Story of the Year are a post-hardcore band from St. Louis Missouri, originally formed under the name 67 North in 1995. In 2002 they changed their name to Story of the Year and found success with the release of Page Avenue in 2003 with hits like “Until the Day I Die” and ” Anthem of Our Dying Day”. Fast forward more than 20 years later and they are still making great music together. Fronted by Dan Marsala, Ryan Phillips on guitar, Adam Russell on bass, and Josh Wills on drum they are a well oiled machine ready to give an electric performance. Friday the 13th at midnight Story of the Years much anticipated seventh studio album, A.R.S.O.N. released.

Gasoline (All Rage Still Only Numb)

Gasoline was the first single released for the album and seriously set the expectation high (which they do not disappoint). I have seen Story of the Year this year twice and hearing “Gasoline” live raises the energy of the room immediately. It perfectly sets up this album, all about rage and rapid cycling of emotions.

Disconnected

This song hits hard with emotion and yearning for a different reality. Hitting rock bottom and wanting for things to be different. Josh on the drums really shines during this song, holding a strong beat and really driving the song home.

See Through

My first thought is immediately how amazing the the guitar from Ryan sounds. Electric right from the beginning, leading right into one of the most interesting sounding songs on the album. The melody is so mesmerizing and when the song slows down the impact of the lyrics really hits.

Fall Away (feat. Jacoby Shaddix)

Melodic chorus contrasted with rap verses from Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach is the perfect approach to this song. The lyric “I can’t remember who I wanna be and who I am not” is the perfect line to describe this song and the battle of emotions – trying to figure out what life to lead.

3 am

Bringing in more pop punk vibes to the album with this song and I can’t get enough. I think I will have this song on repeat for a long time. It reinforces the theme of yearning for someone who isn’t there that we have heard throughout the album.

Into the Dark

In contrast, Into the Dark leads to a heavier side of Story of the Year. They keep the same energy going and continue the narrative of trying to deal with conflicting emotions and being “on the edge, about to let go“.

My Religion

They keep the energy going with this song that just makes you bang your head to the beat. A dark love song perfect for Valentine’s day weekend.

Halos

There is a vibe shift with this song. There is some hope, looking for validation that things will be okay , but the fear that you will drag your person that brings you hope down to your level. Its emotionally complex and one of my favorite songs from the album.

Good for Me/Feel so Bad

This song tackles letting sad feelings in, instead of accepting being numb. The lyrics make you think and feel deeper.

Better than High

An introspective look into relationship dynamics. Having a person that makes you feel so good and take away your pain, but wondering “if I take more than I give / is it really love?” A beautiful slowdown to the high intensity songs before it.

I Don’t Wanna Feel Like This Anymore

A perfect way to close an album about feeling numb after loss and burning your life to the ground. It feels like the first step in the 5 stages of grief, acceptance.

Review 5/5

I was thouroughly impressed by this album. It is so rare than a band with the long history like Story of the Year has can consistently put out amazing music but they have managed to do so once again. The music and melodies were as complex as the lyrical themes of the album and I can say with confidence that this album will be on repeat in my house. Will be exciting to see how this album works into their upcoming performances at several festivals this year as they play Welcome to Rockville, Sonic Temple, and several others.

Written by Sarah Swetz