Britain and the BBFC.

The idea for this article came to me after a viewing of the horror film 'Found'. In this film, there is a scene where two children are watching a horror movie called 'Headless'. The killer in 'Headless' takes great pleasure in removing his victims' heads, and in one scene (that is inexplicably missing from the UK release) has sex with a disembodied head. What with Jorg Buttgereit's 'Nekromantik' getting an uncut release here in the UK at the end of November (from Arrow Video) I find it incredibly hard to understand why the BBFC felt the need to remove this scene from the film.

The BBFC states on their website (which you can visit by clicking here) that "A cut was required to remove sight of a murderer's erect penis, during a scene of sadistic sexualised violence and threat". The fact that this is part of a movie within the movie, and later on in the film, you see a murderers erect penis after he has tortured his mother and father, makes no sense at all, plus the fact that the violence was already perpertrated on the victim (him removing her head). What irritates me even more is that the BBFC are given the power to make choices we are more than able to make for ourselves. They say they help parents make the right choices when chosing a movie, yet still feel the need to cut parts out of things that they deem "morally wrong".

Although it is a topic of great debate, 'A Serbian Film' was cut by the censors, even though absolutely nothing in the film could be legally called 'Obscene'. Personally, the film had a much stronger impact on me in its cut form, because it left the imagery up to the viewers imagination, making them use their own minds to fill in the blanks of what they are not seeing on screen. I will defend the film and say how it has every right to be out there. It's sole purpose is to infuriate its audience, to show that life is nothing more than Pornography (in that we are fucked all the way through our lives) and exploitation (in that we sell ourselves to the highest bidder to put food on our tables). It also confronts issues in Serbia, albeit in an explicit and sickening way, but it definitely hits every mark it set out to, and even though the director feels his vision has been diluted because of the cuts the BBFC made, in my opinion, the film has a much greater impact because of these cuts and allowing the viewer to think about what they should be seeing.

For anyone who hasn't seen Buttgereit's Nekromantik, a woman indulging in intercourse with a rotting corpse while her boyfriend looks on before being overcome by jealousy and comitting suicide is surely a much stronger visual than a killer in a film having sex with a disembodied head?

Haute Tension also features a killer having sex with a disembodied head, and that scene remains intact. That is a part of the actual movie too, not a film within a film, like 'Headless' in 'Found'.

The BBFC are archaic in their reasons they give for cutting movies. I would love to hear them explain the reasons for their cuts on the 'I Spit on your Grave' remake, which had none of the rape scenes cut from it, but a scene of revenge, where the raped woman inserts a shotgun into one of the rapists anuses is cut out.

The BBFC claims they are doing the genreal public a service. But they are taking away our own freedom to choose. By all means, feel free to let the public know what kind of content is in a film, but to take away scenes because they deem them unfit for the general public to see is just insane in my opinion. I also do not understand what the BBFC mean when they state that films have a 'Potential for harm'. Are they stating that watching films can hurt us? How and why? Nothing is explained, and no reason is given. They seem to frown on sexualised violence, yet leave rape scenes intact while cutting scenes of revenge.

America certainly has the right idea when it comes to movies. Publish guidelines and inform people so they can make their own informed choices. Not do as the BBFC do and take that freedom away from us. What makes them unaffected by watching such things if these films can indeed cause harm? Why haven't any of the people working for the BBFC gone crazy, killed anyone or undertaken any other irrepprehensible act after watching a movie with scenes in they deem unfit for viewing by the general public? Are they better than the general public somehow?

This is something I would be very interested to hear on from my UK readers, so feel free to discuss my points, and bring some of your own.

The BBFC really do drive me (and some dogs) absolutely crazy.

Darkest regards......Dani.

Legacy of Thorn (2014).

Legacy of Thorn is one hell of a movie, soaked in a suffocating and relentless feeling that permeates every second of the movie. Bathed in cold blues and warm oranges, the colour pallete used in Legacy of Thorn again, as in Mycho Pictures previous movie Slasher House, adds to the mood the film successfully creates.

Four years ago on February 29th, Jessica Lawrence and her friends lived a nightmare that has left her pursued from that moment by an unstoppable killer known as 'Thorn'. Four years on, and Jessica and a group of survivors from that night  make an attempt to stop Thorn once and for all. But how can you stop what cannot be stopped?

