Well, here it is: only three years after Suicidal’s triumphant comeback record, 13, we have the follow-up. The lineup has shifted completely from the last three years, leaving only vocalist Mike Muir and guitarist Dean Pleasants from the last record. But the new trio of bassist Ra Díaz, rhythm guitarist Jeff Pogan, and drummer extraordinaire Dave Lombardo (ex-Slayer, Fantomas) has really amped their game up. While this isn’t one of the most earth-shattering records of the year, stylistically it’s one of the most dynamic.

Right from the get-go on “Clap Like Ozzy,” the band slams from beginning to end. The song is one of their coolest, powered by amazing bass playing and Lombardo’s unstoppable force on the kit. These guys can play faster and harder than most of these wannabe little pop punkers that keep popping up. The song does remind me a lot of Infectious Grooves, but with just a bit more speed.

Some songs are overly long like “Still Dying to Live,” a seven-minute head scratcher if there ever was one. The track is a bit weird, quite unlike anything the band has done recently and not really recommended for any diehard fan. Songs like that harken back to an album like The Art Of Rebellion, which found the band stretching their ambition and making a different sort of record.

“Living For Life” is, plainly said, one of the best songs of the year. A track full of positive vibes, great energy, and absolutely amazing playing, it’ll leave you with a smile or smirk or grin on your face for a long, long time afterwards.

But around the middle of the disc is when things start to sag. “The New Degeneration” drags until the middle when the entire band just tears loose and tears the damn thing apart. Though the whole unit is relatively new, they thrash better than most bands out there. While mostly just okay, “Damage Control” does have some great vocals from Muir, which is really something to be proud of. Muir is and has always been one of the most interesting voices in punk, and this record allows him to show off more than usual. On the other hand, the title track slows down the proceedings a bit and is one of the least interesting songs hear; it’s better to just skip it.

Finally, “This World” is a song from the last album that is redone here in an almost acoustic style, but it doesn’t have the same feel or energy as the original, definitive recording of the track. But it’s definitely an interesting way to end the record. Mike Muir has gone on record saying this might be the last full-length Suicidal release, and if that is the case, then they have gone out with a decent offering that still manages to put most punk bands to shame.

Rating: B

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