Wage War – https://wagewarband.com
Wage War headlines The Ritz in Raleigh, NC on May 27, 2026, on the “It Calls Me By Name Tour,” a North American run moving through major U.S. markets including Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, and New York, with select Canadian dates layered in. Formed in Ocala, Florida, the band operates in the modern metalcore lane but with a noticeable structural discipline — syncopated breakdowns, tightly gated guitar tones, and choruses engineered for large rooms without drifting into radio rock gloss. Critics often describe them as a bridge between early 2010s Warped Tour metalcore and the more rhythmically refined, production-heavy strain that followed. Their albums have charted on Billboard’s rock and hard music categories, and they’ve built a reputation for consistent touring rather than viral moments. The band has supported mental health awareness initiatives and veteran-focused charities while maintaining a steady recording cycle. Their latest full-length, Manic (2021), expanded their melodic range without abandoning weight, and subsequent singles continue to refine that balance. Latest release: Manic – https://open.spotify.com/album/6XcJmG8p5r4kZ0YwTn8Q2L

Nevertel – https://nevertelofficial.com
Nevertel brings a hybrid approach that folds metalcore structure into alternative metal and hip-hop phrasing. Based in Florida, they’ve been described by critics as part of a post-genre wave where downtuned guitars coexist with rap cadences and hook-driven choruses. The production is clean, the rhythms are tight, and the songs are built around tension-and-release cycles rather than extended technical passages. On the “It Calls Me By Name Tour,” they’re positioned across a broad U.S. routing that exposes them to larger club rooms and crossover audiences. They’ve steadily grown through streaming platforms and support slots rather than major-label push, earning attention for consistency and clarity of identity. Their recent releases lean into sharper dynamics and more defined vocal interplay, reinforcing their place in the current alternative-metal landscape. Latest release: “Sacrifice” – https://open.spotify.com/album/2QkL9fV8y6ZpR3tW4nM7aB

Orthodox – https://orthodoxtn.com
Orthodox opens the Raleigh date with a harder edge. Formed in Nashville, Tennessee, they align more closely with metallic hardcore than mainstream metalcore — dissonant riffs, abrupt tempo shifts, and an emphasis on rhythmic punishment over melody. Critics often connect them to the lineage of Southern hardcore that prioritizes atmosphere and density over accessibility. Their live sets are compact and physical, built for small rooms but effective in larger venues because of sheer intensity. On this tour, they cover multiple U.S. markets, reinforcing their reputation as a road band willing to grind through club circuits. Their recent work tightens the songwriting while keeping the abrasion intact, signaling growth without softening the core sound. Latest release: Learning to Dissolve – https://open.spotify.com/album/5YpJt8mR4vK2sQ1nL7xZcD