Awesome show
by Cam on 5/4/22Aura - PortlandOther than getting covid from the show, the music was awesome, the moshing was great, and I saw tons of familiar faces.
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Wage War in Concert
Wage War are the kind of hard rock band that isn't easily categorized. That starts with their influences: Although the band's chugging riffs and jackhammering drums take cues from modern music's heaviest names (including Slipknot, August Burns Red, and As I Lay Dying), the group are also known for pairing contrasting inspirations. Their brutal grooves often fuse hip-hop and metal in the way Korn is known for doing, and frontman Briton Bond's gruff, gravelly voice alternates with the more pristine melodic approach of guitarist/vocalist Cody Quistad.
Bond, Quistad, and guitarist/vocalist Seth Blake originally formed Wage War in Ocala, Florida, in 2010 under the moniker Empires. The trio, which was then working with a different rhythm section, even released an EP in 2011, The Fall of Kings.
After some lineup shuffling, the band changed their name in 2013 and, two years later, signed a deal with Fearless Records. Wage War's 2015 full-length debut for the label, Blueprints, and the 2017 album Deadweight were both co-produced by Andrew Wade and A Day to Remember's Jeremy McKinnon.
Deadweight especially illustrates their progression as a band, as it boasts more confident, emotional songwriting and variety in dynamics. In fact, Wage War continue that soul-searching on the 2019 single "Low" — a bruising song about feeling worn down by life — and via the 2018 singles "Johnny Cash (Stripped)" and "Gravity (Stripped)." The latter two are pared-down versions of songs that originally appeared on Deadweight, and they boast chiming guitars, restrained percussion, and delicate vocals.
Live, Wage War stir up ferocious mosh pits courtesy of Bond's commanding stage presence — he directs his low growls directly at the crowd to emphasize vocal power — and aggressive, thrashing playing.
Given this energy, the band are unsurprisingly road warriors who have done several stints on the Vans Warped Tour and opened for Of Mice & Men, August Burns Red, and A Day to Remember. Wage War are now ranked among the genre's biggest heavyweights, with spots in the lineup of the Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival and Welcome to Rockville 2019.
Other than getting covid from the show, the music was awesome, the moshing was great, and I saw tons of familiar faces.
Wage War killed it! They were super nuce at the VIP event and put on a great show. Music is top notch. Also discovered some awesome bands with them like Gideon and as she sleeps! They are also amazing.
Love this band. They brought the energy needed for a show like this. Thank you all so much for a much needed night of fun!!!
The show was amazing. Scatter shot, Miss May I, and Wage War all were excellent and the crowd was awesome. The venue, however, was pretty bad. Requiring covid vaccines or tests and mask, then not even enforcing masks. Not even allowed small pocket knives. Food and drinks are way overpriced, though you can kind of expect that at a concert. The floor was pretty small with a good amount of space being on the upper levels which, to me, is not what you want for a metal show though would be fine for something a bit calmer. Overall Wage War would get a 6/5, House of Blues, maybe a 2
Absolutely enjoyed the show Wage War put on Miss May I also! Scatter Shot was alright they needed more stage presence and the singer to stop cupping the entire mic. Only downside was the property itself with people policing masks and the way they corral everyone through scanners just to enter the downtown disney area. What’s the point of being Vaxed if you still being forced to put your mask on.
Wage War put on an awesome show, and I felt privileged to have watched them perform in their hometown in front of families and friends. The love was amazing. They are amazing and I look forward to watching them continue up to the top. I was also happy to be introduced to some bands I hadn’t known about, I will be adding some Dayseeker, Polaris and Like Moths To Flames to my playlist!
All bands put on a great show! We had a great time!
I always love coming to HOB in Orlando because it’s located in Disney Springs!! This tour had an amazing lineup and I bought tickets instantly. The show was amazing and emotional
Last stop on the tour, wage wars home town, had their parents in the audience, they did an encore. The crowd was great it was sold out show but wasnt too too packed. Polaris and Dayseeker were amazing as well. The sound was perfect. My only complaint is the drinks are overpriced. $12 for a budlight.
The overall size of the crowd speaks volumes as to how loyal their fan base is and the energy levels were up the entire time. Seth killed the solo in Ghost and that's what I was most excited to see!! We also had a chance to meet Briton while some of the opening bands played (really enjoyed the others a great lineup of bands helps). I drove from the Tampa Bay Area with a couple friends and it was one of my favorite shows of the year! Thanks Wage War and HOB for hosting a banger.
It was sold out, full room, great energy. Sound was breath taking and the bands DID NOT disappoint. Hands down best rock concert I’ve EVER witnessed.
Great line up Great show such a good time. Wish they had played longer but still epic show.
This show was absolutely incredible. All of the bands left everything on the stage. Sound was phenomenal. Venue had a ton of energy. Bands were super engaged with the crowd. 10/10 would heavily recommend.
First rock/metal concert EVER!! All bands put on a great performance!!
Bands were great, security was fine, venue is small but expected, smoking section VERY small, not much room for merch tables either... But the performance was so good i didnt care, love wage war
I had a VIP and was amazing i got my sign albums put them away but the privte show and everything for $40 is awesome it seems the higher the price the worst the meet and greet no autographs then how do i meet and greet then any show...performance Wage War 1st time and sounded brilliant and it wa A Hot Crowd waiting for Wage War and shredded blew the lid off
I hadn’t really listened to Wage War before this concert but since then it’s all I’ve had on! Loved their supporting band Polaris also!!
The opening bands for this show were pretty awesome, and have the same sound as wage war. Wage War put on an excellent show. The sound was tight, and the band seemed to be enjoying the show as much as the fans. I would totally see them again!
All the bands were really good. Most notably, Polaris was a lot better than what i was expecting, and Like Moths to Flames was especially dope. At least until my friend stuck his sweaty finger in my mouth and got me sick.
This has been the best show that I’ve attended yet this year. I ended up losing my glasses and phone in the mosh pit, my glasses didn’t survive, but they did find my phone and mailed it back to me. All the bands were amazing and I really look forward to see them all again.