13. Ninjabait...there isn't enough going on in the simple 4/4 intro for it to be a disjointed mess. You can say you don't like it, though. The outro went on as long as it did because there is a Meshuggah thing going on with a different accent passing through each of the notes in the riff and it had to cycle through.
Man, actually getting a response (and a courteous one at that!) is a really cool thing. You guys definitely have my respect. I'll be sure to give the full album a spin when it comes out. As for my response to your response:
First off, this was based on my first listen and was more reflective of my initial reactions than anything. Although, the second listen I had just now confirmed to me a lot of the points I made. Although how silky smooth that guitar tone is jumped out at me on the second or third listen. Drums seem to fit better in the mix too.
Second, sorry if I came off as harsh at all. I probably didn't go into as much detail or explain myself as well as I should have. That was mostly a spit-take based on initial listen. Some things didn't work for me, some things kinda worked for me, and some things didn't work for me.
I don't know if it being simple disqualifies it from sounding messy. Listening again more attentively, most of the issues I'm noticing with it not working for me stem from that lead guitar part laid on top. Specifically, the rhythm of it. As it stands, the lead and accompaniment seem more like they're fighting each other than cooperating. The arpeggiated accompaniment works fine, and it sounds great with the distorted electric when the full band enters. It's mostly that lead part that bothers me. Maybe I was being a bit too harsh with calling it a disjointed mess, but it still does not work for me. Sorry
As for the outro, that makes sense. I didn't fully pick up on that when I was listening, but now that I know what to look for that section works a lot better. I definitely appreciate the explanation, though!
Also, if you don't mind my asking, who did the mixing/mastering/production on the album (or at least this song)? Besides the drums, that was the first thing that popped out at me as one of the best parts of the song.