I'm hoping for a more epic upbeat record, an exploration into the Power zone won't hurt anyone.
I could go for that. I like that we're hearing more major key anthems from them.
They don't have to go in any one direction on their next album. I wouldn't mind a great mix of dark-heavy, major-key-heavy, ballad, spacey, and epic all on one album.
I'd like to see a good mix of Bridges in the Sky, Lifting Shadows off a Dream, Looking Glass, Trial of Tears, This Dying Soul, The Silent Man, A New Beginning, Space Dye Vest, Our New World, These Walls, Octavarium--sound-wise.
My biggest complaint with their post-Kevin Moore albums has been their lack of sonic diversity/dynamism coupled with a lack of atmosphere. I think A Dramatic Turn of Events has probably been their best recent one in this regard. Obviously, TA is pretty diverse, but even though I love the album, I do agree that there's about three too many ballads on there, especially on Act 2. It could use a little MORE heavy. Also, it could have used just one full-length NOMAC track. I always wish Machine Chatter would keep going for about 4-5 minutes.