Cold, gripping winds are sweeping through Chicago, finally setting the long-awaited winter scene across the city. The city’s breath becomes increasingly visible as darkness settles earlier each evening. As the freezing moon rises over Chicago on November 8, Los Angeles black metal outfit Agriculture takes the stage at the famed Empty Bottle. Their devastating sound fills the intimate room, perfectly accompanying the impending seasonal gloom. Yet the performance also highlights the power of the band’s evolving sound. Building on their already ethereal approach,
Agriculture demonstrates how their musical direction strengthens their songwriting and elevates their live performances.
I first had the pleasure of seeing Agriculture live in 2024, opening for Chat Pile. The show was electric and emotional, leaving the audience riding an ecstatic high. With the release of The Spiritual Sound in 2025, the group expanded their sound. They incorporated more elements of hardcore, sludge, and thrash metal. On their second night in Chicago, Agriculture opened their Empty Bottle set with “The Glory of the Ocean.” It’s a transcendent track that challenges listeners to reevaluate their understanding of black metal. The song established the night’s defining dynamic: peaks and valleys. Intense metal, screeching vocals, and blast beats gave way to delicate guitar picking and angelic vocals.
Agriculture’s newer material lifted their live experience to new heights. During the opening songs, the audience remained captivated and largely motionless. That changed when they launched into The Spiritual Sound’s opening track, “My Garden.” The crowd erupted into a rowdy mosh pit. It was a wonderful way for the group to subvert expectations and inject fresh energy into the performance. There wasn’t a dull moment throughout the night. Even when the band slowed things down, their presence remained captivating. They performed “The Well,” a delicate solo guitar piece sung by guitarist Dan Meyer.
He delivered the song with such heart that his transition back into screaming felt almost bewildering.
One of the show’s highlights was “Bodhidharma,” which gave bassist Leah Levinson a chance to shine. Her vocal ability is unparalleled, shifting between chaotic intensity and fragile singing. During the latter moments, the audience fell completely silent. It was almost eerie how quietly everyone listened during these intimate passages. The same atmosphere emerged during the group’s performance of “The Reply.”
Black metal is typically associated with darkness and despair. While those emotions naturally accompany the genre, Agriculture somehow leaves audiences feeling hopeful.
That familiar ecstatic high from 2024 reached an entirely new level. Guitarist Richard Chowenhill delivered amazing solos throughout the performance. Meanwhile, drummer Kern Haug unleashed blast beats at terrifying speeds. It’s difficult to believe he’s human. After all the screaming and furiously fast riffs, the noise eventually settles. Agriculture stands triumphant.
By the end of the show, both the audience and band were all smiles. The group also expressed their love for Chicago. Even as the city’s weather grows colder, Agriculture uses black metal to lift spirits. Rather than deepen the seasonal gloom, their music offers something unexpectedly uplifting. Agriculture is entering an exciting chapter of their career. It’s wonderful to witness their continued evolution and discover where their sound takes them next. Wherever that may be, Chicago will be ready.
All photography by Oscar De Leon
