Dream Theater's The Astonishing - Full breakdown, including novelization, Breaking Absolutes Ep. 45

When Dream Theater wrote their epic double CD concept album, I got the chance to embellish its story and write a full novel to do so. Here I've gone into an epic deep dive of: how I got the job working with John Petrucci and writing the novel; a discussion of the art and design and map and other conceptual visuals; the relating of certain scenes only in the book, which give helpful context for the record experience; and a full album track-by-track listen in which I share insights to the music and story, as well as helpful context to layer on added meaning to the album. This is a long show, meant for hardcore DT fans, musicians who may want to see a blueprint for how to put together an expansive and immersive concept album, or those just interested in how I approached the task of breathing life into a world at such scale.
Novel available here: The Astonishing www.amazon.com...
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#DreamTheater #JohnPetrucci #TheAstonishing
Breaking Absolutes is new a hard rock and heavy metal interview show launching as a premiere partner on Twitch this April. More than simply a platform for artists to share their upcoming release, Breaking Absolutes endeavors to peel back the stereotypes and go deeper on the musicianship, the value, and the innovative and broad-reaching emotional appeal of hard rock and heavy metal. Show creators intend Breaking Absolutes to help lead a revival in the interest and consumption of the genre.
Show host, Peter Orullian, is a music industry veteran, having spent years working with major labels and artists to showcase their music across multiple networks and platforms. Some of this work was done with the Xbox platform and brand, where Orullian drove visibility for artists to the gaming demographic. Orullian has also been an international touring vocalist, in addition to recording efforts as a writer and producer for his own music. This enables Orullian to speak with authenticity to working musicians. Orullian is also a veteran interviewer across multiple artist mediums, and is known for insightful and entertaining discussion that builds desire and interest for those with whom he speaks.

[@BreakingAllIllusions]

Peter, could you please talk to John and Jordan to seriously re-think about playing this album LIVE (at an appropriate venue) in it's entirety and film it for a Blu-ray / DVD / CD / Vinyl release? Almost all DIE HARD Dream Theater fans shall cherish it for the rest of their lives. Thank you for doing this video 🥳🤘🏽🥳

[@peterorullian]

You’re welcome! I’ve spoken to John about it before. He’d love to do it, it’s just a huge show to put on and takes so much support staff, etc. But I’ll definitely let him know there are fans who want this!

[@BigIsk52]

I would LOVE it if The Astonishing was filmed for Blu-ray.

[@BreakingAllIllusions]

@@peterorullian: Thank you so much 😊

[@rtrooperw8115]

They did fill countless shows, hopefully it’s just a matter of doing the large amount of work to edit and produce such a project. Though, they have largely moved on, so quite doubtful. If it didn’t happen during the shutdown, I don’t see it.🤔😒

@@peterorullian Yes we really want this!

[@nikatapi]

Can't wait to dive in. Criminally underrated album, and I'd like to get the book on my hands

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, and I couldn't agree more!

[@JimboGuitarMusic]

Most underrated Dream Theater album, people just don't give it a chance. You have to listen multiple multiple times to truly understand because of how long it is. It never drags, unless you just don't truly know the music. Its their most melodic and most powerful album. And you'd be lying if you said it didn't sound like dream theater.

[@peterorullian]

Great comment!

[@stoic61]

As I mentioned previously , the show of The Astonishing really brought me into what they were trying to do with much greater appreciation. I think the ideas you mentioned about them touring on it before a wide release would have changed a lot of minds. Hearing these tales years later really makes me excited to go back and revisit it now that I’ll have the book soon! Keep up the good work on the channel!!!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Bryce! And I maintain a secret hope that someday there’ll be another tour of the show or maybe a Live DVD, either of which I think would encourage a closer listen of this great album!

[@Ahov]

My favorite DT album! There's a feeling I get when listening to it that cannot be replicated with anything else.

[@peterorullian]

Agreed!

[@KungFuKuya]

The Astonishing is such an underrated album, I love the familiar-esque direction of the newer album and I arguably enjoy Distance more, but The Astonishing is as of now the closest I feel to a "Metropolis Pt. 3" where they just take the concept idea on overdrive. Sure many of the songs may feel short and thematically straight forward, but if you think of it as "one song" (Six Degrees?) then there is respectability for what DT attempted to do. I just hope the guys aren't too afraid to try something similar due to the criticism. Love the in-depth! And I definately need to get my hands on the novalization, I feel like you're a secret member of DT now for your efforts and dialogue with the band 😄 All the best! I've been listening none-stop these past few days (Tommy/Khan, LaBrie, Tom Englund and more).

[@peterorullian]

Well said!

