How do you make an introduction for a seasoned band of this caliber, whose career has spanned 30 years, and who has given the world of Progressive Metal some of the most exceptional and memorable music to fans the world over? It's been a while since DREAM THEATER have put forth another full-on concept album, and that is what we have here in "The Astonishing." This collection is a two-CD set, containing a total of 34 tracks, and centered around a story theme of the future of music and how technology could play a role in creating robotic/artificial life made music. Rolling Stone Magazine dubbed the album "Hemispheres meets Hunger Games," and the album contains a full orchestral score. If this isn't a set up for one of the most ambitious musical composition out there, I don't know what is.

You can tell a lot about an album by how it opens. In this case, we hear the sounds of heavy, automated machinery and the ominous discord of impending disaster in "Dystopian Overture." There is a cacophony of various sounds and instruments, collected together in a fitting path that sets the stage for what is to come. "The Gift Of Music" underscores the concept of the album, and displays the heavenly melodies that define this band. The upbeat main riff reminds us of how wondrous music can be composed by humans, and James' vocals are spot on. The album turns darker with the entrance of "A Better Life," where the revolution takes over the human race. The dancing guitar solo is as full as instrumental prowess as it is spine-tingling moments of poignant emotion. "A Savior In The Square" shows how utterly shining this album's compositions are. It's like a beam of magical white light that pierces through the clouds and grey skies to warm you from the inside out. It segues effortlessly into a radiant keyboard riff in the following track entitled "When Your Time Has Come." The orchestration is present fittingly in the background, but does not overpower the main elements of the band.

It's also rather bewitching how James alters his voice to take on the various characters of the story, and how the song toggle back and forth telling this tale. For example, "A Life Left Behind" has a preppy, jazzy opening, and then goes from bursts of energy to layered, sanguine harmonies that leave you breathless at times. "Chosen" is a tale of hope that tugs on your heart strings. DREAM THEATER have made these charged songs some of their core trademarks over the years and this no exception. The crescendos come at you in waves of euphoria. Following some more darkness and the cold reality of machinery reminding you of its continuing presence in this tale, "A New Beginning" pumps some strength and vigor back into the concept with ultra-tight instrumentation and a renewed sense of haste and promise. There is a lot happening in this song, and while the compositional elements are complex and sophisticated, it's also just a lot of fun to listen to. "The Road to Revolution" sums up the first CD in a nice fashion, recapping some of the memorable elements in reprisal.

The second CD opens in grandiose orchestral arrangement. "Moment of Betrayal" is a sad affairs of sorts, where the other begins to command the upper hand. The pace is quickened and the suspense looms hard overhead. The interchange from guitar to keyboards that the band has made so famous is as strong as ever hear, and Myung's bass lines are more prominent. "Begin Again" is a renewal in faith and hope, and the story is told with tender piano and vocals with just the right amount of emotional sublimity. These kinds of songs are what make this band so special. We all know the technical mastery the band has over their instruments but in a song like this they just let the sweet simplicity take center stage. But "Machine Chatter" and "The Walking Shadow" reminds us that the dark side of the struggle is not willing to give in so easily. It almost sounds like the artificial intelligence are communicating with each other and gearing up for a final assault. When you take in "My Last Farewell" and "Losing Faith," it really does sound like the end has come. James's graceful voice tears into your very soul would pick you up from your deepest challenges. "Hymn Of A Thousand Voices" though is the song that will speak to your deepest sense of connection with music in general. Genre labels dissolve in front of your eyes and the affair that you have with this album seems complete.

John's commanding riff in "Our New World" is the real turning point on the album. Everything that they had hoped and dreamed of seems tangible at this point, and the confidence stems from his nimble fingered lead passages that would slay the mightiest of fears. The culminating track "Astonishing" is a tender affirmation of the power and wonder you possess inside and gives you the determination and tenacity to use this. From Webster's, "Astonishing" means "causing great surprise, wonder, or amazement." I couldn't have picked a better album title for this truly incredible compositional feat. The struggle for your inner strength and sense of self will always be there, but with great music fueling your drive, you will always prevail. "Astonishing" reminds us that while it can sometimes be hard to find among the veritable sea of bands, musicians and different styles that are out there, undeniably brilliant music will always win in the end. Bravo!