Dream Theater Astonishing CD

2016 two CD release. The Astonishing is undisputedly the most ambitious undertaking by a band whose cerebral compositions already define the vanguard of progressive hard rock. The Astonishing is enriched exponentially by the integration of a real orchestra and choir, arranged by conductor David Campbell, whose work graces over 450 gold and platinum albums, including watershed releases from Adele, Justin Timberlake, Linkin Park, Evanescence, Beyonc?, and his son, Beck. The Astonishing was produced by John Petrucci with engineering and mixing by Richard Chycki, whose resume includes work with Rush, Aerosmith, and Mick Jagger. Other organic sounds are more abundant than at any point in the band's history, with Jordan Rudess in particular relishing the tones from a grand piano and Hammond organ. Like Tommy or The Wall, the songs on The Astonishing work as both singular compositions and overall story components. Writing the music as a duo, Petrucci and Rudess venture into unexplored corners of their sound without sacrificing their musical identity.

1. Descent of the Nomacs 1 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 21. 2285 Entr'acte 22. Moment of Betrayal 23. Heaven's Cove 24. Begin Again 25. The Path That Divides 26. Machine Chatter 27. The Walking Shadow 28. My Last Farewell 29. Losing Faythe 30. Whispers on the Wind 31. Hymn of a Thousand Voices 32. Our New World 33. Power Down 34. Astonishing