After several plays, my conclusion is that this is a top10 (maybe 5 even) album amongst my favorites.
I love the earlier
Anathema-albums, but this album doesn't sound like anything else they've done.
The positive energy is overwhelming, the atmosphere and the emotions are amazing, and overall this is a fantastic record.
I doubt there will be another album released this year that can top this, but again...
Agalloch are working on a new album.
So you never know.