Queensryche typically does outstanding music. Their lyrics are thoughtful; the drumming and singing particularly exceptional; the guitar work very respectable. When "on", their songs are among the most powerfully emotional available. However, they faltered here. This album is also well-written, but the music doesn't have the emotional intensity of their best efforts. Skip it; go back to their earlier work if you want to see them at their peak.If you have the opportunity to pick up a couple of tracks from this disc, try "Reach" and "Inside Out." The rest is forgettable.I'm a huge Queenryche fan, so it hurt to write this!