Who'd have thought it? A British slasher movie with what possibly could be the next icon of horror. Thorn, from his look, right down to his methods of killing, is possibly one of the coolest and scariest slashers out there right now. He is relentless, unstoppable and has some great kills in this movie.

It isn't all blood and gore though, as there is a massive amount of suspense built up throughout the movie, punctuated by scenes of deep emotion, teenage struggle and cat and mouse games with the killer and his victims. Thorn is truly unstoppable, and the movie showcases this in many ways, which of course I won't spoil for you.

The story is told in a different way, flashing back and forth in the characters lives, uncovering more back story and allowing the viewer to piece things together without having it all laid out in front of them. This again works really well, as the non-linear plot keeps the viewer intrigued and trying to guess what will happen next.

Legacy of Thorn is a slasher fans bloody dream, but it also encompasses so much more than a man in a mask walking around killing people. The colours, the cast and everyone involved obviously gave their all, and it shows with satisfying and surprising clarity.

Thorn cannot be stopped, and when you have a slasher villain who is as impressive as he is, we wouldn't want it any other way.

Don't forget to visit the Legacy of Thorn website by clicking HERE.

Darkest regards......Dani.

A statement of intent.

Hello once more readers. I am writing this to let you know that although my output on this blog has been incredibly sparse and sporadic of late, it is still alive. I will get back around to reviewing movies and music when time allows.

My personal life is going through possibly the most difficult thing anyone could be put through. That doesn't mean I should be given sympathy or have anyone garner to my every whim. But it does mean that the last thing on my mind has been reviewing horror movies, which is why my output has almost halted over the past few months. No matter how strong someone is, things like this manage to take their toll on you. That doesn't mean I am about to give up on anything (be it music, writing or anything else for that matter). My close friends and family all know of what I am going through, and I owe them so much for standing by me. The fight has been and will continue to be long and arduous, but it is worth standing for, and I will not (as always) back down, no matter what others might say, type or think about me.

Also, I begin my first year of University on October 6th, studying an undergraduate degree in Criminology with applied psychology, so with my time being filled with this as well as everything else that is going on, you should be able to understand that this blog might have to take a back seat for a while. I will get around to reviewing the few screeners I have left to review, and I may very well try to have some guest posts so the blog doesn't remain quiet, but I will have to see how that goes, and see if anyone is willing to lend their writing to Doctor Carnage's World of Horror. There will also be a new interview with Boris Randall, which will be appearing sooner rather than later.

I thank you all for continuing to read my articles, reviews and interviews. I would not be doing this if I didn't have an audience, so for that, and for communicating and offering your thoughts, I thank you all for taking an interest in what I write.

Remember, this isn't goodbye. I will be seeing you all again, when the light goes dim and the cold air blows across your face. When the smell of decay fills your nostrils and makes your stomach convulse in disgust. The world of horror is all around us, in movies, music and literature, and as it exists continually, so will this blog.

Thank you all so much for the views so far!!

Darkest regards......Dani.

Bill Zebub's 'Holocaust Cannibal' Limited Edition DVD!

Bill Zebub's new movie, entitled 'Holocaust Cannibal', has been raising funds on Indiegogo primarily for the creation of a limited-edition version of the movie that will be the 'First Cut', which may or may not end up as the final cut.

Now as many of you who have seen Bill Zebub's movies before, you should know he doesn't mind pushing the boundaries of taste, whilst intelligently but also comically facing things that are going on in our world today. 'Holocaust Cannibal' spoofs both the Cannibal sub-genre, and also the Nazisploitation sub-genre. It DOES NOT glorify Nazi germany in any way. There will also be statements throughout the film, but as we all know, Bill isn't preachy, so some of these will be subtle, such as Nazi's wearing uniforms in the jungle (showing that their ideas do not work in nature, and that they are artificial and self-defeating).

Bill gives a short synopsis on the Indiegogo page which I will also include here.

"Nazi's know they are losing the war. Some make plans to fly to Argentina where they will live in hiding. One such group boards a plane that gets hit by lightening. The survivors of the crash find themselves on an island of savages. Atrocities follow, but this time the Nazi's are on the other side of pain".

