To each their own, of course, yet...
It's funny, but some time ago, I made a bet of mine with someone that given APC's insulting 4.9/10, Tool would inevitably score higher on P4K. Obligatory. And they did, by 0.5 points more at 5.4 - above the median - even if not by their standards that will drop to zero.
I now see that my biggest complaint with Anthony "always on the money" Fanta, and this goes back long before this review, other than what's been said about the little time he gives to a record before a review is that he personally puts peer pressure above his own taste. Somewhere, at some point in time, he felt it necessary to do what very few critics who (track record in dispute) enjoy an act do without being entirely offended, which is to say, "disregarding 13 years of absence and my own commentary, I am going to give this what my current audience expects", face over palm, early video talking strongly on the title track with valid concerns. Anthony, mr. best teeth, goes the "rather be insulting route" than an honest review.
Tear it to shreds, man. Give it a low score and little thought. I wouldn't care. Though you go the route P4K went with APC. So close to "meh", but strongish 4/10. I'd be inclined to believe him over most if it weren't his thumbnail. As though that's us, as though we were looking forward to shared disappointment. At that point, coupled with your barebones review, I'm not sure what to feel.
I was hypocritical about Tomorrow's Harvest. In the same way as the MANY problems the new Tool has (mostly length/production, tbh) throughout its runtime, I criticised a good but imperfect record too soon and too heavily.
The one difference is that in both scenarios, I never felt so offended that I wasn't at least happy to see one of my favorite groups back - and under no circumstances, truthfully, did they lose SO MUCH that I'd give them less than the equivalent to a 5. Just me. This would make much more sense but I only have a phone to type on, so greater thoughts....they're there, but my neck is hurting and I'm sick of hitting delete.
Okay...now...wait for fog machine.