Wailin Storms The Arsonist Review

July 5, 2026
The cover of a game called the renfields

WAILIN STORMS

The Arsonist

Season of Mist

2026

 

Since migrating to North Carolina’s inland coast circa 2014, Wailin Storms have caught fire with noisy, bluesy explosions of Southern gothic rock. They’re now giving us a new album, The Arsonist.

 

I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, going into the album. But I am so impressed. Saying they’re southern Gothic rock is correct but also not enough. It’s like these mountains run through them and whisper the pains of thousands to them. The songs are just that impressive.

 

It’s a solid progression of melancholy. A beautiful take on living currently, especially in the South. The songs do flow in an effortless way too, with stand out track Never Rest landing directly in the middle. Never Rest feels like a wailing of familiarity. The constant flow of never being able to actually rest, process feelings and get through it. Instead, being forced to go through the day-to-day struggles while remaining weary.

 

Justin Storms, lead singer, has this Chris Cornell tone to his voice that almost makes you feel like you’re listening to a ghost. I’m sure that’s not intentional, but for me it played so well with the vibes I was already getting.

 

Genuinely a solid reflection of the Appalachian Mountains.

 

~Rook

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