The Astonishing
by Dream Theater
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. Record Collector
    Feb 1, 2016
    100
    With seamless storytelling through its 34 songs, magical moments of intricate instrumental interplay abound, magnified by an orchestra and massed choirs, while a template for the staging of a musical production sees the principals realising a grandiose next-step in their creative development.
  2. Kerrang!
    Jan 29, 2016
    80
    An epic adventure that is, in every single way, truly astonishing indeed. [16 Jan 2016, p.51]
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  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jan 29, 2016
    80
    Not just vast in musical scope, The Astonishing offers an entire Dystopian world of its own, not to mention exhibiting the potential to be an overblown Broadway rock opera, eye-frazzling sci-fi movie and nerd-delighting video game into the bargain.
  5. AllMusic
    Jan 29, 2016
    80
    As demanding as it is, the story and music are worth the effort. Dream Theater have invested in the "album" concept (and in listeners' attention spans) even as the music biz doubles down on the notion that long-players are merely envelopes to hold singles.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Jan 29, 2016
    70
    The results won't please every Dream Theater partisan, nor will they convert the skeptical. But it would take a hard heart to deny Petrucci, co-composer and keyboardist Jordan Rudess and their mates credit for the boldness of their aspirations and the assurance with which they achieve them.
  7. Consequence
    Jan 29, 2016
    67
    You might want to laugh at points, because a good deal of it is very silly, but somewhere within the second half, you’ll become just a little invested. By the grand finale, you might even feel inspired.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 76
  3. Negative: 6 out of 76
  1. XenoJake
    Jan 29, 2016
    9
    If you are a longtime DT fan, who really enjoyed the more reserved sense portrayed in earlier DT work, then you will enjoy this album!If you are a longtime DT fan, who really enjoyed the more reserved sense portrayed in earlier DT work, then you will enjoy this album! Combining the conveyed emotion alike to Scenes From A Memory, The Astonishing really draws emotion from the listener and makes you remember that one loves music because of the way it makes them feel, not because of how fast or crazy the band can play. A true epic, The Astonishing really pleased me and put Dream Theater back in the spotlight, making me want to go see them live for the U.S. tour.… Full Review »
  2. piercekeough
    Feb 1, 2016
    9
    Arguably one the most ambitious progressive rock/metal concept albums ever made, The Astonishing incorporates an immense and entrancing worldArguably one the most ambitious progressive rock/metal concept albums ever made, The Astonishing incorporates an immense and entrancing world with well written characters and plot. It almost feels like a musical or fantasy novel at times. Though it can be a bit cliché at times, the instrumentation and sheer encompassing power of the music and its lyrics overpower any reservations about predictability in plot. Easily DT's most valiant effort since Scenes From A Memory and well worth the time.… Full Review »
  3. Salamano
    Feb 7, 2016
    10
    I had never registered for Metacritic before, nor am I even a lifelong Dream Theater fan, but I am aware of their music since their earlyI had never registered for Metacritic before, nor am I even a lifelong Dream Theater fan, but I am aware of their music since their early days. I have seen many people wanting something heavy and metal-y for a project like this, and I felt I had to speak up. This is art-- and amazing feat of music to merge the metal world with that of the operatic. I heard they did it before, but this one I have found oh so much more captivating. Yes, at times it seems cheezy if/when put to graphics, but to me it is (or better be) just in its infancy as to how to build it out better for visual presentation. I recommend you check out their website for a deeper explanation of the story-line to better understand how the lyrics and music are progressing, but if you want to simply apprehend the whole thing by listening, I spent time doing that myself for the first act and it took several listens. Once it becomes clear, it is crystal clear, and it is awesome. After seeing the Green Day production, I would love to see this come to Broadway or some equivalent. To everyone that thinks that metal music is just noise, you should have a listen to this work of art.… Full Review »
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