It has been four years since their last record, Darkness Come Alive, and in that time, Doomriders, which was originally birthed as a side-project of Converge bassist Nate Newton, has grown in popularity. It helped that the last record was an awesome collection of songs that deserved all the attention it received. The band also did their best to promote it, working around day jobs, families, and other concerns to get the word out.

There are some changes in the Doomriders camp. Original drummer JR Connors left once his primary band, Cave In, became active again. He has been replaced by the hard hitting Q. Also, Converge released and toured around two critically acclaimed albums (2009’s Axe to Fall and 2012’s All We Love We Leave Behind), which only raised their profile.

In addition, the band has been dealing with some heavy real-life issues. Newton dealt with a the loss of his grandfather, which led to an overall questioning about his place in the world and his musical legacy. Also, the track “Dead Friends”, chronicles the loss of some very close friends.

This introspection has given the album a darker, heavier vibe, lyrically, as well as musically. The title track sees Newton wondering whether his life and life’s work has value. He doesn’t want to waste time, and judging from the way this album comes together, he has not wasted a single drop, and this another great album from a band known for making great albums.

The darker lyrical content is done in a way that listening to it provides a catharsis for anyone going through tough times (sort of like the way “Lions” from the last record did). It helps get the negativity out of your system. A lot of great loud rock has that ability to tackle tougher themes and provide an outlet for the listener — and this album does so in grand fashion.

The album’s first proper song, “New Pyramids,” shows off this new musical approach. It starts with an ominous riff, bolstered by roiling feedback and a darker, nastier approach. “Mankind” picks up the pace with some cool riffs and guitar accents, while “Bad Vibes” is a hard rocking piece of hardcore punk. “Dead Friends” is a eulogy for those who have fallen disguised as a catchy, mid-paced “death n’ roll” song.

“Death In Heat” lurches forward on a heavy crushing riff and slow deliberate tempo that rolls over you. “We Live In Shadows” starts of twangy and then accelerates. “Gone To Hell” features very accomplished clean, emotive and powerful singing from Newton(rivaling the performance of “Come Alive”), as well as some dark melodies and moods that Alice In Chains would kill for. “Back Taxes” is another punk-metal barn burner, while “Father Midnight” ends the album as it begun swathed in darkness and feedback.

Doomriders have crafted another thrilling album of downturned punk-metal madness that provides the listener with both heavy music and lyrics. This is easily one of the better releases you are likely to hear this year.