'Tis The Season For Christmas Slashers [Anna H's Review]

How's it going lurkers? As I already said in the previous Song Saturday blog, I have a blog review about Christmas Slashers.

With me being so busy doing last minute Christmas shopping, watching Christmas Slashers, etc. I did not have enough time to publish my review, sooner.

Orthodox Christians don't celebrate Christmas Day, until January 7, 2015.

Therefore, I'm sharing my Christmas Slasher Review today.

Since last Monday morning, I watched a few Christmas Slashers. 

Last year, I only watched Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972) and the 2012 remake of Silent Night, Deadly Night. 

On Monday morning, I watched Black Christmas (1974) and Tuesday I watched Christmas Evil (1980).

These Slashers have year gaps between them, and they will be reviewed in chronological order.

Just a quick reminder, I am somewhat biased against these Christmas Slashers mostly because I expected for them to actually frighten me.

1) Silent Night, Bloody Night Trailer (1972)

 

Theodore Gershuny's Silent Night, Bloody Night was originally released as Night Of The Dark Full Moon and is also known as Death House.

Silent Night, Bloody Night was filmed in 1972 but was shelved for 2 years. It was not until 1974 that the Slasher was released in the movie theaters. Silent Night, Bloody Night takes place on Christmas Eve 1950. 

Wilfred Butler returns to his mansion only to discover that it was turned into a mental institution for the criminally insane. 

That same day, Wilfred is shown running outside his mansion, while on fire soon collapsing to his supposed death in the snow. The towns people believe that Wilfred's death was accidental and his mansion is shut down.

About 22 years later, lawyer John Carter and his assistant Ingrid arrive in a small Massachusetts town. He meets with the town's nobles, Mayor Adams, Sheriff Bill Mason, Tess Howard, and Charlie Towman. John is revealed to be Jeffrey Butler's lawyer. 

Jeffrey is Wilfred Butler's grandson. Jeffrey Butler tries selling the Butler mansion for $50,000 by noon the next day.

After John Carter calls his wife, it has been revealed that he is cheating on her with his ASSISTANT, Ingrid. John and Ingrid stay the night at the Butler mansion for dinner and sex. During sex, they are slaughtered in bed with an axe!

Then, the killer calls the police station's phone operator (Tess) in a low, muffled voice. The killer claims to be "Marianne."

Watching Silent Night, Bloody Night last December bored me. If memory serves me right, I started dosing off at my keyboard just watching it.

The film's trailer, dark and spooky night scenery, the voyeurism, music score, menacing phone calls, and Wilfred Butler's low, muffled voice were creepy. Otherwise, Silent Night, Bloody Night was very slow and boring.

2) Black Christmas Trailer (1974)

Bob Clark is best known for creating Porky's and A Christmas Story. Most don't know, that he created Black Christmas. The movie was originally titled Silent Night, Evil Night.

As a filmmaker, Bob Clark had versatility. Black Christmas was literally created 9 years before A Christmas Story. Those 2 Christmas movies were from completely different film genres, which is fascinating.

Black Christmas is revered as 1 of the original Christmas Slashers. Not only is this considered to be 1 of the original Christmas Slashers, but it also contributed to the launching of the Slasher Genre.

In fact, John Carpenter was inspired by Black Christmas, which is why Halloween exists today.

Silent Night, Evil Night (Black Christmas) takes place in a sorority house with promiscuous sorority girls preparing for Christmas Break. As they are having their Christmas Party, they start receiving strange and obscene phone calls. They automatically assume it's a prank caller.

All the while, Barb taunts their sorority sister, Clare for being a virgin. Clare becomes so annoyed with Barb's insults, that she goes to pack her clothes in her room. Suddenly, their housemother's meowing cat appears.

Clare starts hearing strange noises, is smothered to death from behind with a clothing bag, and is carried to the attic. Her corpse is later propped in the attic's rocking chair RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE WINDOW! Supposedly, no one knows what happened to Clare. Her sorority assumes, that she is MISSING.

The characters in Black Christmas annoyed me. They are depicted as obnoxious, stupid, and morally depraved sorority girls, including the so-called "heroine," who wants to abort she and her boyfriend, Peter's baby.

After the harassing phone calls, tapping of the phone wires, and the investigation, no one caught the serial killer!

The movie's trailer, harassing phone calls, ominous film score, the red herring character (Peter), Billy's Doberman colored eyes peeping through the door, his hidden appearance, and the camera angles, pans, and zooms were all creepy. Otherwise, Black Christmas didn't frighten me. I was highly disappointed.

Gee, I guess "my skin IS on too tight."

3) Christmas Evil (1980)

This 1980 Christmas Slasher was originally released as You Better Watch Out and is also known as Terror In Toyland.

I could not help rolling my eyes, while laughing at this Christmas Slasher. Watching Christmas Evil was a joke! The YouTube vlogger, Dr. Wolfula does a better job at reviewing THIS movie than I could ever do without laughing hysterically behind my keyboard.

Dr. Wolfula's Christmas Evil Review (2010)

Harry, a deranged toymaker at Jolly Dreams wasted 33 YEARS of his life being traumatized over his daddy role playing as Santa Claus and I assume he watched some tongue action under his mommy's nightgown, then threw a tantrum and broke his snow globe only to cut himself? OMG! THIS IS TOO HILARIOUS FOR WORDS!!!

Was Daddy the so-called "Clit Commander" dressed as Santa on Christmas Eve?

Regardless, Harry's Santaphobia was and still is hilarious. 

