Stigma (Wage War Album)

'' 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.

Release

On March 21, 2024, the band released the first single, "Magnetic". 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. On May 17, the band released the third single "Tombstone".

Critical reception

''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." 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".

Composition

''Stigma'' has been described as metalcore with electronic, pop, and hip hop elements.

Track listing

Personnel

Wage 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
* Drew Fulk – production
* Zakk Cervini – mixing
* Ted Jensen – mastering

Charts

References

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2024 albums
Wage War albums
Fearless Records albums