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Black Death Resurrected is a heavy-metal outfit led by Siki Spacek -- second from the right. The four-piece metal band is a new version of Black Death, a band Spacek founded in the 1980s. BDR will perform at the Beachland Ballroom on Saturday, to help raise money for the hungry.

(Joe Kleon)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Pleas to help the starving are usually backed with the teary strains of weepy violins and melodramatic pianos.

This one comes with a guitar kerrang, long-haired shrieks, denim ‘n’ leather and headbanging metal.

Raise your fist for the Cleveland Metal Holiday Food Drive.

Now in its fifth year, the event will bring two nights of metal – Friday and Saturday -- to the Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland.

Ah, but there's something much bigger going on: The event will benefit the Cleveland Foodbank, as well Friends of the Cleveland Kennel and Lake Humane Society.

Admission is free, but attendees are asked to bring cash and canned-food donations to benefit the organizations.

And you thought that metalheads were as tough as leather – not so, says event organizer Bill Peters.

“Metal people are everyday common working people who don’t have a lot of extra money, but have a great deal of empathy for people that are struggling,” says Peters, a DJ on WJCU FM/88.7 and founder of Auburn Records. “I’ve seen people who’ve just lost their jobs a month ago bringing in a big box of a food to help others. It’s really touching.”

Listening to his radio show – Metal on Metal; 6:30-9:30 p.m. Fridays – you’d think that Peters was touched by the devil. This time of the year, he’s anything but The Dark One.

Last year’s benefit brought in 2,711 pounds of food and $2,479.62. He’s shooting higher this year.

“You know, when we started this, it was more a little gesture to go with a metal show, but now the focus is helping people out, especially kids,” says Peters. “We don’t realize how much of a problem hunger is in the U.S.A., and trying to do little things to help and make a difference is a great feeling for everyone involved.”

Ah, but do not delude yourself into thinking that the music is going to be a wimp fest.

Friday, the bands include Dark Arena, Soulless, Embalmer, FYPM, Vulgar Devils and Alternate Reality. Playboy model Daniella Dior will also be there.

Saturday, it’s Shok Paris, Global Warning, Ground Zero, Black Death Resurrected, Slitt and Scum Park Hooligans. The Red Hot Heathens will also bring their burlesque show to the stage.

“This is a labor of love for me, my crew and the bands and entertainers who perform,” says Peters. “And if you’re struggling and can’t afford to bring anything, come anyway and enjoy yourself – because that’s what this is all about: Bringing help and joy to people who need it.”

Showtime is 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call 216-383-1124.