There’s something oddly satisfying about the way Wretched Blessing’s newest EP hits—like watching a building demolition from too close a distance. The Chicago two-piece doesn’t waste a second getting to the devastation on Psychic Barriers to Entry, launching immediately into pummeling blast beats and throat-shredding vocals that come at you with repeated blows. The shy-of-three-minute opener alone confirms this duo isn’t here to make friends—they’re here to sonically terrorise you, and they’re exceptionally good at it.
It’s been just over a year since Rae Amitay (drums/vocals) and Kayhan Vaziri (guitar/vocals) unleashed their self-titled debut EP in April 2024, quickly establishing themselves in extreme music’s underground with a distinctive blend of blackened hardcore, punk, and death metal. In that short time, they’ve managed to sell out their first tape pressing, release a music video with the Antifascist Black Metal Network, and share stages with heavyweights like Portrayal of Guilt, Ragana, and Maul. The band’s meteoric rise makes sense—both members come with serious credentials, Amitay from Immortal Bird, Thrawsunblat, and Eight Bells, while Vaziri is known for his work in Yautja.
In an era where extreme music increasingly caters to crossover appeal, Wretched Blessing seems almost defiantly committed to abrasion. Their DIY approach—releasing through their own Two Mongrels Recordings—stands in stark contrast to their surprisingly professional production values. Pete Grossmann’s recording (known for his work with Inclination and Weekend Nachos) manages to capture both the raw aggression and subtle nuances of their sonic assault without sanitising any of the vitriol that makes them special.
What separates Psychic Barriers to Entry from similar releases is the duo’s willingness to experiment within their established framework. Where their debut established their brutal credentials, this sophomore effort finds moments of doomy atmospheric exploration amidst the carnage. The interlude ‘Brainrot’ offers pointed social commentary on digital overconsumption, while tracks like ‘Delusional’ introduce forest-like instrumental passages before plunging back into chaos. It’s these moments of contrast that make the brutality land with even more impact.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE OUR REVIEW OF PISSGRAVE: ‘MALIGNANT WORTHLESSNESS’
Vocally, both Amitay and Vaziri showcase impressive range and chemistry. They alternate between call-and-response patterns and layered approaches, their dual-vocal assault creating an overwhelming wall of sound that complements rather than competes. There’s a surprising tightness to their performances that belies the seemingly chaotic nature of their music—like watching expert demolition rather than random destruction.
The EP’s political undercurrents become most apparent in songs like ‘Decalcified,’ potentially referencing Robert F Kennedy’s push to remove fluoride from American tap water, while maintaining the band’s commitment to sonic extremity. The circular structures employed throughout the EP—building tension, releasing it through explosive passages, then reconstructing it—demonstrate a compositional maturity that’s rare for a group this early in their career.
For all its ferocity, Psychic Barriers to Entry is most impressive in its attention to detail. Vaziri’s guitar work alternates between punishing chugs and intricate, almost technical passages, while Amitay’s percussion provides both the backbone and the battering ram. The closing track ‘The Big Rip’ effectively showcases this dynamic, adopting a slightly slower pace but maintaining intensity through more complex arrangements and sharper riffing.
If this EP is any indication, Wretched Blessing won’t remain underground for long. Their ability to merge hardcore’s immediacy, death metal’s precision, and a smidget of black metal‘s atmosphere creates something that feels both familiar and distinctly their own. In a scene increasingly populated by imitators, they’ve carved out territory that’s uniquely theirs—uncompromising, politically charged, and devastatingly effective.
Listen to Psychic Barriers to Entry on Bandcamp and follow Wretched Blessing on Instagram @wretchedblessing. Catch them on their upcoming Northeast tour with Stander and Genital Shame (The Garrote).
Engage with Discipline Mag
If you would like to engage with Discipline Mag, you can do so in the following ways:
- Visit the Discipline Mag Shop (ISSUE 1, T-SHIRTS AND MORE)
- Submit music for review
- Release announcement or music premiere
- Interview request
- Donate to Discipline Mag
- Write for Discipline Mag
To keep up-to-date with the latest from Discipline Mag, follow us on Instagram.
Support independent media to ensure the underground survives and thrives!
