JMX as usual, if so then this just doubled my excitement for this album! Not specifically for the exclusion of MM & JM but for the fact that the album is not the product of filtering through jam sessions which I never thought was a good creative process, I believe it's best when you go into the studio having a good 90% of what's going to be on the record.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 24, 2016, 02:03:33 AM
Quote from: FusedInMetal on January 23, 2016, 10:54:48 PM
I'll just leave this here.

And now for something completely different...  the band and I discussed it, we will be focusing on brand new material and putting The Earthchime Trilogy on hold indefinitely.

We start writing next week. All the great material we've worked on is going on the back burner.  Haven't spoken to our singer yet but I'm sure Hignite will be more than up to task to join us on some co-writing. No one wants to make concept albums with the same prophetic thrust.

Best,

Dietrick, Brian & Craig
---------------------

Mindcage Press Release from Blabbermouth, 2013

Coming this fall with the September 17 release date is "Our Own Devices" from Florida-based progressive metallers MINDCAGE.

Mixed and mastered by rock legend Michael Wagener (METALLICA, OZZY OSBOURNE, SKID ROW, DOKKEN, RAVEN, MEGADETH), "Our Own Devices" is a fantasy storybook set to music. Combining cultural and literary elements of steampunk, dystopian society and futuristic technologies with highly articulate progressive metal music, the album transports the listener to a world broken and needing a hero. That oppressive world is devoid of arts, creativity, light, and ultimately, humanity. But from it springs an enigmatic character, Arabella Vash, who is called to The One Constant, a group of rebels who maintain the history and teachings of the last free society.

--------------------------

Dream Theater Press Release from Blabbermouth, 2016:


"The Astonishing" paints a tale of a retro-futurist post-apocalyptic dystopia ruled by medieval style feudalism. It's a place aching for a Chosen One to rise above the noise and defeat an Empire defined by the endless drone of noise machines and the illusion of safety in bland conformity.

The band comments on "The Astonishing" artwork: "This album cover extends an ominous invitation into the retro-futurist dystopian setting of 'The Astonishing'. The deceptively beautiful yet chillingly totalitarian image is a bold harbinger of the visual components and ideas presented by the sonic story that is our most ambitious creative work to date. We are very proud to soon bring you… 'The Astonishing'."

-----------------------
Similarities include character names, story arc, drones, a chosen one freeing a totalitarian dystopia from oppression and restoring the free society, arts and music that was systematically being bred out by an oppressive empire.

The story arc and character names are just too close to OOD, and though the next two will completely turn the story inside out... it's not time to tell those tales. We will just have the boys wrote some kick ass no-frills metal... how about that?

AetherWax Music

------------------------

Read more at https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-new-song-moment-of-betrayal-available-for-streaming/#JYa2A4KPDOBHbppS.99

There is a reason why people in this thread frequently say the concept is cookie cutter scifi cheese. That is because it is. In the end it is the execution that matters. If all artists were cancelling their plans because something with a similar premise is coming, we would rarely get any material at all. Be it musically or lyrically.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DragonGuitar on January 24, 2016, 02:19:00 AM
^^ +1.

I don't care that much about the story; I never expected it to be particularly original, and I don't think music is the best medium for storytelling anyway. If the guys had an insanely cool original story I would rather see a movie or read a book about it anyway rather than vaguely try to sort it out by listening to the lyrics of an album. I listen to music for the music, which is emotionally expressive (I believe people enjoy music because it is emotional, whatever that emotion is). And if a story helps to make the vocals more expressive, then that's great, plus its a prog tradition :). But yeah, JLB's lyrics in the gift of music on the part where he says "people just don't have the time for music anymore" were great IMO, really got me.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 24, 2016, 02:47:18 AM
Suggesting that DT is copying Mindcage rather than copying Rush's 2112 is quite funny.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 24, 2016, 03:21:11 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 24, 2016, 02:47:18 AM
Suggesting that DT is copying Mindcage rather than copying Rush's 2112 is quite funny.

That, and frankly, FusedInMetal, welcome to 2015. We've known for a long time the concet behind the Astonishing is : 1-hackneyed 2-cheesy as fuck. That doesn't make it less interesting. Btw, dystopias have existed for a long time in literature, it's not an invention of the musical world.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Panar on January 24, 2016, 03:41:53 AM
Another DT related conspiracy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 24, 2016, 03:42:17 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 24, 2016, 03:21:11 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 24, 2016, 02:47:18 AM
Suggesting that DT is copying Mindcage rather than copying Rush's 2112 is quite funny.

That, and frankly, FusedInMetal, welcome to 2015. We've known for a long time the concet behind the Astonishing is : 1-hackneyed 2-cheesy as fuck. That doesn't make it less interesting. Btw, dystopias have existed for a long time in literature, it's not an invention of the musical world.

B.Lee

It's not new to cinema either. Incidentally, the story shares commonalities with the 1927 film Metropolis (no connection with the DT song/album of the same name).

That doesn't mean these things are alike. In fact, it shows that the same basic ideas can be used to tell different stories without any issue.


Quote from: Panar on January 24, 2016, 03:41:53 AM
Another DT related conspiracy

It just wouldn't be a DT album without an empty accusation of inspiration. :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 24, 2016, 04:04:27 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 24, 2016, 03:42:17 AM
That doesn't mean these things are alike. In fact, it shows that the same basic ideas can be used to tell different stories without any issue.
Bingo.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: KevShmev on January 24, 2016, 07:38:29 AM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 24, 2016, 01:56:37 AM

Correct me of I'm wrong but I understood from this interview that JP and JR wrote most of the music to this album on their own and NOT in studio jamming sessions with MM and JMX as usual, if so then this just doubled my excitement for this album! Not specifically for the exclusion of MM & JM but for the fact that the album is not the product of filtering through jam sessions which I never thought was a good creative process, I believe it's best when you go into the studio having a good 90% of what's going to be on the record.

I believe it's best to just let the creativity flow whenever it hits you.  Creativity cannot be put on a schedule; it just happens naturally.  If one member has something hit him one night when he is at home, I believe it's best for the band if he can bring it into the studio and say, "Check this out," and boom, a song happens because of it.  Many of the best rock songs ever happen that way, and it seems like Dream Theater got stuck in that "everything has to be written in the studio together" rut for too many years.  On the flip side, I know it can be argued that some of their best material came about that way, and that is fine; it just proves my point that there is no one "only" correct way when it comes to writing a song.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: AngelBack on January 24, 2016, 08:28:56 AM
I'm done with these copycats.  I just found out they used the same 13 notes on TA   that some other bands have used.  Gonna go listen to Dragonforce......
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 24, 2016, 08:33:39 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 24, 2016, 03:21:11 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 24, 2016, 02:47:18 AM
Suggesting that DT is copying Mindcage rather than copying Rush's 2112 is quite funny.

That, and frankly, FusedInMetal, welcome to 2015. We've known for a long time the concet behind the Astonishing is : 1-hackneyed 2-cheesy as fuck. That doesn't make it less interesting. Btw, dystopias have existed for a long time in literature, it's not an invention of the musical world.

B.Lee

That may be true, but I still think it's lamentable that the back story already seems to suffer from so many issues before we have even seen it. DT has been accused of WWRD so many times over their career, you'd think they would stay from it for this ambitious project. I was talking to two friends of mine yesterday at the Queensryche concert, and I laid out the TA story to them. They both burst out laughing, and I was asked "it doesn't take place in the 22nd century by any chance, does it?" to which I had to reply "yeah, it does".
I mean, those two guys used to be DT fans (up until 6DOIT), and I'm sure I could have piqued their interest with a solid, original story to the album. As it is, now it's in their head as a 2112 knockoff. Why would DT knowingly run into this?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rab7 on January 24, 2016, 08:40:27 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 24, 2016, 08:33:39 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 24, 2016, 03:21:11 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 24, 2016, 02:47:18 AM
Suggesting that DT is copying Mindcage rather than copying Rush's 2112 is quite funny.

That, and frankly, FusedInMetal, welcome to 2015. We've known for a long time the concet behind the Astonishing is : 1-hackneyed 2-cheesy as fuck. That doesn't make it less interesting. Btw, dystopias have existed for a long time in literature, it's not an invention of the musical world.

B.Lee

That may be true, but I still think it's lamentable that the back story already seems to suffer from so many issues before we have even seen it. DT has been accused of WWRD so many times over their career, you'd think they would stay from it for this ambitious project. I was talking to two friends of mine yesterday at the Queensryche concert, and I laid out the TA story to them. They both burst out laughing, and I was asked "it doesn't take place in the 22nd century by any chance, does it?" to which I had to reply "yeah, it does".

But 2285 is in the 23rd century...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 24, 2016, 08:43:24 AM
Oh crap, I thought it was 2185. Either way, it doesn't make too much of a difference with my overall point. Is there anyone here who didn't immediately say "oh, 2112" when they heard the back story?
I mean, same thing with the map. They're trying to create a self-contained universe in which their story plays, but then they make the map a knockoff of the Greater New England area (G.N.E.A.), by just badly modifying the names. It's just, it almost strikes me as intentional sabotage. This stuff will dominate the reviews and many peoples' perception of the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thosava on January 24, 2016, 08:53:02 AM
I thought of it too, but if the concept is original enough in it's characters and other plot points i think it'll be cool. The setting is kind of familiar, but the plot doesn't have to be. I'm just hoping Gabriel didn't find his guitar in a cave  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 24, 2016, 08:53:19 AM
Honestly, I have no problem with the rehashed story. It is a bit silly, but the music is my first focus, then the story. I'm curious to see what DT does with the dystopian future setting, because it seems much more fleshed out than 2112 and the like.

Now I have a question for anyone that's heard some or all of the album. If it's mostly ballads, are any of them on the level The Spirit Carries On is? That's one of my all time favorite DT songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with trailer!)
Post by: jvelvet3 on January 24, 2016, 08:56:07 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 21, 2016, 05:23:47 PM
Quote from: Enigmachine on January 21, 2016, 05:20:00 PM
Speaking of which, what were the 9 songs included in the promo of the album (if that can be answered)?

With all that has been revealed by this point, I don't see why not.  I mean, we have reviews that discuss the tracks.  So I will include a bit of detail.
1.  Descent of the NOMACS -- NOMAC noise as an intro to the album.  It makes sense.  Not a big, bombastic opening.  Just sound effects to set the stage.
2.  Dystopian Overture -- This is the true "opening" of the album.  What can I say?  It is an overture.  DT have written some nice overtures, and this may just be their best.  Lots of interesting new sounds I am not used to hearing from DT.  The choir really adds a lot to the atmosphere.
3.  The Gift of Music -- You all have heard it.
4.  Lord Nafaryus -- Oh, just...YES!  Nice military march-y type theme going throughout.  Very appropriate to the subject matter.  There is a palpable Queen influence here, especially in the vocal department.  It is big.  It is grand sounding.  It is just a lot of fun.
5.  A Savior in the Square - When Your Time Has Come -- LOTS of really cool parts in this one.  This is one of those songs that has cool themes show up, and then moves on to something else.  It does that frequently, but seamlessly.  Really nice track from start to finish.  And, for this album, a long track.  The opening, to me, has a Count of Tuscany vibe.
6.  Chosen -- Soaring ballad with great vocals and piano work.  For the most part, I prefer DT's heavier songs to their "ballady" type songs.  But they have written some incredibly strong ones in the Mangini era, and this is another one.
7.  Moment of Betrayal -- You all have heard this one, too.  I really like it.  Piano, dat riff!, ...soaring vocals from James.  Yeah, it just works.
8.  The Path That Divides -- Major plot point seems to happen here.  I can tell that even without having the whole story.  The music is dark and moody.  Nice track.
9.  Our New World -- Major ear worm.  Many will have the chorus stuck in their heads the week after release, I guarantee it.

Every time I watch the trailer, I get the "Our new world!" part stuck in my head. Looking forward to hearing the whole song.

Me
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 24, 2016, 09:06:13 AM
It seems that the plot is still being criticised before the album actually comes out.

Quote from: rumborak on January 24, 2016, 08:43:24 AM
Oh crap, I thought it was 2185. Either way, it doesn't make too much of a difference with my overall point. Is there anyone here who didn't immediately say "oh, 2112" when they heard the back story?
I mean, same thing with the map. They're trying to create a self-contained universe in which their story plays, but then they make the map a knockoff of the Greater New York area, by just borrowing the names. It's just, it almost strikes me as intentional sabotage. This stuff will dominate the reviews and many peoples' perception of the album.

I did notice the similarities with 2112, but the comparison is a bit overstated. I'm not sure there's any sabotage going on here either. Is there anything wrong with taking direct inspiration from real life places and altering them in a fun way? If people allow this to affect their opinion on the album, so be it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 24, 2016, 09:17:55 AM
Eh, it's always been stated that the story takes place on our earth, in our future. the reason for the map being northern america "ripoff" is because it's exactly what it it is, it is northern america. JP even stated himself that one of the things that interested him was how the world just changes over time, how names evolve over time. I don't see why this is bad??

Also, this story is NOTHING like 2112. If anything, it's a standard "hero's journey" story, it's main theme is actually family and love. The whole "dystopian future" and "chosen one" stuff is just set dressing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rab7 on January 24, 2016, 09:19:28 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 24, 2016, 08:43:24 AM
Oh crap, I thought it was 2185. Either way, it doesn't make too much of a difference with my overall point. Is there anyone here who didn't immediately say "oh, 2112" when they heard the back story?
I mean, same thing with the map. They're trying to create a self-contained universe in which their story plays, but then they make the map a knockoff of the Greater New England area (G.N.E.A.), by just badly modifying the names. It's just, it almost strikes me as intentional sabotage. This stuff will dominate the reviews and many peoples' perception of the album.

Petrucci said in am interview he set it 300 years in the future so the geography of America could plausibly have some changes. GNEA seems like a knockoff because it actually is the northeast united states
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 24, 2016, 09:21:14 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 24, 2016, 08:43:24 AM
Oh crap, I thought it was 2185. Either way, it doesn't make too much of a difference with my overall point. Is there anyone here who didn't immediately say "oh, 2112" when they heard the back story?
I mean, same thing with the map. They're trying to create a self-contained universe in which their story plays, but then they make the map a knockoff of the Greater New England area (G.N.E.A.), by just badly modifying the names. It's just, it almost strikes me as intentional sabotage. This stuff will dominate the reviews and many peoples' perception of the album.

I don't get why those are bad things, and why would the locations of the story will play a big role in people's perception of the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Thematt202 on January 24, 2016, 09:47:27 AM
Quote from: Wubbagubba on January 24, 2016, 08:53:19 AM
Now I have a question for anyone that's heard some or all of the album. If it's mostly ballads, are any of them on the level The Spirit Carries On is? That's one of my all time favorite DT songs.

Every time I've asked something similar (well, whether there's any epic TSCO style guitar solos), I've been ignored... Doesn't bode well. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 24, 2016, 09:59:05 AM
I generally ignore any question that are of the style "are there any X's that are similar to Y's".

i mean, it's an impossible question to answer, as I don't know what qualities you're looking for. Are there any copies of the TSCO solo? Of course not. Are there any good guitar solos? OF COURSE!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 24, 2016, 10:02:18 AM
He probably means big ballads that start soft and have a crescendo. Usually diatonic Chords like G - Em - C - D etc etc...

Something like that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MegaDTSX on January 24, 2016, 10:18:42 AM
Can someone that has heard the full album at a listening party or whatever answer one very simple question for me, if possible?


The sound of Jordan's keys/the patch he uses during the dual JR/JP solo at the end of Gift of Music:  is that the sound the NOMACs make?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 24, 2016, 10:47:56 AM
No.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MegaDTSX on January 24, 2016, 10:48:47 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 24, 2016, 10:47:56 AM
No.

Thanks man!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 24, 2016, 11:29:40 AM
I'm excited about seeing it live.

I understand now what JP means. As I said in the encore song thread in the concert section, We are going to see The Astonishing live show not a Dream Theater show.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 24, 2016, 11:32:32 AM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on January 24, 2016, 11:29:40 AM
I'm excited about seeing it live.

I understand now what JP means. As I said in the encore song thread in the concert section, We are going to see The Astonishing live show not a Dream Theater show.

Yes it's going to be totally special... can't wait for the 1st and 2nd of March
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 24, 2016, 11:33:43 AM
Quote from: SwedishGoose on January 24, 2016, 11:32:32 AM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on January 24, 2016, 11:29:40 AM
I'm excited about seeing it live.

I understand now what JP means. As I said in the encore song thread in the concert section, We are going to see The Astonishing live show not a Dream Theater show.

Yes it's going to be especially special... can't wait for the 1st and 2nd of March

FTFY
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 24, 2016, 11:34:34 AM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on January 24, 2016, 11:29:40 AM
I'm excited about seeing it live.

I understand now what JP means. As I said in the encore song thread in the concert section, We are going to see The Astonishing live show not a Dream Theater show.

Roger Waters did the same with his The Wall show. The last song on the album was also the last song in the concert. But it "felt" like an encore, because The Trial is the climax of the album. So I think this could work very well, granted that Astonishing is NOT the climax. I had my doubts before the RW concert, but I was surprised afterwards how well it worked!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 24, 2016, 11:43:59 AM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 24, 2016, 11:34:34 AM
Quote from: Ben_Jamin on January 24, 2016, 11:29:40 AM
I'm excited about seeing it live.

I understand now what JP means. As I said in the encore song thread in the concert section, We are going to see The Astonishing live show not a Dream Theater show.

Roger Waters did the same with his The Wall show. The last song on the album was also the last song in the concert. But it "felt" like an encore, because The Trial is the climax of the album. So I think this could work very well, granted that Astonishing is NOT the climax. I had my doubts before the RW concert, but I was surprised afterwards how well it worked!

I think it'd work well. Of course, we'll all know this Friday. The best part is not many bands have done this, and we won't get the obligatory encore song. Which just feels like a short set nowadays. For me, a true encore should consist of a rare song hardly played or not played in a long time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 24, 2016, 11:52:43 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 24, 2016, 08:43:24 AM
Oh crap, I thought it was 2185. Either way, it doesn't make too much of a difference with my overall point. Is there anyone here who didn't immediately say "oh, 2112" when they heard the back story?
The setting/back story, yeah. But as others have pointed out, that's just a setting. On that basis, every single story set in the real world is unoriginal and unspired. The point is to take the setting and tell your own story with it. I'm not defending the story because I don't know it, I'm just saying that the setting being non-unique doesn't really matter.

Quote
I mean, same thing with the map. They're trying to create a self-contained universe in which their story plays, but then they make the map a knockoff of the Greater New England area (G.N.E.A.), by just badly modifying the names. It's just, it almost strikes me as intentional sabotage. This stuff will dominate the reviews and many peoples' perception of the album.
In this case, I think you've missed the point. It's not a copy of New England, it is New England in this dystopian future. That's kind of the idea.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 24, 2016, 12:12:59 PM
That's the idea I got out of JP's description. It's taking the actual names and seeing what they might be named 200 years from now. Hell, Russia isn't that old of a name re-branding.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 24, 2016, 02:01:50 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 24, 2016, 08:33:39 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 24, 2016, 03:21:11 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 24, 2016, 02:47:18 AM
Suggesting that DT is copying Mindcage rather than copying Rush's 2112 is quite funny.

That, and frankly, FusedInMetal, welcome to 2015. We've known for a long time the concet behind the Astonishing is : 1-hackneyed 2-cheesy as fuck. That doesn't make it less interesting. Btw, dystopias have existed for a long time in literature, it's not an invention of the musical world.

B.Lee

That may be true, but I still think it's lamentable that the back story already seems to suffer from so many issues before we have even seen it. DT has been accused of WWRD so many times over their career, you'd think they would stay from it for this ambitious project. I was talking to two friends of mine yesterday at the Queensryche concert, and I laid out the TA story to them. They both burst out laughing, and I was asked "it doesn't take place in the 22nd century by any chance, does it?" to which I had to reply "yeah, it does".
I mean, those two guys used to be DT fans (up until 6DOIT), and I'm sure I could have piqued their interest with a solid, original story to the album. As it is, now it's in their head as a 2112 knockoff. Why would DT knowingly run into this?

I think "accused" is a rather harsh term. I mean, I am fully aware that quite some DT songs are very close to the material they were inspired by. But if I like the source material and if I like the DT song in question, I do not see the problem at all. Especially not when it is a band that also introduced a lot of fresh elements to music troughout their career and are succesfull at capturing the essence of many different genres.

As for the story. I agree that a more original premise would've been welcome. It being a rock opera focused on melodies caught my attention moreso than the total Hunger Games/Game of Thrones/2112/etc. mashup it seems to be. But as I said before in this thread, it is the execution that counts. Just look at what kind of different films the rather ridiculous premise of Batman has spawn. Tim Burton's Batman and Nolan's Batman can be summarised with premises that look nearly identical. But I think everybody would agree the experiences are totally different and it can work with both campy and serious tones. Furthermore, I think a lot of films and novels, even the great classics, can sound cringeworthy when summarised with a few lines.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 24, 2016, 02:27:52 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 24, 2016, 08:33:39 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 24, 2016, 03:21:11 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 24, 2016, 02:47:18 AM
Suggesting that DT is copying Mindcage rather than copying Rush's 2112 is quite funny.

That, and frankly, FusedInMetal, welcome to 2015. We've known for a long time the concet behind the Astonishing is : 1-hackneyed 2-cheesy as fuck. That doesn't make it less interesting. Btw, dystopias have existed for a long time in literature, it's not an invention of the musical world.

B.Lee

That may be true, but I still think it's lamentable that the back story already seems to suffer from so many issues before we have even seen it. DT has been accused of WWRD so many times over their career, you'd think they would stay from it for this ambitious project. I was talking to two friends of mine yesterday at the Queensryche concert, and I laid out the TA story to them. They both burst out laughing, and I was asked "it doesn't take place in the 22nd century by any chance, does it?" to which I had to reply "yeah, it does".

As it is 2285 is 23rd century, not 22nd. But I get your point and it's not bothering me.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Hypnotoad on January 24, 2016, 03:07:30 PM
Another review.

https://progreport.com/dream-theater-the-astonishing-album-review/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bl5150 on January 24, 2016, 03:56:43 PM
Quote from: Hypnotoad on January 24, 2016, 03:07:30 PM
Another review.

https://progreport.com/dream-theater-the-astonishing-album-review/

Here's hoping I don't feel as they do ,or it'll be a struggle for me.

"There is excellent music; however, complete songs are largely absent here.  It is not an album where it is easy to pick out 3-4 songs you can listen to repeatedly at first. The case for the 34 songs is defended by a significant amount of transitions and filler material for the purposes of theatrical continuity; however, the songs have a tendency of becoming homogenous as the music progresses the story onward"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 24, 2016, 04:22:54 PM
2 hr 10 mins of DT is better than less DT for me any day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bl5150 on January 24, 2016, 04:33:37 PM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 24, 2016, 04:22:54 PM
2 hr 10 mins of DT is better than less DT for me any day.

I agree............what I said says more about my taste (and short attention span) than anything else.  I will be giving it every chance.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: mike099 on January 24, 2016, 05:35:03 PM
Darn!  I wanted to read the review, but my computer blocked due to a virus.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 24, 2016, 05:38:18 PM
Given that the story is about a society that has forgotten to make music, and that the main struggle is about bringing music back to the lives of people, I am quite amused that some people are trying to judge the concept using logical and "realistic" criteria. The concept is not ridiculous because it is meant to be symbolic and metaphorical, not realistic.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: gm5k on January 24, 2016, 07:33:10 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 22, 2016, 06:13:39 PM
Who gets a "Final Fantasy" feel at 3:20 of MoB?

Without a doubt.  Sounds like some old school boss music  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 24, 2016, 08:05:15 PM
Is it confirmed that The Astonishing will be streamed on release day?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 25, 2016, 12:42:08 AM
It will be streamed on all the streaming platforms rr has its roster on.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: jayvee3 on January 25, 2016, 01:36:03 AM
*Double post

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: jayvee3 on January 25, 2016, 01:41:25 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 24, 2016, 08:33:39 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 24, 2016, 03:21:11 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 24, 2016, 02:47:18 AM
Suggesting that DT is copying Mindcage rather than copying Rush's 2112 is quite funny.

That, and frankly, FusedInMetal, welcome to 2015. We've known for a long time the concet behind the Astonishing is : 1-hackneyed 2-cheesy as fuck. That doesn't make it less interesting. Btw, dystopias have existed for a long time in literature, it's not an invention of the musical world.

B.Lee

That may be true, but I still think it's lamentable that the back story already seems to suffer from so many issues before we have even seen it. DT has been accused of WWRD so many times over their career, you'd think they would stay from it for this ambitious project. I was talking to two friends of mine yesterday at the Queensryche concert, and I laid out the TA story to them. They both burst out laughing, and I was asked "it doesn't take place in the 22nd century by any chance, does it?" to which I had to reply "yeah, it does".
I mean, those two guys used to be DT fans (up until 6DOIT), and I'm sure I could have piqued their interest with a solid, original story to the album. As it is, now it's in their head as a 2112 knockoff. Why would DT knowingly run into this?

Probably because it's not up to DT to worry about a couple of your friends who aren't real big DT fans. I just don't see how that is even relevant. Many DT fans here are pretty pumped and have really enjoyed the lead up and idea behind the album, but most are just super keen to listen to the music all in context, rather than get too fixated on the story which simply just sets a scene. If your friends haven't been DT fans since 6 degrees, they have missed a lot of great music and their tastes have probably moved elsewhere, regardless of what DT release.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 25, 2016, 03:20:13 AM
Happy Release Week, fellow DTF-ers! :2metal:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 25, 2016, 03:30:22 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 25, 2016, 03:20:13 AM
Happy Release Week, fellow DTF-ers! :2metal:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: V_R11 on January 25, 2016, 03:31:14 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 25, 2016, 03:20:13 AM
Happy Release Week, fellow DTF-ers! :2metal:

SO EXCITED :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Moor on January 25, 2016, 03:37:21 AM
Quote from: V_R11 on January 25, 2016, 03:31:14 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 25, 2016, 03:20:13 AM
Happy Release Week, fellow DTF-ers! :2metal:

SO EXCITED :metal

 :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Zydar on January 25, 2016, 03:41:05 AM
And I just can't hide it.

 :footloose:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 25, 2016, 04:04:13 AM
Just a few days now...  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 25, 2016, 04:18:43 AM
Finally! RELEASE WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!  :biggrin: :metal :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Wubbagubba on January 25, 2016, 05:26:05 AM
Well, we've made it this far. These next four days are going to be the longest, though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 25, 2016, 05:37:02 AM
Well I have almost all week off.

Friday will actually be the worst since if I'm up extra early for work - I can't stay up too late listening to it on Spotify since i'll have to go to bed soon after midnight-ish.

But if the CD arrives on Friday it'll be something to look forward to after work.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: AboutToCrash on January 25, 2016, 06:24:28 AM
I'm definitely going to treat this as 2 albums, especially given one disc is 80 minutes long. I'll listen to the first one then take a bit of a break. 130 minutes of any band is hard to take in let alone DT... Could take a month or 2 to fully understand it
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thosava on January 25, 2016, 06:51:25 AM
The wait is very hard! At least i'll have some studying to do, so that will take my thoughts away from the album for a while. Or is it the other way around?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: vazquez on January 25, 2016, 07:10:28 AM
Another review:

https://themusic.com.au/music/albumreviews/2016/01/25/dream-theater-the-astonishing-brendan-crabb/

3.5 out of 5, quite coherent, in fact, although it´s very short.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: As I Am on January 25, 2016, 08:19:17 AM
Quote from: Hypnotoad on January 24, 2016, 03:07:30 PM
Another review.

https://progreport.com/dream-theater-the-astonishing-album-review/

Very thoughtful review. I think the suggested setlist is interesting.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 25, 2016, 08:43:27 AM
Just flew back in from Chicago last night and ran into none other than John and Rena Petrucci at the New York airport bodega by the baggage claim...I told my wife, "that's the guitar player from dream theater", and she was like say something or I'm going to...I was like "no way they probably don't want to be bothered, plus what am I gonna say?!" She insisted and was 2 seconds from tapping JP on the shoulder so I just awkwardly turned to Rena and was like "excuse me are you Rena and John?" and she was really nice and just smiled and said yeah we are, and John turned around and I was like :"what's up man looking forward to the new record this week", and he laughed and said "coming soon!" and then I just said "awesome have a great night guys". 

They were super nice about it so pretty cool way to end my trip!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 25, 2016, 08:51:26 AM
Cool story.  I always imagine it would be really surreal to run into someone famous just randomly in public.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 25, 2016, 08:57:40 AM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 25, 2016, 08:51:26 AM
Cool story.  I always imagine it would be really surreal to run into someone famous just randomly in public.

I recognized him immediately but took like 3 double takes just to be sure, it was really really random. They must have just gotten back in from NAMM.

Again they took it so well, I felt so bad they were probably really tired but man they were super nice about it. A+
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 25, 2016, 09:04:29 AM
Well, it probably helped that you didn't harass them or anything, you just introduced yourself politely, you just told you look forward to the album and wished a good evening, if you would have went full fanboy on them "OMG OMG U AR PETRUCCI I LUV U TAKE 10 PHOTOS WITH ME" they would have been annoyed, in the end they're normal people knowing they can be recognized so I'm sure they don't mind being approached tastefully like you did.

