The Stigma Tour at The Fillmore Philadelphia with Wage War, ERRA, Thrown, and Fame On Fire

Philadelphia, known for its passionate music scene, got a true metalcore experience this past Tuesday night (10/8) as The Stigma Tour rolled through town, taking over The Fillmore. With a lineup featuring Wage War as the headliner supporting their new album Stigma, followed by co-headliners ERRA, and opening sets from Thrown and Fame on Fire, it was a night that left fans buzzing long after the final note. Throughout the night, the energy from the crowd was nothing short of electric. Crowd surfers rode the wave of hands, while others threw themselves into the mosh pits, creating a swirling mass of bodies that was both chaotic and oddly harmonious. Fame on Fire Sets the Stage

The night kicked off with Fame on Fire, a band that brought their signature blend of metalcore and alternative influences to the stage. Forming in 2013 in Florida, they gained popularity with their covers over the years. Fame on Fire has quickly become a regular household name as they continue to grow and expand their musical talents. Although their cover songs are phenomenal, their original tracks are the real highlight—especially the songs from their new album, The Death Card. The album has been a big step forward for the band, showcasing a darker and more refined sound. Tracks like “Nightmare” and “Chains” brought a fresh energy to their set, blending emotional lyrics with heavy instrumentals that had the crowd hooked from the first note. Their stage presence was electric, and they quickly connected with the crowd, setting the mood for the chaos that was about to unfold. Despite being the first to take the stage, Fame on Fire delivered a set that was packed with energy, priming the crowd for the rest of the night.

Thrown Brings the Heat

Next up was Thrown, a band that has been turning heads in the hardcore and metalcore scene since their formation. Hailing from Sweden, Thrown was formed by former Grieved vocalist Marcus Lundqvist, and they quickly built a reputation for their aggressive sound and raw intensity. Since releasing their debut EP Extended Pain, they have been gaining momentum in the scene, blending elements of hardcore and metalcore with brutally honest lyrics that delve into themes of mental health and personal struggle.

Thrown's newest album, Excessive Guilt, has further cemented their place in the heavy music landscape. With tracks like “Bloodsucker” and “Guilt,” Excessive Guilt showcases their ability to balance raw, pummeling aggression with haunting melodies and introspective lyrics. Their live performance brought these songs to life, delivering the same intensity that fans have come to love. Thrown's relentless approach to heavy music was on full display at The Fillmore. With their intense riffs and punishing breakdowns, they took the energy that Fame on Fire had built and cranked it up even further. From the moment they stepped out, the crowd was ready, and Thrown gave them exactly what they wanted—crushing heaviness that stirred up the first of many mosh pits of the night. The crowd at The Fillmore responded with pits opening up during every breakdown, and Marcus Lundqvist’s guttural vocals cutting through the chaos like a blade. Fans collided and spun in the pit, and their high-octane set turned the entire floor into a sea of movement. Thrown's commanding stage presence and the band's tight performance made for a memorable set, leaving a lasting impression on the Philadelphia crowd.

ERRA Elevates the Energy

When ERRA hit the stage, The Fillmore was primed and ready. The band, originally formed in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2009, has long been known for pushing the boundaries of metalcore with their complex guitar work and atmospheric soundscapes. Named after a Sumerian mythological figure, ERRA's music delves into themes of personal struggle, existentialism, and the search for meaning, which has resonated deeply with their dedicated fanbase over the years. With founding guitarist and primary songwriter Jesse Cash leading the way, ERRA has consistently blended intricate guitar melodies with hard-hitting breakdowns. Their lineup has seen changes over the years, including the addition of vocalist JT Cavey in 2016, who brought a new dynamic to their sound. Since then, they’ve released several acclaimed albums, including Neon, Drift, and their self-titled record ERRA in 2021, which further solidified their place in the metalcore scene. The band's intricate guitar work, paired with Cavey's powerful vocals, created an atmospheric yet heavy vibe that had the crowd entranced. ERRA's ability to blend melody with technical precision really shone through, with tracks like "Slow Sour Bleed" and "Snowblood" igniting the audience. Their live performance felt like a masterclass in balancing emotion with aggression, and their progressive influences added a unique depth to the night’s lineup.

The crowd surfing picked up during their set, with waves of fans making their way toward the front, carried by the crowd’s energy. The mosh pits only got bigger and more intense, and the band seemed to feed off of this, delivering a set that hit hard from start to finish. By the end, everyone was breathless, but they were just getting started.

