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
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
____ 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
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
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
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
____ and ____ 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
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
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
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
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