Cool story!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: The Astonished on January 25, 2016, 09:13:25 AM
Inb4 many people says "We only have three days..." on Wednesday...  :biggrin:

I can't believe it's out THIS WEEK!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 25, 2016, 09:19:58 AM
Quote from: The Astonished on January 25, 2016, 09:13:25 AM
Inb4 many people says "We only have three days..." on Wednesday...  :biggrin:
Which would be silly, as they'll have two days by that point.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 25, 2016, 09:31:42 AM
Quote from: The Astonished on January 25, 2016, 09:13:25 AM
Inb4 many people says "We only have three days..." on Wednesday...  :biggrin:


i doubt they'd release another song on Wednesday :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thosava on January 25, 2016, 09:34:28 AM
The question is: will we get another update today?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: King Postwhore on January 25, 2016, 09:35:07 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 25, 2016, 09:19:58 AM
Quote from: The Astonished on January 25, 2016, 09:13:25 AM
Inb4 many people says "We only have three days..." on Wednesday...  :biggrin:
Which would be silly, as they'll have two days by that point.

 :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 25, 2016, 09:38:39 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 25, 2016, 09:04:29 AM
Well, it probably helped that you didn't harass them or anything, you just introduced yourself politely, you just told you look forward to the album and wished a good evening, if you would have went full fanboy on them "OMG OMG U AR PETRUCCI I LUV U TAKE 10 PHOTOS WITH ME" they would have been annoyed, in the end they're normal people knowing they can be recognized so I'm sure they don't mind being approached tastefully like you did.

Cool story!
Thanks man!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2016, 09:45:16 AM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on January 25, 2016, 08:43:27 AM
Just flew back in from Chicago last night and ran into none other than John and Rena Petrucci at the New York airport bodega by the baggage claim...I told my wife, "that's the guitar player from dream theater", and she was like say something or I'm going to...I was like "no way they probably don't want to be bothered, plus what am I gonna say?!" She insisted and was 2 seconds from tapping JP on the shoulder so I just awkwardly turned to Rena and was like "excuse me are you Rena and John?" and she was really nice and just smiled and said yeah we are, and John turned around and I was like :"what's up man looking forward to the new record this week", and he laughed and said "coming soon!" and then I just said "awesome have a great night guys". 

They were super nice about it so pretty cool way to end my trip!

Really cool.  I would have forgotten about NAMM if not for Travis Larson coming through town on his annual pre-NAMM "mini-tour."  He always manages to bring some really good talent with him, and this year was no exception.  Got to see Magic Elf and Dave LaRue's solo band open for him this time around.  Travis is a bit EBMM guy, and I meant to ask him to say hi to JP at NAMM, but it was getting late by the time the show ended, so I didn't really stick around to chat other than a quick "Great show, man!"  Anyhow, yeah, John and Rena are just great people.  Glad you had a good experience.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2016, 09:46:54 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 25, 2016, 09:34:28 AM
The question is: will we get another update today?

Well, the marketing schedule has been flexible and has changed on the fly quite a bit, but there is supposed to be something else released before 1/29 according to the last schedule I have, so stay tuned.  Hopefully, it happens.  But even if it doesn't, we will have the album before we know it!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 25, 2016, 09:47:27 AM
so when Xander was revealed - did it tell us when the album would be released ?

Dying 2 know tbh... :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: mikemangioy on January 25, 2016, 09:47:51 AM
some pictures of the album were posted in the interwebs, IDK if i'm allowed to link them here
Could I?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thosava on January 25, 2016, 09:48:42 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 25, 2016, 09:46:54 AM
Well, the marketing schedule has been flexible and has changed on the fly quite a bit, but there is supposed to be something else released before 1/29 according to the last schedule I have, so stay tuned.  Hopefully, it happens.  But even if it doesn't, we will have the album before we know it!

That's great news!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 25, 2016, 09:50:57 AM
I would imagine/expect/hope the full Astonishing website (including Places, the 2nd video, and the clickable NOMAC buttons) would be accessible on release day. What's the point of holding any of that back when the album is in the world?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 25, 2016, 09:51:13 AM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 25, 2016, 08:51:26 AM
Cool story.  I always imagine it would be really surreal to run into someone famous just randomly in public.

Living in a city in England - I saw a few famous people out and about.

Most famous people i've spoken to are really down to earth.

I was in London one day and Terence Stamp just walked past me. I saw Damien Lewis in Guildford one day. . .
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2016, 10:14:38 AM
Quote from: mikemangioy on January 25, 2016, 09:47:51 AM
some pictures of the album were posted in the interwebs, IDK if i'm allowed to link them here
Could I?

???  Pictures of the album have been available for a long time now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rab7 on January 25, 2016, 10:22:27 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 25, 2016, 10:14:38 AM
Quote from: mikemangioy on January 25, 2016, 09:47:51 AM
some pictures of the album were posted in the interwebs, IDK if i'm allowed to link them here
Could I?

???  Pictures of the album have been available for a long time now.

Someone on facebook posted pictures of his copy of the album, including a picture of inside the lyric booklet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 25, 2016, 10:26:02 AM
I have also posted a picture of my copy of the album, it's just that people haven't realize it ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2016, 10:30:25 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 25, 2016, 10:26:02 AM
I have also posted a picture of my copy of the album, it's just that people haven't realize it ;)
:lol  Yeah, I don't really care about pics of album art being posted.  The music and any videos that have not been officially published for public consumption are a different story, but I don't care about album art.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 25, 2016, 10:31:01 AM
Here you will find photos of the CD too :
https://blog.yourmajesty.net/2016/01/21/the-astonishing-ecoute-en-avant-premiere-chez-warner-music/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Crow on January 25, 2016, 10:31:52 AM
when are they gonna reveal clock guy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Randaran on January 25, 2016, 10:34:38 AM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 25, 2016, 10:31:01 AM
Here you will find photos of the CD too :
https://blog.yourmajesty.net/2016/01/21/the-astonishing-ecoute-en-avant-premiere-chez-warner-music/

It looks as though the booklet is glued into the case; this doesn't bode well...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pringkaarwanda on January 25, 2016, 10:36:15 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3M7_y6bZPA

Finally James LaBrie, the man behind all character, talk about The Astonishing !!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 25, 2016, 10:43:17 AM
yes, the booklet is glued
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Evermind on January 25, 2016, 10:48:38 AM
Well, that's one of the most disappointing things about this album so far.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Zydar on January 25, 2016, 10:49:19 AM
Quote from: pringkaarwanda on January 25, 2016, 10:36:15 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3M7_y6bZPA

Finally James LaBrie, the man behind all character, talk about The Astonishing !!!

Interesting :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 25, 2016, 10:49:46 AM
How many pages is it? Seems like it would be a thick one, with lyrics, characters, maps, etc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: emtee on January 25, 2016, 11:04:16 AM
I imagine rehearsals for these shows will take a couple weeks. Big production and props, all new material, everything synced to a click.
First few shows may be the hardest they have ever done.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 25, 2016, 11:06:13 AM
28
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 25, 2016, 11:06:44 AM
I am ok with that digipack.

At least it's not like the Black Clouds Special Edition....
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 25, 2016, 11:07:42 AM
Quote from: Zydar on January 25, 2016, 10:49:19 AM
Quote from: pringkaarwanda on January 25, 2016, 10:36:15 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3M7_y6bZPA

Finally James LaBrie, the man behind all character, talk about The Astonishing !!!

Interesting :tup

Indeed!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 25, 2016, 11:09:49 AM
Quote from: emtee on January 25, 2016, 11:04:16 AM
I imagine rehearsals for these shows will take a couple weeks. Big production and props, all new material, everything synced to a click.
First few shows may be the hardest they have ever done.

I'm guessing James will sing everything in one voice live or it will be an extra struggle.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 25, 2016, 11:38:15 AM
Anyway, that site that tells if stuff happened says it hasn't happened. Congratulations to the DT machine for keeping everything under wraps until the very end, save some chosen few we'll all enjoy the new album at the same time!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 25, 2016, 11:42:25 AM
Quote from: pringkaarwanda on January 25, 2016, 10:36:15 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3M7_y6bZPA

Finally James LaBrie, the man behind all character, talk about The Astonishing !!!

It's always incredible to hear JLB talk. He's so elegant lol.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 25, 2016, 11:45:06 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 25, 2016, 11:38:15 AM
Anyway, that site that tells if stuff happened says it hasn't happened. Congratulations to the DT machine for keeping everything under wraps until the very end, save some chosen few we'll all enjoy the new album at the same time!

I've been checking my email every hour for the past two weeks  >:(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 25, 2016, 11:47:13 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 25, 2016, 11:38:15 AM
Anyway, that site that tells if stuff happened says it hasn't happened. Congratulations to the DT machine for keeping everything under wraps until the very end, save some chosen few we'll all enjoy the new album at the same time!
They've done well but it's likely a matter of hours now that the CD has to be being distributed to stores, etc.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 25, 2016, 11:49:43 AM
I used to download albums for free but then I found getting the CD really anti climactic :(

Plus back then they were horrible quality.

I don't bother now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 25, 2016, 11:50:54 AM
Yeah, the CDs will be shipping these very days so all hell will break loose, but release date it's this friday... I mean, we're basically there, the Avantasia album was posted by mistake on Spotify and that was enough, can you imagine Roadrunner uploading The Astonishing on Spotify in December? the horror of all the endless discussions that would have happened  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: mike099 on January 25, 2016, 11:51:06 AM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 25, 2016, 10:31:01 AM
Here you will find photos of the CD too :
https://blog.yourmajesty.net/2016/01/21/the-astonishing-ecoute-en-avant-premiere-chez-warner-music/

In the group photo, the guy in the front has a cool looking shirt.  Would love to know where he got the shirt.  Also, in the photo with the drinks, what is that greenish drink on the table.

Looks like you all had a great time!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 25, 2016, 11:51:47 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 25, 2016, 11:49:43 AM
I used to download albums for free but then I found getting the CD really anti climactic :(
If they would just stream it starting today or tomorrow then all of us who are buying it anyway wouldn't be tempted.  Ah well, I'll have the CD in my hands in 4.5 days and will hear it no later than that so it's all good.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 25, 2016, 11:52:14 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 25, 2016, 11:49:43 AM
I used to download albums for free but then I found getting the CD really anti climactic :(

Plus back then they were horrible quality.

I don't bother now.

I use some leaks to judge whether or not an album is worth purchasing, but generally when I'm anticipating an album greatly I've already pre-ordered it and I just really want to hear it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on January 25, 2016, 11:58:13 AM
Quote from: mike099 on January 25, 2016, 11:51:06 AM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 25, 2016, 10:31:01 AM
Here you will find photos of the CD too :
https://blog.yourmajesty.net/2016/01/21/the-astonishing-ecoute-en-avant-premiere-chez-warner-music/

In the group photo, the guy in the front has a cool looking shirt.  Would love to know where he got the shirt.  Also, in the photo with the drinks, what is that greenish drink on the table.

Looks like you all had a great time!

I don't know about the shirt, but the drink kind of looks like a mojito (assuming the green is actually an abundance of mint leaves), which are amazing when made correctly.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Pax on January 25, 2016, 12:08:15 PM
Hey, I was wondering... Maybe they release "Three Days" tomorrow, since it's three days until the release! o.o
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2016, 12:10:18 PM
Quote from: BelichickFan on January 25, 2016, 11:51:47 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 25, 2016, 11:49:43 AM
I used to download albums for free but then I found getting the CD really anti climactic :(
If they would just stream it starting today or tomorrow then all of us who are buying it anyway wouldn't be tempted.  Ah well, I'll have the CD in my hands in 4.5 days and will hear it no later than that so it's all good.
But there is no reason to stream it early (or at all, for that matter).  The fact that some people may be "tempted" and cannot control themselves isn't the band's problem.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 25, 2016, 12:16:51 PM
Quote from: Pax on January 25, 2016, 12:08:15 PM
Hey, I was wondering... Maybe they release "Three Days" tomorrow, since it's three days until the release! o.o

Won't happen, but it would be nice and funny!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 25, 2016, 12:17:19 PM
Quote from: mike099 on January 25, 2016, 11:51:06 AM
In the group photo, the guy in the front has a cool looking shirt.  Would love to know where he got the shirt.  Also, in the photo with the drinks, what is that greenish drink on the table.
Looks like you all had a great time!
He was drinking a Mojito.
His t shirt is the official t-shirt of Your Majesty (the French fan club). Unfortunately, those shirts are sold out.

@bosk1: there's no reason why they should stream early, I agree. But if I remember well, DT12 was streamed the Monday of the release week.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 25, 2016, 12:19:16 PM
Interesting little plot point mentioned in that JLB interview...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 25, 2016, 12:20:29 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 25, 2016, 12:10:18 PM
Quote from: BelichickFan on January 25, 2016, 11:51:47 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 25, 2016, 11:49:43 AM
I used to download albums for free but then I found getting the CD really anti climactic :(
If they would just stream it starting today or tomorrow then all of us who are buying it anyway wouldn't be tempted.  Ah well, I'll have the CD in my hands in 4.5 days and will hear it no later than that so it's all good.
But there is no reason to stream it early (or at all, for that matter).  The fact that some people may be "tempted" and cannot control themselves isn't the band's problem.
They can do what they want, I don't care.  We all make our choices.  I don't know what I would do if I were them, just saying that a lot of people wouldn't download for free it then.  Nothing more, nothing less.  I am looking forward to my 1/29 delivery and whatever else may happen before that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: T-ski on January 25, 2016, 12:20:34 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 25, 2016, 10:43:17 AM
yes, the booklet is glued

this is most disappointing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BFRedrocks on January 25, 2016, 12:42:41 PM
Getting super excited for Friday as reading all 210 pages of this has been, well, draining to say the least.  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 25, 2016, 12:44:31 PM
Quote from: BFRedrocks on January 25, 2016, 12:42:41 PM
Getting super excited for Friday as reading all 210 pages of this has been, well, draining to say the least.  :corn
It's only 147 pages if you set it to the max number of posts per page  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BFRedrocks on January 25, 2016, 12:51:52 PM
Quote from: BelichickFan on January 25, 2016, 12:44:31 PM
Quote from: BFRedrocks on January 25, 2016, 12:42:41 PM
Getting super excited for Friday as reading all 210 pages of this has been, well, draining to say the least.  :corn
It's only 147 pages if you set it to the max number of posts per page  ;D
:lol

I've been listening to TGOM sparingly so it doesn't come across as "stale" when I reach that spot on the CD, but it just dawned on me that despite doing that with TEW, that track ended up being my favorite from DT12. I'm still hoping that my pre-order comes a day or two early as that has happened before with a DT CD, although it doesn't sound like it'll be "just" CDs that ship for us Ultimate Bundle/Box Set folks.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: gm5k on January 25, 2016, 12:54:45 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 25, 2016, 12:42:08 AM
It will be streamed on all the streaming platforms rr has its roster on.

Is it known when it will be available on those platforms?  I didn't use Spotify at the time of the last release, so I'm not familiar with whether or not it's available there from the album release date or not. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: mikeyd23 on January 25, 2016, 12:55:48 PM
Quote from: gm5k on January 25, 2016, 12:54:45 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 25, 2016, 12:42:08 AM
It will be streamed on all the streaming platforms rr has its roster on.

Is it known when it will be available on those platforms?  I didn't use Spotify at the time of the last release, so I'm not familiar with whether or not it's available there from the album release date or not. 

Spotify typically has albums available to stream on the release day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: gm5k on January 25, 2016, 12:56:33 PM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on January 25, 2016, 12:55:48 PM


Spotify typically has albums available to stream on the release day.

Thanks!  :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rab7 on January 25, 2016, 12:57:26 PM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on January 25, 2016, 12:55:48 PM
Quote from: gm5k on January 25, 2016, 12:54:45 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 25, 2016, 12:42:08 AM
It will be streamed on all the streaming platforms rr has its roster on.

Is it known when it will be available on those platforms?  I didn't use Spotify at the time of the last release, so I'm not familiar with whether or not it's available there from the album release date or not. 

Spotify typically has albums available to stream on the release day.

Would that mean 12:01 AM on Friday, or sometime during the day?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 25, 2016, 12:59:53 PM
Quote from: gm5k on January 25, 2016, 12:56:33 PM
Quote from: mikeyd23 on January 25, 2016, 12:55:48 PM


Spotify typically has albums available to stream on the release day.

Thanks!  :)

Yeah normally at midnight.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on January 25, 2016, 01:09:24 PM
New email from Nafaryus came in.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 25, 2016, 01:10:24 PM
Just read it. I imagine people who signed up for both sides will get another one soon too then...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 25, 2016, 01:10:43 PM
Quote from: YouMakeMeSick on January 25, 2016, 01:09:24 PM
New email from Nafaryus came in.

Arhys' message just dropped by as well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on January 25, 2016, 01:13:15 PM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on January 25, 2016, 01:10:43 PM
Quote from: YouMakeMeSick on January 25, 2016, 01:09:24 PM
New email from Nafaryus came in.

Arhys' message just dropped by as well.

Can you paste them here? I got them on my phone and can't read them while at work  :tdwn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on January 25, 2016, 01:17:00 PM
By the EMPEROR,
A PROCLAMATION FROM YOUR GRACIOUS SOVEREIGN, A COMMAND MOST HIGH TO HOLDFAST TO OUR NOBLEST TRADITIONS & RESIST THE TEMPTATION OF RESISTANCE!
WIELDING THE POWER OF OUR ANCESTORS, invigorated by Our blood most steadfast and courageous, and imbued with the solace, stillness, and quiet of mind that comes only from a most blissful submission to the Greater Good, it is I, Lord Nafaryus, your humble Emperor and Head of the Realm, Heir to the Mantle of Makers, Supplier of sustenance, Giver of purpose and reason, who hereby directly addresses you, Our Most Loyal Subjects, the keepers of conscience and patriotism, O’ ye whose devoted servitude and strict adherence to the great truth of contentment in struggle sustains the Empire.
A GREAT PLAGUE THREATENS the very foundation of all that We know and decree to be lawful and consecrated. 'Tis a destructive force giving tremble to the pillars of tradition upon which rest the safety and security of the Great Northern Empire Of The Americas. Lo, from outlying lands most distant and remote, a piercing shriek erupts, disguised by the mask of melodious song and draped in the appearance of humility and vulnerability.
Turn thy eyes and ears away from the rebellious few spouting seditiousness, those who would poison your minds with talk of a falsely prophetic “chosen one,” a near-magical seeming but most assured impostor, guarded and heralded by malcontents thirsting for power, with nothing but their own material gain and prosperity through the destruction of our way of life within their hearts. Much ado is made by those who know not the empowering might found within labor, those who seek to distract you, o’ great people of the Great Northern Empire of the Americas, from your ever important, all consuming work. Drink not the rotten wine squeezed from the thorns of deceit and dark rebellion.
What fortune, pray tell, was derived in the Forbidden Ages of Old from the pursuit of vain individuality and meandering, self-defeating artistry? Are you not pleased with the comforting drone of the near omniscient NOMACS, whose calculated cacophony hath been perfected to embody the pinnacle of what is necessary to soothe and empower? An insistence upon diversity of thought and action, an insistence upon being “heard” above not only your fellow citizens but your most Noble Rulers as well, threatens all that we know, just as it destroyed the devilish creatures who occupied these lands centuries before. Do not forget your place within the Empire. Make haste to hold steadfast to Us!
It brings me no pleasure to transmit this stark reality to you, my beloved people, but no salvation is to be found in the sounds emanating from this “chosen one,” for I, your Noble Ruler, your Most Precious Emperor, hath witnessed what stirs within Ravenskill. In point of fact, the Royal Family accompanied your Emperor on Our investigative journey. Such witchery arose from the center of Ravenskill, My daughter, My own very flesh and blood and Lo, even my own innermost spirit, were nearly enchanted by the strange and foul bellow of this “Gabriel,” one under the protection of a seditious sibling.

If this “chosen one” hath truly arrived to save us from our tranquility and content conformity, why hath his pitifully small assemblage of foolhardy, misguided disciples hidden him away from your Emperor? This enigmatic charlatan is no savior. The Great Northern Empire of the Americas is not in need of “saving”! We will suffer no unrest!
So trouble yourselves not, O' Citizenry, with thoughts of this minor disruption any longer. Do inform your duly appointed caretakers and guardians of any information regarding the whereabouts of these troublemakers who stand in opposition to the goodness of society, who barter and trick with false promises of "expression" and freedom. True liberty, as Our Family hath decreed for generations, resides in service! Rest assured, in Our ceaseless task of ensuring your protection from threats without and within, We again command you to relieve yourselves of confusion and challenge to the Crown by submitting to the highest honors within the meditative emptiness of labor.
This Noble Proclamation of G.N.E.A. Given at Our Court at the Palatial Residence of New Maineland, Great Northern Empire of The Americas, in this, the twenty-seventh year of the reign of your Sovereign, Lord Nafaryus, Emperor and Head of the Realm, two hundredth fifty seven A.C., two thousandth two hundredth eighty-five, A.D.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on January 25, 2016, 01:17:13 PM
People of the Realm, as far as this message will be carried, those who seek true purpose! This is Arhys, Son of Marhys, an heir to the displaced and forbidden Legion Of Sorrowful Song, and elected Commander of the ever-burgeoning fierce loyalist warriors of the Ravenskill Rebel Militia. Yes, I declare our impending rebellion to be, in point of fact, one of true loyalty. We are no loyalists to the stagnant, disgraceful Empire, no. We swear our allegiance to the principles upon which this Empire once stood and to the valiant, resilient, and endlessly exploited people the corrupt Empire purports to serve.
I did not come upon this quarrelsome viewpoint lightly. Like you, I believed a life of service to the Empire, forfeiting my own desires and destiny to toil for leaders whose cups runneth over with the spoils of our stolen successes, to be my destiny. I understand that my words, to say nothing of my deeds (both of the past and those to come), must ring of treason to many of you as you discern this message for yourselves. But I bring glad tidings. I come to you with a message of hope! For I have not only heard the melodious thunder, the Astonishing power of newfound legend, but I know Gabriel, the Chosen One, in the most thorough of ways, for he is my kin, my blood brother, a fellow heir to the Legion of Sorrowful Song, an Uncle to my own heir, Xander, son of Arhys. Gabriel is no mere rumor nor false prophet nor seeker of ungodly power of his own. Gabriel is but a humble servant, a man whose passion exceeds the expectations of the age, who yearns for greater freedom through creativity for not only the people of our fairest Ravenskill but for all of humankind stretching across all of the known Realm.
Prepare thy heart for the truth I must reveal to you and please, I plead with you, my fellow citizens, to unburden yourselves of the yoke of service to an Empire that no longer serves you. What I am about to recount to you may shake your conviction, but I assure you, it will result in the emergence of stronger character and a will to fight! For I hath seen and many others bore witness to the Royal Family - yes, the Emperor and his kinfolk - enthralled by the wondrous supernatural power of Gabriel their very selves! Forgive any appearance of impropriety, but as the spirit of my beloved widow no doubt would attest from worlds beyond, I saw the most exquisite Empress Arabelle and fair Princess Faythe visibly moved by the song of Gabriel, who summoned sounds that would still the most highly-programmed NOMAC imaginable with but an utterance. Take heed, my brethren, and hear this truth: 'tho but for a moment, Lord Nafaryus himself was moved! To this many a witness will attest! Under cover of shadow and protective cloak of townsfolk, I hurried my brother off to the courageous care of our Rebel Militia.
Had the Emperor and his family not learned the rumors to be comprised of verifiable truths, why must he be so nakedly fearful of the oncoming change this Empire must endure? Know this: Gabriel, the Chosen One, will not be silenced. He will continue to explore, strengthen, and share his gifts, even as word of the hope he brings to the Realm continues to spread like the wildfires churning endlessly upon Prayer Rock Ridge. The Ravenskill Rebel Militia and the bordering Rebel Forces who share in our hunger to free ourselves from the yoke of oppression stand at the ready to defend true liberty. Let any who would do harm to my brother know they face the might of Commander Arhys, of the growing legion of fighters who've taken hold the flag of justice and expression, all of us united in the protection of the Chosen One and the liberation of all.
Stand in Gabriel's light. Draw strength from his promise. The prophet of Ravenskill will not stand down. As ever, I implore you, with love and graciousness, to Seek the Songs.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Jinx on January 25, 2016, 01:25:12 PM
Pretty cool! So Xander is Ahrys' son then. Think it's safe to assume Evangeline is the mother. Also surely Xander will be the one without a voice in this? O know most said Evangeline (assuming she has died as some have suggested) but I can't see JLB imitating a small child...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 25, 2016, 01:31:35 PM
he doesn't have that many lines - and it's mostly screaming ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Jinx on January 25, 2016, 01:35:25 PM
Say no more noxon I've seen the trailer and the sticky situation he appears to get in  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Lucien on January 25, 2016, 01:37:03 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 25, 2016, 01:31:35 PM
he doesn't have that many lines - and it's mostly screaming ;)

you sort of spoiled what happens to him based on the trailer

i expect whatever scene that is to be rather disturbing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rab7 on January 25, 2016, 01:38:53 PM
Quote from: Lucien on January 25, 2016, 01:37:03 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 25, 2016, 01:31:35 PM
he doesn't have that many lines - and it's mostly screaming ;)

you sort of spoiled what happens to him based on the trailer

i expect whatever scene that is to be rather disturbing

The screaming combined with the trailer sounds like a kidnapping, rather than an outright throat-cutting,.

Plus, you can't really scream if your throat is slit.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 25, 2016, 01:40:32 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 25, 2016, 01:25:12 PM
So Xander is Ahrys' son then.

Well, that's not exactly new info… Arhys tweeted that when Xander was revealed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 25, 2016, 01:46:10 PM
yeah, trailer and scream is not related... trailer is disc 1, scream is disc 2
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2016, 01:48:36 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 25, 2016, 01:46:10 PM
yeah, trailer and scream is not related... trailer is disc 1, scream is disc 2

I can confirm this as well.  For those who don't mind spoilers, here is basically what happens:  Early in Act 2, Xander contracts an excruciatingly painful bowel-eating disease that literally consumes him from the inside out. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Cool Chris on January 25, 2016, 01:49:49 PM
Quote from: mike099 on January 25, 2016, 11:51:06 AM
In the group photo, the guy in the front has a cool looking shirt.  Would love to know where he got the shirt.

Someone posts a picture of a group of people, including a lovely brunette. DT fan asks about the shirt on the guy who is sitting next to her  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on January 25, 2016, 01:53:48 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 25, 2016, 01:46:10 PM
yeah, trailer and scream is not related... trailer is disc 1, scream is disc 2
Noxon, did you just inadvertently spoil what the second video is gonna be? A disk 2 trailer? haha.  :D ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rab7 on January 25, 2016, 01:55:57 PM
Quote from: TheLordOfTheStrings on January 25, 2016, 01:53:48 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 25, 2016, 01:46:10 PM
yeah, trailer and scream is not related... trailer is disc 1, scream is disc 2
Noxon, did you just inadvertently spoil what the second video is gonna be? A disk 2 trailer? haha.  :D ;)

I think he meant "Xander getting captured by Daryus is in disc 1" rather than, "trailer is advertising disc 1"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rab7 on January 25, 2016, 01:57:45 PM
Can anyone who has heard the album confirm whether these emails take place before the story starts, or during?

For example, in the very first email Ahrys describes hacking into the NOMACS, while this most recent email describes a pretty detailed scene of Gabriel singing for the Royal Family.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: the keyboard wizard on January 25, 2016, 01:58:35 PM
Quote from: Cool Chris on January 25, 2016, 01:49:49 PM
Quote from: mike099 on January 25, 2016, 11:51:06 AM
In the group photo, the guy in the front has a cool looking shirt.  Would love to know where he got the shirt.

Someone posts a picture of a group of people, including a lovely brunette. DT fan asks about the shirt on the guy who is sitting next to her  :biggrin:

She's Roadrunner France's brand manager ;) she was really nice.

@Xander's disease is called the enemy inside (his bowels). Now I understand why we can hear someone throwing up in the second CD!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 25, 2016, 02:01:51 PM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 25, 2016, 01:58:35 PM

@Xander's disease is called the enemy inside (his bowels).

But Xander can't run from this enemy inside, can he?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: sfam2112 on January 25, 2016, 02:03:45 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 25, 2016, 02:01:51 PM
Quote from: the keyboard wizard on January 25, 2016, 01:58:35 PM

@Xander's disease is called the enemy inside (his bowels).

But Xander can't run from this enemy inside, can he?

He'll get the runs from the enemy inside...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2016, 02:06:31 PM
No, he is talking about the fact that the scene people are referring to above with Xander comes from the trailer and takes place within Act I.  The scream part, which has nothing to do with the trailer, is Act II.  We already have the trailer.  The other video is something different.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on January 25, 2016, 02:12:23 PM
(reposting this any case there is new information)

Due to the delay until March, any speculation as to what the bonus gift will be for those of us that purchased the box sets?  Any ideas?

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: shadow1psc on January 25, 2016, 02:14:30 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on January 25, 2016, 02:12:23 PM
(reposting this any case there is new information)

Due to the delay until March, any speculation as to what the bonus gift will be for those of us that purchased the box sets?  Any ideas?

