Just finished the stream. Definitely not something special, but it's extremely fun. Corey Taylor describing it as a blend of Vol. 3 and Iowa was almost accurate, with it falling more on the Vol. 3 side. This album is a bit too long though. They could have definitely trimmed the fat with this one. Best Tracks: XIX + Sarcastrophe (love the build up with these two songs) The Devil in I Nomadic The Negative One Weak Tracks: AOV (that chorus is awful) The One that Kills the Least (though it has a sweet guitar solo) Custer (if only for the terrible lyrics) Killpop If Rain is What You Want (what a weak album closer) I'd give the album a 3/5.
I regret my first post. This album is actually really good. A few of the tracks do feel a little too similiar but overall I feel like this is one of their best records.
I have listened to the album a few times. Nothing special about it. There's a few good songs on it, but overall it's just okay. I was expecting a bit more. I can easily say it's their weakest album up to date (Unless I change my mind in the future, which I doubt it). Favourite songs: AOV, Nomadic, The Devil In I.
Good watch. [video=youtube;M2l38dm6Fd8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2l38dm6Fd8&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/video]
Despite the loss of Paul and Joey, their new album is really awesome with only a few flaws. It's not only one of my most favorite albums of the year next to The Hunting Party, It might be 2014's biggest "comeback" record.
Just watched a bunch more from both nights. Band sounds really good. Jay was a little sloppy at times though. Corey was also having a lot trouble with his mask. Noticed he had cut the bottom lip off by might 2. Night 1 was little hard to get through though. Bad mix, coupled with Jay's sloppy playing and Corey's mask trouble made the whole thing kind of nuisance.
Two listens in. It's hard to find a track I dislike, but it's also hard to find songs that blow me away. It's definitely good, but nothing compared to Iowa and Vol.3. It opens up strong (XIX - The Devil In I), those 4 songs I really like. The Killpop/Skeptic combo is a bit weak, but I'm beginning to like it. Lech is definitely a step up again, and from that point it's good. Goodbye felt like it could be the Vermilion Pt. 2 or Circle of the album, and I was hoping it wouldn't go into brutal guitarzzz but unfortunately it did. It wasn't too bad when it did, but I wish it would've stayed low-key through the song. Nomadic, now this is where it begins to fucking rock. What a banger. The One That Kills The Least is really cool. Softer, but I really like it. Custer sounded exactly like what I imagined it would, especially the cut me up/fuck me up part. It sounds like a second grade The Negative One, which is still pretty fucking good. Be Prepared For Hell instantly reminded me of XIX, and I think it's a really awesome interlude, love the haunted vibe the album has going on. The Negative One remains the best song on the album, and boy does it fucking bang. Jesus, this song. Had it on constant repeat for 3 months now. Amazing. The closer really intrigued me with the title, and it did not disappoint. It's a pretty damn nice track. All in all, great album, but it could be better. Looks like it's gonna be one of those that get better with every listen.
The album isn't so much bad, as it is completely forgettable. The only memorable tracks are the singles, and the opening track (not XIX).
I would go so far as to say that (at least at the moment. Maybe it's just having new music.) that I would rather listen .5 than .3. I don't think it is any less memorable.
The album is definitely a grower. "Killpop" I hated on the first listen, but I've grown to enjoy everything about it except that god awful excuse for a chorus. "Sarcastrophe", "Lech", "The One Who Kills The Least" and "Nomadic" are pure bangers. "The Negative One" remains in my top three songs of the year. Evil.