It is absolutely brutal to see Epiphone put out such beautiful color specs as some Dealer Select Japan Exclusive models..
It is even more brutal to get some very questionable color choices (perimeter clownburst🤡) for the Western market!
WHY CANT WE GET THESE?
ASTY is a really good album in my opinion, but it feels slightly "empty" at times. Compare that with the latest Static Dress album (production by Erik, so it makes sense to bring this one up), and there are so many juicy details and movements that just create constant excitement.
It is not even about more riffs and chugs; it is just about more details and therefore more emotion.
There were so many more goosebump moments on their last record for me, especially during the more calm sections because of that.
Edit: It would be enough to have Erik write another guitar part and they would have a non-permanent member for touring - I do not think another member is needed for songwriting or the direction of the band as such.