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War of Ages

War of Ages
War of Ages performing in 2020
War of Ages performing in 2020
Background information
Also known asPoint Zero (2002–2005)
OriginErie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
GenresChristian metal,[1][2] metalcore[1]
Years active2002–present
LabelsStrike First, Facedown
MembersLeroy Hamp
Steve Brown
Jack Daniels
Elisha Mullins
Past membersJohn Lynch
Matt Moore
Kang Garnic
Nate Owensby
Branon Berntowicz
T.J. Alford
Mark Randazzo
Ryan Tidwell
Brendan Hengle
Rob Kerner
Alex Hamp
Kaleb Luebchow
Websitewarofagesmetal.com

War of Ages (sometimes abbreviated WoA; formerly known as Point Zero) is an American Christian metal[1] band formed in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 2002.

The group consists of vocalist Leroy Hamp, lead guitarist Steve Brown, rhythm guitarist Jack Daniels and bassist Elisha Mullins. They are currently signed to Facedown Records and have released ten studio albums. Their most recent studio album, Dominion, was released on September 15, 2023.

History

War of Ages began in 2002, originally as Point Zero.[3] The band recorded their debut EP, Unite Us All. Shortly after this release, the band switched names to War of Ages and signed with Strike First Records.[3] The band connected with the label via their friends in xDISCIPLEx A.D., who were also from Erie, Pennsylvania.[4]

The band would record a self-titled debut, which was released by Strike First Records in July 2005. However, Kang Garnic replaced Moore during this time on guitars. In 2006, the band released their sophomore album, Pride of the Wicked, adding on former Mortal Treason bassist TJ Alford, Hamp's brother Alex Hamp on drums, and rhythm guitarist Johnathan Lynch.

In 2007, the band released Fire from the Tomb, a re-recording of their self-titled debut album. The band went into Cathouse Studios and began recording the album.[5] Arise and Conquer was released in 2008, with Branon Bernatowicz joining the band as rhythm guitarist. Following Arise and Conquer, the band began working with As I Lay Dying vocalist Tim Lambesis to produce their next album, Eternal, which would feature Lambesis on guest vocals, as well as Josh Gilbert and Sonny Sandoval.[3] The album was released in April 2010. It was written to stand out and was an emotional release.[6] The album was very well received, becoming the first to rank on the Billboard charts.[7][8][9][10] In 2012, the band released their fifth studio album, Return to Life.[11] Following in the footsteps of Eternal, the album ranked on the Billboard,[12][13][14][15][16] but some reviewers did not enjoy the album as much.[17]

In July 2014, the band released their sixth album, Supreme Chaos, which saw the induction of the newest member, Hope for the Dying's Jack Daniels on rhythm guitars.[18] With Daniels addition, the band added a very European style.[18] The album would also rank on the Billboard charts, ranking at 107 on the Billboard 200,[19] 37 on Billboard Rock charts,[20] 14 on Hard Rock charts,[21] 5 on the Christian charts,[22] and 24 on the Independent albums charts.[23]

In December 2017, the band released their seventh album, Alpha, with the lineup of Hamp, Daniels, Brown, and a session drummer, Alex Rüdinger, who also worked with The Faceless and 7 Horns 7 Eyes.[24][25] In September 2019, the band released their eighth studio album, Void, alongside several singles.[26][27] The album would also be the debut for The Burial members Elisha Mullins on bass and Kaleb Luebchow on drums.[27] On June 25, 2021, War of Ages released a new single, "No Altars". On September 24, the band released another single, "Pyrite", and also announced the release of a new EP, Rhema, on October 29.[28]

On July 29, 2022, the band announced that drummer Kaleb Luebchow died two days prior, without specifying the cause of death.[29] On August 11, 2023, the band released two singles, "Dominus" and "Armageddon", from their ninth studio album, Dominion, which was released on September 15, 2023 and features posthumous recordings of Luebchow and is dedicated to his memory.[30][31]

Christianity

The band is known for their strong Christian faith which is expressed in their lyrics. In a 2009 radio interview with The Full Armor of God Broadcast, Leroy Hamp professed that as Christians the band wants to "Make a difference in a world that's covered in darkness."[32][33]

Band members

Timeline

Discography

War of Ages discography
Studio albums10
EPs2
Singles8
Music videos11

Studio albums

Year Title Label Chart peaks
US US Heat US Rock US Hard Rock Christian Independent
2005 War of Ages Strike First Records
2006 Pride of the Wicked Facedown Records
2008 Arise and Conquer
2010 Eternal 179[7] 5[8] 19[9] 28[10]
2012 Return to Life 155[12] 46[13] 8[14] 8[15] 28[16]
2014 Supreme Chaos 107[19] 37[20] 14[21] 5[22] 24[23]
2017 Alpha
2019 Void
2023 Dominion

