Released: Mar 29, 2011
Genre: Punk Rock, Melodic Hardcore, Alternative Metal
Label: Island Records
Number Of Tracks: 14
Sum 41 takes the most dramatic turn of its musical career with the emotionally charged and virtually pop-punk-free "Screaming Bloody Murder".
Screaming Bloody MurderFeatured review by: UG Team, on march 29, 2011 9 of 14 people found this review helpful
Sound: Call it maturity. Deem it a new creative venture. Perhaps personal struggles. You can come up with plenty of explanations behind Sum 41’s latest musical transition, but one thing is certain: They have gone the way of Green Day and My Chemical Romance. Listening to the latest record Screaming Bloody Murder, it’s hard to even connect the music to the same band that wrote the catchy, feel-good “Fat Lip” back in 2001. The pop punk label is quickly being eradicated by a much more suave, musically diverse production than ever before – a wise move on the band’s part if their peers’ success is any indication. There are really no tracks on the 14-song Screaming Bloody Murder that could even be considered “fun,” which might be a troublesome thing if there weren’t so many well-written offerings on the record.
You can certainly make assumptions that the new songs are in some way inspired by frontman Deryck Whibley’s divorce from Avril Lavigne in 2009 (particularly because her new album is also more mellow/emotionally charged than ever), but the changes to Sum 41’s sound are much more than lyrically thematic. The arrangements could be deemed “epic” in many aspects, with quite a few featuring an eclectic assortment of musical sections and tempo changes all in the course of one song. Piano is utilized often, with a song like “Crash” basically showcasing that instrument and the vocals only. Even “Skumfuk” – which could have easily been an in-your-face, brash song because of the title – ends up being a piano-heavy, emotionally heavy song that goes up and down in intensity.
Sum 41 does briefly delve into more punk territory with “Time For You To Go,” but don’t expect to find any sort of happy-go-lucky themes. That track and the other few songs that prominently feature heavy riffage are filled with venom rather than playfulness. At another end of the spectrum you have “Baby You Don’t Wanna Know,” which relays a vibe similar to Oasis or The Vines. The bulk of the tracks do feel like they are cut from the same cloth as My Chemical Romance’s The Black Parade, which is not a terrible thing, particularly given the accolades that MCR received. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: While Green Day or MCR delivered a bevy of thought-provoking, often politically charged lyrical content, Sum 41 does tend to stick with topics of the heart. There are an assortment of love-gone-wrong tracks, whether Whibley begs for answers in “What Am I To Say” (“How could you be the better part of me; When we’re only half of what we used to be today; Could you see this isn’t what we need; And I’m leaving all the pieces how they fell”) or finding peace in “Exit Song.” The musical diversity and creativity on Screaming Bloody Murder in the end act as needed distractions from the multiple songs that deal with heartache. // 8
Impression: If you ever wanted to know if Deryck Whibley has a solid singing voice behind the rapping/talking style he has become synonymous with over the years, your answer awaits on Screaming Bloody Murder. Whibley is actually a quite engaging vocalist who has proven himself to be capable at both an abrasive and gentile delivery. The softer side of Whibley absolutely dominates the new record, so don’t expect an album full of tracks like “Underclass Hero” because you will be sadly disappointed. The good news is that Sum 41’s latest musical direction is handled seamlessly, and Whibley deserves extra credit for producing such a multifaceted album. Yes, you can’t help but think that in some way they are following a bit too closely behind MCR or Green Day, but Sum 41 has proven it isn’t too shabby at tackling an epic composition or two. // 9
Screaming Bloody Murder
Reviewed by:
ChemicalFire, on april 07, 2011 2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Sound: The first thing I thought when hearing the build up that constitutes the first minute or so of the album was:
"This isn't the same band that recorded In Too Deep"
This I feel is one thing that any listener needs to keep in mind when listening to this album. For better or for worse Sum 41 have grown up a bit. Since most of the members are now in their 30's it makes sense for the band to evolve. It'd be foolish to assume that someone could right party songs all their lives.
So now we know what the album isn't, what is it? Eclectic if you like that kind of thing and a mess if you don't. Sum 41 have taken a similar route to perhaps My Chemical Romance. They've matured the sound, adding elements such as pianos mixed with a minor feel in many songs. Scoff at the MCR parallel if you will, but it's true (at times the bands even sound slightly similar).
The album shifts style a lot, sometimes at break neck speed between styles and tempo's, at times leaving the listener with Auditory Whiplash. Some may enjoy this, but to most this will leave a slightly unpleasent feeling in the gut.
There are some tracks that stand out over others, "Jessica Kill" and "Screaming Bloody Murder" perhaps being the two best after a couple of listens with a few more plays.
This album is much darker and more "grown up" than Sum 41's efforts. It's a good effort at this sound and works well. But anyone expecting another "Chuck" or "All Killer, No Filler" will be sorely disappointed. Taken on it's own merit however, the sound is pretty damn good. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are similarly effect by Sum 41's shift in tone. The lyrics are perhaps best described as 'heart on the sleeve'. Emotional and often dealing with love gone wrong in some context (possibly influenced by lead singer Deryck Whibley's recent split from Rock Princess Avril Lavigne).
Even if you enjoy this kinda thing the lyrics easily come across as derivative, and when almost every track is on the same theme, it get's pretty boring pretty quickly.
