Sound the Alarm

After somewhat alienating fans by flexing their muscles on 2003's , it seems that want to reclaim their stake to the throne. Whether or not a conscious reaction to the mixed response of their last (though admittedly solid) album, harks back to the aggressive - nature of their days, but ya know, five years more mature. 's voice is as distinctive as ever -- walking that fine line between endearing and annoying -- but somehow now invokes a slight likeness to 's mixed with a sneer. sufficiently sets both the cynical mood and quick pace for the album ahead with its thick, understated bassline and punchy disposition that fiercely proclaims "And if I die tonight and go to Hell/I wonder will I see you?" As such, certainly haven't lost their knack for crafting the perfect singalong song for bitterness and heartache altogether presented in a gleaming package. Morbid, often bloody, imagery is still present amidst emotive lines ("I'll cut out my throat and I'll eat it raw/And drown in the blood as it fills my lungs"); thus one advantage is revealed to having a hand in defining a genre -- the gory lines come off as clever instead of cliched and annoying. And while bouncy numbers like and show re-creating what they do best, the unhurried backdrop of the compelling are affecting songs that should grow on listeners to lasting satisfaction. While is enjoyable enough, it still doesn't reach the level of excellence reached on . The latter album had more diversity and memorable moments than 's 13 tracks put together. With hopes set too high for an masterpiece that somehow blended 's pensive experimentation and 's sparkling nature on a canvas, is ultimately just another good record. But hey, what's really wrong with that? ~ Corey Apar