WAGE WAR have always played by their own rules, cementing their status as outliers. Their sixth studio album, Landfall, released via Fearless Records on 9 October 2026, sees the Florida metalcore outfit continue to push boundaries, blending crushing riffs and ferocious screams with melodic hooks and electronic elements. Following their IT CALLS ME BY NAME EP earlier this year, the 13-track record draws on different eras of the band’s sound, balancing their heaviest moments with more melodic tendencies.
The title track, Landfall, pairs chugging guitars and glitchy electronic beats with ferocious vocals before shifting to Cody Quistad’s cleans. It’s catchy and fun with its breakdowns and crunchy production, fans of sleep token will certainly be on board with this record if the opener is anything to go by but it’s really the heavier parts which stand out.
On Sweet Dreams the breakdowns and vocals are incredible and quite possibly my highlight track of the album, while Silk is fierce, with vocals that really pack a punch. Figure 8, however, feels like a different band altogether, highlighting my biggest gripe with the album. I’m all for the heavier vocals, but Quistad’s cleans aren’t always for me as they bring a poppy edge that never quite fully lands for me unfortunately but that’s very much personal preference and those songs may well be someone else’s favourites.
GOD COMPLEX brings a strong groove, showcasing Wage War’s willingness to experiment with their sound which they certainly do across the 13 tracks, exploring different avenues, contrasting heavy metalcore with more accessible, melodic moments but the clash between the crushing heaviness and pop-leaning melodies leaves Landfall feeling somewhat disjointed. Briton Bond’s brutal screams collide with Quistad’s clean vocals, making for an unpredictable listen that doesn’t always land.
Wage War deserve credit for refusing to stand still creatively, and there are some genuinely ferocious moments in here. However, the contrasting styles don’t always gel, leaving Landfall with plenty to offer fans of the band’s experimental side, even if its relentless polish and stylistic shifts leave me wanting more cohesion.