If that was Portnoy's vision for Dream Theater then good riddance. Just my taste, of course, but no strong melody, notes for the sake of notes, all riff nothing else. Just awful. I suppose I will try it then sell it like I did the first, but I can't see any way I will like this. Dream Theater has to great blend of musicians, melody, feel and heaviness when needed. SoA has just musicians and heaviness.
I am not a Portnoy hater, another DT quality band would have been awesome. But this isn't it.