Dark Chapel Spirit in the Glass Review by Gary Hill Guitarist Dario Lorina is probably best known as the “second guitarist” in Black Label Society. He’s also been in Lizzy Borden. This is his project. I’m not sure it fits tightly under metal. In fact, I’m sure it doesn’t. However, it’s close enough that his presence nudges it into the basket for me. There is really quite a range of sound here, and everything works well. Some just works better than others.
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Track by Track Review
Afterglow This drives out with ferocious metal fury right out of the gate. The vocals have a real stoner metal sound to them. This has some particularly tasty guitar fills and soloing.
Hollow Smile
There is almost a Soundgarden sound to this. That’s merge with intense metal and other sounds. This is another driving powerhouse.
We Are Remade
That Soundgarden thing is definitely in play on this track. This really sounds like it fits well with that kind of music. There is a wonderfully creepy piano dominated instrumental section at the end that is one of the coolest things on the whole album.
Corpse Flower
Classy riffing and some grunge metal jamming drives this stomper. This has some great twists and turns. It’s meaty and one of the highlights of the set. There is some shredding guitar work here, too.
Glass Heart
This drives in as intense metal. It drops down to more of a bluesy, classy mainstream rock vibe for the entrance of the vocals. While this does get more metal in the mix later, it’s more melodic rock. It makes me think of what you might get if you merged Soundgarden with King’s X.
Dead Weight
Here we get a soulful piano and vocal tune. It’s a nice bit of variety and an intriguing song.
Dark Waters
A guitar and vocal based balladic type number, this is another that makes me think of King’s X.
All That Remains
This rocker has plenty of blues rock in the mix. It has a real classic sound in that regard, making me think of bands ranging from Deep Purple to Bad Company. That said, this has more of a metallic edge in place. It also has some of those King’s X like sounds.
Gravestoned Humanity
This meaty hard rocker also has some of that King’s X thing at play. It is built on both metal and alternative rock, and it is a real stomper.
Bullet in Our Chamber
There is plenty of melodic blues rock in the foundation of this track. I’m not sure I’d call this metal, but it is an intriguing and unique cut. There is some positively inspired guitar work on this thing.