EPs

Re-recording album

Music videos

  • "Stand Your Ground" (directed by: Facedown Records)
  • "Strength Within" (directed by: Facedown Records)
  • "Through the Flames" (directed by: Andy Reale)
  • "All Consuming Fire" (directed by: Andy Reale)
  • "Collapse" (directed by: Drew Russ)
  • "Silent Night" (directed by: DJ Cosgrove)
  • "From Ashes" (directed by: Matt Spencer)
  • "Chaos Theory" (directed by: Matt Spencer)
  • "Lionheart" (directed by: Matt Spencer)
  • "Creator" (directed by: Matt Spencer)
  • "Miles Apart" (directed by: Matt Spencer)

References

  1. ^ a b c Hill, Stephen (September 16, 2014). "WAR OF AGES: SUPREME CHAOS". Metal Hammer. Retrieved January 28, 2015. Metalcore crew offer lots of hooks, not a lot of catch
  2. ^ Jones, Kim. "Top 8 Christian Metal Bands". About.com. Retrieved January 29, 2016.
  3. ^ a b c Christopher Monger, James. "War of Ages". AllMusic. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  4. ^ JoshIVM (April 24, 2007). "Interview: War of Ages". Indie Vision Music. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  5. ^ "LEGACY: WAR OF AGES "FIRE FROM THE TOMB"". Facedown Records. July 24, 2007. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  6. ^ Moore, Bruce (April 26, 2010). "Interview with War of Ages Vocalist Leroy Hamp". Pure Grain Audio. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  7. ^ a b Billboard. "Top 200 Albums: May 1, 2010". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  8. ^ a b Billboard. "Heatseekers Albums: May 1, 2010". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  9. ^ a b Billboard. "Hard Rock Music: May 1, 2010". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  10. ^ a b Billboard. "Independent Albums: May 1, 2010". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  11. ^ Dodderidge, Tim (April 26, 2012). "War of Ages - Return to Life". Mind Equals Blown. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  12. ^ a b Billboard. "Top 200 Albums: May 12, 2012". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  13. ^ a b Billboard. "Rock Albums: May 12, 2012". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  14. ^ a b Billboard. "Hard Rock Music: Top Hard Rock Albums | Billboard". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  15. ^ a b Billboard. "Christian Albums: May 12, 2012". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  16. ^ a b Billboard. "Billboard". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  17. ^ Sol (April 25, 2012). "CD Review: War of Ages - Return to Life". Metal Injection. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  18. ^ a b Olson, Reid (August 13, 2014). "War of Ages - Supreme Chaos". HM Magazine. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  19. ^ a b Billboard. "Top 200 Albums: August 9, 2014". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  20. ^ a b Billboard. "Rock Albums: August 9, 2014". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  21. ^ a b Billboard. "Hard Rock Music: August 9, 2014". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  22. ^ a b Billboard. "Christian Albums: August 9, 2014". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  23. ^ a b Billboard. "Independent Albums: August 9, 2014". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  24. ^ "War of Ages - Alpha". AllMusic. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  25. ^ B, Brody (December 7, 2017). "War of Ages - Alpha". Indie Vision Music. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  26. ^ Weaver, Michael (November 11, 2019). "War of Ages - "Void"". Jesusfreakhideout.com. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  27. ^ a b Lewandowski, Nao (September 27, 2019). "War of Ages - Void". HM Magazine. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  28. ^ "War Of Ages Releases New Single 'Pyrite' , New Ep "Rhema" Out Oct. 29". The Metal Resource. September 24, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
  29. ^ "War Of Ages Drummer Kaleb Luebchow Has Passed Away". ThePRP. July 29, 2022. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  30. ^ "War Of Ages Debut Two Singles From Newly Announced Album "Dominion"". ThePRP. August 10, 2023. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  31. ^ "War Of Ages Announce New Album "Dominion", Release Two New Songs "Dominus" & "Armageddon"". The Mosh Network. August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  32. ^ "War of Ages radio interview". The Full Armor of God Broadcast. Retrieved August 20, 2010.
  33. ^ Goodman, Emily (January 5, 2015). "War Of Ages performs with Incredible Christian Faith". AXS. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  34. ^ Chambers, Jarrod (November 10, 2017). "The Lord's call, the former drummer of War of Ages, shares his story. An exclusive with Alex Hamp". The Metal Onslaught. Retrieved November 29, 2017.