bands who established a name for themselves are not afraid to do what they wanted, that is do things that improves their artistic touch, no compromise.... this band is one of them..
as for the album, the technicality and somewhat rawness is there(i think it's been always there), the creativity and the songwriting prowess.... if you are to listen to the album, some will be disappointed and the ones who really dig their music, will dig this up..
if you're expecting them making stuffs like stellar, anti-gravity, etc. type of songs in this album, then be left behind...... though comparing is everybody's sickness, i think it's fair to say that a new album means new music... AMEN......