A rock opera with folk-based instrumentation and vocals (reminds me of Neutral Milk Hotel and Fleet Foxes), country and metal touches, classic 2000s indie energy (like Arcade Fire), and an enveloping atmosphere that creates tension and drives the story. I like how the songs are strung together and flow seamlessly between each other, as well as the reoccurring themes that are spun with new twists to keep the record fresh and familiar. The interludes are nice to give breaks between the intensity and loudness of most tracks. I didn't like how rambly this album was compared to their others. I found the melodies less interesting (for the most part), and less emotion and soul in the vocals. It reminds me a lot of overly-commercial 90s alt rock. Picaresque had much stronger songs. This album has some highlights too, but with how scattered the tracks move around, it's hard to have the same impact. Great for a rock opera, and suited for an enveloping story with quality music. Favorites: The Wanting Comes in Waves / Repaid, The Rake's Song, The Queen's Rebuke / The Crossing