There's some kinda love And there is some kinda hate

And now a very special review by a  fiend of the blog  Daniel XIII!

SOME KIND OF HATE

• RELEASE DATE: Available September 18th on VOD, iTunes, and in Theaters

• WRITTEN BY: Brian DeLeeuw, Adam Egypt Mortimer

• DIRECTED BY: Adam Egypt Mortimer

• STARRING:  Grace Phipps, Spencer Breslin, Lexi Atkins, Ronen Rubinstein, Sierra McCormick

 All right! Someone made a film based on that kick-ass Misfits tune…I mean I don’t know how they did it, that song is about 2 minutes long, and the movie runs over 80; but hey, it’s not like Hollywood is afraid to stretch a wafer thin premise to obscene runtimes, but this may be a bit much. Oh well, I’m sure it’s slavish to the source and a real treat for ‘Fits fiends.

 SOME KIND OF HATE has nothing to do with that Misfits song. Nothing at all. Hell, they even spell the title wrong, and there isn’t even a single “Whoa-oh” in the whole damn thing. What it does have is a sad sack ultra-bullied dude named Lincoln (Rubinstein) who sticks a fork in a major douche (not to see if he’s done, mostly just to F up his day) and promptly gets his ass sent to a hippie-dippy reformatory commune where he is then bullied by e’en more douches. Before you can say Moaning Myrtle, ol’ Lincoln is getting’ a lil’ MY BODYGUARD action from the compounds very own sprit of vengeance; a revengeful ghost by the handle o’ Moira (McCormick). 

  SOME KIND OF HATE is a nice lil’ supernatural time waster; slick as snot, drippin’ with a fair amount of the red sauce, and featurin’ a ghostly girlie with a penchant for self-mutilation; it’s a fast movin’ flick that ne’er overstays its welcome. It’s a tad lightweight (e’en with the uber-topical bully plot), but I think most of you horror-hounds will enjoy it for what it is. Oh and for what it’s worth, I could go for another few go-arounds for ol’ Mutilatin’ Moira…hell I e’en came up with some titles and concepts; Moira returns, and is joined by 137 other vengeful spirits in WE ARE 138 and of course; Moira returns one final time to bring justice to two doomed lovers in LAST CARESS! 

RetroVision Entertainment

By Daniel Th1rte3n

Here's something cool I just found out about, a little distribution company called RetroVision Entertainment! These cats are dedicated to bringing us some really obscure genre selections, so far concentrating on the sharksploitation genre! Stop by their website (http://www.retrovisionfilms.com/) for the latest info on what they have to offer, and if you’re feeling generous, they currently have an indiegogo campaign (http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-shark-hunter-1979-hd-restoration-for-bluray-and-dvd) running to help finance the restoration of 1979’s The Shark Hunter starring Django himself Franco Nero!

Michale Graves The Lost Skeleton Returns Review

by Daniel Th1rte3n

It's about this time every year that I wax nostalgic about my first Misfits show, way back in the distant past of the summer of 1997. The American Psycho album had just come out, and the Misfits took to the road to promote the material and their new line-up (consisting of new vocalist Michale Graves and drummer Dr. Chud along with Jerry Only and his brother Doyle). The resulting shows proved that Graves was more than a worthy replacement for the legendary Glenn Danzig. American Psycho and its follow up Famous Monsters went on to become beloved classics of the genre embraced by legions of horror punk fans worldwide.

But, as is so often the way, some things are never meant to be forever. In 2000, Graves left the band and began a solo career that took him away from the horror punk sound (but not some of the dark themes contained therein) that made him famous, as he grew and matured as an artist. Over the course multiple releases, Michale defined a new sound and approach that was as iconic as his work with the Misfits, albeit in a more socially conscious vein (with the exception of some tracks from 2005’s horror flavored release Punk Rock is Dead)

With this week’s release of Michale’s latest album, The Lost Skeleton Returns, Graves has returned to the genre that started his career with a vengeance. Each of the albums 16 tracks (10 rerecorded tracks that span his career as a horror punk artist, and 6 new tracks in the same style), crackle with the kind of energy that informs the listener that Michale is having a blast revisiting his roots while at the same time applying all that he has learned in the intervening years. For example, compare any of the new versions against their original counterparts; while the originals had a vibrancy and power, the new recordings refine those qualities while adding subtle nuances of voice that make them sound surer and mature. That being said, I do not prefer one version over another, rather I believe that comparing and contrasting the work makes me appreciate it even more.

