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Half Hour of Power
Half Hour of Power
from Wikipedia
Half Hour of Power
EP by
ReleasedJune 27, 2000 (2000-06-27)[1]
Recorded2000
StudioMetalworks, Mississauga, Ontario
Genre
Length30:00
Label
Producer
Sum 41 chronology
1998 Demo Tape
(1998)
Half Hour of Power
(2000)
All Killer No Filler
(2001)
Singles from Half Hour of Power
  1. "Makes No Difference"
    Released: July 11, 2000

Half Hour of Power is the debut extended play[A] by Canadian rock band Sum 41. It was released on June 27, 2000, on Aquarius Records (Canada), and Big Rig Records, a subsidiary of Island Records (United States). The cover features the band's then-drummer Steve Jocz aiming a Nerf gun up in the air and standing in front of an explosion in the background. Though officially an EP, Half Hour of Power may also be considered the band's debut studio album. Most of the songs featured on the EP were included as bonus tracks on Sum 41's actual debut studio album All Killer No Filler (2001), which featured a re-recorded version of Half Hour of Power's sixth track "Summer". This is the second of three times that this song was featured on a Sum 41 album. It first appeared on their 1998 demo tape. The group originally planned to include different versions of the song on each of their albums as a joke, but scrapped the idea after All Killer No Filler, as they felt that it would annoy their fanbase.

Music

[edit]

Critics have categorized Half Hour of Power as pop punk[4][5][6][1] and skate punk.[7][5][6] The songs "Grab the Devil by the Horns and Fuck Him Up the Ass" and "Ride the Chariot to the Devil", are heavy metal songs,[8] similar to Iron Maiden.[5][1] Although "Another Time Around" was described as punk rock, the song's intro was described as "dirge-metal".[4] The song "Second Chance for Max Headroom" sounds like the band NOFX[6] and has a ska section.[4][5] The song "Dave's Possessed Hair/It's What We're All About" is known for having a part with elements of hip hop music.[4][5] Elements of hardcore punk are also featured on the EP.[5] The track "T.H.T." is oi!.

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[1]

Curtis Zimmermann of AllMusic stated that "The first track, "Grab the Devil by the Horns and Fuck Him up the Ass," is a time warp. For a minute and a half the group relives the new wave of British metal and cranks out an Iron Maiden style tune. After a brief trip down memory lane the album quickly morphs into pop punk. The songs are well crafted and the hooks are catchy on "Make No Difference" and "Summer." But in some respects that is problematic, there was a time in the pre-Green Day/Blink-182 years where punk defined itself by not being radio friendly. A good album, but essentially proof that turn of the millennium punk is just as much a corporate rock entity as adult contemporary."[9]

Track listing

[edit]

Writing credits taken from ASCAP.[10]

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Grab the Devil by the Horns and Fuck Him Up the Ass" (Instrumental)Deryck Whibley, Steve Jocz, Dave Baksh, Jason McCaslin1:07
2."Machine Gun"Whibley2:29
3."What I Believe"Whibley, Greig Nori2:50
4."T.H.T."Whibley0:44
5."Makes No Difference"Whibley, Nori3:10
6."Summer"Whibley, Nori2:40
7."32 Ways to Die" (Instrumental)Jocz1:31
8."Second Chance for Max Headroom"Whibley3:51
9."Dave's Possessed Hair" / "It's What We're All About"Whibley, Baksh / Whibley, Jocz, Baksh, Shawn Moltke3:48
10."Ride the Chariot to the Devil" (Instrumental)Whibley, Baksh0:55
11."Another Time Around" (Actual song ends at 3:22 with added silence afterwards bringing the EP's length to 30 minutes)Whibley, Nori6:52
Total length:29:57

Personnel

[edit]

Adapted from the EP's liner notes.[11]

Sum 41
Additional musicians
  • Sarah McElcheran, Steven Donald - horns on "Second Chance for Max Headroom"
  • MC Shan - rap vocals on "It's What We're All About"

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for Half Hour of Power
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[17] Gold 50,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[18] Silver 60,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Half Hour of Power is the debut by the Canadian rock band , released on June 27, 2000, by Big Rig Records. The EP consists of 11 tracks spanning punk, , and alternative/ styles, with a total runtime of approximately 26 minutes, and was produced by and . Sum 41 formed in 1996 in , when and drummer , along with other friends, began jamming with a DIY ethos aimed at becoming rock stars. By the time of the EP's release, the band's lineup included Whibley on vocals and guitar, Jocz on drums, on guitar, and Cone McCaslin on bass. Tracks such as "" and "" showcased their energetic sound blended with humor, marking their entry into the early punk revival scene. Though officially classified as an EP, Half Hour of Power is often regarded as Sum 41's debut studio album due to its full-length feel and role in establishing their breakthrough, leading to major-label deals and subsequent successes. The album's raw energy and irreverent titles, like the opener "Grab the Devil by the Horns and **** Him Up the ***," reflected the band's youthful rebellion and set the tone for their career.

