This was my first reaction too - on first listen, it's not as cohesive of an experience as Time will Die... but holy shit these songs are amazing. Starting my second listen now.
I think the melodic, clean sung elements shine brighter on this album than they did on Time will Die.
This fucking album! I wasn’t sure if they could top Time Will Die but they might have just done that???
i did not get that "wow" effect I had with Time Will Die but it's a very solid release, don't get me wrong. this is will be a grower.
Basically my exact present feelings. Album is excellent, will be seeing very heavy rotation, but doesn't top Time Will Die for me, at least not yet.
The first time I heard Aftermath into Rituals I was blown away. Then what happens at 2:30 in Balancing the Dark. Jaw on the floor. Then all the craziness in Alma Mater. I haven't had those moments yet on this album. But I think WMBM will keep growing as a fantastic record. I actually think i appreciate the softer moments in this one more than Time Will Die, at least right now.
Honestly, moment to moment, I might like WMBM more, but the primary difference is no song in its totality reaches the heights of A Flood of Light or Contretemps for me.
I can't stop thinking about that ominous long intro on "Drip". When the build up comes to an end, it hits so hard.