Wicked Temple: 50 Shows in 15 Steps

It all starts with a riff. In 2018, a band of many hats (or wigs) cemented the first stone in constructing the WICKED TEMPLE we know and love today. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist, CK Arthur brought brother and lead guitarist Brandon Arthur into the fold. Through the process of adding and subtracting members in pursuit of refined sound, Brad Schatz adopted the bass and backup vocals, while Jackson Barlow claimed the drums. “We secured Jackson on the drums a couple weeks before our first show at Metro Music Hall,” reveals CK.

“I learned their entire setlist in a week-and-a-half,” confirms Barlow. With the members of WICKED TEMPLE solidified, their songs came to life. Heavy with horror influence, tasty solos texture their signature American thrash and prog melodic tunes in establishing themselves as the kings of American Hardcore Thrash Beatdown (imagine a culmination of Slayer and Lamb of God) within the Salt Lake Valley. 

“We chewed through a lot of shit in the last couple of years and played as much as we can.”

After their first official WICKED TEMPLE gig, a hefty schedule soon followed — performing almost two shows weekly in the coming year. “We chewed through a lot of shit in the last couple of years and played as much as we can,” says CK, “Our most memorable show, so far, was Prikfest last year (2023) at Aces High Saloon.”

Arthur add, “A guy came up to us wearing a WICKED TEMPLE shirt and told us, ‘Dude, I was on third shift and I heard you on the fuckin’ radio. I had to come to your show, All it takes is one person on [the] third shift.”

Schatz says, “[It’s] rewarding seeing people at shows you haven’t seen before.” 

To those who bore witness to one or many WICKED TEMPLE shows, a certain characteristic sets them apart from the rest (aside from the energy of their stage presence) — the mask and wig crowning the lead guitarist. “I did it for a Halloween thing,” Arthur explains, “It stuck around since then, and helps me be what I wouldn’t be if I didn’t wear it,” he explains. “Also, my hair will never grow that long.”

“It’s a staple, now, in our look,” adds CK.

“When I first saw their Instagram videos, I was like, who the fuck is this guy?,” says Barlow.

The talent saturating their sound also follows their presence to the stage. WICKED TEMPLE draws people in, with show-goers traveling as far as from California to watch them perform. Not only do they draw the ear, but the eye, too.

“Support local acts, because you can’t play a big venue with nobody in it.”

Between performances, WICKED TEMPLE released a five-song EP titled AMERICAN VOODOO, available on all streaming platforms, and hopes to release another EP in the coming spring. Through the blood and sweat in devotion to music, they also underscore the importance in supporting other local bands by attending their shows. “Support local acts,” Barlow says, “because you can’t play a big venue with nobody in it.”

WICKED TEMPLE thanks the people behind the scenes — the venues, promoters, photographers — everyone who puts in the work to help promote local music. “You are the true super heroes,” says Barlow.

Catch WICKED TEMPLE’s next show at Aces High Saloon on Saturday, Feb. 22. Get all of their updates through their Instagram at @thewickedtempleofficial.

Read more interviews with local heavy metal acts:
Localized: Lovelace
Localized: Debrider