Art of Anarchy are a band who have morphed in various different directions since coming together back in 2011. Providing a brief history lesson, Art of Anarchy’s origins stem from former Gun n’ Roses’ Guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal and the Votta brothers (Guitarist Jon Votta & Drummer Vince Votta) long standing friendship. The core of the band since they began, their vocalist situation has been one significant fascination.
In short, they initially had legendary Stone Temple Pilots’ Scott Weiland on vocals for their 2015 self-titled debut album; but that relationship sadly went sour leading up to his untimely passing later that year. Taking some time to recollect themselves, in the spring of 2016 they brought on another big name as their vocalist, this time in the form of Creed’s Scott Stapp. A promising partnership, they put out their extremely impressive The Madness album in 2017, but again, the seams broke apart, resulting in a split with Stapp by 2018.
Rather unfortunate, both albums Art of Anarchy put out there (despite having different vocals) were really quite good. The most tragic part is that with steady touring in support of these records… they probably would be right up there with some of the most well-known names in Hard Rock today. Nonetheless, their misfortunates have not deterred them, because they netted Jeff Scott Soto as their replacement… and what a replacement he has been. Soto, often recalled for his work on Yngwie Malmsteen’s 1984 Rising Force and 1985’s Marching Out, is nothing less than a powerhouse.
This all-in mind, Soto’s permanent position with the band became official in September of 2023 with the release of the intense single “Vilified.” A song that cuts you deep, and raises many questions, if you have not checked out the music video just yet, it is highly recommended to do so. And with this new single the floodgates of curiosity open for new and old listeners as Art of Anarchy prepare to unleash their third studio album; Let There Be Anarchy, out on February 16, 2024 through Pavement Entertainment.
A bold moment for the band, it is important to recognize that because of the fact that each record has featured a different vocalist, the sound is logically going to be varied. Each album tailored in many respects to the voice of each said singer, with Let There Be Anarchy it feels like Soto’s marriage with Art of Anarchy is one that will last. Now, it is not to say that neither Weiland nor Stapp’s albums with the band were not good, because they both were exceptional, but this time around it feels like the glove fits with Soto in the fold.
Refreshing to each of the players involved in the band, and strikingly different to the ears of listeners, joining the new lineup is also Bassist Tony Dickinson (who has worked with Trans-Siberian Orchestra), in place of Disturbed’s John Moyer. As a unit they craft blisteringly heavy songs that are more along the lines of traditional Heavy Metal in some ways, while also while being modern and progressive in others. The riffs are irresistible, the approach is aggressive, and the vocals sore high over the top.
Something you can feel right from the start, songs like “Die Hard,” “Echoes Your Madness,” and “Vilified” honestly all hit you like a ton of bricks. A good sort of pummeling, the intensity continues on songs like “Rivals” “Dying Days,” all as darker elements take you in on others such as “Writing on the Wall” and “The Good, the Bad, and the Insane.”
Overall, Let There Be Anarchy is a testament to this band’s fortitude. The best part about it all is there is nothing half-hearted about this album; instead it feels energized and inspired. You can feel the fury, but at the same time feel hopefully to push forward in the face of your own trials in life.
Now the big question is, will this configuration of Art of Anarchy sustain itself? Only time will tell, however, if it does there is no reason why this band cannot earn themselves a rightful place in the upper echelon of modern Metal bands out there today. Impressed and hoping for more, Cryptic Rock gives Let There Be Anarchy 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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