I'm going to disagree with the guy's review. If the album was really as bad as he says it is, he'd be giving it a lower score - probably a 4/10 or 3.5/10.
While I do hear some relationship with this album and
Quintessence, I like this album much more. I also hear a correlation in this album and Deep Purple (and it's not just the Hammond!
) insofar as innovation and harmonic structuring which brings me to my next point.
I don't hear the "dissonance and disharmonies" that you're talking about, but that's probably because I'm used to hearing the types of harmonic arrangements that you don't find in the typically-orchestrated Heavy Metal band from enough music theory classes where we explore different styles of music - everything is not all root-fifth on this album. There's all kinds of harmonic layering and shifts (much like you'll find in Classical music) that may sound dissonant to the untrained ear but are actually well under control of the writer.
This album is a stylistic shift from what they've been doing before, which is good. At least they're willing to experiment with their material and take a risk, unlike other bands that sell out to their fans' wishes and keep putting out the same album with a new cover, a la AC/DC or Motorhead.
Everyone's welcome to their opinion, of course.
I still think this is one of 3 best albums I've purchased this year...which is sad because it shows to me that people don't seem all that focused on quality material anymore.
Epic,
The Eye of Every Storm and
Uh Huh Her helped restore my faith that people actually can put out great tunes.
Øystein, you've outdone yourself with this album, Sir.
My only complaint about this album is that it's not long enough! I want more!