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Epitaph Records -- Millencolin

The idea of reviewing the new album by A Wilhelm Scream is a little daunting. They are one of the more respected bands in the contemporary punk buisness and are coming off a pretty damn good album.

That being said, AWS claimed that things would be kicked up a notch on Career Suicide, even saying that songs that were not fast enough would be cut. That much seems to be true, as the album kicks off with "I Wipe My Ass with Showbiz," which is barely over a minute, sporting AWS's familiarly tight musicianship behind vocalist Nuno Pereira's shouts of "dear mother I sold my soul for management." From there, they move into two of the more technical songs they have written as of late, "5 to 9" and "The Horse." While "5 to 9" is solidly anchored in spectacular drumming and time changes, it is overshadowed by "The Horse," which tracks in at nearly five minutes and is reminiscent of the impressive guitar work seen on "The King Is Dead" (from 2005's Ruiner).

As the album progresses the hits keep coming, some fast ("Career Suicide," "Pardon Me, Thanks a Lot") and some more drawn out ("Get Mad You Son of a Bitch"). Despite this, the album never drags and seems to move at a steady pace, settling in on slower tempos only long enough for you to catch your breath before blasting into frenzied instrumentation again.

One of the biggest changes this time around for A Wilhelm Scream is the rhythm section, this being the first studio recording with new bassist Brian Robinson. When he hits a solo midway through "Jaws 3, People 0" it becomes clear that bass is not something to be left invisible on this album. The result of Robinson's talent is a very rhythm-based album. Robinson and drummer Nick Angelini leave it all out there as far as tempos and progression. Not to say that it wasn't present in past albums, but the bass and drums seem to really control the songs on Career Suicide, which is by no means a bad thing. However, the consequence is fewer melodic choruses á la "Famous Friends and Fashion Drunks" (from 2004's Mute Print) and "When I Was Alive" (from Ruiner). Melody hasn't been phased out (see "These Dead Streets" and "Cold Slither II"), but it has become less prominent.

It seems that the overarching feel of Career Suicide is very forward-moving. Even the longest tracks don't drag and the songs do quite well at not blending together. The lyrics cover plenty of topic matter, ranging from "the scene" ("I Wipe My Ass with Showbiz") straight to a call-out to Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney ("Pardon Me, Thanks a Lot"), all with the trademark AWS bite. The extra time taken to make it seems to have paid off, as all cylinders are firing on Career Suicide.

Why only a score of 8, then? It's hard to say why, but despite its obvious strengths, Career Suicide just doesn't grip the listener like their past two full-lengths (Ruiner and Mute Print) did. I wouldn't put money on this opinion staying though, as AWS albums tend to grow on me, and this one already sounds even better a couple weeks after purchasing.

Overall, Career Suicide is a very, very good album, full of fantastic musicianship and diversity, but it's overshadowed by the success of its predecessors. The score is relative, for AWS have remained one of the best and most interesting bands out there even if they fall slightly short of their past albums. There are no complaints here though, for so long as they continue to churn out fresh-sounding albums, I'll be satisfied.



People who liked this also liked:
A Wilhelm Scream - RuinerNOFX - The DeclineThe Lawrence Arms - Oh! Calcutta!The Lawrence Arms - The Greatest Story Ever ToldA Wilhelm Scream - Mute PrintThe Loved Ones - Keep Your HeartAlkaline Trio - GoddamnitRise Against - Revolutions Per MinuteThe Lawrence Arms - Apathy and ExhaustionPropagandhi - Potemkin City Limits



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    Posted by Jeevz on 2008-04-21 15:21:01
    My Score:

    Same. I got this album right when it came out and I still rock it heavy! Probably the best album of 2007. Crazy riffs, slick drumming, clever lyrics and staying power. Can't deny this shit, check it out if you haven't already.

    Posted by Alien on 2008-04-19 09:54:24
    My Score:

    This really is an amazing album.

    I bought it a week after it came out, and it's still in heavy rotation.
    It rules.

    Posted by TommyPickles on 2008-03-20 16:03:49

    This album is amazing.

