So after spending a good one week with the album, for me it's a win..definitely not as good or as memorable as their debut, but a solid one..
Considering the time they spend to write it, they managed to present a continuation of PS solidifying the sound and style of the band..
First of all lets get out of the way something that the majority may not know..In spots they use some ideas from Derek's solo albums..
and to be fair the best moments from some of them..like the dual solo's from Son's of Anu (Black Utopia), or the dreamy intro from Ascesion (Molecular Heinosity)
and the cool Rhodes comping playing under Holdsworth's solo from Day of the Dead (Mythology)..it's all Derek's music which is great, but I'd like
some fresh ideas and not something that I've heard before..
The second thing is a minor complain..the spots of bass solos makes no sense in the songs..it's just unnecessary, although playing wise
they are amazing, they just don't add anything..
Now let's talk about the good things..I really like the layout and order of the songs, it definitely is an album that needs to grow with the listener,
at least for me..but they are well balanced that make a really good experience..Personally a good song is when just by looking the title I can sing it
in my mind..that's always a good sign..I like the album for the energy and the plain metal side of it with stellar musicianship..Ron Thal and Derek
wrote some wild staff in this especially with their solos and riffs..The focus in this one is the band and how to present a more cohesive and mature experience..
So yeah, a great follow up with great production values and satisfying songs that will keep me company for a while!