Wilmington’s hardcore music fans have something to look forward to. Local favorite The Mistress has changed its name and its sound, stepping up its attempt at conquering the hardcore fan base of the area.

The band’s new name Cloak and Dagger reflects a change not only in their sound, but in their line-up as well. Adding new drummer Forrest Tabor, the old Mistress line-up of Zack Nobles (guitar), Logan Tabor (vocals), Brian Obernesser (guitar) and Nathan Erney (bass), remains the same. With the oldest member, Forrest Tabor, just recently turning 21, Cloak in Dagger is just beginning to realize their musical potential.

So why change the name of a popular band?

“We just wanted a change. It feels like we are coming into our own style and wanted to show that by distinguishing ourselves from what we had done before.” Nobles said.

A European Metal band also holds the name The Mistress and to avoid future complications the band felt it wise to change the name before things took off.

Nobles described the new sound as “more versatile,” rather than focusing on the basic formula of hardcore music. Cloak and Dagger is attempting to broaden their fans and their own musical understanding. Nobles called it “melodic post-hardcore,” claiming it is more “upbeat and more energetic” than the previous sound brought by The Mistress.

“The sound has a more jazz-influenced feel. The movement of the chord progressions lean more to a jazzy end rather than straight hard rock,” Nobles said.

Dueling guitars and a tight rhythm section are all any fan of rock music could ask for, and these guys certainly deliver. Their live shows speak for themselves, recalling the true meaning of rock music, complete and total debauchery.

Nobles said while the band enjoyed traditional moshing and hardcore dancing, he voiced his distaste for the more violent forms of slam-dancing.

“I know that if I were at a show I would rather be able to be close and watch the band and not have to worry about someone coming across the crowd and kicking me in the face. It doesn’t seem to make sense,” he said.

The Mistress, with its soaring vocals smoothly delivered by the younger Tabor, and the driving skill of both guitarists, sounded somewhere on the outskirts of At the Drive In crossed with My Chemical Romance on steroids. The new works by Cloak and Dagger could only improve on an already rocking sound. Check out Cloak and Dagger’s new direction by going to www.myspace.com/cloakanddaggerband