Dream Division - Black Rose (The Hologram People Remix)

A quick weekend jam to help ease us into spooky season. Dream Division's "Black Rose," remixed by The Hologram People, just oozes with a nice vintage 70s Italian giallo horror vibe. 

Library Of The Occult Records has absolutely been killing it with their releases as of late, and this one is no different. A little bit 60s summer, a little bit 70s horror. Total groove. I really dig this track for summertime!

Enjoy!

  

Gdanian - "The Darkest Cavern"

Okay, back to the spooky sounds. A short, but incredible new release from German cinematic ambient artist, Gdanian.

From the Cryo Chamber Bandcamp page:

Mechanical Gods is a deep subterranean journey ripe with robotic basslines and tech-ritualism within an atmospheric framework.

…When we entered The Below World, we found the human inhabitants divided into subnormal primal groupings of savage and superstitious tribes who collectively worshipped the machines that oppressed them. Sacrificial offerings of living martyrs were made to the Mechanica in order to appease them of their remorseless and emotionless rancour.

The humans had resorted to primeval idolatry behaviours that put them in awe of the undiminishing energy source of the Plasner System—a great churning ball of heat and light that pulsated over them in the upper echelons of the principal chamber. It became clear to us, meanwhile, that they had lost all awareness of the overground world and that, for them, the limits of the universe were confined to the depths of their subterranean enclosure.

Turn this one up and enjoy!

  

Estrus: Shovelin’ the Shit Since ’87

Boy, was I excited when I first heard the news of this new Kickstarter campaign! A new book from Korero Press featuring the complete history of infamous independent garage-rock record label, Estrus Records!

From the Kickstarter campaign page:

Dweebs, punkers and shitheads rejoice! Estrus: Shovelin’ the Shit Since ’87 gives you the sights, sounds, stories...and shit...behind the iconic independent record label Estrus Records. The book—a roughly 9" x 12" cinder block of a publication—chronicles label founder Dave Crider’s journey from small-town hobbyist to regarded move-and-shaker in the DIY/punk/garage rock circuit.

Not only will Shovelin’ include the matchless imagery that accompanied Estrus releases by artists like Art Chantry, Frank Kozik, Darren Merinuk, Alex Wald, and (Chris) COOP, but it contains stories and other words of wisdom from members of The Mummies, Man or Astroman?, The Makers, The Mono Men — plus other bands that don’t start with the letter “M” like Fireballs of Freedom, The Nomads, Cheater Slicks, The Drags, Sugar Shack, Guitar Wolf, The Trashwomen, Gas Huffer,  The Oblivians, Prisonshake, The Von Zippers, Lord High Fixers, Phantom Surfers, The Quadrajets, The Statics, Estrella 20/20, Gasoline, Jackie & the Cedrics, The Fall-Outs, and more…

- X -

I'm backing this one 100% simply for the absolutely incredible work from one of my favorite graphic designers, Art Chantry. An endless flow of amazing work him and a host of other well-known artists that created now-iconic work for the label...

Ah, heck. The label put pout some REALLY awesome music, too!

And apparently I'm not the only one excited for this new book release, because in about 2 hours the ENTIRE project was fully funded! Nice work! But I still kicked in to grab a copy of this one, because it's a mandatory addition to my library.

Give the Kickstarter page a visit to get in on this one. It's open until April 20th and it's already fulled funded, so it's a done deal!

  

Halloween Kills

I'm pretty excited for tomorrow's release of Halloween Kills, the second second part of, err, the ninth part of, uh, the second Halloween II but on a new timeline of, or...

Regardless of where it falls within the Halloween franchise timeline, it's supposed to be pretty dark and brutal (like any good second act of a trilogy should be). And anything starring Michael Myers will instantly put me into Halloween mode (holiday OR movie, I guess?). So I'm pretty amped to see it.

