by J. Donovan Malley
Now in its third year, Seattle’s Disemboweled God Fest (DGF) has become a hub for death metal and grind voices. Held at the historic Central Saloon and curated by Michael Freiburger of Satanik Royalty Records, this three-day event showcased Pacific Northwest talent while attracting acts from across the U.S. Freiburger states, “DGF started to highlight talent in the PNW death metal scene and related subgenres like grind, black metal, and crust. It has since expanded to showcase these genres more broadly.”
This evolution blended regional grit and national might. DGF’s 2025 iteration mixed savage aggression with communal warmth, showcasing extreme music’s enduring appeal. Attendees embraced aural filth and chaos, united by their thirst for sonic grotesquerie.
VASTUM: Carnal Communion and Crowd-Surfing Catharsis
Vastum delivered an unforgettable show in San Francisco. Vocalist Dan Butler erupted into the crowd, engaging fans as guitarist Leila Abdul-Rauf played dissonant riffs. The audience’s cheers matched Butler’s energy, especially during encores “Re-Member” and “Primal Seduction.” Abdul-Rauf’s tremolo lines cut through the sound, solidifying the band’s blend of horror and heavy riffs. Vastum showcased why their discography defines modern death metal.
A Gargantuan Chorus of Chaos
Sunday’s closer, Impaled, transformed the Central Saloon into an arena. Bassist Ross Sewage commanded the room with operatic bravado, his gesticulations as colossal as the band’s gore-obsessed anthems. Meanwhile, Cartilage drenched the night in blood, featuring ferocious cuts from Tales from the Entrails. Portland’s Decrepisy summoned a suffocating haze to celebrate the release of Deific Mourning , enhanced by Dipygus vocalist Clarissa’s venomous growls and a guest roar from Vastum’s Butler during the finale.
Santa Fe’s Street Tombs headlined a savage Saturday. Vocalist Damian Jacoby praised the weekend: “Music fests like DGF curate great taste and unite the best people. It’s a reminder to connect with something real.” Laceration’s precision brutality and Depraver’s codpiece-defying theatrics floored crowds, while Blistering Rot was a top-notch surprise for this reviewer.
Visa Woes and DIY Grit
The fest wasn’t without setbacks. Canadian acts Hedonist, Grave Infestation, and Ceremonial Bloodbath withdrew due to visa anxieties, a growing crisis under increasingly oppressive U.S. border policies. Local saviors Skelm, Undulation, and Peste Umbrarum filled the gaps fiercely. Alongside Seattle grinders Impulse Noise and Olympia’s Maneater, whose knuckle-dragging set left necks bruised, these bands demonstrated the strength of extreme metal in the PNW.
Conclusion: Underground Against the Odds
DGF showcased not only the ferocity and grime of modern extreme metal but also the essential role of a DIY ethic and a close-knit community. The fest subtly highlighted the looming threat of Trump’s policies on bands, venues, and fans alike. Freiburger sums it up: “Given the current state of border policy, the fest may need to remain a U.S.-only event for the foreseeable future. I aim to maintain a gritty, DIY, and underground vibe.” Yet, as amps hummed and crowds roared, the fest’s triumph lay in its defiance—a grotesque, glorious middle finger to stagnation and apathy.
A LESS OVERTLY POLITICAL ENDING
DGF 2024 thrived on DIY tenacity and solidarity. Freiburger acknowledges the hurdles: “Given the current state of border policy, the fest may need to remain U.S.-only. I aim to maintain a gritty, underground vibe.” Yet, as amps hummed and crowds roared, the fest’s triumph lay in its defiance—a grotesque, glorious middle finger to stagnation. In the words of Undulation’s Executioner, the PNW’s “sense of community” remains extreme metal’s beating, bloodied heart.
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