One plus however is Deryck's voice. Unlike the almost rapped vocals from albums gone by in "Screaming..." we find his voice to be engaging and believable. So if nothing else, Daryck's delivery saves the lyrics from becoming hopelessly samey; just slightly samey. // 7
Impression: I think the main thing to be said for "Screaming..." is that it's different. If you come into this album hoping for a return to the old days then I wouldn't bother. If you like emotionally charged rock that has that hint of epic grandiosity, but doesn't go completely over board, then you will very likely enjoy this album (think The Black Parade but toned down a tad). It's all a matter of taste. // 7
Screaming Bloody Murder
Reviewed by:
ConfJ21, on june 20, 2012 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: The sound of this record definitely combines much of the heavy-ness of Chuck and the artistic approach of "Underclass Hero". One can really notice Deryck's mind-blowing knowledge on sound and production, as he explained in the making of "Underclass Hero", what guitar or drums is fit for the song and what's the feel to it. Overall a well composed and polished record. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrically you can definitely hear and feel Deryck's anger and frustration, but at the same time his feelings are well contained and he composed a fantastic record. No matter how harsh some of the lyrics are, when one is listening to the songs, the songs have a good melody and sometimes one overlooks the content and enjoys the track more on the musical aspect rather than lyrical. I feel that these lyrics will reach and touch the ears of many listeners, no doubt about it. // 10
Impression: Best Sum 41 RECORD, it is actually possible to listen to this record from start to end and not skip one damn track. I hope they keep the same songwriting approach for the next record, Deryck and the guys are great musicians and very talented songwriters, can't wait what more they can come up with. // 10
Screaming Bloody Murder
Reviewed by:
thesentinel82, on march 29, 2011 1 of 4 people found this review helpful
Sound: After a rather disappointing album in Underclass Hero, which was essentially two or three decent tracks stuck between filler, canadian pop punk favourites Sum 41 have exploded back onto the scene with an album that not only goes a little way to a return to roots but also makes the band relevant once again.
Tom Thacker joins the band after filling in on tour after the departure of Dave "Brownsound" Baksh and his input can clearly be heard on the album with crunching riffs and excellent backing vocals.
Steve "Steve-o" Jocz drumming is superb and really holds the tracks together along with Cone McAslin's bass playing which is always underrated.
The band have gone someway to reviving the raw punky sound of Does This Look Infected and Chuck but combining it with more mature song writing which sounds like a band who are now in their 30's instead of a band of 20 somethings trying to be teenagers.
Deryck Whibley's lyrics and vocal strength have improved ten fold since their earlier albums and he has a much more creative flow to his writing than say on All Killer No Filler. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Deyck Whribley pours his heart out into the lyrics giving the album a punchy, emotional and personal feeling to it. You can hear traces of the pain caused by his divorce to Avril Lavigne in songs like What Am I To Say, and it lends a very real sense to the album - instead of bands singing about make-believe relationships or high school love you get a man pouring his heart out about something that has caused him hardship. // 10
Impression: Buy this album - a return to form for a band that were lacking in creativity after earlier work. An excellent album of strong tracks - I dont think there was a single song I wouldnt love to listen to again and again. After the lacklustre Underclass Hero, Sum 41 can now be considered to be BACK! // 10
Screaming Bloody Murder
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on may 04, 2011 0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: My first impression of the bands sound itself on this album after listening to the whole 14 tracks, say twice over would be: This album has blown away their previous one, it is much more serious, darker, and heavier elements, but are weighed out by lighter songs as well as more fun punk styled songs.
I don't think there is more story or anything to this album, this is just another decent Sum 41 record that has songs you can relate to as well as have fun to, the same old, but nothing boring.
The style in this record, well you can tell its Sum 41! Its just Sum 41 that have moved on alot, there is a lot of piano featured in this album which they have not really used before which brings forward a more darker and grown up feel to this record and the band, it is very creative.
Nothing else I'd really like to share here, all I can say is, this album sounds a lot like their previous "Chuck" at times but adds more creativity to it with the piano's etc, and with some more complex songs, also featuring less guitar solo's then say "Chuck" but it is not boring at all. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics on this album at first seem to be a lot more deep than their previous albums, they seem to make more sense, they are more in your face, but at the same time you can understand and relate to them on basically every song, which is what I respect a lot about the band.
The lyrics fit the music very well as do Sum 41 always do this with all their songs on all their albums.
Lastly, it is clear that after the years of experience this band have had and have improved a lot, deryck's vocal skills have also came a long a lot since "all killer no filler", he is more versitile now, improved live and can do many more things with his voice, going from soft to hard vocals in an instance. // 7
Impression: This album does compare to their other albums, sum 41 never fail to release a interesting, great to listen to album, all of their albums do so, and they also all feature a different sound so you can never get bored of this band. This could be classed as one of their best and most creative albums yet, next to "Chuck" which I think was Sum 41's best album in their discography.
The most impressive songs on this album would be: "Reason To Live", "Screaming Bloody Murder", "Sick Of Everyone" and "Happiness Machine". I chose these as they are very creative interesting songs to listen to and never get boring, they stand out from the rest of this album due to that.
I love this album due to their new sound, it featues a fast, upbeat, sing a long and also relating to your own problems feel, it is in your face and never gets boring, I love that.
I hate this album due to the fact there is not many guitar solos like their past album "Chuck" and there may be too many pianos and weird sounds at times, but this is something we will have to get used to.
