It has been 4 years since "Underclass Hero" disappointed two-thirds of the fans, who like me loved them with "Does This Look Infected" and "Chuck," which remains the indisputable pinnacle.
After that disappointment, did they realize that it's not the right path to take? Fortunately, YES! A truly "new" album for them, although there are missteps like "What Am I to Say" and "Exit Song," which in my opinion, with their dark and gloomy atmospheres, don't quite fit. Nonetheless, the album is very enjoyable.
Right from the opener "Reason to Believe," you can feel that the album is different from the others; in fact, the initial part could, in my opinion, be used as a soundtrack for a horror movie.
There are tracks we have never heard from them before, like "Time for You to Go" and "Baby You Don't Wanna Know." But, the more intense pieces are not lacking, like the stunning title track and excellent single "Screaming Bloody Murder."
"Blood in My Eyes" could easily fit into "Chuck" with its almost metal rhythm.
If with "Jessica Kill" and "Back Where I Belong" the heart rate increases, it slows down with the moving "Crash," which turns out to be one of the most enjoyable on the album and hits the target this time.
And, not to mention the triad composed of "Holy Image of Lies" - "Sick of Everyone" and "Happiness Machine," although in my opinion, it makes no sense to listen to these three songs separately. It makes more sense to listen to them all together, as a single track.
In this album, we see the first appearance of Tom Thacker, who joined after accompanying them on several tours, but who obviously does not match the skill of Dave Baksh.
In conclusion, it's an excellent CD. Reading a bit on the internet, it's defined as the best Sum 41 album; frankly, I'd place it second—I prefer "Chuck," but it's much more enjoyable than the band's early works.
I hope for the future.
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Other reviews
By ghigno92
"Screaming Bloody Murder has nothing to envy compared to a whole sea of mediocre and banal albums."
The album is totally rejected.
By Taurus
Sum 41 now outline lines that are sometimes sweet, sometimes tense and dark, trying... to go beyond the label of a goofy band suitable only for an alcohol-fueled party.
The instrumental breaks are excellent, often truly memorable.