The bonus gift was delayed? What will be the bonus bonus gift for having to wait for the bonus gift for having to wait for the full box set?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 25, 2016, 02:22:51 PM
Quote from: rab7 on January 25, 2016, 01:57:45 PM
Can anyone who has heard the album confirm whether these emails take place before the story starts, or during?

For example, in the very first email Ahrys describes hacking into the NOMACS, while this most recent email describes a pretty detailed scene of Gabriel singing for the Royal Family.

Spoilers:










The mails we recieved today looks to be sent just before the track "Three Days"...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: lightbug on January 25, 2016, 02:38:13 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 25, 2016, 02:22:51 PM
Quote from: rab7 on January 25, 2016, 01:57:45 PM
Can anyone who has heard the album confirm whether these emails take place before the story starts, or during?

For example, in the very first email Ahrys describes hacking into the NOMACS, while this most recent email describes a pretty detailed scene of Gabriel singing for the Royal Family.

Spoilers:










The mails we recieved today looks to be sent just before the track "Three Days"...

So, maybe tomorrow we get "Three days"  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Crow on January 25, 2016, 02:41:10 PM
Quote from: BelichickFan on January 25, 2016, 12:44:31 PM
Quote from: BFRedrocks on January 25, 2016, 12:42:41 PM
Getting super excited for Friday as reading all 210 pages of this has been, well, draining to say the least.  :corn
It's only 147 pages if you set it to the max number of posts per page  ;D
i'm glad i'm not the only one who does this  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 25, 2016, 02:53:02 PM
With the minimum number of posts on a page, we're on 1473 pages.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on January 25, 2016, 03:06:28 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on January 25, 2016, 02:12:23 PM
(reposting this any case there is new information)

Due to the delay until March, any speculation as to what the bonus gift will be for those of us that purchased the box sets?  Any ideas?

Like I said on the Preorder thread, I think it's going to be either a GNEA or Ravenskill patch. If it's both, that'd be amazing, because I would love to collect everything released for this album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 25, 2016, 03:07:31 PM
Boring, i already have those patches ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on January 25, 2016, 03:08:29 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 25, 2016, 03:07:31 PM
Boring, i already have those patches ;)

That statement has made me curious about that gift again  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on January 25, 2016, 03:09:48 PM
A t-shirt with the cover art would be ASTOUNDING
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BFRedrocks on January 25, 2016, 03:22:28 PM
Shipped from RR!!!

The Astonishing Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set     
1 x The Astonishing Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set 016861749330   0 
The Astonishing Vinyl Box Set     
1 x The Astonishing Vinyl Box Set 016861749316   0 
The Astonishing 2CD Set     
1 x The Astonishing 2CD Set 016861749323   1 
The Astonishing Gift     
1 x The Astonishing Gift 090317131375   1 
The Astonishing Digital FLAC Album     
1 x The Astonishing Digital FLAC Album 016861748951   N/A 
The Astonishing Digital MP3 Album     
1 x The Astonishing Digital MP3 Album 016861749309   N/A 
The Gift of Music Digital Single     
1 x The Gift of Music Digital Single 016861347604   N/A 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BFRedrocks on January 25, 2016, 03:23:39 PM
Also just got this from RR:

Dear Pre-order Customer,

 We regret to inform you that due to further unforeseen production delays the Limited Edition Box Set for Dream Theater's The Astonishing will be arriving a bit later this spring. We anticipate the box being completed in early May, arriving to you middle of the month. We sincerely apologize for the length of time you will need to wait. The hand-painted limited edition custom NOMAC inside the box will be worth the wait, we assure you!

 In anticipation of the custom box set we plan to do everything we can to make this delay up to you by providing you with exclusive content and looks inside The Astonishing album, on a monthly basis.

 First we wanted to give you a look at the LIMITED EDITION PIN that you will be receiving with your album on January 29th.
 
 Thank you for your patience as we work on completing the box set.

 Regards,
 Roadrunner Records
 
 
 
 
 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bacong on January 25, 2016, 03:24:43 PM
sup?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 25, 2016, 03:34:14 PM
Quote from: theanalogkid7 on January 25, 2016, 01:17:00 PM
By the EMPEROR,
A PROCLAMATION FROM YOUR GRACIOUS SOVEREIGN, BLA BLA BLA

Geez what a chore to go through. It's hard to even read it. I'm not criticizing the story or the approach, I'm suspending disbelief and imagining this is an actual person speaking... what a pompus ass, just SHUT THE HELL UP DUDE.

I understand he's the emperor and all, but really, how can he imagine to keep his subjects in line by being such an annoying self entitled prick?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Counselor of Prog on January 25, 2016, 03:36:13 PM
What dictator doesn't sound like a deluded, self-righteous windbag? It's part and parcel of the prerequisite for the job.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 25, 2016, 03:53:59 PM
Calling Gabriel "The Chosen One" and all that...that's a lot of pressure to heap on a guy...I just hope it doesn't get to his head.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: mike099 on January 25, 2016, 03:59:44 PM
Quote from: Cool Chris on January 25, 2016, 01:49:49 PM
Quote from: mike099 on January 25, 2016, 11:51:06 AM
In the group photo, the guy in the front has a cool looking shirt.  Would love to know where he got the shirt.

Someone posts a picture of a group of people, including a lovely brunette. DT fan asks about the shirt on the guy who is sitting next to her  :biggrin:

Yes, she is lovely, but so is that shirt :D. I am hoping that the DT site will sell those patches that some folks received.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 25, 2016, 04:16:48 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 25, 2016, 03:34:14 PM
Quote from: theanalogkid7 on January 25, 2016, 01:17:00 PM
By the EMPEROR,
A PROCLAMATION FROM YOUR GRACIOUS SOVEREIGN, BLA BLA BLA

Geez what a chore to go through. It's hard to even read it. I'm not criticizing the story or the approach, I'm suspending disbelief and imagining this is an actual person speaking... what a pompus ass, just SHUT THE HELL UP DUDE.

I understand he's the emperor and all, but really, how can he imagine to keep his subjects in line by being such an annoying self entitled prick?

that's the idea!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 25, 2016, 04:50:03 PM
Would be interesting to know who in the band pens the emails.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 25, 2016, 04:52:34 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 25, 2016, 04:50:03 PM
Would be interesting to know who in the band pens the emails.
I have an inkling they might have got someone else to write all that. But if it was the band, then my bet would be JP. It just seems like the kind of thing he'd do. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 25, 2016, 04:55:13 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 25, 2016, 04:50:03 PM
Would be interesting to know who in the band pens the emails.

I would guess JP based on how much he's invested into the idea.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 25, 2016, 04:55:22 PM
Actually, my guess would have been MM.zero basis for my hunch, I just feel he would have jumped on it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Sacul on January 25, 2016, 05:05:32 PM
Quote from: Parama on January 25, 2016, 02:41:10 PM
Quote from: BelichickFan on January 25, 2016, 12:44:31 PM
It's only 147 pages if you set it to the max number of posts per page  ;D
i'm glad i'm not the only one who does this  :lol
how do you do that
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 25, 2016, 05:14:24 PM
Quote from: Sacul on January 25, 2016, 05:05:32 PM
Quote from: Parama on January 25, 2016, 02:41:10 PM
Quote from: BelichickFan on January 25, 2016, 12:44:31 PM
It's only 147 pages if you set it to the max number of posts per page  ;D
i'm glad i'm not the only one who does this  :lol
how do you do that
PROFILE ==> MODIFY PROFILE ==> LOOK AND LAYOUT ==> Messages to display per page
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: phospheneSOI on January 25, 2016, 05:22:53 PM
God can you imagine being a mod at the moment!?  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 25, 2016, 05:23:44 PM
???  It's really not that hard.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bacong on January 25, 2016, 05:27:37 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 25, 2016, 05:23:44 PM
???  It's really not that hard.

:tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 25, 2016, 05:29:47 PM
Quote from: phospheneSOI on January 25, 2016, 05:22:53 PM
God can you imagine being a mod at the moment!?  :rollin
Yeah, I see what you did there.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 25, 2016, 05:38:39 PM
Only a few more days...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 25, 2016, 05:45:26 PM
I got the e-mail from Arhys, can somebody paste the one from the emperor?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 25, 2016, 05:51:51 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 25, 2016, 05:45:26 PM
I got the e-mail from Arhys, can somebody paste the one from the emperor?

They were both pasted a couple pages back unless they got deleted.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on January 25, 2016, 05:54:43 PM
I got the email about the delay and pin, which looks nice. But no shipping email yet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 25, 2016, 05:59:40 PM
hmm, i ordered from the UK store, didn't get any mail about the pin. Could you post it somewhere so i can see?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on January 25, 2016, 06:01:15 PM
Quote from: YouMakeMeSick on January 25, 2016, 03:06:28 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on January 25, 2016, 02:12:23 PM
(reposting this any case there is new information)

Due to the delay until March, any speculation as to what the bonus gift will be for those of us that purchased the box sets?  Any ideas?

Like I said on the Preorder thread, I think it's going to be either a GNEA or Ravenskill patch. If it's both, that'd be amazing, because I would love to collect everything released for this album.

Wow, that sounds cool either way.  Thanks for the info and pointing me toward the Pre Order Thread.  I've been on a self-imposed ban until my order arrives.  Trying to avoid spoiler discussions and reviews, so I've limited my DTF exposure until then, but was curious about the surprise item.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: dvargas on January 25, 2016, 06:04:01 PM
Not liking the reviews that are out. Although all of them praise what DT accomplishes with the album they all say that there's a lot of filler songs that add nothing and that Mangini is under-utilized  :-[
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 25, 2016, 06:05:32 PM
Under utilized to me means " he doesn't do 300bpm blasts in 4 different time signatures and 4 limbed drum rolls "

Which is FINE by me.

How about playing to the song ? ::)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: CDrice on January 25, 2016, 06:17:34 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 25, 2016, 06:05:32 PM
Under utilized to me means " he doesn't do 300bpm blasts in 4 different time signatures and 4 limbed drum rolls "

Which is FINE by me.

How about playing to the song ? ::)

But what if the songs ask for a 300bpm blasts in 4 different time signatures and 4 limbed drum rolls?  :omg:

How does that even work anyway?  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 25, 2016, 06:56:28 PM
I read both e-mails, getting pretty pumped!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: chego_voice on January 25, 2016, 07:18:46 PM
SHAME ON YOU PEOPLE!  :lol :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 25, 2016, 07:27:17 PM
" two hundredth fifty seven A.C"?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on January 25, 2016, 07:30:20 PM
Quote from: RaiseTheKnife on January 25, 2016, 06:01:15 PM
Quote from: YouMakeMeSick on January 25, 2016, 03:06:28 PM


Like I said on the Preorder thread, I think it's going to be either a GNEA or Ravenskill patch. If it's both, that'd be amazing, because I would love to collect everything released for this album.

Wow, that sounds cool either way.  Thanks for the info and pointing me toward the Pre Order Thread.  I've been on a self-imposed ban until my order arrives.  Trying to avoid spoiler discussions and reviews, so I've limited my DTF exposure until then, but was curious about the surprise item.  Thanks!

SPOILER (perhaps?)

Interestingly enough, I received an email this evening from RoadRunner saying that the surprise gift will actually be a PIN of a nomac.  A picture was included.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: El Barto on January 25, 2016, 10:06:11 PM
Listened to TGoM. Sounded like something from 6D but with 3x more drums than necessary.

Listened to MoB. Also sounded like something from 6D, but only twice the drums necessary. Much more to my liking.

All in all, don't care for the drums and the drum sound in particular. The guy's insanely talented and he's playing in DT, so the only possible thing to do is to overplay the shit out of everything to the detriment of a nice grove. But, at the same time the music isn't bad and I'll be damned if I don't want to see the guy play it live.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 25, 2016, 10:36:38 PM
Can someone explain to me how MM is overplaying? The sound itself is mechanical yes, but MP overplayed far more often IMO. I think MM is much more tasteful so I'm really confused.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: arkdtmp on January 25, 2016, 11:33:10 PM
Quote from: pcs90 on January 25, 2016, 10:36:38 PM
Can someone explain to me how MM is overplaying? The sound itself is mechanical yes, but MP overplayed far more often IMO. I think MM is much more tasteful so I'm really confused.
I believe MP hardly ever overplayed and nor for that matter Mangini. I did like Portnoy's creativity and inventiveness more though; he had a much larger repertoire because of his HUGE range of influences.  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 25, 2016, 11:34:32 PM
Quote from: arkdtmp on January 25, 2016, 11:33:10 PM
Quote from: pcs90 on January 25, 2016, 10:36:38 PM
Can someone explain to me how MM is overplaying? The sound itself is mechanical yes, but MP overplayed far more often IMO. I think MM is much more tasteful so I'm really confused.
I believe MP hardly ever overplayed and nor for that matter Mangini. I did like Portnoy's creativity and inventiveness more though; he had a much larger repertoire because of his HUGE range of influences.  :tup
I also find Portnoy to 'overuse' his influences quite a bit.

Muse-meets-Yes-meets-PinkFloyd-meets-FrankZappa-meets-Beatles-meets-Metallica-meets-Maiden-meets-U2
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 25, 2016, 11:40:29 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 25, 2016, 11:34:32 PM
Quote from: arkdtmp on January 25, 2016, 11:33:10 PM
Quote from: pcs90 on January 25, 2016, 10:36:38 PM
Can someone explain to me how MM is overplaying? The sound itself is mechanical yes, but MP overplayed far more often IMO. I think MM is much more tasteful so I'm really confused.
I believe MP hardly ever overplayed and nor for that matter Mangini. I did like Portnoy's creativity and inventiveness more though; he had a much larger repertoire because of his HUGE range of influences.  :tup
I also find Portnoy to 'overuse' his influences quite a bit.

Muse-meets-Yes-meets-PinkFloyd-meets-FrankZappa-meets-Beatles-meets-Metallica-meets-Maiden-meets-U2

Indeed. But, man, even if his bag of tricks had become a little stale, the guy was still capable of fantastic drum parts or in any case, much more to my liking than MM has done for DT up to now.

B.Lee

Edit : I may be able to get The Astonishing at my mocal store as early as Thursday, which leaves me all Thursday evening and since I don't work then, all Friday morning to immerse myself in the experience. Can't wait!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Stef1 on January 26, 2016, 12:38:02 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 25, 2016, 05:59:40 PM
hmm, i ordered from the UK store, didn't get any mail about the pin. Could you post it somewhere so i can see?
Welcome to the world of Roadrunner UK.
I had problems when I pre ordered ADTOE from them, didn't receive that till a week after release as they has "sold out" a pre order.
I worried when the only place to get the ultimate edition we from them.
I have no email from them recently saying anything about it being sent.
Can see my opinions of this album being spoilt by RRUK not providing any form of service.
If this does happen can you feed this back to DT management via the Fan Club?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Laughing_man923 on January 26, 2016, 12:49:10 AM
I got the email telling us the box sets were delayed until May, but still no email confirming a shipment yet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Moor on January 26, 2016, 02:33:03 AM
"I think James is going to need therapy after this one..." 'The Astonishing' Interview Pt.1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3M7_y6bZPA
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TK on January 26, 2016, 03:02:58 AM
So, let me ask this here, maybe someone knows: Releasedates were previously usually on Mondays whereas they're mostly on Fridays now. When an album was to be released on a Monday, stores would usually already have it for sale on the Friday before that. So now that the album is released this Friday, does that mean that stores may already have it for sale on Thurday?

I'm kinda fed up with waiting, you see... ;D 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Mladen on January 26, 2016, 04:36:25 AM
Nice interview with James few comments above.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: The Curious Orange on January 26, 2016, 05:21:24 AM
Quote from: TK on January 26, 2016, 03:02:58 AM
So, let me ask this here, maybe someone knows: Releasedates were previously usually on Mondays whereas they're mostly on Fridays now. When an album was to be released on a Monday, stores would usually already have it for sale on the Friday before that. So now that the album is released this Friday, does that mean that stores may already have it for sale on Thurday?


Basically - perhaps. The stores will have them in stock at some stage this week, but they will be embargoed from selling them until Ffriday am. Big stores stick to the embargoes, but smaller independant stores are more likely to break it, especially for smaller artists. Get down your local indie record store (very few of them left, I know) and sweet talk the clerk...


Those French pix linked a few pages back make it clear the booklet is glued on again - drat...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 26, 2016, 06:28:10 AM
NOTICE:

I have snipped links and references to an apparently-legit site selling and streaming the album early while we establish whether it is, in fact, legit. Please do not link or reference the site by name until we have confirmation that it's cool.

Crucially, if the page is a fake one, then anyone who buys the mp3s would be paying pirates directly, which is not ok.

Thanks for your patience.


UPDATE:

There are indications that the page in question might well be a fake that is selling a pirated version of the album. PLEASE DO NOT BUY THE ALBUM ON DOWNLOAD anywhere not officially linked to by the band or by Roadrunner.

FURTHER UPDATE:

Confirmed: The page in question is NOT legit. DO NOT BUY THE DOWNLOADS FROM THERE. I will be deleting the posts referencing it and the music from this thread.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: palmeiras on January 26, 2016, 06:32:02 AM
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EwLdP4IObvc

 the gift of music vocal cover

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: emtee on January 26, 2016, 06:37:04 AM
So do you want running comments suspended until you confirm?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 26, 2016, 06:46:00 AM
Didn't expect an official stream already (which this one is, right? Otherwise delete this post).

EDIT: I have stored my post on my PC until the album is officially released, as the link was not official?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 26, 2016, 06:50:21 AM
Quote from: emtee on January 26, 2016, 06:37:04 AM
So do you want running comments suspended until you confirm?
That would seem sensible.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thedrumanimal on January 26, 2016, 06:52:55 AM
I asked Warner Music Germany if that site is legit, still have a contact from the listening session last Friday. But I am sure you guys have closer connections of course.  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 26, 2016, 06:54:13 AM
I wonder if the site has measures against potential fakes? I mean, can anybody just put a leak on that site and ask money from it?(and get away with it?). 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 26, 2016, 06:55:58 AM
I have had confirmation that the page in question is NOT legit. The album is not officially available anywhere yet. DO NOT BUY THE ALBUM ON DOWNLOAD ANYWHERE NOT LINKED TO BY THE BAND OR ROADRUNNER. You will be funding piracy if you do.

And it goes without saying that absolutely do not link the page here.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 26, 2016, 06:57:13 AM
I didn't think it seemed a legit site for a band like DT. Hopefully they sue the scum who profited off this. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 26, 2016, 06:59:12 AM
We're just three days from official release. Compared to the 3 months since the promo campaign started, that's nothing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 26, 2016, 07:00:25 AM
Damn, that sucks, especially if people were thinking they were supporting the band by paying trough that site. Kind of surprised this can happen with for an album of a well known band on a big website.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thedrumanimal on January 26, 2016, 07:00:35 AM
Quote from: ErHaO on January 26, 2016, 06:54:13 AM
I wonder if the site has measures against potential fakes? I mean, can anybody just put a leak on that site and ask money from it?(and get away with it?).

I used that site for my own music. Of course you proclaim that you own the rights for the music you offer for streaming and download. But otherwise as far as I remembered there are no obstacles to upload music to which you have the MP3's...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 26, 2016, 07:02:38 AM
Quote from: ErHaO on January 26, 2016, 06:54:13 AM
I wonder if the site has measures against potential fakes? I mean, can anybody just put a leak on that site and ask money from it?(and get away with it?). 
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 26, 2016, 06:57:13 AM
I didn't think it seemed a legit site for a band like DT.
It's a perfectly legit site in general, used by lots of bands and artists including some fairly big ones. Definitely a perfectly suitable channel for DT/RR to use if they wanted to. However, as ErHaO indicated, they clearly have very poor measures to prevent fakes. Pretty shoddy, really. Hopefully it is addressed quickly - the label is certainly aware of it now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 26, 2016, 07:02:43 AM
Quote from: ErHaO on January 26, 2016, 07:00:25 AM
Damn, that sucks, especially if people were thinking they were supporting the band by paying trough that site. Kind of surprised this can happen with for an album of a well known band on a big website as *SNIP*.
Careful, we can't reference the site.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 26, 2016, 07:03:54 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 07:02:38 AM
It's a perfectly legit site in general, used by lots of bands and artists including some fairly big ones. Definitely a perfectly suitable channel for DT/RR to use if they wanted to. However, as ErHaO indicated, they clearly have very poor measures to prevent fakes. Pretty shoddy, really. Hopefully it is addressed quickly - the label is certainly aware of it now.

Oh I know it's a legit site for music, but it seemed an extremely odd outlet for a band like DT to do with their new album, especially without any official announcement.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 26, 2016, 07:04:03 AM
Quote from: thedrumanimal on January 26, 2016, 07:00:35 AM
Quote from: ErHaO on January 26, 2016, 06:54:13 AM
I wonder if the site has measures against potential fakes? I mean, can anybody just put a leak on that site and ask money from it?(and get away with it?).

I used that site for my own music. Of course you proclaim that you own the rights for the music you offer for streaming and download. But otherwise as far as I remembered there are no obstacles to upload music to which you have the MP3's...

Hmm, ok then. Well, let's hope it did minimal financial damage to both the fans and DT.

For smaller (indie) artists I can understand, but for the larger, signed bands one would think there is at least some kind of checklist in a database or something.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 26, 2016, 07:04:53 AM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 26, 2016, 07:02:43 AM
Quote from: ErHaO on January 26, 2016, 07:00:25 AM
Damn, that sucks, especially if people were thinking they were supporting the band by paying trough that site. Kind of surprised this can happen with for an album of a well known band on a big website as *SNIP*.
Careful, we can't reference the site.
Correct, as it is providing pirated material in this context. Once it's been taken down, people will be able to reference it again.

EDIT: Looks like it has been taken down already. Good stuff, carry on.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 26, 2016, 07:06:34 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 07:04:53 AM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 26, 2016, 07:02:43 AM
Quote from: ErHaO on January 26, 2016, 07:00:25 AM
Damn, that sucks, especially if people were thinking they were supporting the band by paying trough that site. Kind of surprised this can happen with for an album of a well known band on a big website as *SNIP*.
Careful, we can't reference the site.
Correct, as it is providing pirated material in this context. Once it's been taken down, people will be able to reference it again.

 :tup

Sorry for the slip.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 26, 2016, 07:08:11 AM
No prob, see my edit. :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: jingle.boy on January 26, 2016, 07:12:35 AM
And right as this is happening, the page came down in the last 5-10 minutes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: emtee on January 26, 2016, 07:13:42 AM
Well that sucks. We all got scammed.

I have to keep my comments to myself until Friday.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 26, 2016, 07:14:52 AM
Good thing I had those label e-mail addresses handy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 26, 2016, 07:17:58 AM
::) ...

People can't wait a couple more days ? The album will probably be on Spotify or Deezer at Midnight on Friday.

I sigh when I see comments online that people are *annoyed* when a certain album hasn't leaked yet.

Why don't you buy it then ?! ::)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 26, 2016, 07:18:24 AM
Is it really that hard to just stick to DT's official channels for information/releases etc.? Unless/until anything is said through those channels, it is not official/legit. It's a simple rule to stick to, really.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 26, 2016, 07:20:28 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 26, 2016, 07:17:58 AM
I sigh when I see comments online that people are *annoyed* when a certain album hasn't leaked yet.

Why don't you buy it then ?! ::)
Because we can't buy it (and get it) yet ?  I think we've all bought it.  I would hope so anyway.  Doesn't mean we don't want to hear it a little early.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 26, 2016, 07:22:01 AM
As soon as I saw the link, I started listening.  I thought it was legit.  I actually feel a bit dirty now. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 26, 2016, 07:24:28 AM
But if you go to the roadrunner store, login, clock "download", it says that the preorder for the mp3s are for today. So maybe!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: r3d86 on January 26, 2016, 07:24:36 AM
I also want to know about those things JP said on Eddie Trunk's show, about the web and chance to follow the story, see characters bio, etc.

So HYPED!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BelichickFan on January 26, 2016, 07:26:15 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 26, 2016, 07:24:28 AM
But if you go to the roadrunner store, login, clock "download", it says that the preorder for the mp3s are for today. So maybe!
That's cool, I have the CDs scheduled for delivery on Friday, though.  So Friday it is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Awaken on January 26, 2016, 07:28:07 AM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 26, 2016, 07:22:01 AM
As soon as I saw the link, I started listening.  I thought it was legit.  I actually feel a bit dirty now. :lol

Same here - really looked legit with the purchase option available.  Should have known better.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 26, 2016, 07:34:21 AM
Yeah I appreciate that people might have assumed it was legit on a site like bandcamp (ok to name the site now by the way, as the page has been taken down). That's why I haven't handed out any bans. But RoeDent got it pretty spot on with this post:

Quote from: RoeDent on January 26, 2016, 07:18:24 AM
Is it really that hard to just stick to DT's official channels for information/releases etc.? Unless/until anything is said through those channels, it is not official/legit. It's a simple rule to stick to, really.
At the very least, if it is NOT linked on a known official site such as Facebook, Twitter or the official website, people should check with one of the mods/admins before posting.

I think it's mostly a case of people getting overly excited, and also feeling cool about being the first to post something. Stopping to check first means you might get pipped to it by someone else. So I get it, though it's not a very good excuse.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: emtee on January 26, 2016, 07:35:00 AM
At this point the label should probably just stream it. If they go to Youtube now they have their work cut out for them. It will be an all
day every day task to keep taking songs down.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 26, 2016, 07:44:44 AM
Quote from: emtee on January 26, 2016, 07:35:00 AM
At this point the label should probably just stream it. If they go to Youtube now they have their work cut out for them. It will be an all
day every day task to keep taking songs down.
Streaming a few days in advance has become very common for lots of labels/bands, and indeed RR did it for DT12. I'm not sure how well it would work for a 2-disc, 2-hour+ rock opera though. :lol

But yeah, something like that, or starting legitimately selling the mp3s a few days early, are definitely options for a label in general. I guess we'll have to see.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Art on January 26, 2016, 07:51:06 AM
I had bought it from "that site". As i am used to buying music from it, i never thought it would be fake. I will make a formal complain to the site for selling me pirated-stuff, that´s a shame.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RaasMah on January 26, 2016, 07:54:13 AM
Didnt knew it was fake, luckly didnt bought it. Also stopped myself from hearing too much.

Can I just say that what I did heared sounded really awesome?  :\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: emtee on January 26, 2016, 07:57:41 AM
Just a word of caution to anyone who actually submitted a credit card to that site.

Keep a very close eye on your activity for the next several weeks. You are a potential target.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: me7 on January 26, 2016, 08:03:21 AM
No, bandcamp is a respectable site. People who bought there are not in any danger. The fake seller shouldn't have any access to your credit card data.

EDIT: and please, stop referring to bandcamp as that site. It's one of the nicest places to shop for music, they just didn't check whether the fake seller was a real RR representative. Keep in mind that 99.99% of the world don't kniw DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ProgressiveIce on January 26, 2016, 08:07:11 AM
I've read lots of "new DT albums suck" posts before, but this comment on The Astonishing takes the biscuit:
Quote
why did lemmy and bowie have to die while they still live
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Implode on January 26, 2016, 08:09:07 AM
Bandcamp is great. Someone just put up the album illegally, and it got taken down. Not Bandcamp's fault.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: vbrodrigues95 on January 26, 2016, 08:09:35 AM
Anyone knows what the locked "Places" button on their website is going to be?? Artwork of the scenarios?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 26, 2016, 08:10:01 AM
Bandcamp is awesome.

Don't mention it in the same breath as shit like Putlocker :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 26, 2016, 08:12:51 AM
Quote from: me7 on January 26, 2016, 08:03:21 AM
No, bandcamp is a respectable site. People who bought there are not in any danger. The fake seller shouldn't have any access to your credit card data.

EDIT: and please, stop referring to bandcamp as that site. It's one of the nicest places to shop for music, they just didn't check whether the fake seller was a real RR representative. Keep in mind that 99.99% of the world don't kniw DT.
Agreed with all of this.

1. People can feel free to refer to Bandcamp again, now that the offending page has been taken down.

2. Bandcamp is a legit and generally top-notch site in my experience. There is no danger in terms of credit card information. The only issue is that people will have paid money to bandcamp that would then go to the pirate. I expect that bandcamp will have a system in place to not pay anything over to the scammer, but if you did pay anything, I would recommend doing what Art did and contact Bandcamp to let them know/make a complaint.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 26, 2016, 08:15:10 AM
Quote from: Implode on January 26, 2016, 08:09:07 AM
Not Bandcamp's fault.
Well, clearly their systems weren't adequate at preventing this from happening, so I don't think they're entirely blameless. That said, their response time seems to have been very quick, which I'll give them credit for!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: vazquez on January 26, 2016, 08:31:55 AM
https://audioorbital.wordpress.com/2016/01/26/ten-minute-review-dream-theater-the-astonishing/

Interesting review. I´ve liked the phrase: "Dream Theater’s always been a band that goes big or goes home."

