After hearing what "All Killer, No Filler" had to offer, I must say that I was hardly what you would call a fan of Sum 41. Upon listening to "Still Waiting" (for those not aware, the first single off "Does This Look Infected?"), however, I decided to give this band another chance. Rest assured that I was not disappointed - this is one of the most satisfying CD purchases I have made in quite a while, and I am now officially considered a "goon" (which, I am told, is what Sum 41 fans call themselves).

To begin with, the single hooked me; this track alone guaranteed that I would buy the CD. "Still Waiting" is an extremely catchy song, blessed with crisply frenetic riffs and a gloriously harmonious chorus. One always worries that the other songs on an album will not be up to snuff, but my concerns were quickly put to rest by the first notes of "The Hell Song" and the subsequent pieces of music.

If you have been keeping up with the professional reviews of this album, you have undoubtedly heard that Sum 41 have matured musically since their last endeavour. The reviews are right; although the members of the band apparently don't take themselves very seriously (read below about the included DVD), their music has hit puberty, so to speak. The guitarwork, melodies, and harmonies all show incredible improvement from "All Killer, No Filler." In one interview, frontman Deryck Whibley said that the band was going for the "holy [feces]" factor: They wanted people who hear the new album to say "Holy [feces], this is Sum 41?!" Although the irrepressible Sum 41 style still shines through, "Does This Look Infected?" does definitely possess a harder, darker, more sober aspect; an edge missing from their last record.

Now, I won't pretend that I adore every song on this album; although all the tracks are well-done, I certainly enjoy some more than others. The fact that not every second of this album gets my blood pumping and my adrenaline flowing isn't enough to justify any less than my five-star rating, however; it is rare for me to find a record on which I love all the tracks, but "Does This Look Infected?" comes bloody close. Memorable melodies, wonderfully frantic guitars (especially in the closing of "Mr. Amsterdam"), captivating harmonies, and a more mature look at the world come together in the grand culmination that is Sum 41's newest addition to the world of punk rock.

To be perfectly frank, the bonus DVD and offer of a live EP slightly disappointed me. Although the DVD has a somewhat amusing mockery of a "Behind The Music" episode about Pain For Pleasure (presumably Sum 41's heavy metal counterparts), the main focus appears to be the band's "home videos," laden with Jackass-esque antics that failed to amuse me.

Apparently, the band's producers encourage them to do whatever they want (for the sole purpose of being incorporated into these videos), with the understanding that all damages will be paid for. Personally, I found the DVD to be uninspiring for the most part. If you are a fan of Jackass and other such sadomasochistic programs, however, then you should be tickled pink by this "documentary."

As for the live EP, this is simple enough. Go to Sum 41's website, click on the proper link, type in some pertinent information (including the special code they give you inside the CD case), and have an opportunity to download five live songs off a predetermined list. Of course, you can listen to them before making your decision, assuming your computer has the capability (and a sufficiently swift Internet connection) to do so. I haven't looked over the list in detail yet, but it looks as though it may be worth it to check out what they're offering. If you are an enormous fan of Sum 41's earlier music, and like live versions, you will most likely jump at this opportunity.

When all is said and done, "Does This Look Infected?" is a highly enjoyable and worthwhile purchase. The songs are excellent, the DVD interesting, the prospect of a live CD exciting, and the booklet art charmingly morbid (they obviously had a lot of fun with fake blood at the photo shoots)-I give this album my highest recommendations. Some especially notable tracks are "The Hell Song," "Still Waiting," "No Brains" (called "Yesterday.com" in nearly all the online track listings I've read), and "Mr. Amsterdam," although as I said, not a single track is disappointing.
quite a while.

This is the first album that I bought from Sum 41, I had heared the Hell Song on the radio and couldn't get it out of my head. I finally went to the store and bought the album. To my surprise, not only did I enjoy that song, but almost every other song was great also. I was completely surprised by how much talent these guys have and this is definately great to own!

The best songs on this CD would have to be:

The Hell Song: A great guitar solo in this one, and the song is extremely catchy. The second best song on the album.

