Im about 5 listens in.....
1. False Awakening--- Amazing, not sure why some people dont like this. So solid from start to finish. 9/10
2. Enemy Inside-- Cohesive and catchy, just not my thing. Not a big straightforward metal guy. 5/10
3. Looking Glass-- I feel like 90's DT would have made this amazing and I would prefer a musical suite towards the end rather than a solo. Still a very good return to form song. 8/10
4. Enigma Machine- Cant remember anything about it after 5 listens... VERY dissapointing. 2/10
5. The Bigger Picture-- Solid song 7/10
6. Behind the Veil--- horrendous first verse, but pretty good overall and sounds like WDADU 6/10
7. Surrender to reason- Ugh... why the hype? This song just seems tiring to listen to. Hopefully it grows on me. 3/10
8. Along for the Ride- Best Song on the album. Just imagine if JLB could still sing... song would be incredible. A little cheesy but solid. 9/10
9. IT- Pretty awesome, has issues but pretty awesome. 9/10
Easter Egg- Beauiful, too bad they don't make music like this.
Is it just me or is it incredibly exhausting listening to this album? Maybe its the production or maybe its cringing EVERY time Labrie opens his mouth aside for a few parts . Man I used to love this guys voice in the 90's but its getting tough to stomach these days. When he sings with his chest he still sounds great. However, he usually elects to sing in that sinister annoying nasally voice now.
Overall this album will probably sit just a hair above Black clouds and ADTOE and way above Octavarium and SC. But considerably lower than everything else.
Still though... considering its been 25 years.... I am pretty happy.