Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Alternative Press
    80
    While the band's by-the-book emo and fondness for '90s Radiohead may not break new ground, they've still made a hell of a record whose familiarity makes it feel like an old favorite upon first listen. [Oct 2002, p.95]
  2. The dynamic atmospherics of ATDI's swan song Relationship of Command are here, but the delicate moments are more focused, and the powder-keg bursts just as potent.
  3. Under intense pressure to "prove itself," Sparta has done perfectly fine.
  4. They put together nearly perfectly produced and arranged songs, tight and precise yet still urgent and fast.
  5. The anthemic cries for getting your crap in order are flavored with dashes of sonic experimentation and the knowledge of when to slow things down.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Vacillates between supersoft verses and garishly loud hooks, undermining their attempts at lyrical nuance. [6 Sep 2002, p.86]
  7. They've managed to broaden the nervous-tic angst-rock of their previous band into something more readily adaptable without reducing it to mealy-mouthed pop regurge.
  8. While the band's sound isn't exactly the most original noise out there, they deliver with such impassioned conviction that you'll be more than willing to forget a few "sound alike" misgivings.
  9. Sparta has made a smartly produced, superficially exciting record full of deafening electric hum, full-throated shouts, and quiet, intricately picked guitar breaks.
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. zachl
    Aug 31, 2005
    10
    complete from start to finish and hitting highs and lows along the way. interesting lyrics let you crave for another listen. a great multiple complete from start to finish and hitting highs and lows along the way. interesting lyrics let you crave for another listen. a great multiple listen album that brings you the whole package. Full Review »
  2. AidanK
    Aug 27, 2005
    8
    its really good but overshadowed by the mars volta and at the drive-in
  3. MarkP
    Mar 28, 2005
    10
    My absolute favourite album