One thing I didn't mention but which is worth mentioning (might at least generate discussion) is that the cheese factor is relatively high here for a 70s album
Jon really wants to convey the story of these peoples from his imagination and unlike other groups like f.ex Magma, he does it without sillyness or whimsicality. For me, I feel like the seriousness of the project is what gives it the relatively cheesy feel.
Cheesy isn't necessarily a bad thing of course. Just make sure the neighbours are gone before you blast it out your speakers if it really bothers you
and of course, it's not half as cheesy as, say, Kamelot or Mighty Rhapsody, but it flavours the album nonetheless (imo).