Wretched’s latest single, “Decay,” serves as a compelling gateway into their forthcoming fifth album of the same name, due October 17, 2025, via Metal Blade Records. As a prequel to their 2010 release Beyond The Gate, “Decay” dives deep into existential themes wrapped in a rich, Dungeons & Dragons-inspired mythology. It’s an ambitious fusion that sets this track apart in the modern death metal landscape.
Lyrically, “Decay” is a narrative tour de force. The song follows Malus, a tormented soul stripped of his physical form by a necromancer’s possession, as he struggles to reclaim his mortal body. The lyrics vividly explore loss, helplessness, and the mental maze of navigating a shadowy existence. Intriguingly, the recurring phrase “once more upon this eternal flat circle” nods to the existential cyclical time concept popularized in True Detective Season 1, adding philosophical weight to the narrative. The inclusion of out-of-body experiences, lucid dreaming, and reincarnation ideas imbues the song with a haunting, metaphysical quality.
Musically, “Decay” strikes a masterful balance between raw aggression and melodic complexity. The track showcases Wretched’s signature blend of heavy grooves and blistering speed, all wrapped in a deliberately organic production style that keeps the energy grounded and visceral. Guitarist Steven Funderburk and bassist Andrew Grevey deliver tight, intricate interplay that propels the song forward, while Billy Powers’ vocals cut through with emotionally charged intensity. The production, helmed by drummer Marshall Wieczorek, mixed by Johann Meyer, and mastered by Alan Douches, maintains a natural but powerful sound that complements the song’s thematic darkness.
The track evokes a dark, despairing atmosphere without sacrificing musicality. The dynamic shifts from a crushing riffing to a shimmering acoustic outro. It creates a cinematic sense of journey and transformation, capturing a feeling of unfolding adventure and inner turmoil simultaneously.
Overall, “Decay” is a potent showcase of Wretched’s evolution, highlighting their capacity to blend progressive death metal’s technicality with a deep, conceptual narrative. It’s a track that challenges listeners intellectually and emotionally, while delivering the brutal musical intensity fans crave. As the lead single and title track, “Decay” sets high expectations for the upcoming album and confirms Wretched’s place as storytellers and musicians of considerable depth in the metal scene.
