"Enjoyment of The Mars Volta ultimately comes down to what the listener feels is the group's purpose. Is it to continue honing and refining the post-hardcore prog-rock sound that defined the Mars Volta Phase 1.0? Or is it a vehicle for artistic expression, able to encompass whatever might be on the minds and in the ears of its members in the here and now? Fans of the former will likely leave this album disappointed, though I'm sure the reunion tour shows will be stellar. Fans of the latter, though, will be pleased to discover the group firing on all cylinders, even if those cylinders are serving the smoothest ride of their career".