Background

Band formation

Sum 41 was formed in , , in 1996 by high school friends and as a initially intended as a under the name Kaspir. The duo, both juniors at the time, recruited additional members to round out the lineup, marking the beginning of their transition from casual jamming to more structured performances. This formative period saw the band experimenting with punk and skate-inspired sounds, drawing from local influences in the Ajax area. The band's name originated from the 41st day of summer in 1996, when Whibley and Jocz officially decided to pursue the project more seriously, rebranding from Kaspir to to commemorate the date. Guitarist joined in 1997, adding and backing vocals after connecting with Whibley through , which helped solidify their sound and energy. replaced earlier members, including Richard Roy, around 1998–1999, completing the core lineup of Whibley on vocals and , Jocz on , Baksh on , and McCaslin on bass. Early local performances helped the band gain traction, starting with their first show as Sum 41 at Toronto's in September 1996, followed by gigs at clubs and high schools in the Ajax region. These high-energy sets, blending with metal elements, built a following and showcased their chaotic, youthful style. In 1998, the group recorded their first independent demo, an untitled self-produced cassette (unofficially known among fans as Rock Out with Your Cock Out), which featured early tracks and attracted initial industry attention, setting the foundation for professional opportunities.

EP development

Following the band's growing local popularity in the Toronto area through energetic live performances and a self-produced electronic press kit (EPK) video that circulated widely among industry contacts, Sum 41 decided in late 1999 to record their debut release. This decision came amid a competitive bidding war among major labels, culminating in a landmark $3.5 million international deal with Island Def Jam, marking the first rock act signed to the label. The EP's tracklist drew from the band's existing repertoire, incorporating songs from their 1998 demo tape—such as "Summer," originally recorded at Ryerson University's studio—alongside newer compositions like "," which showcased frontman Deryck Whibley's evolving songwriting. The title Half Hour of Power was inspired by the band's high-intensity live sets, which typically lasted around 30 minutes and delivered a burst of punk energy, reflecting their raw, unpolished aesthetic. To maintain their independent punk ethos, the band negotiated distribution through Big Rig Records—a of —for the U.S. market and Aquarius Records for , allowing them to retain creative control while leveraging major-label infrastructure.

Recording and production

Studio sessions

The recording sessions for Half Hour of Power took place in early 2000 at Metalworks Studios in , . This marked the band's first experience in a professional studio environment, following prior DIY demos and live performances. The sessions were overseen by producer and band member . With a limited budget typical of indie label releases, adopted a DIY to capture the raw, high-energy essence of their live shows in the EP's eleven tracks, which were structured to mirror a typical 30-minute setlist blending punk, metal, and hip-hop influences. The process emphasized speed and authenticity, allowing the band to translate their chaotic, eclectic style—featuring rapid-fire riffs, rap sections, and horn accents—directly from stage to tape without extensive polishing. Challenges arose from the EP's tight runtime goal, leading to quick takes on shorter tracks like the 44-second "T.H.T." and an extended for "Another Time Around," which includes over three minutes of in some editions to reach the titular half-hour length. Overdubs were employed sparingly for elements like horns and rap vocals to enhance the punk authenticity while fitting the constrained schedule and resources.

Production team

The production of Half Hour of Power was led by Sum 41's frontman and band leader alongside , the frontman of who served as the band's early mentor and manager. In October 2024, Whibley alleged in his memoir Walking Disaster that had groomed and sexually abused him during their collaboration on the EP when Whibley was a teenager; has denied the allegations. Their collaborative effort emphasized a punk ethos, favoring a raw and energetic sound over more polished studio techniques to reflect the band's high-octane live performances. Engineering was handled by Blair Calibaba, with mixing by Calibaba (tracks 1, 9, 10), (tracks 5, 6), and L. Stu Young (tracks 4, 8), focusing on maintaining the recordings' unrefined intensity and immediacy. During production, select guest contributions were incorporated to enhance specific tracks, including horn arrangements by Sarah McElcheran and Steve Donald on "Second Chance for ," as well as a rap performance by on "Dave's Possessed Hair." The EP's limited budget resulted in streamlined , with mastering completed by and Roger Lian to achieve the precise 29:57 runtime that aligned with the release's conceptual title.

