Dogma in Tampa, Florida Shows with Photos!
On the evening of November 4th, the Orpheum nightclub in Tampa was ablaze with the sights and sounds of an up-and-coming band known as DOGMA. This particular show marked the third stop on their US tour, which had experienced a hiccup due to some changes in the band’s lineup. Questions swirled around whether these departures were voluntary or orchestrated by management, hinting at underlying tensions within the group.
Former band members expressed their concern that DOGMA had shifted from being a musical entity to a mere brand, highlighting a clash between artistic integrity and commercial interests. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the band’s internal dynamics, the show went on, much to the delight of the eager audience at the Orpheum.
Opening the night was FRAYLE, a four-piece outfit hailing from Cleveland. Led by vocalist Gwyn Strang and guitarist Sean Bilovecky, FRAYLE’s music drew inspiration from a range of influences, blending elements of doom-sludge metal with ethereal undertones. However, technical issues marred their performance, with drummer Jon Vinson’s unique setup detracting from the band’s overall sound quality.
Despite these obstacles, FRAYLE delivered a nine-song set that featured crowd-pleasers like “Boo” and a haunting rendition of Lana Del Ray’s “Summertime Sadness.” While their music resonated with certain fans, others found their sound reminiscent of bands like In This Moment and Deftones, lacking the diversity they sought in a live performance.
Following a brief intermission, DOGMA seized the stage with an electrifying presence that captivated the audience. Clad in nuns’ habits and adorned with masks, the band members, known by their stage personas like Lilith and Lamia, weaved a tapestry of melodic rock and heavy metal punctuated by theatrical visuals. Their setlist, mainly comprising tracks from their debut album, traversed themes of forbidden desires and spiritual liberation, culminating in a resounding crescendo with songs like “Feel the Zeal” and “My First Peak.”
Despite occasional missteps, particularly in Lilith’s stage presence, DOGMA’s performance left a lasting impression on the audience. Their camaraderie and shared passion for their music shone through, evident in the intricate guitar solos and pulsating rhythms that underscored songs like “Made Her Mine” and “Pleasure and Pain.” The chemistry between band members was palpable, engendering a sense of unity and purpose that resonated throughout the venue.
As the night drew to a close, chants of “DOGMA” reverberated through the crowd, a testament to the band’s magnetic stage presence and musical prowess. With a poignant encore featuring tracks like “Father I Have Sinned” and “The Dark Messiah,” DOGMA bid farewell to the Orpheum, leaving behind an atmosphere of fervor and anticipation. Amidst the laughter and applause that followed, a brief moment of levity encapsulated the essence of the evening, a blend of solemnity and unabashed revelry that defined the ritualistic experience at the heart of DOGMA’s performance.