When this Seattle trio dropped their self-titled debut album in 2011, it was the initial release for the fledgling Good To Die Records — and the label couldn’t have picked a better record to get their name out. That first record contained some of the most catchy and hard-hitting noisy rock that had come out of Seattle in years. It was a perfect first step for the band and for the label.

Now, two years later, the band is back with a sophomore release — as well as a higher profile and higher expectations. It didn’t hurt that Brian Cook — current member of Russian Circles and former member of the revered Botch — let out a little message via the internet that this new record was going to blow people away.

And you know what? He was right.

Godhead improves on the first album in many ways. First, the band has stepped up and written a bunch of diverse tunes that manage to expand upon the sound they built on the first record, playing around with different tempos and song lengths. Second, the play the hell out of these songs. There is an urgency and passion here that is hard to beat, and the feral howl of vocalist/guitarist Jon Weisnewski has only improved. Finally, the production by Matt Bayles (who the band also used on the first recording) makes sure that all the instruments are heard; yet the recording still retains a gritty charm.

“Ruiner” opens with a big drum beat from Nat Damm and just builds to a force of righteous rock power. “Castle” gets a little more aggressive with a careening riff and some noisy breakdowns. “Gorgon” is as monstrous as its name — it’s frantic, powerful, and catchy, and is a great slice of anthemic noise rock. The title track unfurls over seven minutes alternating between monolithic riffs and a melodic chorus, using the whole heavy/melodic dynamic to great effect. “Champions” gets more frantic and once again brings the band’s hardcore roots to the forefront. “Traveler” adds some echo-laden spoken word parts to the angular riff attack.

In a February 2013 interview, Wiesnewski said that “not giving a shit was the new DIY.” Well, if that is true, then a lot of bands have to stop giving a shit, because it’s worked very well for Sandrider. This record slays, front to back.

(Good To Die Records, PO Box 70251, Seattle, WA 98127)