@Kursk....

you see that's why SO are a great band, I don't really enjoy the songs you listed as much as their 'pop punk' (urgh) songs.

I like upbeat SO, their albums offer both with everything in between. I feel this makes them the ultimate band.

Score is for "Mission Statement"!!! what a shedfest!!!

As much as I wanted to love this album, I simply can't. As you said, songs like "All the Nations" are pop punk that Yellowcard wishes they could write. But that's the thing, it seems like there are far too many songs like this on here. Strung Out are most suited in their element playing metallic skatepunk, not pop punk and the songs that deliver in the former category like "Calling", "Party In the Hills", "Orchid", "Downtown" and "The King Has Left The Building" for example are nothing short of fantastic, yet thrown in between those songs are the latter "pop punk" songs like "All the nations", ""A War called Home: and "Letter Home" just drain my interest in the album, despite the act that they are very well performed.

To the ones bashing this album for not being as punkrock as TBD, ADIP, etc etc...

Thank Fuckin' God!! those were great albums, but it would be as boring as shit if they kept putting out the same type of records... they're not the Ramones, who if they would still be alive, would have songs like Rockaway Chat, and Rock and roll message board... I'm glad that with each album they try something different, some times it's good, someother not so much... but for everyone talking shit, as Propaghandi once said:
"they make records... you make fries, so... pass the ketchup please"

does he scream on this one like he did Exile?

oops, Exile is tied with ADIP

After listening to it a few times, it grew on me. 100x better than Exile which lacked in the production dept. Lyrically, it is a little lacking compared to TBD, STWB, EOSD, and AAP. Orchid and Kind has Left the Building are killer tracks.

All time Strung Out Ranking:
1. EOSD
2. STWB, TBD, AAP, BOLA
3. ADIP
4. Skinny

not to mention these guys have a shit load of awesome B sides like novacain, lost motel, barfly, your worst mistake, etc.

IMAO :

1/ Twisted By Design 10/10
2/ Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues 9/10
3/ Exile In Oblivion 9/10
4/ Another Day In Paradise 9/10
5/ Skinny Years (first 2 EPs) 8/10
6/ Blackhawks Over Los Angeles 7/10
7/ American Paradox 7/10
8/ Elements Of Sonic Defiance 7/10

I agree 100% with strizzmatic, including most of the album rankings.

I think in time Blackhawks may move up the list, but for now I'll keep it where it is, conservatively. Here's my ranking:

1.twisted by design 10/10
2.exile in oblivion 9/10
3.element of sonic defiance 8.5/10
4.suburban teenage wasteland blues 8/10
5.blackhawks over LA 8/10
6.an american paradox 7.888/10

no, they have never put out a bad album, even the live album is solid, better than most of the live in a dive series.

Paul

StrizzMatik, you've got it all right my friend. It revolves around your opinion, yet it is objective.

Fuck all you haters. You fucking wish any band you listen to was putting out records of this quality 17 years in the game and seven albums deep. The REAL list of Strung Out records goes something like this:

1.) EOSD
2.) Twisted By Design
3.) Exile In Oblivion
4.) AAP *tied*
5.) BOLA *tied*
6.) STWB
7.) ADIP
8.) Skinny

EOSD was easily the best thing they've put out, quality-wise and musically. Twisted is classic. Exile has probably the best overall songwriting of their careers, minus the shit production. AAP is hugely underrated, BOLA is the most consistent album they've done yet, STWB is great but slightly overrated and repetitive at times, and sorry... ADIP and Skinny are simply junior-league. They've never put out a bad album EVER, which really says a fuckload to anyone who has frame of reference to how many bands really owe their careers to Strung Out. Get over it.

Strung Out's been doing this for how long, and the singer still sucks?? Seriously, there's no improvement in his vocals. They've gotten worse sounding with the multiple tracks going. Tell this guy to have Chris Hannah give him some singing lessons.

average album. wouldn't get as played as much as their others, mostly forgettable.

for me (and I don't post on their board) it was how suburban and twisted hit like no other band on fat/asian man/ramen/epitaph/ etc. something I became so connected to that I will never lose. I don't know if they are great guitar players, or if burns is a great drummer. all I know is the old sound and the old lyrics will always keep them open... and I can say this is their best release since EOSD but nothing will replace their other two albums. I'm a quiet, rabid fan i suppose.

Dude, I've never understood this band's rabid fanbase. When you mix metal riffage and pop punk, you get hair metal. This band sounds like Warrant with backbeats on the 8th notes.

