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94. Deadweight - Wage War (2017)

Metalcore

Music is therapeutic, there’s little doubt about that, and metal might be the most therapeutic of all. Wage War’s Deadweight (2017) is a study on many of the most innate struggles that 21st century humans have to cope with. Frustrations with self are abundant on “Don’t Let Me Fade Away”. The pain of bitter relationships gone bad, the constant battle against the darkest parts of our minds, and some of the unlikely positive outcomes of those tribulations are all explored in depth. There’s a hopefulness that permeates throughout, weaving its way through the anger and despair. Technically, the album is beautifully balanced. The aggressive onslaughts prevail, but they’re tactfully counterweighted with melodic breaks and lofty, lilting choruses provide some respite.

Today’s society is a product of the societies of our preceding generations, most of which were in large part unwilling to sympathize with masculine vulnerability. In recent years, we’ve started to become more receptive to these male emotions, but in some sense the damage has already been done and many men still would never feel comfortable expressing their deepest insecurities. Albums like this are beneficial in a number of ways. They give the artists outlets to get these feelings out in the open through a medium which is structured so as to counteract the vulnerabilities with the strength of heavy guitars, drums and vocals. When done right, as it is on Deadweight, the pain isn’t shrouded behind the pummeling sounds. Instead it’s front and center, amplified by the surrounding cacophony. More Importantly, the albums become a lighthouse for other men (and women) who feel isolated in their pain and lets them know they’re not alone. It’s a simple, age-old and highly effective method of coping with emotional pain for both the artists and the consumers and its efficacy is evident in the testimonies of rabid fans.

*image; cover art for the album Deadweight by the artist Wage War