I have to say that the very first time that I listened to the album, I was not impressed. No fault to Shinedown, I tend to shun new music at first. The album has grown on me considerably. It hasn't left my cd player in my car since I bought the album. This is their most dynamic album they have created in my opinion. This album reminds of me of the Metallica Black album in the way that it blends heavy, fast beats with their southern rock sound. Metallica did the same with songs like Sad But True and Nothing Else Matters. I love all of the darkness in the previous albums and actually find the lyrics uplifting but on this album they created masterpiece by putting together a diverse song list. I saw them last month in Louisville, KY and am going to see them again Sunday in Covington, KY. Keep on Rockin!!!