Since the 2003 release of their self-titled debut, Billy Talent's presence in their native country of Canada became indelible, mounting both constant radio and video play, not too mention sales of double platinum up north. South of the border though, things weren't as rosy, with the band making little impact in comparison. Although it's unlikely "II" will be the album that breaks them through on foreign soil, it will almost surely be the one that cements them as northern stars.

Indeed "II" is a cleverly written radio-punk opus that shoulders equal loads of snotty, staccato aggression and endearing melody without ever losing focus on a catchy rhythm. But while the group still remain a welcome mohawk in the sea of salon-friendly rockers who currently populate the radio airwaves, there is a gradual shift noticeable throughout this effort. This shift sees the band moving further towards their commercial sensibilities and in turn, there are a number of tracks on this record that feel stilted or forced.

Ultimately, through direct, deceptively simplistic musicianship and a borderline obnoxious vocal delivery; Billy Talent do stay true to many of the core ideals of what modern punk has come to be defined as. But throughout this album there is also ample evidence of a group who perhaps want to be more commercially successful than they are artistically successful. With a bevy of driving rhythms, barbed vocal hooks and a believable amount of emotion to plead their case, it would be hard to condemn them. But with so much polish and thinly veiled intentions, it's hard to laud them either.