ZADOC...AND THE NIGHTMARE lives up to their name with a captivating mix of spooky songs and a strong onstage image to match. Starting off back in Autumn of 1992, founding member, vocalist, and lead guitarist ZADOC went through numerous lineups and several sonic changes before finding the right musicians to complete the project. Joined by longtime fan, friend, and 'right hand man' AZRIEL MORDECAI the pair hooked up with drummer CARMEN GIOCONDO to cement the core of the band in the summer of 2003. While successfully performing as a three piece, the band was still actively searching for the missing ingredient to their sound until they found newcomer keyboardist S3T. Cycling through numerous guitar players throughout the years, and trying to find one that complimented ZADOC's blues-rock influenced tone, the band finally brought on board legendary Syracuse axe-man Dale Ellsworth (of 200 Proof, Morrison Hotel fame) and "rechristened" him DÄL
Making their debut as a quartet in the spring of 2005, the band had finally began to branch forwards with the commencement of their first studio recording together, filming music videos (for UVTV and The Pulse of Northern New York ), and released their first album "TRAGICALLY EVER AFTER" in 2007, the music from which has featured on regional radio stations and shows such as Soundcheck (on TK99); Last Exit for the Lost (on Ithaca's WVBR 93.5 FM); and even made an appearance on Ashton Kutcher's short-lived reality show "Pop Fiction" on the E! Entertainment Network.
The band has been performing regionally for the past decade at countless venues as far West as Rochester and Buffalo and as far East as Albany as well as consistently playing many successive dates in their hometown of Syracuse and the surrounding Central New York area - including Utica, Rome, Watertown, Fulton, Phoenix, and Liverpool. Recently the band has begun to branch out to neighboring states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey as well as their home state of New York.
Defying the 'modern rock' trends that have come and gone, the band produces a sound that is rooted in the classic big guitar sounds of classic acts such as Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, Guns N' Roses, and Iron Maiden while merging along with the more eclectic sounds of Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, Christian Death, and David Bowie. The band excels at their ability to merge these styles into their own unique vibe with a rock solid groove that continually impresses fans, club owners, and other bands with their ability to pump out tight performances time and again. The band is unique in its ability to connect to all types of audiences due to their vast influences of hard rock, goth rock, and heavy metal.
The Nightmare also convey their creepy rock image into their performances, proving that rock and roll is still as much of a visual treat as it is to the ears. Donned in some outrageous larger than life apparel including Scottish war kilts, face paint, cowboy hats, platform boots, and even customized spiked overalls, the band looks every bit as macabre as the sounds the emit from their instruments and always put on a high energy performance regardless of how big or small their audience may be.
Above all else, the band vigorously defends the right for rock n' roll shows to be fun again for their fans, new and old, and also for themselves.
