Twenty years is a long time to stay angry, but on A.R.S.O.N (short for All Rage Still Only Numb), St. Louis legends Story of the Year prove that fire doesn’t always fade — sometimes it just gets more refined. Following the high-water mark of Tear Me to Pieces, this seventh outing feels less like a band trying to reclaim their youth and more like veterans who finally know exactly how to weaponize their nostalgia.
There is an undeniable “high school” DNA woven into the fabric of this record. It’s a deliberate, polished tribute to the mid-2000s emo scene that birthed them, yet it avoids the trap of being a mere carbon copy of the past. Instead, the production is slick and modern, utilizing electronic pulses and synths that somehow sharpen — rather than soften — the blow of Josh Wills’ relentless percussion.
While Tear Me to Pieces remains a subjective fan favorite for many, ARSON stands as a formidable successor. It takes the momentum of their recent resurgence and pushes into experimental territory, striking a balance between internal battles and the catchy, pop-punk roots that made the “scene” fall in love with them two decades ago.
The record starts with literal fire. Gasoline is arguably one of the most volatile tracks the band has ever released. It leans heavily into their metal roots, delivering a sonic explosion of fury that sets the tone for the entire album. It’s a red-button track where everything is locked in and rapid, leaving no doubt that the band’s aggression hasn’t waned with age.
That disillusionment carries into Disconnected, where massive guitars and Dan Marsala’s searing vocals take center stage. The lyric “I would die a million times to feel the way I did” hits with visceral weight. Similarly, Into the Dark pits verses of pure hurt against a chorus so huge it feels almost gospel. It’s that signature SOTY dynamic — heavy enough to headbang to, but catchy enough to sing until your throat is sore.
Featuring Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach, Fall Away avoids typical guest-spot gimmicks. It launches with a distorted intro into rapid-fire verses where Jacoby’s timbre provides a perfect contrast to Dan’s. The track plays out like an emotional dialogue, trading lines until the production pulls back into an acoustic outro — a gentle landing that reframes the earlier aggression.
The album finishes on a massive high with I Don’t Wanna Feel Like This Anymore. With its big vocal melody, wailing chorus, and tidy bridge, it leaves the listener wondering just how much more emotion the band has left to give. It lights a fire that makes you realize: who needs gasoline when you have this album?
ARSON is the sound of a band firing on all cylinders. It builds naturally on the trends of their recent work while expanding with new sounds and ideas. More importantly, it proves that Story of the Year aren’t just a legacy act — they’re a band still very much in the middle of some of their best chapters.
A.R.S.O.N. is available now at https://bfan.link/a-r-s-o-n