Had Christmas Evil's filmmaker been more clever with possibly showing Harry accidentally walking in on his mother moaning from mind shattering orgasms, during sex with his father, or if he witnessed his mother being beaten and/or raped, his trauma would've been MORE convincing and realistic. None of what I mentioned was shown in Christmas Evil.

If any of those situations could've been demonstrated to the audience without the child actor being on the set for the scene years ago, Harry's trauma would've been more convincing.

He became a deranged, mass murderer because Daddy was caressing Mommy's thigh under her nightgown, while being a CUNNING LINGUIST  in a Santa costume!

OH NO! I saw Daddy dressed as Santa Claus, while doing weird things under Mommy's nightgown by the Christmas Tree! So traumatizing! Now, I have SANTAPHOBIA!!!

Harry's bizarre behavior, his Santa memorabilia, the music score, and the film's trailer were the only creepy qualities about Christmas Evil. Watching Harry murder 3 church parishioning bullies in front of everyone on the stair steps made me laugh so hard, I cried hysterically.

That's besides him smothering and slitting his co-workers' throats with a knife, as well as flying into the moonlight like a scene out of E.T. with his SANTAMOBILE.

Harry may have been a creepy and deranged stalker taking on the constant roles of being Santa Claus, but overall, I just could NOT  take Christmas Evil seriously.

4) Silent Night, Deadly Night Trailer (1984)

The original Silent Night, Deadly Night was notorious for its controversial Slasher trailer 30 years ago. There were 3 Christmas Slashers, which existed years BEFORE Silent Night, Deadly Night was created. However, it was the most condemned and demonized.

Militant, Stay-At-Home Mommies and Christian zealots protested on the streets and literally called Tri-Star Films to have Silent Night, Deadly Night banned NATIONWIDE.

Siskel and Ebert persecuting the filmmaker contributed to Silent Night, Deadly Night's bannings from theaters after its 1st week. Here's something really interesting. Both A Nightmare On Elm Street and Silent Night, Deadly Night released on November 9, 1984.

Silent Night, Deadly Night outperformed A Nightmare On Elm Street; On the same day, it blew A Nightmare On Elm Street out the water!

My family claimed years ago, that parents took their children to watch it in the movie theaters. Other sources claimed, that the trailer was advertised, during times when children were watching TV.

After watching Silent Night, Deadly Night last week on Christmas morning, I was disappointed.

The opening for Silent Night, Deadly Night was phenomenal yet cheesy all at once. A little boy sang, as the movie's title rushed onto the screen with animated blood being splattered.

On Christmas Eve 1971, the 7-year-old Billy Chapman and his family go to visit his institutionalized grandfather. Billy's grandfather is supposedly "catatonic." The doctor escorts Billy's parents to review his grandfather's records. 

Suddenly, Billy's grandfather traumatizes him about Christmas and Santa Claus. He starts telling Billy that Santa punishes naughty boys and girls.

After witnessing his "catatonic" grandfather's disturbing behavior, while hearing his grandfather's grisly secret about Christmas, Billy's Santaphobia is soon born.

Yes, Santaphobia really does exist. It's also a main contributor to Silent Night, Deadly Night's plot.

Billy was already traumatized by his grandfather and is soon subjected to more trauma. 

Down the road, a robber dressed as Santa Claus robbed a liquor store, while shooting the clerk dead. That same robber kills Billy's father, shortly after.

The robber proceeds to rape Billy's mother and slits her throat with a knife. Once Billy witnesses this traumatic incident, he is placed in an orphanage where he is subjected to more trauma and physical abuse by Mother Superior.

Whenever Billy witnesses people having sex, he automatically views it as rape.

Witnessing a co-worker being raped by another co-worker, after being forced to dress as Santa Claus for work triggers Billy's serial killing spree.

I spent more time sympathizing and empathizing with Billy Chapman than any character.  

Silent Night, Deadly Night's music score, highly misleading trailer, Billy's grandfather, the antique toy soldiers, and Santa Claus decorations creeped me out. Overall, this Christmas Slasher barely scared me; It didn't make me jump out my skin watching it. 

I kept bracing myself for a scare, but the scares failed to deliver for me. I am starting to believe that I have become desensitized to Horror. 

Then again, Silent Night, Deadly Night's trailer STILL manages to give me goosebumps even after watching the entire movie. 

Seriously, how can trailers for Horror movies be more frightening than the actual movies? Does that make any sense?

Whoever put its movie trailer together should've made this highly controversial Christmas Slasher more appalling. All that outrage and protesting to have Silent Night, Deadly Night banned in '84 for NOTHING.

Talk about a HUGE disappointment.

5) Silent Night Trailer (2012)

OMG! This Christmas Slasher is nothing like the original Silent Night, Deadly Night. This remake doesn't even have a real story to it.

The serial killer's Santa Claus mask is frightening, whereas everything else is extremely contrived. I nearly fell off my bed from laughing hysterically at Silent Night, last Christmas Eve.

Watching the killer Santa literally tase that bratty 12-year-old pill popper to death still is hilarious and the best part of the entire movie.

I discussed Silent Night with my friend, Charlie JJ Kruger from Horror-Punks.com, 2 months ago. Charlie agreed with me about this Slasher being terrible. He is not lying. Silent Night was a Shit Sandwich.

Out of all 5 Christmas Slashers, Silent Night, Deadly Night is the best in my opinion and Black Christmas creeps behind it. 

