Well, it's supposed to tbe wrapping up the 12-step saga, and that is why we receive the old riffs; they are supposed to symbolize redemption, and a way of reflect on things past. That being said, i agree that the Shattered Fortress is a pretty dry and uninspired song.
I think this new album is one of DTs weakest efforts; aside from A Nightmare to Remember and the Count of Tuscany (which rules), the other tracks lack that substance DT so often carries around.
I am a huge DT fan, but i'll have to admit that i'd place this CD with "Failing times Infinity" and "Octavarium", unfortunatelly. Otherwise, i think all the remaining DT albums are pure gold scraped from the deepest mine of California!
One of my alltime favourite bands, ever!