Album Review: Dario Lorina’s New Band Dark Chapel Deliver a Hard Rock Masterpiece!

**Left to right: Luis Silva (Drums), Brody DeRozie (Guitar), Dario Lorina (Guitar/Vocals), Mike Gunn (Bass)**

Dario Lorina is no stranger to the hard rock music scene—or the road. Having played alongside the late Jani Lane of Warrant fame and shredding with Zakk Wylde in Black Label Society over the past 10 years, Lorina has already built a reputation as a guitar powerhouse. But with his new band, Dark Chapel, Lorina steps into a new spotlight with the offering of Spirit in the Glass, and the result is nothing short of explosive.

Lorina’s new band, Dark Chapel, doesn’t just drop an album—they detonate it. Spirit in the Glass’ opening track, “Afterglow”, comes out swinging with hard-hitting aggressive guitar riffs, undeniable drumming with a foundation of equally aggressive bass. From the fade in of that first chord, it’s clear: this is pure, unapologetic hard rock, no gimmicks, no filler—just raw, gutsy energy. Strap in!

Lorina leads the charge with scorching guitar work and gritty, commanding vocals. NO screeching- no fancy scales, just straight to the point and well delivered. Brody DeRozie comes in for the assist on second guitar, reinforcing that airtight layered guitar goodness, while Mike Gunn’s bass buros the low end on the bottom, giving every track that floor thumping buzz. Luis Silva—bringing up the backline-his drumming is an absolute force, driving the album’s pace with precision, peppered with some tasty, strategically placed fills.

“Dead Weight” slows it down a bit with a haunting piano ballad, guided by Lorina’s bluesy, raspy vocals. It’s raw, emotional, and proof that this band can hit just as hard with feeling as they do with smoking frets. This is one of those tracks I can listen to several times just to take in. “Dark Waters” strips things back yet again, offering an acoustic guitar based, soul-stirring moment that showcases the band’s lyrical depth, bringing an enhanced dynamic to Spirit in the Glass.

“Gravestoned Humanity” re-injects the charge with a pulse-riding groove, packed with Silva’s crafty drum fills and perfectly timed tempo shifts.

Then there’s “Bullet in Our Chamber”, the perfect closer. It eases off the throttle with a slowed-down, amp-powered groove, yet this track still has that delightful punch. The melodic hook is infectious, and the smooth, well-placed harmonies give the tune yet another added layer. It brings the album home with an eased yet punctuated ending.

With grin- inducing riffs, raspy, signature vocal style, and a perfect blend of aggression, soul, and a touch of grunge, Dark Chapel’s Spirit in the Glass is more than just a debut—it’s an announcement. Lorina’s new band is here to shake up the hard rock scene, kick ass, and Spirit in the Glass is an absolute must-listen. Dark Chapel cuts out the fat. NO added special studio effects. What you “see” is what you get. If you want real, unfiltered rock (I know I do!), Dark Chapel’s Spirit in the Glass delivers in spades. So, get your hands on this album however you acquire music. Crank it up and take it in!

I’m Music Magazine Write Dave Tesh