Death Rock

Horror rock is still kickin’ these days. For the longest time, it was all I ever knew and by far the most fun subgenre of punk and metal. Nothing was off limits in horror rock, and what made it more of a fun time than most other genres was the actual all-inclusiveness of everyone. Not saying other genres/subs don’t. You go to a hardcore, metal or OG punk show, you’ll see 90% white males…even though we don’t hate…that’s what’s there…the other 10% is scattered among women as well as other ethnicities so with horror rock/punk how it differs is a wide rainbow of a crowd as well as on stage. Did you know there are also Christian horror punk bands? That’s…odd. Yes, it is; however, it’s a testament (no pun intended) to how this particular subgenre is pretty open to anything. I guess no more odd than Christian black metal now that I think about it, but we’ll discuss that later.

The Chicago-area band Sinister Fate came to us with their album BLOOD PACT. I didn’t listen to the album at first; I did a little research on the band and watched some videos. My first impression was far from what I normally get from horror bands. Their videos are very reminiscent of the 90s style Gwar videos. Ya know, handheld shaky camera, choppy editing, Tromaesque splatter effects. So I instantly fell in love with this style. I also was impressed that there are female participants in the band. Again, this is rare for a lot of other genres but in horror rock, it’s very normal.

What really sealed this band for me was the guitarist. This chick really wails on this thing. Her playing is absolutely amazing, from just riffs down to solos. She really takes it and shows what’s up with guitar playing.

The music begins and this is definitely horror rock. BLOOD PACT is just an EP-style, 6-track short album. However, it gives you what you need to know about this band. The album as a whole is executed beautifully. I can say that if you’re a fan of any horror business, then this is a band to definitely check out.

Track by Track (not in order as they appear on the album):

The Monster Within: This track is like a solid break down style track, a lot of palm muting and kind of a slower pace. However, it gets the point across on what the song’s feel is all about. Lyrically very dark, and a nice look into the writer’s head, that guitar solo though…Just listen and enjoy this.
Trust/Obey: Another slower, heavier/slow paced track. Vocally reminiscent of older Frankenstein Drag Queens, lyrically super intense and “demanding”…yeah we’ll say demanding. Very catchy and fun.
Decay: Starts out very spooky sounding musically, almost like they’re going for an epic battle in a back alley. Not like “Beat It” style, but more like A Clockwork Orange vs. The Warriors type of battle. Then carries on in the same fashion, maybe my imagination just sees images too much I don’t know, but this is what I get from it.
Kill the Pain: I don’t care, I love this guitarist. This track is pretty straightforward, I listen to lyrics and wonder if there’s more of a personal meaning behind them or if someone is just trying to fit the genre. However, it sounds very personal and has the same feeling through the music.
Six Feet Under the Big Top: Oh circus style and creepy on the intro, then some crunchy heavy stuff happening. A very cool number that, tells a fun story of murder and mayhem
Sympathy from the Devil: A more upbeat almost poppy tone with this song, and catchy as all hell, If you’re going to listen to this band then listen to this song first.

Overall, BLOOD PACT is great to listen to, the band as a whole are all talented and know their stuff very well. About the album: It runs together from track to track a lot of them being so similar it’s hard to tell them apart musically and vocally. By this I mean, musically it’s the same arrangement, not the same notes and so forth but the same blueprint for each track. Vocally flows the same way, same influx like before a chorus and so forth notes carried out, blah blah musical mumbo jumbo. This works well for some bands, and if it works don’t fix it, is the common consensus. However, I can see a lot more coming from this band maybe some faster tunes and a bit of a change in arrangement from track to track. This would really send this band into outer space and put them up there in the horror world.

Sinister Fate Official

Sinister Fate

Sinister Fate Official

@SinisterFate

@SinisterFateOfficial

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Mar

2018

MUSIC: Sinister Fate – Blood Pact (2016)

