Yeah man, I was disappointed on my first listen. It sounded like a continuation of Dystopia, and while Dystopia wasn't that bad, it still wasn't the greatest. One awful track, three extremely mediocre ones, and subject matter I really didn't care about at all. Plus, The Crucible of Man was a major step down from Framing Armageddon. I feared I really did lose my first favorite Metal band like I lost my first favorite Rock band, The Offspring. They aren't coming back. But I tried, so I gave it a few more spins, and the songs started forming their own identity, and the album as a whole started coming around. Peacemaker is certainly different, and Parasite sounds like a Disturbed song. Highwayman isn't that bad, but that Volbeat guy has a silly voice. It's like Matt Barlow trying to do a James Hetfield impression. Russell Allen sounded great, but also sounded weird, like he recorded his part with crappy equipment or something. The Sons of Liberty song really isn't that bad. I guess if it had to be one of those songs, I'm glad it was this one.
There are no Days of Rage tracks on this album, no plodding endlessly for no reason. Stu still sounds like Barlow, but he's really trying to do his own thing with it I think. Still sounds like he's singing with food in his mouth though. Schaffer sounds really inspired here, and I wish he would just stick to fantasy, cause that's when he shines. Crucible of Man needed the relentless thrashing that the Plague songs have. The album isn't perfect though. Schaffer really needs to come up with new chord progressions for his ballads. Also, I really like that drum beat Raphael keeps doing in a lot of the songs, but it also makes him sound uncreative. I don't know if Jon wrote the drums parts, but considering how natural the drums sound, I'm guessing he let Raph do his own thing. He did say he gave a lot more creative freedom this time around. Troy is Troy. He's a decent guitarist, but still lacks in the solo department. Jon played all the rhythm anyway.
I'm really glad this album didn't suck. I was worried. I guess some albums just take a few listens. I haven't encountered many instant clickers. I don't think Stu is going anywhere so there's still my gripe of him butchering older songs, but I don't see them live very often so as long as Jon can churn out a few more non-disappointments I'll be a happy camper.
I guess this could be my review. I planned something longer, but I really hate essays.