As for the new material, it is excellent and would be right at home in any Misfits fan’s iPod. Songs such as Last Man on Earth, Something Wicked and Lost Skeleton will make worthy additions to Michale’s considerable live repertoire (a tour in support of the album has been announced with dates forthcoming).

I strongly urge any horror punk fan to pick this up immediately, and celebrate a long summer of rock n’  roll nightmares! To purchase the album, please head here: http://hydraulic-entertainment.com/shophyrdraulic/and to keep up on all Michale Graves related happening be sure to follow him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Michale.Graves?fref=ts) and Twitter (@MichaleGraves)

Living the American Nightmare review

The new documentary from director Pawl Bazile, entitled “Living the American Nightmare” sheds an unflinching eye not only upon the hard road travelled when one dreams of being a successful artist, but what can happen when those dreams are fulfilled.

The film focuses upon multi-talented performer/artist Myke Hideous who has done his damnedest to overcome every obstacle (and believe me, there are unbelievable obstacles this man has faced; everything from addiction to cancer!!) placed in his path in his goal to become a rock n’ roll success story, albeit on his own terms. Operating within the niche musical genre of horror based rock n’ roll, Myke became an icon within the scene (especially on the east coast). From his days fronting The Empire Hideous (whose controversial stage theatrics including self-mutilation cost them an important record deal with Roadrunner records and a touring slot with Type O Negative, whose members, including the legendary late vocalist Peter Steele, are interviewed extensively in the film) to his work with Overkill bassist D.D. Verni’s side project Bronx Casket Company, Myke has always been teetering on the cusp of stardom.

 Myke finally receives the chance of a lifetime when he is asked to join the godfathers of the horror punk scene, the Misfits. Learning an incredible amount of material in a scant two weeks, Myke embarks upon a legendary series of dates with his (and as anyone that knows me can attest, mine as well) idols. Facing unruly crowds and sudden alienation from his band mates, Myke still manages to give electrifying performances in front of some of the largest crowds the band has ever played in front of, only to be let go when former vocalist Michale Graves returns to the band.

Throughout the film, you get the sense that Myke considers himself a failure, although I would wager that anyone watching the film would disagree wholeheartedly. Myke has an incredible track record as a creative tour de force having done everything from fronting three radically different bands (the goth influenced Empire Hideous, the more rock based Bronx Casket Company, and SpySociety 99 which recorded material Myke originally conceived for the Misfit’s follow up to 1997’s American Psycho), to touring with the most popular band the genre has ever produced (rivaled only by Glenn Danzig’s solo endeavors and close behind, Type O Negative),  to creating a vast body of illustrations and paintings (not to mention beating cancer, and overcoming substance abuse).

  Living the American Nightmare is touching, poignant and insightful as it examines the life of a man not dissimilar to anyone hoping to make a name for themselves (as well as a living) within the arts. I could relate to Myke’s struggles as he held onto a dream and aesthetic vision even when things went irrevocably downhill. The film concludes with Myke making an exit from the music scene, but one is left with the feeling that his journey has only just begun, and after getting to know more about him, I’m anxious to see where that path may lead!

To find out more about Living the American Nightmare go here: http://livingtheamericannightmarethemovie.com/

by Daniel Th1rte3n

Silentium Amoris album review

by Daniel Th1rte3n

The newest release from William Control derives its title, Silentium Amoris, from the poem of the same name penned by Oscar Wilde. It is fitting that William has referenced Wilde, as the album can be interpreted as a concept piece, dealing with Wilde’s tragic love affair with Lord Alfred Douglas, and subsequently as the tracks unfold, parallels can be drawn to William’s love affair with creating music, and all the strife that accompanies the life of an artist.

