The Phoenix

The long-awaited follow-up to 2009's , the aptly named arrives after a period of internal combustion that saw the departure of guitarist, lead vocalist, and co-founder . Fans needn't worry, though, as , , and have delivered a sleek and sordid set of swaggering disco-post-grunge emissions that fall well within the established sonic parameters -- think . has assumed vocal duties, and while his baritone pipes possess a bit more theatricality than his predecessor, it doesn't take much time to adapt to the new cadence, especially when and lock in on one of the band's signature grooves. -worthy deviations into stoner metal like "Wiping Off the Dead" impress, but it's in the wild and familiar gyrations of songs like "Replaceable," "Unknown Enemy," and "Better Than Get Even" that the band sounds most at home. ~ James Christopher Monger