When I unboxed Dark Chapel’s Spirit in the Glass LP, the striking artwork gave me pause. Its intense, brooding aesthetic screamed heavy metal, and I wondered if this record would be too much for my tastes. Spoiler alert: I was wrong. This album is a gem, proving you should never judge a record by its cover. The artwork, while bold, perfectly complements the band’s sound—a blend of raw power and surprising beauty.
Led by Dario Lorina, the virtuoso guitarist of Black Label Society, Dark Chapel delivers a debut that’s as polished as it is heavy. Lorina, who also produced the album, showcases his knack for balancing melody and muscle. From the opening track, “Afterglow,” the record hits like a freight train. Its aggressive riffs and driving rhythm grab you immediately, but what sets it apart is the vocals. They’re soaring, melodic, and unexpectedly emotive, cutting through the heaviness with clarity and grace.
The first side of Spirit in the Glass is a relentless onslaught of straightforward rock anthems. Tracks like “Corpse Flower” stand out for their clever phrasing and impactful storytelling. The song’s title might sound jarring to someone raised on 70s AM radio, but its concise, evocative lyrics draw you into its narrative. The production shines here, with crystal-clear instrumentation that avoids the muddy distortion often found in heavier genres. Every guitar riff and vocal hook is sharp, ensuring the melodies shine without sacrificing intensity.
Flipping to side two, I braced for more of the same, but Dark Chapel surprises again. The opener, “Dead Weight,” is a haunting ballad that shifts the album’s tone. It flows seamlessly into “Dark Waters,” another slower, introspective track. This second half feels almost like a different band, yet it fits perfectly, giving the album a cohesive, almost conceptual feel. My standout track, “Grave Stoned Humanity,” is an absolute earworm. Its melody lingers long after the needle lifts, blending melancholy and power in a way that’s hard to shake.
As a photographer who’s captured countless metal festivals, I’ve seen bands come and go, many fading from memory. Dark Chapel, however, leaves a lasting impression. Their sound echoes the gritty melodicism of Alice in Chains (minus the grunge) and the soulful phrasing of Richie Kotzen. The guitar solos are a highlight—enthusiastic yet tasteful, they enhance the songs rather than overpower them. If I had to describe Spirit in the Glass in a single comparison, I’d call it a heavier, more ferocious Cheap Trick, blending catchy hooks with unrelenting energy.
Spirit in the Glass is a must-listen for metal fans, especially those who crave powerful vocals and solos that serve the song. I’m already looking forward to catching Dark Chapel live when Lorina isn’t on the road with Black Label Society. This album is a bold debut that delivers both heft and heart—don’t sleep on it.