The album begins with the track Achtung, a reading from the works of the Marquis de Sade that sets the tone of the album precisely; we must bring our attention to what we perceive as virtue or vice, and through careful examination of both can we find our true selves. As taken as part of the overreaching tale of Wilde’s story, the piece seems to be a mirror held up to the rigid Victorian society; a society that viewed homosexuality as a crime (of which Wilde was found guilty, leading to his incarceration for two years under hard labor), to face their prejudices and antiquated mores.

 “We Are Lovers”, details a journey from England to France, much like the Exodus made by Wilde after being released from prison. The piece starts somber and nihilistic; perhaps as a reference to the doomed love shared between the author and Lord Douglas (the aristocrat all but abandoned the author after the affair was revealed). The chorus describes the addictiveness and destructiveness of love, which may also be in reference to William’s love of creating art, no matter the personal (or even financial) toll. The second verse tells of a further journey into Europe, and describes dire conditions perhaps as if the continent continues to suffer for the injustices that have been visited upon the undeserving.

As the album continues to progress the dual theme continues to become stronger, as “Kiss Me Judas” and “I am Your Jesus” enforce the pain that an obsessive love can inflict, and how love (and art) can become a kind of neo-religion (much like the beliefs of Aestheticism, who’s members, Wilde included, held art supreme) albeit based on one’s own creative talent rather than antiquated ideals.

The Velvet Warms and Binds could at first be seen as tribute to sadomasochism (a subject often visited in William Control’s work), but upon further listening it seems to become a testament to how creativity can abuse the creator. The sweet, uphoric feeling of having created art can in turn become a prison, as more art needs to be created no matter the cost (financial or mental). “Letters to the Other Side” further explores this concept of creation as addiction, although this piece appears to be more auto-biographical.

  “Come Die With Me” as viewed within the framework of Wilde’s story appears to be the author’s trying to reconcile his two passions, Lord Douglas and writing. The listener is never sure which of the two will take the full measure of the author’s heart, and that is what makes the piece so compelling to the listener.

 “Atmosphere” is an excellent cover of the Joy Division classic, and as it fits into this work could serve as Wilde’s pleas to Lord Douglas to not abandon him when he needed him most.

 “Omnia Vincit Amor” translates to “Love Conquers All”, and along with its companion piece “Romance and Devotion” (available for preview here:  http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/william_control_aiden_streams_new_song_romance_devotion) explore how love demands absolute obedience to its capriciousness. It matters naught if the love is for a person or an artistic ideal, in the end we become as to slaves to its inexorable draw and power.

“True Love Will Find You in the End” is another exquisite cover from William, this time of a Daniel Johnston song. The song seems to be the crying out of a lover abandoned on his deathbed. Apropos for Wilde indeed, as he died alone and destitute in Paris; his aristocratic lover long since removed from his existence.

 “Failure of all Mankind” seems to the listener to be about the remaining legacy of Wilde’s creativity left to be discovered by new generations, long after his body has faded from the world, a world that at first loved and worshipped the man, then left him to rot after society found him to be something they found distasteful. Alas the same can be said of many artists and creators, past and present, and the cycle will continue into infinity. Creators become unto gods, gods which are then revealed to be all too mortal in the end, abandoned by their disciples and left to bleed upon the altar of society.

The album ends, fittingly enough, with a reading of Wilde’s poem. William always gives such readings respect and gravitas, and this track is no exception. (If you enjoy this track, I strongly urge you to purchase William’s readings of selections from Poe’s immortal works available here: http://williamcontrol.bigcartel.com/product/edgar-allan-poe-read-by-william-control)

 I strongly urge you to pick up “Silentium Amoris” when it is released on April 2nd. The album can be purchased here: http://williamcontrol.bigcartel.com/. Also beginning April 5th, William will be playing live on the Fight to Unite Tour, details of which can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/thefighttounitetour

Femme Fatale Friday: Ryan Keely

Here's a special Femme Fatale Friday brought to you by Daniel Th1rte3n and Ryan Keely.