    Posted by darthnader on 2008-03-11 16:32:48
    My Score:

    Just wanted to go on record saying that, about 6 months after writing this review I truly look at this album as 5 star album. The replay value is absolutely amazing and the albums appeal as a whole has gone up exponentially.

    Posted by elliot on 2008-02-27 12:47:01
    My Score:

    I absolutely love this album.

    Posted by moose_shit on 2008-02-01 22:01:01
    My Score:

    yeah man, this album fucking owns. the new bass player brian fuckin shreads, check out the bass tapping in the horse. their best cd by far, man. mute print seems a bit mediocre to this masterpiece.

    Posted by coffee_monster on 2008-01-04 20:38:02
    My Score:

    The first time I heard this album, I was a little taken aback. On the whole the album is great, and sounds much better production-wise than Ruiner or Mute Print. The bass work that Brian brings to the table is amazing, and can only get better in each progressive release.
    Nick has tightened things up on the drums, and the guitars on this serving got a much better sound than Ruiner.
    As for the vocals, wow, Nuno has really uped the ante.
    The songs are a lot angier this time around and some people just can't get their heads around that, which can make the album seem a little anti-social on the whole. However, having said that, it is obviously not an issue for me.
    On the Japanese edition they have also added a bonus song 'Route 40 One Six' a nice little piece with all the melody that some have been screaming for A Wilhelm Scream to include on this album.

    Posted by punkbytheounce on 2007-12-02 19:23:00
    My Score:

    what an explosive opener. I'd put this as better than ruiner, but not as good as mute print.

    Posted by xthispoisonwellx on 2007-11-05 18:17:00

    I wasn't sold on this ablum until I listened to "we built this city". the bass playing is awesome, the muscianship is amazing.

    Posted by ItsAgiftAndAcurse on 2007-11-02 04:26:24
    My Score:

    Just an amazing album! My favorite songs are 4,5, 10, and 11.

    I think they've gotten a little bit better with each album.

    Posted by go-jimmy on 2007-10-31 21:53:42

    we built this city on tits and boobs.

    Posted by bathroom_surgery on 2007-10-27 20:54:47

    broadways>LA

    Posted by theoriginalsmellgoats on 2007-10-27 17:15:54
    My Score:

    The gaslight anthem is a good band, they put out a great debut this year. You know what though? Ill be damned if those guitars are in tune. They might want to consider getting a less noodley 2nd guitarist too, lets face it that guys delayed out leads suck.

    Posted by Big_Guy on 2007-10-27 02:03:00

    I honestly can't comprehend how people like Brendan's songs or vocals better than Chris'.

    Chris is far superior in every way.............and Brendan is good shit. just goes to show how good Chris is.

    Posted by damnitsderek on 2007-10-26 23:30:38

    Oh well, everyone has their opinions. I'd still take Sundowner over this album, though they're both two of my favorites, along with Gaslight Anthem and Bedouin SoundClash,

    Posted by JonDaley on 2007-10-26 18:59:48

    I prefer the previous two records to this, the songs themselves aren't as good even if the playing and everything is still tight. Career Suicide's Attempted Suicide > AWS's Career Suicide

    "Midsummer Classic" is right up there with some of my favourite Larry Arms stuff but overall the album isn't as good. I don't really like The Falcon either.

    Posted by fallingupwards84 on 2007-10-26 15:48:17

    its not even top-30

    Posted by BarleyPat on 2007-10-26 12:40:15
    My Score:

    This is in my running for album of the year along w/ Gaslight Anthem. I generally like Org-core, but I can't get into Sundowner. It's not bad, but it is nowhere even close to album of the year, at least in my book.

    Posted by fallingupwards84 on 2007-10-26 11:51:58

    i agree that Sundowner sucks, if that shit gets album of the year on here, a lot of people are gonna be pissed

    Posted by Scruffy on 2007-10-26 11:18:10

    Well, and Brendan-Chris = nothing as well, as evidenced by the Falcon CD (which, admittedly, was decent, but I'll blame that on Neil being awesome).

    Brendan and Chris' chemistry is what makes the Arms great (though I have to say my favorite songs are almost all Chris').