Even though neither Christmas Slasher frightened me, I believe casual viewers will be, especially for those who are easily scared of Horror. 

Silent Night, Deadly Night is more convincing and has a better plot in regards to Billy Chapman's serial killing spree.

Meanwhile, Billy's entire physical appearance in Black Christmas (not to be confused with Billy Chapman) is never shown.

We only know that Black Christmas' Billy is a stalker/serial killer. That in itself is enough to scare people, since stalkers and serial killers really do exist.

If you happen to watch these Christmas Slashers (you can YouTube them all for free), let me know what you think!

Cartoon Sunday: Escape The Magical Christmas Star

How's it going lurkers? Happy Winter Solstice or Yule to my Pagan friends and a few subscribers! Hopefully you are enjoying YOUR holiday.

Originally, I meant to share a Charlie Brown Christmas Special, but changed my mind at the last minute. Instead, I have 2 Animated Christmas Shorts dating back to 2009. 

Even though both animated shorts were from several years ago, their illustrations are still beautiful.

First and foremost, I have a Christmas short of the Forever Friends. Forever Friends were sketched teddy bears that launched in 1987 by Deborah Jones. 

The greeting card publisher, Andrew Brownsword chose to use her bears sketchbook designs for greeting cards. 

During the early '80s, he and Deborah collaborated in a flat above a Chinese takeaway in Reading, Berkshire.

By 1994, Hallmark Cards bought Andrew Brownsword Ltd and Andrew soon agreed to become the CEO of Hallmark Europe.

Jones' illustrated bears were rebranded as "Between Friends" specifically for the children's greeting cards demographic, 3 years later.

Then by 1999-2000, Hallmark Illustrators were handed Deborah Jones' Between Friends bears and rebranded as "Forever Friends." 

Watching Forever Friends' animated short, "The Magic Christmas Star" is adorable, soothing, and festive. 

Forever Friends "The Magic Christmas Star" (2009)

Meanwhile, Mark G. Murphy's animated adaptation of Hugh Whyte's "Escape" has a darker tone. 

Originally created in 2005, "Escape" was a private holiday card only sent to Whyte and Murphy's clients, family, and friends. Flash 8 was used to create the animation. 

"Escape" has been slightly modified and updated for its 2009 YouTube release. This short begins with a man, who is alone on Christmas Eve. His dog supposedly helps him discover something.

After watching both of these Christmas shorts for today's Cartoon Sunday, let me know your thoughts about them.

Mark G. Murphy's Animated Adaptation Of Hugh Whyte's "Escape" (2005; 2009)

 Merry Christmas & Happy Solstice!

Song Saturday: The White Coffin Terror's "Silent Night, Deadly Night"

How's it going lurkers? Before I turned off my TV last night, I heard that vinyl records are making a comeback for the younger generations on my local ABC News. The younger generations supposedly like the sound quality from vinyl albums.

I still have some vinyl albums from the 1980's, when I was growing up. Some records are children's Christmas albums. The rest are '80s Rock and Pop albums by The Bangles, Paula Abdul, Milli Vanilli, Dokken, and the '80s Glam Metal band, Cinderella.

By the time of reaching adolescence during the '90s, I bought more Rock CD's. Had I been a little older during the '80s, I probably would've had more vinyl records than CD's.

It has been ~15 years, since I last listened to Dokken's Back For The Attack vinyl album. Suddenly, their classic music video for "Dream Warriors" comes to mind. 

In 1987, "Dream Warriors" was the theme song for A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. Watching Dokken's music video was creepy. Their music video for "Dream Warriors" featured Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger.

I remember Dokken's "Dream Warriors" being in heavy rotation on MTV in 1987. Until this day, I don't know what scared me more at 5 years old, Freddy Krueger's skin-burned face or his claws? 

Now that I am an adult, I believe it was Krueger's face. However, I still feel that gremlins are more horrifying than he is because of their fugly eyes. 

Normally, I believe the uglier, the more frightening something or someone is.

For instance, have you ever seen something/someone so hideous that you screamed with horror?

As harsh as it may sound to say about someone, I am sure there are other lurkers reading this blog and completely understand my views. It is SO easy to be frightened by someone or something that's downright hideous.

It is not always the face that can be creepy. Sometimes that person or thing can have the most hideous eyes and you will be creeped out, if not traumatized.

In fact, I watched the shitty remake of Silent Night, Deadly Night, last year. I never had the chance to watch the original Christmas Slasher from 1984, but I did watch the 2012 remake, Silent Night.

Silent Night Trailer (2012)

While watching the trailer for Silent Night, I was instantly frightened by the hideous eyes on that Santa Claus mask. 

Like I already said, it's easy to be frightened, if not traumatized by something or someone so hideous. The eyes on that Santa Claus mask rivals the hideous eyes on gremlins.

Last December, I published a blog on Horror-Punks.com about the Silent Night, Deadly Night remake. Silent Night was a joke. 

Last month, I had a conversation with a fellow Horror-Punk friend, Charlie J.J. Kruger. Even though I have never watched the original Christmas Slasher, we both agreed that Silent Night was terrible.

Watching that bratty, pill-popping, 12-year-old girl literally get tased to death and The White Coffin Terror's song as the ending theme were the best. The Santa Claus mask was the only part of Silent Night, that was scary. 

In 2 more weeks, I will try setting aside more time to watch the original Silent Night, Deadly Night and give a review for it. Watching the Christmas Slasher is not set in stone, but it is my goal.

