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So, considering this will be the only review where I can write a serious and reasoned comment about the album... let's start! Positive aspects: a production that highlights each instrument well (and doesn’t massacre the eardrums with the drums), a renewed sense of melody, and a partial return to what DT used to be (with no blatant copying from Metallica, Muse, etc.). Negative aspects: returning to being DT has led to a fair amount of recycling of structures and pieces lifted here and there from their other songs; Mangini’s performance is definitely underwhelming (but it's not his fault, so I’m just deferring judgment until the next test), LaBrie no longer has the voice he once did and has become quite monotonous... then there are the technicalities stuck in everywhere (thankfully less than in the past) which have become tiresome, ultimately ruining even the little good they manage to create, see Outcry! A barely sufficient performance, I would say in conclusion...

No way... I totally missed this gem from the most transgressive friar in history! Well done, excellent find!!! P.S.: but who the hell is Andrea Rossi?

Total Eclipse of the Heart is a really great song (although I don't agree on Freddie) ruined by various covers that have never reached the beauty and intensity of the original; other than that, I don't know anything else by her...

Great album, much darker and heavier than the previous ones, in some cases it strongly leans towards thrash; the only flaw is its excessive compactness, which makes it difficult to listen to all in one go. Everything else is fine, and the new singer is, in my opinion, better than Udo (HERESY!!!). P.S.: but what is HV?!

I wanted to do it myself; I was about to jot down a few lines but then you beat me to it with this excellent review, as usual. I mostly agree with what you say about the album, in the sense that the more "aggressive" and thrash component has become overwhelmingly dominant at the expense of the softer and more atmospheric parts: even Allen's vocals reflect this, as he now expresses himself almost exclusively with a raspy tone and near-growl. I have the double CD version, and on the second disc, there are three bonus tracks that, in my opinion, are better than some found on the "standard" edition. Still a pass from me, but this time with a few small reservations... I hope they return a bit to their roots with the next album.

It's next on the listening list; for now, I'm trying to understand the latest from DT. In the meantime, I'll vote for the review, which seems well done :)

Never listened to it and I don't think I will: these works with re-recorded versions of old songs by a band have never convinced me (unless they are offered in a completely different version, like Hindsight by Anathema)... I was horrified by First Strike Still Deadly by Testament back in the day, and since then I haven't ventured into this kind of stuff. Just one last note: I don't understand why so many people still criticize Joutsen; okay, he may not be Koivusaari, but in my opinion, he is definitely more effective and in line with the band's style compared to Koskinen...

Accurate review as always; I agree with those who mention "Recreation..." and "Inner..." as their best albums, but this one feels a bit underdeveloped to me; aside from that, Evergrey is an excellent band that continues to receive less recognition than they truly deserve...

oh, yes! (I still need to listen to the album)

I didn't even know about the existence of this project. Great job, excellent review, and for the album... I will listen, I will listen :-)