Having had my hands on "The Reckoning" for the better part of two months now, this album just hasn't grabbed me the way that the band's debut, "A Drug For All Seasons", did. I'm not sure what it is, because when you look at it track by track or by the performances on the album, it seems to be better. F5 has really ceased being David Ellefson's post MEGADETH project and become just "the band featuring David Ellefson". While this album isn't quite as good as "A Drug For All Seasons", there's no denying that it's a solid effort.

It's interesting this time around that Ellefson's work is really not a factor in evaluating this project. Sure, his playing is beyond reproach as always, but ultimately this album focuses in on two aspects - drums and vocals. Vocalist Dale Steele seems to have completely distanced himself from his flat, yet somewhat interesting first taste of working with known musicians in Rich Ward of STUCK MOJO's short-lived SICK SPEED project. For F5, Steele has added a bit more grit to his vocals which truly brings a much meatier quality to songs like "Love Is Dead". Where he used to be a purely clean vocalist, the added rasp makes songs like "Rank And File" shine in more of a DISTURBED way than ever before.

Speaking of the DISTURBED sound, drummer Jimmy DeGrasso really seems to have taken up that cause with his playing in F5. Known more as a straight forward rock drummer in Alice Cooper and Y&T, DeGrasso completely switches gears with the most modern sounding playing of his career. Sounding more like Morgan Rose than…well…himself, DeGrasso shines brightly as he guides the band through songs like "My End" or "The Reckoning". The band are complimented nicely by some solid guitar rhythms from John Davis and Steve Conley. As guitarists, these guys don't do a lot to distinguish themselves as much more than rhythm providers as they tend to stay in the more modern approach, which might be the only problem I can point out. Sure, there are solos on the album (including a very nice one on "The Reckoning"), but overall the guitars are a bit too polished and too much of an addition to the rhythm section instead of a standout part of the band.

The main problem with this album is that F5 have intentionally lengthened the songs out a bit. All of the songs on "A Drug For All Seasons" clocked in at right around three minutes in length. Those short, quick bursts of energy gave that entire album a sense of urgency that just doesn't come across here. This sounds like a band more comfortable than previously, which may be true, but my personal taste liked the fast, furious barrage of modern Metal muscle.

The bottom line here is that if you liked the first album, you will like this one. If you like music by bands like SEVENDUST or DISTURBED, then this is a good alternate title to have in your collection that will keep the vibe of your musical taste without being a mere imitator of either band. It's good stuff, although not quite as good as their first release. It's still recommended, though.