Looking at the previous albums up to that point a very unorthodox opener, but in context of what came later in the reunion era this one doesn't seem so strange anymore. The band Evergrey used the intro for one of their songs too, funnily enough.
Blaze has some great performances throughout the song. I like the RIR version more than the studio version, not because of Blaze vs Bruce, but because of the difference in energy and speed. The song really benefits from the live setting. The verses in particular need that extra oomph that is missing in the studio version once you've heard it live.
The song is filled with great melodies and I appreciate the added clean guitar flourishes in the chorus. The verses are simple, but incredibly effective. The highlight of the song is heard in the instrumental sections though. The song is a proper journey. It changes tempos, time signatures, atmosphere and vibes with relative ease. The odd-time section with the chromatic riff (lots of tritones!) halfway through the song is super trippy and I really love it.
The song picks up even more steam once it changes to the steady 3/4 beat. Then a transitional riff, similar in purpose to the one before Hallowed's solo section and we get some super catchy melodies, before hearing the first couple of solos of the album. The change of pace is awesome as well and definitely welcome. Both Dave and Janick deliver great solos (though the end of Janick's is a bit too weak and random).
We change tempos, get some more great lead playing, with some added clean guitar half way through. Then a massive tempo change and back to the final chorus. Really love the fact that the chorus changes to a clean version halfway through, changing the feel entirely. We get a reprise of the intro and the song ends.
Not sure I have too much to add that hasn't been said before and better by others. A great start to the album and a strong 8.
