Actually, I wanted to not buy this album from DT. I'm a fan of the 2 hour (from Images & Words) and was quite disappointed with albums like "Systematic Chaos" and "Train of Thoughts". For me, despite some Prog experience (DT, Spock's Beard, Dalis Dilemma, etc.) these discs were already too much of the self-indulgent art gadgetry. But then I learned that Mike left the band and thus DT as I know and have learned to appreciate was terminated. Mike has always supported much of the songwriting and thereby DT decisively influenced, without him, the band and the music no longer be the same (which is not always bad, see Spock's Beard). So I thought "What the heck is the last album with Mike, I'll buy it!". It was a very good decision because I think that this album with one of the best of DT's.
Musically you can find at BCASL again so some of what they had missed in DT. There are again some "Straightforward" melodies mixed with the usual technique. The opener "A Nightmare to Remember" with tears and convinces by variety and catchiness. Also "Shattered Fortress" and "Count of Tuscany", although not necessarily all short, catchy, good to listen to your length and not boring.
What I personally find very interesting that at the time of songwriting the departure of Mike probably already planned, resulting in "Best of Times" would explain. Completed by 2 songs which although are not bad, but still lagging behind in comparison, provides the album is a milestone of progressive metal.
Oh, die-hard fans find so many "special" from previous albums in the melodies.
