If Dry Kill Logic's new record "The Dead and Dreaming" sounds especially energized and motivated it's because the band has faced numerous challenges since the release of their 2001 album, "The Darker Side of Nonsense." And since adversity not only builds character, it reveals it, they have come through stronger at the other end by creating music that satisfies their creative hunger.

The results are staggering - an album of pummeling beats, precise, ripping guitars, dissonant aural embellishments and vocals that alternate between vehement animosity and haunting melodicism. At any given moment, Dry Kill Logic brings to mind the classic sounds of Slayer, Pantera, System of a Down and Killswitch Engage without sounding like any of them.

Rigano's grab-the-world-by-the-balls philosophy is a major force behind "The Dead and Dreaming," an album that addresses self-reliance, courage and the pursuit of ambitious goals. The first single from The Dead and Dreaming, "Paper Tiger" is about the misconceptions that many artists have about the music business. In addition to painting a grimly realistic portrait, the song serves as a warning to anyone who thinks rocking out opens up a path to riches. "I've been to the other side, and there's no pot of gold. All success comes from hard work, there's no glory from signing the elusive record deal. All new bands say, 'My life would be great if I could just get a record deal.' I've got some news for you. It's only the beginning."

Maybe it's that hint of positivity lurking within Rigano's blackened core that makes Dry Kill Logic ring with extra authority. Unlike many of his cantankerous, pessimistic peers, Rigano actually wants to help make the world a better place. "The moral compass of society is so skewed in every sense of the word - people in general seem to be content with being unhappy with their lives as long as it means they can avoid the hard work it takes to make a change. The least we can do is to try to be the best people we can be, to lead by example and try to show people that with a bit of hard work, you can make a real difference. For us, that begins with giving back to the metal community by making real music for the fans and for ourselves, and no one else."