"truthless heroes" and "songs to burn your bridges by" generally focused on a "dark, rock musical direction". the group strayed from the style for their fifth album "...and the rest will follow", opting to flirt with melodies and harmonies. "rival factions" marked a great departure when they embraced 1980s music and utilized keyboards. their signature hardcore sound was reinstated for "picket fence cartel". "we have had a great time adding more melody along the way," insisted schwab, "but in our hearts, we still really enjoy playing aggressive songs". even so, some songs retained synthesizers while others boasted folk influences.