It has been a while since we have seen bands mesh the way that Long Island rockers Black Dawn has. The “family like” connection of the band created is a testament to their 18-year commitment. Starting in 1996, Black Dawn jammed in the studio and played to many fans. The group was the “brainchild” of Tom Kelly and ex-bassist Rob Tinari, who thought of the idea as merely a musical hobby — but that soon changed. Black Dawn became a powerhouse in the nightclub rock circuit.
Their steadfast attitude earned them to be chosen as semi-finalists in the Long Island Music Festival in 1997. In the same year, they had the honor of performing at Manhattan’s famous CBGB. It was there Black Dawn recorded a second EP, entitled “Live At CBGB’s” which was released in 1998.
Tom Kelly explained:
“It was absolutely thrilling for all of us to perform on that stage, given the history of that venue [CBGB]. A lot of our fans were excited to find out we were booked there. The venue was packed with many people we did not bring and the sound system in that place kicked ass! These are all the reasons we released “Live at CBGB’s”. We had a lot of fun the few times we played there.”
Singer /songwriter Matt Kotten has given the band an innovative style, setting it apart apart from other metal bands. Most would assume metal bands are all about angry lyrics, thrashing and very little positive element. BD is another “animal” Matt brings forth: Thought-driven lyrics that focus on emotion and much less on anger issues. Black Dawn’s music serves as an example of the bond between the members.
Each member possesses a special gift that adds to their recipe for hits: Matt offers the spices with his lyrics, Enzo the heavy beats to set the tone, Tom makes sure all is operational and the last member James does his best to keep it all in order. The band works like a well-oiled machine, which has caused panic within the “metal arena”.
So far the band has released a few albums:
“Black Dawn” (1996), “Live at CBGB’s”
(1998), “Absence Of Time” (1999)
“Age Of Reason” (2004)
Their newest EP “Until We Meet” is now available on iTunes.
“We have been working on the finishing touches of the album package; first printed copies next month, then ull internet distribution later in the fall. (The single has already had plenty of streams and free downloads at Reverbnation) There is a music video for “Upon Your Lips” in progress. It should also be out in Fall.”
As Black Dawn began “planting their own flags”, they gained opportunities to open up for some heavyweights such as Kings X, Daisy Berkowitz, LA Guns, and Biohazard. In the very near future they will be opening up for ex-Misfits vocalist Michale Graves on Saturday, September 27th at Blackthorn 51 in Elmhurst, NY.
“With any luck, we will have the printed copies of “Until We Meet” ready by then. In any case, we are expecting this to be a very energetic performance.” In the case of the new release fans can preview it on iTunes or Dropbox.
Their new cuts are strong and edgy, with a force that tears at the heart with each pounding beat. Tracks like “Pray For Me” is begging for solace while you brace for the next guitar riff or the hypnotic voice of Matt Kotten. As you proceed through the track list, yo stumple upon another gem, “Open The Gates”, which brings you back to the days of the true Metal of Ozzy and Ronnie James Dio. The cutting edge guitar is reminiscent of Randy Rhodes or even Kirk Hammet.
For any future opportunities that might come their way, Black Dawn is more than ready to take advantage of it all in a positive light. BD has become a force to be reckoned with on the metal scene and are due to plant many more flags, perhaps till the dawn of time.
