I think the new AB could possible beat DT12
Could?
It's without a doubt for me. I have given it about 6-7 listens so far, and I'm debating where it ranks for my favorite albums EVER.
I really feel like the band wrote this record asking themselves "Can we write the perfect album for Basekick?"
IMO, the most underrated part of this incredible album is both the drum production and overall feel. I listened to ABIII and Blackbird after digesting a lot of Fortress, and the grooves are a lot more mid-tempo, with less dynamics and rarely grooving in half-time. In contrast, Fortress features half-time in what seems like every song on the album, not to mention a consistent fluid change between tempos to give each riff, melody, and section its own feel.
Furthermore, the sound of the drums on Fortress are absolutely HUGE. It reminds me a bit of dubstep in a way, since there is an immense focus on a giant, thundering, and spacious kick drum, followed by a vicious and roaring snare.
I highly recommend taking a spin of the record and only listening to Flip play. It's incredible.