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, Beyoncé, 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.
01 Descent Of The Nomacs 02 Dystopian Overture 03 The Gift Of Music 04 The Answer 05 A Better Life 06 Lord Nafaryus 07 A Savior In The Square 08 When Your Time Has Come 09 Act Of Faythe 10 Three Days 11 The Hovering Sojourn 12 Brother
13 Can You Hear Me? 14 A Life Left Behind 15 Ravenskill 16 Chosen 17 A Tempting Offer 18 Digital Discord 19 The X Aspect 20 A New Beginning 21 The Road To Revolution
Disc 2
01 2285 Entr'acte 02 Moment Of Betrayal 03 Heaven's Cove 04 Begin Again 05 The Path That Divides 06 Machine Chatter 07 The Walking Shadow 08 My Last Farewell 09 Losing Faythe 10 Whispers On The Wind 11 Hymn Of A Thousand Voices 12 Our New World 13 Power Down 14 Astonishing