Sum 41 - "Order in Decline" Review

Written by: Hallie Teitelbaum

Edited by: Madeline McVey

With fiery cover art and a chilling musical introduction, Sum 41 perfectly set the scene for their new album, Order in Decline. The album is certainly the band’s heaviest work to date, both musically and thematically. Over time, their most dedicated fans have been able to watch the band transition from early-2000’s skate-punks into a hard rock band experimenting with a three-guitarist lineup, new musical influences, and political themes.

In one word, the emotion behind Order in Decline can be described as “heated.” “The New

Sensation,” the album’s third track, takes the form of a rebellious rock anthem sporting the lyrics,“We’re here to fight; resist in every way.” Meanwhile, “A Death in the Family” deals with the concepts of lying and confrontation, and develops these themes through the contrast of slower, lyrical choruses alongside fast-paced, angry, and guitar-driven verses. Track 5, titled “Heads Will Roll,” is angsty and full of attitude; it serves as both a warning and a threat to the listener. Sum 41 do a stellar job of not only conveying their feelings of rage, frenzy, and desperation, but also rousing listeners to feel exactly as they do with punchy lyrics and intense instrumentals that have the power to make anyone feel on-edge. 

Upon dissecting this album, it was impossible for me not to pick up on its underlying political message. Order in Decline addresses a nation full of hate, a people who can’t escape violence, and a leader who lies. The album almost reminds me of Green Day’s American Idiot or Revolution Radio (two concept albums that addressed American politics in a similar manner), like a modern Green Day-gone-heavy. Despite the similarities, Sum 41’s execution of this message remains what could be arguably their best work. In pushing their political message, the band makes their disapproval of the president especially clear in the album’s 6th track, “45 (A Matter of Time),” in which lead singer Deryck Whibley

speaks directly to President Trump, telling him that, “A number is all you’ll ever be.” In addition to attacking the president in a Billie-Joe-esque fashion, the band also look internally to explore deeply personal and emotional responses to the current state of society, like in the emotional “Never There,” as well as the album’s closing track, “Catching Fire.” 

In the past, Sum 41 have made it clear that they tend to avoid writing about politics, as music is supposed to be their escape from society. By ultimately deciding to dedicate an album to the concept, I think it sends a message about the critical state of U.S. politics and the urgent need for change: that it has become impossible to ignore the current issues of American society, even for those who want to most. That being said, Order in Decline is not only political; it is an album fueled by emotion and can be relatable to anyone who’s ever felt betrayed, cheated, or hopeless. It also marks a new era stylistically for the band and a new level of maturity in both their instrumentals and lyrics. Sum 41 will be spreading

this heat across the U.S. this fall on the first leg of their Order in Decline World Tour.