Arson Anthem Live at Emo’s SXSW

At one point, Pantera held the mantle of the world’s most successful heavy metal band. It’s a shame that Arson Anthem, a side project from Phil Anselmo and Mike IX Williams of eyehategod drew such a tiny crowd on this headlining slot. Just over forty people watched the metal supergroup thunderously blast out riffs. Also disappointing, was that the group’s listed drummer Hank Williams III was nowhere to be found. [afterwords AA’s bassist explained that Hank III was still in the band and was recording new material] Still, the paltry crowd loved every moment of it. Anselmo shredded chords like a pro while Williams shrieked each track. Anselmo looked stoned out of his gourd though. At the end, for “Insecurity Notoriety,” the band allowed as many fans that could fit on stage to singalong. It was a fitting and chaotic end to this show. Not quite what it could be, but still a rarity that couldn’t be missed.