War of Ages

Erie has a long-standing tradition of hardcore: xDisciplex A.D., Brothers Keeper, Shockwave, and Abnegation. Continuing that tradition is War of Ages, though they definitely mix their hardcore influences with a significant amount of metal riffage.

Fire from the Tomb is actually a re-recording of the band’s debut effort. Some might question the band’s decision to go back and re-do their debut offering, but given the album’s OOP status and the band’s growing popularity, it makes perfect sense. War of Ages rip through twelve songs of blazing metalcore that outshines their peers in Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, etc. While the rest of the metalcore world has become stagnant, these youngsters have found a way to sound fresh. Lyrically, vocalist Leroy Hamp finds strength in his faith in God, and uses that to triumph in face of adversity and self-doubt. Even if you’re not of the Christian faith, or religious in any form, you can’t help but admire his determination.

Fire from the Tomb and the band’s previous LP, Pride of the Wicked, partnered with an unrelenting touring schedule (these dudes take less days than the clerk at my 7-11) will easily catapult them to forefront of the metal scene.

6.5 / 10 — Michael