DIRTFEST – DIRT/INK/KINGS AND LIARS/WDWS/ZACK E – BLEACHERS

By Donna Marie Eriquezzo

On November 18th, Bleachers in Bristol, Ct. held an amazing night of music. It was a benefit for Autism and featured headliners Dirt with Ink, Kings And Liars, We Dance With Shadows and Zack Eriquezzo on guitar for support.

First on the stage was Zack Eriquezzo shredding on guitar to the Dirt song, “Pretty Death Trap”. I was blown away by his sound and tone, Zachary owns the stage when he plays guitar and will be an asset to any band. Zack is from Danbury, Ct.

Next on the stage was We Dance With Shadows hailing from the New Haven, and Thomaston, CT areas. They play mostly 90s rock and alternative covers as well as their originals that lean more towards the 90s rock and ska genres. The members are Dylan Trisko (Guitar/Vocals), Caleb Thermer (Drums), Garrett Boisvert (Percussions) and Jordan Trent (Bass). This was my first time seeing these guys and I was impressed with their clean, tight sound.

Photos Jody Wilk Photography

WSWS was followed by one of my favorite Ct bands, Kings And Liars. In the realm of heavy metal music, where raw power meets melodic precision, few bands can match the intense stage presence and mind-blowing performances of Kings and Liars. I love the energy and vibe of this killer three piece band. This group explores their brutally heavy tones while their seamless cohesion as a group and their captivating live experience delivers rapture to their fans.

Kings And Liars have mastered the art of blending heavy and melodic elements in their music. Their unique sound resonates with fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere at their live shows. With thunderous basslines, blistering guitar riffs, and explosive drumming, the band’s music hits listeners with an irresistible force. Yet, amidst this intensity, their melodies soar, carrying an emotional weight that captivates and enthralls.

Kings And Liars have achieved a perfect balance, crafting a sonic experience that is both aggressive and harmonically rich. The band’s strength is a testament to their mastery of heavy metal. Each member contributes to the raw power that defines Kings And Liars. The band is comprised of Charlie Bellmore, Nick Bellmore and Chris Beaudette. They are signed to Salt Of The Earth Records.

Photos Jody Wilk Photography

What a lineup! Next on was another favorite band of mine from Ct., INK. In the music world, there are bands that possess a unique ability to blend different genres and create a sound that is truly extraordinary. INK is one such band that seamlessly merges the rhythmic beat and groove of rock with the unbridled power and heaviness of metal. INK stands as a testament to the beauty of musical fusion. By combining the beat and beauty of rock with the unyielding power of metal, they have created a sound that is both captivating and invigorating.

Their music also reverberates with their fans. It draws them into a world where headbanging meets foot-tapping. The band’s ability to seamlessly transition between catchy rock melodies and crushing metal riffs is a confirmation to their versatility as musicians. INK brings a fresh and unique perspective to the stage, offering a sound that is both familiar yet refreshingly innovative. When it comes to live performances, INK knows how to leave a lasting impression.

Their stage presence is undeniably captivating, drawing the audience into a magnetic energy field that permeates the entire venue. From the moment they step on stage, the band exudes a contagious enthusiasm that infects the crowd, igniting a collective intensity that pulses throughout the audience. INK’s ability to engage and connect with their fans is unparalleled, creating an immersive experience where the boundary between performer and spectator dissolves. INK is Steven Gonza (Vocals/Guitar), Sal Gonza (Drums) and Rich Massella (Bass).

Setlist:
ZillaGod
Wicked
Sinister
Pain
Angel
Mary
Breathe
Been There

Last on the stage is my favorite band Dirt and as always they didn’t disappoint. Dirt is a band that consistently delivers awe-inspiring performances, leaving fans with unforgettable memories and the urge to headbang and sing along to their music. It is actually amazing the amount of sheer power they exude as a musical powerhouse. The band is synonymous with delivering live shows that are nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment they step onto the stage, their presence is commanding, captivating the audience’s attention.

Their vitality is infectious, spreading like wildfire through the crowd. They enforce an atmosphere that is charged with excitement. Dirt‘s ability to engage and connect with their fans on a deep level is proof of their dedication and passion to their musicianship. Each show becomes an unforgettable exploit, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of all in attendance. Dirt has mastered the art of creating unforgettable memories through their audacious pageantry.

Every show becomes a collective experience, where fans and band merge together in a symbiotic celebration of heavy metal. The band’s ability to conjoin with their audience on an emotional level ensures that each performance is etched into the memories of those who witness it. Whether it’s the communal headbanging, the shared screams of lyrics, or the powerful moments of unity, Dirt cultivates an environment where fans become part of something greater than themselves. Their performances become a catalyst for forging friendships, creating lifelong bonds, and leaving a lasting imprint in the hearts of their devoted followers.

Setlist:
VULTURES
EMPIRE OF SAND
STORM BEFORE THE CALM
BLACK DAWN
LANDSLIDE
GASOLINE SOUL
PARALYZED
MY OWN CURSE
SWITCHBLADE RENEGADE
DEAD OR ALIVE
WASTE THE WINE

Be sure to check out the new video by DIRT that came out on Halloween with their song “Dead or Alive”, featuring Zack Eriquezzo. These guys already have serious radio play. if you haven’t heard them be sure to check them out! DIRT is Chalice Blood (Vocals), Ralph Guzzi (Guitar), Fred Bemis (Bass), Paul Bourdeau (Drums) and Scott W Kadish (Guitar).

Now about the Autism fundraiser. What a smashing success. We had so many fabulous raffle baskets including a Jackson guitar from Dirt, a guitar lesson with Steve from INK and a Coor’s guitar courtesy of Bleachers Bar. Gift baskets drawings were called out between bands and when Dirt finished performing.

I’d like to thank April Wilk and Donna Fuller for all their help with the raffle as well as Jody Wilk for photographing this fabulous event. We raised money (over $1000) for a local Autism agency called Clifford Beers Community Care Center and Dirt will be giving them a check after December 12 where the band will meet with the agency in person. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this event. Again it was a smashing success!!!

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