Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Producer Ross Robinson (Korn, Slipknot) adds some arena sheen, true. But it's not enough to smooth the edges off "Arc Arsenal," a primal tantrum against rebels "robbed . . . of their cause," or to homogenize the ragged beats and mind-bending guitar flurries of "Enfilade."
  2. This is bound to be praised to the hilt as the Next Big Thing, but rock outfit At The Drive In have only one thing going in their favour - the absence of competition. It's so close to being something beautiful, something to cling on to in these aurally barren times, but it's just so not quite.
  3. Checkout.com
    60
    At the Drive-In (from El Paso, Texas) picks up where Jane's Addiction leaves off, emitting that thin, distinctive Perry Farrell upper register vocal amid a post-punk apocalyptic guitar/bass/drums detonation. Good for the Addiction, not so good for the Drive-In.
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 138 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 12 out of 138
  1. Aug 21, 2012
    10
    Arguably one of the most important post-hardcore albums in the history of the genre. What Bixler, Rodriguez and Co accomplished here is a trueArguably one of the most important post-hardcore albums in the history of the genre. What Bixler, Rodriguez and Co accomplished here is a true triumph. They managed to make an album that was accessible enough to bring people into the fold of post-hardcore, while still maintaining credibility among the stalwart fans of the genre through urgency, songwriting prowess and phenomenal instrumentation. Even Bixler's voice, that initially might take some getting used to, quickly becomes one of the best parts of this breathtaking album after a few listens. Full Review »
  2. Dec 15, 2010
    10
    This is one of my favorite rock albums. It's utterly amazing. The vocals are some of the best I've ever heard and the musicianship isThis is one of my favorite rock albums. It's utterly amazing. The vocals are some of the best I've ever heard and the musicianship is incredible. "Pattern Against User" is one of my favorite songs of all time. All In All, One of my favorite albums. A Full Review »
  3. Jan 31, 2023
    6
    A very dynamic album that has some truly well executed ideas. Probably one of the bands that tests the limits of how to sing and using theA very dynamic album that has some truly well executed ideas. Probably one of the bands that tests the limits of how to sing and using the voice as an instrument. Overall The album doesn't really speak to me and The Mars Volta don't really try to capture and refine this sound, but they instead decided to move on it seems. Which I can completely respect as an artist, but I'm a little disappointed as a fan. Full Review »