Outside of being a huge horror film fan, I'm also a HUGE horror film soundtrack fan. I'm always adding to my vinyl record soundtrack collection, and there is something absolutely iconic about John Carpenter's amazing, and instantly recognizable, score to this franchise.

I just got my first copy of the Halloween Kills soundtrack and I am pleasantly surprised. A darker twist to the original that hopefully sets the tone to the new film. I'm not going to reveal any spoilers to it, but be sure to tune in tonight at 7 pm EST on John Carpenter's YouTube channel for a live Listening Party and Q+A with soundtrack composers John Carpenter, Cody Carpenter, and Daniel Davies. This should be pretty cool!

 

Old Leatherstocking

How about something a little different for your Sunday?

I recently discovered Old Leatherstocking, a dark folk side project from traditional banjo musician Clifton Hicks and immediately fell in love with it. The simplicity of the old, twangy banjo and the dark lyrics, paired with the blacked-out outfit and skull face make this one perfect for the Halloween season!

A full Old Leatherstocking release was put out this summer, and one track absolutely stood out for me. The lyrics on this one absolutely crack me up!

Enjoy!!

  

The Dickies - "Silent Night"

I went into dangerous territory with yesterday's "cute Halloween" post, I know. Time to bring it back down to the usual lowbrow level.

Enjoy this Christmas classic. PUNK ROCK STYLE!!

Slayer - "Epidemic"

Bringing a little fun to our quarantine downtime. Please remember to wash your hands and stay safe out there, haunters!

Daniel Davies Feat. John Carpenter - "Destructive Field"

Oh man, do I LOVE this new track from Daniel Davies. So dark and menacing. And with the addition of bandmate (and Godfather) John Carpenter, I think it's one of their best collaborations to date.

Davies' new release, Signals, drops next week on Sacred Bones Records and I cannot wait to spin this one. If the rest of the tracks are anywhere near as good as this, it's going to be living on my turntable for quite a while...

And if this dark collaboration is a hint of things to come for Carpenter's upcoming Halloween Kills, we are all going to be in for a hell of a treat!

Enjoy.

Die Pagger Buam - "Kramperl, Kramperl, Besenstiel"

Ummmm, what??

Ghost - "Kiss The Go-Goat"

Highbury Cemetery favorites Ghost are finally back with a new one, and it has a bit of psychedelic throwback coolness. Dig that funky keyboard! Super catchy with their signature flavoring of less-than-subtle sexuality.

And of course the new 7" record, 7 Inches of Satanic Panic, went up for sale this weekend while I was out riding my bike in the Pennsylvania hills, and I totally missed it. Sold out. Fudge.

So here's my plea to you. If anyone has one on order that they wouldn't mind parting with for a slight profit, please hit me up. I know they are all over eBay already, but I'm not going to pay outrageous flipper prices. Maybe $25 for a mint copy (plus a spirited shout-out on this illustrious blog??). Help a haunter out??

Cryo Chamber's FREE "Dark Ambient of 2018" Mix

Christmas comes early, thanks to Oregon dark ambient label Cryo Chamber!

They just released a great, one-hour long mix from some of their 2018 releases. And it's FREE!

From the Cryo Chamber Bandcamp page:

This is our Christmas gift for 2018 to all who support us and is free for everyone! 

Continuing our yearly tradition, we picked some interesting releases this year. From pure soundscapes to narration heavy space ambient albums to dusty dilapidated cathedrals.

With tracks from Ager Sonus, Atrium Carceri, and Atrium Carceri/Cities Last Broadcast/God Body Disconnect among others, you'll have a great little mix perfect for your dark holiday celebrations!


Go get this mix for free over at the Cryo Chamber Bandcamp page!

Subtype Zero - "Inhumane"

I've been meaning to post this one for a while now. Local Cleveland band Subtype Zero is absolutely killing it with that "'86 Slayer" classic thrash sound. I picked up their first LP when it was released and it is killer all the way through. This is a band that I'm definitely going to check out live!

