By Eddie Jorgensen

When live music finally opened up for post-pandemic, full capacity glory at venues in and around Sacramento, perhaps one of the greatest success stories was happening just outside the Downtown grid: Under the guidance of musician/soundman/bartender/booking agent Chris Lemos, the Cafe Colonial came back strong with a steady stream of metal, punk, alternative and everything in between.

Local group Esther Black, a metal-tinged industrial trio who’ve been causing a nice buzz, will add to that comeback this Friday.

The band is led by vocalist Erie Loch, whose resume includes studio work and video production for such disparate national acts as Ministry, Faith No More, Melvins, Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, KMFDM, Prong, Lords of Acid, Front Line Assembly, and Rob Zombie.

The formidable group is rounded-out by bassist and vocalist Crash and guitarist and vocalist The Goht. They’re currently signed to Pittsburgh-based indie label, Distortion Productions, which released their “Dark Ways” full-length album back in April 2018. Sacramento music fans can check out those songs at Esther Black’s Bandcamp page at https://estherblack.bandcamp.com for a listen.

The group’s new platter, “Amongst the Monsters, Whores and Freaks,” is scheduled for a tentative July 17th release. Erie Loch boasts that “it’s a dark concept album comparing the entertainment industry to the circus.”

The band’s upcoming performance also includes Malcom Bliss and Ghosts Of Callisto on the bill. Tickets can be purchased at the door only for $15. Cafe Colonial is located at 3520 Stockton Blvd. All ages are welcome.