It's an album that's been out for a few months now, a union of the Metal/prog. rock genres and Christian messages.
The first time I listened to it, I had a "meh" feeling about it, at best. It didn't seem as good as the question-mark album ("?"), but then I listened to it through headphones. Indeed, the opening riffs in "The Door" were still "meh" and Neal's repetitious lyrics ("In the Name of God you must die") still somewhat grate on my nerves, but after you get through the first 7 minutes of that, the album shines.
It has so many well-said things that resonate with Christianity. My favorite line, for example, "Jesus didn't call me to do what I would do." There are three epics in this album, and every song is backed with the theme of doing what Christ would do. Reason is found in the third song (the only song under 20 minutes long), "Heaven in my Heart..."
But there's something burning inside me
There's something deep within my heart
Telling me go on through
I am here with you, no matter where you are
So in my hour of pain and sorrow
Please, Jesus, walk me through the dark
'Cause if I die with him I will rise again
With heaven in my heart
Oh God, help me to have heaven in my heart
As for the musical aspects of the album, it takes a while to get warmed up but it does get very good. Heavy on the synths, much like Neal's previous albums, which makes some of the metalic and rock elements sound strange at times, but it's not bad and it's not anything new to Neal's albums.
Overall, I'd give this album an 8/10. The intro riffs are the only things that don't sit well with me, but hey... that's just me.
So check it out if you get the chance :3