    Posted by AlmostPunkEnough on 2007-10-26 08:37:04

    goddamnit people, Sundowner is fucking boring as hell. and i'm a huge Larry Arms fan. Chris - Brendan = meh. in fact, my of my top... probably 20 Arms songs, not a goddamn one of them is a Chris song.

    no, i take that back. "Faintly Falling Ashes" and "Your Gravest Words" are awesome.

    still, Sundowner sucks.

    Posted by usversusthem on 2007-10-26 01:31:02

    Kursk was the best song they've ever written you shitbag. Take it back now. ANGRY EYES!

    Posted by thatsyouth on 2007-10-26 00:58:56

    kursk was the 2nd worst song on mute. and for some reason im one of the few that think that.

    1. dreaming. 2. stab stab. 3. the rip. 4. william. 5. anchor.

    Posted by bloofy on 2007-10-25 21:56:26

    Sundowner is Chris from the Lawrence Arms' acoustic side-project.

    Posted by eran_zombis on 2007-10-25 19:43:16
    My Score:

    I don't really care about this band. I would probably like this much more six years ago.

    Posted by everybirdsnest1 on 2007-10-25 19:13:02

    Guess im not in the loop ,who the hell is Sundowner?

    Posted by damo on 2007-10-25 17:38:43

    "Record of the year? Please, this is good, but it pales in comparison to the Sundowner album."

    agree

    Posted by klonny on 2007-10-25 16:57:39

    I thought this album was okay. It wasn't bad, but nothing special.

    Posted by nufandan14 on 2007-10-25 16:34:52

    can someone explain to me how Pardon Me is a "straight to a call-out to Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney?" I admit I am not completly versed in Romney's politics and I read this an other review so either im missing something or we seem to have a copycat writing the review

    Posted by doomcloud on 2007-10-25 14:48:41
    My Score:

    definately my pick for best album of the year. each release isnt just a collection of songs but an enthralling layered experience that keeps fans entertained for months if not years after its release. I am still picking up on little nuances and interpreting certain lyrics differently from mute print and ruiner. This disc gets better everytime i hear it. Im sure its going ot have a very long shelf life.

    Posted by Big_Guy on 2007-10-25 13:59:07

    yo, what part of what song remind you of choke?

    Posted by nocigar on 2007-10-25 11:43:38
    My Score:

    this album fuckin shreds.

    nicely done boys, nicely done indeed.

    Posted by dev on 2007-10-25 11:04:13
    My Score:

    Musically, there are parts on here that remind me of all of the following bands: Propagandhi, Choke, Strike Anywhere, Death by Stereo. This album is just hit after hit. And although The Weakerthans and Gaslight Anthem both impressed the hell out of me with their albums this year, I'm afraid it's my love for fast, technical punk rock that wins out every time. This is absolutely, without a doubt my album of the year.

    Posted by AlmostPunkEnough on 2007-10-25 03:22:02

    Krusk - i thought you said Myspace bar. which is somewhere i'd never wanna go.

    and Brian - while the first 6 songs on "Mute Print" are mostly the best, there are still extremely good ones at the end, namely 'Kursk' (er... exactly), and my third favorite on the album 'Dreaming of Throwing Up'.

    Posted by the_problem_with_fire on 2007-10-25 01:12:22

    discussing... as posted below. RIGHT NOW, I'd have to say:

    1. Mute Print
    2. Career Suicide --either tied OR:
    3. Ruiner

    Posted by Kursk on 2007-10-24 23:34:00

    sorry but my space bar sticks quitea bit and I dont always notice...

    Posted by Kursk on 2007-10-24 23:32:00
    My Score:

    when i first heard some of the song off of the e-card (because I didnt download the album) i was a little thrown off. Then I listened to the album and was blown away. This was a good and honest review, but to contradict you, this album after listening to it once through grabbed me MORE than Mute Print and Ruiner combined. They said it themselves, they'll stop writing new albums when they think they can't top the last one (or something along those line, I think it was Trevor in an interviewsomewhere beforeRuiner came out) and this albumgoes above and beyond that, Every song, regardless of length has so much substance. Album of the year for me.

    Posted by theoriginalsmellgoats on 2007-10-24 20:41:19

    1. Mute Print
    2. Ruiner
    3. Career Suicide
    4. The benefits of thinking outloud.

    -discuss-

    Posted by fallingupwards84 on 2007-10-24 20:40:15
    My Score:

    Score is for GreenVandal...

