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DARK CHAPEL
Spirit In The Glass
MNRK Heavy
https://www.darkchapelband.com

DARK CHAPEL was formed by BLACK LABEL SOCIETY guitarist Dario Lorina. Their debut album Spirit In The Glass was released on February 28, 2025. Zakk Wylde's right-hand axman has been tearing up fretboards well before his professional debut as a member of Jani Lane's (WARRANT) backing band at the ripe old age of 16. For more about Dario's impressive career, check out our interview link below.

"Afterglow" kicks the album off with an extended onslaught of opening riffs and licks. Frontman Dario Lorina's vocals are melodic and brooding, but could use a little more 'oomph'. Piercing riffage leads the charge on "Hollow Smile", a tale of how things aren't always what they seem. Lorina sets his fretboard on fire during the solo break.

On "We Are Remade" Lorina channels Layne Staley (ALICE IN CHAINS) with his vocal delivery. The bridge section is such an unexpected shift that it adds great depth to the track. An infectious riff and the snapping drums of Luis Silva give "Corpse Flower" a bluesy feel.

"Glass Heart" starts off as if you're getting a Metal banger, but makes a smooth shift to something a little more relaxed. For me, "Dead Weight" is the stand out track on the album. This emotional and heartfelt ballad is guided by soft piano chords and Lorina's most passionate vocal performance.

DARK CHAPEL go back-to-back with their ballad material. "Dark Waters" replaces the piano with acoustic guitars and multi-part vocal harmonies. Within the lyrics of "All That Remains" is where the album's title was inspired. Dario lays his emotions bare on this one. Broken hearts and pining close out the album on "Bullet In Our Chamber".

I listened to both the streaming version of this album and the vinyl version. Yes, us vinyl obsessives are going to pick the vinyl version all the time, but the warmth of the vinyl mastering suits the shadowy music more so than the 'brick wall' streaming version.

Spirit In The Glass is a strong debut for DARK CHAPEL. The album is loaded with dark rhythms, accented by the occasional heavy riff or two (or ten). There's a lot of biographical content within Dario Lorina's melancholy vocals and lyrics. At times, some of the song structures tend to mimic each other. It's obvious Lorina has some vocal chops, but he doesn't flex them as much as maybe he should.

4.0 Out Of 5.0

Related content:

2025 - Dario Lorina interview HERE
2022 - BLACK LABEL SOCIETY - Doom Crew, Inc. review HERE
2018 - BLACK LABEL SOCIETY live in Akron, OH review HERE