ALBUM REVIEW: Stigma – Wage War
WAGE WAR have well and truly established themselves as one of the front runners in the modern metalcore scene. Consistently delivering an ever evolving mix of hardcore riffs and pop sensibilities, the band have built themselves a steady fanbase who will have been counting down the days to their new album Stigma.
Approaching this album, three very different singles were released. The first, Magnetic, played around with WAGE WAR’s melodic capabilities, as well as their skill for creating catchy as hell hooks. Presenting an emotional tale of undeniable connections, this track makes you want to sing along instantly. Cody Quistad’s wonderfully smooth cleans balance out the rougher accents of lead vocalist Briton Bond’s raspy echoes, and for the majority of the time the song flows in this harmonious contrasting rhythm, until WAGE WAR do what they do best and throw a heavy hitting breakdown into the mix. Then came Nail5, opening with a mumble rap vibe hook which then plummets into a deep toned and hearty riff. The electronic elements throughout the song add another layer, and complement Bond’s distorted vocals. It’s actually quite a slow-paced song rhythm wise, but this drawn out tempo emphasises the groove that runs through for the duration.
Released a couple of weeks prior to the album’s release, Tombstone made a lasting impression on fans old and new. When it’s lined up next to Magnetic, it truly shows the range that WAGE WAR have. A return to their heavier roots, the song surprises with a mix of blast beats, half-time and a breakdown that would make you want to rip a door off its hinges. Pair this with an incredibly catchy rolling chorus, this really is the epitome of the band’s sound. With an ever-changing tempo, this song keeps you guessing and is more reminiscent of work from their previous albums such as the track The River. Finishing off the song with a crushing breakdown that rides the wave along a ridiculously funky riff, this is sure to be a fan favourite.
Singles aside, the opening track on the album, The Show’s About To Start, begins with a hip hop beat with electronic distortion, layered with some stylistic vocals. This specific segment almost gives BAD OMENS vibes in terms of production. The track builds until it can’t hold much longer, then drops into a jumpy collaboration between drums and guitars. It’s the perfect song to open an album, but also to open a live show (as the name of the track suggests). You can just imagine the crowd getting riled up and preparing for one hell of a gig.
Throughout the record, WAGE WAR seem to have mastered the careful mix of heaviness and memorable hooks. Self Sacrifice is infectious; it makes you want to jump and throw yourself around – to be quite honest, the whole album makes you want to get rowdy. The band have said themselves that they had the most fun creating this particular album. This translates incredibly well, making for a super enjoyable listening experience. Bringing the album to a close, Is This How It Ends? explores more of Quistad’s clean tones, resulting in a heartfelt and emotional sounding track. It’s a really lovely listen, and a really nice way to round off a very active album.
Overall, this album is a masterclass in everything WAGE WAR. They have braved the classic comments that “they’ve changed”, when really they have had the courage to experiment and play around with their sound until they produce something that they themselves enjoy. Yes there will be some fans who say they’re not as heavy as they used to be, but the collection of songs in this release all stand out for different reasons. They mix electronics with soul-crushing riffs, paired with teasing rhythms and hard-hitting vocals, resulting in a fresh and fun album.
Rating: 9/10
Stigma is out now via Fearless Records.
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