It has definitely grown on me, and I'm really enjoying it. For me TMV have been a band that I've dedicated time listening to, mainly because they are so revered within the prog community.
I really like some songs and albums, but none would come near my top 100 albums. This album has helped me 'get' the band in a way I haven't previously. I'm excited to listen to all their music again, delve into the lyrics and immerse myself in where they are at right now.
You know how sometimes you can try and try with a band, and then some perfect storm of where you are, where the band is, where the community is, the imagery of the band etc, just works for you. I'm on the cusp of that right now and that's what I love about music.
You can't bottle it, and most of the time you can't even pinpoint what was 'right'.
Do I think this album their greatest? No. Has it sucked me in and started to the process of converting me to a more hardcore fan? Absolutely. Can I stop spinning it? Nope.
I do agree with some of your points Zantera. It's the overall mood/vibe that I like on this record. I love Cedric's vocal performance as well. I don't usually watch Fantano"s reviews, but I did watch this one. I mainly see where he is coming from.
As for the extreme reactions, TMV strike as a band who have the sort of fans who make the band their whole persona. Like, the sort of person who basically only listens to TMV. Based on the fact that this album is also the first in over 10 years, some fans would have been expecting this to be some perfect second coming or something.
Add to the fact it is more pop orientated and accessible, this had the potential to make certain fans real salty. They likely have a vision of what a TMV album in 2022 looks like, and they don't actually want it to be accessible or mainstream in any way.
I'd understand if some are feeling this album is a cash grab or something, but it truly feels to me like it is just the album they wanted to record.
That's why I love artists like Devin Townsend. He does what he feels, and fanbase be damned. But through that he's left with a really open minded fanbase who embrace whatever he does, because even if you don't particularly like it, you know it's fucking genuine!