Been listening to this for a couple of days now. More rock & roll virtuosity, as we expected. This disc has a bit more edge at times; in addition, the production (IMO) feels very digital -- it could use some warmth.

I won't provide much detail because I don't want to spoil your first listen, but the version I bought is 3 discs :

1) Black Clouds & Silver Linings

2) A CD of 6 cover songs

3) Instrumental version of Black Clouds & Silver Linings

This release has a very personal composition from Portnoy called THE BEST OF TIMES.
It is a tribute to his Father, who died early this year; perhaps why I got this in the mail the day before Father's Day. This CD has 6 new songs, 4 of which run between 12 and 20 minutes

Disc # 2 is an interesting selection of covers; I was thrilled at the choice on 2 of these........really well-done.

Disc # 3 -- have not quite yet figured out why this is included......................time to kill in the studio ?

From what I've heard so far, this is a recommended purchase............but I confess I would say that about any CD from Dream Theater.