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It's... Bad Religion: you kind of know what you're going to get. Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing, and odds are you are probably going to enjoy the album if you like Bad Religion. And, I'll admit it, it was one of the draws for me, and led me to do something that I rarely do; buy the album on the day it's released. I have to admit, it was a good purchase. It is essentially a mixture of both The Process of Belief and The Empire Strikes First, and although I think that I prefer Process a little more overall, this album is a more consistent album that Empire was and doesn't drag on too much. I can actually listen to the songs all the way through without getting too terribly bored or irritated. Musically speaking, it keeps both the brimming and bright tonality of Process and the dark and ominous overtones of Empire with standard BR guitar riffs. But, luckily for me, I happen to like the guitarwork of both Brett Gurewitz and Brian Baker (especially Brian Baker... listen to Dag Nasty and you'll see why) and in some songs, there are more inventive riffs, especially in the song "Requiem For Dissent" which is one of the standout tracks on the album. Lyrically speaking, it has your songs about religion--"New Dark Ages" attacks the increase of religiosity--and your songs with political/social commentary. "Grains of Wrath" is one such song, as it seems to be about the encroaching dependence on oil, technology and greed; and of course there are the anti-war songs. It isn't possible for them not to talk about it in some way, I don't care what they say. Songs like "Submission Complete" (which I've heard described as "All Good Soldiers Pt. II") and the allegorical "Fields of Mars" spout utter contempt at its violence and destruction. Additionally, "Fields of Mars" is one of their better album closers--although I'll personally take "Live Again" from Empire as the overall best one--and even includes a lofty piano for a little something different. They are basically your standard BR lyrics, and have--of course!--your standard three (or sometimes four, apparently) part harmonies. Sadly, the vocals don't quite live up; although still immensely distinctive, on this album they sound particularly tired and strained. But, I suppose that's bound to happen if you've been singing in a band for twenty-seven years. As for the rest of the album, there is a little something for everyone--be it you preferred Suffer to Against The Grain or The Grey Race to Stranger Than Fiction. There are songs that sound like they could have easily fit on any other album; there are songs that are generally unique of their own accord (Namely, "New Dark Ages" has a catchy refraining guitar hook that makes me think that the band has taken a few pointers from one of Epitaph's more recent signings); there are songs that sound like Weezer (I'm pointing at you "Honest Goodbye!") and songs that sound like Green Day. From rock to punk, you'll probably find at least one song that justifies you plunking down ten or more dollars to get the album. Overall, I can't say that I'm disappointed; in fact, I'm quite pleased. Sometimes, repetition is welcome, especially if you can expand upon it. Basically, as I said a little earlier, if you like Bad Religion, there's a good chance you'll like this album. It certainly gets the job done. (Oh wait! There's more! I have a note of caution: the physical Cd is stamped with the "no crosses" logo. So, if you have easily offended parents/girlfriends/boyfriends/spouses/significant others, or are going to be living with a extremely devout family in September like I am, you might want to buy it through some sort of music downloading service.)