Since it first came out, I realize I'v been at odd with fans about TGE. I like it. But i just feel it's missing what Dead Heart and Enemies had. I liked the somewhat 'sentimental' moments those albums had. I'm talking about Heart Collector (one of their best), the melodic moments of We Disintegrate, River Dragon, etc.. And from Enemies, Tomorrow Turned and Who Decides- these ones are personal faves of mine. I felt TGE lacked those elements. I still like it, but I don't listen to in nearly as much as those 2. And, unfortunately, i have yet to hear Obsidian Conspiracy. I kinda stopped paying attention to music for awhile, but I'm back now.
I was actually happy when i found out it was only Loomis on TOC. And yeah, when members start doing solo albums like that it's never a good sign. Have yet to hear them, but I guess i kinda assumed Dane's would just come off as sounding like a poor man's Nevermore. But i'v yet to hear it.
I still listen to TGE, and wonder why i can't enjoy it nearly as much as i enjoy those two. I guess, like i said, it's those melodic moments i missed, and the lack of that 'metallic' sound i described earlier.
I wonder how it woulda sounded if after Smyth left Loomis had just written TOC as a one guitar album. Or at least some of it. The Bass would probably be more prominent. I find that in most cases that's how it sounds with a one guitar player band, like Tool. Justin Chencellor is a very underrated bass player.