Not only did not suffer from the infamous sophomore slump on its second album, , but the band delivered its best offering ever. is every bit as brutally forceful as , but the songs are even more memorable. 's outlook was still far from cheerful. Taking no prisoners either musically or lyrically, the headbangers embrace morbid gothic themes on such bombastic treasures as and And 's cover of 's is one of the band's finest accomplishments. For those purchasing their first album, is the ideal choice. ~ Alex Henderson