So I've given this thing a few spins and my conclusion is that it's not really for me. There's no questioning the creativity and musicianship required to conceive and execute such an album; it's just that this isn't what I what DT to be applying all that talent towards.
I don't think I can fall in love with this album. The fantastic moments, and there are many, are frustratingly buried in stuff I'm not overly keen on and/or are under-developed. I can't count how many times while listening I hear a wonderful theme that I want to latch onto and ride for a while, only to have it end way too soon for my liking.
For example, in The X Aspect, I wish the concept part from 2:34 to 3:34 was a 6 minute song ... instead of a 1 minute "snippet"!
Anyway, with all that said, I can get on board with the following more or less from start to finish:
A Better Life (probably my favourite overall)
Ravenskill
Moment of Betrayal
The Path that Divides
PS. does anyone else feel like A Better Life could easily find a home on a Rocky soundtrack? That's a good thing ...