I would recommend checking this album out NOW. // 10
Screaming Bloody Murder
Reviewed by:
Vash_15, on march 29, 2011 0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: Sum 41 have brought their best with their latest effort, which is the first to feature their new guitarist, Tom Thacker of Gob. If I had to describe the sound of Screaming Bloody Murder in one word it would simply be "epic" because that's exactly what this record is. It's an epic, something the likes of which won't be found anywhere else. This was possibly the best album I've heard in years. If you turn Sum 41's career into some sort of movie, then this would be one hell of a climax. Every song has been packed with hard hitting guitars and are all contrasted by soft piano. Yes, sometimes you can do without the piano, such as in "Reason to Believe" where the chorus is so powerful that you'd just wish they continued down that road. "Screaming bloody Murder" the title track, is possibly the most conventional song you'll find on the album, which is a good thing, because this record aims to be something different, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't accomplish this quite successfully. Two tracks of interest, "Baby You Don't Wanna Know" and "Time For You To Go" seem a bit out of place, being quite upbeat and punky for such a dark, hard album, but they're good enough to prove they deserve to stay, as opposed to being relegated to B-sides. Some of my favorite tracks include "Jessica Kill" and "Back Where I Belong" are hard hitting heavy tracks which push singer Daryck Whibley's abilities to the limit, with choruses that stretch his voice high to help out their powerful sounds. One reason these may be some of my favorite are because they're short, sweet, and to the point. No piano, no breaks, just out-of-this-world, grade A music, better than most of the stuff I've ever heard not only out of Sum 41, but form any band. The masterpiece of the albuim however, is "Dark Road Out of Hell" a 12 minute song divided into 3 tracks, "Holy Image of Lies", "Sick of Everyone", and "Happiness Machine". These 3 tracks are the most diverse on the album, switching off seamlessly between the hard and soft sides that Screaming Bloody Murder conveys so well. One of my favorite switch offs on the album is in "Happiness Machine" as it goes from the mid-tempo grungy verse to a fast-paced, light chorus backed by acoustic guitar. Without rambling on about every track, I'll end by saying what Sum 41 brings in Screaming Bloody Murder takes what was their A game, and throws it out the window, trumping everything they've ever given us before. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrically, this album has to be the saddest of all. Singer Deryck Whibley said before he wrote the album in a dark time, and it definitely shows. Every track combines depression with the religious overtones prominently displayed in "Underclass Hero" their last album. The band has definitely made it work to their advantage though, as it's the lyrics that really drive home the unique sound of the album. If Whibley had simply sung about the generic mess seen in most artists' work, Screaming Bloody Murder wouldn't have been even half as impressive. In the breaks from depression found in the two punk songs mentioned above, Whibley shows it's not all gloom and doom, and he's still able to write the upbeat fist pumpers that helped launch Sum 41 in the first place. With the exception of the title track, all lyrics were written by Whibley, and it wouldn't be a stretch to call it his masterpiece. // 8
Impression: This album is something you won't find from anyone else, anywhere else. With the Sums putting out some of their best material to date, the only worry should be how will they follow it up. The music is bolstering and in your face, something you can blast in your car and be proud of. There isn't a single weak track on the entire album, and none of it feels like filler. Whether you like Sum 41 or not, this album is definitely worth more than a listen. Showing it off to everyone I know, I have yet to see a single disappointed face, or even one that's been only mildly amused. Screaming Bloody Murder is a great example of how breaking the mold can work to your advantage, and create something so unique, so amazing, that it just blows everything else out of the water. // 10
Lyrics are kinda cheesy and straightforward, but i do smell a rise in good heavy music again. If they can keep this up we might not have to put up with tight pants, em-over haircuts, and gorilla stomping dueschers for much longer(strictly speaking from the observations of my local music scene, dont get excited)
I would call this a very immature record. Not because it isn't serious or different, but because it has no idea what it wants to be. It's messy and disjointed, and unlike Underclass Hero it isn't buoyed by a couple of big singles.
I personally like all of their material and that includes this release.
This is probably not their best release but hey, it's better than alot of other stuff today.
Call me a fanboy if you want, but I find most of these comments stupid. I thought some songs on that album was their best work yet. And the only album by them that I like more than this, will have to be "DTLI?".
@ That uy who said he wanted something more like "Chuck" and "DTLI?", this was close to both of those.
I would call this a very immature record. Not because it isn't serious or different, but because it has no idea what it wants to be. It's messy and disjointed, and unlike Underclass Hero it isn't buoyed by a couple of big singles.
Disappointed
Sir, with all due respect, you are an imbecile. This album is by FAR better than UC. It's unfortunate that it's not, by your standards, radio-friendly. Whibley said he wasn't aiming to please the critics with this record.
How can this album get a 9.2?!!?? This album is honestly, in my opinion, a slight step-up over Underclass Hero, but nowhere NEAR what this band was with Dave. UG I am really disappointed with this review. You build this album up huge, but I was so let down.....
I would call this a very immature record. Not because it isn't serious or different, but because it has no idea what it wants to be. It's messy and disjointed, and unlike Underclass Hero it isn't buoyed by a couple of big singles.
Disappointed
Sir, with all due respect, you are an imbecile. This album is by FAR better than UC. It's unfortunate that it's not, by your standards, radio-friendly . Whibley said he wasn't aiming to please the critics with this record.
Good Day.
He's probably referring to stand out songs which entice the listener in. Wouldn't call "We're all to Blame" radio friendly, yet it is catchy & entices the listener to buy the album.
I would call this a very immature record. Not because it isn't serious or different, but because it has no idea what it wants to be. It's messy and disjointed, and unlike Underclass Hero it isn't buoyed by a couple of big singles.
Disappointed
Sir, with all due respect, you are an imbecile. This album is by FAR better than UC. It's unfortunate that it's not, by your standards, radio-friendly. Whibley said he wasn't aiming to please the critics with this record.