Ryan Keely is many things; actress, writer, Penthouse Pet, but what may surprise you is she’s also a self-proclaimed nerd! Read on to discover Ryan’s genre passions! 

Being an icon within the adult world and in geek culture, how do you think the two interrelate, and why do you think nerdy girls are the hottest trend these days?

Ryan: Most geeks and nerds love pornography, I mean; the internet is basically created and shaped by pornography.  Nerdy girls are more relatable and therefor more popular. The nerd girl is the new girl next door.

We all know that a lot of guys dig porn, but what role do you think porn can play within a relationship?

Ryan: I think the couples porn market has pretty much disappeared. It used to be that companies like Wicked and Vivid made erotic movies designed for couples to watch together. Several years ago I worked as a sales clerk at the HUSTLER store. I got a lot of people coming into to pick out DVDs to watch with their partner. However things have changed in recent years. People have moved away from watching content on DVD, something that is easy to do with a partner, to watching in on their laptops, which is definitely a solo activity.

Moving on into the dark recesses of our shared nerdyness…its common knowledge that you really love comics. What was the book that started it all for you?

Ryan: The earliest stuff I read was Betty and Veronica, Tank Girl, Tintin and Perdita Durgango in my tween years. However I didn’t start collecting until I read Preacher several years later.

Do you have a “holy grail” (a piece of original comic art, or a rare issue) that you one day hope to obtain like most comic book enthusiasts?

Ryan: My copy of the extremely rare ‘Cock Bone’ by Josh Simmons has gone missing; I would love to have a replacement copy. I’d also like to have the entire Tintin collection, in the editions I grew up with. But more than I want either of those, I want an eleventh Dr. Who costume, fully bespoke, because bow ties are cool.

If you had the chance to portray any comic book character on screen, who would it be and why?

Ryan: Aeon Flux, because they fucked it up the first time. Technically anime, but still, they did it wrong.

What is the nerdiest item you own?

Ryan: My Mercedes Lackey books. Totally nerdy and not cool nerdy.

You’re set to appear in retro-styled slasher Girls Gone Dead. Are you a fan of the horror genre, and if so what are your favorite horror films?

Ryan: I'm such a big sissy that even just the trailer for a movie like Paranormal Activity will give me nightmares. It's pretty embarrassing. Even some of the new Dr. Who episodes are too scary for me, Blink in particular. If I’m going to watch a horror movie it's going to be a funny one like Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland or Army of Darkness, even then I'm going to need some hand-holding and snuggles.

You do a lot of promotion for another of our favorite past times here at The Cathode Ray: video games! Are you a gamer, and if so what genres of games do you enjoy? What is your favorite game of all time?

Ryan: I don’t play a ton of games, but when I I do I like Street Fighter 2 for Super Nintendo, Fable 3 and Saints Row: the Third.

Comics, horror flicks and video games…what could be next, why anime of course! What are some of your favorite titles?

Ryan: I was into anime long before I was into comic books. Growing up I couldn’t afford comics, but I could always borrow anime VHS from my nerd friends. As a kid my favorites where Ninja Scroll, Ranma 1/2, Galaxy Express 999 and many more. I still love cartoons and these days I die for Cowboy BeBop, Metalocolypse, Archer and anything Miyazake.  

Any final message for our readers?

Ryan: Please pay for your porno! Piracy is killing my industry and I don’t want to get a real job. Spend all your money at www.RyanKeely.com and follow me for free at twitter.com/ryankeely.

Scharling: A band you need to know!

Have you ever discovered a musical act and wondered why more people aren’t talking about them? Well, just such an occurrence happened to me recently when I came upon upstate New York’s own Scharling.