-Ken

only listened to it once so far, so i will not judge it yet, but it seems pretty solid.

one thing I like about strung out and why they've always been one of my top 20 punk bands is because

1. they have very few 'bad' songs, very few 'skippers'. much like HWM, an average Strung out song is still better than 80% of what is out there

2. they space out the best songs. no strung out album is 'front loaded' with all the best tracks coming on the first half of the album. all of their albums reward you for listening straight through, all of them tend to start and end strong

3. they've always managed to keep their 'core' sound while brancing out into new territory, from skate punk to metal-punk, with some poppy experiments in there too

I love the band, not sure how this one stacks up yet, but based on one listen its pretty damn good as expected

Paul

yeah i did. id put put adip right above an american paradox

i love this album, i just bought it today.. love mission and war callled home

By far strung out's weakest effort. Strung out albums in order of greatness:
1.) STWB
2.) ..Paradise
3.) Twisted..
4.) Skinny years
5.) ..Paradox
6.) EOSD
7.) EIO
8.) BOLA

I'm not counting the live record the C&I single.

you forgot another day in paradise

1.twisted by design
2.stwb
3.this one/element
5.exile
6.american paradox
7.skinny years

thats my list.

I find it funny that no matter how good a band can be, there will always be a few shitheads out there saying how they suck. I swear that one asshole posted that "ride this bitch to hell" comment like 20 times. Everyone's a comedian.

As for the album. Not there best. Vocals are okay, but not great. Lyrics are definitely a step down from everything else they've ever done. Guitars are still intricate and complex as ever. So no complaints there. I know their last few releases have been growers, so I'll probably love it in a couple weeks. Even EOSD was highly criticized when it came out, but is now one of their most acclaimed. Fuck off haters, go defend your shitty ass bands who some other jerk off is most likely criticizing right now.

After listening to it on myspace I think this will probably be the first Strung Out record I don't buy. I think what's missing is speed, it's just too damn slow to be a good Strung Out album.

Ryan's Hope album was better than this.

give it away ride this bitch to hell and blow some kisses

jason cruz is like, totally and amazing poet

LOL just kidding.

oh my word, it is okay.

bland artwork, bland music. twisted by design still rules. get rid of this producer.

Welll who's the fool here?

By proclaiming that Strung Out's fans are a bunch of dolts, you prove in an shameful way that you were clearly acting like a moron.

Moron? Maybe not. Acting like a moron? Absolutly.

Strung Out died when Jim Cherry passed away, those were your words.

I don't say the subsequent releases were great either, it's the link you saw between Cherry's death and these releases that bothered me.

Talk about jumping to conclusion... you should be preaching thought!!!!

LOL yeah, Jason Cruz is sure taking it to the next level with these ok lyrics and double tracked vocals!! Keep it up, bro!!!

When did I ever said it was?

Good job jumping to conclusions....moron

Jesus Christ...Strung Out fans really are a bunch of dolts

No wonder they continue to support and defend these mediocre releases

Jim Cherry's death and departure from the band wasn't at the same time you moron.

EOSD was already out when Cherry died, and he was with Pulley and Zero Down.

I'm sure Jim Cherry is honored to know those lyrics were written in his memory.

As someone else stated, Strung Out died when Jim Cherry passed away.

Does this album have killer lyrics such as "we're all fucked up and doing time"?

That song is an homage to their dead bassist... try harder.

Does this album have killer lyrics such as "we're all fucked up and doing time"?

I love how the same people over and over again keep posting the same things. If you're gonna shit talk, the very least you could do is think of something more creative. Shit's getting old people.

To the guy who went to the Strung Out's myspace after reading the good review, but disliked it completly, here's my advice:

A mere listen of the whole thing isn't going to show you much. In fact, this record's a grower. Listen to it again and again, and you'll enjoy it I'm sure.

When this band put out Twisted By Design, they were immortalized in the punk scene...that is the quintessential Fat album. And after Exile In Oblivion, I thought they could never regain that edge they had in Twisted, but I think they're slowly getting back to it.

wow, that was funny. I laughed for real. to quote bills hicks " you're wrong, get over it.. okay,k."

I actually went to the myspace to listen to this band because this review was so good. Then I hear the music....talk about trendy radio rock bullshit. This metal influence that has been whored out for years now is getting really OLD!!! There are a few select bands who pull it off,this is not one of them. Instead it clearly comes off to me as a band who wishes to tour with papa roach. Terrible

Strung Out is THE shit. Melodic yet technical, I am stooping to profanity as I try to convey how I feel about it.

