Ohio-based old-school thrash outfit War Curse dropped “Miracle Broker” this week, the first single from their third full-length, Confession. The album is due for release on October 20th via Blacklight Media. Check out the new video below, and hear more from the band.
Pre-order Confession here.
Having built a devout fan base for their thrash-oriented metallic attack starting with 2015’s Final Days and cemented with 2019’s Eradication, War Curse returns in 2023 a more refined animal. “We experimented with new sounds, old sounds, took in new influences, old influences, and let the songs come together as organically as possible,” notes guitarist Justin Roth. “As far as our current direction, the music we consume is all over the map, a lot of it way outside of the metal sphere. I hear bands doing new, interesting things with their music and I want to be able to do the same with mine. If I lose my thrash card for it, oh well, I’ll hand in my battle vest.”
“We demo recorded every song two or three times, picked them apart, edited them, and then rehearsed them in a room together. We allowed the process of collaboration and experimentation to take us wherever the wave carried us. Compared to previous releases, we were a lot more critical of ourselves during the writing and recording of this album. We set out to make an album in the truest sense of the word, not just a collection of songs.”
A major aspect in pushing their sound forward is the vocal contributions of Blaine Gordon, who emanates confidence in ways he has not previously. “On Eradication, Blaine replaced our previous vocalist in the studio, on very short notice, and mimicked what was already written. This was the first time he got to add his creative input. He pushed us in a more melodic direction, and [guitarist Joshua] Murphy and I backed him up with guitar parts that felt harmonious with his vision. Likewise, when a part called for heavy or dirty vocals, Blaine returned the favor tenfold.”
Elaborates Roth, “”Miracle Broker” is an unapologetic knife to the chest of corrupt religious figureheads, masquerading as modern day Gods. For years I’ve tried to disguise my hardcore roots, keeping our songwriting far away from outside influences. ‘Miracle Broker’ is the result of breaking that rule and writing a song for myself, not for an audience. It’s moody, it’s heavy, it gets straight to the point, and it’s catchy as all hell. Consider it ‘crossover reimagined.’”
All songs on Confession were recorded, mixed, and mastered by Neil Tuuri at Amish Electric Chair Studios. The album art, layout, design, and photography were handled by Justin Roth. As an added bonus, the record includes a cover of Grip Inc.’s “Rusty Nail.” Notes Roth, “Covering “Rusty Nail” was our way of honoring our former bassist Jason Viebrooks (Grip Inc., Exhorder). Blaine was tasked with filling the massive shoes of late Grip Inc. vocalist Gus Chambers, and the remaining band members agree that he did so with flying colors.”
Confession Track Listing:
01 The Nothing (That is Me)
02 Fortress Of Agony
03 Confession
04 Miracle Broker
05 Power Of The Powerless
06 The Convoy
07 Return To Dust
08 Sowing Division
09 Rusty Nail * Grip Inc. cover
10 Illusion Of Choice
War Curse:
Blaine Gordon – vocals
Justin Roth – guitar
Joshua Murphy – guitar
James Goetz – drums
Johnnie Wallace – bass
Follow War Curse:
https://www.facebook.com/warcursemetal
https://warcursemetal.bandcamp.com
https://www.blacklightmediarecords.com
https://www.facebook.com/BlacklightMediaOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/blacklightmediaofficial