[@vidopnir]

Since the 90s I have spent a huge amount of my life on Dream Theater. I tend to listen to the fine details of the instruments and I also treat James' voice mostly just as an instrument and not paying that much to the lyrics. I did not understand much of the marketing of the Astonishing before it was released so when I had my first listens it was a lot to process, I think that I needed several years before I could listen to the album in an relaxed way without having to dig into the instrument details - but I had not fully understood the story yet. And thankfully - out of nowhere - you present me with a full explanation of the story! I really appreciate this walk-through and now I can fully appreciate the Astonishing album. Thank you very much!

[@peterorullian]

Thank you! And I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@sandyferati3044]

The music is just sooo good. When I discovered Dream Theater, I was looking for some new (to me) metal bands. I was bored. But, with Dream Theater it's not the metal itself that has captivated me. It's beautiful metal music that makes me feel. Somehow they can take difficult or political or sad emotional topics and I still feel good!

[@peterorullian]

Agreed!

[@BreakingAllIllusions]

Criminally underrated record. I'm glad I own every single format of this masterpiece (barring HDTracks). The hand painted replica of the Noise Machine (NOMAC) is a MUST HAVE for every die hard fan out there. It is not child's play to narrate a storyline about 9 characters on a music album, write lyrics and sing about the same. In my opinion, it was a massive undertaking by Dream Theater. I so want to grab "The Astonishing" novel after watching this video. A lot of 'Machine Chatter' going on inside my head :D The Great Northern Empire of The Americas 1. Emperor Nafaryus 2. Princess Arabelle 3. Daryus 4. Faythe 5. Noise Machines (NOMACS) The Ravenskill Rebel Militia 1. Commander Arhys 2. Gabriel 3. Xander 4. Evangeline (Deceased wife of Arhys / mother of Xander) ASTONISHING ALBUM 🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@peterorullian]

Completely agree!

[@JakeTerch]

Peter, you’ve just earned yourself 7 hours of watch time and a new subscriber! Incredible analysis that has helped me appreciate the album more and the story’s details. I really wish I had your insights back in 2016. Really looking forward to listening to your Dream Theater interviews and the AVFTTOTW breakdown!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Jake! I really appreciate that! Cheers!

[@jamesderekeikeland9048]

John's solo 4:40 in your video in is among the best he have ever written, so emotional, im almost sad as it fades out

[@peterorullian]

Love it!

[@BigIsk52]

I'm tempted to call in sick and listen to the whole thing in one sitting but I think I'll listen in smaller pockets. Really looking forward to the deep dive.

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Tim! Hope you dig it!

[@wimkruithof2457]

This story (both the album as the novel) aged so well on me. I've spend hours and hours diving in, have the vinyl and the novel (both hardcover and paperback) and honestly can't wait to have a limited edition here, at some point... as a piece of art in my living-room. So many thanks both to John Petrucci (and Dream Theater) and Peter Orullian, for creating this wonderful complex experience.

[@peterorullian]

Thank you for these kind words! I’m grateful to John for honoring me with the opportunity to contribute in this small way.

[@xigroman]

Wow. Man, I just recently came across your channel, and I must say your content is just great. I'm a big fan of Dream Theater and your interviews with each member of the band were amazing. As well as with other musicians, who I also love. Great questions, great atmosphere and great attention to detail. And your reaction to A View from the Top of the World - it was very interesting to watch and listen to. And now you brought us THIS. 7 hours of analysis with an outstanding narrator... amazing, just amazing. Can't wait for your future content! From Russia, with respect!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Alex! Means a lot to me to hear you're enjoying what I do. This one's the longest thus far. I did seven hours with Russell Allen, but having a guest that long is rare. :)

[@cartelesargentinos]

One of the most amazing album in the Prog Rock history thank you so much

[@peterorullian]

You’re welcome, and couldn’t agree more!

[@benjaminbjam]

One thing I noticed is each character sort of faces a Path That Divides. Which to me, makes When Your Time Has Come and The Path That Divides have more of an impact on the message of the story. Thanks for making this...I am enjoying your thoughts on this amazing album.

[@benjaminbjam]

I Also forgot to mention the way you find meaning in the music, I also do as well. It's why I love Ayreon, and enjoy a lot of concept albums. I actually really do wish that this story could be done in Broadway style, or at the very least done like how Arjen did The Theater Equation. Just to see the story played out and to see the characters come to life.

[@peterorullian]

Thank you! And yes, I think the metaphor applies to the entire cast of characters, and by extension all of us who are listening to the music and story. Great thought!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks! I'm drawn to concept albums for the narrative element. Not that I don't enjoy episodic tunes, but when coupled with story, I think music has that much more power. And Arjen is amazing at this!

[@sandyferati6625]

...Just starting A New Beginning. Three Days may be my favorite, but this is a very close 2nd. This to me is Dream Theater. It does it all, with James just fantastic singing the conversation with the different characters. I am thrilled every time this song starts!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks for sharing!