The Indiegogo campaign offers some fantastic perks, so go and check out the Indiegogo campaign now!

You can check out, and of course donate to the Indiegogo campaign for 'Holocaust Cannibal' by clicking HERE.


Darkest regards......Dani.

Jaldaboath interview (2014)

Jaldaboath came to my attention on the way back from London, when a friend told me to check them out, explaining that they contain ex-Meads of Asphodel founder/Ewigkeit mastermind James Fogarty. I say told me, he praised the band to the heavens, so I had little choice but to listen and see what I was missing. I can safely say that Jaldaboath have become one of my favourite bands since that time, their music able to do things that other metal bands fear, or do entirely by accident. They epitomise the very essence of 'British Humour' whilst also making the listener bang their heads to their one of a kind sound.

What follows is an interview with Grand Master Jaldaboth, so be seated, grab hold your chalice, and enjoy what this unworthy scribe managed to pry forth from the mighty Grand Master Jaldaboath.


 


(Dr. C) - I have heard so many good things about your crusade arriving at Bloodstock. Were the peasants and wenches accepting of your jovial merriment?

(Grand Master Jaldaboath) - As soon as we had arrived, tied up the horses and set camp, we set about readying ourselves for what was going to be a hard battle.  We were delighted to find that a large proportion of the crowd knew what merriment was coming and took to it with sheer abandonment !  Special thanks needs to be given to the axe wielding nuns, an unknown contingent of moshing and crowd-surfing knights and the honour guard provided by Battle of the Nations!


You have been compared to many British comedy legends. How did they pre-empt the magnificence you display, and do you think the merry jig you create will be misunderstood by non-British audiences?

First and foremostly, we are steeped in the delights of the typical Englishman ; bawdy tales, grand adventures and crass language.  It may be that non English-speaking audiences do not understand fully the tales which I recite, but I believe the “mummer play” pantomime style of the live show would appeal to any and all creeds.





Are there any plans to sally forth and crusade the beautiful Isle of England?

We had the opportunity of a 2 week national campaign with Alestorm, but had to turn it down.  A castle does not pay it’s own rent, and we need to ensure that the stables are well kept and the horses shod.  However, we are happy to make short skirmishes throughout the land in order to spread the terror that is Jaldaboath, as long as we are given ample amounts of ale, feed for the horses and a warm oven to heat our salted pork.

Your second album, 'The Further Adventures..' built on all of the best ingredients from your first release and EP, whilst also becoming ever more humourous. Is humour a thing that will remain a part of Jaldaboath, or do you see yourselves taking a darker path, like the one hinted on songs such as "Bring me the head of Metatron"?

Much like the hell-rakes of yesteryear, there are no boundaries to the depraved musical explorations of Jaldaboath.  We endeavour to leave no stone unturned if it serves the purpose of bringing converts to our table of saucy delights.  ‘Horse-riding Head-banging Metal’ is but one of the irons in the fire, be it ‘Battering Black Bulbous Barbarian Metal’, ‘Plague & Pestilence Punk-Rock’ or ‘Atonal Alchemical Arpeggiated Acid Funk’.   I am still awaiting the head of Metatron…

Your videos are a constant source of amusement and hilarity, and I have friends who swear by watching them every single day. Are there plans to make more visual accompaniments to your heraldic headbanging national anthems?

I have personally wanted nothing more than to illustrate further the adventures of Jaldaboath in magical multi-coloured moving tapestries, but we have been rather waylaid preparing for our campaigns of musical tomfoolery in order to do so.  However, HOPEFULLY this can be remedied soon and we can.

Who accompanies you on your crusades?

The full troop of Jaldaboath at this point consists of the following miscreants;

Turk Benistahn the Saracen – First Drummer Deluxe

Sir Bodrick of Tring – Knight of the Brazen Bass

Squire Pete ‘The Dragon” – Grand Guitarist Inspector

Grand Master Jaldaboath – Officer of Oratory and Knight of the Keyboard Realms





Your image reminds me of Terry Gilliam's Jaberwocky (as well as Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Blackadder 3 amongst others). How was this image decided upon, and was there anything in particular that made you follow the path you have chosen?

