Initially, the Canadian Pop Punk outfit Sum 41's fourth outing was supposed to be the most exciting! Hailed as their most metallic release, I was keen on seeing how their Pain For Pleasure and Reign In Pain tributes to classic Metal would manifest with a prominent roll. With their warm, poppy personalities stripped out, replaced by a glum tone looming over the record, the music isn't as appealing without that bright, upbeat streak of Skate Punk. Softly depressive, gently downtrodden and moody, the metallic pursuit leads the music to an angsty self-defeatist tone I failed to vibe with.
Given previous manifestations in the spirit of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Metallica, I was expecting more of that! The latter of which you do hear on occasion. Oddly, its the then dead Nu Metal genre that has its influences. The catchy lyrical cadences of Chester Bennington is obvious at times. More so Papa Roach of all bands. Many distinctive arrangements from Infest, both vocal and guitar driven, make themselves known, as well as a riff from System Of A Down. When turning to Metal, originality clearly is lacking and the chopping between contrasting styles is far from fluid.
Disappointed by the glum tone of Nu Metal influences, the Punk leanings get dragged along in that dreary spirit. The riffs are not as bright and chirpy, lyrics lack an emotional resolve once heard before and ultimately its mood is a drag. Of course it has its merits, catchy choruses and the occasional riff but I found myself pulled into those hopeless teenage moods id rather forget. You could say its personal bias however I'd defend how naked some of their musical compositions are in the shadows of others. It drowned out originality and left a sense of disappointment with me.
Rating: 5/10