i have read the other reviews given for this record and although one or two are ok they seem to largely slate the record cos it doesnt sound like goddamit. well i too have been a fan of this band since about 1998 when they began. over the years they have changed and since 2003's 'good mourning' they have gone down a more sophisticated route of song writting. now i love the first 3 records but i must say that good mourning was a change for the better, crimson was a good record (maybe their weaker record) but this new one is great. it's more like the stuff off their split e.p with one man army, which i thought at the time was the best thing they'd ever done. it's not all out punk rock aggresion and this doesnt bother me. i have been a punk rocker if you like for about 14 years since i was 14 so i dont really understand why people care so much if its punk rock. the point is its really good packed full of heart felt powerful songs. that is why and what we love so much about alkaline trio. the combination of dark powerful song writting and matt and dan's divine voices and witty lyrics intwinning with each other throught. opening traxck calling all skeletons is ok, first single 'help me' is better, in vain even better and by the time it gets to 'do you wanna know?' it tottally rocking. the highlight of the record for me so far is the brilliant, skiba sung 'live young, die fast'. its typicall trio, dark brooding verses filled with that yearning feeling their music gives then a big big powerful sing along chorus and what a great name for a song, so cool that i think i have finally found the tatto i want to get for my love of this band. if you alkaline trio as much as i do then you will love this. if you have never heard of the trio before but you buy this you will not be dissapointed. goddamit it is not. what it is, is a brilliant punk rock album in the vain of green days american idiot, not in lyrical content but the sound kinda reminds me. all the other crap out there like coldplay, snow patrol etc, this just blows it all away. long live the trio. matt, dan and derek-please never give this band up, your music brings hope to thousands of disalutioned people. you're amazing....