A loud kinship: Vicksburg’s metal scene comes to life

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Mississippi’s underground metal scene roared to life Saturday night as five homegrown bands took over the Watermark Vicksburg, turning the intimate venue into a haven for sludge grooves and all out metal.

The show featured Exorcism and Rabid Venom from central Mississippi, Facerot from Jackson, Shangrila from Foxworth, and Encircled Throne from Tupelo.

“Personally, I think the show couldn’t have gone better,” said Brodie Barnes, lead singer of Exorcism and the event’s organizer. “An awesome turnout of people who all came together sharing a moment with each other—shows like this are an escape for people who don’t fit into the picture of ‘Mississippi.’”

Though the all-ages crowd was modest in size, the sense of connection was palpable.

“In this scene, we all have each other’s backs and we support one another,” Barnes said. “This scene means so much to me because it makes me realize not everything is so bleak.”

Since 2022, the BB Club, and more recently the Watermark, have opened their doors to the underground heavy scene. Touring bands from New York, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana, including groove-thrash legends Exhorder, have shared the stage with local acts not just from Vicksburg, but from the surrounding region as well.

At this rate, it may not be long before Vicksburg lands firmly on the map as a destination for underground music.