Every song on this album's a mind-blowing piece of work. Even the poppier aspects are incredible. Indeed, the term ''pop'' here isn't a bad thing, and has to be considered one of punk rock's greatest asset.

BOLA is a tight record delivered with mesmerizing melodies, the genre's technical zenith. Give those guys the respect they deserve, cause they're still turning a lot of heads into shit.... yeaahhhh!!!!

as it stands now i'm going to rank this better than Exile and about on par with American Paradox....all of which come after Twisted and the EP, etc.

this is a lot more melodic than i expected, there's some fantastic songs on here and the musicianship is stellar as usual

that being said, the vocals sound a little tired at times on here and the production on them has bothered me since American Paradox

overall, this is yet again a nice release from a band that's consistently put out interesting records over the years...i really don't understand how people can say this is re-hashed, every record has a distinct feel IMO

oh and as much as i like AWS....they can enter this conversation when they put out 2 more records as good as Mute Print and Ruiner

What the f* with the complaining?

I mean, you're fine by me if you don't like them, as long as you show some respect.

Strung Out deserves it and are, in my opinion, miles beyond AWS in both songwritting and musicianship.

The score is for Papa Roach

CUT MY LIFE INTO PIECES!

THIS IS MY LAST RESORT!

fuck everybody, this album takes a couple of listens to grow on you. I listened the first time really disappointed, but now I can't take it out of my cd player. Incredible.

Are there any songs on this dc about riding bitches to hell and blowing kisses? !? If not, no care ever!!

Can someone tell me what the title of this album is in reference to?
-jake

This is not progression. Propagandhi's (OMG he mentioned propagandhi, now we're gonna hate them because they get mentioned so much) HTCE to PCl is progression. This is just the same rehashed skatepunk -meets-metallic guitars from two albums ago. And it's mediocore. These guys need to call it a day.

Dear Strung Out Messag Board and random circle jerkers,

GO AWAY

Signed,

Punknews.org

P.S. After you get done riding that bitch to hell, blow a kiss when you think of us

One of the best bands around today. Always evolving! Jason Cruz is contantly taking it to the next level..............

and seriously, this album is loads better than exile in oblivion. anybody who was dissapointed with this after that album is kinda weird to me.

this album rocked my ass off. the guitar riff in downtown is NASTY

I've defended Strung Out for the past three years, they have always been my favorite band.....I even loved Exile. This record is just boring. It's not bad, but it's insanely generic for them. Jason Cruz is usually a poetic genius......and now he seems a bit uninspired. Some greatness still shines through, but this record just doesn't do it for me. Every time Strung Out puts out a new record it instantly becomes my favorite. Not this time, this is just boring. I've listened to this record probably about a dozen times all the way through and still not much does anything for me. I went out and bought it today, too, for the bonus track......also boring.

I agree with all of this, except I love More Than Words. give it some time, I disliked it at first and now I love it. The album as a whole is getting better with every listen but I still find it medicore.

see this? I'm still defending Strung Out, even if I'm not a big fan of this record. they're still my favorite band. Having a favorite band does NOT mean you automatically start hating them when they put out a bad record or two. How could you forget what they've done for you in the past? Music is about an emotional connection as well, but apparently most folks don't see it that way.

and to everyone else: shut the fuck up already. We get it. You don't like what the band does, you think they're washed up... big deal. Get over it. You say "no amount of spamming from the Strung Out message board will change how washed up they are"... how about no amount of anonymous Internet shit talking will change the fact that this band still has legions of fans around the world while all you're doing is sitting at home in front of your computer bitching about bands you hate trying to convince us fans that you're right. Get off your computer and go do something productive with your lives.

Meh?

I've seen both AWS and Strung Out live, and AWS is always better. True, Strung Out always plays to a shit ton of people for a long time and sounds a little tighter. But, this isn't Nickleback arena rock, and when it comes to being entertaining, AWS actually moves around. I've ever seen Nuno share the mic. Straung Out literally picks a spot and stands there. Jason always goes to the front of the crowd and sings with his leg on the vocal monitor. This is punk rock, AWS is far more aggressive and exciting live.

