The first album for these types of bands is always so much better than anything else they ever releases. I think it has to do with a lifetime of riffs and the fact there isn't an (at the time) obligation to play these song every single night. Under appreciated gem of the late 2000s metalcore era.
Listen, if Jordan is writing guitar for a band they are going to have Sick Ass Riffs with a capital S. This album is very fun and better than late era ETID. I won't apologize.