in early 2009, the band returned to the studio with martin and ulrich wild to record their seventh album, "picket fence cartel". time was spent leisurely crafting the album; previous endeavors had been limited by deadlines. "this time around, we said, 'look, let's not just put out another record,'" said schwab, "'let's make sure we get the record to a place that we're happy with it.'" the band focused on a heavy metal sound. however, they did not entirely jettison their 1980s influences as synthesizers percolated several songs. schwab's lyrics focused on his belief that power and corruption often "run hand-in-hand when it comes to human souls." "the world is teaching us that fame is to be sought after; that recognition will equal success, fortune and, ultimately, peace," he said, "but the search for and attainment of fame and wealth usually destroy us in the end."