Music

Genre and style

Half Hour of Power is primarily categorized as and , drawing heavily from the energetic, youthful sound of late-1990s punk revival acts. The EP showcases a raw, unpolished production style that emphasizes high-energy performances, with guitar-driven power chords and straightforward riffs forming the backbone of its tracks. This approach aligns with the band's early influences, particularly the melodic yet aggressive punk of , evident in the fast-paced structures and catchy hooks that propel songs forward without excessive refinement. The tracks average under three minutes each, contributing to the EP's compact, relentless pace that mirrors the adrenaline-fueled ethos of . Fast tempos, often exceeding 180 beats per minute in double-time feels, combined with double-time drumming and occasional breakdowns, create a sense of urgency and chaos, as heard in "Machine Gun," where rapid rhythms simulate a barrage of intensity. Broader influences extend beyond core punk, incorporating heavy metal elements in instrumentals like "Grab the Devil by the Horns and Fuck Him Up the Ass," which features thrashy guitar work reminiscent of Iron Maiden-style aggression. Diverse stylistic experiments further define the EP's eclectic edge, blending ska-punk rhythms in "Second Chance for Max Headroom"—with its upbeat, horn-like guitar skanks echoing NOFX's playful fusions—and hip-hop inflections in "Dave's Possessed Hair," where rap-rock cadences add a rhythmic swagger. Hardcore punk undertones appear in "What I Believe," marked by raw intensity and mosh-pit-ready breakdowns, while the instrumental "32 Ways to Die" evokes oi!-style street punk through its pounding, anthemic drumming. These elements position Half Hour of Power as a precursor to the early pop-punk boom, comparable to the riff-heavy accessibility of and , yet distinguished by its genre-blending audacity.

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of Half Hour of Power reflect Sum 41's youthful punk ethos, centered on themes of rebellion, , and anti-conformity, often drawn from the personal experiences of frontman and his bandmates as teenagers navigating societal pressures. Whibley has noted that their early songwriting stemmed from "adolescent ," creating relatable anthems about individuality and defiance that resonated with young audiences in the late scene. A key example is "," which promotes anti-conformity by encouraging listeners to release grudges from the past and disregard external judgments, with the core message that others' opinions "make no difference." Similarly, "What I Believe" delivers an aggressive rant against imposed and , as seen in lines questioning forced beliefs like "You ask me to believe in something they provide," underscoring toward societal or institutional control. "Summer" captures the carefree yet reflective side of youth, pondering past mistakes and emotional bonds through verses about unrelatable errors and denied chances, evoking nostalgic adolescent freedom. Humorous and satirical elements infuse several tracks, lightening the rebellious tone while poking fun at musical trends. For instance, "Dave's Possessed Hair / It's What We're All About" parodies rap-metal and hip-hop-infused punk, mimicking styles like The Offspring's rap sections with exaggerated Beastie Boys-like trade-offs and passable hip-hop breakdowns. The song's guest rap segment adds a hip-hop flair, blending with the band's punk aggression. Whibley's vocal delivery enhances these themes, featuring shouty, energetic shouts that convey and urgency, as heard in the infectious, high-energy performance on "." This style, often described as whiny in its rawness, amplifies the EP's anti-authority rants and humorous jabs, making the lyrics feel immediate and defiant. Several tracks, including "Summer," "What I Believe," and "Another Time Around," originated in the band's demo tapes before being reworked for the EP, allowing the lyrics to evolve into more polished, punchy expressions of their punk perspective.

Release and promotion

Release information

Half Hour of Power was released on June 27, 2000, through Big Rig Records in the United States, a of , and Aquarius Records in . The EP was initially issued in and cassette formats, with subsequent reissues on vinyl appearing years later. The album's artwork features drummer on the front cover holding a gun aloft against a backdrop of an explosion, evoking the band's signature playful aggression. The back cover displays the track listing alongside a group photo of members. International distribution expanded following the success of Sum 41's follow-up full-length album.

