It's not automatically so, but if JP ended up utilizing his 8-string there's a possibility of unheard-of heaviness.
This is actually the first DT release I'm excited for since 6DoIT which, back then, turned out to be a disappointment. I lost much of my love for the band in the years following that and stopped attending shows after being bored out of my skull at an 8vm show. I did check back in on the boys whenever they released an album or a DVD, but it always felt like a guilty pleasure at best rather than something I could wholeheartedly cherish anymore. Surprisingly enough The Astonishing finally provided a breath of fresh air that brought me back into the fold and I really hope that DT14 carries on in a similarly inspired and focused streak.