Sum 41 has been a defining part of the pop-punk music scene for twenty-seven years now. Their latest album Heaven :x: Hell may unfortunately their last release as a band. That does not mean the band put any less work or passion into this release. If anything, with the concept of Heaven :x: Hell, they put in twice the work with releasing almost two album’s worth of music and going out with a bang. It is clear to anyone who has been a fan of the band from their previous hit albums and singles that they have been pioneer’s in the pop-punk music scene. One of the biggest pop-punk bands to come out of Canada or even the world, lasting this long and staying relevant over nearly three decades is no easy feat. With classic pop-punk riffs and hooks, the band’s sound has always been the perfect mix between catchy and rebellious. This latest album is no exception to the band keeping true to the sound they have always had without becoming stale or repetitive from previous releases.
The first ten songs of the album are meant to serve as the Heaven half of the album, with the last ten songs serving as the Hell half of the album. There isn’t a harsh transition to make it feel disjointed or two actual albums. Instead there is a track that serves as a transition between the two halves, “Preparasi A Salire”.
It’s clear the band poured their hearts and souls into this release and didn’t leave anything left behind for the planned ending of the band. It is like I said previously, going out with a bang. Many bands over the span of time as long as twenty-seven years struggle to keep true to their original sound without becoming stale. Despite the odds though, I think Sum 41 managed to keep the perfect balance with keeping true to their roots but also elevating their music over the years with more intricate instrumentals, meaningful songwriting but keeping the catchy elements that make you want to dance and sing along to pop-punk music.
Twenty tracks on a single album would usually be overkill or even become mundane and boring halfway through but Heaven :x: Hell does not fall victim to any of those negatives. Each song is different just enough to keep you interested and this includes some of Sum 41’s best music so it’s a bittersweet parting gift from the band before their final tour. My favorite songs from the album include “Dopamine”, “Johnny Libertine”, “I Don’t Need Anyone”, and “You Wanted War”.
“I love Sum 41, what we’ve achieved, endured, and stuck together through, which is why I want to call it quits. There were so many times we could’ve broken up. For some reason, we kept sticking it out. I’m proud of that. It’s the right time to walk away from it. I’m putting all of my energy into what’s ahead. This is going to be the biggest tour of our lives, and I want to make it the best show we’ve ever done. That’s it.” – Vocalist, Deryck Whibley.
Heaven :x: Hell Tracklist.
HEAVEN-
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
HELL-
1. Preparasi A Salire
2. Rise Up
3. Stranger In These Times
4. I Don’t Need Anyone
5.Over The Edge
6. House Of Liars
7. You Wanted War
8. Paint It Black
9. It’s All Me
10. How The End Begins