I've been with the album a couple days now. I know a guy.....anyway I really like this record. Really like it.
First thing i liked the darker vibe this album has. granted....it's not the dark heavier sola Scriptura thing i pictured when it was first announced but the vibe change was just enough to notice it. also i was able to follow the story just fine having never read the book and not intending too, lol
as i suspected i actually liked welcome to the world more within the album.....i really wasn't too hot on it at release. The great stuff on here my actually be some of my fav stuff he's put out. Actually on first listen i was highly let down. but things revealed themselves a lot and now I really do enjoy this album. so this makes this album more of a grower than TSOAD. which for me was instant love. Anyway some highlights.
Overture (love the echo of the ending of Similitude here)
Dark Melody
I got to run
To the River (this is beautiful)
Venture In Black (this has a great hook and dark groove)
Fighting with Destiny (kick ASS)
Vanity Fair (this sounds like a Neal Era Spock's ditty)
Child of Wonder (why oh why is this song so short?)
The Great Despair ( um.......
)
Freedom Calling.
So that's a LOT of great meterial and the band is on fire playing it.....AND I love the little musical nods to TSOAD throughout.
now......having said that.......i do think this album is a tad weaker.
First thing. and the number 1 thing that popped out......"Damn they are really leaning on this Love That Never Dies theme HARD, lol. it pops up so many many times. to the point that the album becomes way less varied. and this then directly impacts the Finale to the point when i get to it.......and i hear the theme......AGAIN. it sounds anti-climactic and tossed off.
in fact both finales to both discs are kind of a let down.
Also i just don't think this flows as well as TSOAD. some transitions just seem kinda clunky. Like they should have let some stuff cook a little more before calling it finished.
I've had over a dozen plays. and i can say.......this really does not beat Similitude.....BUT. it's a great companion. and i will play it a whole lot........but Similitude will just get played more.
so after multiple plays......i go
8/10.