Silvertomb – Blak29 – Darrow Chemical – Jason Colombini: Live At Dingbatz


The holidays are always a time for family and togetherness, but it’s also a time of intense struggle for those less fortunate. Four years in a row Steve Zing (Danzig, Samhain) has put on a charity show, rallying his famous friends in other bands and talented locals to put on a great show, raise some money for a good cause and to play some rock and metal. Not surprisingly, venerable club Dingbatz was packed to the gills, and people we generally out to have a good time.

As the bar filled up young Jason Colombini took the stage. Even at a young age and playing set of covers, his delivery and talent were really impressive. He played a lot of classic grunge and metal songs unplugged and a lot of people were blown away by his voice. He played a few sets on the night and then appeared on stage again later in the night. We’re going to be checking up on you Jason!

Darrow Chemical was up next. The floor had really filled in for them and seemed to be some of their own crowd there to see them. The sound for some reason was really rough, but the band showed some professionalism by plowing through, especially the singer. The band wasn’t anything extra special, but they were entertaining at least, and got the crowd moving.

Silvertomb were the headliners tonight, even though they played next to last. A quasi-super group made up of members of Type O Negative, Agnostic Front, Inhuman and more. Picking up where Kenny Hickey left of with Seventh Void, the band is a straight up doom and classic metal band, with a little bit of psychedelia. The Ghost Cult crew were lucky to spend some time with them before the show for an interview, and you could tell just from hanging out, they had a special chemistry. When they took the stage and started to play, right off the bat they were super heavy sounding, with some great guitar parts. Kenny sounded great vocally, kind of like a cross between Ozzy and Lee Dorrian of Cathedral. Considering it was only their second show, and Johnny Kelly flew in the day of the show they sounded tight and together. Johnny’s custom drum set also was part of the back line, with its distinctive Super Bee classic car bass drum head. The stand out track was called ‘Sacrifice’ and was dedicated to the “Green Man” himself, Peter Steele. With three guitarists and a keyboard player, this band has a lot of possibilities and potential. I was blown away and I can’t wait for them to put out some new music. They might even do a Type O cover, someday, so if you have a chance to go see them, do so!

Blak29 came on last. Despite a last-minute band member dropping out due to illness, the band wasn’t going to let the fans down. Playing a few originals, by mostly covers, they were exciting and heavy. Steve, who is known as a singer, guitarist, and bassist, but has always fronted his own projects too, sounded great on lead vocals. The entire band was good and they had a lot of fun up there. After the band played their last song, the DJ put on Danzig’s ‘Twist of Cain’ and ‘Mother’ and the crowd cajoled Steve to sing along with the tracks in a really funny impromptu moment. I was a great end to a good time.

WORDS BY KEITH CHACHKES

PHOTOS BY OMAR CORDY