AllMusic concluded: "And for those who are not frightened away by that difficult, ultra-technical approach to prog metal, Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond is a well executed, decent outing that underscores Zero Hour's ability to keep plugging away despite all their lineup changes."[3] Vampster [de] said the album is typical prog metal fare.[6] Rock Hard said the band resembles a more extreme version of late-eighties Fates Warning.[4] Powermetal.de [de] recommended the tracks "Face the Fear, "The Falcon's Cry", and "I Am Here".[7]
