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Dream Theater => Dream Theater => Topic started by: KevShmev on February 01, 2016, 09:52:11 PM
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It is only a matter of time before the individual songs from the new record get their own threads, so why not get the ball rolling with this one? It took me a few listens for it to really grab me, but now that it has, holy moly, what a freaking astonishing (:P) song!! :coolio :hat
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One of the best on the album, possibly my favorite. I love the structure and James just kills it here. Beautiful.
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JLB declared that it is his favorite.
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I love the tetris piano intro, but when James comes in it gets really really good, definitely makes my list of favorite TA songs (which are like 10 currently).
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Love this song, my Top 3 from the album I guess. I wish the exchange between Faythe and Arhys that ends with "Hope fades away with each passing second" would go for another back and forth passage. It ends just when it becomes amazing.
The quiet atmosphere in the beginning is fantastic.
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I must admit that I thought it was a bit weird on the first couple of listens, especially the "Please excuse me" section, but once I understood what was happening and how it moves the story along, it's really pretty cool.
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Top notch song this one, the climax when Faythe meets Arhys is fantastic.
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Yea it's a great song!
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This one hit me just yesterday evening. Maybe the most dynamic song on the album with the most stuff going on.
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This was immediately my favorite and still is. Quite honestly unlike others, I've become a bit bored with the album already but this remains a kick ass song.
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I glossed over this on first or maybe even second listen, but when it caught me, it didn't let go. If I want to introduce someone to The Astonishing (or maybe even Dream Theater in general), I will point them to this track. It's got almost everything. It's haunting, it's downright rocking, it's got some of JLB's best vocals since SFaM (I get chills every time I hear "It's not like that..."). Beautiful ending. I can't gush enough about this song.
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Piano intro is sublime and very moving. This may be the most emotionally moved I have ever been by a DT song. The whole thing
is just amazing. 11/10. Off the charts great!
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The beginning sounds almost like it is supposed to be dream sequence the way James sings it, combined with the soft, dreamy piano and keys . Really good song. But I had to actually call it up and play it before responding in this thread because, like many, I am unfortunately not familiar enough with the individual songs to recall all of them yet. :) I saw the thread title and was like, "I know I really like this song, but I just can't remember which one it is." :lol
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Ravenskill might be my favorite track on the album.
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Its nice, but I feel like it reach the climax in the middle and then kinda lose power until the end.
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I loved the song immediately. The intro reminded me of a George Winston instrumental.
I love the piano part in the "lost in this moment, is where I want to stay" section, too. So simple, yet very memorable. (a quality and concept that eludes many a composer)
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I will also add that, in context of the album, this song sets up a really nice run of songs as well. I feel like, musically and in terms of "energy," there is a bit of a dip after Three Days. But the run of songs from Ravenskill through A Tempting Offer really ramps things up and may be the best 3-song run on the album. And then after the brief interlude of Digital Discord, that energy picks right back up again with The X Aspect and A New Beginning. I love that entire rune of songs, and Ravenskill serves as sort of the "opening movement," if you will, of that run. At this early stage at least, that is my favorite section of the album.
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"I remember your father was moved by my song" is one of those moments that has lodged in my brain from first listen. I think it's one of the strongest moments of musical storytelling on the album. When you think about it, there's not much to go on for the Faybriel relationship -- they barely know each other -- and this is the first we're hearing that Nafaryus had anything but a negative reaction to Gabriel's performance. Yet the way the music works in this moment makes me buy all of that.
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"I remember your father was moved by my song" is one of those moments that has lodged in my brain from first listen. I think it's one of the strongest moments of musical storytelling on the album. When you think about it, there's not much to go on for the Faybriel relationship -- they barely know each other -- and this is the first we're hearing that Nafaryus had anything but a negative reaction to Gabriel's performance. Yet the way the music works in this moment makes me buy all of that.
I agree. That works really well.
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One of the best on the album, possibly my favorite. I love the structure and James just kills it here. Beautiful.
It's my favorite as well. Killer track.
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Good stuff.
