I've always hated the people who cry and whine "sellout!" when a band tries to grow and mature their sound. The lyrics, guitarwork, and overall quality and refinement of this album is *TOP* notch. "Return to Serenity" almost brings tears to my eyes; there is such feeling and emotion in the songs that it pains me to see where the band has gone now, and how the separation of heavy metal fans and their adamant "underground" attitude can otherwise prevent musicians from making superior music. I got rid of all the Testament albums I had after this one, because they just felt very 'angsty' and like they were trying to appease all the folks who essentially screamed at them for trying to make some eloquently heavy music with 'The Ritual'. A fantastic CD that will never grow old in your collection.