[@klantic2]

At the 1:28:00 mark knowing that this was a concept album before it came out was helpful. And knowing their previous concept, Scenes, I was super excited for this tour. Playing it start to finish was just pure amazing.

[@peterorullian]

Agreed!

[@sandyferati3044]

Before I really knew the lyrics to The Astonishing well, but was really diving deep into DT, I was so taken by how much I had missed listening to music, rock especially. While raising my kids, I was filled and didn't listen to this type of music. It was childrens songs and stories in the car..I didn't need any more than that, and I was busy! So, during this discovery, I had started saying to myself, "I am waking up" to the music I had so loved growing up and in my 20's. Then later hearing this lyric. It was meaningful.

[@peterorullian]

Thanks for sharing! Cool story!

[@sandyferati3044]

I had just discovered DT in Jan 2016. After a bit of bouncing around spotify listening, I discovered they had just released a new album. I had heard PMU all those years ago, and thought "that band just released an album?" I didn't get it at first, because I was gorging myself in the candy store of their discography, so didn't give it the time it needed. Then I saw they were touring...my kids were 18 and 16 and I hadn't been to a concert since I was pregnant with the first. The show near me was on Mother's Day..Sold!! I went and my mind was blown. Look at those musicians! The singer! And who the hell is this guitarist?? (Seeing JP play A New Beginning solo just captivated me). I loved that concert so much, I went twice more. Of course I went home and listened in full many, many times.(great for bike riding) And then got the book. Fabulous! Great expansion of the story. Makes the music even more enjoyable!

[@peterorullian]

Thank you! And very cool story, too!

[@Tecnica21Gaming]

1:25:56 --> If you love Scenes From a Memory, you will DEFINITELY remember this drumming pattern from "Overture 1928" ;)

[@peterorullian]

Hmmmm ... :)

[@kyleoffringa6148]

I very much appreciate the extra context you provide. It does really deepen the appreciation for this album. I just purchased the novel from your store and am excited to read it!

[@peterorullian]

You’re welcome! And thank you!

[@martine3293]

Hey Peter. Wow, over 7 hours... That was quite a journey you took me on. You made me listen to an album I would never have listened to otherwise, to be honest. I like listening to James LaBrie's voice, but I don't listen to Dream Theater much. This was quite an experience. You also really made me curious about the book. I think it will be next on my list, after I've finished reading 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King. Thanks again for this breakdown, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Martin! I love Stephen King! Hope you also dig the book!

[@dapksp25]

Peter I saw concerts at Tulsa Okla then the next night in Grand Prairie Texas...I loved it and love the album..alot of people just wouldn't take the time and appreciate all the nuances and stick with each track because there are heavy elements in many of the songs even tho many thought it was to Disney or whatever.. really wish it would have been better received so a movie or Broadway production could have occurred..thank you for this break down and cool tidbits.. really awesome job

[@peterorullian]

Thank you! I love this album too!

[@dapksp25]

@@peterorullian is the book available as an audio download..thx for your comment.. Derrell

[@peterorullian]

@@dapksp25 There's no audiobook at this point. Sorry. Just ebook, paperback, and hardback so far.

[@dapksp25]

@@peterorullian I will look into getting the ebook

[@sandyferati3044]

Three Days. My favorite on the album! I still remember James performing this song. Fabulous! The song and the style remind me of going to a melodrama. I just want to boo Nepharyus lol!

[@peterorullian]

Ahaha!

[@bahritkharakor9257]

I really love this album..😍🤩👍

[@peterorullian]

Me, too!

[@jamesderekeikeland9048]

I am halfway through puh😝, have to do this in two runs but worth it, i have listen through the Astonishing album many many times but not as often as the others and it dosent have to do with the quality or music, it is just damn long and deserves a listen from start to end. And yes, it is different but also very good in my ears, James dose a fantastic job here singing the different caracters and making them stand out with his voice. Thanks for explaining the full story behind the songs, makes it much more interesting, considering buying the book in Kindle and read it while listening to the album😍

[@peterorullian]

You’re welcome! And if you decide to get the book, let me know your thoughts. Cheers!

[@jamesderekeikeland9048]

@@peterorullian I will, when i come home later i will look it up

[@jamesderekeikeland9048]

@@peterorullian Fu.., why wait, i bought it, it is next in my Kindle reading list, will leave a review and comment here when i've read it, i read 2-3 books a week so shouldn't take to long😝

[@peterorullian]

@@jamesderekeikeland9048 Wow, thank you!

[@sandyferati3044]

So, having some more time to listen. The record is getting going, at the overture. I haven't listened to this in a little while. I just really love this album. And ya, after knowing the story, characters and themes, now I can recognize them in the overture. Also, I will never forget Descent of the NOMACS in the theater. The whole place vibrating. Just intense and way cool.

[@peterorullian]

Agreed!