    ...and the fact that this hasnt been released on vinyl

    Posted by clamum on 2007-10-24 18:38:03
    My Score:

    These Dead Street is badfuckinass. Liking this album a lot so far.

    Posted by GreenVandal on 2007-10-24 18:34:39
    My Score:

    Wow. This sucks. Just like everything else this band has done.

    The bands in this genre are completely interchangeable.

    Posted by the_problem_with_fire on 2007-10-24 17:35:44
    My Score:

    Forgot to include my score.

    Favorite songs are: Wipe my Ass, 5 to 9, The Horse, Die, Jaws, Dead Streets, and Cold Slither, Built this City but I love this whole album. It fucking rips. That's the only way I can put it. Some songs feel a little too long without the melody, but I've quickly gotten used to it with multiple listens. I miss Trevor's vocals, but there are still plenty of really cool melodic vocal parts going on. The bass playing is orgasm-inducing and I hope they keep this guy around.

    Either way, AWS are at the top of their game with this release and I cannot think of any other band playing this style of music right now that is doing it better.

    Posted by Laurier on 2007-10-24 16:34:06
    My Score:

    My favourite album by them kinda technical melodic the whole 9 yards.

    Posted by diver on 2007-10-24 14:35:01

    Oh my god, soooo good. This album is soooo soooo sooo good it has rendered me unable to say anything other than "soooooooooo good"!!

    Posted by bathroom_surgery on 2007-10-24 14:33:47

    The problem with AWS is there are trying to cram to much shit into every song now. I really like their SI records a little better cause it doesn't seemed as forced.

    Posted by inagreendase on 2007-10-24 13:16:10

    Mute Print is so, so, so, so, so, so, so top-heavy. I don't understand how every Wilhelm Scream fan doesn't prefer Ruiner.

    Posted by Scruffy on 2007-10-24 13:13:43

    I'll chime in.

    I thought Mute Print was boring. Ruiner was half good, but some songs really lacked.
    I think Career Suicide is their best album yet. And I don't normally like "technical" bands. There's just something about this one.

    Posted by friokir on 2007-10-24 12:59:30
    My Score:

    a lot of people seem to like everything they do. I don't quite get it. mute print was awesome, I'll admit it, but I feel they've progressively gotten worse since then. ruiner was too over the top and this one feels instrumentally forced and boring, it's like they ran out of ideas, there are some killer vocal melodies though.

    Posted by neo_reloaded on 2007-10-24 09:27:58
    My Score:

    This album is amazing. What a fucking barnburner, from start to finish. They really kicked everything up a notch.

    There are some things I miss - mainly the harmonizing with Trevor. But I can't really fault the album on anything - I love every minute of it. I've listened to this cd multiple times every day since release day, and it just keeps getting better and better.

    This is almost assuredly my favorite album of the year. Are there even any other big releases still pending? I'm looking forward to DEP's Ire Works, but I can't imagine it being better than this.

    Posted by Oldpunkerforever on 2007-10-24 08:23:12
    My Score:

    yup, I actually really like this, i was about to give up on them and wow, this is great especially tracks 10-13-oldpunker-

    Posted by manx21 on 2007-10-24 07:35:04
    My Score:

    This album grew on me so much i physically am unable to listen to anything else.

    It's that damn good. But then I listened to Mute Print and Ruiner for 3 months straight apiece so its not surprising.

    As close to perfection as it's possible to get.

    Posted by AlmostPunkEnough on 2007-10-24 04:23:26

    whatchokesbegin -

    "Ruiner" certainly wans't a bad album, i think i said it was #17 or 18 on my best of 2005 list. it was just a disappointment when compared to the masterpiece that was "Mute Print". i was worried this was gonna be "Ruiner" part two, but it's not at all. to a lesser extent i didn't want it to be a MP rehash and it's not that either. this is an amazing album and it just keeps growing on me, something "Ruiner" never did. believe me, i tried so hard to love that album as much as MP but i just couldn't.

    i think the hype at the time and the fact that "Ruiner" was most peoples introduction to AWS (looking at you Jason Tate, lying prick) led to that album being lauded as their best. personally i think the lyrics lacked the most and while there were a few stellar songs, most of the music just came off as speed/thrash riffs for speed/thrashes sake.

    ok, i'm done ranting now.

