Wretched (death metal band)
Wretched is an American technical death metal band formed in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2005. The band is known for its complex, highly technical instrumentation, aggressive vocals, and lyrical themes often exploring philosophical and existential concepts.
History:
Wretched was founded by guitarist Joel Moore and vocalist Adam Cody. The band quickly gained a local following through their energetic live performances and early demo recordings. They self-released their debut album, The Exodus of Autonomy, in 2009, which garnered positive reviews within the underground death metal scene for its intricate songwriting and technical prowess.
Their second full-length album, Beyond the Gate, was released in 2012 via Victory Records. This album further solidified their reputation as a prominent act in the technical death metal subgenre, earning them wider recognition and opportunities to tour both nationally and internationally. Beyond the Gate demonstrated a further refinement of their technical abilities and a more cohesive approach to songwriting.
In 2014, Wretched released Cannibal, also through Victory Records. This album saw the band pushing their sound even further, incorporating more progressive elements and exploring darker lyrical themes.
Following a period of relative inactivity, Wretched returned in 2023 with a new lineup and announced plans for future releases.
Musical Style and Influences:
Wretched's musical style is characterized by highly technical guitar riffs, rapid-fire drumming, complex song structures, and guttural vocals. They are often compared to other technical death metal bands such as Necrophagist, Obscura, and Suffocation. The band cites influences from a variety of genres, including progressive metal, classical music, and jazz, in addition to their death metal roots.
Lyrical Themes:
Wretched's lyrics often delve into philosophical and existential themes, exploring concepts such as consciousness, mortality, and the human condition. They often employ metaphorical language and complex imagery to convey their ideas. The band's lyrical approach is generally considered more intellectually stimulating than typical death metal subject matter.
Discography:
- The Exodus of Autonomy (2009)
- Beyond the Gate (2012)
- Cannibal (2014)
Members:
The band has experienced several lineup changes throughout its history. Current and former members include:
- Adam Cody (vocals)
- Joel Moore (guitar)
- Marshall Wieczorek (guitar)
- Billy Powers (bass)
- Dustin Park (drums)
The exact composition of the band at any given time should be verified through official sources.