Marketing efforts

The lead single from Half Hour of Power, "", was released on June 27, 2000, serving as the band's debut commercial single under . The accompanying depicted a rowdy with the band performing amid escalating chaos, including a crashing through a window and a surprise cameo by rapper arriving on an ATV, capturing the punk antics that defined their early image. A second, lower-budget version of the video utilized footage from the band's first concert, further emphasizing their raw, DIY energy. These visuals aligned with the aesthetic, helping to attract a young audience interested in high-energy rebellion. Promotion in Canada centered on heavy rotation of the "Makes No Difference" video on MuchMusic, where it won the 2001 MuchMusic Video Award for Best Rock Video and appeared on the network's Big Shiny Tunes 5 compilation, significantly boosting visibility among domestic viewers. The band also generated buzz through select dates on the 2000 Vans Warped Tour, starting July 20, where their high-octane live performances—featuring trampolines and crowd-surfing antics—prefigured the frenetic style later showcased in the "Fat Lip" video, fostering an early grassroots fanbase within the punk and skate scenes. In the U.S., Island Records provided limited promotional support, focusing on regional radio play and tour exposure rather than a full-scale push, given the EP's primary Canadian roots on Big Rig Records. To capitalize on growing momentum, several tracks from Half Hour of Power were re-recorded and included as bonus content on international editions of the band's 2001 debut album , such as "" on the version, which retroactively drove interest and sales back to the original EP by introducing its material to a broader . This cross-promotional , combined with the band's relentless touring, solidified their underground appeal before mainstream breakthrough.

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release in June 2000, Half Hour of Power garnered limited critical attention, primarily within punk and alternative music circles, reflecting its status as an independent EP from the Canadian band Sum 41. assigned it a rating of three out of five stars, acknowledging its energetic style but noting its position amid the early 2000s revival of the genre. In Canadian media, the EP received mixed feedback; freelance contributor (of ) reviewed it for Exclaim!, reportedly awarding 2.5 out of five stars and highlighting its raw, youthful energy as a promising indie debut during the Y2K punk resurgence, though tempered by critiques of its unpolished production. U.S. coverage was sparse prior to the band's mainstream breakthrough with their follow-up album, but early punk outlets like Punknews.org offered a more critical take in 2001, rating it two out of ten stars and dismissing much of the material as derivative teenage with whiny vocals, while conceding that the "" stood out for its hooks. Overall, initial responses leaned mixed-to-positive, with praise centered on the EP's energetic style and brevity contrasted by criticisms of its unpolished production and lack of originality.

Later evaluations

In the years following its initial release, Half Hour of Power has been reevaluated through the lens of Sum 41's broader , often highlighted for its raw, unpolished energy that laid the groundwork for the band's evolution. A 2015 review by New Noise Magazine praised it as a "welcomed blast from the past," with most songs still holding up as youthful and fun after over 15 years. Tracks like "What I Believe," "Second Chance for ," and ""—the latter popularized through its inclusion in the 2001 film Out Cold—were singled out for retaining their energetic appeal, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans. Critics in the and have increasingly viewed the EP as an underrated gem within 's catalog, influential in capturing the explosive, genre-blending spirit of early 2000s pop-punk. In a 2023 ranking of the band's albums, PopMatters placed Half Hour of Power last but commended its poppier songs, such as "Makes No Difference" and "Summer," as catchy highlights that demonstrated the melodic NOFX-inspired structures would refine in later works, while foreshadowing their versatility across punk, metal, and . Similarly, a 2025 Sputnikmusic retrospective described it as a "showcase of riffs and metal influences," enjoyable and fun despite structural shortcomings, emphasizing its underutilized potential in drumming, choruses, and guitar work that influenced the band's more polished future output. While some later assessments acknowledge its juvenile tone—rooted in crude humor and adolescent rebellion—as a limitation, this quality is often valued for authentically channeling teenage angst in punk's DIY ethos. A 2025 Tinnitist classic album review characterized it as standard "pop-core" with pogo beats and gritty guitars akin to Blink-182 or Green Day, critiquing its lack of originality but noting it as not inherently bad, with room for greater rebellious edge to elevate its entertainment value. Retrospectively, the EP is recognized as a proto-viral success in punk, prefiguring Sum 41's MTV dominance through early video exposure that propelled their breakthrough blend of punk and metal.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

Half Hour of Power experienced limited but notable chart performance internationally, primarily gaining traction in the year following its initial 2000 release as the band's full-length debut album All Killer No Filler elevated their profile. The EP's chart entries were modest, aligning with its independent origins and EP classification, yet they marked Sum 41's early commercial foothold in . In the United States, the EP entered the at number 176 for one week in August 2001. It also peaked at number 36 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, highlighting its appeal among emerging artists. The release fared better in niche categories in the , reaching a peak of number 18 on the Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart in January 2002, where it spent 12 weeks in total. It did not enter the main . Half Hour of Power did not achieve an official entry on major Canadian album charts, despite the band's domestic origins and subsequent regional popularity. In , the EP peaked at number 62 on the upon its localized release.
Chart (2001–2002)Peak position
US Billboard 200176
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)36
UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC)18
Japanese Albums ()62