"Anyone who still says they miss former drummer Mike Portnoy and prefer him over Mangini is just saying so to be a contrarian." is so obvious... you don´t even need to say it. It´s like saying that water is wet or something like that.  :hat

"I’m just trying to say that this album was terrific.  It was incredibly well put together, the length may be off-putting to some but never feels too long or drags, and the guys are on point.  This is easily their best album in at least ten years, and maybe even since 1999’s Metropolis Pt 2."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: volwrath on January 26, 2016, 08:32:51 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 08:15:10 AM
Quote from: Implode on January 26, 2016, 08:09:07 AM
Not Bandcamp's fault.
Well, clearly their systems weren't adequate at preventing this from happening, so I don't think they're entirely blameless. That said, their response time seems to have been very quick, which I'll give them credit for!

We shall see how quick their response time is to give me my money back.  Ive already filed a paypal dispute.  Man I cant believe I got scammed!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: lightbug on January 26, 2016, 08:33:18 AM
Quote from: ProgressiveIce on January 26, 2016, 08:07:11 AM
I've read lots of "new DT albums suck" posts before, but this comment on The Astonishing takes the biscuit:
Quote
why did lemmy and bowie have to die while they still live

Those :censored idiots are deaf, not musicians, definitely. I'm glad I like this album, this is a very mature music, now I understand what noxon said, all make sense.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MegaDTSX on January 26, 2016, 08:34:46 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 26, 2016, 07:17:58 AM
::) ...

People can't wait a couple more days ? The album will probably be on Spotify or Deezer at Midnight on Friday.

I sigh when I see comments online that people are *annoyed* when a certain album hasn't leaked yet.

Why don't you buy it then ?! ::)

I know that long ago I used to get an album as soon as it leaked just out of excitement and an inability to settle my own ass down, but then on release date I would still buy the album... generally in whatever Collector's Edition/Special Edition is available.

Back when I had no patience I would do that pretty regularly, but I just don't have the time or effort nowadays so I'll be waiting for the album to officially drop.  I still don't see anything wrong with doing that personally so long as you do purchase the album from a legit retailer to support the album and you don't share the album with others.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 26, 2016, 08:36:32 AM
Quote from: El Barto on January 25, 2016, 10:06:11 PM
Listened to TGoM. Sounded like something from 6D but with 3x more drums than necessary.

Listened to MoB. Also sounded like something from 6D, but only twice the drums necessary. Much more to my liking.

All in all, don't care for the drums and the drum sound in particular. The guy's insanely talented and he's playing in DT, so the only possible thing to do is to overplay the shit out of everything to the detriment of a nice grove. But, at the same time the music isn't bad and I'll be damned if I don't want to see the guy play it live.

One particular spot where I was really wishing the drums weren't there was in TGoM 3:24-3:39. Without drums, that section would be prime-rib "An evening with JP and JR" style stuff, which I would have looooved. The drums totally dominate that section though.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rab7 on January 26, 2016, 08:37:20 AM
Quote from: me7 on January 26, 2016, 08:03:21 AM
Keep in mind that 99.99% of the world don't kniw DT.

700,000 people doesn't seem like much. I think they have much more fans than that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 26, 2016, 08:40:02 AM
Quote from: vazquez on January 26, 2016, 08:31:55 AM
"Anyone who still says they miss former drummer Mike Portnoy and prefer him over Mangini is just saying so to be a contrarian." is so obvious... you don´t even need to say it. It´s like saying that water is wet or something like that.  :hat

What a load of garbage.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Zook on January 26, 2016, 08:40:38 AM
I haven't commented much about this album since it was announced so if I may comment on the dreaded snare, it does sound way better than the over compressed blanketed snare of DT12, but it's just a tiny bit too loud.

I think TGOM and MOB are great songs. :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: dparrott on January 26, 2016, 08:48:15 AM
I've been dying to listen to samples and I miss them???  :facepalm: Hurry up interwebs!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: wolven74 on January 26, 2016, 08:58:15 AM
Quote from: Bertielee on January 25, 2016, 11:40:29 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 25, 2016, 11:34:32 PM
Quote from: arkdtmp on January 25, 2016, 11:33:10 PM
Quote from: pcs90 on January 25, 2016, 10:36:38 PM
Can someone explain to me how MM is overplaying? The sound itself is mechanical yes, but MP overplayed far more often IMO. I think MM is much more tasteful so I'm really confused.
I believe MP hardly ever overplayed and nor for that matter Mangini. I did like Portnoy's creativity and inventiveness more though; he had a much larger repertoire because of his HUGE range of influences.  :tup
I also find Portnoy to 'overuse' his influences quite a bit.

Muse-meets-Yes-meets-PinkFloyd-meets-FrankZappa-meets-Beatles-meets-Metallica-meets-Maiden-meets-U2

Indeed. But, man, even if his bag of tricks had become a little stale, the guy was still capable of fantastic drum parts or in any case, much more to my liking than MM has done for DT up to now.

B.Lee

Edit : I may be able to get The Astonishing at my mocal store as early as Thursday, which leaves me all Thursday evening and since I don't work then, all Friday morning to immerse myself in the experience. Can't wait!

I'm seriously stoked for this album. As I am :neverusethis: for every DT album. I want to say this though.... Can we please stop with the MM/MP comparison? Yes, they are different drummers. Yes, they have different equipment--Portnoy played Tama, Mangini plays Pearl--so they're going to sound different. They have different playing styles so no matter how it's produced or mixed, they will never sound the same. I don't think MP is better or worse than Mangini, or vice versa. The debate is old and tired. The band has moved on, as has MP. Can we?

/rant.

Can't wait till Friday!!!! :metal

Carry on.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 26, 2016, 09:04:22 AM
Quote from: volwrath on January 26, 2016, 08:32:51 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 08:15:10 AM
Quote from: Implode on January 26, 2016, 08:09:07 AM
Not Bandcamp's fault.
Well, clearly their systems weren't adequate at preventing this from happening, so I don't think they're entirely blameless. That said, their response time seems to have been very quick, which I'll give them credit for!

We shall see how quick their response time is to give me my money back.  Ive already filed a paypal dispute.  Man I cant believe I got scammed!
It's an interesting point, I don't know how refunds work with digital downloads. I mean, you presumably did get the mp3s, you just (accidentally) got them from an illegal source. It's not like you can give them back or anything. I'm not sure what the answer is, really. Though I imagine most people who paid through bandcamp in the short time the page was there are probably almost all people who want to support the band and will buy a legit copy if they get a refund.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 26, 2016, 09:28:47 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 26, 2016, 08:40:02 AM
Quote from: vazquez on January 26, 2016, 08:31:55 AM
"Anyone who still says they miss former drummer Mike Portnoy and prefer him over Mangini is just saying so to be a contrarian." is so obvious... you don´t even need to say it. It´s like saying that water is wet or something like that.  :hat

What a load of garbage.

I agree, I have a friend who actually told me he misses Portnoy because of how he used to hit his head with his hand while playing and myself as a DT fan -who doesn't miss Portnoy the least bit- thought to myself "Oh yeah.. I do miss Portnoy for that"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 26, 2016, 10:29:40 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 09:04:22 AM
Quote from: volwrath on January 26, 2016, 08:32:51 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 08:15:10 AM
Quote from: Implode on January 26, 2016, 08:09:07 AM
Not Bandcamp's fault.
Well, clearly their systems weren't adequate at preventing this from happening, so I don't think they're entirely blameless. That said, their response time seems to have been very quick, which I'll give them credit for!

We shall see how quick their response time is to give me my money back.  Ive already filed a paypal dispute.  Man I cant believe I got scammed!
It's an interesting point, I don't know how refunds work with digital downloads. I mean, you presumably did get the mp3s, you just (accidentally) got them from an illegal source. It's not like you can give them back or anything.
That's what I was thinking.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Zantera on January 26, 2016, 10:41:57 AM
I'm curious which song title is the most accurate for The Astonishing, is it "The Best of Times" or "A Nightmare to Remember"?

I'll probably check it out, but got other albums higher on the priority and a lot of work related things at the moment.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: millahh on January 26, 2016, 10:42:45 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 26, 2016, 10:29:40 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 09:04:22 AM
Quote from: volwrath on January 26, 2016, 08:32:51 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 08:15:10 AM
Quote from: Implode on January 26, 2016, 08:09:07 AM
Not Bandcamp's fault.
Well, clearly their systems weren't adequate at preventing this from happening, so I don't think they're entirely blameless. That said, their response time seems to have been very quick, which I'll give them credit for!

We shall see how quick their response time is to give me my money back.  Ive already filed a paypal dispute.  Man I cant believe I got scammed!
It's an interesting point, I don't know how refunds work with digital downloads. I mean, you presumably did get the mp3s, you just (accidentally) got them from an illegal source. It's not like you can give them back or anything.
That's what I was thinking.

the sale was an act of fraud, and the people who bought did so under false pretenses...I'd think that is pretty good ground for reversing the transaction, even though the purchaser has the mp3s.

Also, the money has to go somewhere...either the site gives it to the fraudsters anyway (bad look for the site, as it incentives the behavior, and might even be illegal), the site keeps it (again, bad look for the site, as they would be profiting off of illegal use of their site), or the $ is refunded to the purchaser.  If I'm the site, I'm falling all over myself to give refunds.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Sacul on January 26, 2016, 10:44:11 AM
Quote from: Zantera on January 26, 2016, 10:41:57 AM
I'm curious which song title is the most accurate for The Astonishing, is it "The Best of Times" or "A Nightmare to Remember"?
I think both are accurate on this case  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: volwrath on January 26, 2016, 11:35:41 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 09:04:22 AM
Quote from: volwrath on January 26, 2016, 08:32:51 AM

We shall see how quick their response time is to give me my money back.  Ive already filed a paypal dispute.  Man I cant believe I got scammed!
It's an interesting point, I don't know how refunds work with digital downloads. I mean, you presumably did get the mp3s, you just (accidentally) got them from an illegal source. It's not like you can give them back or anything. I'm not sure what the answer is, really. Though I imagine most people who paid through bandcamp in the short time the page was there are probably almost all people who want to support the band and will buy a legit copy if they get a refund.

Probably the most humorous thing about it is that I didn't actually download them yet.  I bought them, and then got pulled to a meeting at work, so was not able to download. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Pound4aBrown on January 26, 2016, 12:49:00 PM
Quote from: millahh on January 26, 2016, 10:42:45 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 26, 2016, 10:29:40 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 09:04:22 AM
Quote from: volwrath on January 26, 2016, 08:32:51 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 08:15:10 AM
Quote from: Implode on January 26, 2016, 08:09:07 AM
Not Bandcamp's fault.
Well, clearly their systems weren't adequate at preventing this from happening, so I don't think they're entirely blameless. That said, their response time seems to have been very quick, which I'll give them credit for!

We shall see how quick their response time is to give me my money back.  Ive already filed a paypal dispute.  Man I cant believe I got scammed!
It's an interesting point, I don't know how refunds work with digital downloads. I mean, you presumably did get the mp3s, you just (accidentally) got them from an illegal source. It's not like you can give them back or anything.
That's what I was thinking.

the sale was an act of fraud, and the people who bought did so under false pretenses...I'd think that is pretty good ground for reversing the transaction, even though the purchaser has the mp3s.

Also, the money has to go somewhere...either the site gives it to the fraudsters anyway (bad look for the site, as it incentives the behavior, and might even be illegal), the site keeps it (again, bad look for the site, as they would be profiting off of illegal use of their site), or the $ is refunded to the purchaser.  If I'm the site, I'm falling all over myself to give refunds.

Back in Oct there was a fake Death Cube K album put up on Bandcamp, a few people bought it. Once Bandcamp shut the page down, eveyone that bought one got their money back.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 26, 2016, 01:27:21 PM
"Proudly display your allegiance to your side by using our photo booth. Post your images using ‪#‎TheAstonishing‬"

https://theastonishing.photomusicbooth.com/

Anyone will have a go at it?  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 26, 2016, 01:29:37 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 26, 2016, 01:27:21 PM
"Proudly display your allegiance to your side by using our photo booth. Post your images using ‪#‎TheAstonishing‬"

https://theastonishing.photomusicbooth.com/

Anyone will have a go at it?  ;D

It's tempting. Maybe I'll do it.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: darkshade on January 26, 2016, 01:46:26 PM
I intend on TA being the first DT album I don't listen to the leak/free stream before release since 8vm. Glad I stuck to it.   :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thosava on January 26, 2016, 01:53:22 PM
I have made the desicion to stay away from the internet untill my CD arrives in the mail. I will not be tempted to download the album this time. See you on thursday or friday!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 26, 2016, 02:03:33 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 25, 2016, 09:46:54 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 25, 2016, 09:34:28 AM
The question is: will we get another update today?

Well, the marketing schedule has been flexible and has changed on the fly quite a bit, but there is supposed to be something else released before 1/29 according to the last schedule I have, so stay tuned.  Hopefully, it happens.  But even if it doesn't, we will have the album before we know it!

Is this what you were talking about, bosk? If not, publishing a new update is becoming more and more pointless to me as we get so close to the release date :sad:

https://theastonishing.photomusicbooth.com/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 26, 2016, 02:04:46 PM
Nope.  Not it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 26, 2016, 02:06:56 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 26, 2016, 01:27:21 PM
"Proudly display your allegiance to your side by using our photo booth. Post your images using ‪#‎TheAstonishing‬"

https://theastonishing.photomusicbooth.com/

Anyone will have a go at it?  ;D

LOL just tried this and it's fairly pointless.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 26, 2016, 02:09:16 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 26, 2016, 01:27:21 PM
"Proudly display your allegiance to your side by using our photo booth. Post your images using ‪#‎TheAstonishing‬"

https://theastonishing.photomusicbooth.com/

Anyone will have a go at it?  ;D
I would but I don't do instagram.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 26, 2016, 02:17:32 PM
We're running out of days for updates to happen. Tomorrow or Thursday, and that's it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Podaar on January 26, 2016, 02:18:39 PM
At this point I'm anticipating finding out what the clickable eyes of the NOMACS do more than listening to the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 26, 2016, 02:28:53 PM
Quote from: Podaar on January 26, 2016, 02:18:39 PM
At this point I'm anticipating finding out what the clickable eyes of the NOMACS do more than listening to the album.
lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 26, 2016, 02:33:54 PM
Quote from: Podaar on January 26, 2016, 02:18:39 PM
At this point I'm anticipating finding out what the clickable eyes of the NOMACS do more than listening to the album.

I'm more excited about clicking the eyes than playing the album !  :laugh:

January 29th...

:laugh: Oh boy - here we go - what do they do ?

 :'( ...play the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 26, 2016, 02:40:28 PM
I bet the eyes do nothing and are not actually clickable after all.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Shadow2222 on January 26, 2016, 02:43:43 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 26, 2016, 02:33:54 PM
Quote from: Podaar on January 26, 2016, 02:18:39 PM
At this point I'm anticipating finding out what the clickable eyes of the NOMACS do more than listening to the album.

I'm more excited about clicking the eyes than playing the album !  :laugh:

January 29th...

:laugh: Oh boy - here we go - what do they do ?

 :'( ...play the album.

I wouldn't be surprised if each eye links to a stream of each act.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 26, 2016, 02:52:14 PM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 02:40:28 PM
I bet the eyes do nothing and are not actually clickable after all.

The Astonishing prank.


:getoffmylawn: :getoffmylawn:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 26, 2016, 02:53:12 PM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 02:40:28 PM
I bet the eyes do nothing and are not actually clickable after all.

Well someone on the website design team should make those buttons non-clickable then. Do they even know that the "hand" pointer appears when you hover over the red buttons? It's not my biggest concern, what they are for, but it's a huge red herring to have those buttons clickable for months and then find that they'll never take you anywhere.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: paulstfu on January 26, 2016, 02:55:02 PM
Quote from: Zantera on January 26, 2016, 10:41:57 AM
I'm curious which song title is the most accurate for The Astonishing, is it "The Best of Times" or "A Nightmare to Remember"?

I'll probably check it out, but got other albums higher on the priority and a lot of work related things at the moment.


The Great Debate









 :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 26, 2016, 02:57:23 PM
Quote from: Zantera on January 26, 2016, 10:41:57 AM
I'm curious which song title is the most accurate for The Astonishing, is it "The Best of Times" or "A Nightmare to Remember"?

I'll probably check it out, but got other albums higher on the priority and a lot of work related things at the moment.

I'm gonna go with Slipknot's 'Disasterpiece' :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 26, 2016, 03:06:10 PM
A Disastrous Turn Of Events??  :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 26, 2016, 03:10:47 PM
Quote from: Podaar on January 26, 2016, 02:18:39 PM
At this point I'm anticipating finding out what the clickable eyes of the NOMACS do more than listening to the album.

Haha, something to ask to DT in future interviews.

Meanwhile on FB...... Petruci trolls us all showing off his copy of The Astonishing  :P
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pdurbin22 on January 26, 2016, 03:27:37 PM
Quote from: darkshade on January 26, 2016, 01:46:26 PM
I intend on TA being the first DT album I don't listen to the leak/free stream before release since 8vm. Glad I stuck to it.   :corn

Same here - well, since SC for me anyway. Cannot believe that at midnight on Thursday I'll be listening to 120 minutes of new Dream Theater music for the first time (plus the 10 minutes we've all heard already).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 26, 2016, 03:46:09 PM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 26, 2016, 03:10:47 PM
Quote from: Podaar on January 26, 2016, 02:18:39 PM
At this point I'm anticipating finding out what the clickable eyes of the NOMACS do more than listening to the album.

Haha, something to ask to DT in future interviews.

Meanwhile on FB...... Petruci trolls us all showing off his copy of The Astonishing  :P

Not touching, can't get mad  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: boogity on January 26, 2016, 04:12:27 PM
Forgot I had an account here and have mainly just been lurking.

But thinking about the last locked video, wouldn't it be awesome if it was a 2 hour companion video to the album.
Not sure if this has been discussed but ever since I had that thought, I hope that will exist in the future if thats not what the video is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 26, 2016, 04:15:47 PM
Quote from: boogity on January 26, 2016, 04:12:27 PM
Forgot I had an account here and have mainly just been lurking.

But thinking about the last locked video, wouldn't it be awesome if it was a 2 hour companion video to the album.
Not sure if this has been discussed but ever since I had that thought, I hope that will exist in the future if thats not what the video is.

That would be amazing but I kinda doubt it.
But then what do we think it will be anyway, behind the scenes? Very unlikely. Another trailer? Hope not. Another visual companion? Could be cool!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Peter Mc on January 26, 2016, 04:17:56 PM
Quote from: millahh on January 26, 2016, 10:42:45 AM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 26, 2016, 10:29:40 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 09:04:22 AM
Quote from: volwrath on January 26, 2016, 08:32:51 AM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 08:15:10 AM
Quote from: Implode on January 26, 2016, 08:09:07 AM
Not Bandcamp's fault.
Well, clearly their systems weren't adequate at preventing this from happening, so I don't think they're entirely blameless. That said, their response time seems to have been very quick, which I'll give them credit for!

We shall see how quick their response time is to give me my money back.  Ive already filed a paypal dispute.  Man I cant believe I got scammed!
It's an interesting point, I don't know how refunds work with digital downloads. I mean, you presumably did get the mp3s, you just (accidentally) got them from an illegal source. It's not like you can give them back or anything.
That's what I was thinking.

the sale was an act of fraud, and the people who bought did so under false pretenses...I'd think that is pretty good ground for reversing the transaction, even though the purchaser has the mp3s.

Also, the money has to go somewhere...either the site gives it to the fraudsters anyway (bad look for the site, as it incentives the behavior, and might even be illegal), the site keeps it (again, bad look for the site, as they would be profiting off of illegal use of their site), or the $ is refunded to the purchaser.  If I'm the site, I'm falling all over myself to give refunds.

Not really fraud to the people who bought the MP3 of the album as I assume they received an MP3 of the album. People got what they paid for. DT/Roadrunner have a legitimate beef as someone has sold their album without permission.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: olddtfan51@gmail.com on January 26, 2016, 04:37:09 PM
I just want friday to get here. I know that Amazon is shipping mine tomorrow. So i know i will get it on the 29th. :metal :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 26, 2016, 04:42:28 PM
Only a matter of time guys, only a matter of TIME  :metal I can almost hear it playing on my stereo   :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 26, 2016, 04:46:27 PM
Quote from: olddtfan51@gmail.com on January 26, 2016, 04:37:09 PM
I just want friday to get here. I know that Amazon is shipping mine tomorrow. So i know i will get it on the 29th. :metal :tup

Mine is shipping tomorrow too. I'm not gonna count on getting it on the 28th. I have Spotify if it's not here by Friday.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BFRedrocks on January 26, 2016, 04:48:31 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 26, 2016, 04:15:47 PM
Quote from: boogity on January 26, 2016, 04:12:27 PM
Forgot I had an account here and have mainly just been lurking.

But thinking about the last locked video, wouldn't it be awesome if it was a 2 hour companion video to the album.
Not sure if this has been discussed but ever since I had that thought, I hope that will exist in the future if thats not what the video is.

That would be amazing but I kinda doubt it.
But then what do we think it will be anyway, behind the scenes? Very unlikely. Another trailer? Hope not. Another visual companion? Could be cool!

In the email RR sent out about the delay for the box sets, they said this:

"In anticipation of the custom box set we plan to do everything we can to make this delay up to you by providing you with exclusive content and looks inside The Astonishing album, on a monthly basis."

So maybe there's something to this, unless we box set "buyers" truly get "exclusive content" that others can't access (at least directly).  Not sure what they're talking about, but still looking forward to Friday!! 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: volwrath on January 26, 2016, 04:58:06 PM
Quote from: Peter Mc on January 26, 2016, 04:17:56 PM

Not really fraud to the people who bought the MP3 of the album as I assume they received an MP3 of the album. People got what they paid for. DT/Roadrunner have a legitimate beef as someone has sold their album without permission.
I didnt get my mp3 as I was at work at the time.
Im sure I will get my refund, especially since I bought through paypal.  I had even cancelled my amazon order as it was advertising flacs too. Oh well.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 26, 2016, 05:05:14 PM
I hope I also get mine.
My only issue in case I have to depend on Spotify to hear it, are the lyrics and their accuracy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 26, 2016, 05:07:34 PM
I wish some interviewer would Ask James how long it takes him to memorize the lyrics. 
It has to be really hard to memorize the lyrics to a double album.   When James gets old
maybe he will start using a teleprompter like he alluded to in the metalsucks podcast.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Laughing_man923 on January 26, 2016, 05:10:28 PM
So just got a second email from RR this time stating that the vinyls will also be delayed as well. This makes me sad, I wanted those on friday.  :-[
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 26, 2016, 05:12:24 PM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on January 26, 2016, 05:07:34 PM
I wish some interviewer would Ask James how long it takes him to memorize the lyrics. 
It has to be really hard to memorize the lyrics to a double album.   When James gets old
maybe he will start using a teleprompter like he alluded to in the metalsucks podcast.

I don't think it's that difficult when you spend a significant amount of time laying down the vocals in the studio then rehearsing it for the tour.  I'm personally more amazed that JP knows all the guitar solos, but at the same time, it's still the same thing.  These guys play it so much that it's easy to memorize it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: GasparXR on January 26, 2016, 05:15:29 PM
Quote from: cramx3 on January 26, 2016, 05:12:24 PM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on January 26, 2016, 05:07:34 PM
I wish some interviewer would Ask James how long it takes him to memorize the lyrics. 
It has to be really hard to memorize the lyrics to a double album.   When James gets old
maybe he will start using a teleprompter like he alluded to in the metalsucks podcast.

I don't think it's that difficult when you spend a significant amount of time laying down the vocals in the studio then rehearsing it for the tour.  I'm personally more amazed that JP knows all the guitar solos, but at the same time, it's still the same thing.  These guys play it so much that it's easy to memorize it.

That is all very true. Also, if you're of a very musical mind, it can be very easy to memorize because it's something you're good at and connect with easily, in addition to spending lots of time with it and loving it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 26, 2016, 05:15:50 PM
You'd be amazed by the amount of things your brain can learn.
While I don't sing, I always encourage people who sing in my bands not to memorize the lyrics, but "learn" them, put themselves in the character's shoes. I got the firm belief that if you feel what you sing, you don't have to memorize anything, it just flows through, the same with other instruments.

James appears to do this very very well, that's why I admire him, not many singers in the musical scene do that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)"
Post by: noxon on January 26, 2016, 05:19:38 PM
Actual quote from JP ; " and the fans always request these songs like octavarium - I don't even know it anymore. I'd have to relearn it to play it now."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 26, 2016, 05:21:25 PM
I'm pretty sure Petrucci can't play shit from LTE now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 26, 2016, 05:53:08 PM
Remember when Jordan made that video where he plays a song and talks the same time?
I wonder if he could play the entire Astonishing show while giving a running commentary.
They could put it on the dvd.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 26, 2016, 06:40:35 PM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on January 26, 2016, 05:53:08 PM
Remember when Jordan made that video where he plays a song and talks the same time?
I wonder if he could play the entire Astonishing show while giving a running commentary.
They could put it on the dvd.
I do remember that! It was some kind of independence exercise. He was playing different rhythms in each hand and talking about his day, I believe.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 26, 2016, 06:59:12 PM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 02:40:28 PM
I bet the eyes do nothing and are not actually clickable after all.

They are coded as buttons, they just currently link to nothing. That would be a hell of a troll. :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 26, 2016, 07:09:05 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 26, 2016, 06:59:12 PM
Quote from: ariich on January 26, 2016, 02:40:28 PM
I bet the eyes do nothing and are not actually clickable after all.

They are coded as buttons, they just currently link to nothing. That would be a hell of a troll. :lol

Hey Blob. Check out my stupid sludge . link in the Kinginese thread.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 26, 2016, 07:12:51 PM
Everytime you click it, Ramsey scores a goal.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)"
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 26, 2016, 07:32:21 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 26, 2016, 05:19:38 PM
Actual quote from JP ; " and the fans always request these songs like octavarium - I don't even know it anymore. I'd have to relearn it to play it now."
He said a similar quote during some clinics in 2012. Right after he played The Dance of Eternity, someone asked him if that was in the setlist and he said "Yeah. I wouldn't know how to play it right now if we weren't playing it on tour."

I'm sure when they decide what songs to play on a certain tour, each member goes through the motions to be able to play their parts whether they need to re-learn stuff or not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)"
Post by: fadetoblackdude7 on January 26, 2016, 08:11:14 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 26, 2016, 07:32:21 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 26, 2016, 05:19:38 PM
Actual quote from JP ; " and the fans always request these songs like octavarium - I don't even know it anymore. I'd have to relearn it to play it now."
He said a similar quote during some clinics in 2012. Right after he played The Dance of Eternity, someone asked him if that was in the setlist and he said "Yeah. I wouldn't know how to play it right now if we weren't playing it on tour."

I'm sure when they decide what songs to play on a certain tour, each member goes through the motions to be able to play their parts whether they need to re-learn stuff or not.

Not surprising in the slightest, given how complex their music is, and how large their catalog is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Marion Crane on January 26, 2016, 08:17:50 PM
Question for those who've heard the album....is there ever a call back to anything from TGOM? Seems like there would be.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: GasparXR on January 26, 2016, 08:55:30 PM
Quote from: Marion Crane on January 26, 2016, 08:17:50 PM
Question for those who've heard the album....is there ever a call back to anything from TGOM? Seems like there would be.

There is one in Moment of Betrayal, although it's brief. Can't say for the rest of the album obviously.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 26, 2016, 09:07:51 PM
It may have already been discussed, but who is talking in Moment of Betrayal? The verses seem to be Arhys and some parts are Gabriel.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 26, 2016, 09:25:25 PM
Still Tuesday, still fuckin Tuesday.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Marion Crane on January 26, 2016, 09:32:17 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on January 26, 2016, 09:07:51 PM
It may have already been discussed, but who is talking in Moment of Betrayal? The verses seem to be Arhys and some parts are Gabriel.

I don't hear that call back per se. What I mean is the main riff ever brought back, or especially is the "my brother Gabriel" part ever brought back? Seems too important and epic to just be only used once and so quick.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 26, 2016, 09:58:07 PM
My question was unrelated to yours.  :lol

I was just wondering who is talking in Moment of Betrayal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 26, 2016, 10:11:51 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on January 26, 2016, 09:58:07 PM
My question was unrelated to yours.  :lol

I was just wondering who is talking in Moment of Betrayal

Up to 1:35 - Gabriel. Afterwards - Arhys.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Evermind on January 26, 2016, 10:18:41 PM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 26, 2016, 10:11:51 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on January 26, 2016, 09:58:07 PM
My question was unrelated to yours.  :lol

I was just wondering who is talking in Moment of Betrayal

Up to 1:35 - Gabriel. Afterwards - Arhys.

Oh, now it makes sense. I was sure the first verse was Arhys setting Gabriel up and lying about Noise Machines being still this night, but I couldn't place the "you are acting very strange" part.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: lightbug on January 26, 2016, 10:47:36 PM
Quote from: Marion Crane on January 26, 2016, 08:17:50 PM
Question for those who've heard the album....is there ever a call back to anything from TGOM? Seems like there would be.

i think there is one in A New Beginning
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 26, 2016, 11:13:23 PM
Quote from: Marion Crane on January 26, 2016, 08:17:50 PM
Question for those who've heard the album....is there ever a call back to anything from TGOM? Seems like there would be.