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Great track. When the whole band comes in, what a powerful melody. I really like piano mixed with heavy guitars.
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"I remember your father was moved by my song" is one of those moments that has lodged in my brain from first listen. I think it's one of the strongest moments of musical storytelling on the album. When you think about it, there's not much to go on for the Faybriel relationship -- they barely know each other -- and this is the first we're hearing that Nafaryus had anything but a negative reaction to Gabriel's performance. Yet the way the music works in this moment makes me buy all of that.
Is it though? I remember him specifically saying right after Gabriel sings to them that he "brought us all to tears". That seemed to piss him off, but it was quite clear to me that he didn't hate the singing itself, just what it might mean to his position in the long run.
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Great track. When the whole band comes in, what a powerful melody. I really like piano mixed with heavy guitars.
I think this album contains some of the best acoustic piano / distorted guitar interaction they've ever done. In the past, it tended to be mostly big block chords in the choruses, but on this album there's some great passages of the piano doing interested arpeggiated things while the guitar is chugging along, as in this song.
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I will also add that, in context of the album, this song sets up a really nice run of songs as well. I feel like, musically and in terms of "energy," there is a bit of a dip after Three Days. But the run of songs from Ravenskill through A Tempting Offer really ramps things up and may be the best 3-song run on the album. And then after the brief interlude of Digital Discord, that energy picks right back up again with The X Aspect and A New Beginning. I love that entire rune of songs, and Ravenskill serves as sort of the "opening movement," if you will, of that run. At this early stage at least, that is my favorite section of the album.
but A Life Left Behind! >:(
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and this is the first we're hearing that Nafaryus had anything but a negative reaction to Gabriel's performance
Is it though? I remember him specifically saying right after Gabriel sings to them that he "brought us all to tears". That seemed to piss him off, but it was quite clear to me that he didn't hate the singing itself, just what it might mean to his position in the long run.
Ah, good catch. I suppose I read that as him being mocking / sarcastic (which of course is Nafaryus trying to cover up that he was indeed moved). In any case, I still think it's important what is conveyed here -- that Gabriel saw Nafaryus's hidden soft side in the square during that moment.
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Sorry, Rich, I couldn't hear what you were saying because it was drowned out by the awesomeness of Ravenskill coming from my speakers. Would you mind repeating that for me?
:nomac:
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"I remember your father was moved by my song" is one of those moments that has lodged in my brain from first listen. I think it's one of the strongest moments of musical storytelling on the album. When you think about it, there's not much to go on for the Faybriel relationship -- they barely know each other -- and this is the first we're hearing that Nafaryus had anything but a negative reaction to Gabriel's performance. Yet the way the music works in this moment makes me buy all of that.
Is it though? I remember him specifically saying right after Gabriel sings to them that he "brought us all to tears". That seemed to piss him off, but it was quite clear to me that he didn't hate the singing itself, just what it might mean to his position in the long run.
I thought it was a heavy sacrasm.
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Ravenskill has one of the most beautiful and different chord progressions DT has ever composed.
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It makes me laugh because I remember 1 or 2 of the pre-release interviews saying this track was pointless... :lol
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"You dare to stand / before my eyes..." Great section.
A good song, took me a few listens to get to know and remember it well because it goes through quite a few different parts. Probably has the most story of any song on the album.
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Sorry, Rich, I couldn't hear what you were saying because it was drowned out by the awesomeness of Ravenskill coming from my speakers. Would you mind repeating that for me?
:nomac:
I said DOWN WITH THE OPRESSIVE EMPEROR
or something
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"I remember your father was moved by my song" is one of those moments that has lodged in my brain from first listen. I think it's one of the strongest moments of musical storytelling on the album. When you think about it, there's not much to go on for the Faybriel relationship -- they barely know each other -- and this is the first we're hearing that Nafaryus had anything but a negative reaction to Gabriel's performance. Yet the way the music works in this moment makes me buy all of that.
