Rancid

It took Rancid two years to write and record their latest self-titled effort and it was time truly well spent. In Rancid's nine-year existence, this is the album they always had in them, but had been waiting to release. 22 songs clocking in within 38 minutes, it's all nitro burning, in your face punk rock. No frills, no gimmicks, no filler, no guest appearances! Moreover, there's the obvious departure from the reggae, dub and ska-influenced sounds of Life Won't Wait and And Out Come the Wolves, so fans of those musical genres may not be digging the blistering hardcore fury that Rancid have dished up this time around. Rancid's musical execution is dead on and their aural assault is as powerful as a good boot to the head. It doesn't get any better than this.