There probably is, but if so it's subtle. There are some themes that reappear throughout the album in various forms, (Brother, Can You Hear Me is one example I can remember) but I can't remember anything from TGOM. I don't even think it shows up in either overture.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 26, 2016, 11:41:23 PM
Quote from: Marion Crane on January 26, 2016, 09:32:17 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on January 26, 2016, 09:07:51 PM
It may have already been discussed, but who is talking in Moment of Betrayal? The verses seem to be Arhys and some parts are Gabriel.

I don't hear that call back per se. What I mean is the main riff ever brought back, or especially is the "my brother Gabriel" part ever brought back? Seems too important and epic to just be only used once and so quick.

The chord progression in the guitar solo in MOB is a callback to the guitar solo in TGOM.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Panar on January 27, 2016, 12:13:09 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 26, 2016, 11:41:23 PM
Quote from: Marion Crane on January 26, 2016, 09:32:17 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on January 26, 2016, 09:07:51 PM
It may have already been discussed, but who is talking in Moment of Betrayal? The verses seem to be Arhys and some parts are Gabriel.

I don't hear that call back per se. What I mean is the main riff ever brought back, or especially is the "my brother Gabriel" part ever brought back? Seems too important and epic to just be only used once and so quick.

The chord progression in the guitar solo in MOB is a callback to the guitar solo in TGOM.

How did you make this conclusion?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 27, 2016, 12:22:16 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 27, 2016, 12:13:09 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 26, 2016, 11:41:23 PM
The chord progression in the guitar solo in MOB is a callback to the guitar solo in TGOM.

How did you make this conclusion?

Uhm, listening? :) There is a specific distinct chord change there that made me come to that conclusion.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erciccio on January 27, 2016, 12:29:35 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 27, 2016, 12:22:16 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 27, 2016, 12:13:09 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 26, 2016, 11:41:23 PM
The chord progression in the guitar solo in MOB is a callback to the guitar solo in TGOM.

How did you make this conclusion?

Uhm, listening? :) There is a specific distinct chord change there that made me come to that conclusion.

Yeps, I agree.
More than the chord change it's really a major-mode pharsing/ arpeggio that recalls TGOM
I think it's made on purpose, during the concert videos we might be see Gabriel using his laser sword during the battle..
 :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Panar on January 27, 2016, 12:39:30 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 27, 2016, 12:22:16 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 27, 2016, 12:13:09 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 26, 2016, 11:41:23 PM
The chord progression in the guitar solo in MOB is a callback to the guitar solo in TGOM.

How did you make this conclusion?

Uhm, listening? :) There is a specific distinct chord change there that made me come to that conclusion.

The specific chord change you are referring to is just 2 chords that are a 4th apart. E and A. It's a very common change... I don't think that there's a link between the two solos just for this  "similarity" alone..
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 27, 2016, 12:44:01 AM
Quote from: erciccio on January 27, 2016, 12:29:35 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 27, 2016, 12:22:16 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 27, 2016, 12:13:09 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 26, 2016, 11:41:23 PM
The chord progression in the guitar solo in MOB is a callback to the guitar solo in TGOM.

How did you make this conclusion?

Uhm, listening? :) There is a specific distinct chord change there that made me come to that conclusion.

Yeps, I agree.
More than the chord change it's really a major-mode pharsing/ arpeggio that recalls TGOM
I think it's made on purpose, during the concert videos we might be see Gabriel using his laser sword during the battle..
 :metal

 :lol I think The Astonishing has more of a Shakesperean vibe than Star Wars.

What this album needs is a libretto. Would the CD contain one?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Cyclopssss on January 27, 2016, 12:52:29 AM
The vibe I got off of Moment of Betrayal was more Game of Thrones. 'Meet me there and there and we'll kill the bugger'  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 27, 2016, 01:02:02 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on January 27, 2016, 12:52:29 AM
The vibe I got off of Moment of Betrayal was more Game of Thrones. 'Meet me there and there and we'll kill the bugger'  ;D

But this one has a heartfelt love story, it would seem, between characters from warring factions. GoT only has lots of sex.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: me7 on January 27, 2016, 01:50:31 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 27, 2016, 12:39:30 AM
The specific chord change you are referring to is just 2 chords that are a 4th apart. E and A. It's a very common change... I don't think that there's a link between the two solos just for this  "similarity" alone..

Does this occur in the Enemy inside and On the Backs of Angels solos as well? These four solos are similar in my mind for some reason.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Panar on January 27, 2016, 02:18:25 AM
Quote from: me7 on January 27, 2016, 01:50:31 AM
Quote from: Panar on January 27, 2016, 12:39:30 AM
The specific chord change you are referring to is just 2 chords that are a 4th apart. E and A. It's a very common change... I don't think that there's a link between the two solos just for this  "similarity" alone..

Does this occur in the Enemy inside and On the Backs of Angels solos as well? These four solos are similar in my mind for some reason.

They are in the same key and definitely sharing the same "attitude" and style.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 27, 2016, 02:27:30 AM
Just two more days until we all can start to fight about which CD is better; Act 1 or Act 2.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 27, 2016, 02:35:00 AM
And which of the NOMACS tracks is the best one.

I expect a poll about it, I know someone will do it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 27, 2016, 02:41:11 AM
Minor thing, but I've just realised that all four characters in each faction have the same relationships:

Main man: Nafaryus / Arhys

His wife: Arabelle / Evangeline

His brother: Daryus* / Gabriel

His child: Faythe / Xander

*I'm 99.9% certain that Daryus is Nafaryus' brother. They look similar, have similar names, and Daryus looks too old to be N's son.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 27, 2016, 02:48:52 AM
I'm 100% certain that you're wrong on that account.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pringkaarwanda on January 27, 2016, 02:52:04 AM
Umm, this about the second video in DT website
Can it be an official Video clip from one of the song in the album?

If yes, then I really love they make Video Clip for Dystopian Overture.
From all review, it said Dystopian Overture is perfect instrumental song to describe future / Dystopian atmosphere in the album
It will be very great to have a video clip of Dystopian Overture, showing all thing that relate to the album, using 3D animation or something, so it can make all of our fantasy come alive when we watch it  :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 27, 2016, 03:03:28 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 27, 2016, 02:48:52 AM
I'm 100% certain that you're wrong on that account.

Really? He's got wrinkles! Daryus looks in his mid-40s, Nafaryus mid-50s.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RaasMah on January 27, 2016, 03:24:32 AM
Darius is the military Genral who will end up as the real bad guy and try to overthrow Lord Nafa after he welcomes Gabriel music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 27, 2016, 04:00:41 AM
Wow, some people on the DT reddit page are already claiming The Astonishing to be in their top 5 all-time favorite albums, this must be a very quick grower  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: metrojam on January 27, 2016, 04:39:24 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 27, 2016, 04:00:41 AM
Wow, some people on the DT reddit page are already claiming The Astonishing to be in their top 5 all-time favorite albums, this must be a very quick grower  :hat

I wouldn't read too much into that. There are always people who immediately go over the top at every DT new record and proclaim it as their best ever etc after a day or so of release!! hell, some people even said that the horribly weak DT12 was the best ever DT album a day or so after it came out!!
I.M.O. from hearing it just once from that uhmm....naughty stream yesterday, this is going to take many many listens before people are going to be able to come up with any kind of informed and reasoned opinion of just how good TA is.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: me7 on January 27, 2016, 04:52:57 AM
I can't blame them. AdToE was good but by the numbers and DT12 was stale. Getting an album now that is so different is refreshing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Rodni Demental on January 27, 2016, 05:00:23 AM
I agree with the sentiment that it'll take a while for the fog of hype to clear and so a while before we get a general consensus. But for me, the impressions were leaning towards strong standout on first listen (to me at least half of DTs albums take this in reverse but grow with familiarity). Dunno how I'll feel about TA after another 10 times or whatever but at least I can still imagine listening to it a lot more in the near future.  :tup

Honestly, it seems good. Like, I'm temped to say this will go straight up there with I&W/SFAM/6DOIT with longevity and lasting appeal aswell, I can relate to where those comments are coming from because this album is an unrestrained DT yet surprisingly well behaved. To me it feels like an album for the fans, because it really has a bit of everything. I can't see myself recommending it to non-fans or anyone that isn't already at least slightly into DT.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: IdoSC on January 27, 2016, 05:17:59 AM
I think it's just going to be very polarizing. If the concept makes you cringe, you don't like other grandiose rock operas, or you're just looking for individual songs to appreciate out of this experience, you probably will be highly dissatisfied. If you fully embrace the cheese and like a big musical "adventure", a focus on melodies, delivery and vocals over notes per second and such, you're gonna LOVE this one.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: emtee on January 27, 2016, 05:20:52 AM
Strong suggestion:

Since I can't un-hear what what was illegally posted on Bandcamp yesterday, and saying this without giving anything away...

For those of you who are very passionate about music I strongly suggest you listen to this album for the first time in a quiet
place where you can allow yourself to focus entirely on what unfolds. The album deserves this kind of treatment.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TAC on January 27, 2016, 05:28:55 AM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 27, 2016, 03:03:28 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 27, 2016, 02:48:52 AM
I'm 100% certain that you're wrong on that account.

Really? He's got wrinkles! Daryus looks in his mid-40s, Nafaryus mid-50s.

I have not read all of the tweets/e mails, etc..from the characters, but IIRC, didn't Nefaryus refer to Daryus as his son, perhaps even calling him a prince?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Rodni Demental on January 27, 2016, 05:36:55 AM
That's actually the one thing that worries me. Is that there will be a lot of people having heard it from environments that won't allow for attentive listening which I actually think is practically essential to fully appreciate. But, at the end of the day, people will digest it how they will, and the music has to speak for itself from all points of view.

It's kind of amusing for me, I literally listened to the first disc in a candle lit room last night by myself (power outtage that turned out to be the perfect excuse) and I still feel like I need a more focused listen. But yeah, the power cut out last night and I'd luckily just put the album on my phone that arvo for listening at work, so grabbed headphones and went into space for about an hour. I would say take a break if you're not feeling it or getting a bit fatigued though. I took about a 24 hour break between Disc 1 and 2 (didn't mean for it to be that long but it didn't matter).

Oh yeah, that plan I had to listen to it in bits at work. Glad I didn't do that. XD
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 27, 2016, 05:37:38 AM
Quote from: emtee on January 27, 2016, 05:20:52 AM
Strong suggestion:

Since I can't un-hear what what was illegally posted on Bandcamp yesterday, and saying this without giving anything away...

For those of you who are very passionate about music I strongly suggest you listen to this album for the first time in a quiet
place where you can allow yourself to focus entirely on what unfolds. The album deserves this kind of treatment.

I plan to go on a long walk with it in headphones. Unless it's pissing down with rain then i'll stay indoors.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 27, 2016, 05:37:44 AM
Quote from: emtee on January 27, 2016, 05:20:52 AM
Strong suggestion:

Since I can't un-hear what what was illegally posted on Bandcamp yesterday, and saying this without giving anything away...

For those of you who are very passionate about music I strongly suggest you listen to this album for the first time in a quiet
place where you can allow yourself to focus entirely on what unfolds. The album deserves this kind of treatment.

Absolutely agree with that. I would also add... approach it in the most open-minded way possible. Enjoy it for what it is. It'll be quite a ride.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 27, 2016, 05:43:46 AM
Quote from: metrojam on January 27, 2016, 04:39:24 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 27, 2016, 04:00:41 AM
Wow, some people on the DT reddit page are already claiming The Astonishing to be in their top 5 all-time favorite albums, this must be a very quick grower  :hat

I wouldn't read too much into that. There are always people who immediately go over the top at every DT new record and proclaim it as their best ever etc after a day or so of release!! hell, some people even said that the horribly weak DT12 was the best ever DT album a day or so after it came out!!
I.M.O. from hearing it just once from that uhmm....naughty stream yesterday, this is going to take many many listens before people are going to be able to come up with any kind of informed and reasoned opinion of just how good TA is.
Pretty much agree with all this. People proclaiming it to be the best thing ever or, indeed, a massive disappointment already are either jumping way ahead of themselves or are the types to make snap judgements. But it definitely seems as though this is going to an album/musical/whatever that takes time to sink in.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 27, 2016, 05:47:12 AM
Quote from: emtee on January 27, 2016, 05:20:52 AM
For those of you who are very passionate about music I strongly suggest you listen to this album for the first time in a quiet
place where you can allow yourself to focus entirely on what unfolds. The album deserves this kind of treatment.

This was exactly my plan all along, a full unspoiled immersion in the world of the album, without hearing anything beforehand. In two days this will finally happen! (actually 3, friday I work and then I go out and I don't have 2 hours and counting of free time, I'd rather wait one more day than listen to just 3-4 songs)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 27, 2016, 05:47:25 AM
Let's hope this time that more people go from the negative to the positive side than the other way round.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Jinx on January 27, 2016, 06:27:06 AM
Quote from: pringkaarwanda on January 27, 2016, 02:52:04 AM
Umm, this about the second video in DT website
Can it be an official Video clip from one of the song in the album?

If yes, then I really love they make Video Clip for Dystopian Overture.
From all review, it said Dystopian Overture is perfect instrumental song to describe future / Dystopian atmosphere in the album
It will be very great to have a video clip of Dystopian Overture, showing all thing that relate to the album, using 3D animation or something, so it can make all of our fantasy come alive when we watch it  :D

That's the vibe I got when I heard this. Just seems like the camera will go from the NOMAC (in Descent) to a pan of the city then go on a flying tour all through the GNE/Ravenskill etc. Definitely seems like certain places have certain themes of music as well as the different characters
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Podaar on January 27, 2016, 06:41:45 AM
Quote from: me7 on January 27, 2016, 04:52:57 AM
AdToE was good but by the numbers and DT12 was stale. Getting an album now that is so different is refreshing.

I keep hearing this type of statement on the forum. Over and over and over. Do people really think that if they keep saying it, it will come true?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 27, 2016, 06:54:15 AM
In my opinion - A Dramatic Turn Of Events is the best RoadRunner album so far.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 27, 2016, 07:02:26 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on January 27, 2016, 03:24:32 AM
Darius is the military Genral who will end up as the real bad guy and try to overthrow Lord Nafa after he welcomes Gabriel music.

spoilers ffs man.. ffs
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Moor on January 27, 2016, 07:02:42 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 27, 2016, 06:54:15 AM
In my opinion - A Dramatic Turn Of Events is the best RoadRunner album so far.

I agree...but I think your statement will change soon.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 27, 2016, 07:08:08 AM
Quote from: Cyclopssss on January 27, 2016, 12:52:29 AM
The vibe I got off of Moment of Betrayal was more Game of Thrones. 'Meet me there and there and we'll kill the bugger'  ;D

Everything about this album gives me a GoT vibe actually.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 27, 2016, 07:13:22 AM
Quote from: Moor on January 27, 2016, 07:02:42 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 27, 2016, 06:54:15 AM
In my opinion - A Dramatic Turn Of Events is the best RoadRunner album so far.

I agree...but I think your statement will change soon.

Hence "so far".  :police:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RaasMah on January 27, 2016, 07:16:55 AM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 27, 2016, 07:02:26 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on January 27, 2016, 03:24:32 AM
Darius is the military Genral who will end up as the real bad guy and try to overthrow Lord Nafa after he welcomes Gabriel music.

spoilers ffs man.. ffs

Its a complete guess man ;D I havent heard the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: majo on January 27, 2016, 07:23:22 AM
so is it basically about 2 brothers a woman and a tragedy?
 ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on January 27, 2016, 07:35:36 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on January 27, 2016, 03:24:32 AM
Darius is the military Genral who will end up as the real bad guy and try to overthrow Lord Nafa after he welcomes Gabriel music.

EDIT:Nvm, realised it might be a spoiler
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: metrojam on January 27, 2016, 07:52:33 AM
Quote from: Podaar on January 27, 2016, 06:41:45 AM
Quote from: me7 on January 27, 2016, 04:52:57 AM
AdToE was good but by the numbers and DT12 was stale. Getting an album now that is so different is refreshing.

I keep hearing this type of statement on the forum. Over and over and over. Do people really think that if they keep saying it, it will come true?

But what part of that statement isn't true?.....I think you'll find that once you've heard the album you will realise that it is SPOT ON!! :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: IdoSC on January 27, 2016, 08:00:58 AM
Quote from: metrojam on January 27, 2016, 07:52:33 AM
Quote from: Podaar on January 27, 2016, 06:41:45 AM
Quote from: me7 on January 27, 2016, 04:52:57 AM
AdToE was good but by the numbers and DT12 was stale. Getting an album now that is so different is refreshing.

I keep hearing this type of statement on the forum. Over and over and over. Do people really think that if they keep saying it, it will come true?

But what part of that statement isn't true?.....I think you'll find that once you've heard the album you will realise that it is SPOT ON!! :)
I'm assuming he referred to the people who call ADTOE by the numbers or DT12 stale, not the latter part about TA.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pringkaarwanda on January 27, 2016, 08:03:44 AM
Quote from: Jinx on January 27, 2016, 06:27:06 AM
Quote from: pringkaarwanda on January 27, 2016, 02:52:04 AM
Umm, this about the second video in DT website
Can it be an official Video clip from one of the song in the album?

If yes, then I really love they make Video Clip for Dystopian Overture.
From all review, it said Dystopian Overture is perfect instrumental song to describe future / Dystopian atmosphere in the album
It will be very great to have a video clip of Dystopian Overture, showing all thing that relate to the album, using 3D animation or something, so it can make all of our fantasy come alive when we watch it  :D

That's the vibe I got when I heard this. Just seems like the camera will go from the NOMAC (in Descent) to a pan of the city then go on a flying tour all through the GNE/Ravenskill etc. Definitely seems like certain places have certain themes of music as well as the different characters
Yes !! I love it if DT make 3D animation video that shows us every place in The Astonishing story
It will raise my fantasy and more enjoy the story, because my brain will start to imagine place, vibe & atmospherefor that match with every situation in the story  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Podaar on January 27, 2016, 08:08:31 AM
Quote from: IdoSC on January 27, 2016, 08:00:58 AM
Quote from: metrojam on January 27, 2016, 07:52:33 AM
Quote from: Podaar on January 27, 2016, 06:41:45 AM
Quote from: me7 on January 27, 2016, 04:52:57 AM
AdToE was good but by the numbers and DT12 was stale. Getting an album now that is so different is refreshing.

I keep hearing this type of statement on the forum. Over and over and over. Do people really think that if they keep saying it, it will come true?

But what part of that statement isn't true?.....I think you'll find that once you've heard the album you will realise that it is SPOT ON!! :)
I'm assuming he referred to the people who call ADTOE by the numbers or DT12 stale, not the latter part about TA.

You assumed correctly, sir.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 08:16:50 AM
I'm with you, Podaar.  Opinions are opinions, but calling ADTOE "by the numbers" or DT12 "stale" are pretty empty criticisms that I can't take seriously.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 27, 2016, 08:18:57 AM
I don't think there's anything at all empty about calling ADTOE by the numbers. I happen to strongly agree with that one. On DT12, I wouldn't call it stale, but I find it thoroughly uninteresting aside from a few sections.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 08:22:11 AM
Yes, but you missed an all-so-important piece of the puzzle.  Since when do I ever take your opinions seriously?
































:biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 27, 2016, 08:25:15 AM
Probably about twice as often as I take yours seriously. ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Podaar on January 27, 2016, 08:26:06 AM
I really love this place, bosk. I sincerely do.

I'm sure we all know it's just opinions and I understand that the last two albums might not be their thing, but DT12 stale? I'm sure folks can come up with better criticisms.  :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 08:27:48 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 27, 2016, 08:25:15 AM
Probably about twice as often as I take yours seriously. ;)

Haha!  Well played.  :clap:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 27, 2016, 08:47:13 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 27, 2016, 06:54:15 AM
In my opinion - A Dramatic Turn Of Events is the best RoadRunner album so far.

I think it's the best thing since Six Degrees, I like all the albums in between in different variations but ADToE still blows my mind and has become my go-to when I feel like DT since it's release day.
Also the only album that I instantly fell in love with since SFAM, on my first listen I battled with repeating every track or finish listening to the whole album first. I was singing along the chorus to Bridges on my third run through the album!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: vazquez on January 27, 2016, 08:58:04 AM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 27, 2016, 06:54:15 AM
In my opinion - A Dramatic Turn Of Events is the best RoadRunner album so far.

Yes, for sure. Many great songs.

DT12 is good, but it has not aged well. Each year that passes, I listen to it less and less. I still listen to ADTOE a lot.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RaasMah on January 27, 2016, 09:02:38 AM
Quote from: RoadTrain_of Thought on January 27, 2016, 07:35:36 AM
Quote from: RaasMah on January 27, 2016, 03:24:32 AM
Darius is the military Genral who will end up as the real bad guy and try to overthrow Lord Nafa after he welcomes Gabriel music.

EDIT:Nvm, realised it might be a spoiler

If it is then I swear I did not knew this. It just seems like the go-to story arc. And Darius face seriously looks evil, while Nefarius a bit more on the wiser side.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pdurbin22 on January 27, 2016, 09:08:55 AM
With less than 48 hours until the release, I'm shocked - and thrilled - the album hasn't leaked yet. At least not anywhere I know of. I was too damn weak with ADTOE and DT12 and listened to most songs well ahead of the release dates. Kudos to those working hard to keep this thing off the interwebs so weaklings like me don't ruin our release-day experience!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 09:20:48 AM
:nono:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 27, 2016, 09:23:56 AM
I'm hoping bad for some kind of making of video, with the orchestra/choir recording process, JR and JP bouncing music ideas out from each other, arrangements with David Campbell, etc. that would probably be the most interesting making of video DT's ever put out. The best them.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: r3d86 on January 27, 2016, 09:24:56 AM
So, The E-Mails from Arhys and Nafaryus was the last update until Release Date?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TAC on January 27, 2016, 09:25:23 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 27, 2016, 09:23:56 AM
I'm hoping bad for some kind of making of video, with the orchestra/choir recording process, JR and JP bouncing music ideas out from each other, arrangements with David Campbell, etc. that would probably be the most interesting making of video DT's ever put out. The best them.

I agree.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 27, 2016, 09:25:45 AM
Quote from: r3d86 on January 27, 2016, 09:24:56 AM
So, The E-Mails from Arhys and Nafaryus was the last update until Release Date?

I dunno, there's still another video that's gonna be released in the website.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: r3d86 on January 27, 2016, 09:38:49 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 27, 2016, 09:25:45 AM
Quote from: r3d86 on January 27, 2016, 09:24:56 AM
So, The E-Mails from Arhys and Nafaryus was the last update until Release Date?

I dunno, there's still another video that's gonna be released in the website.

Yep, and the Places section! And JP said that on the Release Date the lyrics with some explanation for understand the situation, also characters bio will be on the site.

But I just can't wait anymore!  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pdurbin22 on January 27, 2016, 09:44:23 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 09:20:48 AM
:nono:

Apologies Bosk - my post was definitely anti-leak but please feel free to delete it if it's going to cause any issues!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 27, 2016, 10:01:56 AM
For those interested, The Astonishing would be released in HDTracks on release date (https://www.facebook.com/hdtracksmusic/photos/a.193766473997531.44933.141061499268029/1120015811372588/?type=3&theater).  :metal Best option for somebody like me who has a hard time accessing physical CDs. I hope DT would post early on their website what is the discount code, I missed the discount for BTFW.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 27, 2016, 10:10:41 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 27, 2016, 10:01:56 AM
For those interested, The Astonishing would be released in HDTracks on release date (https://www.facebook.com/hdtracksmusic/photos/a.193766473997531.44933.141061499268029/1120015811372588/?type=3&theater).  :metal Best option for somebody like me who has a hard time accessing physical CDs. I hope DT would post early on their website what is the discount code, I missed the discount for BTFW.  :lol

Excellent! In the past the HDTracks release has trailed behind by a decent amount, so a lot of people bought the album twice who would have preferred to only buy the HDTracks version.
Although this time I don't think the HDTracks version is as necessary, since the main benefit was the slightly better master.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 27, 2016, 10:15:36 AM
lol I first read Yanni's album title like 'Yanni - Serious Chill' and I was like 'OMG amazing Yanni album title' but then I was disappointed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: chrisgazpacho on January 27, 2016, 10:25:57 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 27, 2016, 09:23:56 AM
I'm hoping bad for some kind of making of video, with the orchestra/choir recording process, JR and JP bouncing music ideas out from each other, arrangements with David Campbell, etc. that would probably be the most interesting making of video DT's ever put out. The best them.

I hope it was documented.  If there is any release that deserves a making of it's this one.  That being said I'm not counting on it, from the sound of the interview with Eddie Trunk this was a very expensive project so a documentary on top of it would probably break the budget.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 27, 2016, 10:34:56 AM
Quote from: BlobVanDam on January 27, 2016, 10:10:41 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 27, 2016, 10:01:56 AM
For those interested, The Astonishing would be released in HDTracks on release date (https://www.facebook.com/hdtracksmusic/photos/a.193766473997531.44933.141061499268029/1120015811372588/?type=3&theater).  :metal Best option for somebody like me who has a hard time accessing physical CDs. I hope DT would post early on their website what is the discount code, I missed the discount for BTFW.  :lol

Excellent! In the past the HDTracks release has trailed behind by a decent amount, so a lot of people bought the album twice who would have preferred to only buy the HDTracks version.
Although this time I don't think the HDTracks version is as necessary, since the main benefit was the slightly better master.

Yep, I think it's more now an option for those who's buying a FLAC/ALAC download rather than an mp3 download or a physical CD.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thosava on January 27, 2016, 10:39:25 AM
The HDtracks download is unquestionably the best version even if the difference is very small. It will definatly sound better than an mp3 download.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: metrojam on January 27, 2016, 10:39:33 AM
Quote from: Podaar on January 27, 2016, 08:26:06 AM
I really love this place, bosk. I sincerely do.

I'm sure we all know it's just opinions and I understand that the last two albums might not be their thing, but DT12 stale? I'm sure folks can come up with better criticisms.  :)

You're quite right, everyone has their own opinions and are entitled to them and if "stale" is not the right word to describe DT12, then here's another one that sounds quite similar and to me sums up that album...."sterile" 

Like we say, its all "opinions" but I'm pretty damn sure I won't be using similar words to describe TA though!! :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: YtseJohn on January 27, 2016, 10:43:02 AM
From Facebook:

HDtracks
26 mins ·
TODAY ONLY, Get 10% off ALREADY REDUCED pricing on every Dream Theater title in the store in celebration of their new album, The Astonishing, available on Friday. Use code DREAMDAY. https://www.hdtracks.com/music/artist/view/id/4386/
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 27, 2016, 10:51:44 AM
I'll wait. If the CD is as dynamic as people are saying I don't need it. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BFRedrocks on January 27, 2016, 10:55:06 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 27, 2016, 10:39:25 AM
The HDtracks download is unquestionably the best version even if the difference is very small. It will definatly sound better than an mp3 download.

Isn't this the same thing as the FLACs we are supposed to get (have access to download) via the box set purchase?

The Astonishing Digital FLAC Album     
1 x The Astonishing Digital FLAC Album 016861748951   N/A
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: nikatapi on January 27, 2016, 10:58:24 AM
Can't wait to see comparisons between HDtracks and the retail album. I might double dip if it's worth it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thosava on January 27, 2016, 10:58:58 AM
Quote from: BFRedrocks on January 27, 2016, 10:55:06 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 27, 2016, 10:39:25 AM
The HDtracks download is unquestionably the best version even if the difference is very small. It will definatly sound better than an mp3 download.

Isn't this the same thing as the FLACs we are supposed to get (have access to download) via the box set purchase?

The Astonishing Digital FLAC Album     
1 x The Astonishing Digital FLAC Album 016861748951   N/A

No they are a tiny bit better. They use a higher sampling frequency and bit depth. They are also usually more dynamic, maybe because of a different master?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 27, 2016, 11:08:10 AM
DT12's HDTracks were the same master, just the volume pulled down so not that many samples hard-clipped as in the CD version.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 27, 2016, 11:10:45 AM
New video review from MetalSucks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCzjcQ3HvB4

The guy was completely sold on it (giving it a 4.5/5) despite not being into the band much. I'd say that's a good sign.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 27, 2016, 11:12:46 AM
RYM so far is not too kind to it. Currently same rating as SC.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MarkFitDT on January 27, 2016, 11:15:16 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 27, 2016, 11:12:46 AM
RYM so far is not too kind to it. Currently same rating as SC.

That's it for me then, I'm not going to bother listening to it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 27, 2016, 11:23:49 AM
Quote from: MarkFitDT on January 27, 2016, 11:15:16 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 27, 2016, 11:12:46 AM
RYM so far is not too kind to it. Currently same rating as SC.

That's it for me then, I'm not going to bother listening to it.

Can't tell if this is serious or not.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 27, 2016, 11:25:35 AM
I'm not sure if it's my daltonism but I see a lot of green in that text.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Crow on January 27, 2016, 11:26:45 AM
rym is a piss-poor measuring stick for any kind of prog metal  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 27, 2016, 11:27:31 AM
What is RYM ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 27, 2016, 11:27:59 AM
Rate Your Music.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Crow on January 27, 2016, 11:30:58 AM
circlejerking hipster music site  :P
it's good for gauging general consensus within an artists catalog and good as a reference for genres (usually) but the reviews themselves usually suck balls and the review scores are always pitifully low compared to basically everywhere else on the internet
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: IdoSC on January 27, 2016, 11:32:46 AM
Yeah, some of these reviews have great gems like 'Their egos are too big for them to see how bad this is', 'Mangini will never be as good as Portnoy', 'It's always sad to see ageing musicians try to reinvent themselves' etc. Doesn't seem like anything to base an impression on.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 27, 2016, 11:33:52 AM
Quote from: IdoSC on January 27, 2016, 11:32:46 AM
'It's always sad to see ageing musicians try to reinvent themselves' etc.

