After the incredibly ingenious debut in April 2001, it was clear to me, this band will definitely be one of my favorite. Were the higher course expectations in the 2nd disc of Rise Against. But you could have a quiet high expectations, they are met in my opinion all. Already the opener "Black Masks & Gasoline" is a real board. The vocals of singer Tim McIlrath sounds very strong and alternates between brilliant melodic passages and hardcore screams. That he can do both, he has already demonstrated on the debut. But the good level is maintained over the entire plate. Just as in "The Unraveling" every song is a classic in itself. Overall it is clear to note that an improvement has given the sound. The disc was recorded in the Blasting Room (Good Riddance there also has its last albums recorded). So the volume of the bass drum was kept normal time (the debut was still very loud). Note also that the bass a Good Riddance similar and thus has good sound, perhaps even better than the debut. My conclusion is for all fans of the debut is it too long now! But for any other Punkfan the disk is recommended. For me, it could be in any case, the disc of the year.