By Christopher Crone
March 29th at Vinnie’s Bar & Grill felt less like a show and more like a reunion for NorCal Metal Faithful. This one had everything, a killer lineup, packed room, and that electric buzz you only get when you know something special is about to go down.
Big shoutout to Christine Lommori for putting this one together, another stacked night done right. And while it wasn’t the same without Greg Clecak in the room, we’re all wishing him a fast recovery and hoping to see him back in the mix soon. Oh, and this one doubled as a birthday throwdown for Harold Oimoen. Nothing says celebration like ringing ears and a circle pit.
Knight & Gallow
Got there early enough to catch Knight & Gallow during their set and that was the right call. These guys don’t ease you in, they drop you straight into a steel-forged fantasy world. From the pit, you could feel the crowd lock in quick heads nodding, horns up. Nick Chambers had that commanding presence, hitting those high notes clean while keeping it gritty. The dual guitars carried that classic, galloping energy that just feels right live. Solid opener that got the room warmed up fast.
Hellbender
Somewhere between swapping lenses and bracing for impact, Hellbender hit the stage and just like that, the pit came alive. This set was loud, raw, and unapologetic. You could feel the floor move, and yeah… definitely took a shoulder check or two while trying to steady a shot, occupational hazard. Worth it. Dollar Bill kept it stripped down and aggressive, and the band locked into those heavy grooves that make it impossible to stand still. This is the kind of band you feel as much as you hear.
Parabellum
Parabellum came out swinging and didn’t let up. I’ve shot these guys before, and every time they step on stage, they level up. This quartet has rapidly emerged as a beacon of the genre’s revival, and their set at Vinnie’s was a “Testament” to that explosive momentum, with a big milestone right around the corner as they’re set to open for Bay Area thrash legends Testament on April 10 at the Berkeley Theater.
From the photo pit, it was non-stop motion, tight riffs, sharp transitions, and a band that knows exactly how to command a room. Emre Aube brought the intensity front and center, while Davy Galileo’s leads cut through clean and precise. The rhythm section was locked in like a machine.
And when they launched into And Then There Were None by Exodus? That was the moment. The crowd surged, the energy spiked, and for a minute, it felt like past and present collided in the best way possible. Not just a cover, a statement.
Phantom Witch
Closing the night, Phantom Witch hit the stage with something to prove and delivered. There’s been talk for a while, especially from Steve Souza, about this band being “the future of Bay Area thrash,” and after seeing this set, that future feels a lot more present.
This was my second time catching them with Joshua Clark on vocals, and the difference is already night and day. He’s not just filling the role, he’s expanding it. There’s more control, more range, and confidence that’s starting to reshape the band’s identity in real time. Hearing how he handled older material compared to the newer edge in their set showed just how much ground they’re covering.
From where I was shooting, you could see the band feeding off each other, tight, focused, and clearly locked in. The guitars had bite, the rhythm section held it all together, and the whole set felt elevated.
Final Take:
This wasn’t just another night out, it was one of those shows that reminds you why you keep coming back. Great bands, real energy, and a crowd that showed up ready to be part of it.
Between the birthday chaos, the stacked lineup, and that unmistakable NorCal vibe, this one hit all the right notes. If this is any sign of what’s coming next for these bands and this scene, we’re in for a loud, heavy ride ahead.
Categories: Concert Photography, Hellbender, Knight & Gallow, Phantom Witch
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