Since I am already on the topic of songs from Slashers, it would only be fitting to share a little Psychobilly Christmas Music.

Originally, I planned to share The White Coffin Terror next week. Now, I have decided to share them today. 

Anyway, here is The White Coffin Terror's "Silent Night, Deadly Night" for today's Song Saturday.

The White Coffin Terror "Silent Night, Deadly Night" Psychobilly Christmas (2008), Silent Night Ending Theme Song (2012)

Song Saturday: Krampus + More About Saint Nick's Evil Sidekick

How's it going lurkers? Have you been naughty for Krampus or nice for Saint Nicholas? 

Last year, NBC's Grimm premiered an episode about Krampus. I have never heard of Krampus, until last December.

Krampus On Grimm (2013)

I would've learned about him 2 years ago on American Dad. American Dad has an episode titled "Minstrel Krampus."

Krampus & Steve Smith's Duet On American Dad's "Minstrel Krampus" (2012)

"Minstrel Krampus" was supposed to air on Fox in December 2012.

Fox pre-empted the episode, until last December. Because of the controversy surrounding the Sandy Hook Massacre, "Minstrel Krampus" was NOT aired in December 2012.

Leave it up to the media to cause more hysteria than necessary. Don't get me wrong, I empathize with the families of the Sandy Hook victims. They spent their holiday and continue spending their entire lives without their children.

However, American Dad's "Minstrel Krampus" episode had ZERO involvement in a 15-year-old boy, NOT a 20-year-old man murdering innocent children. It's appalling that the media's Mathematical skills are much worse than mine.

2012-1997= 20 years

2012-1997= 15 years

Fox would not air that American Dad's "Minstrel Krampus" because they really did NOT  want to be used as a scapegoat for a 15-year-old boy with mental and behavioral problems, who killed innocent adults and children. Go figure.

The network already knows the media is skilled at condemning and demonizing entertainment. This justifies Fox's reason for unairing American Dad's "Minstrel Krampus" in December 2012.

Since I am on the topic of Krampus, DanniDarkness (1 of my subscribers) published a blog last year on Blogster about Krampus. Unfortunately, I don't know if she removed her blog about him, or if that Blogster glitch deleted it. Regardless, I couldn't locate the link to Danni's Krampus blog.

According to what I have learned about Krampus, he is a beast-like monster that is a part of ancient Germanic folklores. 

Krampus is a black and/or sometimes brown haired demon with cloven hooves and goat-like horns.

On December 5th (Saint Nicholas Eve), Krampus punishes misbehaved children by capturing them in his sack. Then, he carries them to his lair. Some have said, that Krampus even carries them to hell. In the following vlog, Lucas Livingston explains in more detail about the history of Krampus.

Lucas Livingston Explains The History Of Krampus (2012)

After learning a little more about Krampus, I understand why he is depicted as being a womanizer on American Dad. 

When I read DanniDarkness' blog last year on Blogster about Krampus, she mentioned that songs were made about him.

I don't know any of the songs about Krampus, although I found a Metal song about him for this Song Saturday. Listening to the song makes me automatically think about Adult Swim's Metalocalypse for some odd reason.

Today I have a song by Craterface. It's titled "Krampus Carol."

Craterface "Krampus Carol" (2013)

Happy Saint Nicholas Day!

Song Saturday: Kanon Wakeshima Block

How's it going lurkers? Today I have some Neoclassical Dark New Wave and J-Pop Music by Kanon Wakeshima.

Kanon Wakeshima is a Japanese singer/cellist, who was originally produced by musician/fashion designer Mana.

Speaking of Mana, I was actually friends with him on Vivaldi, before deleting my account several months ago. It sucks that the owners of Vivaldi, did not give additional features on their website. It lingered for 1/2 year much like Xanga 2.0, but that is another topic for another time.

Like I was saying, Kanon Wakeshima was originally produced by Mana. Kanon also collaborated with the Visual Kei J-Rock basist, Kanon from Antic Cafe (a.k.a. "An Cafe"). 

Kanon Wakeshima and An Cafe's Kanon are known together as "Kanon X Kanon."

The singer/cellist is popular for her 2 songs, which were featured as the ending theme songs to the Anime, Vampire Knight and Vampire Knight: Guilty (2008). Those 2 ending theme songs were "Still Doll" and "Suna No Oshiro" (Sand Castle).

In addition to Kanon's songs being used for the Vampire Knight franchise, I recently learned that she voiced a maid in Vampire Knight Season 1: Episode 8.

In 2008, Kanon was nominated in the 4th Annual Shojo Beat Music Awards for Best Newcomer Award.

The nominees are usually determined by surveying "record companies, music journalists, music experts, and music fans."

Throughout these last several years, I have noticed that Kanon Wakeshima's music is typically featured in Vampire Horror Anime such as Vampire Knight, Shiki, and Strike The Blood.

Although, her music has also been featured in the Seinen Anime, 30-sai no Hoken Taiiku (Health and Physical Education for 30-Year-Olds), To Love-Ru, and the Fate/Extra CCC game.

Besides Kanon Wakeshima's past accomplishments, I learned something very interesting about her today.

She gave all 4 of her cellos names.

Kanon's white cello is named "Mikazuki-san," which means "crescent moon" in Japanese.

She normally uses Mikazuki, during live performances. "Nanachie-san" meaning "wisdom" is Kanon Wakeshima's red cello. It's mostly seen in her music videos.

She claims that "Nanachie-san" is complicated to play yet she still manages to play it. Kanon's 3rd cello is "Yaeharu-san" ("multi-layered spring"). She has owned that brown cello, since middle school.

