Album picks up at track 5 imo, other than Prophecies, the first 4 tracks are lacking

I felt as if the first 4 songs take some time getting used to.

"At the Edge of Time" is my favorite track on the album after Grand Parade actually, though I agree that the first two tracks are definitely the weakest on the album along with Sacred Mind.

Dig it thus far.... I can't hear any flaw in the production, though, and that was a major complain by
many users in here.

Edit: I was quite impressed by the album. I t was better than what I was made to think it would be. I
definitely like the first two tracks, especially the opening one. It's really bombastic and epic, even
if it tends to drag at times. On the other hand, Prophecies sounds a bit casual, with no particular
surprises. Don't know, maybe it's a grower track. Anyhow, it's close to 4, a 3.8 maybe.

Listen to At The Edge Of Time (album) and you will clearly hear the difference in the production. That album sounds great.

I will and I'll inform you. I see it's also a good album so I'll enjoy it.

In my opinion, The Ninth Wave wasn't able to capture the epicness of Sacred Worlds.....

"The Ninth Wave wasn't able to capture the epicness of Sacred Worlds....."

I agree. Sacred Worlds is an amazing Opening track. My favorite songs on the new album are probably the Throne and Holy grail.

The Throne is so good

Arrangements are elaborate as always, but the sound production is too off putting for me, I'm afraid.

This is power metal sounding as symphonic progressive rock and the combo is not that successful here. That's just me, though.

symphonic progressive rock?

this is surely metal dude

^^The arrangements are metal indeed, the sound though is symphonic prog rock, for me at least.

My biggest issue with the new album would have to be the production. The production isn't the worst I've heard but it sounds a little messy to me. At the Edge of Time was produced by the same guy (Charlie Bauerfeind) and it sounds much better than Beyond the Red Mirror. I also feel there was more variety on ATEOT. I think the song writing is good on the new album but not great. I found myself being kinda bored with 5 of the first 6 tracks. At the Edge of Time was the one song out of the first 6 that I enjoyed. The second half of the album is easily the better half. As of right now I would say this album is about a 3.0 for me which would be my lowest BG rating ever but I'm going to give it a few more listens before I give this an official rating.

I'm not far off from you Lowder, agree with almost everything you said