War Emblem is a hardcore punk band from Philadelphia. Lately, most of my music-related conversations have revolved around the plethora of incredible bands that call Philadelphia home (Hop Along, Glocca Morra, Sheer Mag, and Dogs On Acid immediately spring to mind). Constant Defeat is short, fast, and to the point, as it should be. This is no-frills hardcore. I’m reminded of Coke Bust, Hummingbird Of Death, and Punch. The lyrics are appropriately bleak; however, War Emblem is less political and more emotionally damaged: “Life is frustration” and “Will there not come a day when the pain will dull?” I often wonder if lyricists who navigate such hopeless facets of everyday existence are in fact that crippled by pain and anger. If so, how do they even get out of bed in the morning? Regardless, War Emblem is equally familiar and awe-inspiring and further proof that rage has no limit.
–Sean Arenas (Protagonist, protagonistmusic.tumblr.com / Narshardaa, narshardaa.com)