Scharling displays a wide range of styles, all of which are handled adeptly. Over the course of their three available releases (2010’s Fuzzy Dice & Neon Headlights, 2011’s Crown Remedy, and 2012’s Travelers and Thieves) the group covers everything from hard driving rock (as displayed on Crown Remedy), folk oriented pieces (Travelers and Thieves – the bands newest release recorded in a scant 29 days as part of the RPM Challenge), and even funk, rap and electronica (Fuzzy Dice & Neon Headlights), but steadfastly refuse to be pigeon-holed into any particular genre. And that’s just on the instrumental side!

Matching the eclectic range of musical genres, Scharling’s lyrics have evolved to perfectly compliment the myriad styles present on each successive release. As originally Scharling’s songs started off as stream of consciousness vignettes, but have transformed on their newest release to be introspective, slice of life pieces.

 The group is the brainchild of multi-talented musician Chris Scharling. As the band has progressed the line-up has undergone various iterations; Crown Remedy featured Chris Laurenzo on guitar, Phil Montelone on bass, and Lawrence Basso on drums, while on Travelers and Thieves Chris Scharling’s skills truly shine, as he performs the lion’s share of instrumentation and vocals himself (with help on some tracks from Phil Montelone (bass and backing vocals), Lawrence Basso (backing vocals), Erich Tisch (fiddle), and Bruce Jennings (banjo). The fact that he handles such a wide variety of styles and instruments with such precision is a feat to be admired!

 I can’t recommend the work of Scharling highly enough, and I encourage you to experience it for yourself. And in an act unparalleled in today’s music scene, Scharling offers all of their releases for absolutely nothing! That’s right, head here http://scharling.bandcamp.com/ and download all of Scharling’s incredible music for free! Also, if you are in the New York area on March 16th, be sure to head to The Kaaterskill House on 18 River Street in Stamford to catch Scharling live. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Obscure Pleasures Private Peep Show single review

By Daniel Th1rte3n (Formally Indrid 13)

One of the aspects of writing for The Cathode Ray that I enjoy is being able to discover and explore new musical endeavors that may not be familiar to our readers, and in turn allow said readers to enjoy these artists for themselves. Such a group of artists is Birmingham England’s Obscure Pleasures, whom indulge the listener in dark panoramas of electronic sensuality.

Obscure Pleasures are on the verge of releasing their new single Private Peep Show, and it is a fascinating microcosm of libertine sexuality set to an irresistible beat evocative of the decadent 1980’s (as well as the 1780s).

The track begins with a short interlude of ambient sound, that evokes a sense of entering a new world, a world a bit darker than that which we may be accustomed. As the song proper starts, it takes on a tone that brings to mind not only Bauhaus, but also the soundtrack work of John Carpenter, while still remaining fiercely unique.

The vocals, both warm and raw, offer a dichotomy (especially in contrast to the electronic soundscape) that perfectly suits the songs overall theme: that of pleasure and pain being inexorably linked. The Marquis de Sade once remarked; “It is always by way of pain one arrives at pleasure”, and this track could stand as testament to that aesthetic. The lyrics make beautiful poetry out of a subject that to some may not be suitable to their palette, and yet in turn the listener is compelled to listen regardless of where you derive your source of pleasure from.

As the piece progresses, it once again reinforces its dual nature, as the electronic gives way to strings (which in turn elicit a sense of 1780’s libertine leanings, mixed firmly with 1980’s glamour and debauchery).

As the track comes to end we are offered a somber piano litany as the lyric “All I want is you to suffer, all you need from me is pain” echoes with both malice and tenderness. And therein we find the challenge to ourselves. Where do these lines blur within us, and how do we chose to express it?

To learn more of Obscure Pleasures, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/obscurepleasures

Private Peep Show will be available for digital download on 1/30/2012

If you live in the London or Manchester area, catch Obscure Pleasures on tour with William Control on February 6th and 7th!