Dream Theater - The Astonishing

[Eraser]

Dream Theater has been discussed on Q3W, but that last happened probably more than 10 years ago. I wonder if there's still DT fans around.

They released a new (concept) album two months ago. Yesterday I saw them perform it in its entirety (a whopping 2 hours and 10 minutes) live in the Carré theater in Amsterdam. One of the best live shows I've ever seen. It tells the story of a number of characters loving, fighting and emo-ing it out in a dystopian future.

[youtube]-fxUj1LvSNY[/youtube]

[scared?]

Boring...

[Whiskey 7]

Boring...

Maybe for you but I found it was worth the watch. Thanks Eraser for the video I probably would have gone to the the performance too.

[mrd]

Might have to check it out. I haven't listened to anything from DT since Octavarium. I see Petrucci is running a nice stereo setup of his new signature Mesa amp! (which is a remake of one of their most famous ones, Mark IIC+, same amp James Hetfield used on MOP and AJFA, etc.)

Video ain't terribly great but that's to be expected since I'm assuming you filmed this on your phone.

[Eraser]

It's not my video. This was from the London show, I went in Amsterdam.

My DT interest dipped a little after Octavarium. Every new album sounded a bit too much like the last IMO.

The Astonishing is truly astonishing though. It comes to it's full right when you're following the storyline while listening though. Each event is punctuated by just the right musical emphasis.

JP's gear is getting more and more compact every time I see him play. That's modern technology for you
It's the first time I saw Mike Mangini live with DT. He is amazing. One of the best drummers in the world right now.

[mrd]

D'oh. Should have figured that out from the title... at the Palladium.

I wouldn't be surprised if JP is running a huge case of rack-mount equipment under the stage, or behind it, or off to the side somewhere, and the head/cab on stage are just for a streamlined, simple look. Last time I checked, that guy has a shit-ton of rack gear. Mangini is definitely one of the best in the world for sure. Call me old fashioned but I still like Portnoy better

[SoM]

I'm Boring...

FTFY

[Eraser]

D'oh. Should have figured that out from the title... at the Palladium.

I wouldn't be surprised if JP is running a huge case of rack-mount equipment under the stage, or behind it, or off to the side somewhere, and the head/cab on stage are just for a streamlined, simple look. Last time I checked, that guy has a shit-ton of rack gear.

That's true. It's a far cry from 70's/80's style stacks of cabinets though. Some people never got over that, like Yngwie Malmsteen

Mangini is definitely one of the best in the world for sure. Call me old fashioned but I still like Portnoy better

Lots of people say that. Portnoy had more flair, theatrics and attitude in his personality, but sometimes he let that seep through in his drumming a little too much. Too eager to perform at the forefront. I guess he compensated for John Myung, who is wholly underappreciated by a lot of people. Too shy.