So I've listened to it once. But these are my first impressions.
I actually found it less melodic. Yes, it is definitely harder edged.
But it seems to lack the charm of the debut. It's like, yes, we can play our instruments really well.
The track that reminds me of the last album is Lifeline. I love when they channel Hemispheres era Rush, as they do in this track. Reminds me of something Ray Alder would sing.