Sum 41
Order in Decline

It was thirteen loud voices last time but it is even louder when Order in Decline comes around. It is an album where frontman Whibley offers his emotions on the state of things today with the racism, intolerances, hate and things going on in world politics and the disorder in the politics closer to his home in the USA and Canada. He explains that he didn’t want to make a political or social protest record; instead it is a burst of uninhibited emotions thrown out over 36 minutes of Order in Decline. The press material tells me that it is the most honest and personal songs of Whibley’s career, that may well be true but I can definitely say that it amongst they heavier stuff he has done.

It is usually a bit pop punk when Sum 41 comes around with an album, this is a bit different, it is quite heavy and more of a heavy metal album I think. Punk metal perhaps with good energy, emotion, variation, uptempo for most of the album, I think that the production is quite excellent. The vocals are good too and it is good that they keep the album short and to the point as it makes for an album that you will not grow tired with. It has many familiar Sum 41 influences but it is also a fresh album that is far more interesting creatively than most stuff I have heard by this band, now it should be noted that I am not the biggest connoisseur of their music so there are things I haven’t heard but it doesn’t detract from the fact that it is one of the most interesting punk rock/metal albums that I have heard.

Order in Decline is one of the best albums of 2019, the songs are all really great and I don’t think there are any particular weaknesses to find with this album. As far as I know this is the best album by Sum 41, it is a great step forward compared with the predecessor and it is a standout album compared with most of the albums I have reviewed in 2019, not the best but pretty close. And with all songs have strong hit potential it is hard to pick a favourite but I think that the opening track Turning Away should be mentioned as it is a great opener that sets up a great tone for the album – and the album delivers on what this track promises.

You should really be a hater of music to dislike this album, it presses all the right buttons, it is catchy and energetic as well as heavy and hard hitting – an album that makes an impact. And one that I can recommend that you have a closer look at, it deserves playing time and it is not only me who thinks that as I noted that it has received plenty of positive reviews for this one and deservedly so. Therefore I can just tip my hat to Sum 41 for their excellent new album Order in Decline.

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