Ok they lost me there
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Crow on January 27, 2016, 11:34:09 AM
for what it's worth review site scores are basically worthless for recent releases anyways, don't ever trust them until several months after the fact
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 27, 2016, 11:47:38 AM
RYM is great for cataloguing and so on, but fairly meaningless when it comes to ratings. Especially when an album has just, or is just about to come out, as it always elicits strong reactions at that point. Scores tend to settle upwards or downwards after a while.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: emtee on January 27, 2016, 11:53:18 AM
People in charge of taking songs down at the label need to get busy ASAP. *snip!*
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 12:04:31 PM
Quote from: emtee on January 27, 2016, 11:53:18 AM
People in charge of taking songs down at the label need to get busy ASAP. *snip!*

Dude, REALLY?  We have been letting what appear to be "innocent slips" go.  But it's really not that hard to understand--posting ANY hints about where leaks can be found is NOT ALLOWED.  Any from this point forward will earn a 2-week ban, minimum.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: emtee on January 27, 2016, 12:08:11 PM
Mega apologies. Just trying to do what I thought was the right thing by letting this team know.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 12:12:30 PM
Send a PM next time, please.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MarkFitDT on January 27, 2016, 12:15:16 PM
Quote from: jakepriest on January 27, 2016, 11:23:49 AM
Quote from: MarkFitDT on January 27, 2016, 11:15:16 AM
Quote from: rumborak on January 27, 2016, 11:12:46 AM
RYM so far is not too kind to it. Currently same rating as SC.

That's it for me then, I'm not going to bother listening to it.

Can't tell if this is serious or not.

not serious mate, long day at work and tired lol and sometimes people who almost continually post with a negative slant wind me up especially as the day after next a new DT album is released . Personally, I cant wait. If it deserves constructive criticism from that point I'm fine with that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: IdoSC on January 27, 2016, 12:34:14 PM
Quote from: emtee on January 27, 2016, 12:08:11 PM
Mega apologies. Just trying to do what I thought was the right thing by letting this team know.
This is not an official DT site anyways, there's no "team" here. You could send an email to RoadRunner with the links if you really want, though I'm sure they're on top of everything the general public can easily find already - it's just that there are lots of legalities to taking down content from sites you don't own, sometimes in different countries.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kyo on January 27, 2016, 12:48:57 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 27, 2016, 11:08:10 AM
DT12's HDTracks were the same master, just the volume pulled down so not that many samples hard-clipped as in the CD version.

You keep saying that, and yet it's at the very least misleading and in my opinion plain wrong. They used the same source audio, but since the step that affects the volume that you're talking about is obviously still part of the mastering process, they most definitely did NOT use the same master. Call it pre-master, call it mix or whatever, but the "original" (usually called the "master"!) used as a reference for duplication of the discs or files was FAR from the same.

And "just the volume pulled down" is also misleading, as to a less knowledgeable reader it might suggest that anyone could just to the same with the CD - and we know the problem of the CD sound is the very fact that they can't. The CD was pushed to the max in such a way that audio information and fidelity was lost.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 27, 2016, 12:52:50 PM
Yes, the final output volume is part of the mastering process, but it's like the last 1%. Saying it's a new master because they pulled down the final output volume is far more misleading IMO.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 27, 2016, 12:55:32 PM
Quote from: IdoSC on January 27, 2016, 12:34:14 PM
Quote from: emtee on January 27, 2016, 12:08:11 PM
Mega apologies. Just trying to do what I thought was the right thing by letting this team know.
This is not an official DT site anyways, there's no "team" here.
We are technically not official, but there is certainly a team here, and our team has DT's team on speed dial.  We are as connected to them as could possibly be, both to their management and to members of the band.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kyo on January 27, 2016, 12:55:58 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 27, 2016, 12:52:50 PM
Yes, the final output volume is part of the mastering process, but it's like the last 1%. Saying it's a new master because they pulled down the final output volume is far more misleading IMO.

It would be if the end result was just 1% different. We both know it's wildly different because it affects every song to a substantial degree. Significantly different end result = different master. You're right that it probably took next to no effort, but why would anyone care about such technical details? It's the music that counts and it sounds much better, whether the guy spent a minute on fixing it or a week.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 27, 2016, 12:58:11 PM
Nah ,sorry, but the majority of the perceived effect is placebo. People know it's the HDTracks beforehand, so they are convinced it's better.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 12:58:30 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 27, 2016, 12:55:32 PM
Quote from: IdoSC on January 27, 2016, 12:34:14 PM
Quote from: emtee on January 27, 2016, 12:08:11 PM
Mega apologies. Just trying to do what I thought was the right thing by letting this team know.
This is not an official DT site anyways, there's no "team" here.
We are technically not official, but there is certainly a team here, and our team has DT's team on speed dial.  We are as connected to them as could possibly be, both to their management and to members of the band.

Well, technically, I think people stopped actually using "speed dial" a decade or so ago.  :tick:  But otherwise...YEAH, WHAT HEF SAID.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TAC on January 27, 2016, 01:04:16 PM
(https://www.redferret.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/p50132_500.jpg)

Bosk is pressing JP right now!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 27, 2016, 01:09:57 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 12:58:30 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 27, 2016, 12:55:32 PM
Quote from: IdoSC on January 27, 2016, 12:34:14 PM
Quote from: emtee on January 27, 2016, 12:08:11 PM
Mega apologies. Just trying to do what I thought was the right thing by letting this team know.
This is not an official DT site anyways, there's no "team" here.
We are technically not official, but there is certainly a team here, and our team has DT's team on speed dial.  We are as connected to them as could possibly be, both to their management and to members of the band.

Well, technically, I think people stopped actually using "speed dial" a decade or so ago.  :tick:  But otherwise...YEAH, WHAT HEF SAID.
I still use "speed dial."

Therefore, people still use "speed dial."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 01:11:19 PM
Yes, but you live in the South.  Where people still use Confederate money. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: YtseJohn on January 27, 2016, 01:13:56 PM
Quote from: TAC on January 27, 2016, 01:04:16 PM
(https://www.redferret.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/p50132_500.jpg)

Bosk is pressing JP right now!

...or Suze
(https://uproxx.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/j-peterman-seinfeld1.png)
 "I'm Susie. She's me."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 27, 2016, 01:14:19 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 27, 2016, 12:58:11 PM
Nah ,sorry, but the majority of the perceived effect is placebo. People know it's the HDTracks beforehand, so they are convinced it's better.
I completely disagree. The first time I heard samples of the HD version of DT12, I did not know it was the HD version, and it sounded much better...not just because the volume is turned down.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: FracturedMirror on January 27, 2016, 01:17:22 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 12:58:30 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 27, 2016, 12:55:32 PM
Quote from: IdoSC on January 27, 2016, 12:34:14 PM
Quote from: emtee on January 27, 2016, 12:08:11 PM
Mega apologies. Just trying to do what I thought was the right thing by letting this team know.
This is not an official DT site anyways, there's no "team" here.
We are technically not official, but there is certainly a team here, and our team has DT's team on speed dial.  We are as connected to them as could possibly be, both to their management and to members of the band.

Well, technically, I think people stopped actually using "speed dial" a decade or so ago.  :tick:  But otherwise...YEAH, WHAT HEF SAID.

Speed dial...I'll bet you guys have a direct line to them on a fancy email phone like this!  ;)

(https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41djD4zNIiL.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 01:19:48 PM
No, I usually just text, actually.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: IdoSC on January 27, 2016, 01:24:52 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 27, 2016, 12:55:32 PM
Quote from: IdoSC on January 27, 2016, 12:34:14 PM
Quote from: emtee on January 27, 2016, 12:08:11 PM
Mega apologies. Just trying to do what I thought was the right thing by letting this team know.
This is not an official DT site anyways, there's no "team" here.
We are technically not official, but there is certainly a team here, and our team has DT's team on speed dial.  We are as connected to them as could possibly be, both to their management and to members of the band.
Ah, sorry, I meant to say there's not a team of RR copyright ninjas who read the comments here, follow the links for the leaks and strike down the uploads with legal firearm. Of course there's a team here in the sense that you guys are running and managing this forum (and thank you for that), but this is not an official representation of RoadRunner, and your tools essentially boil down to the same tools that specific user to whom I replied has - reporting links back to RR.

(Even though you have them on speed dial :P )
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: mike099 on January 27, 2016, 01:25:47 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 01:11:19 PM
Yes, but you live in the South.  Where people still use Confederate money.

Maybe that is why DT will not play the south again.  They got paid in confederate money.

All kidding aside, I expect they will make it down south again especially after hearing the tail end of  J Labrie's interview.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rab7 on January 27, 2016, 01:27:50 PM
Quote from: mike099 on January 27, 2016, 01:25:47 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 01:11:19 PM
Yes, but you live in the South.  Where people still use Confederate money.

Maybe that is why DT will not play the south again.  They got paid in confederate money.

All kidding aside, I expect they will make it down south again especially after hearing the tail end of  J Labrie's interview.

What did he say?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: vtgrad on January 27, 2016, 01:29:15 PM
Quote from: hefdaddy42 on January 27, 2016, 12:55:32 PM
Quote from: IdoSC on January 27, 2016, 12:34:14 PM
Quote from: emtee on January 27, 2016, 12:08:11 PM
Mega apologies. Just trying to do what I thought was the right thing by letting this team know.
This is not an official DT site anyways, there's no "team" here.
We are technically not official, but there is certainly a team here, and our team has DT's team on speed dial.  We are as connected to them as could possibly be, both to their management and to members of the band.

This right here, is why I think this place is so unique (other than a group of very unique people that have come together because of this band). 

And I hope they make it down South again as well; as much as I like to travel to NYC and DC, another show in Asheville or Charlotte would be easier on the old wallet.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Hanz Gruber on January 27, 2016, 01:33:27 PM
Are we allowed to discuss individual tracks?  Mentioned one yesterday without providing a link or where I heard it and mentioned what it reminded me of and I think my post was deleted.  Just want to make sure.  I don;t want to break any rules
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: IdoSC on January 27, 2016, 01:41:41 PM
Quote from: Hanz Gruber on January 27, 2016, 01:33:27 PM
Are we allowed to discuss individual tracks?  Mentioned one yesterday without providing a link or where I heard it and mentioned what it reminded me of and I think my post was deleted.  Just want to make sure.  I don;t want to break any rules
This is a no-spoiler thread, there is another thread where the title clearly states that you're allowed to write spoilers in it, but that one is intended for people who heard the album legitimately from RoadRunner :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 01:49:48 PM
No, this is NOT a "no-spoiler" thread.  But, yes, there is a thread for people to post if they heard stuff at one of the listening parties.  So if you heard it at a listening party, you can say that and post there.  If you have a promo copy, you can say that and post here or there.  If neither of the above apply to you, you are not authorized to have heard it, so if you post that you have heard it without clarifying that it is from one of those two types of sources, we will assume you are posting from information learned from a leak, and will take appropriate steps to moderate such posts.
:huckleberry:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Implode on January 27, 2016, 01:54:17 PM
Bosk, seeing as how you have to do all this moderating on spoilerous information and have contact with band management, do you get any sort of advance copy?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 27, 2016, 01:59:36 PM
I think he said at some point that he got a partial album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 27, 2016, 02:01:38 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 01:11:19 PM
Yes, but you live in the South.  Where people still use Confederate money.
Dagnabbit
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thosava on January 27, 2016, 02:05:57 PM
Quote from: pcs90 on January 27, 2016, 01:14:19 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 27, 2016, 12:58:11 PM
Nah ,sorry, but the majority of the perceived effect is placebo. People know it's the HDTracks beforehand, so they are convinced it's better.
I completely disagree. The first time I heard samples of the HD version of DT12, I did not know it was the HD version, and it sounded much better...not just because the volume is turned down.

I can hear a relatively large difference even when i adjust the volumes as equal as i can. It's just a lot less straining to listen to, and i can hear more detail.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TheLordOfTheStrings on January 27, 2016, 02:07:19 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 01:11:19 PM
Yes, but you live in the South.  Where people still use Confederate money.
:rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Peter Mc on January 27, 2016, 02:08:26 PM
I thought this was the official DT forum so can totally understand emtee thought he was doing the right thing in letting you guys know about leaks. Definitely doesn't seem like a guy who'd be trying to promote the actual leak.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: goo-goo on January 27, 2016, 02:25:06 PM
Quote from: Peter Mc on January 27, 2016, 02:08:26 PM
I thought this was the official DT forum so can totally understand emtee thought he was doing the right thing in letting you guys know about leaks. Definitely doesn't seem like a guy who'd be trying to promote the actual leak.

Yep, definitely not emtee. He also posts in another forum and doesn't stir up stuff. I don't think he was promoting the leak either.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoadTrain_of Thought on January 27, 2016, 02:39:35 PM
Having JLB on speed dial would have been convenient for a certain activity involving lyrics that took place yesterday.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: As I Am on January 27, 2016, 02:49:49 PM
Quote from: goo-goo on January 27, 2016, 02:25:06 PM
Quote from: Peter Mc on January 27, 2016, 02:08:26 PM
I thought this was the official DT forum so can totally understand emtee thought he was doing the right thing in letting you guys know about leaks. Definitely doesn't seem like a guy who'd be trying to promote the actual leak.

Yep, definitely not emtee. He also posts in another forum and doesn't stir up stuff. I don't think he was promoting the leak either.

Chalk me up being behind emtee 100%
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Milzinga on January 27, 2016, 03:05:53 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 27, 2016, 12:58:11 PM
Nah ,sorry, but the majority of the perceived effect is placebo. People know it's the HDTracks beforehand, so they are convinced it's better.

I completely disagree. HDTracks makes a large difference, the mastering itself is typically different. I don't argue the 24/96hz rate difference as I believe that can be placebo and more often than not people can't tell the difference in the bit and sample rates, but HDTracks can and does make a huge difference. Just listen to DT12 and it's easily noticeable.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 27, 2016, 03:23:13 PM
The MetalSucks video review made me  :lol.

The prospect of "real organ" has got me excited. I assume "real organ" in this case to mean a pipe organ in a church or cathedral. Which produces an extraordinary and epic sound. Also, I hope the 2112 comparisons will die down by other elements in the story. Unless it's exactly like 2112 (Priests, guy discovers a guitar in a waterfall cave, you know the drill), it doesn't deserve the dismissive comparisons.

While I'm here too, am I allowed to ask what the first line in the chorus of Moment of Betrayal is? "[unknown]/secret soul [or song?]/moment of betrayal..."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 27, 2016, 03:26:00 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 27, 2016, 03:23:13 PM
The prospect of "real organ" has got me excited. I assume "real organ" in this case to mean a pipe organ in a church or cathedral. Which produces an extraordinary and epic sound.
Real Hammond B3 organ too!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 27, 2016, 03:26:27 PM
Jordan is known to play with his massive organ from time to time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: The Trooper on January 27, 2016, 03:29:34 PM
Screw the album.I want Bosk vs. Hef internal emails. That would be PRICELESS! :metal On that note. This album rules.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 27, 2016, 03:31:01 PM
It's not out yet. How do you know?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 27, 2016, 03:31:32 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 27, 2016, 03:26:27 PM
Jordan is known to play with his massive organ from time to time.
"And in the right hand I've got a massive organ!" :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: mike099 on January 27, 2016, 03:32:07 PM
Quote from: rab7 on January 27, 2016, 01:27:50 PM
Quote from: mike099 on January 27, 2016, 01:25:47 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 01:11:19 PM
Yes, but you live in the South.  Where people still use Confederate money.

Maybe that is why DT will not play the south again.  They got paid in confederate money.

All kidding aside, I expect they will make it down south again especially after hearing the tail end of  J Labrie's interview.

What did he say?

The guy conducting the interview mentioned wanting to see the show if DT came to town.  Labrie spoke about the band enjoying the last southern tour and looking forward to coming back.  He basically opened the door to the possibility.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: The Trooper on January 27, 2016, 03:33:58 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 27, 2016, 03:31:01 PM
It's not out yet. How do you know?
Legally thru proper and official people. I don't nor respect any other way of getting music, film etc. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 27, 2016, 03:50:03 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 27, 2016, 03:23:13 PM
While I'm here too, am I allowed to ask what the first line in the chorus of Moment of Betrayal is? "[unknown]/secret soul [or song?]/moment of betrayal..."

Blob said it's "Burning rose / Secrets told". I first heard it as "sold", but he said he got it from the official lyrics.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Hanz Gruber on January 27, 2016, 03:51:43 PM
Quote from: The Trooper on January 27, 2016, 03:33:58 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 27, 2016, 03:31:01 PM
It's not out yet. How do you know?
Legally thru proper and official people. I don't nor respect any other way of getting music, film etc.

I agree.  I always buy. (I do listen early on occasions for certain bands that I am really into.)   I always buy the physical releases though.  Not big on digital.  Support bands if you are a fan
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 27, 2016, 03:55:04 PM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on January 27, 2016, 03:50:03 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 27, 2016, 03:23:13 PM
While I'm here too, am I allowed to ask what the first line in the chorus of Moment of Betrayal is? "[unknown]/secret soul [or song?]/moment of betrayal..."

Blob said it's "Burning rose / Secrets told". I first heard it as "sold", but he said he got it from the official lyrics.

(https://i.imgur.com/wlYQTNC.jpg)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: hadi-persian on January 27, 2016, 03:57:35 PM
so ! now i am listening to the act 1. now im listening A Savior In The Square
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Paintbox on January 27, 2016, 03:59:18 PM
Guys can anyone confirm John's doing an AMA on reddit on the 29th?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: hadi-persian on January 27, 2016, 04:01:06 PM
when your time has come time lenghth is 4:19 and in the 4th time u can hear the crowd hands and then playing jordan keyboards.the song start with major chords
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 04:01:34 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on January 27, 2016, 03:57:35 PM
so ! now i am listening to the act 1. now im listening A Savior In The Square

Sweet.  Where'd you get it?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Podaar on January 27, 2016, 04:04:26 PM
Uh, oh.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: hadi-persian on January 27, 2016, 04:04:34 PM
in the 2:44 jp playing solo with wah pedal and use from SUS/Minor and major scales
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 27, 2016, 04:05:25 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 27, 2016, 03:55:04 PM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on January 27, 2016, 03:50:03 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 27, 2016, 03:23:13 PM
While I'm here too, am I allowed to ask what the first line in the chorus of Moment of Betrayal is? "[unknown]/secret soul [or song?]/moment of betrayal..."

Blob said it's "Burning rose / Secrets told". I first heard it as "sold", but he said he got it from the official lyrics.

(https://i.imgur.com/wlYQTNC.jpg)

Ohhh, that really clears things up! Thanks a lot, noxon!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 27, 2016, 04:05:41 PM
Quote from: Paintbox on January 27, 2016, 03:59:18 PM
Guys can anyone confirm John's doing an AMA on reddit on the 29th?

Confirmed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: SystematicThought on January 27, 2016, 04:07:41 PM
How is Arhys pronounced?

Are-is
or as in the Zodiac sign Aries?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: hadi-persian on January 27, 2016, 04:07:53 PM
act of faythe is 5:00 and start with orchestral like the SDOIT! in 1:8 jr playing piano solo and in the 1:7 like the BOT
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: The Trooper on January 27, 2016, 04:08:12 PM
Quote from: Hanz Gruber on January 27, 2016, 03:51:43 PM
Quote from: The Trooper on January 27, 2016, 03:33:58 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 27, 2016, 03:31:01 PM
It's not out yet. How do you know?
Legally thru proper and official people. I don't nor respect any other way of getting music, film etc.

I agree.  I always buy. (I do listen early on occasions for certain bands that I am really into.)   I always buy the physical releases though.  Not big on digital.  Support bands if you are a fan. Damn, The Astonishing for under a $20 cd price that you can keep.....................to me priceless.

I have too many friends that are in bands, some popular and some that I guess you can call.......well put out albums that have become a bit popular in the non mainstream culture. Bands in both those categories get hurt by the illegal downloads. Most bands do not make shit on album sales.  Then touring in a mini van that breaks down etc.To play a place they do not make money except off merchandise sales.  I get the I want to get the album ASAP, but besides being a fan, I think it becomes, OH I have it before you mentality. F that. As for Astonishing, I received it thru proper channels and still went out and purchased it. Sorry to derail.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Enigmachine on January 27, 2016, 04:09:21 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on January 27, 2016, 04:07:41 PM
or as in the Zodiac sign Aries?

Yes.

He says his own name in the Spotify Choose Your Side thing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 27, 2016, 04:10:11 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on January 27, 2016, 04:07:41 PM
How is Arhys pronounced?

Are-is
or as in the Zodiac sign Aries?

If I recall correctly, it's like "are-is". There was a snippet of him introducing himself in an announcement or something like that in that Spotify page thing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: hadi-persian on January 27, 2016, 04:10:48 PM
trooper im living in iran. and i can't buy the orginal Disc
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 27, 2016, 04:13:49 PM
Quote from: SystematicThought on January 27, 2016, 04:07:41 PM
or as in the Zodiac sign Aries?
This one, just checked to confirm it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 04:14:10 PM
That's what I thought.  Goodbye.  Next time will be a permanent ban.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 04:18:08 PM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on January 27, 2016, 03:50:03 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 27, 2016, 03:23:13 PM
While I'm here too, am I allowed to ask what the first line in the chorus of Moment of Betrayal is? "[unknown]/secret soul [or song?]/moment of betrayal..."

Blob said it's "Burning rose / Secrets told". I first heard it as "sold", but he said he got it from the official lyrics.

I don't care what that fake lyrics sheet says, it's gotta be "secret sauce!"  :ryule:

Shoot, now I'm hungry...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 27, 2016, 04:18:12 PM
So clock guy is illegal download guy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 04:18:49 PM
What time is it?  BANNING TIME!  :banhammer:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 27, 2016, 04:24:28 PM
Burning roast, secret sauce? sounds legit. JP is a smoking fanatic.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: fischermasamune on January 27, 2016, 04:34:07 PM
I'll pay a specific store a visit tomorrow in the hopes they are selling the album before the release date. It has been hard to wait. (I won't share anything of the record itself, it'd be just for my solitary pleasure. Please don't ban me.)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: EraVulgaris on January 27, 2016, 04:55:44 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 04:01:34 PM
Quote from: hadi-persian on January 27, 2016, 03:57:35 PM
so ! now i am listening to the act 1. now im listening A Savior In The Square

Sweet.  Where'd you get it?

(https://digitalclaritygroup.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/trap.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: YouMakeMeSick on January 27, 2016, 05:07:44 PM
Quote from: fischermasamune on January 27, 2016, 04:34:07 PM
I'll pay a specific store a visit tomorrow in the hopes they are selling the album before the release date. It has been hard to wait. (I won't share anything of the record itself, it'd be just for my solitary pleasure. Please don't ban me.)

I've managed to do that for every DT release since Awake.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 27, 2016, 05:10:57 PM
I am betting this album would disrupt DoC's DT The League.   Based on what I am reading from advanced reviews, there would be at least 5 songs that would qualify for Division 1. Seeing very good words for Act of Faythe (or is it Losing Faythe?), A Life Left Behind, A New Beginning, The Path That Divides, and Our New World. As in usual DT fashion, the early releases TGOM and MOB are not the ones people are raving about.  :lol

Just one more day!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: dparrott on January 27, 2016, 05:17:50 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 27, 2016, 04:24:28 PM
Burning roast, secret sauce? sounds legit. JP is a smoking fanatic.

Or he likes Big Macs
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ErHaO on January 27, 2016, 05:19:10 PM
Quote from: bosk1 on January 27, 2016, 04:18:08 PM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on January 27, 2016, 03:50:03 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 27, 2016, 03:23:13 PM
While I'm here too, am I allowed to ask what the first line in the chorus of Moment of Betrayal is? "[unknown]/secret soul [or song?]/moment of betrayal..."

Blob said it's "Burning rose / Secrets told". I first heard it as "sold", but he said he got it from the official lyrics.

I don't care what that fake lyrics sheet says, it's gotta be "secret sauce!"  :ryule:

Shoot, now I'm hungry...

Oh man, so I'm not the only one who hears that. I can hear he doesn't say sauce, but my mind always finishes the word that way for some reason  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: goldfalcon on January 27, 2016, 05:29:13 PM
Pretty lengthy piece on Mangini in the latest Drum! mag.  Sidebar with Petrucci, sidebar with Chycki, as well as a few snippets of transcription.  The Gift of Music bit that was in a video posted earlier, a piece of Moment of Betrayal, and a bit of Lord Nafaryus; the tango section!  Not sure what all they make available online, but my physical copy was only 6 bucks.  Definitely added to my hype.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: fischermasamune on January 27, 2016, 05:46:02 PM
Quote from: goldfalcon on January 27, 2016, 05:29:13 PM
Pretty lengthy piece on Mangini in the latest Drum! mag.  Sidebar with Petrucci, sidebar with Chycki, as well as a few snippets of transcription.  The Gift of Music bit that was in a video posted earlier, a piece of Moment of Betrayal, and a bit of Lord Nafaryus; the tango section!  Not sure what all they make available online, but my physical copy was only 6 bucks.  Definitely added to my hype.
Which video? I'm only getting results about guns when I search for "Mangini drum mag"
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: goldfalcon on January 27, 2016, 05:58:01 PM
Quote from: fischermasamune on January 27, 2016, 05:46:02 PM
Quote from: goldfalcon on January 27, 2016, 05:29:13 PM
Pretty lengthy piece on Mangini in the latest Drum! mag.  Sidebar with Petrucci, sidebar with Chycki, as well as a few snippets of transcription.  The Gift of Music bit that was in a video posted earlier, a piece of Moment of Betrayal, and a bit of Lord Nafaryus; the tango section!  Not sure what all they make available online, but my physical copy was only 6 bucks.  Definitely added to my hype.
Which video? I'm only getting results about guns when I search for "Mangini drum mag"

https://youtu.be/Znlb1OIGlyA

Not Mangini playing, but a performance of the bit in question.  Wish there were videos like this for the other pieces.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: volwrath on January 27, 2016, 06:29:04 PM
Hey everyone..just wanted to state for those worried... Got my bandcamp money refunded today, so I am going to put it towards the HDtracks since its hopefully not as compressed as the cd.

Also for those stating opinions of the HDTracks, I think 100% of the difference is from the volume not being cranked to clipping and 0% due to 24/96.  On this album I think the difference will be minimal, but might as well go for the best.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 27, 2016, 07:05:25 PM
Anyone here up to making an official hashtag for this to make this a trending topic on twitter? I know it is a long shot, but nothing bad for trying.  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 27, 2016, 07:14:30 PM
I've seen people use #theastonishing several times so...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: dparrott on January 27, 2016, 07:44:16 PM
STILL no samples online?   >:(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 27, 2016, 07:50:23 PM
What the hell is the remaining locked video???
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Voices on January 27, 2016, 07:53:04 PM
Quote from: Pragmaticcircus on January 27, 2016, 07:50:23 PM
What the hell is the remaining locked video???

Very curious about it!  :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: dvargas on January 27, 2016, 07:55:06 PM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 27, 2016, 05:10:57 PM
I am betting this album would disrupt DoC's DT The League.   Based on what I am reading from advanced reviews, there would be at least 5 songs that would qualify for Division 1. Seeing very good words for Act of Faythe (or is it Losing Faythe?), A Life Left Behind, A New Beginning, The Path That Divides, and Our New World. As in usual DT fashion, the early releases TGOM and MOB are not the ones people are raving about.  :lol

Just one more day!

A New Beginning -- for sure.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Voices on January 27, 2016, 08:28:04 PM
There's an interview where James says his favorite song is Ravenskill. I bet it will be one of my favorites too! And from everything I've read so far, A New Beginning will be astonishing  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BlobVanDam on January 27, 2016, 08:46:33 PM
Quote from: noxon on January 27, 2016, 03:55:04 PM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on January 27, 2016, 03:50:03 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 27, 2016, 03:23:13 PM
While I'm here too, am I allowed to ask what the first line in the chorus of Moment of Betrayal is? "[unknown]/secret soul [or song?]/moment of betrayal..."

Blob said it's "Burning rose / Secrets told". I first heard it as "sold", but he said he got it from the official lyrics.

