Interesting that MP is the drummer of the album.
Positive points IMO.
1. It is a good opportunity for them to collaborate again.
2. Raises audience interest in the album by 100%.
3. It doesn't look as much as "a return from the good DT" as it would be LTE3.
Negative points IMO.
1. It is no longer a JP solo record. It is a JP solo record with MIKE PORTNOY ON DRUMS !!!!!!.
2. It will feed, once again, the idea that "DT without MP sucks". It is completely unavoidable.
At the end of the day, I think for JP and MP it's just "cool to collaborate again". But for the audience it is not just that and any attempt to think otherwise is innocent. But is cool that they can do it again.
Personally, I’m not so excited, as I don’t tend to be a fan of "solo guitarist albums". But I would definitely check it out.