For me this is the best album made by the best incarnation of Rollins' Band.
That it followed the violent death of Rollins' soulmate Joe Cole by months is not suprising when you listen to tracks like Volume, Tired & Civilized. This context only serves to make tracks like Alien Blueprint & Shine more amazing.
Hank's words cut between the misanthropic Mechanik Rollins & the 'Do It' Rollins.....before it's too late.
Musically it's so on the money it's not true. Gibbs bass is infinitely more dynamic than Weiss'& the album benefits from his input. Make no mistake, Black Flag it aint, but this is HEAVY. Production is also awesome after the disappointing sound of End of Silence.
I've been listening to this album for well over ten years now - I can't remember a time when I haven't. It makes for cracking work out music.
I've also got the lyrics to 'Shine' on my wall at work - sad maybe, but noone's challenged me about it yet.
