By Christopher Crone – Buy us a Coffee on Ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/capitalchaostv
Sacramento’s Starlet Room played host to an outstanding night of extreme and progressive metal on June 23, as Wretched, Necrofier, and Khemmis delivered three distinctly different, yet equally memorable performances. It was my first time shooting a show in the Starlet Room above Harlow’s, and I have to admit it was much larger than I had imagined. The layout offered excellent sightlines for both fans and photographers, making it an ideal venue for live music. I also enjoyed learning more about the building’s history, originally constructed in 1952, with Harlow’s opening its doors there in 1982—a fitting backdrop for an evening that blended modern metal with timeless atmosphere.
Wretched opened the evening with a blistering display of technical precision and relentless energy. Their intricate guitar work and lightning-fast musicianship immediately captured the attention of everyone in the room. Despite being the first band of the night, they played with the confidence and intensity of a headliner. It was an impressive opening set that established the night’s high musical standard from the very first note.
Necrofier shifted the atmosphere into darker territory with an aggressive performance built around blackened riffs and commanding stage presence. Their music created an ominous wall of sound that filled every corner of the Starlet Room. The band’s intensity never let up, drawing the audience deeper into each song with every passing minute. Dramatic lighting and a relentless rhythm section added to the immersive experience, giving the set a theatrical edge without sacrificing raw power. By the time they finished, the room was more than ready for the evening’s headliner.
Khemmis closed the night with a powerful performance that perfectly balanced crushing heaviness with soaring melody. Their ability to seamlessly transition between towering doom passages and emotionally charged harmonized vocals remains one of the band’s greatest strengths. Every member contributed to a performance that was both technically impressive and emotionally engaging, allowing each song plenty of room to breathe while never losing its impact. The band’s chemistry was evident throughout the set, making even their most complex arrangements feel effortless in a live setting. The Starlet Room’s excellent acoustics complemented Khemmis beautifully, allowing every guitar harmony, bass line, and vocal layer to come through with remarkable clarity. The audience remained completely locked in from beginning to end, rewarding each song with enthusiastic applause. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why Khemmis continues to stand apart within the modern doom and progressive metal landscape. They closed out the evening with a memorable set that left the Sacramento crowd wanting more.
The June 23 show at the Starlet Room proved that you don’t need a massive arena to create an unforgettable concert experience. Between Wretched’s technical assault, Necrofier’s dark and unrelenting intensity, and Khemmis’ masterful headlining performance, the evening showcased three bands that each brought something unique to the stage. It was also a pleasure finally photographing a show at the Starlet Room, whose spacious layout, excellent sightlines, and rich history made it an outstanding venue for live music. A special thank you goes to Austin at Secret Service PR for providing the media credentials and to Chris Lemos of Atlantean Collective for putting together another exceptional night of heavy music in Sacramento. Shows like this continue to demonstrate why Northern California remains one of the best places in the country to experience live metal, whether you’re in front of the stage or behind the camera.
Categories: Concert Photography, Reviews
Leave a Reply