i don't think they're were really new metal. their 2nd album Greyest of Blue Skies had some of that, but they've had a spacey ambience on that album that overshadowed it on most of the songs. to me that separated them from that genre. their last album was far from anything remotely NU-metal. it was very stripped down. they've not ever sounded like Limp Biscuit, since they've been with Wind Up - you being from Canada maybe know what they sounded like before getting signed.
that said, i was quite disappointed when i heard this new song. but, whatever, if thats the direction they wanna go, its their choice. i can't say i'll buy this one.