Call me a fanboy if you want, but I find most of these comments stupid. I thought some songs on that album was their best work yet. And the only album by them that I like more than this, will have to be "DTLI?".
@ That uy who said he wanted something more like "Chuck" and "DTLI?", this was close to both of those.
That is all.
Sounds like a fanboy. "Your opinions are less valid than my opinions, and this attitude somehow makes me more objective."
can people please stop comparing this to greenday and mcr. thats bullshit. its nothing like them, maybe parts of scumfuk have that going on but this crushes both those bands and is nowhere near what those bands have in mind for their music.
This album is great. Prolly not better than Chuck, but its pretty close in my opinion. I like the sudden tempo changes from soft to heavy and heavy to soft and so forth. Lots of catchy songs, Screaming Bloody Murder, Blood in My Eyes, The 3 Dark Road Out of Hell songs, Reason to Believe, Jessica Kill, Skumfuk and Back Where I Belong are all prime examples. Crash is a very good slow song as well.
This album is great, but nothing like their first albums. If you are expecting something along the lines of AKNF, DTLI? or Chuck, you are SOL. This is best described as a harder-hitting version of Underclass Hero.
drhammertime wrote:
This is best described as a harder-hitting version of Underclass Hero.
You're right, I think.
It's a shame. Up until UH Sum 41 was the #1 band for me. When I heard Chuck my mind was blown. It wasn't complex or anything, it just had really ****ing catchy songs. I didn't care that people made fun of me for it. They kicked so much arse.
This album is much better than underclass hero and i find does this look infected to be their worst album despite having my favorite song ever by them "The hell song"
duncang m :
I would call this a very immature record. Not because it isn't serious or different, but because it has no idea what it wants to be. It's messy and disjointed, and unlike Underclass Hero it isn't buoyed by a couple of big singles.
Disappointed
I have to agree, although an album doesn't need to have singles on it to impress me. It just felt like for every moment where there was promise, there was an equivalent moment of "...meh"
I thought it was pretty damn good, impressive at parts and an overall good sound (despite it being a little rough/bland at times). Sure, the hardcore fans will criticize it in comparison to past works, but it's still good music regardless.
Call me a fanboy if you want, but I find most of these comments stupid. I thought some songs on that album was their best work yet. And the only album by them that I like more than this, will have to be "DTLI?".
@ That uy who said he wanted something more like "Chuck" and "DTLI?", this was close to both of those.
That is all.
Sounds like a fanboy. "Your opinions are less valid than my opinions, and this attitude somehow makes me more objective."
That was far from what I said.
Enjoy your ignorance.
the album was pretty okay .. would've done better with dave though, he would've definately known how to give it a dark tone .. i think he left coz of underclass hero and because he thought all of their new songs are going to be the same .. but there are a lot of good songs i liked .. anyways .. 7.5/10
I really enjoyed this cd. I couldn't stand underclass Hero because of the pop punk, trying to be punk again sound. This is something different for Sum 41 and I think they did a good job and giving a good rock album to the world. Also everyone keeps saying they want All Killer No Filler back, but they moved on and grew up from the punk sound, which is sad to say, but through this album I feel that have a step in the right direction and they can keep tweaking this and making it better for future albums.
I would call this a very immature record. Not because it isn't serious or different, but because it has no idea what it wants to be. It's messy and disjointed, and unlike Underclass Hero it isn't buoyed by a couple of big singles.
Disappointed
so why exactly is that a problem to you?? i'd love to hear that. i've heard quite a few records where every song is totally different from the rest, which is refreshing IMO. what do you actually like "alternative" records where all songs bear a bit of resemblance to eachother and oddly all sound alike?? i'd hope not..
I would call this a very immature record. Not because it isn't serious or different, but because it has no idea what it wants to be. It's messy and disjointed, and unlike Underclass Hero it isn't buoyed by a couple of big singles.
Disappointed
Sir, with all due respect, you are an imbecile. This album is by FAR better than UC. It's unfortunate that it's not, by your standards, radio-friendly. Whibley said he wasn't aiming to please the critics with this record.
Good Day.
He's probably referring to stand out songs which entice the listener in. Wouldn't call "We're all to Blame" radio friendly, yet it is catchy & entices the listener to buy the album.
Think before you moronically defend the album.
"We're All to Blame" isnt off of Underclass Hero there bud, so your come-back isnt really valid.
the guy you replied to was completely correct, and you are a moron.
and to the UG'r i wouldnt judge an albums success on the day it came out, im sure there was only 1 or maybe 2 singles released off of this album, you cant foresee the impact later singles will have on the public. for all we know this album could be a lot more popular than Underclass Hero to the public
Gotta be honest, I really like the direction here. I also don't see the album being disjointed either. In fact, I find it to be fairly cohesive, especially compared with many other modern musical acts.
Sum 41 was never my favorite band and this album won't change that, but to me its a step in the right direction.
Haven't posted in years (surprised I remembered my password, actually), but I gotta say this record was a disappointment.
1. Reason to Believe - (I swear, all my other track reviews will be shorter than this one) This song's good...for the first 2 minutes out of 3 and a half. The piano outro was so pointless, or premature, I can't tell which. The "verse" (can you call it that if there's only one of them?) is more than decent (but did Deryck have to repeat it?). The "chorus" kicked ass though. They needed to continue the song in this vein for a few minutes and either cut the piano outro or shorten it. I hate to admit it like this, but I might steal the first half of the song for myself. Not because I have no ideas or I'm lazy, but because it was wasted potential.