Is it though? I remember him specifically saying right after Gabriel sings to them that he "brought us all to tears". That seemed to piss him off, but it was quite clear to me that he didn't hate the singing itself, just what it might mean to his position in the long run.
I thought it was a heavy sacrasm.
While it does have some sarcastic vibes, I didn't see it as complete bashing. I feel some sencerity behind those statements.
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Maybe my favorite song of the album. This song has some of the greatest melodies from DT IMHO.
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"I remember your father was moved by my song" is one of those moments that has lodged in my brain from first listen. I think it's one of the strongest moments of musical storytelling on the album. When you think about it, there's not much to go on for the Faybriel relationship -- they barely know each other -- and this is the first we're hearing that Nafaryus had anything but a negative reaction to Gabriel's performance. Yet the way the music works in this moment makes me buy all of that.
Is it though? I remember him specifically saying right after Gabriel sings to them that he "brought us all to tears". That seemed to piss him off, but it was quite clear to me that he didn't hate the singing itself, just what it might mean to his position in the long run.
I thought it was a heavy sacrasm.
While it does have some sarcastic vibes, I didn't see it as complete bashing. I feel some sencerity behind those statements.
I do think he was surely moved by Gabriel's song, but I think Gabriel judged it mostly by Nafaryus actions during the song or something like that, maybe by how mesmerized he was during he was playing, his facial expressions, anything. The gloomy vibe at the beginning of Three Days makes me think that no matter how good the song was, Nafaryus is pretty much pissed off at Gabriel for that Faythe thing and resorts to a full-sneering mode just to insult and hurt him.
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I do think he was surely moved by Gabriel's song, but I think Gabriel judged it mostly by Nafaryus actions during the song or something like that, maybe by how mesmerized he was during he was playing, his facial expressions, anything. The gloomy vibe at the beginning of Three Days makes me think that no matter how good the song was, Nafaryus is pretty much pissed off at Gabriel for that Faythe thing and resorts to a full-sneering mode just to insult and hurt him.
Based on what we know I think it's also safe to say that Nafaryus probably wouldn't want to show that he was moved, as it may be a sign of weakness or that he can be manipulated by it. Since he already knows that there's talk of rebellion, he probably doesn't want to show his softer side, he wants to create fear to hopefully end the whole thing.
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To echo what others have said, that dreamy-sounding intro is so freaking awesome. The piano lead is marvelous, and that effect they used on JLB's voice was absolutely perfect. :tup :tup
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"You dare to stand / before my eyes..." Great section.
A good song, took me a few listens to get to know and remember it well because it goes through quite a few different parts. Probably has the most story of any song on the album.
This part when the choir kicks in at 3:05 ish gives me goose bumps every single time. I don't have a favorite song on this album yet but this song might end up there.
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This one's up there for me too. Killer song. :hat
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This was the song that captured me the least on my first listens. I still don't feel like i "get it", but it's slowly growing on me. I thought the conversation with faythe and the townsperson sounded weird the first times. It's very atmospheric though. I feel like i can easily picture the scene unfolding in my mind.
Edit: i'm listening to it again, and the dramatic part when Faythe meets with Arhys is very good
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This was the song that captured me the least on my first listens. I still don't feel like i "get it", but it's slowly growing on me. I thought the conversation with faythe and the townsperson sounded weird the first times. It's very atmospheric though. I feel like i can easily picture the scene unfolding in my mind.
Edit: i'm listening to it again, and the dramatic part when Faythe meets with Arhys is very good
I feel like it perfectly captures the mood and the scene. A naive young girl bumbling around a strange town, far away from where she was raised (in more ways than one), until she finally finds Ahrys, only to have the situation escalate. I originally imagined this as, Gabriel heard the commotion being caused and steps into view, where the two are immediately entranced (like in Savior in the Square). I know now that it's a bit different, but that was the imagery I originally got, and it's so strong. Amazing writing.
