Reviving the Past: Dario Lorina’s Journey with Dark Chapel and His Father’s Vintage Les Paul
In recent years, while Zakk Wylde has immersed himself in projects with Pantera and his own gear brand, Wylde Audio, his Black Label Society bandmate Dario Lorina has been crafting a new musical venture called Dark Chapel. Their debut album, Spirit in the Glass, launched last month, with Lorina’s father’s cherished vintage Les Paul serving as the cornerstone of the project.
This revelation may come as a surprise, given that Lorina has frequently enough wielded his bandleader’s EMG-equipped guitars in both Black Label Society and Dark Chapel’s music videos, including the striking blood River Burl Goregehn featured in “Glass Heart.”
However, this particular electric guitar holds a unique importance for Lorina, who describes the moment he first laid eyes on it as transformative. “When it emerged from beneath the bed, it felt as if the universe was unveiling itself,” he shared with Guitar World.
“It was tucked away under my dad’s bed during my childhood as I was learning too play,” he reminisces. Playfully, he notes that it took years before he was permitted to touch it, spending his early days practicing on a Samick Stratocaster replica rather.
Exploring New soundscapes
Dark Chapel’s inaugural album features a variety of psychedelic soundscapes,incorporating effects like the Dunlop Rotovibe,Eddie Van Halen’s preferred phaser,the MXR Phase 90,and an EBow. Yet, when it comes to his guitar and amplifier setup, Lorina opts for a more straightforward approach, embracing a classic vibe.
The sonic landscape of Spirit in the Glass is heavily influenced by that legendary Les Paul, driven by a yellow Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive, paired with a vintage Marshall JCM800 tube amplifier and a Peavey 5150 4×12 cabinet.
“I prefer to keep my setup as uncomplicated as possible,” he explains. “An overdrive pedal plugged directly into the amp—that’s the sound I crave.”
With this classic metal guitar setup,the album traverses genres,blending elements of grunge,sludgy blues,and driving metal,all while allowing Lorina to carve out his own identity beyond the considerable influence of his BLS counterpart.
Insights from Zakk Wylde
Meanwhile, Zakk Wylde has shared intriguing anecdotes about the peculiar gear rules imposed by Ozzy Osbourne, including restrictions on certain pedals and pickup configurations. He has also reflected on how the legendary works of Randy Rhoads and Jake E. Lee shaped the first riff he composed for the prince of Darkness, addressing those puzzled by his unconventional picking style.
As Wylde prepares for a double performance at Black Sabbath’s farewell concert, he will share the stage with Pantera and an array of other iconic acts, contributing to a star-studded lineup.
Tom Morello has taken on the responsibility of organizing this monumental event, aiming to etch it into the annals of heavy metal history.
“This is important on many levels for someone who has long admired Ozzy’s records,” he shared with Guitar Player. “We’re honoring black Sabbath, but it’s also ozzy Osbourne’s final performance. In many ways, it serves as a tribute to the legendary Randy Rhoads, whose poster adorned my wall during my eight-hour practice sessions.”
