SUM 41 - HEAVEN x HELL
Sum 41's music often combines punk rock elements with influences from heavy metal and hip-hop. Their sound is characterized by Whibley's melodic vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and fast-paced drumming. They have released several successful albums, including Does This Look Infected? in 2002 and Chuck in 2004, both of which received critical acclaim. The band has faced numerous challenges over the years, including personal struggles and lineup changes. However, they have remained resilient and continued to release music, experimenting with different genres and styles. Some of their other notable albums include Underclass Hero, Screaming Bloody Murder, and 13 Voices and now their latest and final release Heaven x Hell.
‘Waiting on a Twist of Fate’ opens the album with the same high energy the band has been known for in their nearly three decades as a band. The track touches on how fast time flies and how it’s better to live in the present than to dwell on the past while also recognizing someone is a burden to them, but wishing there was more time to fix what was wrong and have faith that things could eventually be better which leads into the next track, ‘Landmines.’
Released back in September, this track shares more insight on the ideas shown in the previous song, feeling like walking on eggshells because of this person, but feeling like the person completes you at the same time. The strong energy shared during the chorus helps to further implement the feeling of wanting freedom from the things holding them back.
‘Dopamine’ shares a slower feeling compared to the rest of the album and brings the feeling of wanting to turn back time to before a person you love has left you. The feeling of guilt and grief from this person being out of your life while at the same time realizing the love the person showed was fake and in reality didn’t mean anything and it was time wasted is hard hitting.
Bringing back the intense energy, ‘House of Liars’ the Hell part of the album is evident. The backing vocals help to further amplify the main points of the song before being brought into an instrumental break before the chorus begins again and realizing that the person you felt guilty for was actually the problem all along and being glad they’re gone.
Ending the album, the band shares another slower beginning as vocalist and writer, Deyck Whibley, reflects on the years behind them using the line “or am i an echo? / A reflection of yesterday” to press the question if he has anything left in him, letting the album die off with the thought of is this how the end begins.
Throughout their career, Sum 41 has received several accolades, including Juno Awards and many Music Video Awards. Despite facing setbacks and overcoming personal hurdles, the band's determination and passion for music has solidified their place in the punk rock genre, making them one of the most influential bands of all time to be remembered for generations to come.
Niki Davidson
★★★★☆