"The Bangover lasts about three days. The first show, you lose your mind [onstage]. And then the next two you are in agony," says former Wretched (Victory Records) guitarist John Vail who played his last show with the Charlotte based melodic death metal band on Friday night in his hometown of Columbia, SC.

It's Sunday afternoon and Vail is still nursing his bangover at Drip Coffee while we look at some of the photographs from the show. I throw around the idea that he should name some of the faces he creates onstage. "Sourface."

Wretched Photos - Concert Photography - South Carolina

Wretched Photos - Concert Photography - South Carolina

"Oh, that's kinda scary. I didn't even know I was doing that."

Wretched Photos - Concert Photography - South Carolina Wretched Photos - Concert Photography - South Carolina

What songs will Vail miss playing with Wretched? 

"Imminent Growth"

"It's one of the first songs I wrote all the way through and I do a lot of back-up vocals."

"Fetal Consumption" 

"It's not just about eating babies, but Kronos, the Titan god and father of Zeus."

Wretched Photos - Concert Photography - South Carolina Wretched Photos - Concert Photography - South Carolina

"It's bittersweet. But I'm kind of ready for the next chapter," says Vail, who played with the Victory band since January of 2009. That next chapter begins Friday night at a Columbia house show where his new still to be named band will make their debut. Featuring the rythym section from Burns Out Bright and Ye Mighy! he describes it as "pissed-off Converge style hardcore."

Wretched Photos - Concert Photography - South Carolina Wretched Photos - Concert Photography - South Carolina Wretched Photos - Concert Photography - South Carolina Wretched Photos - Concert Photography - South Carolina

Wretched vocalist Adam Cody in zombie mode.

Wretched Photos - Concert Photography - South Carolina

"For the last eight years I've joined other bands. For the first time this is something that's completely mine."

Wretched Photos - Concert Photography - South Carolina