I have been a big QR fan since the Rage For Order album, but the honest truth is that this album is very disappointing. I have always respected these guys, but the table turns when you wait almost 20 years for a follow up album to Operation Mindcrime, and this is what they stick you with. It is sad to see that the best has already came and gone for this band. Losing their original guitarist has definitely been a negative for them. Geoff Tate will always be one of my favorite singers though....right up there with Steve Perry and Bruce Dickinson. However, I am still amazed at the lack of in depth lyrics and musical writing ability that went into this follow up album. I think it would have been a better idea to hire some hotshots outside of the band to do the music writing! Maybe albums like this one are the reason that there is still no Pink Floyd The Wall II!!??Ray LowryLimitedAccesstheband.com