Kanon uses "Yaeharu-san," whenever she is practicing and recording albums.

Her last cello is her newest called "Momotose" ("100 years") and is silver with rhinestones on it.

"Momotose" can be seen on Kanon Wakeshima's 2nd album, Lolitawork Libretto.

I tried copying and pasting photos of Kanon Wakeshima's cellos, however I had no such luck. If you would like to see her cellos, the link is below.

Kanon Wakeshima's Cellos:

In the meantime, here's a block of Kanon Wakeshima's music videos. The 4th song, happens to be my favorite.

1) Kanon Wakeshima "Still Doll" Vampire Knight (2008), Shinshoku Dolce (2009)

 

2) Kanon Wakeshima "Shoujo Jikake No Riburetto~Storytelling By Solita~" Lolitawork Libretto (2010)

3) Kanon Wakeshima Featuring An Cafe's Kanon [Kanon X Kanon] "Calendula Requiem" Shiki (2010)

4) Kanon Wakeshima "Monochrome Frame" Shinshoku Dolce (2009)

Song Saturday: Wayne Static/Static-X Tribute Part 2

How's it going lurkers? Today is Part 2 of my Wayne Static/Static-X Tribute. In case you missed the previous blog, I learned on Monday, that Wayne Static from the Industrial Metal/"Evil Disco"/Metal band, Static-X died in his sleep on November 1st.

As I reiterate, he literally died 3 days, before his 49th birthday. I was only 16, when Static-X debuted.

When I originally heard Static-X's "Bled For Days," I assumed it was a NEW  White Zombie song, 16 years ago. A DJ at LAZER 103 also mentioned on the air that Static-X sounded somewhat similar to White Zombie. The moment the DJ played "Bled For Days," I instantly heard the similarities between Static-X and White Zombie. 

Wayne Static and Rob Zombie's vocals sounded similar to each others except Wayne's vocals were deeper.

Static-X debuted the same year that Rob Zombie launched as a soloist. White Zombie had already disbanded.

In 1998, Static-X's "Bled For Days" was featured on the Bride of Chucky Soundtrack. The band's debut album, Wisconsin Death Trip followed shortly after in 1999 and went platinum in 2001. 

Within a decade, the band was featured on plethora of soundtracks and compilations. Over the years, I noticed that Static-X was normally featured on Horror soundtracks. This especially applies to MOST  Vampire soundtracks.

Considering the popularity of Rap Metal a.k.a. "Nu Metal," throughout the late '90s and early 21st Century, the band was amazingly successful. 

Static-X was 1 of the heavier bands in heavy rotation on traditional radio stations and music television.

Wayne Static collaborated with Metal bands and rappers such as Fear Factory's Burton C. Bell, Dead Prez, The X-Ecutioners, Godhead, Mephisto Odyssey, KoRn's Jonathan Davis, Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda, Skinny Puppy, Soil, and Run DMC to only name a few.

It has been years, since I played Static-X's Wisconsin Death Trip, their other albums, and other songs, which were featured on various soundtracks and compilations. 

During 2002-2003, Static-X was 1 of the main Metal and Industrial Metal bands I played on my radio show at 101.7 WIPZ (Yes, I know. Me and my nostalgia).

I meant to share a Static-X block earlier this year, but was sidetracked. Well, better late than never. Today is a lengthy Static-X block.

This block contains songs from every Static-X album and a few songs from different soundtracks and collaborative compilations.

1) Static-X "Bled For Days" Bride of Chucky Soundtrack (1998); Wisconsin Death Trip (1999)

2) Static-X Featuring Fear Factory's Burton C. Bell "Burning Inside" [Ministry Cover] The Crow: Salvation Soundtrack (2000); Beneath... Between... Beyond Compilation (2004)

3) Dead Prez Featuring Static-X "Hip Hop" Loud Rocks Compilation (2000)

 

4) Wayne Static "Not Meant For Me" Queen Of The Damned Soundtrack (2002)

 

5) Static-X "So" Shadow Zone (2003)

6) Static-X "Destroyer" Cannibal (2007)

7) Static-X "Lunatic" Cult of Static (2009) 

R.I.P. Wayne Static/Static-X Tribute Part 1

 

 

Wayne Static's Interview With Artisan News (2009)

How's it going lurkers? On Monday, I learned some rather shocking yet TRAGIC news. Wayne Static from the Industrial Metal/"Evil Disco" band, Static-X died in his sleep on November 1st. 

Wayne literally died 3 days, BEFORE his 49th birthday. The thought of this had me reeling. 

I may not be rolling around on the floor, while crying convulsively over Wayne Static's death, however I was and still am shocked as a Static-X fan. When the band debuted, I was only 16 years old.

"Bled For Days" was featured on the Bride of Chucky Soundtrack in 1998. Static-X's debut album, Wisconsin Death Trip, followed 1 year after.

Before Wayne formed Static-X, he and The Smashing Pumpkins vocalist (Billy Corgan) were in a band called, Deep Blue Dream.

Static-X was very popular, during the late 1990's and early 2000's. In fact, the band reached its pinnacle in 2000. 

Static-X was featured on numerous soundtracks and music compilations throughout the decade.

The Hard +The Heavy Volume 1, Dracula 2000 Soundtrack, Loud Rocks, Queen Of The Damned Soundtrack, and The Crow: Salvation Soundtrack are ONLY naming a few. 

