Vesseles, Wroht, Sunsets Ire
Winters Tavern
Pacifica, CA
September 18, 2026
Going to a show two nights in a row. What, am I in my 30’s? This evening’s fun took place at the Pacifica institution Winters. I have a real love/hate relationship with this place. I’ve had some truly fun times there and seen some rad shows. I’ve played a few fun gigs there as well.
Yet at the same time I’ve seen and heard some of the worst bands/music ever at this establishment. And I’ve played a few clunkers ta boot. I guess it’s the randomness of it that keeps me coming back. And the fact that all my Daily City friends make Winters their every weekend hang out spot pretty much.
I must say right off the bat that this particular gig was the best sounding show I’ve ever seen at Winters. Apparently they invested in some new sound equipment and it’s made a huge difference. One of my biggest gripes about this spot was how crappy and overly loud the sound was. It truly kept me from going to a few gigs.
But they seemed to have remedied that problem. All three bands had solid, well balanced sound. It made the whole experience that much more enjoyable. And the fact that Bob from Hellhunter was manning the bar.
Up first was the debut live performance of Sunsets Ire. For a first show they were quite impressive. They played a pretty even blend of Black and Death Metal. What do you call it? Blackened Death? Or was it Deathend Black? Whatever, they were a fine opener and played with a confidence beyond a band doing their first show. Be on the lookout for these guys.
Next was the band on the bill I was familiar with, although it was my first time seeing them, Wroht. I know Dave has covered them in the past. These dudes play a brand of Death Metal I don’t normally listen to very much. Very slam/breakdown oriented with lots of syncopated stuff going on. Think of latter era Suffocation half time parts happening throughout.
With all that said, Wroht are no fucking joke. They played with a professionalism almost unworthy of a half sauced Winters audience. I mean, these guys are tour ready and should be playing on big stages to even bigger crowds.
Personal preference aside these guys have what it takes to reach a higher level in the world Death Metal scene. Super tight, super proficient on their instruments and a lead vocalist with total presence. I see big things happening for them.
Lastly we had Vesseles. A theatrical Black Metal band that definitely have a vision for their sound and visual presentation. They’re a trio composed of a bassist who was rocking the Nosferatu look. A drummer donning your standard Black Metal fare and a guitarist/vocalist sporting a devil mask. Certainly entertaining to watch.
They even had a bit of a light show that somehow worked really well in the confines of Winters. I’m all for bands putting in the effort with their live show so they’ve already earned my respect. They were a solid band delivering a very dramatic brand of Black Metal.
The Vesseles lead vocalist had quite the shriek that fit with the music perfectly. Between songs she would talk to the crowd with the sweetest voice…while in full devil garb. It was a tad funny. I was hoping she’d stay in character.
In closing this was one of the most pro shows I’ve ever seen at Winters. All three bands were top notch in their respective fields of Metal. I hope Winters keeps it up with the high quality.
–Bleeding Priest
