The Astonishing review

Dream Theater

Rating: 5 out of 5 (Exceptional)

In their three decades, Dream Theater have become the very reference point for progressive metal, their intricate and considered compositions sharing as much in the spirit of classical formation as they do with their heavy metal roots. If anyone was wondering how a band of such stature go about furthering their conceptual escapism, 13th full-length, The Astonishing, presents a strong case for being their most elaborate narrative yet. It’s a dystopian revolution set in the distant future of the year 2285, conceived by guitarist John Petrucci, who, it should come as no surprise, sounds utterly majestic from beginning to end. His acoustic, rhythm and lead work embodying the very essence of a flawless modern musician throughout 34 glorious tracks split over two acts. ‘The Gift Of Music’ is uplifting and exhilarating in a way that only Dream Theater truly can be, while Lord Nafaryus revisits some of the gothic darkness explored on fan-favourite, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory. Best of all, it’s resolutely captivating throughout its entire 130 minutes: which makes you wonder, how many bands could actually pull this off? Dream Theater always have been – and always will be, it seems – in a class of their own.

—Amit Sharma