Trevor Peres, Joe Cincotta, and Sean Bell Unite to Launch “Dark Forces Live” — A New Era for Metal Livestreams

In an era when live concerts have become increasingly difficult to host due to global challenges and changing industry landscapes, three visionaries from the world of heavy music — Trevor Peres, guitarist for death metal pioneers Obituary; Joe Cincotta, founder of Full Force Studio; and Sean Bell of Forever Dark — have joined forces to create a revolutionary livestream concert platform: Dark Forces Live.

Conceived as a direct response to the growing need for high-quality, immersive concert experiences during times when touring and in-person events were restricted, Dark Forces Live aims to preserve the visceral energy and raw intensity of live metal performances — bringing them straight into fans’ homes around the globe.

A Collaboration Forged in Metal and Innovation

The partnership behind Dark Forces Live represents the convergence of three deeply respected names in the heavy music scene. Trevor Peres, known for his signature crushing guitar tone and decades-long influence as a founding member of Obituary, brings the artistic vision and live performance experience of a veteran musician. Joe Cincotta, the sound engineer and producer behind Full Force Studio, adds technical mastery and decades of experience in capturing the brutal precision and atmosphere of metal bands in the studio and on stage. Sean Bell, the creative force behind Forever Dark, contributes visual direction, production expertise, and a deep understanding of the importance of presentation and fan engagement in the modern era.

Together, they envisioned Dark Forces Live not merely as a streaming service, but as a complete concert experience — one that merges studio-quality sound, cinematic visuals, and interactive fan access. The goal was to create something that transcends the limitations of virtual performances, delivering the power, sweat, and soul of live music without compromise.

The Inaugural Event: Internal Bleeding’s 30th Anniversary

Dark Forces Live made its debut in unforgettable fashion on January 2, 2021, with a special livestream event featuring Internal Bleeding, one of the foundational bands of New York death metal and a pioneering force behind the “slam” subgenre. The concert marked the band’s 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of unrelenting heaviness, musical innovation, and loyalty to the underground metal scene.

Broadcast live from Designatronix Industries in Ronkonkoma, New York, the event delivered a stunning blend of raw performance energy and cutting-edge production. Fans from across the world tuned in to experience the brutality and nostalgia of Internal Bleeding’s milestone performance — enhanced by Dark Forces Live’s meticulous sound engineering and multi-camera visual setup.

The concert not only paid tribute to Internal Bleeding’s enduring legacy but also set a new benchmark for what virtual metal shows could achieve. Every crushing riff, guttural growl, and crowd-interactive moment was captured with precision and intensity, giving fans an experience that felt as close to the real thing as possible — all from the safety and comfort of their homes.

Redefining the Future of Live Metal

For Peres, Cincotta, and Bell, Dark Forces Live represents more than a temporary solution — it’s a forward-thinking evolution of the live music experience. As the music industry continues to adapt to changing times, platforms like Dark Forces Live provide artists with new opportunities to connect with audiences, showcase their craft, and sustain their creative output in innovative ways.

In interviews surrounding the launch, the founders emphasized that their mission was to empower artists — particularly those in the metal and underground scenes — by giving them access to high-quality broadcast tools and a professional platform without the prohibitive costs often associated with traditional production companies. Dark Forces Live, they explained, was built by musicians, for musicians, with a deep respect for authenticity and the underground ethos that defines the genre.

A New Chapter for Fans and Artists Alike

The overwhelmingly positive response to the debut stream demonstrated the hunger among fans for authentic, high-quality live music experiences, even when physical venues are out of reach. Many attendees described the event as “the closest thing to being in the pit,” praising both the technical execution and the passion that radiated through the screen.

Looking ahead, Dark Forces Live aims to expand its roster of performances, working with bands across the spectrum of metal and extreme music. Future plans include interactive fan experiences, behind-the-scenes features, and limited-edition merchandise drops tied to specific events — all designed to strengthen the connection between artists and their global audience.

Preserving the Spirit of Live Metal in a Digital World

In many ways, Dark Forces Live stands as both a tribute and an evolution of the live metal experience. It honors the community-driven spirit of underground music — where passion, creativity, and resilience are paramount — while embracing the tools and technology that define the modern age.

Through the leadership and shared vision of Trevor Peres, Joe Cincotta, and Sean Bell, Dark Forces Live has emerged as a beacon for heavy music in uncertain times, ensuring that even when the lights of concert halls dim, the sound of metal continues to roar — raw, loud, and unrelenting.

As the echoes of Internal Bleeding’s anniversary performance fade, one thing remains clear: this is only the beginning. Dark Forces Live is not just keeping live metal alive — it’s reshaping its future, one crushing performance at a time.