Static-X made 6 studio albums, 1 live album, 1 compilation, 1 video album, 2 extended plays, 14 singles, 2 promotional singles, and 13 music videos.

Wayne Static collaborated with a number of Metal bands and rappers. When you have the opportunity to do so, read the listing of Wayne Static and Static-X's discographies and collaborations on Wikipedia.

There are WAY too many soundtracks, compilations, and collaborations for me to list. Wayne Static's death shocked a handful of his Metal and so-called "Nu Metal" friends. Some of them responded:

Jacoby Shaddix (Papa Roach vocalist): “RIP Wayne. This is so sad. Too many musicians are dying from overdoses... I know drugs and partying are part of the ‘rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle,’ but damn, how many more gotta die??? Fuck the lifestyle, I want life!!!! See you on the other side, Wayne.”

Billy Corgan (Deep Blue Dream/The Smashing Pumpkins): “I am shocked to hear that Wayne Wells has passed away... He was a real gentleman, and loved music (and Kiss, Ace in particular). Even had his the hood of his car painted with the Kiss logo.”

Corey Taylor (Slipknot/Stone Sour): “I am absolutely devastated to hear about Wayne Static’s death. A good man and a good friend. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Aaron Lewis (Staind): “My heart goes out to Wayne’s family. He was my friend. Many shows and tours together. I’m stunned and shocked. RIP my dear friend #speechless”

Jonathan Davis (KoRn): “Rest in peace, Wayne. I’m speechless right now. I’m losing too many of my friends. I’ll see you on the other side, brother.”

John 5 (Rob Zombie's current guitarist): “Very saddened to hear that Wayne Static has passed away in his sleep.... My thoughts are with his wife and family and friends.”

Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil): “Shocked. Waking up with the horrific news someone you knew died is the worst feeling in the world… R.I.P. Wayne.”

Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit): “RIP Wayne Richard Wells. His contributions are timeless.”

Jeremy Spencer (Five Finger Death Punch): “What a shame. R.I.P. Wayne Static.”

Morgan Rose (Sevendust drummer): “Crushed to hear the news of Wayne Static passing away. We played many shows together. Horrible news. RIP Wayne.”

David Draiman (Disturbed): “Goodbye old friend.”

Pete Loeffler (Chevelle): “Just heard about Wayne Static passing away. Sad news indeed. We played with Static-X a hell of a lot over the years. RIP bro.”

Koichi Fukuda (Former Static-X guitarist): “I am still trying to process the sad fact that I’ve lost my dear old friend, Wayne Richard Wells. He was an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind, very special person and also a very gifted artist with a clear vision. On a personal level, he was a smart, kind, caring sweetheart and soft-spoken gentleman. I really loved his dark, biting and sharp sense of humor. We all shared so many great times and also some tough times together like we are ‘family.’...It makes me so sad and angry at the same time that I’ll never have a chance to reconcile with him. I thought the time is the only thing needed for all of us to realize what we had is something so special.”

Tony Campos (Former Static-X bassist): “I knew Wayne for 15 years. Some of the best times of my life were with him. I considered him a good friend. It’s sad the way our friendship ended, but even more sad that we never got to settle things between us.... Even though we were no longer friends the last five years, I held on to a sliver of hope that my old friend would come back."

There appears to be some animosity among Wayne Static's wife (Tera Wray), mostly Papa Roach's vocalist and former Static-X band members. 

The former Static-X band members sent their condolences to Wayne Static's family except Wray.

Meanwhile, she is mostly upset because Papa Roach's Jacoby Shaddix (a.k.a. "Coby Dick") implied, along with other musicians suspecting, that Wayne died from a drug overdose.

According to Wayne's widow and his publicist, he died in his sleep. You can read more about it in the link below.

Metal Injection: WAYNE STATIC's Widow Tera Way Indirectly Calls Out PAPA ROACH Frontman For Spreading Overdose Rumors

Aside from the drama, I have a recorderd interview, that Wayne Static did with The Five Count from this past June. In the interview, he discussed working with Static-X, his solo album, creating the "Evil Disco" music genre, Tripp Eisen's (Static-X/Dope/Murderdolls) statutory rape charges, touring, etc.

Below The Five Count interview is a song from Wayne Static's solo album, Pighammer.

Wayne Static's Interview With The Five Count (2014)

Wayne Static "Thunder Invader" Pighammer (2011)

Tomorrow, I'll have a Static-X Song Satuday block. R.I.P. Wayne Static!

Cartoon Sunday: Hellsing Ultimate OVA 1

How's it going lurkers? You're gonna love this. So, 2 Tuesday nights ago, I discovered in an Adult Swim thread that Dish Network removed most of Turner's channels. 

TBS and TNT are the only networks under the Ted Turner umbrella that have not been removed from Dish Network. 

Those 2 channels are covered by a separate contract than CNN, HLN, TruTV, TCM, Cartoon Network, and Boomerang. 

Out of all those listed channels, my family and I only watch 2 of them. Those 2 channels are Cartoon Network and Boomerang. 

We can't watch Boomerang or Adult Swim because Turner and Dish Network couldn't reach an agreement about their contract.

Dish Customers Lose Access To Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, More

My grandmother watches Boomerang for all the older cartoons. The rest of us watch Adult Swim. It's a bundled network on Cartoon Network.

I mostly watch Adult Swim for American Dad, Family Guy, The Boondocks, Robot Chicken, Bleach (which just ended last night), Metalocalypse, and Hellsing Ultimate.