I've defended Strung Out for the past three years, they have always been my favorite band.....I even loved Exile. This record is just boring. It's not bad, but it's insanely generic for them. Jason Cruz is usually a poetic genius......and now he seems a bit uninspired. Some greatness still shines through, but this record just doesn't do it for me. Every time Strung Out puts out a new record it instantly becomes my favorite. Not this time, this is just boring. I've listened to this record probably about a dozen times all the way through and still not much does anything for me. I went out and bought it today, too, for the bonus track......also boring.

ass kissing review

You gave it 5 stars, I gave it 4, who's ass kissing?

"jim cherry > no jim cherry"

Disagree. EOSD proves that "Ewing Theory" applies to music.
They lose the guy who wrote most of their best songs. Then, they make their best album. Weird.

i didnt like this that much, ive heard over and over that you have to listen to it a few times, but i just cant get into it. i dont think it has ANYTHING on exile..

AWS and Strung Out should have a love child and name it Black Hawks Over My Asshole. I'll bet they'd put our some good songs.

good record, ass kissing review, lame message boarding

AWS has two good albums. Not that impressive.

Strung Out tears them up live too.

both bands are good.....i dont see why all the strung out hating....even at their worst they're still better than most

The single lamest word Ive seen on these reviews has got to be "fan boy". Anything to bring fans of bands down eh?when does the groupie smack start? for the last fucking time, buying bands records and going to their shows dosnt make a person any of these things, little girls that want to grab MCR's packages and want autographs are. Anyway, Im going to buy this disc tonight even if it is Exile 2 which will kinda

If Nitro is going under, Fat Wreck needs to sign A Wilhelm Scream and ship Strung Out to the retirement home(aka SideOneDummy).

No amount of spamming from the Strung Out Message Board will change the fact that this band is washed up.

Does anyone have the number for Dr. Jack Kevorkian?

this band died when jim cherry died.

jim cherry > no jim cherry

Who did the artwork? a first-time 12th grade graphic design student?

I bought this at Best Buy and it came with a bottle of black finger nail polish, a black matching shirt to the ones these guys always match each other with, and one of those goofy logo stickers that all their bro fans get tattooed on their backs.

yea...and only their last two releases are of any consequence...

I think this album is great, but I don't see them ever topping the EOSD ep. This is their best in a while though, and I think Calling, Dowtown, Mission Statement and Diver are AMAZING songs. They're definitely not winning anyone over that didn't like the direction they've been headed since American Paradox though.

*snores*

A Wilhelm Scream has been active (partly as smakin' isiah) for 11 years. The difference is, is that AWS has gotten better with age, while Strung Out have been dragging ass since the twisted by design days.

I wasn't trying to bring up AWS, more trying to end the comparison. I pretty much agree with all of that...which was kinda my point. The next AWS may be better than this....probably not better than twisted, element, or STWB...but thats my opinion. My point is show some respect. When AWS does it for 15 years and still consistently puts out good stuff, they'll get it too. Some of these critics were being born right around the time that strung out was putting out some of their best stuff....they have no frame of reference.

stop bringing up AWS. It's obvious that Strung Out influenced them, but by that logic, there'd be no Strung Out without Pennywise, NOFX, DRI, any other punk band that influenced them (lets nor forget that punk and metal were being combined by bands like DRI, Antrhax and Suicidal Tendencies long before Strung Out did it).

AWS is better in my opinion. Strung Out may have been better 10 some years ago but its been awhile. I'm calling it now that the new AWS will be waaayy better than this. AWS lyrics are a lot more entertaining that Strung Outs.

a wilhelm scream owes their whole career to strung out...they wouldn't even have a sound because they basically emulate this band....they're good and all, I like em, but they're a long long way from even being in the same conversation.

Good album from a band that is untouchable....I will admit that the lyrics were somewhat weak for what he usually does....guitars can't be touched though. Go find another punk band that has one guitarist that can do what either of strung out's can....

Amazing songs combined with amazing musicianship gets a high score in my book.

To the jackass that brought up Malmsteen:
Strung Out write songs you fucking tool, not seven minute solo's.

The singer's voice is so monotonous it drives me crazy. His emphasis on certain words (like whatever he says that drags out at the beginning of party in the hills-sounds like bbbwwwyyyaaahhhhhhhhaa-is stupid)

All the Strung Out fan boys tell me these guys are so good because their guitarists can play technical stuff. So what!? It's hardly even technical compared to all the shit out there. If you want technical guitar music go listen to Yngwie Malmsteen. This is just boring and stays relatively slow for a punk band. Yawn.

STWB and TbD were good. I don't get all the cock sucking for this band. oh well.

I've listened to this album a dozen times and it's just okay. Cruz's vocals have never been great, but they're getting worse and the double vocal track isn't helping.

