I've given the album several listens and slept on it, so I feel like I'm starting to form a true impression. This is just an unedited stream of my thoughts so far
Yeah the album is awesome; I'm stunned at the energy and creativity on display here. Where Distance Over Time felt a little 'safe', this one seems to let the songs breathe more and has more ambitious compositions. I was pretty worried about the 20-minute epic, since I've tended to be underwhelmed by many of DT's epics in the past. Both Octavarium and Illumination Theory do nothing for me, for example. But this one is sweet! Heavy, intense, atmospheric, coherent; like the best parts of Pale Blue Dot mixed with ACOS. Could grow to be one of my absolute favorites from the band.
The excellent mixing helps a LOT also, everything sounds crisp, distinct, and weighty regardless of the system/headphones I'm using. Even Distance Over Time sounds muddy by comparison. The guitar riffs and bass grooves really hit HARD in the mix and are thrilling to listen to - the opening to Answering the Call is probably the best example.
I'll be honest: I wasn't sure DT still had records like this in them. They sound fresh, inspired, and like they're having fun in the studio. Musicianship is off the charts even more than usual - Mangini and Petrucci give... maybe career-best performances? Really searing, intense solos and playing from those two. Myung sounds great and is fully audible in the mix - awesome stuff from him on Sleeping Giant and Awaken the Master in particular. Rudess feels a little more restrained (a good thing IMO), more focused on atmosphere and melody than wild sound effects and solos. LaBrie takes few risks here but also gives a very consistent performance; I enjoy the vocal melodies but not many stand out or really 'hook' me.
The album is very consistent in quality but I do feel that 'Invisible Monster' is a bit weaker than the rest. I like the musical ideas and the eerie vibe, but it kinda feels underwritten. I could see the track being outstanding if it were a bit longer and had a stronger chorus/lyrics, but as it is now it's still a decent song.
Best songs for me are Answering the Call, Sleeping Giant, and ESPECIALLY the title track.
My ranking of DT records is pretty weird, but I'd say this is their best since Train of Thought, and it will probably rise above that album too with more listens. It's a top 5 DT Album for me.