My father was, for many a year, one of the few remaining Heraldic Artists, appointed by the Royal College of Arms.  It was not unusual to view the Royal Crests being constructed in the basement of doom to adorn the fair streets of London.  This laid the bedrock of my interest in all things medieval and warlike.  When matched with my enduring love for not only Jabberwocky, Black Adder and other tales of period-based fantasy like Hawk the Slayer and The Holy Grail, but also the dark fantasy of early Scandinavian Black Metal, I guess it was just a matter of time until it all united and the grand lodge of Jaldaboath was founded.

Are there any bands you feel a kinship with?

With regards to the recorded music of Jaldaboath ?  This could range from Michael Praetorius through to Bal Sagoth and, quite literally, everything in between.  There are absolutely no boundaries as to what will inspire and influence Jaldaboath.  Master Turk will obviously want me to mention his other troop Gloryhammer, so there you go.

Your sound is incredibly original. Does it please you that you are playing a kind of music that isn't watered down and played by everyone?

One thing is for sure ; you won’t find a single group that sound anything like Jaldaboath as a finished product !  When in doubt of your classification, then it’s best to start your own.  If people eventually come to describe us simply as Jaldaboath, then we have been successful.


Jaldaboath are masters in both the banging of heads, and creating oversized grins on their followers faces. How do you achieve such godliness?

I had a dream ; a dream that one day we could bang our helmeted heads whilst dancing a jig and air-galloping all the way through the recitation of tales about bawdy tavern wenches and conquests of the thrusting sword whilst quaffing from our bejewelled goblets of ale.  That day is now here.  All hail Jaldaboath !

You can purchase either of Jaldaboth's albums from Death To Music by clicking HERE.

You can give Jaldaboath a 'Like' on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Jaldaboath 'Hark the Herald' music video.

Jaldaboath 'The Wailing Witch of Moulsecoombe' music video.

 Darkest regards......Dani.

Interview with the dark and horiffying Venus de Vilo.

Alternative music is rife with horror influences. From the bludgeoning attack of Necrophagia to the 50's inspired punk of The Misfits, music and horror go hand in hand. Imagine my surprise when I was contacted by Venus de Vilo, someone who practically embodies the very essence of horror in her music, videos and artistic work. I was granted my request to interview Venus de Vilo, so what follows is a journey into the mind of a true artist. Prepare to enter the world and mind of Venus de Vilo.


Please introduce yourself to the readers of World of Horror.

I am The Voice Of Horror and Queen Of The Pumpkin Patch: Venus de Vilo.


You combine horror, rock and shock very well. Was it always your intention to combine these areas, or did you concentrate on one, and the others materialized as your career moved on?

Nothing I ever do is intentional. All that I do creatively feels quite "pre-destined" and almost subconscious. It' just "in" me, like being held hostage by a warped inner demon who likes to sing and if I don't just play along, I die! That being said, everything I've ever done in my life, be it primary school show & tells, high school talent shows to now has been scary and theatrical. This is very much an internalised thing. For me, horror and music go skipping hand in hand into the deep dark woods, anything else just wouldn't make sense- and I don't want it to.

What came first, your love for horror or love for rock music?

In my strange little world Horror and Music is a Siamese curse. It just develops and evolves the longer I live and embeds itself further into my creative psyche. I am truly fucking lost down the rabid little rabbit hole that is horror-music- and I have NO intention of being found.

 

You have made music videos, which come off like mini horror movies. What made you create your videos this way?

One thing I am adamant about in EVERY song I ever write is that it WON'T be just another throw novelty song about some trivial nothing that no one cares about and never stands the test of time. Henceforth - my songs are stories. I make sure every single one has a set beginning, middle and end. There is descriptive imagery, metaphor and other assorted poetic devices.

I want my listeners to to be able to perfectly visualise what's happening in the song (and hopefully, relate!) and be able to walk away from the song saying "This was about that." 

That's why with the "Crazy For You" and "Fangtasy" music video - and the next few I have lined up - ARE genuinely like mini horror movies - because ALL my songs are horror stories. All we're doing in the videos is re-enacting and living out the song on camera.

I've been very lucky in regards to the fact that I've had a fantastic director (Helgard De Barros) for both videos. He was perfectly happy with just interpreting the songs and allowing them to be an extension of the original song - not try and change them or me or miss the point completely and just have me bounce around some shopping mall or some shit. He "got it" and that's why the videos work. 

