I really like this album and consider it an inspired piece of work. The songs are intense and dramatic, and the musicianship is incredible. The lyrics are good. However, (and I know some people like this about Tool) the lyrics are pretty twisted and hateful. Don't listen to hard to the lyrics of the first track unless you've got a strong stomach. Regardless of that I love this album, I just keep thinking 'love not hate' when I listen to it.