Downtime: Local Punk Band Bat Thorn set to shake South Park Tavern on March 28

Dayton’s underground music scene continues to thrive, and one of its rising acts, Bat Thorn, is gearing up for another high-energy performance later this month. The band will take the stage at South Park Tavern on Wayne Avenue on March 28 at 8 p.m., joined by fellow local acts The Frankx and Voice of Dissent. The show is open to the public, with donations welcomed at the door.

Bat Thorn, known for its gritty punk sound and horror-inspired themes, has steadily built a following across the Dayton metro area since forming in 2018. The band was founded by musician Brendan Kovar, who began writing songs and assembling the group with a clear creative vision rooted in raw energy and dark storytelling.

Their first performance was far from a traditional venue. Bat Thorn debuted in the basement of a friend, Reegan of the band Putrid Liquid, alongside a lineup of grindcore acts. At the time, Kovar was not the band’s frontman. Battling nerves, he played guitar while his friend Nick handled vocals and Jasyn performed on drums.

Band Name Inspiration

The band’s name draws inspiration from the 1935 horror film Mark of the Vampire, which Kovar recalls watching with his family. That cinematic influence continues to shape Bat Thorn’s aesthetic and sound, leaning heavily into eerie, raunchy horror themes.

Shortly after their debut, the band underwent its first major change when vocalist Nick departed. Kovar and drummer Jasyn regrouped and pushed forward, writing and releasing Bat Thorn’s first album as a duo. Following the release, Jake Polhamus joined the band, adding a new dynamic to the lineup. Another shift soon followed when Jasyn exited, leaving Kovar and Polhamus to collaborate closely on the band’s second album.

The band’s evolution continued with the addition of bassist Thomas Collins, marking a turning point in their sound. With a fuller lineup, Bat Thorn was able to expand its musical scope. Polhamus transitioned to lead guitar, while Collins took over on bass. Kovar stepped confidently into the role of lead vocalist while continuing on guitar, and newest member Jake Butler joined on drums. Polhamus also contributes backup vocals and a dose of humor during performances, helping keep the band’s energy high on and off stage.

“Mr. Hyde”

Despite these lineup changes, Bat Thorn has proven resilient. Today, the band is active and thriving, performing regularly throughout the Dayton area and gaining recognition for its intense live shows. Their music, often described as a fusion of punk aggression and horror-film atmosphere, has resonated with fans, particularly on standout track “Mr. Hyde.”

Reflecting on the band’s journey, Kovar points to a key milestone: opening for the band Cancerslug.

“Cancerslug is one of my favorite bands, and that show is when Chad from Horrorshock Records found us,” Kovar said. “I was beyond scared to play that show, but we must have done alright.”

Kovar also reflected on the band’s current lineup and its personal significance.

“It was a dream come true... but honestly having two of the members of The Franx in the band is so surreal,” he said. “They are amazing musicians and people I’ve looked up to for a while.”

“I’m pretty sure that me and Jake P are in the same boat with The Franx being a huge part in playing music and getting introduced into local music... kind of a full circle moment with our first drummer being Dave’s nephew to playing with most of The Franx in the band,” Kovar added with a laugh. “If only there was a way to get Dave to join the band.”

Looking ahead, Bat Thorn is expanding its creative reach beyond music. The band is collaborating with Clock Tower Media’s Spectre Sisters Podcast team to produce short, horror-style films, further blending their musical identity with visual storytelling.

Meanwhile, work is already underway on Bat Thorn’s third album. Kovar and Polhamus have expressed confidence in the project, promising a record that will surpass their previous releases in both sound and scope.

With a growing catalog, evolving creativity, and an unrelenting DIY spirit, Bat Thorn continues to carve out its place in Dayton’s punk scene. Fans can catch them live on March 28 for what promises to be another loud, electrifying night.