DREAM THEATER's 'The Astonishing' Album Turned Into A Novel

Progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER have announced “The Astonishing, The Novel”, which will tell the deeper story of the band’s double concept album, “The Astonishing”. To bring this vision to life, DREAM THEATER has selected Peter Orullian. In its first incarnation, it will be a limited edition, with several exclusives only available in a short collectible print run. The book will add subplots, new characters, answer questions, and bring along some surprises too, including audio clips of songs the group didn’t use on the album.

Orullian spent many long sessions in person and by phone with DREAM THEATER guitarist, songwriter and producer of “The Astonishing”, John Petrucci. Through those conversations, he gathered a depth of understanding into Petrucci‘s story and vision. Orullian then began to ideate on ways to extrapolate the core story, build in rationale for key pieces of the world, and introduce story elements to further expand and deepen the story that has become the novel.

About the book: In a not-so-distant future, our world has returned to the ugliness of feudalism. Only this time, those in power control the servant class with the very thing that once inspired men to rise up and take back their lives — music. But it is not the music of old. That music is forgotten. No, this new music is engineered entirely by machines. This music suppresses that part of humanity which might be inspired. This music suppresses hope.

But what is old will be made new again.

In the village of Ravenskill lives a young man, Gabriel, who comes with a gift of power. A gift of music. As a human expression.

Gabriel‘s brother, Arhys, leads a rebel militia that is trying to liberate the people. And he believes Gabriel‘s gift is the key; a key he hopes will help him keep a promise he made his wife on her deathbed.

But the emperor and his son have different plans — to maintain control. Those plans may find an unlikely challenger in their own family. And the resulting conflict may yield lasting consequences. For them all.

With music as a moving force, the choices each player must make will bring them to a shared moment of pain. And perhaps redemption.

Edition details:

* Full-length novel of “The Astonishing”, adding new plot lines and intrigue, additional characters and motivations, answers to fan questions, as well as explanations and ideas not explored on the album
* In-depth introduction by John Petrucci, going deep on why he wrote “The Astonishing”, what it means to him, etc.
* Definitive interviews of each member of DREAM THEATER, covering their experience in the genesis of the album, in performing it, what it means to them, as well as their own music history, interests, and part in the band
* A few early music demos (often taken from original iPhone recordings) of original songs set in the universe of “The Astonishing” but never used on the album
* The genesis of one song: From early iPhone recording to final tune, listen to several song clips of the steps in the songwriting process of one of the songs from “The Astonishing”
* Foreword by a celebrated musician (announcement coming soon)
* Afterword by a music industry luminary (announcement coming soon)
* Never-before-seen handwritten notes, early art renderings, photographs, etc. chronicling the development of “The Astonishing”, with a behind-the-scenes look at how it all came to fruition
* An original story by John Petrucci and Peter Orullian, set in the universe of “The Astonishing”
* Original cover art on full-color dust jacket
* Original full-color interior art depicting key scenes in the story, including some scenes not represented in the album
* Map of the world of “The Astonishing”
* Full lyrics, song-by-song breakdown, and final synopsis as written by John Petrucci
* Printed on 60# acid-free paper
* Smyth sewn for durability
* Foil stamping on the front boards and spine
* Bound in leather
* Limited to 2500 copies