Wage War Brings the House Down

When the lights dimmed for the final time and Wage War took the stage, the anticipation in the room was palpable. Formed in 2010 in Ocala, Florida, Wage War quickly made a name for themselves in the metalcore scene with their ability to merge crushing heaviness with melodic hooks. Signed to Fearless Records in 2015, the band burst onto the scene with their debut album Blueprints, which featured anthems like "Alive" and "The River." Their raw energy and emotive lyrics immediately resonated with fans, positioning them as one of the genre’s rising stars. Wage War’s follow-up album, Deadweight, released in 2017, solidified their reputation as a powerhouse in modern metalcore. Songs like "Stitch" and "Don't Let Me Fade Away" showcased the band's knack for balancing brutal breakdowns with emotional depth. Their sound evolved further with subsequent albums Pressure in 2019 and Manic in 2021, where they experimented with more melodic elements without losing the intensity that defined them. Now, with the release of their latest album, Stigma, Wage War has taken their sound in an even more introspective direction. The album delves into themes of self-reflection, struggle, and overcoming inner battles, all while maintaining the band's signature blend of crushing riffs and soaring melodies.

Songs like "Nail5" and "Magnetic" from Stigma have quickly become fan favorites, with their dynamic shifts and emotionally charged lyrics resonating deeply with listeners. The band’s ability to tackle heavy themes while delivering anthems that beg for a live setting has made Stigma a standout in their discography. As the first crushing riff of "The Shows About To Start" echoed through The Fillmore, it was clear that the headliners were ready to give Philadelphia a show to remember. Confetti and smoke filled the room as Wage War exploded on stage. The mosh pits reached a fever pitch during their set, with fans colliding in a whirlwind of energy during breakdowns like those in "High Horse" and "Low." There was a sense of camaraderie in the chaos—fans picked each other up, only to dive back into the fray moments later. Observed from the balcony, there was even a wheelchair in the pit mixing it up with the fans. The energy never let up as Wage War tore through their setlist, seamlessly blending older favorites with new material from their latest album. The encore consisted of "Manic," and "Magnetic" with the crowd practically taking over the vocals during the chorus. The stage lights, synchronized with the pummeling drums, painting the room in bursts of red and blue, turning The Fillmore into a sea of flashing lights and headbanging fans. At that moment, it felt like every voice in the venue was singing as one, united by the music.

The Crowd: A Force of Its Own

Throughout the night, the energy from the crowd was nothing short of electric. Crowd surfers rode the wave of hands, while others threw themselves into the mosh pits, creating a swirling mass of bodies that was both chaotic and oddly harmonious. The floor seemed to vibrate with every breakdown and double-bass blast, as if the building itself was caught up in the excitement. One of the nights highlights came during Wage War's final few songs "Is This How It Ends" and the brave soul who was mixing it up in the mosh pit with a wheelchair, took to the crowd and was carried towards the front of the stage, giving him a sense of normalcy. The entire crowd cheered in support while security worked to get him down safely. Finally it was time for the encore, and the entire floor turned into a circle pit, a spinning vortex of fans giving it their all as the band played "Magnetic" and "Manic" to finish out the night. It was the kind of night where you couldn't help but get caught up in the energy, whether you were in the thick of the pit or screaming along from the back of the room.

A Night to Remember

The Stigma Tour’s stop at The Fillmore Philadelphia was everything a metal fan could hope for—a night full of powerful performances, relentless energy, and a crowd that matched every ounce of intensity from the bands. Wage War proved why they’re one of the most exciting names in the genre right now, and ERRA, Thrown, and Fame on Fire each brought their own unique flavor to the mix, making this a night no one in attendance will forget anytime soon.

For those who missed out, make sure you catch The Stigma Tour in a city near you. And for everyone who was there on 10/8—you already know that this was one for the books.

Until next time, keep the volume up and the horns high!

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Full Gallery Links

Fame On Fire: https://www.beyondthebarrierpa.com/portfolio-collections/fame-on-fire/fame-on-fire-at-the-philly-fillmore Thrown: https://www.beyondthebarrierpa.com/portfolio-collections/thrown/thrown-at-philly-fillmore ERRA: https://www.beyondthebarrierpa.com/portfolio-collections/erra/erra-at-philly-filmore Wage War: https://www.beyondthebarrierpa.com/portfolio-collections/wage-war/wage-war-at-the-philly-fillmore