Sales and certifications

Half Hour of Power initially saw limited distribution through the independent Canadian label Big Rig Records in 2000, achieving modest sales primarily within before the band's broader breakthrough. Its commercial performance surged following the 2001 international re-release on , coinciding with the success of Sum 41's debut full-length album , which included several tracks from the EP as bonus content on certain editions. This bundling and the band's rising popularity contributed to increased shipments, leading to certifications in key markets. In , the EP was certified Gold by on April 8, 2003, for sales of 50,000 units, reflecting accumulated sales boosted by the post-2001 bundling with . In the , it received a Silver from the on August 9, 2013, for 60,000 units shipped. Globally, Half Hour of Power has sold an estimated 110,000 units across reported markets by the mid-2010s, with initial indie sales in providing a foundation before international expansion amplified its reach through the band's mainstream ascent. The EP has experienced a notable resurgence in the streaming era; as of November 2025, it has amassed over 66 million plays on alone, underscoring its enduring appeal among listeners.

Track listing and personnel

Track listing

Half Hour of Power consists of 11 tracks with a total runtime of 29:57. All tracks are written by Sum 41. The standard track listing is as follows:
No.TitleLength
1"Grab the Devil by the Horns and Fuck Him Up the Ass"1:07
2"Machine Gun"2:29
3"What I Believe"2:49
4"T.H.T."0:43
5""3:10
6"Summer"2:40
7"32 Ways to Die"1:30
8"Second Chance for Max Headroom"3:51
9"Dave's Possessed Hair / It's What We're All About"3:47
10"Ride the Chariot to the Devil"0:55
11"Another Time Around"6:52
The final track includes approximately 3:31 of dead space following the song to extend its length. Some editions misspell track 3 as "What I Beleive" on the back cover, disc label, and inner sleeve, though it is correctly spelled in the booklet. The original release contains no bonus tracks, and subsequent reissues preserve the core 11-track list without additions. The track listing is identical across U.S. and Canadian releases.

Personnel

Sum 41 Additional musicians
  • Sarah McElcheran – horns (track 8)
  • Steven Donald – horns (track 8)
  • – rap vocals (track 9)
Production
  • Deryck Whibley – producer
  • – producer
  • Blair Calibaba – mixing

Legacy

Cultural significance

Half Hour of Power played a pivotal role in launching 's career. The band's prank-filled demo videos in 1999 sparked a competitive bidding war, leading to a major-label deal with that year. Released on June 27, 2000, the EP demonstrated the band's raw energy and quickly achieved gold certification in for 50,000 units sold on April 10, 2003, paving the way for their breakthrough album in 2001. This early success positioned at the forefront of the pop-punk surge, blending skate-punk influences with accessible hooks that resonated with a burgeoning teen audience. The EP's cultural footprint exemplifies one of the earliest "viral" band origin stories in the pre-social media era, propelled by clips from their chaotic Introduction to Destruction montage airing on MuchMusic and , alongside performances at the Vans Warped Tour starting in 1999. Tracks like "," featuring an unexpected cameo in its video, emerged as anthems for teen rebellion, capturing the era's youthful defiance and party ethos while gaining heavy rotation on music television. This visibility helped bridge skate punk—drawing from bands like and Pennywise—to the more melodic emo-punk hybrids of the , influencing the genre's mainstream evolution. Sum 41 has been cited as a foundational influence by later acts, including and Waterparks, who credit the band's high-energy riffs and humorous edge for shaping their sound. As the band concluded their farewell tour in 2025 with a final performance at the —where they were also inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame—Half Hour of Power continued to symbolize Y2K nostalgia amid ongoing interest in early-2000s alt-rock. This underscores the EP's enduring legacy in fostering 's transition from underground scenes to global phenomenon.

Reissues and availability

In 2017, Half Hour of Power received its first vinyl reissue through SRC Vinyl, pressed as a limited edition of 500 copies on opaque red with transparent blue haze vinyl in a . This edition was remastered specifically for the format by engineer Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. Subsequent vinyl variants followed, including a 2022 black 180-gram pressing by Music on Vinyl, though none introduced bonus tracks or alternate mixes. A notable appeared as part of , limited to fluorescent blue with swirl vinyl exclusive to participating stores. This pressing, handled by Aquarius Records, replicated the original tracklist but featured a misspelling of "What I Believe" as "What I Beleive" on the back cover. Original 2000 CD pressings have become rare and highly collectible, often selling for premium prices on secondary markets due to limited initial production. The EP is widely available digitally on platforms like and , enabling easy access without , though no significant remasters, remixes, or bonus content have been added across reissues.

References

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