    Posted by damnitsderek on 2007-10-24 01:59:51

    This will be the record of the year just like I thought.

    Record of the year? Please, this is good, but it pales in comparison to the Sundowner album.

    Posted by Rastid on 2007-10-24 01:53:42
    My Score:

    score is for how reviewers' saying "only a score of 8" is watering the shit out of reviews here. 8=awesome

    Posted by everybirdsnest1 on 2007-10-24 00:27:22
    My Score:

    This will be the record of the year just like I thought. The only thing I dont like is the way the record starts, its just way too choppy right into it and this would be a perfect record if there would of been another King is dead type beginning. That being said its the speed and the guts these guys had to make a super fast record that makes them the best band in punk today period.

    Posted by shot_in_the_dark on 2007-10-23 23:32:56
    My Score:

    I really miss the melody. Really.

    Posted by damnitsderek on 2007-10-23 23:23:04

    This is a really good review. I feel the exact same way in the sense that I like most of the songs individually, but as a whole, it's not quite as enthralling as their previous two albums.

    Either way, I still think it's fantastic.

    Posted by victim on 2007-10-23 23:02:49
    My Score:

    Dude, you are really going to regret giving this an 8. First listen I was like, Ruiner and Mute Print are so much better. By the third listen I wasn't saying that anymore. I have no idea how I'd rate their albums or any desire to, all three rule.

    I did a double take half way through your review when you said you gave it an 8 because I just assumed you gave it a 10.

    Other than the fact that I disagree that the album doesn't grip you, nice review though. I thought about doing one when I didn't see one go up (the album's been out for a while now) but like you said, its a little intimidating trying to do them justice.

    Posted by whatchokesbegin on 2007-10-23 23:00:07
    My Score:

    If you think Ruiner was a disappointment, then I don't know how you could possibly like this band. Each album is better than the last and this one totally rips.

    Posted by AlmostPunkEnough on 2007-10-23 22:34:43
    My Score:

    a huge step up from the disappointment of "Ruiner". i don't yet know if this is as good as "Mute Print" but it has that potential. this will rank pretty fuckin high on my year end list.

    simply some of the most kickass miusic of the year.

    Posted by fallingupwards84 on 2007-10-23 22:17:27

    Overall, Career Suicide is... overshadowed by the success of its predecessors.

    you're absolutely nuts if you think Ruiner and Mute Print are better than this album. well, Ruiner maybe i can see coming close... but Career Suicide is far and away their best album. deserves 9 stars.

    Posted by HOISTDATRAG on 2007-10-23 22:03:38
    My Score:

    Sounds too much like Nitro Records.

    Posted by bloofy on 2007-10-23 22:00:19
    My Score:

    This is much better than Ruiner, IMO. That album really didn't do anything for me. Mute print is still my favourite, though.

    Posted by DarthNader on 2007-10-23 21:55:37

    In retrospect this review really should have included some mention of "We Built This City" because as people have been saying, it's probably the best track on the album.

    Posted by LooseKanonYankee on 2007-10-23 21:30:45

    I dont know how other bands exist knowing they aren't A Wilhelm Scream.

    Posted by punk_rawk_show on 2007-10-23 19:38:46

    ''In their attempt to make a faster, more aggressive album they lost some of what made their previous albums melodic and catchy,''

    Agreed.

    So is the CD now available for purchase in most stores, or is it sill a rat race trying to find one

    Posted by BarleyPat on 2007-10-23 19:18:01

    And by "huble", I of course meant "humble".

    Posted by BarleyPat on 2007-10-23 19:17:33

    We Built This City is my favorite right now. That said, my favorite in the long term is not usually the one that gets me when I first get an album.

    For the record, in my huble opinion:

    Mute Print > Career Sucide = Ruiner

    But it's a very close race.

    Posted by onegirlarmy on 2007-10-23 19:11:55

    One of my only complaints about this record is the fact that Nuno sings more and Trevor is hardly noticable save for some backups. Don't get me wrong, I love Nuno's vocals but I always thought him and Trevor's harmonies together were what made AWS click.

