Tattoo Stories: Wage War’s Seth Blake on First, Worst, Most Painful Ink

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Floridian metalcore outfit Wage War wear their hearts on their sleeves. The band’s last album, 2017’s Deadweight, pulled no punches, hitting intense emotional chords with the musicians themselves and their fans alike, and the group’s new single “Low,” released in January, is even more personal, with soul-baring lyrics centered around experiences with anxiety and depression.

Wage War’s Seth Blake wears his heart on his sleeve in another way, however: via his colorful tattoos. We recently caught up with the guitarist to discuss his ink.

What was your most painful tattoo?
Seth Blake Well, all of them sucked. I don’t get it when people say that tattoos don’t hurt. That being said, my MOST painful one definitely has to be the “kraken/octopus” thing I have on my left sleeve. When he was tattooing near my armpit, I was dying.

What was your first tattoo?
My first tattoo was the anchor that I have on my left shoulder. Originally, I was planning on going to nursing school, so I wanted to be able to hide all of my tattoos. Once we signed a record deal, I decided to just go for the full sleeve with the ocean theme.

What is your most embarrassing tattoo?
My most embarrassing tattoo is 100 percent the one I have on the inside of my right ankle. I literally got that one in a friend’s kitchen. I’m not even going to say what it is supposed to be — I’ll let that remain a mystery. [Laughs]

Do you have any band tattoos?
I don’t have any band tattoos yet. I know it’s cliché, but I think the only band tattoo I would get would have to be for Wage War. Obviously, it’s been a huge part of my life, so I’m sure that one is coming soon!

What’s your next tattoo going to be?
My next tattoo will definitely be the continuation of coloring in my right sleeve. I’m so stoked on how it’s turning out, and it just so happens that I’m getting it all done by my favorite artist, Travis Brown!