Review – Sum 41 – Screaming Bloody Murder

Screaming Bloody Murder, the fifth studio album from Canuck pop punk rockers Sum 41, could not come at a more crucial time for them as a band. Having been away for quite some time, since 2007’s Underclass Hero record, it was important that their next release saw them come back fighting and pushing to make an impression on a scene that is grossly over populated, and which could well have moved on and left them long behind since their last release.

Undeniable veterans of the scene, and who have never really hit the heady heights of their early material with their last few offerings, I am pleased to say that Screaming Bloody Murder is a surprising record, showing that there is life in the old dogs still.

Opening with a brilliant handful of songs to grab your attention on first listen, the likes of the aptly titled Reason To Believe, the title track, Skumfuk, and Time For You To Go are instant, classic Sum 41 tracks, and sound like a band re-energised. They scoop from all ends of the spectrum, channelling the low down and dirty punk rock snarl on some tracks, and then mixing it up and channelling their inner Green Day on some of the more epic rock numbers. At times it is grandiose, at others it is anthemic and driving, and it is never once dull, boring, or predictable. What it is though, is utterly thrilling throughout, and it shows that lead man Deryck Whibley has not lost any of his penchant for a killer hook, and chorus over the chorus of his career.

I am so impressed that this took me by surprise and it is a multi layered audio treat, which will only get better on further spins.

Sum 41 are back on top of their game, and with a record of this quality, they can once more make their mark on a scene full of new boys. Still relevant, and still a band you need to care about – they ain’t past it just yet!!

9/10