    Posted by thatsyouth on 2007-10-23 19:08:42
    My Score:

    "In their attempt to make a faster, more aggressive album they lost some of what made their previous albums melodic and catchy, but ultimately I'm ok with that. This is fast, technical, memorable and angry. Can't wait to see these guys live again soon."

    exactly my feelings. but that ive never seen them live. so not that part. they intended for this record to be insanley fast. its pretty refreshing that a band would do this. I would have definatley loved to hear more melodic songs though. All these songs are good but by no means great like stab stab stab, dreaming of throwing up, the rip, morrisey, the king is dead, william blake, catharsis for dummies etc. The only song that competes for the top 5 wilhelm songs is we built this city. But don't get me wrong. Still amazing songs.

    The Horse would have been a great song if they had ended it 2 minutes earlier. The beginning to Jaws annoys me but then gets great. and the song career suicide kinda sounds like it was made in 3 minutes. good song though.

    and did anyone feel like they were listening to bad religion when they heard the beginnign to cold slither?

    Posted by branden on 2007-10-23 18:54:51
    My Score:

    finally, they made a good album.

    Posted by nocigar on 2007-10-23 18:50:29
    My Score:

    fuck tight, very tight

    Posted by telegraphrocks on 2007-10-23 18:35:35
    My Score:

    This is one of the "orgcore" bands that I still "don't get".

    It's not bad, by any means, but nothing from them grabs me at all. Kind of like Gaslight Anthem.

    I liked this a bit more than "Ruiner", but I don't see myself ever really listening to it again.

    Posted by the_problem_with_fire on 2007-10-23 18:32:09

    In their attempt to make a faster, more aggressive album they lost some of what made their previous albums melodic and catchy, but ultimately I'm ok with that. This is fast, technical, memorable and angry. Can't wait to see these guys live again soon.

    Posted by Grue on 2007-10-23 18:10:50
    My Score:

    Excellent record. Dunno if it's better than Ruiner, it's still way better than 95% of punk records that were ever released. Fav tracks: 5 to 9, Check Request Denied, Cold Slither, Horse, Jaws and so on, others are also excellent.

    Posted by thirtyseconds on 2007-10-23 18:02:59

    SOUND like.

    Posted by thirtyseconds on 2007-10-23 18:02:39

    I need this. People say they like Strung Out because they are both fast technical punk. But that's about where it ends. The guitar work is so different.

    Posted by damo on 2007-10-23 17:50:26
    My Score:

    reasonable. no stand out tracks for me yet although 5 to 9 is growing on me. i'll prob love this in 2 weeks

    jaws 3 is an awful track

    Posted by cpp_ on 2007-10-23 17:36:24

    I liked the song Die while we were younge wasn't too impressed with much else, I really don't understand why people think they sound like strung out? I've never seen it.

    Posted by Trauma16 on 2007-10-23 17:04:16
    My Score:

    Agree wholly with the review.
    Excellent songs, but the feeling of something missing from the overall album.

    Posted by ryannn on 2007-10-23 17:02:03

    amazing album, these guys are the shred gods of punk.

    Posted by thomas7155 on 2007-10-23 17:01:00
    My Score:

    I'm going to comment before there are a lot of comments. I also might get this record. for some reason I haven't been into these guys before, but they're really good.

    Posted by cuapunkradio on 2007-10-23 16:52:36
    My Score:

    this album raises the bar for all melodicore punk bands.

    Posted by ConsolationPrizefighter on 2007-10-23 16:45:28

    "Why only a score of 8, then? It's hard to say why, but despite its obvious strengths, Career Suicide just doesn't grip the listener like their past two full-lengths (Ruiner and Mute Print) did."

    Thank god. I thought I was the only person who thought this.

    Posted by punkinohio on 2007-10-23 16:39:43
    My Score:

    This band is everything i want in music right now. Perfect album.

    Posted by death_from_above_1984 on 2007-10-23 16:17:05
    My Score:

    Flawless album.

    Posted by daff on 2007-10-23 15:59:26
    My Score:

    My only complaint about this album in that it is a little less catchy than their previous two. All of the instrumental parts on here are awesome though.

