Wow, ballsy album. People weren't kidding when they said it was different and wasn't like any other DT album. It really is different, I mean you can hear little tidbits from all of their works but it really doesn't sound like anything they've put out before. After two listens, my reaction is pretty favorable. Just quick thoughts:
FAS: Heavier than I thought, but badass. Midi section rocks!
TEI: Not much to say, still a pretty awesome song.
TLG: Likin' this one! Glad they can keep it short but make it feel like it could be 10 minutes long. The chorus is great, as well as the guitar solo.
EM: Well... Not sure what to think on this one. This one might grow on me but as a DT instrumental it doesn't do much for me. It sounds kind of bland in the instrumental department. Not my favorite on the album so far.
TBP: Never mind Enigma Machine, THIS song rocks. Great verses, amazingly catchy chorus, and an incredible outro. Very cinematic and inspirational in its own way. Might be my 2nd favorite behind IT.
BTV: I feel like this song gets kind of lost in the midst of this album, as in I can't find much that stands out in it. The intro is cool, and I like the chorus and the guitar solo. The chord progression in the outro is really cool as well, and reminds me of The Great Debate for some reason.
STR: This is an interesting one... It might grow on me the most. It has a strange structure with some crazy riffs and baselines. The thing that stands out the most for me is the chorus, and, once again, DAT OUTRO.
AFTR: Again, not much to say. Good prelude to IT, the bridge is good too. Gon' kill when played live.
IT: I'm not sure exactly what to say about this one, it's crazy and mind blowing and unique and woah. It's probably my favorite from the album. The intro is a riff factory, but I really like the very beginning. The verses and choruses are unique and heavy, the short instrumental part afterwards is nuts. Can't complain about the orchestral section, I like it a lot, and it transitions very nicely into the next part.
What really shines for me is the part about 11 minutes in; HOLY SHIT JAMES!
The song only gets better from there with a heavy instrumental section and SWEET solos from JP and JR.
More high notes from James in the outro, and great guitar work from JP to top it off. Easter egg is pretty. Love it
This may be the best DT album since SDOIT. The band sounds reinvigorated and energized.