We don't watch Adult Swim nearly as much as we have in the past. Within the last several years, the network shoved all the Anime to late Saturday nights and early Sunday mornings. 

Regardless of the awful programming, we still watch Adult Swim. I checked Dish Network's Facebook page. It has numerous irate customers to respond to about blacking out most Turner networks. 

Based on the comments I read 2 weeks ago, most customers were furious for not having CNN, TruTV, Cartoon Network, and Boomerang.

Dish Network pulled this exact same stunt several years ago with AMC's other networks, which are affiliated with NBC Universal.

Dish Network's customers are so irate, that they are canceling their packages. I don't blame them. 

If I really could, I would cancel the service not because of losing only 2 channels, but because we do not watch most of those other 100+ channels.

I watch slightly more than a handful of Dish's channels alone. Since I'm not paying the bill and because my family watches certain channels, we're stuck with Dish Network.

It's disappointing that John McCain never had his bill passed. He wanted to pass a bill where cable and satellite dish owners could customize our own packages by removing excess channels.

That would've saved customers money. It may sound silly to some people, however it's ridiculous to pay $100's for unwanted channels. It annoys me to have a gajillion sports channels, that none of us watch. We have to pay extra to watch the better channels because they are not on the main Dish package.

I don't necessarily mean Showtime, HBO, and Skinemax. I mean the Japanese channels and other channels, that I would consider watching.

Meanwhile, it's Cartoon Sunday. Remember that Cartoon Sunday blog review I published, which featured Hellsing Ultimate, in March?

Besides learning about Dish Network and Turner's dispute, I also learned that Adult Swim will only air 8 of the 10 OVA's.

Hellsing Ultimate Finale Will Not Air On Toonami

Next Sunday, Adult Swim will air the 8th OVA.

Judging by the network's current late Saturday night/early Sunday morning schedule, I won't be watching Adult Swim. This is until the network acquires the rights to another show(s) I want to watch.

Then again, even if there was a show I wanted, I still would be unable to watch it on Adult Swim. 

Thank you Dish Network and Turner for not settling your dispute! Now, I have extra time to be more constructive and watch better shows on TV and online.

On a more positive note, I managed to grab Hellsing Ultimate OVA 1 online! Funimation Entertainment restricted outside viewers 2 months ago, but we just got lucky today!   

Get ready to watch a kick ass Seinen Horror Action Anime! Anyway, here's Hellsing Ultimate OVA 1!

Hellsing Ultimate OVA 1 (2006)

SCREAM: The Inside Story

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCREAM Trailer (1996)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, LURKERS!!! As promised, I have 1 of SCREAM's recent documentaries.

Several times, I have heard that SCREAM revived not only the Slasher sub-genre, but also the Horror genre. During the early '90s, I had no idea that the Horror genre was on life support. It was probably because I was always watching Horror films and TV shows growing up.

After I recently learned, that most Horror films were sent directly to videotapes, I was surprised. Thank the media watchdog groups, Christian zealots, and movie critics such as Siskel and Ebert.

These self-righteous zealots always condemned and demonized movies by using them as scapegoats rather than blaming adults for not educating and parenting their own children.

The demonization led to Horror filmmakers sending their movies directly to video. Most Horror filmmakers did not want to be blamed every second for murders and attempted murders.

The media watchdog groups, Christian zealots, and ignorant movie critics FAIL to realize that SOME books, movies, and shows are created by writers, who are inspired by watching violent news reports.

Besides the fact, that Slashers have always been controversial, it has often been debated, who created the Slasher sub-genre. Most Horror buffs claim, that John Carpenter's 1978 film, Halloween gave birth to Slashers.

Some other buffs claim it was Alfred Hitchcock's Thriller, Psycho in 1960. However, Christmas Slashers launched, during the early 1970's; They were created 4-6 years, before the creation of Halloween.

Silent Night, Bloody Night was a 1972 Christmas Slasher, which sat on the shelf for 2 years. It wasn't released in the movie theaters, until 1974.

October 11, 1974, Canada released Bob Clark's Christmas Slasher, Silent Night, Evil Night.

Silent Night, Evil Night is also known as Stranger In The House and Black Christmas. Silent Night, Evil Night is mostly known as Black Christmas.

Just to let you know, Bob Clark was the exact same filmmaker, who created the 1983 movie, A Christmas Story. You know that movie TBS marathons every Christmas? Clark created those 2 movies literally 9 years apart from each other.

With that being said, Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho technically gave birth to Slashers in 1960 whereas Wes Craven revived the sub-genre by releasing SCREAM in 1996.

I reiterate that SCREAM not only revived Slashers, but also Horror in general, during the mid to late 1990's. I was only 14 years old, when the original SCREAM released in the movie theaters. 

Every time I watched TV, the networks were always advertising different SCREAM commercials.

In fact, MTV advertised the Slasher, while Republica's music video for "Drop Dead Gorgeous" played in the background.

Republica "Drop Dead Gorgeous" SCREAM's Commercial Theme Song (1996)

Strangely enough, Republica did NOT make it onto the original SCREAM Soundtrack. Although, "Drop Dead Gorgeous" was played in the movie.

I have explained enough for the time being. Here's the documentary, SCREAM: The Inside Story.

SCREAM: The Inside Story (2011)

Since there will not be a Song Saturday blog tomorrow, I have a bonus song for you. It's another song that was actually on the original SCREAM Soundtrack. 

Anyway, here's Sister Machine Gun's "Better Than Me."

