A NIGHT OF HORROR

So, apparently GNO is canceled. Well, some of the bands have your fix as on July 25th, Mister Monster, Argyle Goolsby and the Roving Midnight,  Darrow Chemical Company, Shadow Windhawk and the Morticians, the Brickbats the Cryptkeeper Five and the American Werewolves have you covered with a night of awesome bands and Misfits karaoke after the show where you can front a band featuring the stars of the night! How Ghoul is that?

This Music Leaves Stains: The Complete Story of the Misfits by James Greene Jr.

Is there a more important band in this genre of music? I mean, I could easily make the argument that every Horror Rock/Punk band has been directly or indirectly influenced by the Misfits. Now, for the first time ever, we have their complete story. All the major stories are here from the beginning of the band to the Graves era and the current lineup as of 2012. Even the story of how close they were to a reunion with Danzig is included in here. As well, included in the book are a full discography, movies that inspired the songs, notable bootlegs and notable releases from Misfits members in other bands. As good as this book was, I have 3 complaints. The first two go hand in hand as, I feel there is not a whole lot on the Graves era of the band. The author doesn't seem to be a fan (as is the tone of his writing) and that may of influenced his decision to not include that much from the era. Hell! The band Danzig gets more mention then the Graves era! As a writer, I think he could of been more imprartial here and maybe hide his discontent. As well, I got no problem with him talking about the band Danzig but, if he's going to do that, then why not include more of Samhain, Graves, Doyal, Gotham Road, Gorgeous Frankenstein, etc as they are only mentioned in passing. There is so much more that could be included in the Misfits story. With that said, the book hits like a good Misfits song: straight, hard and to the point, no excess. Thus, this is a very good read for any fan of the band just, take my warning or take his bitterness with a grain of salt if you are a fan of the Graves era. There is so much going on and it's so well written, don't let that be the reason that turns you off the book.

Ghostbusters: Get Real (#1)

Ever imagine if the two known universes featuring the Ghostbusters ever crossed over to meet each other? Well, now you don't have to as IDW has brought this idea to life as the Ghostbusters meet the Real Ghostbusters when they are transferred from a battle to a different universe. There is laughs as everyone meets themselves (except Slimer and Janine) when a new enemy looks to take out the Real Ghostbusters before they are saved by a witch. I am excited to see where the next 3 issues take us as the art is fantastic and the story so far is light hearted. I just hope with all the proton packs around no one crosses the streaks by accident.

Escape from New York (#7)

So, Snake finds that mission is just a massacre full of lies and what the true objective is. Once he leaves that scene with the reason for the ambush in hand, he runs into a psycho cult worshiping aliens....yeah! The story ends on a weird note that makes you wonder where Snake will end up next and get out of this latest predicament. ..or Russia at least becuse, in the middle of this cold war, it has started to really heat up.

A Conversation with Jason Trioxin

Hello and thank you again for doing this interview. For those people who live under a rock, can you please introduce yourself? 
Jason Trioxin. Singer and Guitarist for the Horror-Rock band Mister Monster. 

Alright so, lets begin with the most obvious question you probably get asked the most. When will we hear new music from Mister Monster? 
Sooner than people think. I can't say anything right now but we will make some big announcements soon. One big one in particular. I can't believe how loyal our fans are. Since we released our full length "Over Your Dead Body" over a decade ago, we've released an EP and a 2 or 3 singles since. But for some reason people still come to see us play and they're not sick of these songs. They seem to mean a lot to people. 

I remember seeing something a couple of years ago that, according to someone, you were working on a solo release. Is it true and, if so, is it still in the works?  
Yes. We have a song called "Transylvania Mania" and a lot of my musicians friends have told me I need to do an entire album of songs like that one. My producer said it to me when I was recording it and (Argyle) Goolsby said the same thing just the other day. It will be in the same vein as Mister Monster but not exactly the same. More of a Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds/Dave Vanaian and the Phantom Chords type stuff. However as of right now my sights are set on a new Mister Monster record. 

