On a balmy night in Nashville, TN, Marathon Music Works became the epicenter of modern metalcore as Wage War headlined an electrifying show, supported by a dynamic lineup featuring Erra, Thrown, and Fame On Fire. This tour stop had been one of the most anticipated on the calendar for heavy music fans in the region, and the atmosphere outside the venue an hour before doors opened already hinted at the chaos that would follow. Fans clad in black band tees and weathered Vans sneakers mingled eagerly, buzzing about the evening’s sonic promise.
The night kicked off with Fame On Fire, an emerging metalcore outfit that’s been making waves with their intense blend of breakdowns and melodic hooks. Despite being the first band on the bill, they brought an energy that could easily have headlined. Their set opened with the churning riffs of “No Tomorrow,” a track that showcased their ability to blend groove-laden verses with anthemic choruses. Their dual-vocal attack, switching between gut-punching screams and soaring cleans, instantly grabbed the crowd’s attention.
As the opener, they were tasked with warming up a crowd that was still filling the venue, but by the time they launched into their closer, “Nightmare,” the room had started to fill out. While the audience was still in the early stages of moshing, Fame On Fire succeeded in setting the tone for the rest of the evening. Their tight performance and engaging stage presence left an impression, particularly with fans who may not have been familiar with their music beforehand.
Next up was Thrown, a band that has built a reputation for their unapologetically heavy sound. With their downtuned guitars and ferocious stage presence, Thrown delivered a set that was nothing short of a sonic assault. From the opening notes of “Guilt,” the crowd surged forward, and the mosh pit exploded into life. The energy in the room shifted from enthusiastic to outright chaotic as fans pushed, shoved, and screamed along to every guttural growl and breakdown.
Thrown’s strength lies in their ability to keep the momentum high without ever losing control of the room. Their songs, filled with crushing riffs and thunderous drums, barely gave the audience a moment to catch their breath. Highlights from their set included “On The Verge” and “Dwell,” both of which had the audience roaring along with every scream. They even took a brief moment to thank the Nashville crowd for their energy before diving into their final song, “Greyout,” which prompted one of the largest circle pits of the night.
As direct support, Erra had a strong following in the room, and from the moment their logo flashed on the backdrop, the crowd erupted. Erra’s set was a masterclass in technical metalcore, seamlessly blending intricate guitar work with emotional, melodic undertones. Jesse Cash and JT Cavey’s dual-vocal performance was a focal point of the set, with Jesse’s cleans soaring over JT’s powerful growls, creating a captivating dynamic.
The band opened with “Cure,” a fan favorite, which immediately sent the crowd into a frenzy. The precision of their live performance is what sets Erra apart from many of their peers. Guitarist Sean Price’s blistering leads, paired with the band’s tight rhythm section, made every song feel like a carefully constructed work of art. Midway through their set, they launched into “Divisionary,” which saw fans throwing up their hands and singing along to every word.
The emotional high point of the set came during “Idle Wild,” where the atmospheric guitars and introspective lyrics resonated deeply with the audience. The crowd swayed, and a few phones lit up the room, capturing the emotional intensity. Erra closed their set with the powerful “Snowblood,” a track that exemplified their ability to combine crushing heaviness with melodic beauty. As the final notes rang out, it was clear that Erra had left an indelible mark on the night, setting the stage perfectly for the headliner.
Finally, the moment the crowd had been waiting for arrived: Wage War took the stage to a thunderous ovation. Opening with “The Show’s About To Start,” the band wasted no time in unleashing their full force. The energy in the room was palpable as fans screamed along with every lyric and moshed with reckless abandon. Wage War’s performance was an exercise in controlled chaos, blending heavy breakdowns, catchy melodies, and emotionally charged lyrics that resonated with the crowd.
Briton Bond’s vocals were on point, shifting effortlessly between harsh screams and cleans, while Cody Quistad’s backing vocals and rhythm guitar added depth to the band’s sound. Tracks like “Blur” and “Low” saw fans throwing their fists in the air, singing every word as if their lives depended on it. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with drummer Stephen Kluesener and bassist Chris Gaylord laying down a solid foundation that allowed guitarists Seth Blake and Cody to shine.
One of the standout moments of the night was their performance of “Gravity,” a song that stripped back the heaviness and showcased the band’s more melodic side. The crowd swayed and sang along to every word, creating a powerful connection between the band and their fans. But it wasn’t long before the energy ramped back up with “High Horse,” which reignited the mosh pit and sent bodies flying.
Wage War closed their set with “Manic,” which perfectly encapsulated the night’s atmosphere—intense, chaotic, and emotionally charged. As the final breakdown hit, the entire room moved as one, a sea of bodies crashing together in perfect unison. By the time the last note rang out, the crowd was left exhausted but exhilarated, having witnessed one of the best metalcore performances Nashville has seen in recent memory.
Wage War’s headlining set, supported by the technical prowess of Erra and the relentless energy of Thrown and Fame On Fire, was a testament to the strength of the modern metalcore scene. Marathon Music Works provided the perfect backdrop for a night filled with crushing riffs, emotional lyrics, and a sense of community that only live music can offer. This concert was more than just a show—it was an experience that left everyone in attendance buzzing long after the final note had been played.
