I think Nola is one of the greatest heavy metal albums ever and I too was anticipating the next album. I wish they waited 7 years more because this one was really disappointing. First off, the production really [stinks] compared to the first one. Someone said in one of the reviews that the drums were too loud. I disagree, I think they weren't loud enough! The other person probably had that opinion because the guitars sounded bad as well. Vocals weren't as great either. The production wouldn't have been much of an issue if the songs were better as well.Who knows I remember that I didn't like the first one when I first heard it either. Maybe in time it will grow on me. I've only listened to it twice since I got it (like two months ago). I hope the next one is better and doesn't take so long to put out.Side note: I saw them live just last week and they did rock although Phil Anselimo was zonked out of his mind. I wish he could have been sober but they were still great.