First off, the album sounds amazing. The mix is gargantuan, and yet you can pick up all of the details going on, which makes for a really pleasing listen. My only complaint is the sound replacement on the drums. I'm tired of hearing all metal records using the same sounds. That's what made Applause so awesome to me was the fact that the drum sound was way more unique.
That gripe aside, this is a fantastic record, and likely my AOTY, just beating out Frost's Day and Age.