Recently you played bass for the Brickbats at their reunion shows. As a fan, how did it feel playing those songs live? 
It was a dream come true. I couldn't believe it when they asked me to take over as bassist. Those songs are iconic to me. I've loved them for as long as I can remember. Corey is an amazing songwriter. After Paul Morden's passing I never thought I'd get to see them play live again. This is even more than I could have asked for. And Paul Morden's bass lines are insane. Definitely have my work cut out for me. But I'm learning new songs they added to the set list right now cause we have some shows coming up in NJ/NYC this summer. 

This summer, at Ghouls Night Out, you and Mister Monster will be performing Over Your Dead Body in its entirety. How does it feel all these years later that many Horror Rock fans see the album as a classic? 
I really don't know but from what I've gathered in talking to the fans over the years is that these songs, and lyrics, are VERY important and personal to them. They've gone through some rough patches in life and these songs have gotten them through it. As a musician I really couldn't be happier with that. 

What do you think makes these songs stand the test of time? 
They're timeless songs. The next Mister Monster album will sound like the first one. We aren't trying to reinvent the wheel. This music has been done before and it will be done again. But I think because I grew up on Doo-Wop music you can hear that in my writing. I don't set out to write a song that "sounds 50"....it just happens organically for me. 

As an artist what inspires you {Music, movies, books etc)? 
As a kid I would use movies as metaphors for something I was going through. If it was a break-up with a girl or being abandoned by my father. I didn't come right out with it. But as I got older I started writing more personal stuff and didn't make it quite as hard to figure out for the listener. I don't really care if they know what the songs about, I like to leave it open to their own interpretation. As I get older (I just turned 36) I realized the shit I have been through and I'm lucky to be alive. I have faced my own mortality many times and I realized I still have a lot to say. And I want to say it while I'm still part of this planet. 

What got you into this? 
Nothing in particular. This isn't a hobby for me, It's just something I do. I'm forced to do it. I have no choice. 

So, as someone who has been in Mister Monster, Blitzkid and Wednesday 13 the list of musicians you have played with is like a dream team for Horror Rock. In this two part question, is there anyone that you have played with in the past that you would like to work with again? 
I'm not really looking to go back to anyone I've played with in the past. Some of those names have called me to come back and I declined. Some of them I still talk to and if they wanted me back and the time/situation was a good one than I'd definitely go back. I do this for fun or money. If I'm not having fun I better be making money. And if I'm not making money I better be having fun. Otherwise there's no point. I've been at this too long to bend or kiss anyone's ass. You have to realize this is a business and there are certain people (Managers and Promoters) who are talentless hacks but they want to be involved somehow so they become a manager or promoter. Those people suck but sometimes you have to smile and play the game to move forward. I'll do that to an extent. But I ain't gonna be treated as worthless or expendable. I'd rather just stay home and record my own songs and release them to my fans. 

As well, is there anyone that you would dream to work with or would like to work with that you haven’t living or dead? 
I'd like to work with the singer/guitarist of a band called Glasvegas. I think we'd do some great songs together. That may happen one day. If you told me in High School I'd be touring with The Misfits, Alice Cooper, Hanoi Rocks and Type O Negative and playing sold out shows in front of 10,000 people I wouldn't believe you. But I've done all that in the matter of a year. So I never know what the future holds. I try to stay humble but I don't sell myself short either. 

As a legend and world renowned and recognized artist, what is your current assessment of the scene from when you first started? 
Who's a legend? When I first started it was the new wave of Horror Punk. There was a handful of us. We all knew each other and helped each other. There was no competition or shit talking. Just support. And there still is with those bands to this day. There's some new bands out there that are great. I hate to say it but most of the stuff I hear now is shit. Don't wanna sugar coat it. I just think some of these people don't belong in Horror Punk but they just throw on some make up and add some "whoas" to the chorus and they try and invade the scene. But these fans are smart. And they are loyal. The fake bands never last. At the same time it is very refreshing when I hear a new band that grabs my attention. 

Is there any new releases (music, movies, etc.) that you are looking forward to? 
My fiancee and I are going to see Dion (Dimucci) in July in NJ. Other than that I don't really know of anything. 

Along with music, in case some don’t know, you run Trixion Custom where you make custom cloths based on your stage gear. How did you start in this? 
I make all my own stage clothes and after years of people asking me to buy my own I just started making stuff for them. Now its a business. 