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Amazing song. I didn't really like this one at first, but it grew on me and now it's one of my favorites
"Hopeful and innocent, sensing no danger, he sees humanity behind the strangers eyes" and "You dare to stand before my eyes, you're one of them, why would I trust you?" are my favorite parts
JLB is so amazing on this album it makes me want to cry
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I like the piano intro a lot, it's a really pretty melody. Wish I could find some guitar tabs for it. :-[
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I like the piano intro a lot, it's a really pretty melody. Wish I could find some guitar tabs for it. :-[
A beautiful intro indeed.
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This song earns a big fat yes.
Thought it wouldn't click for me, but indeed, it is a nice little song!
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This song consistently threatens A New Beginning for the number one spot. In fact, thinking about it, it might just claim it!!
One of the things I love about this song and many others on this album (Three Days / The X Aspect, to name but two) is how unpredictable it is. With shorter songs on this album DT tried to cram as many ideas and tonal shifts into them as possible but it all works and blends perfectly and this one is a
6-minute masterclass!! :hefdaddy
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'I remember your father was moved by my song
I know when he sees we're united, then he'll understand
We will walk this road together
We will face this hand in hand
With music and love on our side
We can't lose this fight
Tomorrow our dream comes alive
Comes alive'
****ing chills.
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^^Love the guitar/bass line during that part, so simple yet so tasty.
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It's my favourite part of the entire album. The lyrics aren't even that good, but the whole part feels so epic and powerful. The album is choc full of brief moments like this that got a huge emotional pop from me second time round.
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Such a powerful track, might be tied with A Better Life for my fav. Can't wait to see this one live!
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This song consistently threatens A New Beginning for the number one spot. In fact, thinking about it, it might just claim it!!
One of the things I love about this song and many others on this album (Three Days / The X Aspect, to name but two) is how unpredictable it is. With shorter songs on this album DT tried to cram as many ideas and tonal shifts into them as possible but it all works and blends perfectly and this one is a
6-minute masterclass!! :hefdaddy
That last paragraph is absolutely one of the greatest things about this album.
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Listened to this on the way home from work earlier when it was snowing, but that sideways snow thanks to the wind, and it absolutely amazed me. It's like this song was written to be listened to in such conditions. :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
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Just today after many listens I had to repeat the "hopefull and innocent' part...just so powerfull after a nice build up...great song!
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I'm in love with this song. Can't stop listening. :heart
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This is song that is growing very slowly but steady on me. It's not that I disliked it at first, I always liked it, I just wasn't really understanding why people were insanely crazy about it.
The beginning is very ethereal, it reminds me in mood of The Queen of the City of Ice by Shadow Gallery, and when it gets going there are many great parts, such as Arhys facing her at the militia camp.
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Still in awe of how great this song is.
"Why would I trust you?" - JLB's delivery and the effect on his voice for that particular line is unbelievably swell. :coolio
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My favorite part, and I wish it went on longer, is the part after "When she sheds her disguise." It's such a beautiful little piece, especially the keys
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This is probably my favorite song from the record. It's pure magic.
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It's top 3 on the album for me. Once the the full band kicks in at the 2 minute mark, this song really takes off!
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I loved the vast majority of the album, but Ravenskill immediately stood out to me as my favorite. The intro/townsperson exchange is beautiful, and the riff is probably my favorite on the album. Currently sits in top 5 DT songs in general for me.
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The townsperson ended up being one of the faves.
Giggle giggle.
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This song keeps growing on me. I love the "I'm looking for your father" part, it's very original melodically and structurally. Not to mention the riff that follows, it is very ADTOE to my ears.
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I loved the vast majority of the album, but Ravenskill immediately stood out to me as my favorite. The intro/townsperson exchange is beautiful, and the riff is probably my favorite on the album. Currently sits in top 5 DT songs in general for me.
Wow!
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I loved the vast majority of the album, but Ravenskill immediately stood out to me as my favorite. The intro/townsperson exchange is beautiful, and the riff is probably my favorite on the album. Currently sits in top 5 DT songs in general for me.
Wow!
My sentiments exactly. I don't think any TA track makes my top 10, let alone top 5.
