There is an old adage – if you are going to go out, go out on top. Easier said than done, Pop Punk rockers Sum 41 put their best foot forward to do just that with their new double album Heaven :x: Hell.
An ambitious project which finds the band offering up 20 songs, Heaven :x: Hell, their eighth overall studio album, arrives on March 29, 2024 through Rise Records. Predetermined by the band as their final studio long play, breaking down the theme – Heaven is considered their more Pop Punk side, while Hell represents their darker Heavy Metal.
A cool concept, with this planned to be the last hurrah for Sum 41, it is important to look back at their lengthy journey that began all the way back in 1996. A story of a bunch of Canadian kids with a love for both Punk Rock (like Vandals and Rancid), but also Heavy Metal (like Megadeth and Dio), their passion led them to 2001’s hit single “Fat Lip.” A track that anchored their debut album All Killer No Filler, it would become massively popular, leading into a decade of success with some memorable songs like “In Too Deep,” “Motivation,” and later on, “With Me.”
Going on to sell over 15 million records worldwide, with many albums that have charted very highly, they even received a Grammy nomination along the way. Now 27 long years since it all began Sum 41 (currently consisting of Lead Vocalist Deryck Whibley, Lead Guitarist Dave Baksh, Bassist Jason McCaslin, Rhythm Guitarist Tom Thacker, and Drummer Frank Zummo) are ready to go out with a bang.
A bittersweet time for fans, the true question is – does Heaven :x: Hell live up to the anticipation? Up to you to decide, upon entering the new music, “Waiting on a Twist of Fate” feels like taking a step back in time. This being said, the sensation is with good reason, since it is said that Whibley found the riff for it in some old demos from 1997, but were never used. Loaded with awesome fist-pumping riffs and beats, it is fast paced full of Punk Pop vibes. A track released back on February 22nd (along with a music video), that same day two other releases with music videos also arrived; songs “Landmines” from Heaven, and “Rise Up” from Hell.
With so much to enjoy on both sides, “Dopamine” from Heaven leaves you with a melancholy feeling. Lyrics like, “You did it for the dopamine and it didn’t mean anything at all” opens up old wounds for some and leaves you with a hole in the heart. Meanwhile, “Not Quite Myself,” also from Heaven, brings back that ‘I’m not okay’ reality check. Complete with catchy riffs and a chorus that leaves an imprint on the ear, lines like, “All I’ve got are words to say but all my people skills get in the way,” and “Yeah, I guess I could use some help,” established a connection of relatability between you and Whibley’s emotion.
On the other side of it all, Hell finds Sum 41 dishing out some heavier songs from their days of experimentation with Metal. For Hell, you have “Preparasi A Salire” as the opener, building momentum with “Rise Up.” Then “I Don’t Need Anyone” comes from a place of knowing that this is the end for Sum 41. Meanwhile, “Over the Edge” and “You Wanted War” step onto the stage with some heavy Thrash, intense guitar solos. This is while “House of Liars” takes on heavier vocals, but each of those mentioned will have you headbanging.
Looking at Hell further, their cover of The Rolling Stones “Paint it Black” is done with a twist and gives the already ominous song a heavier, darker undertone, all while still keeping a thrashing sound. Which leads us to our conclusion, “How The End Begins,” which is strong, yet leaving you with a feeling of emptiness, but full of curiosity.
As all good things come to an end, so does Sum 41. While Heaven :x: Hell may be their final album, it is one that will be in the forefront of everyone’s mind for years to come. Simply put, Sum 41 do go out on top, and the Heaven :x: Hell album is some of their best work. That is why Cryptic Rock gives it 5 out of 5 stars.
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