Missouri outfit Story Of The Year have never been easy to pin down. Floating somewhere between post-hardcore, pop-punk and emo, they’ve spent over two decades bending genres. Through hiatuses and line-up changes, they’ve weathered plenty- but their seventh studio album A.R.S.O.N genuinely feels like they’ve settled into themselves.
Short for All Rage Still Only Numb, A.R.S.O.N wastes no time setting the tone. Opening track “Gasoline” is pure ignition. It’s loud, fast, and fuelled by frustration, with the repeated lyrics “fuck it up, burn it down, cover it all in gasoline” begging to be screamed back at them in a sold out venue. It’s definitely one of the record’s biggest moments, and vocally lead singer Dan Marsala really goes for it. There’s a grit in his performance that elevates an already fantastic track.
“Disconnected” pulls things back a bit without losing momentum. There’s a cool, almost electronic edge running underneath it, with sharp, happy textures weaving through clean vocals and a strong melody. It carries heart but doesn’t sacrifice energy, which continues throughout the record.
“See Through” leans fully into its emo roots. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like its straight off the soundtrack of a dramatic vampire movie, which personally I consider to be a huge compliment. The echoey vocals and eerie atmosphere add to this, with the harmonies being a real highlight.
Next is “Fall Away”, featuring Papa Roach’s Jacob Shaddix. The guitars are a little grungier with a few breakdowns throughout, and Shaddix’s rap-inflected opening verse blends smoothly with Marsala’s clean delivery. It adds another layer to an album that’s already stacked with variety, but it fits right in.
“3am” follows, kicking off with a playful guitar line that immediately grabs your attention and holds it- one of those intros that makes you sit up a little straighter. When the verses kick in, it settles into a straight-up pop-punk track with enough bite to keep it interesting. There’s a touch of early 2000s nostalgia here, and alongside “Gasoline”, it’s an easy standout.
This is followed by “Into The Dark” which takes a more cinematic route. It builds slowly, leaning into a grungy, industrial texture before hitting a chorus that balances clean vocals with rougher, moodier undertones.
“My Religion” starts acoustically and delivers some of the album’s strongest lyrics. Lines like,“if my love is a disease just carry on without me” might sound a bit cheesy on paper (or screen), but they hit hard in song-form. The track eventually swells into something heavier balanced with weight and sincerity.
“Halos” bursts in after that slightly softer moment, with an explosive opening verse that flips the mood again completely. With a super catchy melody and a stunning guitar solo, this track ticks a lot of boxes for SOTY fans, which is why its no surprise that it’s quickly become beloved among the community.
“Good For Me / Feel So Bad” dips into a more pop-leaning territory. It’s catchy and rhythmic, maybe a touch repetitive, but in a way that works- it really sticks.
Late in the track list, “Better Than High” strips everything way back. Acoustic-driven and vocally vulnerable, it offers a moment of calm before the closer. It feels honest and raw, a welcome soft moment on an otherwise high-energy album.
Closer “I Don’t Wanna Feel Like This Anymore” opens with a guitar line that will send shivers down your spine. It carries that unmistakable final-track energy, building with purpose before having a satisfying payoff. It wraps up the record neatly without feeling too forced.
Overall, A.R.S.O.N is a strong release, especially for a band so deep into their career. The songwriting feels sharp, musicianship keeps you guessing and the balance between heavy moments and stripped-back vulnerability is handled with confidence. If anything, it might be slightly too polished at times, but not in a way that takes too much away from the punch.
As a more recent listener of Story Of The Year, this feels like their best work. Long-time fans will always hold a special place for older records, but A.R.S.O.N stands tall on its own.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Photo credit: Ryan Smith