2. Screaming Bloody Murder - Really, nothing special about this one.
3. Skumfuk - This one was kind of fun. Loved the intro. The unconventional structure actually worked for this one.
4. Time for You to Go - The hook was catchy, but got boring fast. Highly disposable.
5. Jessica Kill - Verses were okay, the chorus was a nice blending of DTLI and Chuck styles, but the bridge did absolutely nothing for me.
6. What am I to Say? - Despite it's clicheness and derivative nature, I like this song a lot more than a lot of the other songs it takes after. Still pales in comparison to With Me from Underclass Hero (another record I was disappointed with in retrospect).
7. Holy Image of Lies - Good Lord, this song was a mess. I liked one segment of it a lot (from 0:33 to 1:13), but the rest of it, bleh. It's not even that it's crappy, it's that the individual pieces flat out don't mesh with the rest of the song even.
8. Sick of Everyone - Similar sentiments to Jessica Kill.
9. Happiness Machine - Like Holy Image and Reason to Believe, it's a Frankenstein's monster that should have kept its numerous ideas as separate songs.
10. Crash - Awful. Need not say more.
11. Blood in My Eyes - I really like the main riff that leads into the verses, as well as the chorus. But the verse and bridge near-nullifies the good parts.
12. Baby You Don't Wanna Know - Sounds like it belongs on another record by another band.
13. Back Where I Belong - This one's growing on me, but I still can't get over the piano and acoustic guitar part in the middle. Should have been the closer.
14. Exit Song - What was the point to this one? Sounds like an Oasis reject that should have never seen the light of day.
I read that a lot of riffs on the record were recycled from other demos. Maybe Sum should exercise more care with the practice. The record seems to have so many thoughts running through it that it doesn't know what it wants to be. There's stuff on it that shouldn't be, and there's stuff on it that should have been expanded upon. Like Underclass Hero, it seems like an exercise in self-indulgence. It shifts between soft parts and hard parts, and they usual come across as forced and unnatural. Both albums were self-produced by Deryck, who played all the guitar tracks despite having another full-time guitarist who's apparently only contribution to the record was coming up with the general idea for the title track. Does the band not practice democracy within their system?
The difference between this and Sum's golden years was Dave Baksh. By all accounts, he didn't have much creative input due to different preferences, but at least Deryck tried to throw him a bone every now and then with songs like No Brains or 88. Maybe that's what's the matter with the record. A dangerous lack of a second opinion.
Jeez, didn't realize I had this much to say. Maybe I should have done this as a review instead.
While Green Day or MCR delivered a bevy of thought-provoking, often politically charged lyrical content
WTF DUDE WTF, MCR with political lyrics? I understand the green day part but MCR? Come on, get your facts straight.
Also, this album is kinda good.
they probably went more under "thought-provoking" than political. but if you knew anything about the bands you would see the similarities between the three.
Haven't posted in years (surprised I remembered my password, actually), but I gotta say this record was a disappointment.
1. Reason to Believe - (I swear, all my other track reviews will be shorter than this one) This song's good...for the first 2 minutes out of 3 and a half. The piano outro was so pointless, or premature, I can't tell which. The "verse" (can you call it that if there's only one of them?) is more than decent (but did Deryck have to repeat it?). The "chorus" kicked ass though. They needed to continue the song in this vein for a few minutes and either cut the piano outro or shorten it. I hate to admit it like this, but I might steal the first half of the song for myself. Not because I have no ideas or I'm lazy, but because it was wasted potential.
2. Screaming Bloody Murder - Really, nothing special about this one.
3. Skumfuk - This one was kind of fun. Loved the intro. The unconventional structure actually worked for this one.
4. Time for You to Go - The hook was catchy, but got boring fast. Highly disposable.
5. Jessica Kill - Verses were okay, the chorus was a nice blending of DTLI and Chuck styles, but the bridge did absolutely nothing for me.
6. What am I to Say? - Despite it's clicheness and derivative nature, I like this song a lot more than a lot of the other songs it takes after. Still pales in comparison to With Me from Underclass Hero (another record I was disappointed with in retrospect).
7. Holy Image of Lies - Good Lord, this song was a mess. I liked one segment of it a lot (from 0:33 to 1:13), but the rest of it, bleh. It's not even that it's crappy, it's that the individual pieces flat out don't mesh with the rest of the song even.
8. Sick of Everyone - Similar sentiments to Jessica Kill.
9. Happiness Machine - Like Holy Image and Reason to Believe, it's a Frankenstein's monster that should have kept its numerous ideas as separate songs.
10. Crash - Awful. Need not say more.
11. Blood in My Eyes - I really like the main riff that leads into the verses, as well as the chorus. But the verse and bridge near-nullifies the good parts.
12. Baby You Don't Wanna Know - Sounds like it belongs on another record by another band.
13. Back Where I Belong - This one's growing on me, but I still can't get over the piano and acoustic guitar part in the middle. Should have been the closer.
14. Exit Song - What was the point to this one? Sounds like an Oasis reject that should have never seen the light of day.
I read that a lot of riffs on the record were recycled from other demos. Maybe Sum should exercise more care with the practice. The record seems to have so many thoughts running through it that it doesn't know what it wants to be. There's stuff on it that shouldn't be, and there's stuff on it that should have been expanded upon. Like Underclass Hero, it seems like an exercise in self-indulgence. It shifts between soft parts and hard parts, and they usual come across as forced and unnatural. Both albums were self-produced by Deryck, who played all the guitar tracks despite having another full-time guitarist who's apparently only contribution to the record was coming up with the general idea for the title track. Does the band not practice democracy within their system?