Is horror and rock/metal music eternally linked?

FUCK YES! As long as there's been music there's been songs about Satan, demons, virgin sacrifice, demons, devils, Hell, the apocalypse, witch burnings, soul selling, death, dying and the damned. To name but a very few - this list goes on. As long as there is darkness and as long as there is music (specifically alternative music) - the two are going to carry on their age old and kinky as hell love affair! And who am I to judge them?? Hitch a ride along with them is what I say!

Tell us more about the songs you create? 

I like your use of the word "create". It does feel like every song is a little Frankenstein's Monster - painstakingly hand crafted through and from the heartbreak and misery that are the grim realities of life. And like with all monsters one creates musically (or through any artistic medium) you know there is only doom. For if you do not destroy the monster nightly on stage, it WILL destroy you. 

My three EPs "Edgar Allan Ho" - 2012. "Till Death Do Us Party" - 2013 and "Handle With Scare" - 2014 - are all monuments to the above - and living proof that you can take stupid shit like heartbreak and depression and alcoholism and so forth, face them - know thy enemy, after all - and turn them into something that doesn't control you, but YOU control and will manipulate creatively what ever way helps YOU best. 

What instruments do you play?

Guitar. And BADLY. Alarming and Hellish screeches and assorted caterwauls are also know to explode out of my face/mouth on occasion. 

Is there a specific mood you have to be in to create your work, or does it all come to you naturally?

It happens when it happens. The right song comes at the right time. Yes, discipline and routine are everything, but ultimately with something as fragile and intangible as "art" - you can't force it. When you are ready, it will come.

I like to think of songs like "mini-funerals". Something in your life lives, then it dies you mourn for it and then you MUST bury it. Then, one day you will be able to celebrate and commemorate the experience through verse (or whatever other art form.)

Each personal "Death" that one immortalises in song is different. It all depends on the rate of catharsis. Some take time to craft, some are easily exorcised before you even realise you were possessed and then sadly, some never get written at all - but float around in limbo.

Not only are you a talented musician, but you have also drawn and written comics. Please tell us more about them.

Since April 2014 I have written & illustrated three comics. Although they're more illustrated stories than actual "comic" comics - I should really stop referring to them as "comics" !! 

I adored drawing since childhood, but was never properly trained or taught. For that reason when it became time to leave high school and focus solely on music college - non-music related hobbies WERE sacrificed - art being the main one. It always made me sad that I'd given it up and then in April 2014 when I both gave up drinking alcohol and was going through a patch of writer's block - I needed a serious distraction, and for reasons to this day I still don't understand or consciously decided - I took up drawing again. A comic. An illustrated version of my cannibal-stalker anthem "Crazy For You."

That was mildly successful amongst the unwashed masses - people saying that the rough, untrained and childlike drawing just added to the blood drenched terrifyingness that is "Crazy For You." - and I have since made two further illustrated efforts. 

Halloween 2014 will see the launch of Venus de Vilo's illustrated re-telling of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven." 36 pages of TERROR! (And greatly improved drawing!) 

Then Christmas 2014 - Venus de Vilo's "The Night Before Christmassacre!" A rip off/new version of the classic Xmas poem. I have a recital of my new version up on soundcloud from 2013 if anyone fancies a pre-view of the festive fear!

Does the visual medium you are involved in ever conflict with the music you write/play, or does it influence it?

No. Not at all. The two completely complement each other. I've found myself unlocking a whole new level of creativity within since I re-discovered drawing and assorted other creative do-hickies. Yes, I can't work on songs when I'm working on an art project and vice versa, but it's all creativity, so it's all good! And also, I am now going to draw and design the entire art work for my upcoming full length album "Handle With Scare/Dead Boys Can't Say No" - therefore, unique and bloody weirdness guaranteed!

Who and what are your influences in music and in the visual mediums you are involved in?

Art wise, I adore Tim Burton, Roman Dirge and Edward Gorey - and I think it's clear I blatantly (and badly!) rob from their odd styles and mash them together horribly - thus creating a new abominable form of illustration! Victorian themed and bloody - with unnecessary amounts of semi-dressed ladies - ALL THE WAY!