What inspired you to create your stage look? 
Lots of different things. It took me a while to find my "look" but really I just take something that's already around and put my own twist on it. Kinda like my songs. 

What goes into designing something either for yourself or a customer? 
See above 

So, with music, producing and the clothing that you’ve designed in the past, is there anything that you would like to do that you haven’t attempted yet like writing, acting, movie etc.? 
I'd like to do some film down the road but as for now I am happy with where I am. I would like to do some more producing down the road too.
 
Thank you once again for this honor. Are there any parting words for the readers? 
Just a huge Thank You to you and to any one reading this who has stuck by me over the years. I cant thank you enough. JT

The Jasons - Stalk and Slash Summer

So how do you follow up a great first album that hit you hard and left you breathless? You follow it up with another album of course! They take their Ramones/Jason influenced Punk Rock to the next level with a touch of Kiss on this new album as it is another assault of awesomeness and fun. Guitars blazing, awesome sing along lyrics, machetes flying and blood spilling in this Punk Rock slasher is all you could ask for really. Never overstaying their welcome, the Jasons hit you hard and fast leaving only few survivors to witness their glory and tell their story. Standouts include "We're Going to Manhattan", the song that answers the question on what Jason does the day after the slaughter "Saturday the 14th (We're going to the show)", "Stalk and Slash Summer", "Another Song About Saturday", the hilarious "Affection Firearm", "Welcome Home (Camp Crystal Lake)", "Camp Arawak" and "Pig Girl's Camp Wood Weekend". Stalking and slashing their way into the hearts of Horror Punk fans everywhere, the Jasons are a force to be reckoned with. If you didn't heed my warning before of not grabbing their work then, you really should before mother tells them to come after you and kill!

The Jasons - The Jasons

Picture the Ramones, dressed wearing masks like Jason Voorhees with songs centered around the Friday the 13th franchise and you have the awesomeness that is the Jasons! After finally being able to listen to their debut album in its entirety (I heard a song here and there from live videos) I am asking myself why I waited so long! I mean, I love the Ramones and I love the Friday the 13th franchise so, this is a match made in Heaven for me...or Hell. Believe the buzz, believe the hype as these guys from Camp Crystal Lake are the real deal. No bull, straight up Punk Rock with Jason Voorhees thrown in. Standouts include "I Dowanna be a Mongoloid", "Shelly's got Shit for Brains", "Imposter", "Crazy Ralph (Shut Your Mouth)", "Don't Send me into Outer Space", "Mommy got Beheaded by a Bimbo" and "We're Gonna Kill that Girl". I'm sure if Jason could speak, this is what he would have to say and I can't wait to hear what these guys come up with next. So, in ending, grab a copy of this album before you get a splitting headache from a machete cracking open your skull from these guys.

Robby Bloodshed - Leave Them Hooked

Okay, so he has a new look...are we over it yet? Good! Robby Bloodshed is one of the most prolific and hardest working men in the genre between his solo output and him playing with so many bands. He is also a man who wears his influences on his sleeve as you can see and hear. From the back cover to the cover at the end of the album, this release SCREAMS Queen but, it has more of a Ramones feel to it. Hell,  the opening of "You're Welcome" reminds me of the Ramones song "Strength to Endure". Is either of this bad? NOPE! I love Queen and I love the Ramones like I love my Misfits so, any combination of these 3 bands is magical in my opinion. From the opening notes to the last, Robby has expanded his music and matured in a way only he can; he never settles for releasing the same album twice and this album is the next step in that evolution, easily topping what he has done before. So yes, this is his best album yet! Standouts include the opener "I'm Going On", "Last One Alive", "Senile", "I Know Why", easily the anthem of 2015 "Under Me", "You're Welcome", the classic "Murder Mile", "The Thrill Kill" and the great cover of the Queen classic "I Want to Break Free". I cannot wait personally to see where he goes next with his solo releases as he's always looking to one up himself and I am glad that there are artists out there who do that and evolve when it is so much easier to keep releasing the same album over and over whether you change the title of songs or not. Like the cover, the music will just suck you in.