The difference between this and Sum's golden years was Dave Baksh. By all accounts, he didn't have much creative input due to different preferences, but at least Deryck tried to throw him a bone every now and then with songs like No Brains or 88. Maybe that's what's the matter with the record. A dangerous lack of a second opinion.
Jeez, didn't realize I had this much to say. Maybe I should have done this as a review instead.
Wow, you and I are very very close on almost every thing you said, even to the point that I also haven't posted on here in forever and it took me 3 tries to get my password right.
You're absolutely right about it seeming like an exercise in self indulgence, and about most of the songs having weird shifts that just make them almost impossible to get into (from my standpoint anyway.) This was the biggest problem with Underclass Hero as well.
You're pretty much dead on in your assessments of most of the songs, although I do like the title track more than you seem to. I also think they messed up Skumfuk with the intro piece. I heard a leaked version of that song weeks ago that, although I didn't know it at the time, was just the last ~2:10 of the song. I liked that version much better. I think Skumfuk has the same problem you pointed out in so many of the songs. This one just seems better because each individual piece stands up on better on its own. But they don't form a cohesive song.
I have to say I think the most egregious mistake was on Blood In My Eyes. The riff in that song is possibly the best part of the entire album, but the rest of the song sucks so terribly that if this song ever came up on shuffle I'd probably just let the first :50 play and change the song as fast as I could.
Um ok so for some reason it cut off the last paragraph of my post.
Anyway, I was just saying in my opinion the best song on the cd is definitely Screaming Bloody Murder, and it's the only song I could see myself actually wanting to listen to in the future. It's much like No Apologies off of Underclass Hero, which was probably the best song on that cd. Both of these songs are straight forward songs that I can really get into and enjoy, without all of the extra junk that makes it almost impossible to get into so many of the other songs.
The Album should have opened with "Blood in My eyes" and continued in that vain. That's the one song that did not require a tempo change! It's so frustrating
Haven't posted in years (surprised I remembered my password, actually), but I gotta say this record was a disappointment.
1. Reason to Believe - (I swear, all my other track reviews will be shorter than this one) This song's good...for the first 2 minutes out of 3 and a half. The piano outro was so pointless, or premature, I can't tell which. The "verse" (can you call it that if there's only one of them?) is more than decent (but did Deryck have to repeat it?). The "chorus" kicked ass though. They needed to continue the song in this vein for a few minutes and either cut the piano outro or shorten it. I hate to admit it like this, but I might steal the first half of the song for myself. Not because I have no ideas or I'm lazy, but because it was wasted potential.
2. Screaming Bloody Murder - Really, nothing special about this one.
3. Skumfuk - This one was kind of fun. Loved the intro. The unconventional structure actually worked for this one.
4. Time for You to Go - The hook was catchy, but got boring fast. Highly disposable.
5. Jessica Kill - Verses were okay, the chorus was a nice blending of DTLI and Chuck styles, but the bridge did absolutely nothing for me.
6. What am I to Say? - Despite it's clicheness and derivative nature, I like this song a lot more than a lot of the other songs it takes after. Still pales in comparison to With Me from Underclass Hero (another record I was disappointed with in retrospect).
7. Holy Image of Lies - Good Lord, this song was a mess. I liked one segment of it a lot (from 0:33 to 1:13), but the rest of it, bleh. It's not even that it's crappy, it's that the individual pieces flat out don't mesh with the rest of the song even.
8. Sick of Everyone - Similar sentiments to Jessica Kill.
9. Happiness Machine - Like Holy Image and Reason to Believe, it's a Frankenstein's monster that should have kept its numerous ideas as separate songs.
10. Crash - Awful. Need not say more.
11. Blood in My Eyes - I really like the main riff that leads into the verses, as well as the chorus. But the verse and bridge near-nullifies the good parts.
12. Baby You Don't Wanna Know - Sounds like it belongs on another record by another band.
13. Back Where I Belong - This one's growing on me, but I still can't get over the piano and acoustic guitar part in the middle. Should have been the closer.
14. Exit Song - What was the point to this one? Sounds like an Oasis reject that should have never seen the light of day.
I read that a lot of riffs on the record were recycled from other demos. Maybe Sum should exercise more care with the practice. The record seems to have so many thoughts running through it that it doesn't know what it wants to be. There's stuff on it that shouldn't be, and there's stuff on it that should have been expanded upon. Like Underclass Hero, it seems like an exercise in self-indulgence. It shifts between soft parts and hard parts, and they usual come across as forced and unnatural. Both albums were self-produced by Deryck, who played all the guitar tracks despite having another full-time guitarist who's apparently only contribution to the record was coming up with the general idea for the title track. Does the band not practice democracy within their system?
The difference between this and Sum's golden years was Dave Baksh. By all accounts, he didn't have much creative input due to different preferences, but at least Deryck tried to throw him a bone every now and then with songs like No Brains or 88. Maybe that's what's the matter with the record. A dangerous lack of a second opinion.
Jeez, didn't realize I had this much to say. Maybe I should have done this as a review instead.
Wow, you and I are very very close on almost every thing you said, even to the point that I also haven't posted on here in forever and it took me 3 tries to get my password right.
You're absolutely right about it seeming like an exercise in self indulgence, and about most of the songs having weird shifts that just make them almost impossible to get into (from my standpoint anyway.) This was the biggest problem with Underclass Hero as well.
