Art Of Anarchy
Art of Anarchy
Century Media
Release Date: 8 June 2015
Review by Matt Bolton
Stone Temple Pilots may be no more. I don’t think too many hard-core STP fans stuck around to hear Chester from Linkin Park take over vocal duties. The band is happy to play so kudos to them, even though a name change would have been more fitting.
Not to fear because Scott Weiland has been a very busy man working on both two stellar records, being with his backing band The Wildabouts with Blaster, a more rock ‘n’ roll disc and the self-titled Art of Anarchy heading towards the hard rock/ alternative vein. Both albums are featured in my top 10 list of the year so far.
The debut album is faultless featuring star musicians such as Bumblefoot of Guns N’ Roses fame on lead guitar, bassist John Moyer of Disturbed and the Votta brothers on drums and guitar. Small Batch Whiskey is an explosive album opener. Both Bumblefoot and Jon are never short of a riff and solo. Vince belts away at the kit as Johns’ presence stands out pummeling along on bass. This song reminds me of White Zombie at times with an infectious groove.
There is no dud on the album. Each song has its purpose and you will be head banging along all the way to the very last note. Time Everytime has a stomping riff and a hard hitting beat. The song that stands out most for me is next track, Get On Down. Some amazing solos are present and Scott’s vocals stand out reminding me of Layne Staley, probably grunges’ most promising vocalist. Vince takes the pace up with Grand Applause and it’s a fun song with some strong riffs and a metal influenced solo and distinct bass playing by John. First single, Til The Dust Is Gone is a powerful song with Weiland’s distinct voice shining through. The flamenco guitar from Bumblefoot from his double guitar adds a nice touch and John’s bass stands out. Superstar is another heavy hitter and White Zombie comes to mind. The groove doesn’t stop there with another bass heavy song, the catchy Aqualung, not to be mistaken with the Jethro Tull classic; no it’s not a cover.
Another powerful solo and frantic riff makes the dual guitar an exciting aspect of the band. Winding down with Long Ago, showing just what Scott is capable with. Not winding down completely however as album closer, The Drift ends with a song that could only psyche you up to hit repeat and listen to the album again and again. Scott can do no wrong and let’s hope he sticks with Art of Anarchy so fans get to witness a tour sometime soon. Some of the best material released since Velvet Revolver, who I was lucky to witness live. Scott is a charismatic vocalist with a great stage presence and with this band behind him it would be a sin not to release any more ground-breaking music.
