Wage War Brings Manic and Stigma to Mobile
The Port City was recently host to Florida metalcore band Wage War and boy, did they bring it.
The band, who had only exclusively played at venues in Birmingham during any Alabama stops they would have on their tours over the years, finally graced Mobile with their presence on Oct. 13. They bought along fellow Floridians, Fame on Fire, Swedish hardcore/metalcore band Thrown and ERRA, whose origins are just a few hours north of Mobile in Birmingham.
First up was Fame on Fire, which definitely lit up the crowd. A few technical issues didn't stop lead singer Bryan Kuznitz from getting the crowd jumping up and down and even attempting a bit of moshing.
Fame on Fire performs in Mobile, Alabama on Oct. 13, 2024, opening for Wage War. (Photos: Tandra Smith)
Following Fame on Fire was thrown, who, if you listen to hardcore, metalcore, or similar music genres, have been hard to miss recently. Songs from the band almost always follow whatever playlist you've finished listening to on Spotify and other platforms.
They played bangers like dwell, backfire and greyout. This is when the moshing and crowdsurfing began in earnest.
thrown performs in Mobile's Soul Kitchen on Oct. 13, 2024. (Photos: Tandra Smith)
Soul Kitchen security continued to have their hands full as ERRA hopped on stage. From guitarist Jesse Cash's sweet riffs to JT Cavey's otherworldly growls, the energy was so insane, one had to wonder if Wage War was going to perform with the roof on or off the building.
ERRA opens for Wage War in Mobile, Alabama on Oct. 13, 2024. (Photos: Tandra Smith)
Of course, the roof remained on the building, but just barely. Wage War teased the crowd with by playing Metallica's Master of Puppets, before abruptly beginning their first song, THE SHOW’S ABOUT TO START, from their new album, STIGMA.
Wage War performs in Mobile, Alabama's Soul Kitchen Music Hall on Oct. 13, 2024. (Photos: Tandra Smith)
With a mixture of deep cuts like "Hollow" and "The River" and popular hits like "MAGNETIC" and "Manic" also on the setlist, it was evident why the line to get in snaked around the block on an October Sunday--Wage War is insanely talented and only continue to grow more talented with each release.
You're welcome back to Mobile anytime, Wage War!
Keep up with Fame on Fire here: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter/X
Keep up with thrown here: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X
Keep up with ERRA here: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter/X
Keep up with Wage War here: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X | YouTube