I have been sitting here listening to this... and... wow! Freakin' amazing!
This is the heaviest thing they have ever done and yet not losing any of their melodic metal charm. The lyrics seem very dark which suits the themes. I still haven't figured out if this is a full-blown concept album or not. I have only heard it once but I think I can safely say this is better than "The Odyssey". On a couple tracks I must admit that Michael's riffs sound a little rehashed but if you are going to rehash something what a way to go! Russell's vocals are overall abrasive (similar to his work on The Odyssey) yet still crystal clear and smooth when need be. I just can't say enough good stuff about this. When it comes out a lot of people are going to be floored. The disc opens with a two minute intro that sets the mood then progresses onward with 3 more mid-paced metal anthems (signature SX stuff). Then comes the title track which is an epic power ballad with hooks big enough to land a whale! Possibly my favorite song ever from this band. Right after that one they pick up the pace big time with a tight rifftastic number that just shreds from start to finish. You can literally feel the passion in Russell's voice on this one. Then comes the grand "Walls Of Babylon". This is hauntingly heavy with lots of instrumental flourishes (the vocals don't even start until 3 minutes into the song). Track 8 is more of a speed metal number and one of my least faves as the songs here are all a bit faster than what I usually like, but it works well for the album and fans of the faster stuff are sure to like the magnificently well executive performance. This is followed by another ballad and another convincing performance from Russell. Symphony X is one of my favorite bands for these type of songs. Russell's voice is so well trained and works incredibly well. Last we have the "epic". Over 9 minutes of a monster track titled "Revelation". You will just have to hear that one for yourself. All in all a great ride and a killer album that is definitely a contender for top spot this year.

Threshold,Symphony X and Kamelot all in the same year!!!
Pinch me i must be dreaming.

Allen/Lande, Within Temptation and Pink Cream 69 too!

I forgot Dream Theater.

you also forgot Redemption and Sonata Arctica!

It's good, but I think there are some generic moments interspersed with some nice ideas. At times it gets a little too power metal sounding, and it loses its focus some.

I think Russell's aggro voice gets on my nerves. I like him in a more smooth register, which luckily he displays more than on The Odyssey. The production is so much better as well. So yes this is a better album than its predecessor, but not quite as great on the level of "V" or "Twilight In Olympus", which are the 2 albums that create that special vibe for me.