    Posted by usversusthem on 2007-10-23 15:45:42
    My Score:

    "The only one I dislike is Jaws. Swearing doesn't bother me, but he seriously says "fuck" 15 times in the first 8 seconds. It's kind of overkill."

    That was one of my first thoughts regarding that song, but since I've grown a bit more attached to it... the last 30 seconds or so of that song are really fucking sweet.

    Also: this is a very good review. It echoes almost exactly how I feel about the album. It's amazing, but I give it an 8 for the time being. I'm sure a year or two from now that'll be a nine or ten but right now it's not on par with either Mute Print or Ruiner.

    Posted by mysafetysharvard on 2007-10-23 15:41:39
    My Score:

    Great review. It makes a lot of sense to me since I love this band and really "can't put my finger on" why this album just isn't as complete as Ruiner, in my opinion. I'd have to agree with not as much melody being the prevailing factor. The muscianship has shown a marked improvment, despite their past flair for technically-dense songs. But I just think they really wanted to make a Munipal Waste record.

    That being said, I need plastic surgery to reconstuct my face after listening to this album 15 times. The amount of sheer practice that was put into this album was probably staggering. Kudos Trevor co. Good luck to Chris in the future.

    Posted by onegirlarmy on 2007-10-23 15:28:23
    My Score:

    I bought this on Sunday, pretty excited considering how I've heard about how it wasn't available in some places.

    Awesome record.

    Posted by skaboom on 2007-10-23 15:22:30
    My Score:

    I finally bought this album today, after having to request it from a local store. Especially considering it leaked so early, it's a bummer it hasn't been more widely available, that's the biggest disappointment about the record.

    Anyway, these guys weren't kidding about this being a fast record. The first two tracks especiallyare searing, though I'd say my favorite is Get Mad, You Son of a Bitch.

    The only one I dislike is Jaws. Swearing doesn't bother me, but he seriously says "fuck" 15 times in the first 8 seconds. It's kind of overkill.

    Posted by nocomply on 2007-10-23 15:10:58

    This album is amazing. Powerful, explosive, balls out rock! The energy that comes through in this record is fierce. Every track is solid and the flow from one song to the next feels just right. Best thing to happen to punk rock in a while.

    Posted by sirens on 2007-10-23 14:56:11

    Career Suicide

    Posted by TheMarc on 2007-10-23 14:38:45
    My Score:

    I'm not sure that I've ever rated an album a 9 or 10 before on this site, but this one gets it. Absolutely mind-boggling.

    Also, I'm not sure I've ever heard a bassist make such a difference - the dude plays root notes like 5% of the time and it's awesome.

    Posted by HugoChavez on 2007-10-23 14:34:54
    My Score:

    "Die While We're Young" is my favorite. Still enjoy "Ruiner" better, but this album seriously is amazing.

    Posted by recordtheory on 2007-10-23 14:29:13
    My Score:

    This album is pretty great. While I still enjoy Ruiner more, this album is definitely top-ten material for 2007. My only complaint is Career Suicide seems like a step down in terms of lyrics.

    Posted by chrisss on 2007-10-23 14:22:29

    "Check Request Denied" has to be my favourite song of the year, but it's followed closely by "Jaws 3" and "We Built this City". I love this record.

    Posted by Paulrulzdood on 2007-10-23 14:04:32
    My Score:

    totally solid, on par with "ruiner" but "mute print" is still my favorite even if musically its their least impressive. its just a classic to me, I don't know. I was really impressed with them out of the gates back in 04. this is still solid, no bad songs, but all their shit starts to sound the same to me after a wile. thats not a bad thing, just sayin.

    paul

    Posted by danperrone on 2007-10-23 13:52:10
    My Score:

    album of the year. it's perfect.

    Posted by brown on 2007-10-23 13:48:38

    it exists!!

    Posted by Big_Guy on 2007-10-23 13:48:16

    amazing live show

    great record

    Posted by baseball on 2007-10-23 13:46:07
    My Score:

    this album is relentless, best stuff they've done....very impressed

    "We Built This City.." is my favorite on here

    everything on here is top notch, especially the bass....this band has got to be in their prime, especially their live show