Wretched Rites MMXXV

Jan 2

Written By Luke

SACRAMENTO, CA | HARLOW’S | 11.15-11.26.2025

Gathered for a Sacred Rite

Sometimes I come across chatter about no one pushing boundaries anymore. “Music isn’t as good as it was whenever I was between the ages of 16-23!” The problem with this thinking is that it shows a lack of initiative. It’s lazy. It shows you’ve either lost the hunger for discovery, you’re too lazy to really listen to what’s happening or you’re just jealous that there are so many bands absolutely killing it in a way you could never have imagined. In short, you lost it.

Wretched Rites was a gathering. A showcase of some of the best new black, death, war metal being put out. Also, Sadistic Intent…god they’re so fucking good. Extreme music will never die, but you will. No matter trends, fads or phases music goes through, there will always be core lords dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s listenable. Harder. Faster. Meaner. This music isn’t created for everybody. It’s created for us. People who still have their ears, eyes and mind open to what music can be.

Creation. That’s what Wretched Rites felt like. If this music means something to you, go. Support the underground before you lose it too.