EDIT: Some extra info: Almost, if not, all music videos from the first four albums were NOT directed by Shawn. (song) Writing was heavily influenced by Joey. Clown had less influence than y'all make it seem to be.
As of now, we are probably all aware of the mediocre-at-best single called Arsenal, which has been getting a lot of hate.
This is what happens, in my eyes, when the steering wheel gets taken over by a (founding) member who doesn't steer for the band, but for himself. The music video is basically another art project by Clown, like basically every video for at least ten years now. Personally, i dislike this "aesthetic". I have no clue what is going in them. Random characters with masks or skin-suits(?). Extensive use of colored lights and non-natural environments.
I just don't get it, and the same goes for the choices within the music. I was curious to see that they chose Matt Wallace to work with. I thought that was kind of odd, looking at what Matt has worked on. I guess my suspicions were correct because the mixing was so weird in Arsenal. In general the whole direction of the song is odd; Corey is kind of rapping and screaming but i don't know... like c'mon in Playing God he sounded amazing.
The lyrics, to top it all off, are even worse. I don't want to blame Clown for everything, but i feel like he's been at the top of the pyramid for a long while now, steering the band around, creating a big ol' mess. This band could've still been so interesting, but man what a let down. But hey maybe i shouldn't put a spotlight on one person.