Every now and then I just want RZA and his production minions to throw a curve ball that makes my jaw drop, because my jaw stopped dropping nearly four years ago after their trademark soundscapes stopped sounding novel and revolutionary. Throughout the album, Cappadonna's cinematic lyrics are tight, and he rides the raw, angular beats with the ease of a tough urban cowboy. On "Dart Throwing," Method Man and Cappadonna ride off together toward a dark, cloud-filled horizon. "Dart Throwing" is punctuated by rhythmic claps of thunder, a two-note bass line and a melody created by an unidentifiable instrument.

Method Man and Cappadonna's deliveries accentuate the feeling of unease the music evokes -- a feeling that runs throughout the remainder of the album. Though it was evident on previous Wu-related albums, Cappadonna's album demonstrates that -- for the most part -- his disciples have caught up with him. In fact, without the album liner notes to help me, it would be damn-near impossible to tell who produced what, because the songs flow together so seamlessly. Even the sample of the Love Unlimited Orchestra song, "You, I Adore," comes out sounding dark and apocalyptic -- something the original song most definitely is not. Even when a Barry White sample is used a dark cloud still seems to hang over the proceedings. Don't get me wrong -- the album is great, especially if you're a fan of the Wu-Tang Clan. I only wish that the darkness hanging over this album would lift, if just momentarily, to allow a few rays of surprise in.