In Memoriam: Christopher Lee

This is the part of the blog that I hate updating the most. Today, one of the all time greatest actors has passed as we loose Christopher Lee. From his days as Dracula, the Frankenstein monster and the Mummy in the classic Hammer Horror films to his work with Vincent Price, Peter Cushing  (outside the classic Hammer Horror films), The Wicker Man, Gremlins 2 and recently in the Lord of the Ring films, he is an actor that will be missed by many! The man has been in so many films that I cannot think of all of them at the moment. He actually holds the record for most film appearances ever. On top of that, the man has recorded Metal albums! He is a man who was larger than life who will be missed by so many, not just fans of the Horror genre. There may never be another like him who could do so much and hold an audience in the palm of his hand with ease.

Constantine: The Hellblazer (#1)

Wow! Just, wow! Now this new Constantine is more closer to the original and blows the previous New 52 one out of the water in one single issue. In a world where he is surrounded by ghosts, shagging demons and banishing others, it is a great beginning to the new series! Oh! The cliffhanger about someone killing ghosts!? Masterful! Both the art and writing is very well done as John looks young but not too young like his New 52 counterpart. I am intrigued to read more of these as, it may be all a trick to John in the story but, when John Constantine is like this, it is truly magic!

Reanimator (#3)

Wow! What an issue!  In here Herbert West reveals his plans for the two gangs as well as telling his assistant the whole truth about everything! This story works great in setting up what promises to be a very bloody and chaotic conclusion next month as you can only expect when Herbert West is involved. The Reanimator series has been great and I wish this was an ongoing series instead. Guess they aren't allowed to spoil me like that!

The Walking Dead - Volume 23: Whispers into Screams

With the new volume,  we find out more about the talking zombies, there is a murder plot and Carol becomes a ladies man! There is so much going on that you barely notice the fact that the story only has Rick in for a couple of pages really and that the story is more focused on Maggie and her community. The action isn't noticeable but it is a great story that doesn't rely on the violence. ..only has it in spurts when it is needed to make an advancement while we are introduced to a world trying to find its identity when everything seemed to be gone and lost from the past. There is so much going on that it is far superior to the show. The talking never drags on and you don't feel like it ever with the books. Kirkman and company do a great job and show why the books have caught on like they have.

The Scarlet Gospels by Clive Barker

So, Clive Barker has 3 signature characters loved by his fans from his writings and movies; Candyman, Pinhead and Harry D'Amour. Two of those characters meet in his new novel The Scarlet Gospels as Harry and the Hell Priest (he really does hate the name Pinhead) square off in Hell! This may not be the crossover of Barker characters you have heard about rumored for years (as Candyman 4 was supposed to feature Pinhead) but this is the one that is the most realistic and, I guess, works the best! This book has all the classic traits you would expect from a Clive Barker novel. Maybe shorter then some but longer than his classic novellas, there is action, jokes, morbidness, innuendo by the book load and many twists and turns along the way. His writing is really top notch as this is something enjoyable for both new and long time fans alike. There is a lot happening and it makes it hard to put the book down at times. Barker also takes on the ultimate challenge in painting a picture of both Hell and the Devil himself. The images that he creates are powerful much like his characters. You can almost picture of the characters, sights and smells of Hell. As well, everything is wrapped up in what appears to be the final adventure with the question being, for who or for both characters. If you want to find out grab this novel or else I'm telling the Hell Priest that you called him Pinhead, you won't like what he does to you then.

Big Trouble in Little China (#11)

So, Lo'Pan wants power over life and death, Egg is in hell looking for Ol' Burton and Jack is off to the Hell of cold and ice to stop him after the bar they were washing dishes at (The Last Bar in Hell) fell apart. Sounds about right eh? This series has been one laugh after another while being enjoyable to fans. The art is great as it brings to life the characters we love in the sequal that never got to happen. John Carpenter could not have written a better story and Eric Powell could not have drawn better. They brought you everything you loved about the original and left nothing out.

Frankenstein Underground (#3)

So, we have the new issue as Frankie battles a race below the surface, 2 men of science (one who wishes to take him apart) and some corpses who need his help as he finds the lies that they keep. There is a lot happening and the monster is in the middle of it all. This is Mignola at his best outside of Hellboy but still in that world. How he always ties it all together and tells such great stories I'll never know. Oh! Stenbeck's art is fantastic! I just wonder what will happen next and all end later.