The band is showing signs of his absence. Not often does an album stand up to a chief writer's departure, and Next is such a piece. I was hoping that Sonny would come to the band chocked full of creativity to add, generated from the unexpected demise of his former band Snot. (Strait RIP) The songs lack something, hook perhaps, and the comment that the band is maturing yet turning out their most aggresive album to date, doesn't jive. There's no 'Black' or 'Bitch' on this album, just alot of Morgan's unwarranted screaching. I've seen these guys live twice, and if they quell their onstage energy with geritol, they're done for. And Clint, WTF? Have you heard the college-radio-ready crap that 'Dark New Day' is spinning, why'd you leave? I realize that a union of alpha males is tough, but what makes 7dust king is the union of ALL souls. Mathematically, Clint's departure shouldn't have such a disasterous effect, but listening to the album, you'll find it as I did....whatever they had is going away. I hope they find it again, cuz I love this band's pomp and circumstance, but these things die with age...