I totally dig it. I think it's the best thing they've done. But I've always hated cookie monster vocals. It's just one note, there's nothing musical about it. I do have to admit, though, it's nothing like anything from the golden lineup of Akerfeldt, Lindgren, Mendez, Lopez, which was kind of a bizarre combination (in being half Swedish, half Uruguyan) and magical. But that stopped being magical when Akerfeldt became the focal point of the band.
Kayo Dot appear to be heading in a similar direction (less extreme).