Back in the grave

Though you probably can’t tell through all of the blasphemous screaming, Wastewalker’s song “Fleshwounds” could be a reference to the Black Knight scene in the comedy Monty Python And The Holy Grail. During a sword fight with King Arthur in the film, the knight repeatedly denies defeat as he’s torn limb from limb. “It’s just a flesh wound,” he insists, and continues to egg the king on, even as he’s dismembered.

The song is more serious for John Abernathy, Wastewalker’s lead guitarist. He said it’s about his own resilience despite naysayers who shun working artists and dreamers. In his 30s, Abernathy’s dealt with a few of those, particularly when his last band, Conducting From The Grave, separated for good two years ago.

After about a decade as a band, all of its members except Abernathy decided to separate permanently to get degrees, start families and kill dreams. But months later, Abernathy formed Wastewalker, and its first album, Funeral Winds, released last November.

Wastewalker’s filming a music video at Friday’s show for “Fleshwounds.” Expect shots of fans braving moshpits, sharing a pint with the band and, at least figuratively, dusting off a severed arm. 1517 21st Street, https://wastewalker.bandcamp.com