ALBUM REVIEW: Sum 41 releases final record, “Heaven :x: Hell”
When the news broke that long-time act, Sum 41 called it a day; emo hearts broke worldwide. The band produced many songs for our soundtrack over their insane 27-year run as a band. But as a final gift to the band’s fans and a final manifesto, Sum 41’s final effort, Heaven :x: Hell, hit the shelves today.
With a slew of tour dates announced for this year worldwide, including the final Boston performance at MGM Fenway on April 30th, the setlist is undoubtedly something that curating will be a lengthy discussion. It’s an impossible feat, considering the album the band just released is straight bangers throughout. It’s broken down into two sections, with Heaven being more pop punk riffs and catchy lyrics, and with Hell, definitely more of the heavy metal tinge that fans have grown to love from the band. As soon as “Rise Up” hit, I was immediately brought back to many nights at the Worcester Palladium with maybe even a little hair swoop as I dove in.
But before I get ahead of myself, this album screams the need for it to come to life in the live setting. I’m sure longtime fans would be content just to have the new record come to life, but you know some of the classics will have to be involved. Throughout the record, songs seem coded for specific eras. In particular, a standout for me was definitely what appears to be a throwback to “Pieces” and “With Me,” with the farewell to the Heaven side of things with the stunning “Radio Silence.” Earlier in the tracklisting comes “Future Primitive,” which immediately hearkened to beauties like “The Hell Song” and “Walking Disaster” to mind.
This album is one for the fans, one I’m glad I listened to straight through. It was not a hard task, to be honest, when somehow the band stuffed 20 songs into under a hot 55 minutes. The toe-tapping was constant, be it the opening track, “Waiting On a Twist of Fate,” a genuinely flawless way to open the last album for the band. Quickly moving into “Landmines,” it was made clear that this album will define and feed the hunger of the band’s longtime cult fans, who are sure to have had darkness in their hearts when the band announced that Sum 41 was ending.
The Hell side of the album brings back the raw energy of Sum 41, reminiscent of their alter-ego, Pain for Pleasure, and the metal edge that electrified their live shows. This final masterpiece is a testament to the band’s versatility and inclusivity, offering something for every fan, regardless of when they joined the journey with these kids from Ajax.
For now, if you haven’t listened yet, be sure not to miss out on this one! All information regarding Sum’s final shows can be found on their website here. The band’s final gig will be in Toronto on January 30th, but until then, they have tons of shows in all areas of the world. Don’t miss out on a final gig from easily one of the most influential bands to come out of our collective youth.
Find their latest video for “Dopamine,” off the Heaven side of things here!