You're pretty much dead on in your assessments of most of the songs, although I do like the title track more than you seem to. I also think they messed up Skumfuk with the intro piece. I heard a leaked version of that song weeks ago that, although I didn't know it at the time, was just the last ~2:10 of the song. I liked that version much better. I think Skumfuk has the same problem you pointed out in so many of the songs. This one just seems better because each individual piece stands up on better on its own. But they don't form a cohesive song.
I have to say I think the most egregious mistake was on Blood In My Eyes. The riff in that song is possibly the best part of the entire album, but the rest of the song sucks so terribly that if this song ever came up on shuffle I'd probably just let the first :50 play and change the song as fast as I could.
^to bbass and letterbomb:
I completely agree with everything you both had to say. The album definitely has its moments, as in certain riffs (blood in my eyes & screaming bloody murder intros, jessica kill chorus) but not a single song is organized exactly the way it should have been. too many mellow bridges that last for over a minute and have no place on the album. no cohesive songs as you put it. I really miss the old days of Half Hour of Power when they could actually be referred to as a fun punk band, although i know those days are long gone. still my favorite album though. I cant help but think how much better this album could have been with Dave's creative and instrumental input. This band is a fast sinking ship without him.
Just gonna say, I miss the brownsound.
I'll admit they definitely changed on Chuck because of him, but I still enjoyed it. UCH was iffy at best, I still need to listen to this one though. Hoping for the best.
Album ****ing blows. I swear this site has no credibility on reviews at all
A review is all about personal opinion. If someone likes it, they'll make a positive review, and if they don't they won't. It's pretty simple. Just because you didn't like the album doesn't mean the review will reflect that. Plus, UG is like Wikipedia in the sense that everything added is by the public and it's validity is voted by the public. If you don't like it, give it a low rating.
Terrible album, such a disappointment
Sum41 died when Brownsound left guys, time to move on.
*tear*
I don't think it's terrible at all. Screaming Bloody Murder is way better than UNDERCLASS HERO musically and lyrically, Deryck is a genius songwriter and now he can do Dave Baksh's guitar solos with ease. Cone their bassist already said in the interviews that their lead guitarist TOM THACKER from GOB is as kickass as their old shredder guitarist DAVE BAKSH. TOM can shred too and I agree, I listen to all GOB albums, he and THEO can make both sick guitar riffs.
Songs with Sick Guitar Solos in this album
Screaming Bloody Murder by Tom
Time For You To Go by Tom
Holy Image of Lies by Tom
What Am I To Say by Tom
Happiness Machine by Tom and Deryck, their solo in this song is close to Avenged Sevenfold's Gates and Zack Vengeance haha no joke.
Baby You Don't Wanna Know by Tom
Blood In My Eyes by Tom and Deryck
We're The Same(Bonus Track) by Tom and Deryck
This album was a huge disappointment. Except for screaming bloody murder and blood in my eyes nothing really interested me much. I loved the early day albums, underclass hero was ok, and now this.
I still like them as a band and musicians but the new album could've been so much better. I suppose they're not "young" anymore, which is why we don't see any "All killer no filler" attitude anywhere on this album.
i liked a few songs off of underclass hero, not their best album, but solid. however this album is an atrocity. to even call it sum 41 is upsetting. again, with what other people said about reason to believe, copy of pennywise btw , there was no need for that lame ass piano outro. that killed the whole vibe of the song. the rest of the album doesn't feel genuine and it feels rushed. what a crappy album. I gave it 2 listen throughs, and deleted it from my itunes library. believe me, i love sum 41 just as much as the next guy, but this album sucks =\ this rock opera sound they're trying to get at is not working. they have to stick to what they do best. they're luck they're are a point in their careers where they can put something like this out. any other unknown band that put this out, wouldn't see the light of day.
just an example, ac/dc has played the same ****ing riff for 30 something years. its predictable, and sometimes boring, but they ARE their sound. the day ac/dc releases a rock opera ballad, is the day i commit suicide!
Sum 41 is one of my favorite bands of all time and i absolutely love their first 4 albums, but Screaming Bloody Murder practically left me in tears of dissapointment. It wasn't sum 41, it was mcr and greenday. I really do hope that they go back to their early punk sound on their first few records but i wouldn't be surprised if they don't.
I really dislike the constant MCR and Green Day comparisons. Yes, you can see a lot of similarities, but these are basically the three leading punk bands in the mainstream (Even if recent releases have differed a bit). Now if I had to compare them to someone, those would be the bands to. It just gets old hearing how UC tried to emulate American Idiot. (Read reviews from other places, it's annoying!)
I personally thought UC was their maturation point, so many ballads and a little politics to keep things interesting...For me, this mixes their last 3 albums, with some Offspring, Green Days, MCR, noise, and disjointed songs...it creates something really really different.
Sadly, different isn't always good...I'll push this off to the side as a 6-7/10. Different pieces of different songs sound awesome, and then just fall off for less-than-stellar work. A little disappointing, especially as in the prep, I can remember them blogging about how it was going to be upbeat, with some widdly-widdly and solos. There were no guitar solos!
Lastly, whoever noted the riffs were from previous practices and jams, thanks. They felt very recycled, more like something you'd find on a B-side album. For me, that's all this is. (Not the worst thing in the world)
I really dislike the constant MCR and Green Day comparisons. Yes, you can see a lot of similarities, but these are basically the three leading punk bands in the mainstream (Even if recent releases have differed a bit). Now if I had to compare them to someone, those would be the bands to. It just gets old hearing how UC tried to emulate American Idiot. (Read reviews from other places, it's annoying!)
