By Andrew Gutierrez
Sacramento just received its first dose of what is billed as “the West Coast’s most depraved celebration of blasphemy and barbarism” in the form of Wretched Rites MMXXV—a two-day music event held in downtown Sacramento at the always-accommodating Harlow’s on November 15–16, 2025. The festivities also included a pre-fest show on Thursday night at Café Colonial, another mainstay of the local metal scene. A scene remains alive and kicking thanks to promoters like Wretched Earth Productions.
The promotion does not shy away from the fact that this festival is, first and foremost, a lineup featuring exclusively black and death metal bands. This set the stage for two days of intense, gritty, and raw performances from a stacked 20-band bill.
For many of these bands, it was their first time not only in Sacramento but on the West Coast. Day 1 brought local band Abhorrency to the stage to officially kick the fest off with their brand of blackened death. Vauldarie, Pig’s Blood, and Primitive Warfare filled out the early afternoon of Saturday’s lineup. By the evening, the heavy hitters were taking the stage one after another. Horns & Hooves, from Brooklyn, NY, making their West Coast debut, were a particular highlight for me—the unique vocal style of Angelo Oliveri rang through the venue like a banshee wail that sent shivers down my spine. Also among my favorite performers of Day 1 was Witch Vomit, visiting from Portland, OR for their Sacramento debut. Last, but definitely not least, were death metal legends Sadistic Intent. This Los Angeles–based Latino death metal band, active since 1987, closed out night one of Wretched Rites.
Day 2 was not about to be outshined by Day 1 and started strong with excellent opening bands including Deiphage, Embodied Torment, one of my personal weekend favorites Warp Chamber, Funeral Chant, Voidceremony, and Lucifixion. The energy remained high, and the venue was filled with a mix of attendees fresh on their first day and those who may have gone a little too hard on Day 1—myself included. By the time evening hit, though, any lingering fatigue disappeared. Ebony Pendant, from Seattle, WA, was the first of the final four bands of the weekend. Their ominous black metal sound combined with a high-energy pit made for a perfect one-two punch. Stress Angel, from New York City and also making their West Coast debut, were incredibly fun to watch. Judging from the crowd’s reaction, I hope our coast becomes a regular stop for this ridiculously talented and entertaining band.
Abysmal Lord, out of New Orleans, LA, walked onto the stage and from their first note did not let up once. Active since 2012, the band has been grinding away in the black metal scene, and all that experience was on full display in a brutal hour-long set that had me fearing for my camera and my knees—staying at the front of the stage to take photos was an act of pure insanity. This will not be my last time seeing them, that is for sure.
With only one band left, the privilege of closing out the show went to the extremely talented duo Antichrist Siege Machine. I’ll be the first to admit I had never heard of ASM prior to this festival, but by the time they finished their first song, I knew them very well. Their unique drum setup placed drummer SB at the side of the stage rather than tucked in the back, which is every photographer’s dream—no obscuring cymbals or impossible lighting. On the other side of the stage, RZ was conjuring the most intense blackened riffs to complement the barrage of drumming. The crowd gave 100% of their remaining energy to this final performance, and ASM felt it, responding by playing even harder.
By the time the final note of the night rang out, and as I nearly limped back to my car after shooting nearly 20 bands over two days, I started gathering my thoughts on what this first-time festival truly was. In short: a love letter to the metal community of Sacramento. This festival was put on by locals for locals, and to the bands that traveled across state lines and time zones so that this small but dedicated group of metalheads could come together and celebrate the music we love—thank you.
To Harlow’s: the venue was very accommodating on every level. Friendly security and bar staff made two days in the same building a pleasant experience. I always appreciate the outdoor/smoking area at this venue as well—it’s perfect for fresh air and socializing. And last but not least, to Wretched Earth Productions: you absolutely killed it. I know it probably wasn’t easy in the slightest, but everyone there appreciated the work that went into making this happen I’m very much looking forward to another installment of this festival—maybe MMXXVI? I’ve been hearing rumors….
Via MetalForged
Metal Forged 