Dream Theater - The Astonishing - Music & Performance - CD

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I am a long time Dream Theater fan, so I was eagerly awaiting this double concept album. Billed as a Rock Opera, I was expecting something varied. I didn't expect The Astonishing. Since the departure of founding member Mike Portnoy they have been trying to redefine their sound, but in this case, it seems to be too much. Gone is the heavy, hard hitting sound we have become accustomed to, and instead there are lots of slow and soft ballads. I tried to listen to the album from a non Dream Theater point of view. Let me listen to it as a new release from an unfamiliar band. And I can safely say that I didn't care for it. Way too heavy on the keyboards and not enough guitars. The second disc is somewhat harder, but does not make up for the tone of the first disc. As far as the story goes; it's pretty sappy. More of a love story than a story about a musical revolution. 2112 this is not. And I think that the story affects the music. So, to sum it all up. Not my cup of tea. Die hard fans may like it, but i didnt.