Dark Chapel-Council Bluffs-10.26.26

Dark Chapel at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs, Iowa on October 26, 2026.

Photos and Review by The Pit Magazine Contributor, Bob DeHart Photography

Even with the danger of rain, the Stir Cove was packed with fans waiting to see Zakk Wylde with his two bands Zakk Sabbath and Black Label Society. But first up, was Dark Chapel. Which is a perfect fit as the opener because it keeps it all in the family. Dark Chapel is led by guitarist/vocalist Dario Lorina, who is also a guitarist for the Black Label Society. Dark Chapel plays heavy metal with some bluesy grooves and some nice melodic twists.

Dark Chapel were a pleasant surprise for me the last time I covered Zakk Sabbath. I was not sure what to expect but they killed at the opening act. As they did this time too. Dario has a great rock and roll voice and with a blues infused tone that completes the package. The rest of the band is made up of Dylan Dyce on guitar, Jeremiah Walker on drums, and Mike Leon on bass. These guys play with a lot of energy and passion. It’s fun to watch and the songs are great too. Dark Chapel is still relatively a new band. With one full album released in 2025, Spirit in the Glass. They have released a single this year. Burns the Flame.

A cool surprise during the Dark Chapel set was a Bill Withers cover of Ain’t No Sunshine. The crowd ate that one up. The new single closed the six song set. It was a quick but awesome set for Dark Chapel. This is a band I would keep my eyes on. They seem to be getting bigger as time goes on and from what I can see, the crowds are digging the songs they are playing.

It helps that they have a strong connection with Mr. Wylde, but make no mistake, these guys can definitely stand on their own. I encourage you to check out their music and if possible, get out and see them on tour. They are definitely worth the effort to see.