arcane-beautiful These guys are a bit of a guilty pleasure.

I have reviewed these guys before, with favourable comments as well, and I'm glad I haven't seen any backlash, because to be honest, I don't think people care about why these guys where popular once (and even then, having the brother of a Jackass member in your band will only get you so far).

The reason these guys have survived and are still making music, is because their fans (and people like me) still like them, and to be honest, thats the most decent way to go.

It seems to be this is the album where the mass atention of the band seemed to die down, and Bam's career was going into a more sleepy mode (he was getting married and all that) as did attention to this band. So what did CKY do? They made a more relaxing album to add to the calmness of the time.

Yea this album can be quite calm alot of the time. Everything is kind of relaxing. All the songs dont jump out at you. Theirs no real fast songs or confusing moments to make you wake up from sleep. It's just relaxing. In fact, this is almost the anti skater album at time. This album is great relaxing music, or background music.

It also has some really poppy moments on it at times. And it says theirs no keyboards on it, but I think I can detect a moog now and then (could just be effects pedals to the max). I think this is the album where they matured. I also think that comparing it to their last album (Carver City), it's a real showing of progression. In fact this seems to be the more calmer side to CKY, whilst Carver City was their more experimental side.

This album also saw the band working as a 3 piece, which to be honest, is mainly what the band is anyway (bass isn't really a prominent figure). The instrumental work on the album is as its always...very underlooked and underated. The way these guys compose and play their songs really is a wonder. I don't think these guys have ever used power chords ever. Everything is to do with melodic riffs. The album is drenched in a melodic 4/4 style, with harmony lacing through out it. Their is some hidden complications going on behind this band...so really listen with open ears. The guitar work on the album is also pretty fantastic, and Kirk Hammet should listen to these guys so he can learn how to use a wah pedal right.

Derons vocals really are shown to their full capactiy. This guy is a real underlooked vocalist. With lyrics in CKY songs, I never really dwell on the lyrics too much, because to be honest, it seems to be that the lyrics are only their to accompany the amazing vocal melodies. Although I do admit, their lyrics are really good. Whatever they are singing about...good on them.

1. Suddenly Tragic - Great start to the album. Great chorus. The whole song is a melodic thrill ride. Pretty cool vocals as well. 9/10

2. The Way You Lived - Like many songs on the album, this song has quite a soulful aproach. I really mean it, all I could think about during this song was how Stevie Wonder it sounded at like times. Love the guitar work. A very nice relaxing song. 7/10

3. Dressed In Decay - Again, a very relxing song...and another soul influenced song. The chorus is a very nice soul influenced chorus. 8/10

4. Familiar Realm - The single from the album. Yes this was the first song I heard from it, mainly cause it had a video. Probabbly one of my favourite CKY songs. The riffs in this song are really to be marvelled at. The guitar solos are pretty killer as well. Great chorus too. 9/10

5. All Power To Slaves - One of the best songs on the album. A beautiful composition with amazing guitar work throughout. Love the use of synths (or are they synths :D). The odd changes throughout do make the song more enjoyable. 9/10

6. Tripled Manic State - One of the most rocking and poppy songs on the album. Great catchy chorus. 9/10

7. Behind The Screams - A nice spanish acoustic instrumental. 6/10

8. Deceit Is Striking Gold - Some pretty killer riffs in the song. Great chorus and some interesting lyrics too. 7/10

9. As The Tables Turn - A filler song. Pretty standard CKY to be honest (well their had to be one) 5/10

10. Sniped - One of the best and most interesting songs on the album. Derons vocals are incredibly diverse on this song. I love the chorus on this song. 9/10

11. Don't Hold Your Breath - A cheesy ballad to end the album? Well it's not really a ballad, but its still a nice way to end the album. Very calm and pretty. 7/10

CONCLUSION: This isn't their best album, and to be honest, it's probabbly one of their weakest, but even then, it's still CKY. They aren't trying to be someone they're not. I wouldn't even say this album is weak, I just prefer the others to it really. This is still a great album, and it is an interesting listen, whilst also being very enjoyable as well.

7.1/10