Starring a duel set of vocals, Bluefield, VA melocore group War Torn Angel (WTA) brings the noise and the melody. When these guys hit the stage its all eyes on them and ears open. They look like the boys down the block, but attack the stage with the frenzy of old pros, musically exposing themselves for your viewing pleasure. Throwing their entire bodies into the fold, this band shows serious passion and aggression. WTA is rife with a classic hardcore sound highlighted by more melodic intertwining. Featuring an assortment of instrumental harmonies, WTA gives listeners enough variety to find something that works for them.
WTA is Brandon Casto (vocals), Colby Elswick (keys/vocals), Davey Nicewander (guitar), Philip Cyrus (guitar), Michael Olivares (bass/vocals), and Shane Cyrus (drums). These Virginians have been working hard to bring their style of metalcore across the East coast and playing their hearts out all long the way. They are currently in the process of gearing up for some new recordings which they hope to have completed later this year. Watching and listening to them live, it seems as though the band draws some of its influence from current trailblazers of the like, such as Underoath, Chiodos, and Memphis May Fire. Featuring a diverse mixture of smooth vocals with raw, bellowing screams, Casto and Elswick are a dream team of vocal duality, bringing the pain and the relief. The most distinct difference between WTA and some of their regional colleagues in the metalcore/melocore world, is the clarity with which both vocalist deliver the lyrics while still managing to attack every corner of the stage. As part of their commitment to performance, the band jumps, hops, and head bangs to the music, making for some entertaining choreography.
The band recently played at local rock sanctuary Ground Zero in Spartanburg, S.C., participating in the Apparitions CD release show on Friday, Feb.22. You can find out more about WTA and their music on Facebook. To listen to their music and keep up with their calendar, visit their page on ReverbNation.
Check out War Torn Angel and enjoy melocore’s newest evolution!
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