Arson Anthem - 'Insecurity Notoriety'

Yet another super group including Phil Anselmo, Arson Anthem shares more in common with the grit and filth of his former project Superjoint Ritual than it does with his Southern metal/hard rock outfit Down. Standing as a unique entity, and with a simple formula ripped from the ‘80s, Insecurity Notoriety will appeal to many fans of old school hardcore punk.

Arson Anthem’s Insecurity Notoriety, their debut full-length (following an EP), is the sonic equivalent of a bar room brawl. It’s ugly and violent, yet its production is relatively polished, not detracting though from the songs’ inherent grit.

Yet another all-star band from the heralded and highly incestuous Louisiana metal scene, Arson Anthem’s lineup boasts Pantera’s infamous vocalist Phil Anselmo on guitars, with Eyehategod’s Mike Williams handling vocals, along with drummer Hank Williams III and bassist Collin Yeo rounding out the band’s rhythm section.

Said artists’ characteristic musical essence comes forth on Insecurity Notoriety, no doubt, however they don’t plagiarize their more notable bands at all. In other words, there are no throw-away Eyehategod or Superjoint Ritual riffs (what Arson Anthem does share with these bands is their metallic edge and punk attitude). They roll forward as a cohesive whole where traces of doom run through the veins of ‘80s hardcore punk.

The highlight and driving core of the band is, perhaps surprisingly, Phil Anselmo’s guitar work. The noted vocalist has been playing guitars for years, yet the quality of his playing with Arson Anthem is undeniable. Appealing, simplistic riffs propel the songs, impressively nuanced punctuations book-ending phrases to merit multiple replays.

If anything, their star power may ironically lead some to believe the band is a pointless cash-grab. The truth of the matter is that if the crude cast was comprised of unknown names, people would be worshiping them as saviors of the old school. Only time will tell whether or not the band will garner the acclaim they rightfully deserve.

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