These cats have been around for 20 years? Really? Well, crap. Then that means that Bad Religion and The Descendents must be pushing 60 years-plus, because Strung Out have always sounded like them in my ear holes. Now that’s not a dig on them — I mean, shit — how many bands out there sound like note-for-note genetic clones of that Bad Religion melodic punk harmonizing Right, at current count there are about 11 tri-fucking-jillion.

But Strung Out — while wearing their Bad Religious influence on their sleeves — were and still are just a bit different then all those others by blending in a solid, fist-and-horns handful of metal sprinklings. That worked and kept them separate from all the herds of turds.

They’re not straying too far from their onset sound with this release; still upper-speed melodic punk with harmonies and tight musicianship. And they have that Maiden-esque, guitar noodling element that they’re known for. Now if you are a fan and follow these guys, this record is less “metal” than their Exile In Oblivion album and yet a wee bit moreso than their Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues. A fine mix that solidifies a concrete foothold in their two-decade existence and kinda puts ’em back out there as a band worth noting. So make note of it.

(Fat Wreck Chords, 444 Townsend St. Suite #2, San Francisco, CA 94107)