The Monster Within: This track is like a solid break down style track, a lot of palm muting and kind of a slower pace. However, it gets the point across on what the song’s feel is all about. Lyrically very dark, and a nice look into the writer’s head, that guitar solo though…Just listen and enjoy this.
Trust/Obey: Another slower, heavier/slow paced track. Vocally reminiscent of older Frankenstein Drag Queens, lyrically super intense and “demanding”…yeah we’ll say demanding. Very catchy and fun.
Decay: Starts out very spooky sounding musically, almost like they’re going for an epic battle in a back alley. Not like “Beat It” style, but more like A Clockwork Orange vs. The Warriors type of battle. Then carries on in the same fashion, maybe my imagination just sees images too much I don’t know, but this is what I get from it.
Kill the Pain: I don’t care, I love this guitarist. This track is pretty straightforward, I listen to lyrics and wonder if there’s more of a personal meaning behind them or if someone is just trying to fit the genre. However, it sounds very personal and has the same feeling through the music.
Six Feet Under the Big Top: Oh circus style and creepy on the intro, then some crunchy heavy stuff happening. A very cool number that, tells a fun story of murder and mayhem
Sympathy from the Devil: A more upbeat almost poppy tone with this song, and catchy as all hell, If you’re going to listen to this band then listen to this song first.

Sinister Fate Official

Sinister Fate

Sinister Fate Official

@SinisterFate

@SinisterFateOfficial

Mar

2018

Joe Becker-Monster

Another artist of the underground world got with us and wanted us to hear what they have to offer. Remember in my last review I stated that the underground is home to me, so I love seeing new faces and hearing new and original works.

A fellow by the name of Joe Becker got with us here at House of Tortured Souls with an album Monster that he described as Death Rock. This is an honest description and I respect that, I’d call it something like mind fuckery rock…and here is why.

The album as a whole is well produced musically, not a lot of vocal singing, but plenty of vocal dialog and storytelling over an accompanying musical background like a narrative. Joe’s way of interpreting what he’s got going on is like listening to the thoughts of an asylum inmate’s thoughts or better yet, what this inmate did to get where he is.

Each track is like a tale of a different victim and how they either asked to be murdered or just how this absolute insane person took it upon themselves to give the victim a release from life. Going into this being told it was death rock. I was expecting something with a lot of synthesizer, deep Peter Steele style vocals and a lot of vampiric sex. However, I was surprised at what I did here. As I said, each track is slightly different from the next on the tales told within them.

A few pointers to note: where Mr. Becker does sing or attempt to do so, it was a bit off key from the music and that very well could have been the intent. If not the intent, then this did not work out as planned. I feel like this record is fine how it is with the narrative style of vocalizing the poetic, goth, yet murderous lyrics. However, if singing is something you want to achieve on a record..for anyone..find that note you’re on and match your voice to it. I am NO singing vocalist…I yell fast and violently. However, when I do make my attempts at singing I hit that first note on the guitar and find it in my voice before carrying on.

Overall this is a great album to listen to if you really want to fuck someone up…keep it low in the background while friends are over just to fuck with their heads a bit. They will hear music and be like, “okay, whatever”, then dude starts in on his vocal track and it will subliminally mess them up, probably cause a nightmare or three. Another option, any one of these tracks will be good to send as a single (oh..oh showing what time period I’m from, yo) to basically say “I hate you, and this will happen if you contact me again”.

I highly recommend listening to this record at least once even if just for curiosity. It’s not something I’d recommend for driving, jamming out to or if you’re suicidal or a sociopath. For fun and “horror on tape” kinda deal, then definitely have a go at it.

Dec

2017

Argyle Goolsby-Darken Your Door Step

The long awaited Argyle Goolsby album “Darken Your Door Step” Record hits the streets and we are all welcomed by something hard hitting and very much not what I personally expected.
I’ve known Mr. Goolsby for many years of my life, like 16 years to be exact, and always admired his ability to transition between genres. Since the disbanding of Blitzkid, a celebrated band in the scene that really paved way for the hardworking horror punk scene it’s plain to see that Gools hasn’t lost his mastery. This is a very versatile musician and he truly knows his way around any genre from 50’s croon style to thrash metal, and heavy hitting punk rock. His name is a staple in the horror punk community. The release of this album was a showcase to what he is actually capable of.

What I expected honestly was something more digital/synthesized and maybe almost slower and on the death rock side. Not sure why, but that’s what I expected and not at all what I was handed with this record. However what I did expect were songs about movies. Of which is a common thing in the horror punk genre, it’s rare if there is ever a song that isn’t titled or reference to a horror movie somewhere in it.

The opening is a bit confusing, but what intro isn’t? A number called “Midnight Approaches”. Then we get into “The Uninvited” right from the get go it’s heavy, fast and makes you start bobbin’ your head, and you know you want to fist pump in a live environment, odds are you’re doing it while cruisin’ in your car. Slide this right into “Ghost Light Waltz” another banger, that is straight to the point and punk as it gets. Listening to the lyrics, you can automatically tell what movie it’s about (Carnival of Souls). I’m not saying this is a bad thing, just predictable in most of the horror punk world.

