To quote the description given at the new listing: “What happens when Strange Jason forgoes the Halloween hooplah for a night at home? Will the GdL16 Intern be able to work his game at the Halloween Party and finally TALK to R.E.A.P Assistant Director Nemi Lem? What’s going on with Monstermatt Patterson and Igor? All …
October 2013 archive
Oct 31 2013
Halloween with Frankie Stein and his Ghouls
Much has been written about Frankie Stein and his Ghouls, so I’ll keep things short and sweet. The name “Frankie Stein and his Ghouls” was used on four music albums released in the 60’s by Power Records (a sublabel of Peter Pan Records, who are actually still around) featuring work by uncredited musicians. But their …
Oct 30 2013
Music to Haunt By: Jerry Vayne
Jerry Vayne Official Site Virus 308, Vayne1 Music 2013 Although there are other artists out there that combine spooky soundtracks with rock music, Jerry Vayne is the only one I know of that actually has some rock credentials. In addition to his work as a solo artist, he’s played with groups like Den of Thieves, …
Oct 29 2013
Music to Haunt By: Dark Ride
Prelude to a Nightmare Official Site Dark Ride, Prelude to a Nightmare Records 2012 The popularity of the circus theme in haunted attractions always amazes me. I mean, I can understand wanting to take advantage of coulrophobia and Killer Klowns from Outer Space is an awesome movie, but what gets me is that I keep …
Oct 28 2013
Music to Haunt By: Transylvania
Nox Arcana Official Site Transylvania, Monolith Graphics 2005 Nox Arcana was one of groups that inspired me to do the “Music to Haunt By” series and have been a constant presence ever since then. Given how 2013 is their 10th anniversary, it would make sense for me to review their newest release that’s inspired by …
Oct 28 2013
Transylvania-TV Halloween Special
Oct 27 2013
Music to Haunt By: Sam Haynes
Sam Haynes Official Site Welcome to the Horror Show, Laptop Punk 2013 The mysterious musician known only as “Sam Haynes” has built up quite the reputation for himself since he first appeared on the scene in 2012. The UK-based Haynes’ debut album Halloween Carnival proved so popular that his works has been featured at theme …
Oct 26 2013
Music to Haunt By: Monsters of Legend
Midnight Syndicate Official Site Monsters of Legend, Linfaldia Records 2013 It’s been far too long since I’ve reviewed something by the Midnight Syndicate. Thankfully, my decision to rectify this came when they announced the release of their new album: Monsters of Legend. Although the cover features the titular character from Werewolf of London and Frankenstein’s …
Oct 25 2013
Music to Haunt By: Dead By Midnight
Grave Tone Productions Official Site Dead By Midnight, B@Home Wreckordings 2013 This year seems to be the “Year of the Sequels” when it comes to spooky ambient CD reviews (but rest assured, there will be some new material as well). Let’ start things off by diving right into the second release by Grave Tone Productions. …
Oct 25 2013
6′+ Episode 79 is Up!
To quote the description given at the new listing: “With less than a week away from the big night, we try to get into the Halloween spirit with music from Guantanamo Baywatch, Flesh Roxon, The Mullet Monster Mafia, Thee Cormans and more. Do we get black and orange and dead all over? Maybe a visit …
Oct 24 2013
Music to Haunt By: Attrition
Attrition Official Site This Death House, Two Gods Records 2012 (Original release date: 1982) Most of the artists I discuss for “Music to Haunt By” are known primarily for making music specifically intended for use during the Halloween season, but this article is an interesting change of pace. Renowned around the music world for their …
Oct 23 2013
Music to Haunt By: The Return
Once again it’s time for my annual series of haunted ambiance CD reviews. Due to a scheduling goof on my part, there won’t be any “Sounds to Scare” installments this year (but I’m hoping to change that next year). Those interested in royalty free materials are sure to enjoy this year’s go-round. While you’re waiting …
Oct 22 2013
Pepper’s Ghost
Check out the image illustrating this article. It looks amazing, doesn’t it? If you show it to your average person, it’s practically guaranteed they’ll identify it as a hologram. It’s not, but it’s an understandable mistake. In addition to Bill Nye mistakenly asserting the Pepper’s Ghost-based effects at Disney’s Haunted Mansion were accomplished with holograms, …
Oct 21 2013
Bottomless Pits
It’s difficult to pin down the exact date the bottomless pit illusion came into being, but it’s so easy to accomplish that it’s probably as old as mirrors themselves. I remember learning in history class how the famous Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles was arranged so that the room seemed to stretch …
Oct 21 2013
Costume Crazyness 2013
It’s time for another collection of goofy costumes and things just wouldn’t be the same without the usual crop of Scream stuff. I don’t get why somebody decided to make skeleton and pirate versions of Ghostface. Was this due to an overstock of Scream masks and various costumes? I’m tempted to say “Yes,” but that …
Oct 20 2013
Halloween Viewing: VAMP (1986)
Everyone takes Halloween as a time to catch up on their scary movie quota. Either someone watches the classics–from the Universal Monsters catalog to the genre-defining slashers of the 80’s–or some not-so-classics. While trying to find something labelled as “comedy” on Netflix, the recommendation for VAMP came up. The image featured Grace Jones with face …