I think it's probably a good idea to speak my opinion of DT's latest album after I just introduced myself in the appropriate thread.
With the first few listens, I thought it was absolutely amazing and quite possibly the best album DT had ever put out. However, it's worn off me a fair bit since nearly a year has passed since the release date. I think it might be the fact that because it isn't exactly a subtle album; even the so-called 'ballads' are heavy for at least half their duration (with 'TBP' only being quiet for less than a minute of its total seven minutes!) As a result, the album starts to fatigue me after a while, especially with the "in-your-face" sound. This may be mistaken for me not being a fan of relentlessly heavy albums, but some of my favourite music is within the more extreme end of the metal spectrum. But the thing is, if you look at some of the most well recieved metal albums, they hover around the forty minute mark, with ones significantly above having a contrast somewhere on the album (e.g. 'Welcome Home' on Metallica's 'Master of Puppets'), which DT12 doesn't have enough of, given its 68 minute length. To fix this, I think this tracklist would probably be more like this:
1. Behind the Veil 6:52
2. The Bigger Picture 7:40
3. Surrender to Reason 6:34
4. Along for the Ride 4:45
5. The Enemy Inside 6:17
6. Illumination Theory 19:16
7. Outro 2:01
53:25
I know I just cut out three tracks, but consider listening to it like this, because although it seems short, Images and Words had three songs cut from it and is considered the best DT album by many people with some even considering it perfect. Not all albums have to break the hour mark! Also, did the album require 'FAS', 'TLG' and 'EM' (even though I named myself after the song, I don't love it)? 'FAS' could've been a bonus track and a live-only song and I'm not entirely sure if they will keep using it on tours for future albums, 'TLG' is quite unneccesary when we have 'Limelight' by Rush and despite having an awesome main riff, 'EM' seems like a glorified instrumental section for a vocal song such as 'Constant Motion' unlike some other instrumentals in DT's discography like 'The Dance of Eternity' or 'Hell's Kitchen' due to it's lack of variety and insistance of almost constant soloing after about two minutes.
However I still think this is a great album, and a step in the right direction considering the more consise song lengths, improved (if still cheesy) lyrics and a more song-oriented approach. Additionally, there is some thing I've noticed with some DT albums: they work on some complaints of the previous album and sometimes overdo it.
-'ADTOE' complaints were mainly (I'm talking in general, not just here) that it had too many ballads, weak sound and merely good drumming.
-This album turned out to have more heaviness, an overwhelming sound and Mangini "unleashed".
-'ToT' was criticised for being too monotone in sound.
-'Octavarium' was one of the more varied DT albums.
-'FII' was criticised for being too "commercialised".
-'SFaM' was the most complex DT album at the time.
-'SC' was criticised for being unfocused and self indulgent.
-'BCaSL' was more cohesive and emotional (apart from 'ARoP').
Maybe those who disliked this album may love the next album? Time can only tell.