The summer of 2018 will be the final cross-country run of Warped Tour and as you can imagine, many people are bummed about this news. The final Vans Warped Tour lineup was released on March 1st and it is jam packed with HUGE names and names that you need to know before you go. I have put together a list of five bands that I think you MUST check out during the Final Cross-Country run of Warped Tour. All of the bands in this list will be on tour for the duration of the summer (6.21-8.5). I have also thrown together a Spotify playlist that will showcase some of my favorites from the five bands. (Link at the bottom of the article)
1. Movements: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
The Southern California quartet returns to Warped Tour this summer following their massive first headlining tour. The Spring tour contained support from Can’t Swim, Super Whatevr and Gleemer. Movements crushed their first headlining tour as they sold out 27/29 shows and you better believe their Warped Tour sets are going to be packed. Loved for their raw passion and lyricism, the band released a time-less EP in 2016, Outgrown Things. 2017 was a massive year for Movements, they toured alongside the likes of Senses Fail, Counterparts, and Knuckle Puck. They also released their debut album, Feel Something. They’ll be on the Journeys Stage all summer long and I highly recommend checking them out and remember “be good, be safe”.
2.Dayseeker: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Based out of Orange, California is post-hardcore band, Dayseeker. The band has three full length albums under their belt and their most recent, ‘Dreaming is Sinking /// Waking is Rising’ landed at the number seven spot on Billboard’s “Hard Music” chart during its first week. The band mixes heavy guitar riffs and drums with body moving breakdowns and lyrics that will lift you off your feet. Dayseeker will be playing on the Mutant White Lightning Stage all summer long, be sure to check them out.
3. Wage War: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Formed in Ocala, Florida, Wage War are a metalcore band with two full LPs released on Fearless Records. The band has toured alongside bands such as A Day to Remember, August Burns Red, Of Mice & Men, and Chelsea Grin. The band landed the number one spot on Billboard’s “Hard Music” chart with their sophomore album, Deadweight. The band spent the fall of 2017 on a two-part tour for their album as well as a run of gigs on A Day to Remember’s Self Help Tour. They spent this past spring on tour with Of Mice & Men in Europe and they will be back this fall in support of August Burns Red. Catch the Florida natives all summer long on the Mutant Red Dawn Stage.
4. In Hearts Wake: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Hailing all the way from Byron Bay, Australia is the metalcore heavyweights, In Hearts Wake. The band’s discography runs deep as they have released three EPs and four full-length studio albums. The 5 piece band has been crushing the metal scene in Australia as well as across the globe for years with lots of touring and steady releases. They make their return to Warped Tour in 2018 following the release of their fourth studio album, Ark. In Hearts Wake makes my MUST see list because of their constant ability to produce quality records and their kick ass live performances. Take a look for yourself here and be sure not to miss them this summer on the Mutant White Lightning Stage.
5. Kublai Khan: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Last but certainly not least is the hostile and Texas born, Kublai Khan. The metalcore band’s “in your face” style can be backed up by their confrontational lyrics that often touch base on issues regarding human-rights, racism and mental disorders. The heavy riffs from Nolan Ashley, tough vocals from Matthew Honeycutt backed by the deadly drums of Isaac Lamb and the moving bass by Eric English will surely raise your blood pressure. Make sure to protect ya neck this summer as you catch Kublai Khan on the Mutant Red Dawn Stage.
Check out my Five Must See Bands at the “Final” Vans Warped Tour Spotify Playlist here:
https://open.spotify.com/user/smccarron7/playlist/6PEfqvXzIElYSCSrvXCbov?si=0zcD4_N9TIyy968JBX0LeA