*snip*

Oops, typo on my part (the one part I didn't copy/paste directly).
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Crow on January 27, 2016, 08:56:31 PM
rip whahibrido pickingant guy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: fischermasamune on January 27, 2016, 09:14:48 PM
Quote from: Parama on January 27, 2016, 08:56:31 PM
rip whahibrido pickingant guy
palmeiras =/= hadi-persian
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 27, 2016, 09:31:19 PM
Jordan interview about the album..   Interesting that he is saying he is glad he is going to get credit
for this album.   Felt like his contributions weren't noticed on prior albums.   https://www.rockurlife.net/interview/english/dream-theater-04-12-15
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Sacul on January 27, 2016, 09:33:22 PM
Rip in pieces clock guy  :'(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Crow on January 27, 2016, 09:36:57 PM
Quote from: fischermasamune on January 27, 2016, 09:14:48 PM
Quote from: Parama on January 27, 2016, 08:56:31 PM
rip whahibrido pickingant guy
palmeiras =/= hadi-persian
oh, i could swear it was the same guy, whoops  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 27, 2016, 09:43:22 PM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on January 27, 2016, 09:31:19 PM
Jordan interview about the album..   Interesting that he is saying he is glad he is going to get credit
for this album.   Felt like his contributions weren't noticed on prior albums.   https://www.rockurlife.net/interview/english/dream-theater-04-12-15

It was refreshing to read that.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 27, 2016, 10:06:35 PM
One day to go hippies! My stereo is hungry  :mehlin  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Rodni Demental on January 27, 2016, 10:23:30 PM
Quote from: Jordan Rudess
One of the things I value the most is working with John Petrucci in this way because I feel like over the sixteen-year life with Dream Theater a lot of what I've done hasn't been really recognized. Often the music packaging says it has been written by Dream Theater and it's not generally true, John and I always have written the music since I joined the group. The fact that it took so many days to finally write that the music is written by John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess, it feels very honest to me and real

There's a bit more of the quote I typed out seeing as you can't copy text from that page. Interesting indeed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 27, 2016, 10:31:09 PM
My CD is on it's way! Got an email confirmation with tracking this morning. Hoping to get it Friday.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ariich on January 28, 2016, 12:02:38 AM
Quote from: volwrath on January 27, 2016, 06:29:04 PM
Hey everyone..just wanted to state for those worried... Got my bandcamp money refunded today, so I am going to put it towards the HDtracks since its hopefully not as compressed as the cd.
That's great, glad it got sorted out quickly!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: serrano on January 28, 2016, 12:16:30 AM
My CD just arrived! :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 28, 2016, 12:17:55 AM
Quote from: serrano on January 28, 2016, 12:16:30 AM
My CD just arrived! :metal

 :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: |KirK| on January 28, 2016, 12:49:54 AM
Pretty nice and positive review!! I hope that google translate could help you!! I'm so glad that many highlight the performance of JLB in this album...
https://spaziorock.it/recensione.php?&id=dream-theater-the-astonishing-2016

Please Mr Amazon, send me my copy today!!!  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: aurorablind on January 28, 2016, 12:54:37 AM
It will most likely be in my mailbox today! Can`t wait till I get home from work  :metal :metal
AND - I have the day off tomorrow! Im buying a nice bottle of wine, light some candles and have a private listening party this evening  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: serrano on January 28, 2016, 01:10:12 AM
Appart from "wow that's a lot to digest" and that it feels great on first listen, any comment will be pointless until the 3. or 4. spin. Well, maybe yes, it feels so strange and so familiar at the same time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: The Curious Orange on January 28, 2016, 01:25:41 AM
Mine was dispatched at 4.34am this morning, due for delivery tomorrow. Hopefully I can get out of work early...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 28, 2016, 01:28:47 AM
Will there be a separate / new thread for those who already got their copies?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: noxon on January 28, 2016, 01:36:01 AM
Is there really a need for it? It is expected that people would be able to get it today, because of mailing and stuff...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: home on January 28, 2016, 02:12:25 AM

Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on January 27, 2016, 09:31:19 PM
Jordan interview about the album..   Interesting that he is saying he is glad he is going to get credit
for this album.   Felt like his contributions weren't noticed on prior albums.   https://www.rockurlife.net/interview/english/dream-theater-04-12-15

That's a nice interview, funny how Jordan calls Manginis drumming magical. I think both Jordan and John are always very positive about him.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 28, 2016, 02:16:58 AM
Quote from: noxon on January 28, 2016, 01:36:01 AM
Is there really a need for it? It is expected that people would be able to get it today, because of mailing and stuff...

I am thinking more of because this thread is already hundreds of pages long.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: erwinrafael on January 28, 2016, 02:19:42 AM
Quote from: home on January 28, 2016, 02:12:25 AM
That's a nice interview, funny how Jordan calls Manginis drumming magical. I think both Jordan and John are always very positieve about him.

Well, it is because Mangini's drumming is magical.  :metal Of course, it is a matter of taste.

In 34 minutes, an inhabited place in the world would finally reach January 29. I am hoping that the HDTracks download would already be available by then.  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: SwedishGoose on January 28, 2016, 02:26:18 AM
Got confirmation that my preorder of the Astonishing has been sent from Ginza... should have it tomorrow  :metal :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on January 28, 2016, 02:42:03 AM
8:41 PM, only 199 minutes to go in AEST!  :D

Now 10:21, 99 minutes!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: palmeiras on January 28, 2016, 05:16:33 AM
Wowwwwwwww  i heard all the album Last night and Its fantástic,  beautiful, mágical  No doubt in the top with scenes and  six degrees
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Vandalism on January 28, 2016, 05:18:43 AM
Quote from: Parama on January 27, 2016, 09:36:57 PM
Quote from: fischermasamune on January 27, 2016, 09:14:48 PM
Quote from: Parama on January 27, 2016, 08:56:31 PM
rip whahibrido pickingant guy
palmeiras =/= hadi-persian
oh, i could swear it was the same guy, whoops  :lol

^ Parama, I guess you will be right after all!  :xbones
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Billzo on January 28, 2016, 05:19:43 AM
Quote from: palmeiras on January 28, 2016, 05:16:33 AM
Wowwwwwwww  i heard all the album Last night and Its fantástic,  beautiful, mágical  No doubt in the top with scenes and  six degrees

IKR.... just incredible. By no means normal DT... but a breathtaking work of art.

I'm just terrified about the reaction of other fans. It's getting an extremely divided opinion on other forums and a lot of supposed DT fans are being quite harsh. It makes me sad :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Podaar on January 28, 2016, 05:21:52 AM
Quote from: Vandalism on January 28, 2016, 05:18:43 AM
Quote from: Parama on January 27, 2016, 09:36:57 PM
Quote from: fischermasamune on January 27, 2016, 09:14:48 PM
Quote from: Parama on January 27, 2016, 08:56:31 PM
rip whahibrido pickingant guy
palmeiras =/= hadi-persian
oh, i could swear it was the same guy, whoops  :lol

^ Parama, I guess you will be right after all!  :xbones

Hear that whistling sound? That's Mjolnir winding up.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 28, 2016, 05:26:06 AM
Quote from: Billzo on January 28, 2016, 05:19:43 AM
Quote from: palmeiras on January 28, 2016, 05:16:33 AM
Wowwwwwwww  i heard all the album Last night and Its fantástic,  beautiful, mágical  No doubt in the top with scenes and  six degrees

IKR.... just incredible. By no means normal DT... but a breathtaking work of art.

I'm just terrified about the reaction of other fans. It's getting an extremely divided opinion on other forums and a lot of supposed DT fans are being quite harsh. It makes me sad :(
Yeah.. god forbid people dislike a DREAM THEATER album, that's out of this world.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:41:38 AM
???

But nobody dislikes a DT album. All their albums have been at #1 on the Billboard all day ery day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Moor on January 28, 2016, 05:54:11 AM
Quote from: hadi-persian on January 27, 2016, 04:10:48 PM
trooper im living in iran. and i can't buy the orginal Disc

Did he call Bosk "trooper" ???  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: MirrorMask on January 28, 2016, 07:14:30 AM
Well, with tomorrow being the big day, now I can finally say it, once again I managed to resist any kind of temptation and earn myself a completely unspoiled listening experience with the new album! No YouTube preview of the songs, no trailer, no doing what we shouldn't do, tomorrow I will get the album and listen to it on Saturday in its full unspoiled glory  :tup

I hope people will accept it for what it is and try to listen to it with an open mind, it would be a pity if people would diss it just because it's something they never did before.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: IdoSC on January 28, 2016, 07:16:47 AM
I interpreted what he said as that the album is vastly different than everything the band has done before, and he feels sorry for other fans who may not relate to this direction. Sometimes people in this forum tend to assume the worst interpretation on an ambivalent choice of words, as if he said something like "Oh heavens, it seems like some people don't like this album! This is terrible for DT! Now they won't be on top of Billboard and it matters so much to me!". But it could be just a matter of kinship; a huge fan who feels for other fans who may alienated from the new album hype for the next couple years because this album seems like a vastly different experience.

I can relate to this, it's not particularly fun when it seems like you're the only one enjoying new content in a community of fans you feel attached to (kind of how it feels to me with DT12). Discussions are not as elaborate, etc. No need to be so hostile, IMO.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: vazquez on January 28, 2016, 07:30:44 AM
https://www.metalsucks.net/2016/01/27/review-dream-theaters-the-astonishing-will-astonish-the-bands-fans-and-non-fans-alike/

Very funny review... the guy didn´t like DT too much, but he has a pen and a pencil... I mean, he loves The Astonishing.

God, it´s so silly I can´t stop laughing... but it´s good at the same time.  :loser:

4.5 out of 5.

But if you are a DT fan (like all of us), it´s 5 out of 5, and you must buy the album twice!  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 28, 2016, 07:32:57 AM
Quote from: IdoSC on January 28, 2016, 07:16:47 AM
I interpreted what he said as that the album is vastly different than everything the band has done before, and he feels sorry for other fans who may not relate to this direction. Sometimes people in this forum tend to assume the worst interpretation on an ambivalent choice of words, as if he said something like "Oh heavens, it seems like some people don't like this album! This is terrible for DT! Now they won't be on top of Billboard and it matters so much to me!". But it could be just a matter of kinship; a huge fan who feels for other fans who may alienated from the new album hype for the next couple years because this album seems like a vastly different experience.

I can relate to this, it's not particularly fun when it seems like you're the only one enjoying new content in a community of fans you feel attached to (kind of how it feels to me with DT12). Discussions are not as elaborate, etc. No need to be so hostile, IMO.

I wouldn't get too worked up over it, the negative nancies tend to have the loudest voices.  I love DT12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: jayvee3 on January 28, 2016, 07:33:28 AM
Quote from: IdoSC on January 28, 2016, 07:16:47 AM
I interpreted what he said as that the album is vastly different than everything the band has done before, and he feels sorry for other fans who may not relate to this direction. Sometimes people in this forum tend to assume the worst interpretation on an ambivalent choice of words, as if he said something like "Oh heavens, it seems like some people don't like this album! This is terrible for DT! Now they won't be on top of Billboard and it matters so much to me!". But it could be just a matter of kinship; a huge fan who feels for other fans who may alienated from the new album hype for the next couple years because this album seems like a vastly different experience.

I can relate to this, it's not particularly fun when it seems like you're the only one enjoying new content in a community of fans you feel attached to (kind of how it feels to me with DT12). Discussions are not as elaborate, etc. No need to be so hostile, IMO.

If it makes you feel any better, I really like DT12, and it still gets regular spins in my rotation. I have no doubt I will enjoy the Astonishing too, because as a fan from the early days, I have found things to like with every album release, just some more than others. But the other thing I have found coming to these boards over the years - I've just learned to take other peoples opinions with a grain of salt. Other peoples opinions mean little to my enjoyment of a particular song or album, so I just don't care that much any more. Maybe I'm just getting old and grumpy, but with things of such a subjective nature, we'll all be different, so I just go for the things that I like and don't lose any sleep over it  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thosava on January 28, 2016, 07:40:57 AM
I also rediscovered DT12 a couple of weeks ago when i bought the HDtracks version. I remembered i actually really like many of those songs. Great songs: False Awakening Suite, The Enemy Inside, The Looking Glass, The Bigger Picture, Surrender to Reason, Along for the Ride and Illumination Theory. I like it a lot more than ADTOE.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 28, 2016, 07:52:34 AM
Anybody ordered the CD from Amazon? Mine says it will be delivered 8pm Friday which makes it the latest of deliveries of everyone who's ordered the CD online elsewhere.
Also how 's there people saying they already received the CD?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: jonny108 on January 28, 2016, 08:01:40 AM
At work, just has confirmation my CD has arrived at home from Roadrunner  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Awaken on January 28, 2016, 08:06:59 AM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 28, 2016, 07:52:34 AM
Anybody ordered the CD from Amazon? Mine says it will be delivered 8pm Friday which makes it the latest of deliveries of everyone who's ordered the CD online elsewhere.
Also how 's there people saying they already received the CD?

Mine says the same thing.  Really hoping AutoRip is available tomorrow.  If not I may pick up the digital copy, as well.  I've historically picked up both copies on release day - my first listen begins at midnight
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Jinx on January 28, 2016, 08:08:07 AM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 28, 2016, 07:52:34 AM
Anybody ordered the CD from Amazon? Mine says it will be delivered 8pm Friday which makes it the latest of deliveries of everyone who's ordered the CD online elsewhere.
Also how 's there people saying they already received the CD?

Is this delivered BY 8pm though? Cos that's a pretty late delivery! Royal Mail as far as I know don't deliver much past 5 and if it's DPD or Interlink they try to deliver as early as possible. Maybe it's with a slow carrier pigeon  ;D

 Personally I have ordered from Amazon but with Prime so it should hopefully come early!  :tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thosava on January 28, 2016, 08:08:25 AM
I wonder when it will be available on HDtracks. Some places in the world are already into january 29th.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Jinx on January 28, 2016, 08:09:58 AM
About that AutoRip, is that an Amazon service? If it is then I guess it will be available from midnight on their Prime Music?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Awaken on January 28, 2016, 08:13:51 AM
Quote from: Jinx on January 28, 2016, 08:09:58 AM
About that AutoRip, is that an Amazon service? If it is then I guess it will be available from midnight on their Prime Music?

I can't remember seeing it before Megadeth's release either, and now that has AutoRip as an option.  Hopefully it's something added on release day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Jinx on January 28, 2016, 08:15:31 AM
Ah okay, when I placed my preorder it said it had the AutoRip too and wasn't too sure what it was at the time
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 28, 2016, 08:17:39 AM
Quote from: erwinrafael on January 27, 2016, 07:05:25 PM
Anyone here up to making an official hashtag for this to make this a trending topic on twitter? I know it is a long shot, but nothing bad for trying.  :hat
Yes, we should definitely do this.

#TheAstonishing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: vazquez on January 28, 2016, 08:18:37 AM
https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-astonishing-mw0002900305

Another very good review - 4 out of 5. People at allmusic.com are great reviewers, and Thom Jurek is the second best of the lot, imo.

"Though it may be grandiose to say, like opera, The Astonishing shouldn't be disassembled, but judged holistically. It was planned as an immersive, one-sitting listening experience. As demanding as it is, the story and music are worth the effort. Dream Theater have invested in the "album" concept (and in listeners' attention spans) even as the music biz doubles down on the notion that long-players are merely envelopes to hold singles."

 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pdurbin22 on January 28, 2016, 08:19:47 AM
Bosk/Noxon or anyone else in the know - JP mentioned that the balance of the microsite, complete with lyrics, etc - will be live on release date. Anyone know if that means by midnight EST tonight? I really want an immersive first experience and am debating whether or not I should stay up late tonight in conjunction with the iTunes release.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Billzo on January 28, 2016, 08:21:03 AM
Quote from: IdoSC on January 28, 2016, 07:16:47 AM
I interpreted what he said as that the album is vastly different than everything the band has done before, and he feels sorry for other fans who may not relate to this direction. Sometimes people in this forum tend to assume the worst interpretation on an ambivalent choice of words, as if he said something like "Oh heavens, it seems like some people don't like this album! This is terrible for DT! Now they won't be on top of Billboard and it matters so much to me!". But it could be just a matter of kinship; a huge fan who feels for other fans who may alienated from the new album hype for the next couple years because this album seems like a vastly different experience.

I can relate to this, it's not particularly fun when it seems like you're the only one enjoying new content in a community of fans you feel attached to (kind of how it feels to me with DT12). Discussions are not as elaborate, etc. No need to be so hostile, IMO.

Thanks mate, this was my train of thought ( \m/ )

I guess I worded it badly, I certainly appreciate everyone's right to like or to not like. Each to their own and all that. What I meant was it was not nice reading spiteful comments from DT fans towards the band as if they are owed what they like and only that, no concern for what other fans may prefer or be open to.

I hope that makes more sense.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 28, 2016, 08:31:02 AM
Quote from: vazquez on January 28, 2016, 08:18:37 AM
https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-astonishing-mw0002900305

Another very good review - 4 out of 5. People at allmusic.com are great reviewers, and Thom Jurek is the second best of the lot, imo.

"Though it may be grandiose to say, like opera, The Astonishing shouldn't be disassembled, but judged holistically. It was planned as an immersive, one-sitting listening experience. As demanding as it is, the story and music are worth the effort. Dream Theater have invested in the "album" concept (and in listeners' attention spans) even as the music biz doubles down on the notion that long-players are merely envelopes to hold singles."
:tup
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 28, 2016, 08:34:07 AM
The one thing I feel the reviews I read seem to tip toe around is that TA has little to no metal, which I'm okay with, but the tiptoe-ing makes me assume we might be looking at a significant amount of unsatisfied fans, will make for some interesting discussions ahead.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Train of Naught on January 28, 2016, 08:37:28 AM
Yea I saw something like this on reddit: People who were expecting The Dark Eternal Night pt. 2 will be disappointed.

Well I guess everyone will be disappointed then because who the fuck expected The Dark Eternal Night pt. 2?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: goo-goo on January 28, 2016, 08:38:17 AM
I'll be standing at Best Buy at 9 or 10am tomorrow and pick it up (even though I ordered the Box Set from RR) just so I can have it tomorrow in my hands.  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 08:45:23 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 28, 2016, 08:37:28 AM
Yea I saw something like this on reddit: People who were expecting The Dark Eternal Night pt. 2 will be disappointed.

Well I guess everyone will be disappointed then because who the fuck expected The Dark Eternal Night pt. 2?

I really thought Lord Nafaryus was the evil pharaoh. :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RaasMah on January 28, 2016, 08:46:49 AM
Quote from: MirrorMask on January 28, 2016, 07:14:30 AM
Well, with tomorrow being the big day, now I can finally say it, once again I managed to resist any kind of temptation and earn myself a completely unspoiled listening experience with the new album! No YouTube preview of the songs, no trailer, no doing what we shouldn't do, tomorrow I will get the album and listen to it on Saturday in its full unspoiled glory  :tup

I hope people will accept it for what it is and try to listen to it with an open mind, it would be a pity if people would diss it just because it's something they never did before.

Have you read reviews and stuff like that? some people consider it a spoiler aswell.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Evermind on January 28, 2016, 08:50:37 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 28, 2016, 08:37:28 AM
Yea I saw something like this on reddit: People who were expecting The Dark Eternal Night pt. 2 will be disappointed.

Well I guess everyone will be disappointed then because who the fuck expected The Dark Eternal Night pt. 2?

:rollin

This made me laugh more than it should have.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: CDrice on January 28, 2016, 08:54:57 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 28, 2016, 08:37:28 AM
Well I guess everyone will be disappointed then because who the fuck expected The Dark Eternal Night pt. 2?

I did...  :-[
Quote from: CDrice on October 22, 2015
Wait! It means we're going to get The Dark Eternal Night Part 2: In The Presence of the Dark Eternal Nightmare of Tuscany!

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 28, 2016, 08:56:19 AM
I just heard back from HD Tracks:


If I know our system, i'm sure they have the album set to go online at 12am tomorrow 1/29/2016.  If the album doesn't appear, wait a few minutes, sometimes it can take time for albums to appear. 

Sincerely,
HDTracks Support Team
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Randaran on January 28, 2016, 08:59:03 AM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 28, 2016, 07:52:34 AM
Anybody ordered the CD from Amazon? Mine says it will be delivered 8pm Friday which makes it the latest of deliveries of everyone who's ordered the CD online elsewhere.
Also how 's there people saying they already received the CD?

I have; the album is supposed to arrive tomorrow, but it is still marked as "Preparing for shipment" on the orders page. Hopefully, this won't be a repeat of The Book of Souls from last year.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thosava on January 28, 2016, 08:59:39 AM
Quote from: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 28, 2016, 08:56:19 AM
I just heard back from HD Tracks:


If I know our system, i'm sure they have the album set to go online at 12am tomorrow 1/29/2016.  If the album doesn't appear, wait a few minutes, sometimes it can take time for albums to appear. 

Sincerely,
HDTracks Support Team

In what timezone?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 28, 2016, 09:05:33 AM
I don't patronize metal heads like that cause it just usually has a reverse effect :lol and also cause I come from a metal background as well and still enjoy a lot of what they enjoy, I've been talking to a "worried metal head" on fb  this morning and seem to have convinced him that something different from DT now would be cool ans refreshing without being condescending.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 28, 2016, 09:06:19 AM
Quote from: Randaran on January 28, 2016, 08:59:03 AM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 28, 2016, 07:52:34 AM
Anybody ordered the CD from Amazon? Mine says it will be delivered 8pm Friday which makes it the latest of deliveries of everyone who's ordered the CD online elsewhere.
Also how 's there people saying they already received the CD?

I have; the album is supposed to arrive tomorrow, but it is still marked as "Preparing for shipment" on the orders page. Hopefully, this won't be a repeat of The Book of Souls from last year.

Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 28, 2016, 09:16:55 AM
Quote from: thosava on January 28, 2016, 08:59:39 AM
Quote from: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 28, 2016, 08:56:19 AM
I just heard back from HD Tracks:


If I know our system, i'm sure they have the album set to go online at 12am tomorrow 1/29/2016.  If the album doesn't appear, wait a few minutes, sometimes it can take time for albums to appear. 

Sincerely,
HDTracks Support Team

In what timezone?

I had asked them, "What time (EST) will "Dream Theater: The Astonishing" be available?"... so Eastern.  :azn:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 09:17:23 AM
I just got notice that a local store has already the album in stock! See you later dudes  :hat
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Podaar on January 28, 2016, 09:24:54 AM
Goddamnit, Kohler!!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: kaos2900 on January 28, 2016, 09:26:39 AM
I just a got a delivery delay notice from Amazon and it doesn't look like auto rip is available.   :-\
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thosava on January 28, 2016, 09:28:25 AM
Quote from: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 28, 2016, 09:16:55 AM
I had asked them, "What time (EST) will "Dream Theater: The Astonishing" be available?"... so Eastern.  :azn:

Okay thanks! Then i wont stay up all night and wait for it  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on January 28, 2016, 09:34:28 AM
Very excited for this.  Mine is on the way from Amazon.  When it says "by 8pm on Friday"  that is the last possible time it will come on that day.  However, it never comes that late.  It should come when UPS or the mail man normally delivers your packages based on their delivery routes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Thoughtspart3 on January 28, 2016, 09:46:31 AM
I am encouraged that there is a little more dynamic range on this CD than other recent releases.  I am sure this is in part due to the style of the new album with less metal sections.  Still, it is more in line with Scenes or Six Degrees whihc is a good thing.  Definitely looking forward to the HD Tracks Version.

https://dr.loudness-war.info/album/list?artist=dream+theater&album= (https://dr.loudness-war.info/album/list?artist=dream+theater&album=)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Carlos_7x on January 28, 2016, 09:59:52 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 09:17:23 AM
I just got notice that a local store has already the album in stock! See you later dudes  :hat

You should tell me what local store, since I think we live in México  :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: CoT67 on January 28, 2016, 10:02:25 AM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 08:45:23 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 28, 2016, 08:37:28 AM
Yea I saw something like this on reddit: People who were expecting The Dark Eternal Night pt. 2 will be disappointed.

Well I guess everyone will be disappointed then because who the fuck expected The Dark Eternal Night pt. 2?

I really thought Lord Nafaryus was the evil pharaoh. :(
More like the evil Grand Vizier...  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 10:05:39 AM
Darth Visor.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Stef1 on January 28, 2016, 10:38:30 AM
My copy was waiting for me when I arrived home from work, Nomac pin and all.
Hold tight, here we go. :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 28, 2016, 10:44:34 AM
Well, it's New DT Album Eve. I am so ready for this now. Whatever your plans are, I hope you all enjoy it!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: JonesyAZ on January 28, 2016, 11:13:45 AM
Agreed!  While I am not sure my CD will arrive tomorrow, I am looking forward to downloading the FLACs and looking at DT's Astonishing website for more content, if necessary.  Hope everyone has an awesome DT Day 2016!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: mike099 on January 28, 2016, 11:36:18 AM
Quote from: Evermind on January 28, 2016, 08:50:37 AM
Quote from: Train of Naught on January 28, 2016, 08:37:28 AM
Yea I saw something like this on reddit: People who were expecting The Dark Eternal Night pt. 2 will be disappointed.

Well I guess everyone will be disappointed then because who the fuck expected The Dark Eternal Night pt. 2?

:rollin

This made me laugh more than it should have.

Hey, I like Dark Eternal night musically and most of SC musically.  I am hoping the next cd will be like Train of Thought meets SC.

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: mike099 on January 28, 2016, 11:40:26 AM
Quote from: vazquez on January 28, 2016, 08:18:37 AM
https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-astonishing-mw0002900305

Another very good review - 4 out of 5. People at allmusic.com are great reviewers, and Thom Jurek is the second best of the lot, imo.

"Though it may be grandiose to say, like opera, The Astonishing shouldn't be disassembled, but judged holistically. It was planned as an immersive, one-sitting listening experience. As demanding as it is, the story and music are worth the effort. Dream Theater have invested in the "album" concept (and in listeners' attention spans) even as the music biz doubles down on the notion that long-players are merely envelopes to hold singles."

Funny how the guy mentioned the two songs out already and titled one as 'The Spirit of music' :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 28, 2016, 12:02:17 PM
I'm really considering getting the HDtracks version now.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 28, 2016, 12:04:16 PM
I got it, guys! Total immersion and back in 2h10mn!

B.Lee
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: aurorablind on January 28, 2016, 12:39:43 PM
SPOILERS

Sorry if my English isnt that good.. Here goes:

Okey, I`ve listened through this album once. I almost pissed myself when I saw the little carboard paggage in my mailbox after work!
I have to admit, I did listen to a couple of tracks when the whole "website that shouldn`t have streamed the album"-thing unfolded. Im glad that I waited to listen to the whole thing until today.

This album is very hard to take in after just one listen. It`s 34 songs and over two hours goddammit!
But hell.. Im left with so many impressions.

I wont go through every song, and I have to listen to it at least three or four times until I conclude on how well it sits compared to the rest of their catalogue.

My first impression is: WOW. What an album. So much music! So melodic! So..many ballads..
Im a first and foremost a prog-guy. Im happy this isnt the full blown metal-concept-wank-fest-album, but I have to admit that after the first listen I feel that some parts of the album felt kind of slow. NOT bad, but theres a lot of slow, melodic moments. That may not be a bad thing after I`ve listened to it a couple of times, but it was a lot more of that than I expected.

I`ll make a short list of good/not as good moments I noticed during listening.


Not as good (the nitpicking):
- After my first listen the album moves a bit slowly at points. Melodically its GREAT, but at some points I wish it was more dynamic, musically. Overall, this album is the softest theyve done, so it`s a bit unusual. This may change however!
- NOMACS - underused in the story? I did not read the lyrics for the entire thing. I had the album playing on the stereo, and at some points I had to leave the booklet. I was almost expecting some kind of Gabriel/NOMAC-battle  :lol
They generally didn`t seem as the big threat that I thought after seeing the artwork and reading all the info. The NOMAC
tracks are kind of..irritating. "Descent" is a cool intro, and I like "Power Down". The other tracks are just noise (well..they are noise machines..).
- When your time has come. Isn`t this supposed to be when Gabriel sings to the Empire? Well.. I don`t really care for that song to much. However.. If I lived in a world when I had to listen to those fucking NOMACS all day, that song would probably have been the best song ever..

GOOD:
- Diversity: There is SO much to take in. Oh my god.. And stylistically it is so varied. Definitely the most musically interresting since SDOIT.
- James fucking LaBrie. Holy shit.. Im so glad that he finally got HIS album. There is so many amazing vocal-parts, and there is so much singing on this album! I really hope he gets a lot of praise for this, because he totally deserves it,
- Piano. Jordan shines when he plays piano, we all know that, and this album really proves how good he is, without the overwhelming synth-patch-shifting he usually does on DT-stuff.
- Production. The most organic theyve done in years. Yes, you can nitpick and say that the drums sound a bit mechanical, but that has a lot to do with MM`s playing style. The drums fit well in the mix most places. Actually, the two songs I think they are too much "in your face" is "The gift of music" and "Moment of betrayal".
Im also so glad they focused so much on organic instruments. Real strings, real brass, real piano, real B3-organ.. fantastic!
- New stuff. Finally, after so many years of making "DT-sounding albums" they truly experimented with styles. Lord Nafaryus, Three Days and A life left behind sound so refreshing! I cant help myself but laugh when the ending to Three Days hits. Its SO FUCKING GOOD, but at the same time tounge-in-cheek and playful. Three Days is probably my favorite song on the album btw.


There is so much to take in, but this is the notes I made during listening. Just laying on the couch and taking it all in was a true pleasure.
This album is like Dream Theater meets Jesus Christ Superstar meets Disney. Theyve really gone all in.

