After a week with this album, I just wanted to chime in to say that I'm really enjoying it. Musically speaking, I'm a fan of all aspects of DT, from the heavy, to the soft, and everything in between, but I've been hoping for a bit less of their recent metal sound and more of the DT that gave us One Last Time, Finally Free, To Live Forever, The Way It Used To Be, SDOIT, LITS, Surrounded, etc. That may not be exactly what we got, but I'm loving the variety on this album, specifically the orchestra and choir, the piano, the acoustic guitar, and as others have pointed out, a generally more upbeat/positive tone.
I've been listening mostly to Act I because it's just so damn good, so I'm not as familiar with Act II yet. My favorite so far is Savior in the Square. I love both the music and the scene it sets: The beautiful guitar/orchestra/choir intro as a peaceful gathering of the townspeople takes place to hear Gabriel sing. The trumpets announce the arrival of Lord Nafaryus... it turns heavy and tense and I love the way James sings Nafaryus' parts. After some back and forth, Gabriel says he will sing for them. And as he's just about to....everything stops...just a piano...Gabriel spots the princess .... and schwing! it's love at first sight. I would love to see this (the whole damn story) played out in a move/musical/pop-up book/whatever.
Other favorites: Act of Faythe (that ending - I've found my wayyyyyyyyyyyy!), Brother Can You Hear Me?, A Life Left Behind, The Gift of Music, A Better Life, Lord Nafaryus.
I'm also pleasantly surprised at the story. It may not be the most original, but it's very well done, and held my interest while following along with the lyrics and descriptions on the website. I only wish those song descriptions were included in the booklet, I'm not sure I would have enjoyed (or been able to visualize) the story as much without them.
Anywhos, bye.