After the first run I was also skeptical. Only one song that grabs you straight: The Enemy Inside. After several passes, this impression has, however, changed fundamentally: Dream Theater put more emphasis on the songs than on the previous album. Also on experiments like Muse-felling or Thrash is here waiver (fits at DT just not (and I stand very Thrash!)). It is less gefrickelt, but the vocal melodies ignite more. Challenging the whole thing is enough. Great album that I can recommend without restriction from start to finish. Good music does not have to be reinvented every time!