Wage War packs out Nashville’s Marathon Music Works
The metalcore giants from Ocala Florida, Wage War, hit Nashville’s Marathon Music Works on Tuesday as one of the many stops on this Stigma Tour. They brought along a killer lineup with Erra, Thrown, and Fame on Fire, giving fans a solid mix of heavy sounds to enjoy. The venue filled up fast with fans ready for a night of live music.
I’ll be the first to admit that I never sought out to see Fame On Fire live. Tuesday night changed my mind. Opening with No Tomorrow (The Death Card), they immediately had the crowd moving, setting the tone for the rest of their set. Frontman Bryan Kuznitz was an absolute force. His stage presence drew the crowd in, and it was clear he was genuinely having fun on stage, feeding off the crowd’s excitement and energy.
Next up were Swedish hardcore heavyweights, Thrown, who wasted no time making an impact as they took the stage with their explosive opener, Guilt. Despite their relatively short songs, each one hits you right in the mouth, leaving no room for hesitation. Thrown delivered a relentless, no-nonsense performance, keeping the energy high with minimal banter and barely pausing between tracks.
Though they may seem like they’ve burst onto the scene overnight, Thrown showed they’re more than ready for the spotlight. Their tight, aggressive set was easily one of the night’s best performances. The crowd responded with non-stop push pits from the moment they started, proving just how well their music connects. Thrown’s intensity and stage presence left a massive impression, solidifying their place alongside the tour's bigger names.
Between sets, it was impossible to miss all of The ERRA merch scattered throughout the crowd, a testament to how much the Alabama-based progressive metalcore band released their newest album, Cure, back in April and it has been one of my personal favorites this year, so I was thrilled that much of their setlist came from it, along with classics like Gungrave and Snowblood.
Having seen ERRA headline earlier this spring, I knew I was in for a treat, and they didn’t disappoint. The band was as tight as ever, with JT Cavey’s fierce screams seamlessly weaving into Jesse Cash’s clean vocals, creating a dynamic sound that kept the crowd locked in from start to finish. It’s been incredible watching the band grow, and each time they hit the stage, they prove why they’ve become a staple in the scene. ERRA is one band I won’t miss anytime they roll through town, and this performance was another reminder of why they’re at the top of their game.
As the stagehands prepped for the next set, security amped up the crowd with Creed’s With Arms Wide Open blasting through the PA, turning the room into a singalong moment. But the anticipation hit a fever pitch as the moment everyone was waiting for finally arrived—Wage War was about to take the stage. The lights dimmed, a countdown lit up the screen, and with every second, the crowd's energy intensified. As the clock hit zero, confetti cannons exploded, and the audience erupted in excitement.
Lead vocalist Briton Bond, paired with clean vocalist Cody Quistad, delivered their signature blend of crushing heaviness and soaring melodies. The band gave the fans their all in an electrifying 17-song set, including a two-song encore. Fans from all over sang their hearts out to hits like Stitch, Gravity, Circle the Drain, The River, TOMBSTONE and the finale, Manic.
The performance was elevated by an incredible light show that synced perfectly with their sound. Lights flickered dramatically during breakdowns. Wage War gave Nashville everything they had, and it was a night that proved why they continue to dominate the metalcore scene.
