Torture 2018: Black Leather Jesus, Rat Bastard, Sutekh Hexen, This Wilderness, Curse Mackey, TEF, Clang Quartet, Dendera Bloodbath, Illicit Relationship, Mephedrone, Total Abuse, Angel Body Import, & more

Variety abounds in the debut edition of this eponymous experimental fest. Members of Cop Shoot Cop and Birdthrower, Suicide-worshipping NY/NJ duo This Wilderness traffic in noir synthwave, while San Francisco ensemble Xambuca plies gothic electronics. Noisecore titans Total Abuse and industrial veteran Curse Mackey (Pigface, Evil Mothers) represent ATX, and Miami improv noisemeister Rat Bastard (aka Frank Falestra of To Live & Shave in L.A.) and more provide sonic turbulence. – Michael Toland