Manic (Wage War album) explained

Manic
Type:studio
Artist:Wage War
Cover:WageWarManic.jpg
Recorded:April 2020–July 2021
Genre:
Length:35:38
Label:Fearless
Producer:
Prev Title:Pressure
Prev Year:2019
Next Title:Stigma
Next Year:2024

Manic is the fourth studio album by American metalcore band Wage War. The album was released on October 1, 2021, through Fearless Records. It was produced by Drew Fulk, Andrew Wade, Jeremy McKinnon and Cody Quistad.[3] [4]

Background and promotion

On April 8, 2020, while on their downtime during the period of self-isolation caused by COVID-19 pandemic, Wage War announced on Twitter that they were working on new material for their upcoming record. Along with the announcement, the band also teased a song and wrote: "Making the most of quarantine. #ww4"[5] [6]

On August 6, the band officially released the single "High Horse" along with its music video.[7] [8] On August 25, almost three weeks after the release of "High Horse", the band unveiled the second single "Circle the Drain". At the same time, the band revealed the album itself, the album cover, the track list, and release date.[9] [10] [11] To promote the album, the band also announced that they will support I Prevail's rescheduled European tour along with Dream State in March 2022.[12] [13] [14] On September 14, the band released the third single "Teeth".[15] [16]

During an interview, Cody Quistad revealed that Manic features "songs for the new fans and also the old, but then there's some brand new stuff that I feel like I've never heard bands do before."[17]

Critical reception

The album received generally positive reviews from critics. Distorted Sound scored the album 8 out of 10 and said: "This release, Manic, is a roundup of what the band has felt for the past year and a half, saying that they effectively lost their jobs which obviously came with a lot of frustration. Pairing this with the desire to try out new things with their sound, the results are an album that's well worth your attention." Kerrang! gave the album 4 out of 5 and stated: "It's not a perfect album, and it won't please every fan, but Manic represents a new step forward and when it hits home it absolutely slays. Get ready to Wage War once more." Rock 'N' Load praised the album saying, "Overall, this album is solid, it showcases what Wage War are all about and the progression from their prior albums. Whilst there is nothing new and ground-breaking, it's an impressive showing from the Florida based Quintet and one I'll be listening to after finishing this review." Adam Rice of Wall of Sound gave the album the score 7.5/10, writing: "In my opinion, this isn't Wage War's finest work. It definitely has its moments and had me on the edge of my seat in some songs but there are a few too many skip-worthy tracks that unfortunately dull the shine that Manic had the potential to offer. However, I do encourage everyone to give it a chance and to come up with their own conclusion."

Track listing

Notes

Personnel

Wage War

Additional personnel

Charts

Chart (2021)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[19] 76

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kris. Peters. Wage War Go Manic On New Album. Heavy Magazine. October 13, 2021. December 13, 2021.
  2. Web site: Mikey. Jablonski. Album Review: Wage War - Manic. Crucial Rhythm. September 28, 2021. August 13, 2024.
  3. Web site: Wage War announce fourth album Manic, drop new single Circle The Drain. Kerrang!. August 26, 2021. August 25, 2021.
  4. Web site: Wage War Release Eclectic Single 'Circle The Drain'. Wall of Sound. August 26, 2021. August 25, 2021.
  5. Web site: NEWS: Wage War begin work on fourth album; tease new song!. Dead Press!. August 26, 2021. April 10, 2021.
  6. Web site: Wage War Working On Fourth Album, Tease New Song. ThePRP. August 26, 2021. April 8, 2021.
  7. Web site: Wage War have unleashed a crushing new single, High Horse. Kerrang!. August 26, 2021. August 6, 2021.
  8. Web site: Wage War Return With New Single 'High Horse'. Rock Sound. August 26, 2021. August 6, 2021.
  9. Web site: Wage War To Release New Album "Manic" In October, Debut "Circle The Drain". ThePRP. August 26, 2021. August 25, 2021.
  10. Web site: This Is Everything You Need To Know About Wage War's New Album 'Manic'. Rock Sound. August 26, 2021. August 25, 2021.
  11. Web site: Wage War announce new album 'Manic'. Distorted Sound. August 26, 2021. August 25, 2021.
  12. Web site: I Prevail Reschedule European/UK Tour To 2022, Wage War & Dream State To Open. ThePRP. August 26, 2021. May 7, 2021.
  13. Web site: I Prevail's Upcoming UK/EU Tour Has Been Rescheduled To 2022. Rock Sound. August 26, 2021. May 7, 2021.
  14. Web site: NEWS: I Prevail postpone UK tour to March 2022!. Dead Press!. August 26, 2021. May 8, 2021.
  15. Web site: LISTEN: Wage War's Stunningly Crushing New Track 'Teeth'. Rock Sound. September 14, 2021. September 14, 2021.
  16. Web site: Wage War Continue Momentum With Studio Version of 'Teeth'. Wall of Sound. September 14, 2021. September 14, 2021.
  17. Web site: Cody Quistad – 'Wage War's Journey to Ultimate Metalcore Self-Actualisation With MANIC'. Wall of Sound. Ricky . Aarons. September 28, 2021. September 28, 2021.
  18. News: The Stripped Sessions. War. Wage. spotify.com. 2022-12-02. en.
  19. The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 11 October 2021. The ARIA Report. Australian Recording Industry Association. 1649. 6. October 11, 2021.