I won’t do a track by track analysis you can do that yourself. It’s a pretty solid record, with a lot of catchy songs and they all go together so well that I listened to it 3x in a row and didn’t even realize it. Some say that’s bad, some say that’s good. I personally enjoy an album that can go and go and go. Because you know it’s decent album and the catchy demeanor of it keeps you there no matter how many times you listen to it consecutively. With all this said, check out the record it’s well worth it, and Goolsby showed that he is unstoppable and will carry on his own musical endeavors from the ashes of Blitzkid and keep doing what he’s doing. No matter what though it cannot be denied that this is a solid horror punk record.

Argyle Goolsby official site
Argyle Goolsby-Darken Your Door Step Full Album

Mar

2017

MUSIC REVIEW: Darkness Visible – Australian Horror Rock

Every once in a while I’ll stumble upon a band that differs from what’s out there in the midst of the horror rock community. Darkness Visible a band from Australia is really one of those bands that has shown they are far different from the rest of the horror rock bands that are circulating.

With a visually appealing musical act, the artistry is very well done, like a tamer version of Genitortures. Less sex than the Gen’s of course. Definitely a band that would be a lot of fun to see live. The musical aspect of Darkness Visible is eclectic as it is not just one set genre. They kind of jump all over the place as far as style goes and that’s not a bad thing. Simple people, want simple music: “If it’s not this one genre, I don’t want it”. So if you’re a simpleton don’t bother listening to Darkness Visible. I say that with the utmost respect because one minute it’s a slow death rock style song, and then you’re taken into a world of pianos and almost jazzy, swing-style forte, which I absolutely love.

The female vocals are KILLER on every song she sings on. If this were my band, I’d stick her on vocals and never touch a mic again. In the Horror Rock world, females always shine through, and this is no different.

With a new video out for “The Truth Hurts” set in a silent film kind of style, very unique and well put together. Musically it’s like if a Danzig meets Alice Cooper vibe. This particular song features male vocals. The darkness, and artistry really shows through on this video.

Let’s not stop there, I can’t seem to find any music online other than videos, and that’s really a good thing because the visual aspect of this band is pleasing to the eyes. The song “Flesh” and the video for it is quite the visual horror freak show. If you’re going to listen to a band with a different sound and different way of doing things, this is the band to check out. You can do so by visiting their Facebook page where you can find their videos and more information about them.

Darkness Visible star / Image: Darkness Visible

Stay tuned for more and, as always, keep it creepy! -Schock

Dec

2016

MUSIC REVIEW: Mister Monster – Over Your Dead Body (2001)

By Shock

Mister Monster - Over Your Dead Body / Image: Discog.com

For about 17 years now, Mister Monster has been a staple in the Horror Punk fan's collection. Well, to those of us who have been fortunate to hear the best horror punk album ever written. Some of the newer guys and girls to the scene have stated they do not know who Mister Monster is or what they're about. For those who may not have heard the album Over Your Dead Body, here's a little song by song write up on an album that changed the way a lot of us looked at the genre of Horror Punk.

With Over Your Dead Body, released March 19, 2001, the New Jersey-based Mister Monster set a new standard with a subdivision of Horror Punk called Boo Wop. OYDB had been anticipated for a few years and prior to its release a handful of demos and singles were released. OYDB showed people what the band was about, introduced the Boo Wop sound and style, and highlighted the outstanding musicianship of the band.

The album album opens with a track called "Weird NJ", a news report about different females named Anna or Annie around the New Jersey area who have been killed, describing in detail the different fictional (or were they?) murders and cannibalistic rituals involved. They then slide into the song "Over Your Dead Body", which alone set the standard that could have carried this band for another two decades. This song is simply the best written song from start to finish. Full of murder, love, and necrophilia, this song really gets you amped for the whole record. While not every song is as masterful as this one, it certainly sets the standard and showcased what Mister Monster was capable of.

