Aftershock: Black Edition - The Sacramento Observer

Aftershock 2025, a rock-centric music festival held in Sacramento, featured a high-profile lineup of major headliners and cult favorites, but also showcased Black-fronted alternative bands that are reshaping representation in rock and metal. Among the standout performances were Sleep Theory, Trash Talk, and Nonpoint, who brought their unique sounds and genre-blending styles to the festival. As Aftershock 2026 approaches, the presence of Black and African-American-led alternative bands is expected to continue to grow. READ MORE

Imani and Alexa at Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

____ and ____ at Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

Tim and Mikayla at Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

____ and ____ at Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

Maize at Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

____ and ____ at Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

Ruby and Vianca at Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

Akira and Rashida at Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

Carlos and Ashley at Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

____ and ____ at Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

Jaedynn Robinson at Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

Nico Brown at Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

Festivalgoers transition between stages at the Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

Isaiah Smith, a Santa Clarita resident whose favorite band is Gojira, at Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

Ayo O. came from Florida to see his favorite band Korn headline the Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

Festivalgoer Ayo O. enjoys the performance from San Jose native band Sunami at Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

Korn the headliner for the Aftershock music festival in Discovery Park, Oct. 4, 2025. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

Aftershock: Black Edition – The Sacramento Observer

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