returned to studio for seventh album

In early 2009, the band returned to the studio with Martin and Ulrich Wild to record their seventh album, Picket Fence Cartel . Time was spent leisurely crafting the album; previous endeavors had been limited by deadlines. “This time around, we said, ‘Look, let’s not just put out another record,’” said Schwab, “‘Let’s make sure we get the record to a place that we’re happy with it.’” The band focused on a heavy metal sound . However, they did not entirely jettison their 1980s influences as synthesizers percolated several songs. Schwab’s lyrics focused on his belief that power and corruption often “run hand-in-hand when it comes to human souls.” “The world is teaching us that fame is to be sought after; that recognition will equal success, fortune and, ultimately, peace,” he said, “But the search for and attainment of fame and wealth usually destroy us in the end.”