In this exploration of Richmond’s musical identity, we delve into the city’s thriving underground scene, where the echoes of rebellion and authenticity ring loud. From the gritty DIY ethos of Punk to the enigmatic allure of Black Metal, Richmond’s musical spirit refuses to be defined by one genre. Beyond the notes and rhythms also lies a commitment to embracing the principles of inclusivity, especially in the realm of LGBTQ+ representation.
Circle Breaker – Stonewalled (Single)
“Queer Motor Punk Hellfire”, these are the words Circle Breaker uses to define themselves. I got to see them perform at Bandito’s back in September and their performance blew me away, with their song “Stonewalled” being a particular stand-out. The song begins with a true-to-form black metal tremolo-picked guitar melody alongside screeching vocals. The band breaks into a thrash-like section before bringing the tempo to a halt for their final hypnotizing breakdown. This trio has a lot of talent and they are helping to push the inclusivity of our underground scene, and I can’t wait to see what they do in the future! Go check out their bandcamp here, and be sure to check out their Instagram.
Muck – Valid Trend (Single)
Richmond Punk band Muck brings the kind of energy that makes you want to dance while simultaneously shaking your fist at the system. Fast, loud and anti-establishment their sound harkens back to the raw, stripped-down sound of punk bands in the 80’s. The song opens with an energetic drum beat that carries through the song’s first half with fills that give my fingers second-hand blisters just from listening to them, leaving me to believe this has got to be their drummer’s favorite song to play live. Frontwoman Rachel Harper describes the song as “an observation about how folks who are oppressed are only seen as a legitimate part of society either after a tragic end or if they live a life of suffering.” Check out this song on their bandcamp here, and check out their Instagram as well.
Wasted Space – Something to Prove
No strangers to the underground circuit, Wasted Space have been hitting the local venues HARD; playing show after show with acts both big and small. As the next generation of Richmond Hardcore the members have been working relentlessly to prove they are a force to be reckoned with and on their track “Something to Prove” they do just that. Taking influence from both hardcore punk and thrash metal, the band uses the strengths of both genres to make something uniquely their own; think GEL meets Power Trip but even that wouldn’t give you the full picture. Check them out on Spotify here:
UPCOMING SHOWS!
Witch Vomit, Left Cross
Thursday, December 14 @ The Camel
Doors: 7pm
Hexis, .gif from god, Prisoner, MIDWESTLUST, All You Need Is Kill
Thursday, December 14 @ Bandito’s
Doors: 7pm
Sediment Club, Alex C, VV, Dry Talker, Brown Piss
Saturday, December 16 @ The Warehouse
Doors: 8pm
Black Matter Device, The Wayward, Unit, Future Projektor
Saturday, December 16 @ Cobra Cabana
Doors: 7pm
Tight Rope, Saturn Death Cult, Raneshounds, VV
Sunday, December 17 @ The Camel
Doors: 8pm
Ostraca, Infant Island, Massa Nera, Humanitarian Deficit
Monday December 18 @ Bandito’s
Doors: 7pm
What I’m listening to
BLACKBRAID
Blackbraid II (Album)
A friend of mine showed me this record back in October (just before Blackbraid opened for Wolves in the Throne Room at the Canal Club) and ever since then I’ve been obsessed with it! This solo black metal project by Sgah’gahsowáh is a refreshing take on the genre of Black Metal thanks to Sgah’gahsowáh’s incorporation of their Indigenous background. The first track “Autumnal Hearts Ablaze” sets the mood with a crackling fire and acoustic guitar before unleashing the band’s full force of riveting guitars and breakneck drums on “The Spirit Returns”. “Moss Covered Bones on the Altar ” opens with what sounds like ceremonial drums and at about its halfway point flute. About 4 minutes into “Twilight Hymn of Ancient Blood” the band ventures into thrash metal territory just before the album’s only guitar solo, which absolutely rips! Now that Winter is here I can’t think of a better time to give this a listen. We’ve included a few favorite tracks below but honestly I recommend starting from the first track and listening through the whole thing!
Favorite Tracks
- The Spirit Returns
- Twilight Hymn of Ancient Blood
Top photo of Muck CJ Payne.
