Definitely adds to it...I love the little 80's synth stuff they've thrown in, not too much, still heavy but just adds that extra little element that is perfectly necessary.
Random Memory: First experience with Story of the Year was then they had 'And the Hero Will Drown' on a PETA compilation disc...wasn't into it at first since the rest of it was more NOFX type stuff but man have they had an impact on me since then.