The instrumental intro is OK, 'The Enemy Inside' is their second consecutive album track release to get a Grammy nomination......and is quite fab.
The rest.......fair. Every middle bridge/guitar solo.....could have been placed in every song. They don't follow or fit the rest of the song. I'll listen to the same track four times a day, listen to another four times a week later.......and I'd still flunk a 'what song is this from? test.
'Illumination Theory'...........the 21 minute finale.........is quite mind blowing. So many moods. And the after 'easter egg' is such a beautiful piece. But it just doesn't 'jell' like the 'Octavarium' title track
Sound quality is a tad better than 'Events'......but with two tracks deleted.....I absolutely love that album. I don't have any emotions regarding the new release. A very mellow track, 'Along For the Ride', is absolutely superb......until the ELP synth (similar to 'Beneath the Surface') rears its ugly head (and it mimics Styx' 'Sing for the Day')
That being said, you and I differ as to our views on 'Dark Clouds', so I don't know how you will view it.
I do know that I got the 'Live at Luna' CD and DVD for Christmas, along with a pre-paid parking pass for their Washington DC concert on April Fools' Day.....so not a bad holiday at all. And perhaps, after seeing them in concert to top my Queen total by one, I'll like them more than now.
btw....still doing the WWRY tour? Saw you in Baltimore on a Saturday night.....you did welll, my friend.
joe+susan+DTdoggie+