A New Spin On Old Style

Sum 41’s new record, Chuck, is as much a new direction as it is an 80’s metal tribute album. While their other albums were more poppy and Blink 182-esque, this one has a metal influence to it. No, not Korn, Limp Bizkit or any nu-metal band, but more of a style akin to Judas Priest, older Metallica, and other 80’s metal. The first song, “No Reason” is more akin to previous Sum 41 efforts – poppy and fast with slightly off-key vocals. Once “We’re All to Blame” kicks in, it’s a different ballgame. Dark, brooding bass lines and heavy guitar riffs are present on many of the tracks. The only thing familiar is Deryck’s vocals and the gang-chorus backup.

Songs like “Slipping Away” and “Pieces” help to change the pace, with acoustic guitar parts and simple yet clever melodies. Once these tracks pass, Sum 41 kicks right back in, giving us a sampling of heavy metal inspired music.
Does it work? Somewhat. While the music is a much higher caliber than their previous efforts, the strong clashing of the vocals doesn’t always seem to work. A song such as “Angels With Dirty Faces” seems lacking, whereas “I’m not the One” works extremely well, mixing pop-punk and metal.

It’s good to see a band showing their roots and, while not a perfect album, these Canadians show their love of metal. Sum 41 fans will love it, and newcomers who love older-style metal may like it as well.