is 's first "real" full-length, coming after a bunch of singles, a split CD (with the band ), and a discography/compilation CD ( ). It is actually a sort of equivalent to a concept album, at least in terms of the lyrics, which detail the disturbing final thoughts of a stalker parked outside his ex-girlfriend's house. (These lyrics are far less graphic, by the way, than one would expect based on the grisly cover art). Also on the concept front, the album is bookended by a computerized voice narrating an unrelated, but also fairly disturbing, scene involving the same ex-girlfriend. Musically, though, this is an album of straight-ahead, stripped-down characterized by harsh, shouted vocals and short, relentlessly fast songs. There are a few brief interludes and distorted vocal effects passages, but everything else is done with a basic guitar/drums/vocals lineup (although with some overdubbing in the guitar department). Guitarist (formerly of and also a member of ) has come up with plenty of great riffs here, such as the breakdown during the but the real impressive thing about this disc is just the constant barrage of aggression and intensity. It simply doesn't let up; there are parts where it seems like the energy level and abrasiveness are at a plateau (at the end of for example), only to rise again to a new level. This is an impressive release that makes a strong case for , alongside and , as one of the top bands of the late '90s/early '00s. ~ William York