On my second listen now, and i'm feeling all tingly inside.
I know i was really hyped when i got 8vm and SC as well (TOT was the first new album i bought as a fan, and really didn't do anything for me at the time), but some of this songs gave me chills on my first listen, and the only new song that gave me chills before this was 8vm (title track)..
I'm so happy, relieved and in love with this album at the moment! I really didn't think i would like it, as SC was kind of a let down for me (i liked most of it when it came out, but i haven't really listened much to it since it came out..) , and the way MP has been talking about BC&SL never really seemed that exciting. So im really glad i listened to this album with no real expectations.
Short notices about each track:
1. A nightmare to remember: Love it! As some people have said before, it kind of drags on a bit, but it's still a perfect opener! The MP vocals and the "blastbeats" are kind of silly, but works. Top notch song! 9/10
2. A rite of passage: I've listened it to death, but when i listened to it again today it really works within the flow of the album. A really good single with a really strong single and a really good guitar-solo! 8/10 song for me
3. Wither: I heard it a couple of days ago on the Bruce Dickinson show, and it gave me chills! I love how it stays simple, calm and emotional all the way through. It will be a great single. James sounds terrific! 10/10
4. The shattered fortress: Not really sure if i like it or not yet. It was cool to hear some of those riffs and melodies again, and i loved how they ended with the glass prison-riff (with some dying soul/root of all evil-rythmstuff in the end). But it kind of felt a bit thrown together at my first listen. I must listen to it a couple of times before i say for sure if its super-cool or average.. For now it's 7/10. I liked it, but it left me a bit
5. The best of times: Really enjoyed it. I went into this song knowing that the lyrics probably would be a bit awkward, but i knew it was a really personal song, so i tried to just listen to it and read the lyrics for what they are. I actually shed a tear in the end. I found the song really touching, emotional and beautiful. I imagined MP sitting at his fathers bed listening to this with him. It must have been a really powerful and emotional moment. Some things about the song could probably have been worked out better, but its a great song. Loved the intro and the JP-solo in the end! 9/10
6. The count of tuscany: This was the really big surprise. I really didn't think i would like it (just based on the title, and a review - i know, that's just silly of me), but this song kicked my ass! One of the best things they have done for years.. Better than Itpoe, up with 8vm and Acos. Can't wait to see this song live! (If they don't play it live i will personally hunt the band down, kidnap them and make them play it for me personally..). I don't care if the lyrics are cheesy. I knew they would be. But musically this really challenges some of the best things they have done! 10/10 - no doubt about it.
For now, it's a 9/10 album for me. I loved it. The best thing they've done since SFAM. Outstanding!