After the first listen, I give it 8,5/10. It may go up, it may go down. However, the first listen was a true pleasure.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Counselor of Prog on January 28, 2016, 12:48:12 PM
Mine should be here Friday.  Huzzah!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Progmetty on January 28, 2016, 12:48:34 PM
Quote from: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 28, 2016, 08:56:19 AM
I just heard back from HD Tracks:


If I know our system, i'm sure they have the album set to go online at 12am tomorrow 1/29/2016.  If the album doesn't appear, wait a few minutes, sometimes it can take time for albums to appear. 

Sincerely,
HDTracks Support Team

If you burn the HDtracks FLAC's to a CD; do they lose something or do they still sound better than the released CD?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Siddhartha on January 28, 2016, 12:48:48 PM
Quote from: aurorablind on January 28, 2016, 12:39:43 PM

This album is like Dream Theater meets Jesus Christ Superstar meets Disney.


 I was thinking about Alan Menken during the whole album. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Sacul on January 28, 2016, 12:53:39 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 28, 2016, 12:48:34 PM
Quote from: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 28, 2016, 08:56:19 AM
I just heard back from HD Tracks:


If I know our system, i'm sure they have the album set to go online at 12am tomorrow 1/29/2016.  If the album doesn't appear, wait a few minutes, sometimes it can take time for albums to appear. 

Sincerely,
HDTracks Support Team

If you burn the HDtracks FLAC's to a CD; do they lose something or do they still sound better than the released CD?
Maybe the master would sound better, but that's about it. It's pointless to buy a hi-res file and downgrade it IMO.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 28, 2016, 12:58:51 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 28, 2016, 12:48:34 PM
Quote from: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 28, 2016, 08:56:19 AM
I just heard back from HD Tracks:


If I know our system, i'm sure they have the album set to go online at 12am tomorrow 1/29/2016.  If the album doesn't appear, wait a few minutes, sometimes it can take time for albums to appear. 

Sincerely,
HDTracks Support Team

If you burn the HDtracks FLAC's to a CD; do they lose something or do they still sound better than the released CD?

Yeah, you do. Most HD tracks are 96kHz with 24-bit depth. CD is 48kHz with 16-bit.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: YtseJamittaja on January 28, 2016, 01:00:05 PM
Damn I can't unhear it anymore, the main theme sounds like Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 01:00:16 PM
Mods:

Can we create another thread? It would be nice having a non-spoiler speculation thread like this one and a full-on spoiler thread for those who have already heard the album and cannot wait to discuss it.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 28, 2016, 01:01:32 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 28, 2016, 12:48:34 PM
Quote from: Mark Levinson Jr. on January 28, 2016, 08:56:19 AM
I just heard back from HD Tracks:


If I know our system, i'm sure they have the album set to go online at 12am tomorrow 1/29/2016.  If the album doesn't appear, wait a few minutes, sometimes it can take time for albums to appear. 

Sincerely,
HDTracks Support Team

If you burn the HDtracks FLAC's to a CD; do they lose something or do they still sound better than the released CD?

I play a lot of FLACs, but I honestly have never tried to do this. My best guess is that the files get downsampled to meet the requirements of the CD media and it ends up being about the same. I don't really know though.

My car will play DVDs.... audio only (kind of weird)... so I might try to convert the FLACs to WAVs and then burn them to a DVD. Not sure how I'd measure if I succeeded in retaining the higher quality I started with, other than old fashioned listening. I just thought I'd mention this to give you ideas, since I don't really know the answer to what you asked.  ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: sfam2112 on January 28, 2016, 01:03:43 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 01:00:16 PM
Mods:

Can we create another thread? It would be nice having a non-spoiler speculation thread like this one and a full-on spoiler thread for those who have already heard the album and cannot wait to discuss it.

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=45413.0

Would this count? :)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 28, 2016, 01:05:56 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 01:00:16 PM
Mods:

Can we create another thread? It would be nice having a non-spoiler speculation thread like this one and a full-on spoiler thread for those who have already heard the album and cannot wait to discuss it.

This. Also, a separate thread for plot discussion (and spoilers) would be a good idea too. Discuss the music in one thread, and what happens to the characters in the other.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Another_Won on January 28, 2016, 01:08:33 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 28, 2016, 01:05:56 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 01:00:16 PM
Mods:

Can we create another thread? It would be nice having a non-spoiler speculation thread like this one and a full-on spoiler thread for those who have already heard the album and cannot wait to discuss it.

This. Also, a separate thread for plot discussion (and spoilers) would be a good idea too. Discuss the music in one thread, and what happens to the characters in the other.

Not a bad idea.  I have a feeling that i'm going to have trouble understanding the plot.  I'm a little slow like that :)

Am I missing something because I thought anyone could just create whatever thread they wanted, right?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on January 28, 2016, 01:13:16 PM
Quote from: vazquez on January 28, 2016, 07:30:44 AM
https://www.metalsucks.net/2016/01/27/review-dream-theaters-the-astonishing-will-astonish-the-bands-fans-and-non-fans-alike/

Very funny review... the guy didn´t like DT too much, but he has a pen and a pencil... I mean, he loves The Astonishing.

God, it´s so silly I can´t stop laughing... but it´s good at the same time.  :loser:

4.5 out of 5.

But if you are a DT fan (like all of us), it´s 5 out of 5, and you must buy the album twice!  :rollin

This was actually the only review I saw before TA's release, because I'm subscribed to this guy's regular channel.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 28, 2016, 01:21:01 PM
Quote from: Another_Won on January 28, 2016, 01:08:33 PM

Not a bad idea.  I have a feeling that i'm going to have trouble understanding the plot.  I'm a little slow like that :)

Am I missing something because I thought anyone could just create whatever thread they wanted, right?

Yes, but it has more authority coming from the mods. It says "This is the official place to discuss [topic]."
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: thosava on January 28, 2016, 01:23:34 PM
Quote from: aurorablind on January 28, 2016, 12:39:43 PM
Did you order the album from Platekompaniet?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 01:26:22 PM
Quote from: sfam2112 on January 28, 2016, 01:03:43 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 01:00:16 PM
Mods:

Can we create another thread? It would be nice having a non-spoiler speculation thread like this one and a full-on spoiler thread for those who have already heard the album and cannot wait to discuss it.

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=45413.0

Would this count? :)
I guess.

I don't think it's good for those who have held back from all previews and everything to read feedback and reviews of the album in BOTH threads. As you can see, we're starting to get some 'my first impressions...' in this thread and that may get us very mixed up.

Hell's gonna break loose probably by tomorrow, and it won't matter that much because we're gonna have 20 new threads related to The Astonishing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 28, 2016, 01:33:39 PM
Just 20?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 01:35:37 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 28, 2016, 01:33:39 PM
Just 20?

Results may vary.

:neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bertielee on January 28, 2016, 01:37:24 PM
Ok. Needed a break after Act 1. Initial reaction :

First, I'm not as good at writing my impressions as some of you guys are.

Down : too many tracks beginning with piano, making them too samey
            the drum sound still bothers me
            where is JM (as far as creativity is concerned)?

Up : some really nice melodies in there
        JLB is really good and has a lot to sing (paradoxically, I sometime found he had too much to sing)
        many new things never heard before in a DT album

Stand out tracks : The Gift of Music, Lord Nafaryus, A  Savior in the Square, Three Days, The X Aspect, A New Beginning

B.Lee

EDIT : listened to Act 2. Better for me than Act 1, but it might change. Otherwise, it confirms my initial impressions : too much piano-driven tracks and too many slow (for lack of a better word) tracks. A lot of new things explored but also some things heard before in their catalogue. Ja mes is really really good and it is really his album, more so than Rudess's in my opinion. Frankly, no guitar solo has really grabbed my ear so far.

Stand out tracks : Moment of Betrayal, The Path that Divides, Our New World (OMG! What a treat! Much too short anyways), Astonishing

All in all, kuddos to the guys for having tried something like that so late in their career. May not be their best album, but it's really a great effort to expand theit musical universe.

On a side note, I found some mistakes in the booklet. :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: theanalogkid7 on January 28, 2016, 01:41:49 PM
Just in case anyone cared, looks like DT updated the page for TA on iTunes.  New photo and track lengths.  Nothing ground breaking, just excited to see it all getting closer and closer.

(https://s21.postimg.org/5cjwycj93/Screen_Shot_2016_01_28_at_2_40_01_PM.png)

"Like game of thrones gone metal"... haha
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 01:43:19 PM
That's pretty cool!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: minstrel on January 28, 2016, 01:57:18 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 28, 2016, 12:48:34 PM
If you burn the HDtracks FLAC's to a CD; do they lose something or do they still sound better than the released CD?

In a nutshell: Whether that will sound better than the released CD depends whether they used a more dynamic master for the HD Tracks FLACs. Otherwise, you will lose some resolution (16 instead of 24 bits and 44.1kHz vs. 96kHz). However, whether you can hear the difference in resolution is a matter of big dispute. Hardly no-one seems to dispute the difference between masters of different dynamics.

You can certainly burn them on an audio CD. However, first you need to convert the files from 24 bit to 16 bits and from 96KHz to 44.1 KHz first. I personally use the command line tool SoX to do this, but there are lots of alternatives.

Next you burn the resulting WAV files to CD, just be sure no 2 second gaps are added by the burner software.

Whether this will sound better than the released CD depends on the dynamic range of the HD Tracks version. We don't seem to know yet whether the HD Tracks version is indeed more dynamic; On the previous Dream Theater releases (SC, BCaSL, ADToE, DT) this was the case, however "Breaking The Fourth Wall" has exactly the same Dynamic Range as the CD.

Therefore, provided the HD Tracks version of The Astonishing is more dynamic than the CD version, it will still be more dynamic after the conversion process to 16/44.1.

In fact I created mp3 versions of the previous four studio albums' HD Tracks versions in 16/44.1, and in my opinion they sound noticably better than the CD version.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: TH1RT3EN on January 28, 2016, 02:05:44 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 01:00:16 PM
Mods:

Can we create another thread? It would be nice having a non-spoiler speculation thread like this one and a full-on spoiler thread for those who have already heard the album and cannot wait to discuss it.

This has never been a non-spoiler thread, so I think it's kinda late for that already.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: IdoSC on January 28, 2016, 02:08:28 PM
Quote from: TH1RT3EN on January 28, 2016, 02:05:44 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 01:00:16 PM
Mods:

Can we create another thread? It would be nice having a non-spoiler speculation thread like this one and a full-on spoiler thread for those who have already heard the album and cannot wait to discuss it.

This has never been a non-spoiler thread, so I think it's kinda late for that already.
However it is cluttered with about 220 pages of mostly pre-release, non-spoiler content, making it pretty cluttered to just start talking about post-release information randomly. This is usually how it's done with giant "anticipation threads" over the internet and is a legit suggestion for the mods to consider.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 28, 2016, 02:11:54 PM
Yeah, at this point it's probably time for this thread to be locked and new ones created...this was a pre-release thread anyway.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Jinx on January 28, 2016, 02:35:37 PM
Didn't know where to put this but ah well. Just a random thought basically with regards to the tour.

False Awakening Suite intro? I understand they wrote it specifically for the opening of the shows and it made a return at the 30th anniversary concerts last year.

Again, just a random, pointless thought :angel:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 28, 2016, 02:45:12 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 28, 2016, 02:35:37 PM
False Awakening Suite intro? I understand they wrote it specifically for the opening of the shows and it made a return at the 30th anniversary concerts last year.


Highly unlikely, as they're playing The Astonishing in full and nothing else.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Peter Mc on January 28, 2016, 03:02:27 PM
Ok, the album arrived in the mail today. Can't give any kind of full review yet because it's just so huge and I need to take it all in. Some of the melodies are not really hitting me that hard but that is not unusual with DT on the first run through. My instant favourite is probably A Life Left Behind, love the intro which is reminiscent of Liquid Tension Experiment a little to me and love the melody of the song.

There does not appear to be lots of JP guitar solos considering this thing is his baby. Not sure how I feel about that. Could be that I'll notice his playing more with repeat listens. James LaBrie is outstanding on this album. Not that much difference in his voice for the different characters but nevertheless he sounds fantastic.

Overall then, there's lots of bits that I like but also lots I've yet to get to grips with. There is certainly a lot of new ground here for Dream Theater, a lot of stuff you've never heard from them and, as Noxon has been saying all along, this is not just a concept album it is a full on musical/rock opera. Certainly much more of a stage show vibe than SFAM. I'm guessing some fans won't be happy with that but we've all been saying we want them to do something different and they certainly have.

Now need to go back and listen again, this time lights out and no lyrics!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 28, 2016, 03:07:08 PM
Guitar solos and/or prominant leads are in all of these tracks:

Dystopian Overture
The Gift of Music
A Better Life
A Savior in the Square
When Your Time Has Come
Chosen
A New Beginning
Moment of Betrayal
Begin Again
The Path That Divides
Our New World

I know there is one more on disc 2 but I forget where. Some of these songs have more than one solo (Our New World, A New Beginning). I wouldn't consider that a lack of guitar solos.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Panar on January 28, 2016, 03:20:32 PM
The album is now available on Spotify
(https://i.imgur.com/CuOemi3.png)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: cramx3 on January 28, 2016, 03:25:36 PM
Quote from: RoeDent on January 28, 2016, 02:45:12 PM
Quote from: Jinx on January 28, 2016, 02:35:37 PM
False Awakening Suite intro? I understand they wrote it specifically for the opening of the shows and it made a return at the 30th anniversary concerts last year.


Highly unlikely, as they're playing The Astonishing in full and nothing else.

Agreed. Based on what we know, no encore and it appears will be strictly just The Astonishing performed.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 03:29:12 PM
Quote from: Panar on January 28, 2016, 03:20:32 PM
The album is now available on Spotify
(https://i.imgur.com/CuOemi3.png)

Really? Can't seem to find it yet over there!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: metrojam on January 28, 2016, 03:30:04 PM
Quote from: Panar on January 28, 2016, 03:20:32 PM
The album is now available on Spotify
(https://i.imgur.com/CuOemi3.png)

It's NOT on Spotify in the UK
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 03:32:42 PM
It will be at Midnight...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: RoeDent on January 28, 2016, 03:37:47 PM
My CD's been dispatched. Should hopefully get here tomorrow. I can't believe this is finally happening! :caffeine:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Fritzinger on January 28, 2016, 03:52:31 PM
Quote from: IDontNotDoThings on January 28, 2016, 01:13:16 PM
Quote from: vazquez on January 28, 2016, 07:30:44 AM
https://www.metalsucks.net/2016/01/27/review-dream-theaters-the-astonishing-will-astonish-the-bands-fans-and-non-fans-alike/

Very funny review... the guy didn´t like DT too much, but he has a pen and a pencil... I mean, he loves The Astonishing.

God, it´s so silly I can´t stop laughing... but it´s good at the same time.  :loser:

4.5 out of 5.

But if you are a DT fan (like all of us), it´s 5 out of 5, and you must buy the album twice!  :rollin

This was actually the only review I saw before TA's release, because I'm subscribed to this guy's regular channel.  :biggrin:

OMG, sorry, but this review annoys the crap out of me, almost makes me angry. Those images and sound effects.. dude you're not doing a kinds show, this is for music fans, who want to hear information and honest opinions. And this is not funny, I think it's just annoying. I almost lost it.

Speaking of losing it.. I can't wait for tomorrow. It's 10 mins to midnight here in Germany and I should go to sleep.. otherwise I won't be able to resist listening to it in 10 mins. Night fellas, tomorrow is gonna be one astonishing day.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BFRedrocks on January 28, 2016, 03:55:16 PM
Just for grins I checked Apple Music to see if they had it yet.  They don't, but the description says, "An epic concept album, like Game of Thrones gone metal."  Hmmm...not from what I've heard folks say upon hearing it, but whatever.  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: jakepriest on January 28, 2016, 03:57:28 PM
Quote from: Fritzinger on January 28, 2016, 03:52:31 PM

OMG, sorry, but this review annoys the crap out of me, almost makes me angry. Those images and sound effects.. dude you're not doing a kinds show, this is for music fans, who want to hear information and honest opinions. And this is not funny, I think it's just annoying. I almost lost it.


Dunno. I found the review pretty enjoyable because it was so over the top, definitely something refreshing.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: palmeiras on January 28, 2016, 03:58:03 PM
I can t understand how a inteligent music fan can dislike astonishing. TA is a synonymous to inspiration
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BFRedrocks on January 28, 2016, 03:58:19 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 28, 2016, 01:33:39 PM
Just 20?

I figured 34.   :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Bertie_Wooster on January 28, 2016, 04:16:50 PM
Mike Portnoy's website is down.   Probably putting up a new theme for TA
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: aurorablind on January 28, 2016, 04:23:32 PM
Quote from: thosava on January 28, 2016, 01:23:34 PM
Quote from: aurorablind on January 28, 2016, 12:39:43 PM
Did you order the album from Platekompaniet?

Nope. Cdon!

Edit: It`s available on Spotify in Scandinavia aswell!  ;D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Peter Mc on January 28, 2016, 04:27:15 PM
Quote from: pcs90 on January 28, 2016, 03:07:08 PM
Guitar solos and/or prominant leads are in all of these tracks:

Dystopian Overture
The Gift of Music
A Better Life
A Savior in the Square
When Your Time Has Come
Chosen
A New Beginning
Moment of Betrayal
Begin Again
The Path That Divides
Our New World

I know there is one more on disc 2 but I forget where. Some of these songs have more than one solo (Our New World, A New Beginning). I wouldn't consider that a lack of guitar solos.

Like I said, I would probably notice more on repeat listens. Would say though that that's only about one third of the songs on the album. There's plenty of significant songs on this where he does not take a solo which is almost unheard of.

I have heard much more tasty stuff from JP on second run through though. Just getting up to end of Act 1 and am enjoying the album at least 3 times as I did on first listen. Three Days is particularly awesome, especially the "Bow down to Nafaryus" bits.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: volwrath on January 28, 2016, 04:28:06 PM
Quote from: minstrel on January 28, 2016, 01:57:18 PM
Quote from: Progmetty on January 28, 2016, 12:48:34 PM
If you burn the HDtracks FLAC's to a CD; do they lose something or do they still sound better than the released CD?

In a nutshell: Whether that will sound better than the released CD depends whether they used a more dynamic master for the HD Tracks FLACs. Otherwise, you will lose some resolution (16 instead of 24 bits and 44.1kHz vs. 96kHz). However, whether you can hear the difference in resolution is a matter of big dispute. Hardly no-one seems to dispute the difference between masters of different dynamics.

You can certainly burn them on an audio CD. However, first you need to convert the files from 24 bit to 16 bits and from 96KHz to 44.1 KHz first. I personally use the command line tool SoX to do this, but there are lots of alternatives.

Next you burn the resulting WAV files to CD, just be sure no 2 second gaps are added by the burner software.

Whether this will sound better than the released CD depends on the dynamic range of the HD Tracks version. We don't seem to know yet whether the HD Tracks version is indeed more dynamic; On the previous Dream Theater releases (SC, BCaSL, ADToE, DT) this was the case, however "Breaking The Fourth Wall" has exactly the same Dynamic Range as the CD.

Therefore, provided the HD Tracks version of The Astonishing is more dynamic than the CD version, it will still be more dynamic after the conversion process to 16/44.1.

In fact I created mp3 versions of the previous four studio albums' HD Tracks versions in 16/44.1, and in my opinion they sound noticably better than the CD version.
This is my answer!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 28, 2016, 05:03:56 PM
Quote from: Peter Mc on January 28, 2016, 04:27:15 PM
Like I said, I would probably notice more on repeat listens. Would say though that that's only about one third of the songs on the album. There's plenty of significant songs on this where he does not take a solo which is almost unheard of.

I have heard much more tasty stuff from JP on second run through though. Just getting up to end of Act 1 and am enjoying the album at least 3 times as I did on first listen. Three Days is particularly awesome, especially the "Bow down to Nafaryus" bits.

That part in Three Days is awesome, as is the ending.
What is interesting is of the 4 times Jordan has some sort of synth lead solo, 2 of them are on songs where JP does not have a solo.
I would say more than 1 3rd considering there are 5 nomac tracks. But I agree there are important songs with no real solo. There are only 1 or 2 places I really think a solo could fit though, a lot of the songs would sound odd with a guitar solo added to them IMO. Like Three Days for example, I just don't know where one could go.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:05:26 PM
LISTENING NOW  :metal :corn :corn
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 28, 2016, 05:07:54 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 01:35:37 PM
Quote from: ResultsMayVary on January 28, 2016, 01:33:39 PM
Just 20?

Results may vary.

:neverusethis:

:neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:10:22 PM
 :biggrin: I like the West Side Story section in Dystopian Overture
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 28, 2016, 05:13:12 PM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on January 28, 2016, 04:16:50 PM
Mike Portnoy's website is down.   Probably putting up a new theme for TA
Not sure if serious.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 05:14:27 PM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on January 28, 2016, 04:16:50 PM
Mike Portnoy's website is down.   Probably putting up a new theme for TA

Makes sense, given Lord Nafaryus was very inspired by Mike Portnoy.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:20:38 PM
People online are complaining that the album is mostly softer songs.

:dunno:

I could not care less about that.

I'm on " A Better Life " and I love it so far :)

Much better production that DT12.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:23:25 PM
omfg.

Lord Nefaryus. LaBrie is big time channeling Freddy Mercury  :biggrin:

 :metal This album is amazing so far !
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 28, 2016, 05:24:12 PM
MP is probably crying cuzz JP never had this idea with him.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:25:17 PM
A Saviour In The Square.

DAT INTRO  :'( :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 28, 2016, 05:30:30 PM
For me, the track that completely stands out is Our New World. That is DT at its best. Like, easily beats anything they've done in the last 5 years. And more.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 28, 2016, 05:30:43 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:25:17 PM
A Saviour In The Square.

DAT INTRO  :'( :'( :'( :'(

What, is it so bad it made you cry?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:34:24 PM
noooooooo
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:35:09 PM
Act of Faythe now.

Ahhhh. When a 4th is played and it resolves to a 3rd. :lol

Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 28, 2016, 05:35:30 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 28, 2016, 05:30:43 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:25:17 PM
A Saviour In The Square.

DAT INTRO  :'( :'( :'( :'(

What, is it so bad it made you cry?
more like so amazing...
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 28, 2016, 05:35:52 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:34:24 PM
noooooooo

What's wrong Kotow, revenge of the sith????
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Milzinga on January 28, 2016, 05:36:05 PM
Quote from: Panar on January 28, 2016, 03:20:32 PM
The album is now available on Spotify
(https://i.imgur.com/CuOemi3.png)

Not for me! :(
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:36:23 PM
Is it midnight in your country ?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 28, 2016, 05:37:02 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:35:09 PM
Act of Faythe now.

Ahhhh. When a 4th is played and it resolves to a 3rd. :lol

That's been one of my criticisms. This album is a bit "death by plagal cadence".
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: dvargas on January 28, 2016, 05:37:23 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:20:38 PM
People online are complaining that the album is mostly softer songs.

:dunno:

I could not care less about that.

I'm on " A Better Life " and I love it so far :)

Much better production that DT12.

Just wait.... It is pretty mellow
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: craig1928 on January 28, 2016, 05:38:48 PM
this album is fucking amazing, best since SFAM IMO
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DreamerTV on January 28, 2016, 05:39:55 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 28, 2016, 05:30:30 PM
For me, the track that completely stands out is Our New World. That is DT at its best. Like, easily beats anything they've done in the last 5 years. And more.


If that track is not going to break into radio stations i'll lose any hope in human kind (the very little i still have)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:40:50 PM
Three Days :lol  :metal :metal :corn :corn

Did they let Primus in the studio ? :lol

AWESOME
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: ResultsMayVary on January 28, 2016, 05:41:02 PM
I doubt it would happen. It's one of 34 songs from a double album rock opera. I doubt any radio stations get passed that fact alone.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 28, 2016, 05:41:48 PM
Quote from: rumborak on January 28, 2016, 05:37:02 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:35:09 PM
Act of Faythe now.

Ahhhh. When a 4th is played and it resolves to a 3rd. :lol

That's been one of my criticisms. This album is a bit "death by plagal cadence".

As a composer it pissed me of a little.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:43:23 PM
For me I don't like when a 4th doesn't resolve to a 3rd :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DreamerTV on January 28, 2016, 05:44:55 PM
That's could be true, fact is that that track could stand even without the context of the album. So yeah, while it's hard to promote something that is part of an album of this proportions, Our New World is the closest to the perfect radio song Dt have done in a long time.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:45:10 PM
Brother, Can You Hear Me sounds like a song from church  :biggrin:


Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 28, 2016, 05:46:52 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:43:23 PM
For me I don't like when a 4th doesn't resolve to a 3rd :lol

That's the very point of it though. Just like a seventh chord tries to "pull" you towards the root note, the 4th tries to pull you towards the third of the tonic.
But, it is a rather hamfisted songwriting device. It should be used sparingly.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 06:00:20 PM
Wow, the album hasn't reached its official release date and we already have some musical criticism/observation.

That's so DTF.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 06:01:53 PM
It's been out for over an hour in the UK :neverusethis:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: mike099 on January 28, 2016, 06:04:17 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:45:10 PM
Brother, Can You Hear Me sounds like a song from church  :biggrin:

Kotowboy, keep going!  I like the short comments on each song. 
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Darkstarshades on January 28, 2016, 06:07:17 PM
So, can you fap to this album?
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 06:09:23 PM
I like the chorus to "Chosen".

Digital Discord now.... DAT NOMAC.

Uh oh it's the tripods from the 2005 War Of The Worlds  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: rumborak on January 28, 2016, 06:13:00 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 06:01:53 PM
It's been out for over an hour in the UK :neverusethis:

Seriously, just to point out the obvious here, the Americas are in the last third of the "international day". Since 6pm EST, all of Europe legally has the album.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DreamerTV on January 28, 2016, 06:13:03 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 06:09:23 PM

Uh oh it's the tripods from the 2005 War Of The Worlds  :biggrin:

Immediately thought about it first time i've heard it...
And i was actually scared  :lol
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 06:14:17 PM
The X Aspect.

Bagpipes ahoy ...and demonic choir :D
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 06:14:36 PM
A New Beginning.

Dat surf intro  :biggrin:

I'm going to bed at the end of ACT I and will continue my "review" tomorrow :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 06:16:58 PM
Well this album is definitely for those that thought DT were stuck in a creative rut.

It's the "weirdest" they've sounded since Six Degrees. And is by far the most of the Mangini Era.

*maybe* the RoadRunner era.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Nearmyth on January 28, 2016, 06:18:26 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 06:16:58 PM
Well this album is definitely for those that thought DT were stuck in a creative rut.

It's the "weirdest" they've sounded since Six Degrees. And is by far the most of the Mangini Era.

*maybe* the RoadRunner era.

Yeeesssss. So hyped to listen to this tomorrow.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 06:19:29 PM
Seriously. They've bought back that - whatever it is - they lost after Six Degrees.

Nutty sections. Some sections so bizarre and awesome I was like :lol fuck yes.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 28, 2016, 06:19:55 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 05:45:10 PM
Brother, Can You Hear Me sounds like a song from church  :biggrin:

Yeah, it sounds like a hymn  :mehlin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 06:20:16 PM
Mangini's Billie Jean drum beat on " A New Beginning " - groovy as fuck.  :metal
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Pragmaticcircus on January 28, 2016, 06:21:26 PM
Quote from: Darkstarshades on January 28, 2016, 06:07:17 PM
So, can you fap to this album?

...and sing along at the same time?  :mehlin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 06:23:53 PM
The Road To Revolution....

Final track of ACT I.

:clap: thoroughly enjoyed ACT I.

Some songs stand out more than others. But that always happens on first listen.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: tuto on January 28, 2016, 06:28:53 PM
I cant take the excitement right now
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 06:30:04 PM
:lol i don't want to stop listening but it's 01:30 in the UK and I have work at 9am
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 06:30:27 PM
This is some of the most enjoyable music I've heard in a long, long time. It's really A+.
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: pcs90 on January 28, 2016, 06:33:24 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 06:30:04 PM
:lol i don't want to stop listening but it's 01:30 in the UK and I have work at 9am
Just finish it...you know you want to ;)
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: wideworldofmike on January 28, 2016, 06:34:28 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 06:30:04 PM
:lol i don't want to stop listening but it's 01:30 in the UK and I have work at 9am
don't quit now!!
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: CDrice on January 28, 2016, 06:41:18 PM
Quote from: wideworldofmike on January 28, 2016, 06:34:28 PM
Quote from: Kotowboy on January 28, 2016, 06:30:04 PM
:lol i don't want to stop listening but it's 01:30 in the UK and I have work at 9am
quit your job now!!

Fixed
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: BFRedrocks on January 28, 2016, 06:44:09 PM
Quote from: DarkLord_Lalinc on January 28, 2016, 05:14:27 PM
Quote from: Bertie_Wooster on January 28, 2016, 04:16:50 PM
Mike Portnoy's website is down.   Probably putting up a new theme for TA

Makes sense, given Lord Nafaryus was very inspired by Mike Portnoy.

Serious or not, that totally made me  :rollin
Title: Re: Dream Theater: The Astonishing (now with moment of betrayal!)
Post by: bosk1 on January 28, 2016, 06:45:55 PM
As was pointed out, this was NEVER meant to be a spoiler-free thread.  But as also pointed out, this thread is LONG, which makes it hard for newcomers to get right to discussion of the actual content of the album, so:  https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=45713.new#new