American metalcore band, Wage War, is one of the most promising bands in the genre with their excellent live performance reputation and solid debut album, Blueprints, putting the band solidly in the forefront. The band has a unique aggressive sound with layers of vocals and positive messages on life and society. The band consist of Briton Bond (vocals), Cody Quistad (guitar, vocals), Seth Blake (guitar), Chris Gaylord (bass), Stephen Kluesener (drums). Here are my top 5 songs from this uncompromising quintet from Ocala, Florida.

5. Youngblood

The most emotional and heart-wrenching song in Wage War’s catalogue starts off this list.

‘Youngblood’ focuses on the devastating impact of suicide and the need to prevent this needless loss of life.

The chorus is one of the best: ‘hope you know that you’re missed. And even though your shell is gone, In our hearts you still exist. I just wish you knew how much you meant to everyone around you, to those you never met,’

Briton Bond focuses on the reality of losing someone to suicide and the regrets that those left behind have, wishing that they could’ve spent more time with that person.

An incredible song where some stellar guitar melodies from Cody Quistad round off the melancholic nature of the song.

4. Alive

This song is all about being alive and making the most of life. Wage War here proposes that we, as a generation, must stand up and fight for what is right and should not see ourselves as losers.

The intro itself builds up slowly into a nu meta-sounding riff before the first verse hits hard.

‘They said we’d never make it out alive, But I broke the mold and I survived. Hate is a cancer. We are the problem. Love is the answer,’ sings Bond in the chorus as he gives something for the naysayers to chew on. The instrumentation on this track is once again first class and truly showcases the talent that Wage War has.

3. The River

Moshpit madness and constant headbanging is just one way to describe this banger of a track from Wage War. The fast pace, in the beginning, is absolutely relentless as the double bass drumming from Kluesener drives the song forward with some drop tuned guitars adding extra power. One of the best parts is the breakdown after the first verse, where Bond does his cough – blegh routine before the guitars, bass and drums kick back in.

One of the best elements of the song is the ability of Wage War to put in some unorthodox, slower and cleaner sections to balance out the aggressive nature of the track – it fits beautifully and emphasises the aggressive parts brilliantly. The outro breakdown is probably one of the best in the business. Definitely worth a listen to.

2. Blueprints

This is one of Wage War’s heaviest and most melodic tracks with a fantastic positive message. The guitars work beautifully in tandem as the lead guitar work and tapping form and constant rhythm form really put this song into motion. The opening lyrics emphasise the need to change and live the best life possible. ‘I want to be the person that I was made to be. I’ve only scratched the surface. I’m giving everything.’ Vocalist Briton Bond also gives a stunning performance with some epic screams and growls especially at the bridge where he screams ‘I am Revival!’ with ferocious intensity. The song also has deep lyrics that focus on making the best of life, ‘One day they’ll stand at the foot of my grave. I can’t help but wonder what they will say. Life is a vapour. You only get one chance. Will you move forward with open heart and hands?’ which is one of my favourite lyrics. The outro breakdown is also brilliantly executed with power and aggression.

1.Desperate

‘What in the world are we waiting for? No bliss in ignorance, thinking that less is more. What in the world are we waiting for? Opportunity knocks, it’s kicking down your door.’

The positive lyrics permeate the song and this is one of many reasons I chose this as the number one song. The lyrical quality and melodic chorus with some brilliant guitar work further establish this song as one of the best. Wage War also has the fantastic talent of changing the tempo of the song with interesting and original riff changes.

Some of the best lyrics of this song include, ‘We are responsible for those within our reach, so live out what you claim with words, Practice what you preach.’ ‘This is a call to the human race. Will you make a difference or just fill a grave?’

Music with an important message.