Once again…Faith or Fear! The New Jersey band’s rebirth
By Tim Zatzariny Jr.
The loss of bassist and founding member Clarence “C.J.” Jenkins III, who collapsed and died of a heart attack during a gig last fall, seemed to end Faith or Fear’s long-awaited comeback soon after it began.
But, after a short break to regroup followng the death of friend and bandmate Jenkins, the surviving members of the South Jersey-based thrash-metal band decided to forge ahead, playing a handful of gigs with former member Bob Perna filling in on bass.
On Saturday, Faith or Fear will play its first hometown gig in Vineland in 20 years, with new bassist Matt “Rogo” Rogozinski.
Faith or Fear will headline a five-band bill at Hangar 84.
“We’ve had a few practices, and Matt already has the entire set down,” says Bombeke. “He has been a longtime fan – there wasn’t much for him to learn.”
Rogozinki, a Seattle musician, recently moved back to New Jersey. He audtioned for Faith or Fear after getting a call from Bombeke.
Bombeke said Rogozinski showed a “complete knowledge” of the band’s material, and clicked immediately with the rest of Faith or Fear.
Rogozinski said he’s been a Faith or Fear fan since the band’s late ’80s heyday, and that Jenkins was one of his musical influences early on.
Rogozinski joins Bombeke, singer Tim Blackman and drummer Ed Schwegel in the latest version of a band that, despite its many setbacks, refuses to quit.
“I think it’s the best version of Faith or Fear yet,” Bombeke said. “Matt brings an enthusiasm and energy that seems to be rubbing off on the band. I can’t wait to get up on stage.”
In the late 1980s, Faith or Fear rose from rehearsing in a chicken coop in Vineland to signing a record deal and going on a national tour where they crossed paths with another then up-and-coming thrash band, Metallica.
But after releasing one album, “Punishment Area,” in 1989, two original members left Faith or Fear, and the band didn’t put out another record for two decades.
Last year, a re-formed Faith or Fear released “Instruments of Death,” (Lost and Found Records) a collection of 14 songs originally recorded during various points in the band’s career from 1985 to 1991.
Faith or Fear, with Anvil Bitch, Vicious Circle, Facepin and Dirge of Methusula,
will perform Saturday, March 27 at Hangar 84, 20 S. Sixth Street, Vineland. Doors open at 8 p.m. All ages/21+ to drink. Tickets are $10, and are available at the door or online at http://www.myspace.com/hangar84.
