Stigma is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band Wage War. The album was released on June 21, 2024, through Fearless Records and was produced by Drew Fulk.[1]
| Stigma | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | June 21, 2024 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 31:02 | |||
| Label | Fearless | |||
| Producer |
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| Wage War chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Stigma | ||||
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Release
editOn March 21, 2024, the band released the first single, "Magnetic".[2] On April 12, the band released the second single "Nail5". On the same day, the band announced the album's title, release date, cover, and tracklist. The release date was set for June 21, 2024.[3][4] On May 17, the band released the third single "Tombstone".[5]
Critical reception
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Blabbermouth.net | 8/10[6] |
| Distorted Sound Magazine | 9/10[7] |
| Dork |   [8] |
| Kerrang! | [9] |
| Sputnikmusic | 0.5/5[10] |
| Wall of Sound | 8/10[11] |
Stigma received mostly positive reviews from critics. Blabbermouth.net stated that "Wage War's evolution shows on "Stigma" with lead single "Magnetic". This is a soft, ethereal song, which is unusual for the band and gives a nod to contemporaries Bad Omens and Sleep Token. "Magnetic" has pop vocals, with heavy effects on Briton Bond's vocal lines, and rich guitars, making this a very pop-friendly song. It's also the most mainstream-sounding song these guys have released to date."[6] Jake Richardson of Kerrang! stated that "The ominous, atmospheric dancehall vibes of opener The Show's About to Start quickly give way to the chunky riffs of guitarists Cody Quistad and Seth Blake, and from there on out, the band deliver 10 tracks of unrelenting metalcore might".[9]
Composition
editStigma has been described as metalcore[9][8] with electronic, pop, and hip hop elements.[7]
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Show's About to Start" | 3:17 | |
| 2. | "Self Sacrifice" |
| 2:57 |
| 3. | "Magnetic" |
| 3:13 |
| 4. | "Nail5" |
| 2:34 |
| 5. | "Blur" |
| 3:02 |
| 6. | "Tombstone" |
| 2:58 |
| 7. | "Happy Hunting" |
| 2:59 |
| 8. | "Hellbent" |
| 3:05 |
| 9. | "In My Blood" |
| 2:58 |
| 10. | "Is This How It Ends?" |
| 3:59 |
| Total length: | 31:02 | ||
Personnel
editWage War
- Briton Bond – lead vocals, engineering
- Seth Blake – lead guitar, backing vocals, engineering
- Cody Quistad – rhythm guitar, clean vocals, production, engineering
- Chris Gaylord – bass guitar, backing vocals, engineering
- Stephen Kluesener – drums, engineering
Additional personnel
- Wzrd Bld – production
- Zakk Cervini – mixing
- Ted Jensen – mastering
Charts
edit| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Album Downloads (OCC)[12] | 67 |
References
edit- ^ McLaughlin, David (April 17, 2024). "Wage War: "There's nothing better than seeing your fans connect to music you feel proud to have made"". Kerrang!. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
- ^ "Wage War Premiere "Magnetic" Video". ThePRP. March 21, 2024. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
- ^ "Hear Wage War's Heavy, Industrialized New Song "Nail5"". Revolver. April 12, 2024. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
- ^ "Wage War Debut New Track "Nail5", Reveal New Album "Stigma"". The PRP. April 11, 2024. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
- ^ "Wage War Premiere "Tombstone"". The PRP. May 16, 2024. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
- ^ a b "Wage War Stigma". Blabbermouth.net. June 17, 2024. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
- ^ a b Sheldon, Izzy (June 21, 2024). "Album Review: Stigma – Wage War". Distorted Sound Magazine. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
- ^ a b McClure, Kelsey. "Wage War - Stigma". [[[Dork (magazine)|Dork]]. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
- ^ a b c Richardson, Jake (June 20, 2024). "Album review: Wage War – Stigma". Kerrang!. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
- ^ White, Tyler (June 21, 2024). "Review: Wage War - Stigma". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
- ^ Rice, Adam (June 21, 2024). "Wage War – Stigma (Album Review)". Wall of Sound. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
- ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 29, 2024.