Lengthier review to come later (I think).
But here's where I currently am with it :
- Currently sitting with Zero Hour's latest as the best progmetal album of the year.
- Tony Kakko sounds incredible on the song he sings on. And it totally fits the song and was an excellent choice.
- The guitar playing is excellent. Their playing can be fast, technical, and still interesting. Something that eludes a lot of players.
- I can't compare it to Redriven by Fate and that's why I've been so slow to write a review. Two completely different albums, which is very commendable. The problem is that I'm such a fan of the instrumental tracks on that album, that it's unfair to compare. I mean you have no idea how it makes me feel everytime I listen to the acoustic versions of Paradise Lost chapter 4 and Utopian Rust. Such amazing songs. No song on this album hits me in that same way. However, Deathanity is more consistent overall.
- I'm glad I can understand what's going on in the lyrics this time. On Redriven by Fate there were tracks that lyrically I just didn't get (hey at least I read the lyrics, most bands don't even entice me to do so). I think that the lyrics are good. But I'm going to have to read them through closer (most bands I wouldnt' give a damn, so that meant hey are at least on the good level, whereas most bands are no the 'suck' level).
- I'm a fan of Matt's voice. No doubt. I think the album is composed in a way that makes it all work. However, I would have liked to have heard more sinister Matt. When Matt goes evil with his voice he's amazing (as he has done live). Maybe they'll experiment with this more on the next album. Some thrashy-prog, or prog-doom or something like that just to show even more how talented this band is.
- I'll freely admit that the album hasn't fully sunk in yet. The album has so much going on, so much compositionally, that its going to take a while till I really completely 'get' it.
- I look forward to the next album
