Tempe’s alternative scene gathered at Darkstar Theater on Saturday, July 13th for “Stygian: Dark Mass,” curated by Desert Runners. The night opened with Heretic G, a local DJ known for his dark, atmospheric sets. Heretic G set the tone for the evening with an opening blood ritual, followed by a mix of haunting melodies and industrial rhythms that drew attendees into the depths of the night.
Aaron Coldblood took the decks next, building on the somber atmosphere. A fixture in the local goth scene, Coldblood is recognized for his ability to blend classic darkwave with modern electronic elements. His set navigated through shadowy soundscapes, seamlessly transitioning between nostalgic goth anthems and cutting-edge industrial tracks.
Headliner Dearly Departed followed, offering an esoteric journey into duality and chaos. Their set blended witchhouse, wave, and EBSM, creating a sonic gateway between light and darkness. Dearly Departed’s performance, infused with occult influences, invited the audience to embrace the unknown through introspective and transformative dance floor experiences. Drawing inspiration from the mysteries of the occult, their artistry provoked introspection and transformation, encouraging attendees to find beauty within the depths of the psyche.
ΣΕΘ (SET) from Southern Arizona continued the night with their unique “SubGoth” sound. Blending Industrial, Witch House, Wave, and modern Bass music, SET delivered an immersive auditory experience. Fresh off the success of their latest album “The Rotting Wood (and The Eternal Darkness),” which topped Bandcamp’s Witch House charts, SET’s performance showcased why they’ve shared stages with genre legends like Sidewalks & Skeletons. Their visually striking and dark aesthetic live show blended evocative imagery with sonic elegance, mesmerizing the audience.
The night concluded with Unexpected Pedestrian, a stalwart of the Phoenix underground scene. As founder of INSERT SOUND and co-creator of PHX140, her set paid homage to the roots of goth while pushing boundaries. Drawing from her experiences as a resident DJ for nights like 6 Feet Under & Lilith, and her year-long residency on SUB.FM, Unexpected Pedestrian’s performance wove together dub, post-punk, and bass music into a tapestry of dark, globally-influenced soundscapes.
The event drew a diverse crowd of gothic and alternative subculture enthusiasts, their attire ranging from classic Victorian-inspired ensembles to modern cyberpunk aesthetics. The venue’s atmosphere was enhanced by local vendors, who set up booths offering an array of macabre art pieces, oddities, and bespoke goth club wear. Attendees browsed through collections of hand-crafted jewelry, ornate masks, and vintage clothing between sets, adding a tactile dimension to the night’s dark ambiance. The presence of these artisans and their wares created a mini-bazaar of the bizarre, further immersing participants in the multifaceted world of gothic subculture.
As the final notes faded and the night drew to a close, it was clear that “Stygian: Dark Mass” had successfully carved out a unique space in Tempe’s alternative nightlife. The event’s blend of music, ritual, and community resonated strongly with attendees, leaving many eager for future gatherings. For those looking to stay informed about upcoming events in this vein, Desert Runners maintains an active presence on social media. Follow their Instagram or join their Facebook group to ensure you don’t miss the next journey into the heart of Tempe’s dark electronic music scene. With the success of “Stygian: Dark Mass,” it seems certain that Desert Runners will continue to push the boundaries of alternative nightlife in the Arizona desert.
