I've been listening to this CD for over two weeks now, and really enjoy it. Like others, it took a bit to grow on me (become familiar with it), probably because there is nothing really new to the Kamelot sound on this CD. That doesn't mean the quality isn't there - because it surely is. There is a lot of texture and detail in the songs waiting to be discovered.
Favorite songs:
The Zodiac (love the bombastic, gaudy choruses)
House on a Hill (delicate and smooth as silk)
Necropolis (heavy grind/drive underneath with a lot of textures on top)
The Great Pandemonium (heavy Conception vibe at 2:33 mark)
Packaging and artwork is as stellar as ever. I don't care for and avoid digipacks, unless they are done this well. I love that Thomas genuinely cares about the artwork and packaging for his songs as much as he does he songs himself.
I've been a big Khan fanboy since his days in Conception, and have enjoyed the fruits of the partnership he's had with Thomas. However, the sound they have been developing since Epica is now quite mature. I don't know how they can really develop it any further.
As a fanboy, I don't have a problem with the band choosing not to stray far from the comfort zone they have developed, but at the same time, I think I'd enjoy listening to them develop a new flavor on the next couple of CDs. After several very ornate, lush discs, I'd love to see them strip things down a bit while still keeping the melody and quirks that are Kamelot - much like Conception did with their, "FLOW" release. I think a similar release with Thomas's touch would fit quite nicely into their catalog.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEeqxicbSEI&feature=related[/ame]