Sister Machine Gun "Better Than Me" SCREAM Soundtrack (1996)

 

I wish you a SCARY Halloween!

*SHUDDER* Is That THE ORIGINAL Jason Vorhees From Friday The 13th?!

Friday the 13th "He's Still There" Scene (1980)

How's it going lurkers? Tomorrow will be Halloween! 

These next 2 days, I have Halloween treats for you! As you already know, I belong to the Horror-Punks Community. It is safe to say that most of us Horror-Punkers are always busy on and offline.

Marquis DeBlood (the website founder and owner of Horror-Punks.com) has always been the most supportive of us all. Since I don't fall asleep until literally after sunrise, I wonder how many hours of sleep he gets regularly. (My mother mostly complains about my Vampire Sleeping Hours.) 

As I was saying... Marquis DeBlood is the website owner and manager of Horror-Punks.com, a writer at Into The Arms Of Death, vocalist for the band Others, and the host of The Horror Of It All.

Speaking of The Horror Of It All, it showcases the ghoulish events and the people behind the events in the Binghamton, NY Area. Today's early Halloween treat is Ari Lehman's interview with Lord Marquis DeBlood.

In case you are unfamiliar with the name, Ari Lehman was THE ORIGINAL "Jason Vorhees" in the 1980 Slasher, Friday the 13th. 

In this interview with host Marquis DeBlood, Ari talks about Friday The 13th and his band, First Jason. Their interview is soon followed by a live performance of the song, "Victim" at Fitzies Irish Pub located in Binghamton, NY.

Ari Lehman's Interview With Marquis DeBlood/First Jason Performs "Victim" (2014)

 

Tomorrow, I'll be back with the Slasher Horror documentary, SCREAM: The Inside Story!

Why Are Some People Coulrophobic?

DISCLAIMER: Today's blog contains clowns.

 

Poltergeist: Clown Scene (1982)

How's it going lurkers? If you have been watching or listening to the latest in the news, some people have been playing killer clown pranks on others. As the days go by, I keep reading and hearing about coulrophobic people.

Coulrophobia is having a fear of clowns.

Surprisingly, coulrophobia has existed for decades. As long as I can remember, my youngest aunt (she's 7 years older than me) has been scared of clowns, since the movie, Poltergeist. Poltergeist released in theaters June 4, 1982.

That was literally 10 days before I was born.

Like I already said, the clown in Poltergeist somewhat caused my aunt to become coulrophobic. However, I don't believe her coulrophobia is as debilitating as others.

Some people seriously have a debilitating fear of clowns. Most coulrophobics are scared of the Auguste Clowns.

Auguste Clowns are the clowns with red noses and crazy-looking hair.

I mainly discussed this issue on Adult Swim. A poster mentioned, that John Wayne Gacy contributed to coulrophobia.

Gacy was a serial killer/rapist dressed as a clown, during the 1970's in Chicago, IL.

The Adult Swim poster, who I talked to made a valid point, that highly supports coulrophobia.

I feel that Horror Movies, Horrorcore rappers, and Shock Metal bands such as Insane Clown Posse and Slipknot, for example contributed to their fair share of coulrophobia within the last 2-3 decades.

I'm not demonizing them. I'm only stating my observations.

Horror Movie Auguste Clowns

Pennywise The Clown from Stephen King's It most definitely made his contribution to coulrophobia. 

Almost everyone I've talked to about their fear of clowns is quick to name drop Pennywise. The latest addition to coulrophobia happens to be Twisty The Clown from American Horror Story: Freak Show.

Professional Scary Clowns Upset With American Horror Story’s Scary Clown

After reading the preceding article regarding Glenn Kohlberger's anger towards the demonization of clowns, I couldn't help laughing. Clowns of America's president is upset about clowns being portrayed as serial killers.

So far, there appears to be an increasing number of adults and children, who dislike clowns. Supposedly, movies about killer clowns have traumatized the most recent generations. Some coulrophobics claim they fear what is HIDDEN under the masks.

My youngest aunt especially claims, that a clown's physical appearance looks suspicious and abnormal.

Translation: They are social deviants; Clowns look like complete freaks and she doesn't trust them.

I was never coulrophobic growing up. Then again, I have been a Horror fan, since my childhood. In order to understand how horrific coulrophobia can be for some, here's an old clip from a documentary about a coulrophobic woman.

A Severely Coulrophobic Woman

This phobia seems hilarious, if not ridiculous to the rest of us. Although, this can't be said to those struggling with coulrophobia.

Coulrophobia can be as debilitating as being arachnophobic (being scared of spiders). I was really surprised to learn, that Johnny Depp and Sean "Puff Daddy/P. Diddy" Combs are coulrophobics.

I was more surprised about Johnny Depp than P. Diddy, considering all the creepy and social deviant roles that Johnny has played within the last 1-3 decades. Well, you learn something new everyday.

Last week, I Googled coulrophobia and stumbled upon websites regarding people's fear of clowns. In fact, there is a website specifically called, Coulrophobia Facts. 

The website gives readers a better understanding about having a fear of clowns in detail.

Coulrophobia Facts lists the different types of clowns, the history of coulrophobia, and gives suggestions about how to overcome the fear.

If you want to learn more about coulrophobia, the link is above.

Anyway, since today's blog is about CLOWNS and Halloween is creeping around the corner, I have a music video for you called "Proud As Punch" by Fear Incorporated. I'm so sadistic.

Fear Incorporated "Proud As Punch" Dark Carnival (2014)