THE DOWNBEAT PODCAST Features Cody Quistad On WAGE WAR’s New Era And “Octanecore”

This week on The Downbeat Podcast, host Craig Reynolds, drummer of Stray From The Path, sits down with Cody Quistad, guitarist and songwriter for Wage War, to discuss the band’s latest EP It Calls Me By Name and the evolving landscape of modern heavy music. Quistad, who boasts over 4.3 billion streams to his name, shares insight into his creative process and his influential role in shaping the sound of contemporary metalcore.

The conversation delves into the concept of “Octanecore,” a term coined to describe the fusion of crushing heavy breakdowns with soaring, radio-friendly rock choruses. Cody discusses how he helped bring this hybrid style into the mainstream, blending aggression and accessibility in a way that resonates with both metalcore fans and broader rock audiences. His approach emphasizes melodic hooks without sacrificing the intensity and technical precision of heavy music.

Cody also opens up about Wage War’s new EP, exploring the themes, songwriting techniques, and sonic choices that define It Calls Me By Name. The discussion highlights his knack for combining emotional depth with hard-hitting instrumentation, revealing the thoughtfulness behind the band’s signature sound.

With this episode of The Downbeat Podcast, listeners gain a front-row perspective on one of metalcore’s most influential figures. Cody Quistad’s insights into modern heavy music, the rise of Octanecore, and Wage War’s current creative direction showcase both his technical skill and his forward-thinking approach, making this a must-listen for fans of the genre.