I picked up the album on Friday and listened to it a few times this weekend:
:thumbs:
While it's still a ways off from their earlier stuff, it's definitely a step big back in the right direction. Big heavy guitar work, good riffs, and monster solos. I see what you guys were talking about with the drums - they aren't nearly as bad as St. Anger but they are a bit overpowering, and the snare is a little hollow and sloppy. I found that when I was listening on a quality sound system (home stereo/bose headphones) where I could really control the mix, it sounded great. In my '98 pontiac car stereo with just bass/treble nobs, not so much, and the drums drown out the guitars.
I think any fans of the older pre-Black days will enjoy it - but definitely go out and buy it, as I can almost guarantee the best songs won't make it to the radio waves (the first single may be the worst song on the album IMHO).