Wage War LIVE at The Palladium
Photos & Article By: Vinnie Bellows
On Friday, May 22, Wage War brought their “It Calls Me By Name” Tour to the Worcester Palladium. Joined by bands Nevertel and Orthodox, the room was packed full of heavy music fans. Orthodox kicked off the night, bringing some heavy breakdowns and encouraging the first mosh pits of the night, and the audience did not disappoint! Nevertel followed up by getting the crowd into some loud sing-along moments.
As the stage lights revealed a swamp-inspired set design themed around the band’s latest EP and single “Song of the Swamp,” chants of “Wage War” echoed throughout the Palladium before the band even took the stage. Emerging from the fog and backlit by glowing green lights, Wage War appeared as silhouettes before launching into their opening song as the lights flashed and the subs thumped. The crowd sang along loud enough to add to the incredible vibe Wage War brought to the stage. Between how tight the band played, the exceptional sound quality, the atmospheric light production, and the crowd singing along, it was impossible not to get caught up in the moment.
Wage War Photo Gallery
The setlist featured a mix of Wage War fan favorites alongside songs from the new EP. Despite some technical difficulties with drummer Stephen Kluessener’s monitors, Cody, Briton, Seth, and Chris all praised Stephen for not missing a single beat. Honestly, if they hadn’t pointed it out, you’d never have guessed. During some of the breaks between songs, Briton took the time to reminisce about the first time Wage War played at the Worcester Palladium back in 2015. Seth also had the audience sing “Happy Birthday” to Cody, who had celebrated his birthday just one day prior. Everyone in the band took turns addressing the crowd in between the massive riffs that have defined Wage War’s sound for nearly a decade.
By the end of the night, after countless mosh pits and crowd surfers, fans were screaming for an encore. After a few minutes of listening to the roaring crowd, Wage War returned to the stage for an encore, and the crowd surfing continued for a few more songs. After nearly a decade, the “It Calls Me By Name” tour proves why Wage War continues to be one of the strongest and most respected acts in the modern metalcore scene. Judging by the audience’s reaction, the nonstop energy, and a production that sounded as good as it looked, the “It Calls Me By Name” Tour is not a show fans will want to miss.
