In an earlier post, I talked about the first song off the new American Nightmare album and how I was hopeful that they could recapture their ferocity and unique ability to capture futility of youth.

“The first track off the record doesn’t sound like old AN. Wes sounds different, his voice is tired, nearly desperate to reacquaint with his former self. Struggling to find that balance between authenticity and determination to capture that essence that is unattainable. Does it work? So far, for this one song, I feel like they might have found that delicate balance of the old and new.  I am pulling for you guys.”

So the question is, how is the new record. Did it work?  Ill let you be the judge, but in my opinion, this record made it. In particular, the song “Flowers Under Siege” (video below) shows off what I think makes this record great. It’s short, sweet and shows their age and experience. Nothing here is terribly new, but it doesn’t matter. Wes and company pull no punches. They aren’t the old AN, but they certainly have nothing to be discouraged by.  Closing in on their 40’s hasn’t changed what made them great, they just seem different, almost reborn.