So basically, how comes Zen Arcade is perceived to be considerably better than New Day Rising? Is it because it's that much more intense, visceral, fierce and ambitious? Or is there something I'm missing thematically, or in how it was executed?

To me New Day Rising packs so many great hooks, and is a little less ferocious and noisy. Maybe that just suits my tastes?

Of course anyone can have their preferences and whatnot, I just wonder what y'all think?