On the Backs of Angels ratings thread

[DreamerTV]

Someone suggested a similarity between OtBoA intro at that of Malmsteen Dreaming (which is quite a joke, speaking of the YM song title)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QanzLP3q-K0

[Vajra]

Now that the luster has worn off... I give it an 8.5

If the first verse section was repeated more, it would be a 9. "Standing on the backs... of Angels" those parts are just so damn catchy, I really wish there was more of it.

[IronEarthTheater]

Definitely sounds like DT, but not like anything in particular of theirs... very fresh feel, for me.  Really dug the keyboards/piano, and really the music.  I agree that the vocal melodies aren't (at first listen) their best, although James sounds great, but overall the song is very strong.  I voted a 9.

[Occasional_Madman]

One of the main things for me is that all the leads and solos are done very tastefully. No unnecessary wankery or trade-offs, everything fits. Very much reminds me of early DT at times--especially with that drum and bass tade-off that so reminds me of Another Won.

[Fiery Winds]

After 3 listens, I give it an 8.  Also, does anyone else see the similarity between the intro of this song and "The Lady Wore Black" by Queensryche?

[MetropolisxPt1]

I give it a 7 or an 8 after first listen but Tbh DT have always picked some bad singles if this is the worst on the album i will be thrilled.

[Mat JB]

Fucking amazing.

[nikostheater]

I give it an 8.Very solid work,very good song.
I can't wait for August 2 and i can't wait for the album!

[Jaq]

I gave it an 8. Their best single in a long, long time, miles better than the last two first singles. A good start!

[DeanTheater]

8er after first listen.  I love the JP riff during the chorus.  Great tone.  I cant wait to hear the album version.  Lord knows youtube through headphones does not do it justice.  I loved it though

[Icebear]

First impression is a 5. But I strongly suspect that it will grow. I haven't heard a DT song yet that revealed it all on the first go, it's simply not that kind of music. That's part of the attraction to me, that I keep hearing new and awesomer things the more I listen to it.

But to be fair, as much as I consider myself a fanatic when it comes to established DT classics (I'll defend the snare sound on IAW or the millions of notes in any random solo tradeoff to anyone...), and I won't budge, I have to be fair and say that right now, after my first listen, this new song didn't sweep me off my feet.

Now let's play it again. Another 10 times or so.

[emindead]

This song is definitely an 8. It can't go higher because of what I said before: not a good chorus, and not a better riff.

[TempusVox]

10, 10, 10......I love this song. I was not in love with the nu-metal sound.

[wolfking]

Gave it a solid 9.  I don't think anyone has reason to be disappointed with this song.

[splent]

10, 10, 10......I love this song. I was not in love with the nu-metal sound.

Me either.

A strong solid 9.  I imagine it will eventually turn into one of my favorites.  I haven't listened to a first single this much in... ever.

[FlashCE]

6. It was pretty disappointing. My first impression was that JP's riffing is amazing in this song and it's also great to hear JM in the mix. However, the melodies are almost non-existent to me.

[lonestar]

10, 10, 10......I love this song. I was not in love with the nu-metal sound.

Me either.

A strong solid 9.  I imagine it will eventually turn into one of my favorites.  I haven't listened to a first single this much in... ever.

I'm with you guys.  Hearing this made my day/week/month, and I wonder if I can make it to 9/13 without exploding.  I am one happy chef.

[Jaffa]

After putting it aside for five hours and coming back to it, I've changed my vote from 8 to 9. 

[OsMosis2259]

Solid 8.5-9

Very solid/strong opener too

[IdoSC]

Following my ratings in the "rank all of DT's songs" kind of thread quite some time ago, a 9.5/10. I'm amazed, honestly. If this album is consistent with the 1st song, it could be a top 3 album for me.

I'll round it up to a 10/10 for my vote.

[Perpetual Change]

10, 10, 10......I love this song. I was not in love with the nu-metal sound.

 

You are spot-on there, man!

[ariich]

There was never a nu-metal sound.

I tentatively give an 8. Solid but not spectacular, but better than pretty much all their pre-album-release singles.

[PraXis]

6 after a first listen.. hoping it will grow on me.

[IronEarthTheater]

Silly me trying to rate this after the first listen - wow, it is a grower, and a fast grower at that.  I rated it a 9 (prob. rounded up from 8.5) initially, but I am obsessed with it.  Great song - and I don't usually react this way to DT initially.  Only certain songs (like Count of Tuscany) grab me right away like this one has.  It's not quite at that level, but is now more of a 9.5 for me (I'll round it up to 10).  Wow.

[peruvianskynewhampshire]

Well I worked late tonight so i just listened to it.I gave it a solid 8 and will listen to it a couple more times tonight but feel the 8 will stand. any opinions on who is doing the backing vocals? not sure if its JP but like it ...

[pogoowner]

The keyboards definitely sound like LTE and Jordan's solo work from that era.  Certainly a departure from what we've had lately. I'm liking this a lot more than the last couple albums already.

[Perpetual Change]

There was never a nu-metal sound.

Not if we're splitting hairs over genres, but I perfectly understood what tempus meant.

[The Silent Cody]

8 after two listenings. Solid 8

[Volk9]

6.

The singing wasnt that great imo. Overall, the sound and instrumentation was great and more streamlined than in the past.

[Heaven Outcry Angel]

10/10 obviously.... best since.... well, count of tuscany

[Jamesman42]

Cautiously giving it an 8 since I first heard it 2 hours ago. It needs to sink in. I hope it doesn't do what TMOLS did to me...make me think it's the best song ever and then a week later I think it's one of their bottom 5 songs in the entire catalog.

I seriously doubt that'll happen here, though. This song is effective. It will probably be a grower, and I could see it becoming a 9, though not a 10, because it isn't of that caliber. That doesn't make it bad at all. It's more along the lines of LITS, Home, or Panic Attack...upper tier of the middle songs. This could be a top 30 song for me in time.

[PraXis]

I'm at about 10 listens and I'd say 7.5-8.

[dongringo]

After about 10 listens I've went from a 7 to a 9. It grew with every listen.

[TempusVox]

There was never a nu-metal sound.

Not if we're splitting hairs over genres, but I perfectly understood what tempus meant.

Thanks for "getting me" PC.   

[fivestring]

Straight up gave it a 7.

I was somewhat surprised that a single was nearly 9 minutes! With that in mind - the instrumental breaks were much more inspired and had a better sense of melody than much of their recent material. It wasn't all over the place and there just because they could. Also - I enjoyed the lack of everyone doubling each other - instrumental breaks had layers and you could hear everyone.  I liked the use of acoustic guitar and Jordan's normal-sounding piano break. (though, I wish I could have heard JMX more underneath ) Vocals were solid - nothing amazing.  I liked all of Jordan's sounds - I didn't think any were too goofy or out of place. JP's guitar tone sounds more of the past - and that's not a bad thing.   I'm trying hard to hear what is going on with the drumming - I know there's some nifty syncopation going on, but like most things in this song - it's done in a way that doesn't stand out for the listener to go OMG WTF BBQ!   I'm eager to hear more - but dang it - another 2 1/2 months!