ALBUM REVIEW: The Stripped Sessions – Wage War
WAGE WAR have had an exciting couple years in the industry post-pandemic. Following the release of their fourth studio album Manic in October last year, the Floridan hard rock quintet have also grown their fanbase, touring with bands such as I PREVAIL and DREAM STATE. However, the band have decided to go back in time by celebrating their 12 years as a band with a brand new release. The Stripped Sessions is their first acoustic record, re-imagining well-known tracks from their previous three LPs; Manic (2021), Pressure (2019) and Deadweight (2017). This gives listeners the chance to experience more of a stripped down version of a band usually recognised for their high-energy belters.
This acoustic album hasn’t been possible without the help of fellow musicians though. A DAY TO REMEMBER‘s Jeremy McKinnon had his part in co-producing the only previously unrecorded track on The Stripped Sessions; a brand new cover of JOHNNY CASH‘s Folsom Prison Blues. It’s great to see the evolution of this cover come full circle following clean vocalist Cody Quistad‘s solo stint performing the song as an opener for THE GHOST INSIDE three years prior.
The first track on The Stripped Sessions is a softer version of the 2019 track Prison. Instantly it treats us to a completely different side to WAGE WAR. It’s amazing to hear clean vocals from both lead vocalist Briton Bond, as well as Quistad. It proves that Bond has even more vocal talent that many already realised – a product of working tirelessly on his natural singing voice throughout the pandemic. You definitely get to hear this song in a brand new light and you won’t be disappointed with the outcome. Next up is Slowburn from Manic. Even though there is no denying that this version is pretty impactful, it has to be said that the original is better. Godspeed is another track from last year, which almost has a slight country feel about it – something we never thought we would say. This is a brilliant version of an already fantastic song, adding much more of an emotive, stripped down feel.
Next up is fan favourite Me Against Myself. Even though the heavier sounding original is obviously outstanding, the stripped down version is just as great. Quistad‘s clean vocals sound so much brighter acoustically and are the perfect harmoniser for Bond‘s grittier natural voice. 2019’s Hurt then makes an appearance, which seems to be pretty similar to the original apart from the use of electric guitars. To be honest, the original is slightly more impactful, with the heavier guitar melodies just making the song complete. Manic‘s Circle The Drain is up next, which is fantastic acoustically. You can really hear the raw emotion in the dual vocals, with the acoustic melodies throughout helping to solidify those emotions.
Never Said Goodbye is another favourite. The stripped down version of this track is so heart wrenchingly impactful, making you hold on to every single word that Bond and Quistad are singing. Gravity is taken from Deadweight and is another track that just exudes so much more emotion in an acoustic setting. Grave reverts back to the country inspired sound, and while it’s completely different from the original, it is special in its own way. The acoustic version of Johnny Cash is just as good as the original track. Even though the stripped back version comes without the heavier instrumentals, it is just as memorable. The closer is the band’s aforementioned version of Folsom Prison Blues. It definitely leans into Cash‘s recognisable Southern sound, but the band still manage to put their own take on the classic track and provide a brilliant closer for the album.
Whilst it is definitely something different to hear WAGE WAR stripped down musically, this album is a bit of a mixed bag. There are some really impactful acoustic versions of some fan favourite tracks, including the likes of Me Against Myself and Prison. However, there are some stripped back versions of songs that don’t leave much to the imagination, unfortunately. Some may feel like there are a few missed opportunities within this release, such as the exclusion of ultimately some of the band’s best tracks to date like Manic and Alive. One thing is to be said though; if you already love WAGE WAR, you definitely shouldn’t dismiss this record.
Rating: 7/10
The Stripped Sessions is set for release on December 2nd via Fearless Records.
Like WAGE WAR on Facebook.