My initial listens of this album were not overly positive, but it has been a big time slower grower. I am a pretty big fan now.
Had track 3 and the end of the epic both been better, I think this could have been a second tier DT album for me, but it doesn't quite make it.
Answering the Call, Sleeping Giant, Transcending Time and Awaken the Master are all great. I listen to all of these pretty often now.
The Alien is very good.
The first 3/4 of the epic is mostly great, but then the last 1/4 is merely good. Not exactly the most satisfying ending considering the song's length and its build-up.
Invisible Monster isn't as boring as I thought it was at first, but it's solid at best (and features some poor lyrics).
Kev, this album took a number of listens to break down. It comes off as quite thick at first. That's great. I was expecting a thick, technical album this time around.
DT is one of those band that I don't put the new album down without breaking it down first. The whole album is quite satisfying, and there are all kinds of things going on. Jordan is sneaky awesome on this. These are some of his best solos too.
I had The Alien ranked #26 on my Topp 100.
I agree with you on the title track. It's really excellent for the most part. Even though the chill mid section is oh so predictable at this point, on its own, it is amazing. That final vocal part is such a huge let down. This song simply doesn't have a climax, that epic moment. I actually like the outro, but it would've been better had it not have been introduced by such a dud of a vocal line. What a poor choice. And WTF is with the transition between the last vocal line and the outro? It's clearly pasted together, but it sounds like whoever was incharge of that was asleep at the button for a second.
Sleeping Giant and Awaken The Master are so freaking good it's ridiculous.
Oh, and I would say this. This has to be the worst vocal production on any Dream Theater album. It sounds so layered and processed. James sounded so great just two albums ago on The Astonishing. Even on the s/t, he's pretty clear. On this, he's sounds like he's singing through a barrier.