[@mitchsch.1]

Wow. This is going to take a few sessions, but I'm really looking forward to it. Absolutely love the album! That ballady / melodic sweet spot of theirs is something they do better than anyone and this album gives it to you in spades. Plus it really shows just how incredible and versatile James LaBrie still is. All of them are just masters! Very much looking forward to your book! Will be purchasing multiple copies to support you and forcing them on people who have no idea who DT is :) EDIT: just went on Amazon. I had no idea it was out yet. Purchased multiple copies. Really looking forward to reading it.

[@peterorullian]

Agree with you 100% on the album! And thank you for buying the book! Hope you dig it!

[@mitchsch.1]

@@peterorullian Yeah I'm actually mad at myself for not knowing this was out yet. I don't know how I missed it.

[@peterorullian]

@@mitchsch.1 No worries! Thanks for picking it up!

[@sandyferati6625]

I love the Walking Shadow. In the story it is tense and climactic and the song is so good at depicting this. Such great music! I know what's coming, but I am thrilled (not a happy thrill) and pulled in every time. Once I let go and really let myself be absorbed by the story, you get to Losing Fayth and its heartbreaking. I have cried. I am a mom. I understand about giving hope to a child who desperately needs it (mental illness is like dying over and over in some ways). Then, the way the people come and sing since Gabrielle can't, is a huge climax and payoff emotionally.

[@peterorullian]

Nice observation!

[@WWROABM]

This show is as epic as the album! Thanks for the background. One of my favorite DT albums for sure. I wonder, could you suggest to / work with the band in putting together live clips of the show with the video footage of the animation to make a really good DVD? I find it a bit strange that there is no live DVD of the performance. Not sure how that fell through the cracks, but if their was a show that needed to be filmed, this was the one. Especially considering the venues (theaters) were as majestic as the album, story and performance. Living in Japan, this tour didn’t come here, so we missed this great performance, and given the love of animation, theater, and Dream Theater in Japan, The Astonishing would have been perfect for this market. Heck, if I were on their management team, I would have them ramp up the production for a real full tour of Japan. Most bands often short change this market opting to play only a few markets. DT had a real tour on the books before the pandemic, but man, if they could bring The Astonishing to Japan, and film it, that would be truly epic. The Astonishing - Live at The Budokan. Career crowning!!!

[@peterorullian]

I've spoken to John about it. He'd love to do it, but there's a lot that goes into putting the show on, he said, so not sure about it. But man, I'd love that, too!

[@WWROABM]

@@peterorullian - As someone who organizes academic conferences with sponsors and presenters and participants in physical and online spaces, I 100% completely empathize with John and the DT management. I will keep dreaming for that. All that said, brotha, YOU are incredible. Thanks for the show, and really digging in. I love the long formats (7 hours!!!!). I love the in depth discussions. And I love how much your respect and admiration shows for the bands and people you talk to. Keep it going. Last point, how can we get a copy of The Astonishing? Would love to sink in and check out the novel. Thanks again!!!

[@peterorullian]

@@WWROABM Thank you for the kind words! And Amazon has several versions: ebook, paperback, hardback. Check it out here: www.amazon.com/Astonishing-Peter-Orullian/dp/173381051X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1637176397&sr=8-1

[@mitchsch.1]

Bro, why did it take you 5.5 hours to mention Symphony North? :) Now I had to take another break from this and start listening to that. Ha. Great stuff man!!! Absolutely love what I've heard so far. Will be purchasing. Edit: Has been purchased. Looking forward to it!

[@peterorullian]

Oh, man! Thank you so much! I hope you like it!

[@reactions4u438]

holy crap, did not expect this 😂😂, 7 hoursssss

[@peterorullian]

🤣🤣 Go big or go home, right? :)

[@sandyferati6625]

sounds like 007 in Heavens Cove :D

[@peterorullian]

You're on to something there.

[@sandyferati3044]

@@peterorullian Gonna catch DT on this tour? I am very excited!!

[@sandyferati3044]

Did I read this correct. 7 hours!? It will take a few sits to finish the listen 😁

[@peterorullian]

You read it correctly. :) Yeah, take your time. Lots of information and insights ... hopefully! :)

[@mitchsch.1]

No joke, this is going to take me 20 hours to get through. As soon as you said "Evangeline", I had to stop and go listen to "A Better Life".. :) Ok I will stop spamming you with comments now.

[@peterorullian]

Ahaha! I’m like that too!

[@rtrooperw8115]

Watched the first 2-3 hours, really great Peter! Love the details and color you’re adding to this fantastic project. I for one really enjoyed it, though not a favorite, I get it. Ambitious and some great tunes on this release. I have the book and have a question for you. I’ll hit you up on Messenger (we are connected there). Thx for the time and detail you put into your work, great stuff! -Rob

[@peterorullian]

Me, too, and thanks!