Following this amazing opening is "Guaranteed to Bleed" which we can tell by listening has that Boo Wop sound, a nice mixture of 50s/60s doo wop and modern day punk rock. It really gave way to a sound that wasn't present in any band at the time or before. Following this was "Love Thornz" and "This Night I Call Bad Luck", two songs that I've heard some say represent their lives. "This Night I Call Bad Luck" really when you put this on you're thinking, 'Yes, Jsin, I totally feel ya, bro'. With its catchy hook, and relateable lyrics that aren't precisely horror, it's still fitting for the genre and gives us a look into the mind of Jsin Trioxin and how he sees things outside of the horror field.

Track 6, "'Til the End", is by far my favorite song on the album. This track that really gets down to business musically and with such artistry that the music pulls you in and the lyrics right away give you chills. Go ahead and listen. I promise you, this one will change the way you see things, putting images in your head instantly of what is playing out in the lyrics. It's a beautiful song that is in a classification all on its own.

From here it goes into "Murder 4 Hire", a song that is very dirty in nature, evident from the end of "'Til the End", which acts as an intro to "Murder 4 Hire". "One, two, three or four..would you like any more of my blood stained fingers inside....you". Then it goes into this completely necrophilia-driven song. And if you're REALLY into horror, use it as a get your girl in the mood song instead of something like Marvin Gaye or any other Barry White type love song. This one will do it for the punkers and metal heads. The album carries on with "Bigger Shop of Horrors" and then "Prom Night".

"Prom Night" was the first song I heard from Mister Monster when it was still a demo. Let me say Boo Wop definitely is what this song defines. Paying homage to the story Carrie, "Prom Night" brings a really classic rock n' roll vibe and makes you want to grab a girl and sock hop dance. It's such a great track that it makes you feel like you're in the song. After this is "Amy Sue", and I've had many arguments with people over this song. Personally, I don't like it. Too slow for my taste, and I could never get into it at all; however, others would say it's the best song on the record. "Teenaged Dreams" and "Tina and Freddy" follow "Amy Sue" making up for the slower vibe. "Tina and Freddy" another Return of the Living Dead reference, is very fast and almost metal in style and is for sure a head banger. Getting further into the album, "Little Frankenstein" goes back to the Boo Wop style and sucks you back in to that genre created by this band. Next is "Her Open Grave", another slower piece I usually skip because, well, I just do. I've heard it a few hundred times but still can't get into the style that it is. Some of you may feel differently, and that's cool as well.

"Gore Whore" on the other hand, which is homage to Trash from Return of the Living Dead, rocks. Something that really gets you with music is not always being able to understand the singer, so when you listen to this one and hear, "She likes to bat fuck...she's my little gore whore". You won't hear bat. So, have a chuckle at this one, a lot of us have for years. It's a solid song with a heavy overtone and is great for anyone with a dirty mind and love of zombies. Then it goes right into "Resident Evil" another metal style piece; extra fast but crooner style vocals really make this song something to remember and get stuck in your head for years.

"Dead Flesh Gurl", another necrophilia driven song, is slower but still a decent listen. Next it goes into "Transylvania Mania", something completely different. This song is that. I remember listening to a radio interview with Jsin Trioxin in which he stated he and Myke Hideous were drinking one night and laid the vocals for this one. It's not really singing at all, just random spooky nonsense.

Finally, they end the album with "Send More Paramedics". What do you know? Another Return of the Living Dead reference; however, it has nothing to do with the movie. This is a ghostly tale of sorts and pretty much a love song that is another favorite of mine on the album.

This album is solid from start to finish (evidenced by the the fact I have had 18 copies of the album and that this is the first thing I mention when anyone asks what I'm into). Lyrically, it's a magical piece. I remember a conversation I had with Jsin one night when he was playing guitar for Blitzkid and the band I was in played with them that night. I asked about a particular lyric and what it meant he said, "You take away from it what you think it means". So, unless it's a blatant reference, you will have to figure it out for yourself. Musically, this is the best album period. Hands down. No matter what genre you're into, if you're a true music fan, this is the album for you. Punk, horror, rock'n'roll, metal... this album has every bit of it blended perfectly in 19 tracks.

Some of us fans have been waiting for years to finally hear new music, and all we have been given are singles here and there and word on the street that is there is another album being made. When it is released, I'll be all over it. I can say, though, topping this album is pretty impossible. I listen to many genres and many different bands, and this one has been my favorite for a very long time. This album is number 1 on my list. If you haven't listened, then click the link below and enjoy the whole thing. If you have the opportunity to purchase the album, do so! It's money well spent, I promise you that.

Keep it Creepy,
-Schock