With guitar bombast and shrill vocals, concludes 's long-running prog-opera about family, homicide, and the apocalypse. There's enough genuine melody here to attract newcomers, but tuning in to 's sci-narrative during its final installment ( is the finale of a multi-chaptered story) is similar to watching without seeing any of the preceding flicks -- there's still fun to be had, but one can't help but feel a tad uninformed. Accordingly, the album is simple ear candy for those who haven't studied the band's previous releases, and sweet resolution for those who can spot the references to older songs (specifically ) and former riffs ( ). continues to steer his bandmates through territory, using 's and 's conceptual catalog to help light the way. Like the singer's shockingly huge mound of hair, 's vocals are campy, ludicrous, but nevertheless appealing, with high notes and vibrato-heavy lines drawing the usual comparisons to . Still, the whole package may be difficult to stomach for some listeners. This is full-blown influenced by novels, comics, and the ; those who don't prefer their music with a side of should turn away at the first burst of synthesized thunder. But listeners who venture onward will find a number of enjoyable would-be singles: (quite possibly the most high-brow power ballad this side of ). ~ Andrew Leahey