There comes the first wave of change in direction for the band... but after a few listens you get used to it and find the good old Axxis in there, but with this new sound and feel... new producer, and you can definitely tell. But it's not bad, not bad at all. Ballads on this one are better than ever, I would recommend not listen to them if you're already depressed because you might not be able to retain your tears... very deep songs ! As for the loud one... well, they just got louder !!! And that's good... the lyrics are quiet the same, about relationships or save the earth kinda stuff (like Stratovarius do)... which I like, but let's face it are not that original but who cares when the music sounds that fucking good ! So new sound guitar, new engineering and somehow you could tell this album has been recorded in the U.S. But the Axxis spirit is still present and it's a very good album !!!