I personally thought UC was their maturation point, so many ballads and a little politics to keep things interesting...For me, this mixes their last 3 albums, with some Offspring, Green Days, MCR, noise, and disjointed songs...it creates something really really different.
Sadly, different isn't always good...I'll push this off to the side as a 6-7/10. Different pieces of different songs sound awesome, and then just fall off for less-than-stellar work. A little disappointing, especially as in the prep, I can remember them blogging about how it was going to be upbeat, with some widdly-widdly and solos. There were no guitar solos!
Lastly, whoever noted the riffs were from previous practices and jams, thanks. They felt very recycled, more like something you'd find on a B-side album. For me, that's all this is. (Not the worst thing in the world)
no guitar solos? dude you didn't even listened to the whole albums, this album has sick gutiar solos!!! created by DERYCK WHIBLEY himself and GOB's TOM THACKER, hahaha, want proof???
listen to this songs
Songs with Sick Guitar Solos in this album
Screaming Bloody Murder by Tom
Time For You To Go by Tom
Holy Image of Lies by Tom
What Am I To Say by Tom
Happiness Machine by Tom and Deryck, their solo in this song is close to Avenged Sevenfold's Gates and Zack Vengeance haha no joke.
Baby You Don't Wanna Know by Tom
Blood In My Eyes by Tom and Deryck
We're The Same(Bonus Track) by Tom and Deryck
Voila the album we've been waiting for !! Sum 41 have managed to mature with their fans !! Sure chuck and DTLI were amazing albums but that was 5 years ago now they need to start evolving and growing and this is what they have done ! Musically speaking there is a lot of effort that has been put into this album and maybe lyrically it is a bit dark and depressive but hey life isn't always about ponies and rainbows !! Sure UC was a good album as well and they were compared to greenday for the political themes in some songs but I don't find that a compliment..it sounds cheesy and it is so easy to complain about ones political policy that in the end they should have just kept it to themselves anywho.... I much prefer hearing about the personal feelings and thoughts of Deryck and this is just what he has done, there are some songs on this record where one can feel really close to the band and there are some moving images that Deryck has painted with words.
To resume this album goes down as one of my favorite rock albums for 2011 not just because its a sum 41 album and that I have been a fan of theirs since the beginning but because it truly is a rich and powerful record !! A perfect mix of rock, hard rock, punk, ballads and even metal!! Sum 41 have affirmed their spot amongst some of the best rock bands around today and unlike some (yes I m talking about blink 182) they have matured from being a great pre teen punk party band to and awesome ****ing rock band with immense talent !! The future looks bright, Well done sum 41 !!
(sorry for poor english it isnt my first language)
hey commenter above!!! Read The fcking album tittle!!!
SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER! thats the theme..you hear, you scream..it gets bloody then you MURDER any skumfuk thats been an ass to this album!!
I agree, Dave was simply the guitar player sum 41 needed! now that he's gone, their overall quality just sunk. They are simply NOT the band they used to be.
I agree, Dave was simply the guitar player sum 41 needed! now that he's gone, their overall quality just sunk. They are simply NOT the band they used to be.
I agree. What kept SUM 41 different and kickass was there punk/metal songs. With out Dave they sound so boring.
They need to get Brownsound back in the band. Miss the old SUM 41. Every album was getting better and better. chuck was so good, I thought ''can it get any better'' then bang, dave left and they turned upside down.
I haven't listened to the whole album, but what I heard I wasn't that into. But, I'm also a little different from most in that one of my over-all favorite ablums ever is All Killer, No Filler, so I actually prefer it over Chuck. I got into Sum 41 for the pop-punk stuff. That's what I miss.
I haven't listened to the whole album, but what I heard I wasn't that into. But, I'm also a little different from most in that one of my over-all favorite ablums ever is All Killer, No Filler, so I actually prefer it over Chuck. I got into Sum 41 for the pop-punk stuff. That's what I miss.
I haven't listened to the whole album, but what I heard I wasn't that into. But, I'm also a little different from most in that one of my over-all favorite ablums ever is All Killer, No Filler, so I actually prefer it over Chuck. I got into Sum 41 for the pop-punk stuff. That's what I miss.
I haven't listened to the whole album, but what I heard I wasn't that into. But, I'm also a little different from most in that one of my over-all favorite ablums ever is All Killer, No Filler, so I actually prefer it over Chuck. I got into Sum 41 for the pop-punk stuff. That's what I miss.
I haven't listened to the whole album, but what I heard I wasn't that into. But, I'm also a little different from most in that one of my over-all favorite ablums ever is All Killer, No Filler, and I actually prefer it over Chuck. I got into Sum 41 for the pop-punk stuff. That's what I miss.
I haven't listened to the whole album, but what I heard I wasn't that into. But, I'm also a little different from most in that one of my over-all favorite ablums ever is All Killer, No Filler, so I actually prefer it over Chuck. I got into Sum 41 for the pop-punk stuff. That's what I miss.
, there was no need for that lame ass piano outro. that killed the whole vibe of the song. the rest of the album doesn't feel genuine and it feels rushed. what a crappy album. I gave it 2 listen throughs, and deleted it from my itunes library. believe me, i love sum 41 just as much as the next guy, but this album sucks =\ this rock opera sound they're trying to get at is not working. they have to stick to what they do best. they're luck they're are a point in their careers where they can put something like this out. any other unknown band that put this out, wouldn't see the light of day.