Wage War: The Architects of Modern Metalcore

Wage War is an American metalcore band from Ocala, Florida, known for their crushing breakdowns and melodic hooks. The quintet's major label debut, 'Blueprints,' established them as a formidable force, and their 2021 album 'Manic' marked their highest chart entry, debuting at number 28 on the Billboard 200.

Early career

Formed in 2010 under the name Empires, the band's early lineup solidified around vocalist Briton Bond, guitarists Seth Blake and Cody Quistad, bassist Chris Gaylord, and drummer Stephen Kluesener. After a name change to Wage War in 2014, they caught the attention of Fearless Records, which signed the group and set the stage for their debut.

Breakthrough

The band's 2015 debut album, 'Blueprints,' served as their powerful introduction to the metalcore scene. Released via Fearless Records, the album's blend of raw aggression and soaring melody resonated strongly, laying a commercial foundation that would see the record continue to sell steadily for years.

Key tracks

Stitch — This track from 'Deadweight' became a viral live favorite and a definitive anthem for its relentless energy and crowd-chant breakdown.

Manic — The title track from their 2021 album showcases the band's evolved songwriting, masterfully balancing electronic elements with heavy riffs.

Death Roll — A standout from 'Blueprints,' this song established their signature sound of punishing verses and a massively catchy, clean-sung chorus.

Circle The Drain — This single highlighted the band's willingness to tackle personal and mental health themes with visceral intensity.

Low — As the lead single from 'Deadweight,' this track cemented their reputation for crafting brutally effective metalcore with immense radio potential.

Their subsequent albums, 'Deadweight' (2017) and 'Pressure' (2019), saw the group refining their formula and experimenting with more accessible structures. The 2021 release 'Manic,' however, represented a creative peak, earning widespread critical praise for its dynamic range and emotional depth, further solidifying their headliner status.

Wage War's relentless touring ethic has seen them share stages with major acts like A Day To Remember and perform at premier festivals such as Warped Tour and Self Help Fest. Their consistent output and powerful live shows have built a dedicated fanbase, with their catalog accumulating hundreds of millions of streams across platforms.

Fans of Wage War's intense blend of melody and might should also explore The Ghost Inside, who share a similar commitment to uplifting lyrics and crushing metalcore. Fit For A King delivers a comparable sonic weight and thematic intensity. The melodic craftsmanship of Beartooth also aligns closely with Wage War's approach. For those drawn to the technical riffing, August Burns Red is an essential listen in the genre.

The music of Wage War is a staple on modern rock and metal radio stations featured on this website. Their hit singles receive regular airplay across a network of active rock FM stations, dedicated metal online streams, and independent music radio stations that champion heavy music.

Listeners can discover the powerful discography of Wage War, from 'Blueprints' to 'Manic,' through the radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their defining metalcore anthems in regular rotation across our curated rock and metal formats.