I think my real problem with Anthems is that (based on several cursory listens because I couldn't pay attention to it for more than 30 seconds) the production makes it sound like a wall of noise. The blasts tend to drown out stuff, and they switched from the epic synth sound on ITNE to a more orchestral sound that really does nothing for me. The album overall is too intense, both in production and in songwriting, and the end result is that nothing sticks with me. I've only listened a few times, but said times leave me with no desire to listen more.
I think IX Equilibrium is somewhat overlooked. Not a great album, and fairly unambitious, but it has some really cool songs and it's more varied and creative than the first two.
I'll also say that I enjoy Prometheus, which is weird because it has a lot of the same flaws as ITNE and quite a few of its own, but I do dig it for some reason. Also, the solo in The Eruption is fucking nuts.
I think IX Equilibrium is somewhat overlooked. Not a great album, and fairly unambitious, but it has some really cool songs and it's more varied and creative than the first two.
I'll also say that I enjoy Prometheus, which is weird because it has a lot of the same flaws as ITNE and quite a few of its own, but I do dig it for some reason. Also, the solo in The Eruption is fucking nuts.