The Astonishing. Dream Theater is immediately asking for criticism right from the start. Positive or negative, it's a pretty ballsy title. Having been a fan from 1992 until recently I feel as though it's time to make my opinion known, I mean, an awful lot of people have made their feelings known about this cd. I just read a review that claims that Dream Theater are the most technically proficient band in this genre. That MAY have been true in the past, but it sure as hell isn't the case anymore. There are a hundred bands in this vein that are equal to or exceed DT's level of talent. However, this is supposed to be about The Astonishing. In a word - No. Not astonishing. Not imaginative. Not original. And frankly, probably their worst attempt.... ever. No need to put out an album a year, or every two, if you don't have the songs. I am beside myself, having to write this, however, there is just too much great music out there to settle for this pablum. Don't waste your money. Don't even waste the 2 hours it takes to get through it. I am sorry to say that, for me, the ride is over. They need to go their separate ways and try to inject some freshness into their playing. I said. I am not happy about it. They were my favorite band for years. This listener is moving on. I know most of you won't agree, and that's fine. I don't agree with 75% of the reviews on here. Just felt the need.

1 1/2 stars

There are some definite ties to the Dream Theater tribute band that these guys evolved from. Some of the cuts sound like they could have been from the DT Awake sessions. Having said that, I definitely feel that this band has a great future. Song writing is strong and the musicianship is superb. Highly recommend to anyone that is a DT fan or DGM, Pagan's Mind, or Circus Maximus, or if you just want to hear good Italian metal. If you like this release, their next attempt, From Within, is also excellent, however to me, it is more straight power/melodic metal than this collection.

The second release from Astra has these guys on fire. Love this collection. Heavy, strong at times, progressive and lyrical at times, but always serious rocking metal. Lots of hummable melodies, lots of awesome guitar and keyboard work, drumming is great, and vocals kick ass. There is a definite link to the power metal band DGM, since vocalist Titta Tani, and keyboardist Emanuele Casali were doing double duty for a few cds. I don't think there is a bad cut on the disc. The first 3 cuts are very strong, the next 2 are a little more gentle, and then it just rips until the last cut which is an incredible tribute to Queen, more so Freddie Mercury. A beautiful way to end this very solid sophomore release from a band I hope will be around for a long time. Almost forgot to mention song #8. It strikes me as a strange tribute to Styx, but maybe I'm crazy. Would love to know others opinions on the question. The intro and chorus just scream Styx to me, and that is maybe because I haven't taken my meds today...

This is Astra's third release, and the first without the help of Titta Tani, the vocalist for DGM. Bass player Andrea Casali takes over the vocals on this release and does an excellent job. The style is very similar and his range is impressive. I think this release is a bit more power metal/melodic metal oriented than previous attempts, but hopefully that won't scare you away from trying it out. The riffs, hooks, melodies are all solid, the musicianship is excellent, and the solos are strong. Since the band started as a Dream Theater tribute band they have definitely developed their own voice. I am a big fan of these guys. Their 1st release was much more raw, more progressive. The 2nd attempt was a step away from that, however their song writing has became more concise. This is a solid album which hopefully gives Astra a bigger following outside of Italy.