Social Distortion -"The Creeps"

I'll be vigilant, I'll be silent, yes, no one will know.
You want something for nothing,
A toast on your grave!!

I just wanna give you the CREEPS!!

Run and hide when I'm on the streets,
Your fears and your tears
I'll taunt you in your sleep!!

I just wanna give you the CREEPS!!

Before Social Distortion went rockabilly, Social Distortion was punk rock. From their iconic 1983 LP (and one of my absolute, all-time favorites), Mommy's Little Monster, this blazing cut about being spooky...

John Carpenter - "Halloween Triumphant"

Only three more days until the new Halloween film hits theaters! In the meantime, enjoy another new track composed by John Carpenter, Cody Carpenter and Daniel Davies for the film...

Heilung - "Hamrer Hippyer"

A few months back, good friend of the Cemetery, Brent Wilson from Planet Doom Haunted House, sent me a link to a new band I hadn't heard before. He figured that I'd be into it and man, was he right!

Heilung, which translates to "healing" in German, is a "neofolk" band from Northern Europe. Medieval, tribal Viking instruments, language and dress is all offset by singer Maria Franz's striking white dress, makeup and antler headdress. An incredible meshing of sight and sound.

Photo by Søren Bech

After listening to their track, "Hamrer Hippyer," I was completely hooked. Rhythmic, pounding tribal beats, guttural throat singing complimented by more melodic rises, and a stage presence more akin to an early barbaric Viking army, Heilung presented something completely different. I was so fascinated by the entire performance that I just had to see more.

Unfortunately, Heilung has only played live shows in Europe up to this point. But I guarantee that if they ever bring their unique show to the U.S. (and I really, really hope they do!), I will be sure to be in the front row to experience it!

John Fahey - "Wine And Roses"

I will freely admit to not knowing anything about guitarist John Fahey when I first stumbled upon this cool track. His signature minimalist acoustic folk sound on this gritty track really gets the toes tapping, and is a unique addition to the standard October playlists.

Enjoy Wine and Roses from Fahey's 1965 release, "Dance of Death & Other Plantation Favorites."

Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats - "Dead Eyes of London"

Sweet 60's-infused occult stoner rock from England, with video clips from the 1961 film of the same name...

Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats - "Mind Crawler"

This very well may be the greatest music video ever created. Ever. And damn if the song doesn't kill it, too.

Ghost - "Rats"

Yes, I still love the band Ghost. News of a new single brought me back into the fold and I'm really excited about the announcement that their next record, Prequelle, will be released June 1st.

The video for their first single, Rats, was released today. Featuring their next "new singer" Cardinal Copia, this one really makes me laugh. The choreographed dancing is pretty corny, but they really take it over the top and the song is very catchy. I absolutely love the feeling that they aren't taking it too seriously and having a ball, all the while giving the middle finger to all the "metal purists" who continue to scream about them not being metal.

I love this band.

Cryo Chamber's FREE "Dark Ambient of 2017" Mix

One last goodie before 2017 calls it quits, thanks to Oregon dark ambient label, Cryo Chamber!

They just released a great, one-hour long mix from some of their 2017 releases. And it's free!

From the Cryo Chamber Bandcamp page:

This is our Christmas gift for 2017 to all who support us and is free for everyone!

Continuing our yearly tradition, we picked some interesting releases this year. Some that fall well within our dark ambient borders, and some that scratch at the surface extending it's inky tendrils all over neighboring genres.

With tracks from Flowers From Bodysnatchers, Apocryphos/Kammarheit/Atrium Carceri, Metatron Omega, Atrium Carceri/Cities Last Broadcast, and Wordclock, you'll have a great little mix perfect for an October haunt soundtrack! I think the dark ambient genre lends itself nicely to a haunt theme and have been using it as background sound in my haunt display for years. And I HIGHLY recommend this mix, as it's full of great tracks.

Go get this mix for free over at the Cryo Chamber Bandcamp page!