Instantly heavier and rougher around the edges than any of its recent predecessors, one of the most notable alterations to the band's formula this time around is the implementation of melody. Rather than the duty of the band's guitarists, the tuneful aspects of the band's music are now primarily driven forward by Bjorn Strid's ample vocal talents. This opens up the floor to the rhythm section to focus on layering each track with some pretty nifty grooves, rather than to noodle away at dual guitar harmonizing and the like.

But from a personal point of view and speaking as someone who has never been the biggest Soilwork fan, _Stabbing the Drama_, while a far better release than anything I have come across by this band thus far, still comes up a little short. Maybe I'm just being a jaded old git, but for my money the almost poppy melodies of songs like "Weapon of Vanity" are just a little too saccharine sweet make any real impact. That this record has tremendous cross-over appeal is certainly beyond any doubt, but as far as convincing their current nay-sayers -- I just don't see that happening.