Dream Theater Gives The Wiltern a Taste of Their Metal-Opera

Matt Corkill

Progressive metal masters Dream Theater transported fans on an epic rock-opera journey into the dystopian realm of The Great Northern Empire of the Americas through two-and-a-half hours that covered their entire new 34-track album “The Astonishing” at The Wiltern Saturday evening.  

“The Astonishing,” the prog metal gods’ 13th studio album, has been met with mixed reactions but when they brought the album to life in front of The Wiltern crowd, it took on a brand new feel. Watching more of what seemed like a movie with a live-score, the audience found themselves entranced by the narrative highs and lows of the tale of Gabriel, the Chosen One’s revolution against Emperor Nafaryus for control of the NOMACs that steal humanity’s creativity.

Each of the show’s two acts was full of memorable moments, visually and musically. Mirroring the album, the first act featured 20 tracks and such favorites as “The Gift Of Music” that immediately put to rest any questions diehard DT fans may have had, while “Savior in the Square” and “A New Beginning” definitely struck a chord with the audience. The second act picks up with highlights coming from “Moment of Betrayal” and “Begin Again,” which immediately grabbed fans before slamming them with “The Path That Divides” and inevitably leading to the climax of the story in “Our New World” and “Astonishing.”   

Guitarist John Petrucci and keyboardist Jordan Rudess did most of the heavy lifting with blistering, soulful solos around each turn. Petrucci seamlessly shredded for the evening between numerous guitar changes and had some of the crowd giving him multiple standing ovations on songs like “A New Beginning.” Lead singer James Labrie did an amazing job in his difficult task of vocalizing the emotions of the multiple characters. Labrie even had the crowd join him in closing out the performance starting with “Hymn of a Thousand Voices” through to the closing track  “Astonishing.” Bass player John Myung and drummer Mike Mangini were also equally incredible while leaving fans in awe of their technical flawlessness and creativity.

“The Astonishing” live was a different experience for the typical Dream Theater fans who are accustomed to rocking out in the pit because this tour is meant to allow them to sit back and enjoy the adventure unfolding in front of them – so much so that cell phone use was prohibited during the show.

Dream Theater performed at The Wiltern on May 6 and 7 in Los Angeles.