As one of the biggest names in EDM, the year has been somewhat quiet for Joel Zimmerman, better known as deadmau5, until now. Released on December 2nd , fans were finally given the new album W:/2016ALBUM/.

Right off the bat, it holds much more noticeable differences than the Canadian’s previous release. It’s shorter by an hour, with 12 songs adding to a little over an hour instead of the 25 featured on the double album that racks up to over two hours, not including the continuous mixes of each part. The sound of the album also gives off more of an 80’synth vibe and a much more upbeat sound as opposed to the melancholy and much more calming sound that was previously given.

Though the album and the songs on it may be new to most listeners, deadmau5 has been working on these songs publicly for quite some time. Through the streaming platform Twitch, diehard fans and casual listeners alike were able to tune in on the process, hearing the legend at work live from the comfort of their own home.

If you’re expecting an album full of fast-paced, high energy songs that you would hear at a music festival in Miami, then think again. Though there are some energetic tracks featured in the list like “No Problem” and “4ware,” it holds a generally tranquil theme throughout the rest of the LP; a common theme that can be seen from most of deadmanu5’s recent works.

One song that definitely stood out from the others for the better was “Let Go”, the only track with vocals provided by Grabbits, his soothing voice fit for the six-minute track. On the opposite of the spectrum, “Deus Ex Machina” was the bottom of the barrel compared to the rest. The song felt too empty for the whole runtime, offering nothing for listeners except the feeling to skip as soon as they can.

Deadmau5 has usually brought innovative and compelling songs to the public eye, but this album for sure can’t be considered his best. On Twitter, he even stated that he doesn’t even like it and that it was rushed to be released. But after this, it was told that he’s already working on his next album which will be released next year.

It’s great that we were able to receive new music and can expect some more to come but after a two-year wait, I could have expected a much more well-crafted album from the EDM icon that revolutionized the genre.