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Described as the most metal-influenced punk band or the most punk-oriented metal act, Sum 41 have been labelled as just about everything, but really how do you brand an outfit that has so successfully navigated the waters between both worlds? In almost three decades, the Canadians have given us timeless anthems, (multi-)genre classics, immortal soundtracks, juicy gossips, and so much more, but above all else, they have given us priceless memories - of the careless past and crazy youth, of first kisses, first fights, first wins and first upsets... And now we have to accept that it is time for them to hang the boots for good while at the very top, and for us to forcefuly leave that sunny past behind.
But how do you say goodbye to a band that has been part of your conscious adult live and has actively accompanied most of the major life events so far? An album like Heaven :x: Hell certainly helps, and so does going back once again and remembering what made Sum 41 so special and what lead to this last album being as iconic as it is. Nostalgic and retrospective but also current and refreshing, Heaven :x: Hell is a double collection of anthems that showcases everything they have achieved throughout their stellar career. Not many bands can pull off such concluding release, especially in 2024 and the current state of the industry, but Sum 41 have done so with grace and flair worthy of their legacy.
With 20 songs in total, the LP almost sounds like a previously un-rereleased Greatest Hits compilation, packed to the brim with anthemic singles. For oldschool punks, Sum 41 and their early pop-punk output were never taken seriously, while metal gatekeepers later found it impossible to accept such unorthodox origin. And yet, they were also never really hated, and even grew to be universally accepted for flirting with both worlds so respectfully and authentically. It is that balanced duality that makes Heaven :x: Hell so noteworthy as the perfect way to wave goodbye to audiences on both sides of the fence and one last testament to Sum 41's outstanding versatility and legacy.
The first part Heaven is hopeful, energetic and joyful, demonstrating that iconic careless attitude and playful disregard for authority seen in all great pop punk records. Naturally, Hell gets expectedly darker and heavier, embracing the rage and frustration of everyday life, and delivering the rebellious and ralying feel of classic metal releases. As always, Deryck Whibley takes charge in leading the band towards their beautiful swan song, backed by Dave Backsh and Jason McCaslin as if it is 1999 again. Having joined Sum 41 for the heavier 13 Voices (2016) and Order in Decline (2019), Tom Thacker and Frank Zummo complete this iconic lineup that covers both the band's early days and its more recent output, a fitting foundation for an album as dichotomous and conclusive as this one.
Whether intentional or not, Heaven :x: Hell is the perfect allegory of life. From the first riff of 'Waiting on a Twist of Fate' you are lost in a flurry of teenage thrills, as if once again all that matters are the upcoming installments of American Pie or Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. And then 'Radio Silence' is over in a blink just like your childhood, your graduation and first job now distant memories and you are left tackling the ups and downs of the mundane over the rebellious riffs of 'Rise Up' and 'You Wanted War'. The tracks carry on mercilessly like sands slipping through an, and then you reach 'How the End Begins'. Maybe you shed a tear or two for the "good old times", or maybe you put the record once again with a smile, knowing that you lived in full, alongside one of the greatest bands of their generation.
This might all sound overexaggerated or a little too poetic, but this is the legacy of the greats. Are Sum 41 anyone's all-time favourite band? Probably not, but you will struggle to find someone even remotely connected to the metal, punk, rock or alternative scenes who does not know and like at least several of their songs. Nowadays, such universal acclaim and respect is rare and we need to give credit where it is due.
Often too late, it takes a sudden retirement or an untimely passing for us all to realise we have been witnessing greatness in front of our eyes, and maybe this is the case with Sum 41. Or maybe not, for looking at awards and all timeless classics and unforgettable gigs they have given us, it is exactly the right time and setting to end their career on the highest possible note, with the best possible album and the entire music world celebrating.
Goodbye Sum 41 and thank you for all the memories!
While She Sleeps - 'SELF HELL'
Country: United Kingdom
Released: 29 March 2024
Label: Sleeps Brothers / Spinefarm Records
Tracklisting:
1. 'Waiting on a Twist of Fate'
2. 'Landmines'
3. 'I Can't Wait'
4. 'Time Won't Wait'
5. 'Future Primitive'
6. 'Dopamine'
7. 'Not Quite Myself'
8. 'Bad Mistake'
9. 'Johnny Libertine'
10. 'Radio Silence'
11. 'Preparasi a Salire'
12. 'Rise Up'
13. 'Stranger in These Times'
14. 'I Don't Need Anyone'
15. 'Over the Edge'
16. 'House of Liars'
17. 'You Wanted War"
18. 'Paint it Black'
19. 'It's All Me'
20. 'How the End Begins'
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