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I loved the vast majority of the album, but Ravenskill immediately stood out to me as my favorite. The intro/townsperson exchange is beautiful, and the riff is probably my favorite on the album. Currently sits in top 5 DT songs in general for me.
Wow!
My sentiments exactly. I don't think any TA track makes my top 10, let alone top 5.
I don't know what it is about Ravenskill. I just like it that much. No other TA song would be near my top 10, except perhaps Heaven's Cove. But Ravenskill is currently up there beneath BAL, TCOT, and SDOIT. Seeing that typed out makes me realize how weird it is, but hey what can you do?
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Totally cool!
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I really like the staccato section after the melodic intro.
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Would anyone be interested in a video kinda showing how to play this song on a 6 string? Learned it recently by tuning down half a step and then playing in "drop" c#. Works out really well for the most part.
Definitely a top 3 favorite on the album for me.
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One minor detail about the beginning...
"Please excuse me, sir can you help me, where can I find this man?"
The live video shows Faythe showing a picture to the man... where did Faythe get a photo of Arhys? (Remember, she's looking for Arhys, not Gabriel - she knows nobody would give up his refuge, so he wants to talk to his brother instead)
Did she use some surveillance snapshot of a Nomac? downloaded it from Aryhs' future Facebook page? Every citizen is scheduled in the Empire archives and there are photos of everyone? Ravenskill seems a very medieval-ish kind of village and technology seems scarce there, so I doubt there were digital cameras, but even so, where do you think Faythe exactly got Arhys' picture? :D
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From the NOMACS, who take pics even in concert venues. :rollin
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The echoey vocals in the first part of the song make me think it's a misty, hazy morning in Ravenskill. There's some fantastic scene setting on this album.
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One minor detail about the beginning...
"Please excuse me, sir can you help me, where can I find this man?"
The live video shows Faythe showing a picture to the man... where did Faythe get a photo of Arhys? (Remember, she's looking for Arhys, not Gabriel - she knows nobody would give up his refuge, so he wants to talk to his brother instead)
Did she use some surveillance snapshot of a Nomac? downloaded it from Aryhs' future Facebook page? Every citizen is scheduled in the Empire archives and there are photos of everyone? Ravenskill seems a very medieval-ish kind of village and technology seems scarce there, so I doubt there were digital cameras, but even so, where do you think Faythe exactly got Arhys' picture? :D
The live picture shows a drawing, not a photo. She drew it, at least from what I remember. Probably has a photographic memory or something.
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Really? I remember only silouettes from the scene, but what you say makes sense...
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Really? I remember only silouettes from the scene, but what you say makes sense...
For some time I've found it weird that in Day 3 of the story, Faythe is in her Palace ("A New Beginning"), then talks to Gabriel ("The Road To Revolution"), then is in the Palace ("Begin Again"), then is with Gabriel ("My Last Farewell"). While reading some of the descriptions in https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishingtracks (https://www.dreamtheater.net/theastonishingtracks), I tried to find some answers. This is part of the description for "The Road To Revolution":
Elated, Princess Faythe immediately shares the news with Gabriel, who is still in hiding back at Ravenskill. (...) Gabriel and
Faythe decide it best to meet at Heaven’s Cove ahead of time in order to relish what may possibly be their final moments alone together (...)
I think there is the possibility of Faythe (from the Palace) talking with Gabriel (in his hideout) by phone - nothing in the description excludes that possibility. It seems unlikely, obviously (maybe Faythe has a phone since she is rich, but Gabriel probably doesn't), but also it sounds weird to me that Faythe would be travelling so much in one day all by herself. So, maybe.
If that was so, you could also consider the possibility that Faythe took a picture with her phone of Arhys during Day 1 in Ravenskill, and that's the picture she shows to the Townsperson in Day 2.
(Having said that, I haven't seen the video in the live show, so if it's a drawing, then what I said is stupid :P)
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She could have used passenger ravens to deliver messages to Gabriel.
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She could have used passenger ravens to deliver messages to Gabriel.
:lol Or deliver herself.. Maybe health and safety regulations in the realm only allow for the carriage of small boys.