Musically I adore Emilie Autumn and Ville Valo. 

Emilie I believe could easily be some form of long lost soul-twin! Her style, music, the meaning behind it - I 100% heartily endorse the aweomeness of that woman! Living proof that darkness into great light IS achievable. 

The dark, broody, Byronic pouting and miscellaneous musical moping of Ville Valo from HIM is what first guided my lost little 13 year old self onto the path of dark music in the first place! Ten years ago this October actually! 

Both of these artists have been integral roles in the utter corruption of character and desecration of my musical morals.

Who are your favourite movie directors?

Don't make me choose!! Anyone who directs terrifying J-Horror with long haired ghost girls, freaky children and haunted apartments is all right in my book!

Your songs are amazingly well crafted, and seem to touch the soul with their dark but humorous themes and ideas. Is this soul baring honesty and passion something that means a lot to you?

Yes. Of course it means a lot to me. It IS me. If I don't have that in a song, then I don't have ME in a song and I'm not writing a song that doesn't have me in it. If I can't relate to my own song or don't care about it or whatever, I have no fucking right to expect anyone else to -and that's goal numero uno for any and every song writer ever in existence. And at the end of the day (and the world!) all anyone has is themselves. 

 

Is playing live an important part of what you do?

Yes. In the extreme. For basic reasons, such as artist promotion, testing out new material - seeing what works, honing your skills and so forth But it's a whole new level and experience for the song.You can sit nicely at home writing the best fucking songs in the world till the cows come home - but where's the fun in that? Yes, you should write for yourself, but bringing it "to the people" so to speak, is what it's ALL about. 

Particularly for me, as my stage shows are so theatrical and in essence live re-enactments of the songs themselves - usually involving glitter filled balloons,, feather, blood soaked women and mad audience participation (and increasing in the weirdness and full on production with every gig!) - I'd be missing out on ALL that if I never performed.

Is image as important as making great music, or does making great music create a great image?#

Image and music go hand in hand. You MUST be the full package. As much as I revel in shocking people, people still need to be able to look at you and make wild sweeping assumptions about what's about to go down on stage. I feel that some people put either too much effort into appearance & promotion etc while their songs and musicianship suffer greatly, on the other hand there are some truly talented artists with no image or good promo-sense and they too suffer. Full package. You're only as strong as your weakest link. 

Being brutally honest, my stage costumes, for example, would be far more elaborate and such if it wasn't for the fact that - I WANT to be able to play guitar, sing properly, and move around the stage without killing myself! Ultimately, as much as I want the outside of me to represent the inside of me, I want to do a good bloody show, they're not going to get that if I can't move my arms around the guitar or am unable to stand up straight in my shoes! Image is crucial, but the music comes first - forever it was, forever it will be! 

You can 'Follow' Venus de Vilo on Twitter by clicking HERE.

You can check out Venus de Vilo's Souncloud, where you can listen to her incredible music, by clicking HERE.

You can 'Like' Venus de Vilo on Facebook by clicking HERE.

You can watch Venus de Vilo's music video for 'Crazy for You' by clicking HERE.

You can watch Venus de Vilo's music video for 'Fangtasy' by clicking HERE.

Many many thanks to Venus de Vilo for an incredible interview, and a look inside the mind of an exquisitely talented madwoman!!

Darkest regards......Dani.

 

 

 

Massacre at Femur Creek trailer #1.

 

Check out this awesome trailer for new horror/comedy short film 'Massacre at Femur Creek' directed by Kyle Hytonen. The film tells the story of 3 friends (Kevin, Pat and Rory) embarking on a camping trip to the mythical Femur Creek. They party down, get radical 80's style and of course, around that time, a knife wielding maniac bent on bloodshed stumbles upon them. All hell, and a lot of bloody fun breaks loose from there.

The film is described by the director as a love letter to the 80's slasher films he grew up watching, as well as a satire on social media and our reliance on technology, which is rather strange considering the films 1983 time setting.

The voiceover on the trailer is done by the one and only Scott Geiter AKA Gruesome Hertzogg. Check it out! You won't be disappointed!

Click HERE to check out the trailer.

Darkest regards......Dani.