Metalcatto
With an album named The Arsonist, you’d expect Wailin Storms to blast this place out of existence. Yet what I found was a strange concoction of Heavy Metal, Gothic Rock, and Blues. I don’t quite know how to label it—it sounds almost rural to my city ears. But this band comes from Season of Mist, and we all know they only sign bands that are marketable… I mean, excellent! So with that in mind, let’s dive into this thing with as much optimism as possible.
The Arsonist is an album that defies easy definition. One moment you’re soaking in old-school 70s vibes, the next you’re wandering into gothic territory, and then—out of nowhere—someone is growling at you. It’s not Post-Rock either, even if that sometimes feels like the most accurate descriptor. Despite all its ambiguity, the album is remarkably effective at conjuring the sensation of a wildfire. But it’s not achieved through raw energy or fury; rather, it’s a slow, controlled atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re watching a fire in a strangely enjoyable way. I suppose that’s the whole point.
The drums are weird, folks—and I don’t mean that unkindly. Their versatility kept grabbing my attention. Then there are the vocals, which guide much of this chameleonic dance. The album may not be the longest or most sprawling thing ever, but it certainly achieves its intended mood with impressive precision. This is truly an album to simmer into during a horrendous heatwave (I wonder what heat feels like—me, living in the North Pole, wonders). All that said, I did have plenty of conflicting feelings about this record, and I should bring those up now.
I’m not entirely sure I’m the right audience for The Arsonist. What confused me most was the pacing. At times too slow, too quiet, and then suddenly frantic—the tracklist doesn’t always feel as balanced as it could be. Or maybe I just wanted more of the heavy side of these guys and less contemplating the fire. I want to feel the heat! But perhaps I’m not pyromaniac enough to enjoy the full experience.
Make no mistake—Wailin Storms knows how to craft a complex atmosphere. I’ll give these musicians that. Perhaps I’m not totally on board with all the tempo changes, ups and downs, or the quieter moments, but overall, if you’re into Post-something or retro-Rock, this is definitely worth your time. Now, should I Google how to set a work desk on fire, or do you think that’s too suspicious?
Label: Season Of Mist
Release date: 10th July, 2026
Website: https://orcd.co/wailinstormsthearsonist
Country: USA
Score: 3.0/5.0
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