The two weeks enabled Milligan and fellow guitarist Christian McAlhaney to weed down the original 24 songs they had, to just 17, before moving into the studio and tracking 15.

[7] Vocalist and lyricist Stephen Christian, said that he wrote a portion of the fourth album while on a trip to New Orleans, at a small cafe named Kahve.

[8] Christian said "the pressures were immense" after signing with Universal, and that he had a "minor breakdown" leading him to "run away to New Orleans" in February to write a couple of songs for the record.

Avron has been involved in the genre for years, producing albums for Yellowcard, New Found Glory and Fall Out Boy.

The actual recording and production took place at multiple studios in Hollywood, California, under Avron throughout March and early April 2008.

"[15] His original explanation on the band's Myspace blog quickly spread across music news sites, with them reporting his insight on the title and how "we must change, not because we want to, but because we desperately have to.

Anberlin was showcasing their new material on the main stage for the entire tour, with the pre-order coming with a USB device on a wristband.

[16] In response to some fans who claimed Anberlin was selling out, the band members released a music video called "Compound Lockdown".

Christian McAlhaney introduced the video by saying that Anberlin "likes money a lot" and was going in a different direction, more towards a "hip-hop, thug rap, dirty south kind of thing".

[1] Lindsay Wiseman of Jesus Freak Hideout said, "Much respect is deserved and given to Anberlin for making the always-risky move to a major record company...

"Like last time, New Surrender opens with a stunning, rocketing, riot-igniting send-off, except that “The Resistance” knocks “Godspeed” flat on its back, immediately demanding to be named Best Anberlin Track Ever.

'"[22] At CCM Magazine, Andy Argyrakis gave it a 5/5, saying that "Long story short, New Surrender is hands-down one of 2008’s most essential albums to own and is sure to position Anberlin as much deserved cross-cultural superstars.

"[20] Tim Grierson of About.com gave it a 3.5/5, commenting that "New Surrender may lack the rough edges of earlier Anberlin efforts, but its sleek musicianship and heartfelt songs are significant compensation.

"[17] At Christianity Today, Russ Breimeier gave it 4.5/5, referencing that "though Cities will undoubtedly remain the favorite to many, these ears can't help but appreciate New Surrender as Anberlin's most varied and mature album to date.

"[26] At Melodic, Kaj Roth gave it a 3.5/5, saying the band have "deliver[ed] a set of mighty fine songs.