The stigma surrounding Wage War often paints them as just another run-of-the-mill metalcore or radio-friendly metal band. While I don't think that's entirely a bad thing, it does shape how some listeners perceive their music. They definitely create a sound that can serve as a gateway into other, perhaps more complex genres of metal. Their latest album may not be the groundbreaking record that pushes the boundaries of metal forward, but it's far from a terrible release. The only real downside is that much of the album feels like it borrows heavily from other bands, sometimes replicating styles with skill, while other times it comes across as a pale imitation.
For example, throughout tracks like "Self Sacrifice," "Nail5," "Magnetic," and "Happy Hunting," you can hear distinct influences from bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Ghostemane, Static-X, Orgy, and even Powerman 5000. A lot of this comes from the vocalist's delivery and flow. On "Magnetic," the chorus bears a striking resemblance to Bring Me The Horizon's "Mother Tongue," and the industrial/nu-metal vibe on "Self Sacrifice" and "Happy Hunting" evokes memories of the late '90s and early 2000s alternative metal scene. At times, this feels forced or derivative, but there are moments when it doesn’t sound half bad.
When the vocalist sticks to his own style, whether it’s clean or unclean singing, he can deliver some solid performances. For instance, tracks like "Hellbent" showcase his ability to sound more natural without relying too much on auto-tune. Unfortunately, the excessive use of auto-tune, particularly on songs like "The Show's About to Start," detracts from the overall quality. The synthetic pitch correction feels overdone, making some parts of the album lose their authenticity.
That said, there are flashes of originality on this album that stand out. For example, "Tombstone" strikes a good balance between heaviness and melody, offering a unique blend of aggressive and introspective elements. The song’s consistency in heaviness is impressive, and then it transitions into a thrashier, slower section with dissonant guitar work that feels fresh and dynamic.
Some of the riffs throughout the album, though, feel a bit too generic, almost like something you'd hear in mainstream radio rock. Tracks like "Nail5" and "Magnetic" showcase riffs that are more mild and accessible, which might appeal to a wider audience but feel somewhat predictable for long-time metal fans. On the other hand, the heavier, groovier riffs found in songs like "Self Sacrifice" and "In My Blood" are much more effective, aligning with the band's strengths and sounding more authentic. When they dial things back on songs like "Is This How It Ends," it works well too—there's a sense of restraint that lets the emotional weight of the music shine through.
The drumming throughout the album is consistent and solid. The drummer stays in the pocket, keeping the rhythm tight and driving the songs forward. While the drum patterns may not be flashy, they do a great job of supporting the music and packing a punch, especially on tracks like "The Show's About to Start," "Hellbent," and "Is This How It Ends." The bass, on the other hand, is strong in places, like on "Magnetic" and "The Show's About to Start," but at times, it feels buried in the mix or lacking in presence on other tracks.
One of the standout aspects of the album is the band's use of atmospheric effects. They incorporate some eerie bell tones and creepy creature sounds to add texture and atmosphere to the music, which helps flesh out the overall sound and provides a unique flavor to the production. Speaking of production, while it does a decent job of making the band sound cohesive, there are moments when the vocals could be mixed better. The overall sound is clean and polished, but occasionally, the vocals feel too buried or muffled.
In the end, this album represents an interesting experiment in sound. There are moments where the band tries something new, but at times, it feels a bit too safe or even a little silly. However, for listeners who want a metal album that isn’t too heavy or abrasive but still carries a bit of a bite, this is a solid choice. Wage War’s latest album may not redefine the genre, but it offers a well-produced, accessible entry point for those looking for something that blends familiar influences with a modern touch.
RATING:7.5/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Self Sacrifcie
Tombstone
Hellbent