So what's changed in the VC camp? Buzz Osborne (Melvins) was unable to participate this time around so now there's a clean 50/50 share of Brutal Truth sickos and Napalm Death bastards. Shane Embury (Napalm Death) switched from bass to guitar while his bandmate, Danny Herrera, still beats the hell outta the drums. Kevin Sharp's lead throat is in finer form than it ever was in Brutal Truth - at least in this writer's estimation - and new to the fold is Dan Lilker, he of too many stops to mention and no stranger to Metal in any number of forms. His instantly recognizable fuzzed out 4-strings of Doom are always welcome.

The album's 17 tracks span all manner of brief brutality with an attitude and vitality not heard on a Napalm Death record in some years (think 2000's Enemy of the Music Business, boys and girls). So what could possible make these scene veterans so riled up and agitated in the current era? Maybe American Idol pissed 'em off something fierce (see "Punk Rock Idol") or perhaps they were kicking back while watching Office Space ("A Case of the Mondays"). With Sharp at the helm of lyrics and vocals, however, one may never know. Highlights include "Check Out," "Workers of the World Unite," and "Chaos." One could see a band such as Lamb of God bringing a band like this out on the road. Or at least Randy Blythe would enjoy the hell out of 'em.

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 33:59