Well done Billy Talent, not bad at all this "II", "all killer no filler" one might say, since there's not a hint of filler and all the tracks flow like a pleasure.
No search for "maturity" that many other slightly pretentious punk/rock bands flaunt, but instead a carefree album that entertains the listener impeccably.
The 13 tracks are easy to listen to and catchy in full punk/rock tradition, but Billy Talent don't want to be forgotten after the first three listens, and here come into play the splendid songwriting and excellent arrangement care, which give the album an enviable solidity.
"Red Flag" and "Devil In A Midnight Mass" overwhelm with catchy rhythms and enviable energy, "Surrender" surprises with melancholic arpeggios, "Covered In Cowardice" ignites again with its continuous bursts of energy, in short, there is no risk of getting bored.
Where myriads of other similar bands crash against excessive repetitiveness of songs, or seem insipid due to overly "mainstream" sounds, Billy Talent seem to know no obstacles.
You either have talent or you don't, and Billy Talent have it in spades.