It’s a daring and bold move to ask for patience after going 11 years between records, but Wretched’s fifth release is by no means a typical comeback record. Decay, out October 17 via new label Metal Blade Records, feels like the record that never was going to exist. After the nearly feral-sounding Cannibal, Wretched called it quits and left a deep hole for those longing for the band’s patented blend of blazingly fast tech-death. When the band announced they were back—with original vocalist Billy Powers no less—it felt like the countdown to their frenzied musical fireworks was imminent.
Decay reveals a band wiser, more focused, and with a broader approach. The things fans adore about Wretched can be easily found—peep “Lights” for example—however, it’s the unexpected aspects that reveal why this is not only Wretched’s best release to date but the kind of progressive death metal that will be talked about for decades to come. The songs take more progressive, introspective turns; the tempos hit those high-RPM numbers but usually ramp up there at unexpected moments, and the whole experience is flooded with the kind of mournful melodicism typically revered in death/doom. All that’s to say Decay is stellar, but Wretched clearly appreciate patience.
That’s not to say that key aspects of Wretched aren’t back and better than ever: harmonic flourishes, outstanding musicianship, and songs that wrestle with genuine emotion instead of just gore-soaked viscera (not that there’s anything wrong with that). How long has this return been in the works?
“The decision to bring the band back full swing was spearheaded by me,” guitarist Steven Funderburk says. “Ever since we stopped touring in 2015 (I never wanted to stop!), I had been missing the entire operation entirely. I dabbled with bands in my area to satisfy the urge to write and perfor—but nothing really filled the void that Wretched had left. (Drummer) Marshall (Wiezcorek) and I formed this band when we were both juniors in high school. It’s been a massive part of my life ever since then, and I’m 36 now. Where most people studied and prepared for college, I studied how to book shows, write songs, run a band, print merch, and so much more.
“Fast forward to 2021,” he continues. “I got a job at a community college in Charlotte attempting to learn the HVAC trade. This is the line of work my dad has been in for 40 years, so I figured I’d be able to have a shot at it. The job ended up being one of the most soul-sucking stereotypical ‘corporate’ jobs that you hear about. I found myself finding hiding places to simply pass the time to get closer to leaving for the day, only to come home and just feel drained and miserable. During my time at this job, I really began to think and visualize what pieces of the Wretched puzzle I’d need to get the whole operation back up and running. I knew without a doubt in mind that Metal Blade was the label I wanted the band on and no one else. I didn’t even consider reaching out to any other label. I began talking to Marshall about the plan to rock again, reached out to Billy Powers to see if he had any interest in returning to the band. We got an offer from Metal Blade and began writing the new record during the summer of 2023.
Wretched is my purpose in life; something I chose many years ago as my pathway through life, and life without it feels like something is missing entirely.”
Decay, ironically, feels like growth and evolution for Wretched, though the creative seeds were there in your last few records: the melodicism of Beyond the Gate, the unpredictability of Son of Perdition, and the grit of Cannibal. How early did Wretched know they wanted to approach this record where speed was an ingredient instead of the feature? Did you know you wanted a wider approach early on?
“We have a strong feeling a lot of people will dive into Decay and have a similar reaction at first (of not being sure what to think),” he says. “I’ve been wanting to write an album like Decay for many years. I’m a really big fan of 70’s/80’s pop/metal/classic rock music and especially the stellar songwriting from those eras across the board. Huge themes, melody, structuring, reoccurring themes, etc. I love our back catalog, but I’ve always felt like we were really limiting ourselves down to the ceiling of just playing fast and technical. That stuff is cool, but I can’t spend all day listening to or playing material like that. I’d rather have much more space in the notes for anyone to be able to really digest, decipher and understand what is going on musically.”
“We wanted to take the listener on a sonic journey across what we aimed to portray as the various human emotions that come with life,” he adds. “Happiness, sadness, anger, desperation, empathy, fulfillment—the main feelings we experience from day to day. Writing these songs was a therapeutic experience for me in the sense that I was able to let go of some negativity in my life through the music. There are songs I’ll revisit on the record that definitely get me in the feels, and I hope it’s the same experience for anyone who sits with the album. I want it to be able to help people through life with whatever aid it may be to them—through a tough time or celebrating a great time. Musically, I want the record to be able to hold that emotional magic.”
That sense of magical and rewarding songwriting rings very clear throughout Decay. For those willing to start with an open mind and an appreciation for the kind of songwriting that feels timeless, Decay digs its claws in and lingers. What a joy the record is and having Wretched back and fully themselves is worth the wait.
Decay is out now, and you can order it from Metal Blade Records. Follow Wretched on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for future updates.
Photo Credit: Daniel Cunningham
