This is an angry album, which isn't unusual for MH, but seems to work to their advantage this time (as it did in their first two albums). "Left Unfinished," which reads like an autobiographical account of Flynn's anger at his biological parents, is a high point (the wavering harmonies in the chorus is one of those challenging parts that I really like now), but certainly not the only one, nor the highest one. "Seasons Wither," a new song that wasn't included in the European release of this CD, is an epic-sounding tune that doesn't sound B-sidey at all.
All in all, the melding of the melody similar to parts of The More Things Change and the relentlessness of Burn My Eyes went very well; this album is a more-than-worthy successor to The More Things Change and The Burning Red, which is exactly what I was hoping for (YMMV, of course). The knocks against MH by "BME-only" fans might continue because there are occasional quiet parts, actual singing, and even [gasp!] a ballad-like song on this CD, but overall it's an aggressive collection of songs that is very listenable, and should appeal to fans of Machine Head and other 90s metal bands.
Lastly, if Robert Flynn ever decides to drop this frontman gig, he's got a future in metal as a producer (assuming, of course, that metal has a future, which always seems to be in doubt). He's listed as the sole producer, and this CD sounds excellent: very clear with front-and-center guitars and drums, great guitar tones, and a bunch of little touches that benefit the headphone listener.
UPDATE (5/18/04): Almost a month later, and I'm still listening to (and enjoying) this CD. Haven't found a stinker on it yet, and it holds up very well to repeat listening. It has moved up to at least a tie as my favorite MH album, and--given time--might just become my favorite, period.
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