If this is the best release of the year, according to several of you, I will be very disappointed in the punk scene.

i can't believe the undying love for this band. these guys have got the most loyal fanbase on the planet.

that being said, IT'S REALLY NOT VERY GOOD!!!

are there any songs about riding bitches to hell and blowing kisses on this release?

the best strung out album, listening to dragonforce really paid off this time.

the first half is stronger then the second half... really? i wasnt liking the first half so i just stopped listening to it after track 6.

Classic.

sure, respect the elders. but....

A Wilhelm Scream > Strung Out

Great review, really makes me want to listen to it, and I've already listened to it a lot.

Score is for the cd.

Score's for mentioning Guitar Hero in a review.

Ahhhh poop, I lost to Glass, anyways, good review.

im buying this when i get off work. excited, havent heard any of it yet.

Four stars.

How original.

This ain't pitchfork.

the last line does sum this up pretty well. and this album is their best since Element. and yea, next time you listen to thrice, thank strung out, definetely their biggest influence.

best record of the year.

I expected something more metal influenced but I think this a turn back to the melodic hardcore sound, of course but more technical.

Time to drop the constant layered vocals now. Please. PLEASE.

I've only listened to it a few times online and I dig it as much as any of the others. Strung Out never disappoints me.
Can't wait to get back home and get the CD i just ordered.

Fuck the haters.

Four stars.

How original.

I'm really excited for this, I've never been disspointed with any strung out release...one of the best punk bands of the last 10 years, period.

Paul

I'm somewhat disappointed. Is no one going to review Boysetsfire's final show? I'm still kicking myself that I couldn't make it, and therefore never got to see them. I'd love to hear about it.

I've been a huge Strung Out fan since I was in high school, and I still absolutely love this band's records, but after listening to this I couldn't help but be a little disappointed. I got it yesterday in the mail, and after a couple listens I was liking it a little more than the first time I heard it, but it just feels like Exile In Oblivion 2, and that record was good enough to stand alone. Granted, there are some songs that don't sound like they could have fit that record, but for the most part, that's what this sounds like to me. And my god, seriously, Jason Cruz's lyrics have always been some of the very best I've ever heard come from a frontman, and I hold him in such high regard...but a few of these songs are just cheesey, and it was hard to believe he wrote them.

most anticipated release of the year for me probably...i've loved everything this band has done, although the last one was probably their weakest

better not be sold out when go to the record store today to pick this up like the Aggrolites were last week!

Eh, instrumentally it's a lot better than the past few albums, but the vocals kinda sucked this time

Amazing record. Where is the Anchors for Arms review.

I'm biased because Strung Out is my favorite band. I really like this album. I'm not one of those people who is looking for them to release Suburban Teenage Wasetland Blues 2 or Twisted by Design 2. They're not a band who will release the same album twice. Kind of like how Thrice will never release Artist 2 or Illusion 2. As much as I love Pennywise, I'd rather have a band mix it up and try something new at the risk of failure than to release the same album again.

havent really dug them since twisted by design.

Great album, song 2 has the best intro I`ve heard in a long long time!

when i first read the last line i missed the word early from before thrice which made me laugh because vheissu was terrible

I really, really love how the solo "builds" in "Calling." The title track is probably the weakest song on the record, and it's still pretty good. That acoustic intro is so out of place and stupid, though.

A Wilhelm Scream > Strung Out

ehh, easy people, not that good-oldpunker-

great review, amazing album.. the last line sums it all up!!!!!

probably my favorite release of the year so far... simply outstanding. more than anything it's a perfect mix of their old and newer material.

They really need to hang it up.

The score is for the forgettable album(just like the past two releases) and the douchebag fanbase on their message board.

cant wait to see them live.

Also very great review, so good to hear some good punk rock done by the best. Dont no why anybody would wish they broek up, they are what makes the scene

such a good album, a clear improvement from Exile, at first i was worried but it gets better with every listen. Good job strung out. Also the song Dirty Little Secret i catchy as hell. Cant wait to see them in Australia later this year

great album

i downloaded it expecting to hate it and it did, based on the first listen. (i hated the last one based on the first listen and proceeded to give it a chance for like 4 months, and still hated it!) guess i'd better try again with this record, as lots of people like it, but something tells me i am done with this band forever... thanks for the memories...

killer record.

This is a fantastic album. Best Strung Out since Twisted.

i love this record, i just have discover this band and im in love i just bought this and element and im totally impressed. great record.