Over My Head [Better Off Dead]: This is the best song on the CD, again lots of great guitar moments and the way the lyrics are said makes this a great song.

Hooch: This is a song that I havent seen too many people comment on so I thought I might be one of the first ones. I think the tune is great, if you listen to it really loud it really gets your blood pumped! Everything to lose, nothing to prove!

Billy Spleen: My personal favorite when it comes to hearing it three times in a row, I'm not joking! No matter what I say, you turn your back away! Great lines in this one.

Even though I didn't mention any other songs, do not think they are bad, I just happen to like these songs a little better. Some other good songs would definately have to be Still Waiting, and Thanks for Nothing. Great songs to listen to anywhere, so buy this now!

Unlike Blink-182 (Before forming Box Car Racer), every record that SUM 41 puts out is better than the last. Does This Look Infected? has a more serious yet punky sound than Half Hour of Power and All Killer No Filler.
1. The Hell Song - 9/10 - I like the sound and the lyrics and stuff but it's not quite 100% kickass.
2. Over My Head (Better Off Dead) - 10/10 - one of the best songs on the album. I never get tired of it.
3. My Direction - 8/10 - I don't really agree with some of the lyrics, but it's got good sound going on
4. Still Waiting - 9.5/10 - First song on this album that I heard. Really great one. If you think this is good, check out the others.
5. A.N.I.C - 8/10 - Love the punk-ness(?), but it should be longer.
6. No Brains - 9.5/10 - Amazing song.
7. All Messed Up - 7/10 - It doesn't really go with the rest of the album. It sounds a lot different.
8. Mr. Amsterdam - 8/10 - I get it messed up with tracks 10 and 11, for some reason. They're good, but sound like each other.
9. Thanks For Nothing - 10/10 - I love this song!
10. Hyper-insomniaparachondriod - See #8
11. Billy Spleen - See above and #8
12. Hooch - 9/10 - A great way to end a great album. Really catchy song except at the end. The punk fades away into soft singing.

Sum 41 have always had a good sound to them but their earlier stuff i thought has always been stronger and more rock oriented. At least thats what i thought until i heard this CD. Their new stuff is experimenting w/ different types of rock but the main difference between this CD and their old one is it's a more more powerful. The instruments are a lot more heavier and the lyrics are inspirational. this cd is not as poppy as others. their sounds has definately evolved into something great and it is portrayed in their CD. they have moved from being a stereotypical pop punk band into something a little better. Sum 41 is known for their catchy songs and thats exactly what this Cd is like. All the songs on this CD are catchy.
The album starts off strongly with "the hell song" giving a precursor on what the rest of the CD is like. The Cd does stay strong to the end which is one of the main ingredients to a sucessful CD. The CD highlights would have to be "All Messed Up" which is track 7, "Thanks for Nothing" which is track 9 and "Still Waiting" their CD single and track 5.

Also look out for the bonus DVD feature on this CD which is the video of "Still Waiting". If you are a fan of good punk rock music, go buy this CD.

It's good to see that they decided not to sell themselves off to what the industries wanted them to do. Finally the long awaited return of Sum 41 has come and it just proves that there are bands who are out there to create music not just for the money. I'm glad they decided to change their direction in their sound to more rock edge. So go out and get the CD amd give this CD a listen and you won't be dissapointed.

After all the hype and success of the generic pop punk phenomenon All Killer No Filler, Sum 41 released a much different CD near the end of 2002. This one was harder. This one had more intricate guitar work. This one had better lyrics. This CD still has a pop punk vibe but unlike most pop punk CDs, this one is much more mature.

The best part of this CD is the guitar. Dave is a great guitarist. The solos he does are amazing. Its a huge improvement from All Killer No Filler. Of course, everything on this CD is a huge improvement from All Killer No Filler. The members of this band sure know how to play their instruments. The lyrics could be better but they too are an improvement from the band's previous work.

And of course, there is the bonus DVD. It is hilarious! The members of this band are funny and this DVD is sure to please. If you love immature potty humour similar to that of Blink 182's, you'll love the DVD. When you put the two together, it sure makes one excellent combo which is sure to please even the most pickiest fan.