I can definitely hear some very heavy influences from the 80s / perhaps the Classic Rock kinda bands. But when it's coupled with the PQ sound, it works incredibly well to blend into the catchy-melodic style of Power Metal that you guys play, and makes for a bit of a different sound from your earlier stuff. At the time of writing this paragraph, I'm on Track 8 on my first listen, so not quite done, but I can tell already that a lot of the choruses from this album are going to be catchy as hell, and I'm going to be singing them under my breath for quite a while.
Chity's voice is excellent, it complements the music well - when I was trying to mouth along to the tracks at first, I was expecting a much higher pitch to be sung at some points, simply because I was used to Alessio. I imagine it's something I'll get used to over a few playthroughs, but I'm already enjoying it just as much!
Crunching the Numbers, I think, is going to be a surprise favourite. The chorus is dark and good to sing along to whilst it's playing, and I enjoyed how you related the lyrics to, well, current events. Means I can relate to it quite well, and having the lyrics so "grounded in reality" (if you'll excuse the term. I can't think of how else to describe it, they describe actual events and news as opposed to concepts, etc) makes a very good change.
As soon as Blood Alliance started, it felt really upbeat. It's definitely going to be a contender for the best track on the album. I couldn't believe the time flew by so quickly whilst I was listening to that, and the lyrics are fantastic. City of Lies definitely contains the trademark PQ sound. The keys at the start & melody remind me of MND, and the speed just makes me love it. I like the curious-sounding end to City of Lies. Sounds like a great closer to the album for those without the bonus track, and just... works, and... Yeah. Time to Burn could definitely have been put on the main album.
So far, this is looking absolutely amazing. Congratulations Steve (and, of course, the rest of the band!), so far, this album is definitely living up to the mountains of hype I had for it!
Guys who haven't got this yet... you're gonna love it.