Events, music, Nightlife

FIRA’s “Endless Night” Music Video Releasing on Halloween at the Virtual Endless Night Vampire Ball

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on FIRA’s “Endless Night” Music Video Releasing on Halloween at the Virtual Endless Night Vampire Ball
Vocalist Hannah Fira and guitarist Michael “Vette” Rodd (Photo credit: FIRA)
Vocalist Hannah Fira and guitarist Michael “Vette” Rodd (Photo credit: Anabel DFlux)

Dance metal band FIRA will be lighting up this Halloween season with a new music video for the single “Endless Night.” It was filmed during their performance at the Los Angeles Endless Night Vampire Ball back in February where they opened for the rock band Orgy. Last fall, I had the opportunity to check out the group’s energy-fueled show at goth club Bar Sinister in Hollywood, California. Nearly a year later, the duo, consisting of vocalist Hannah Fira and guitarist Michael “Vette” Rodd, is also preparing to drop their first studio album titled From Vegas With Blood.

Continue reading “FIRA’s “Endless Night” Music Video Releasing on Halloween at the Virtual Endless Night Vampire Ball” →
Film, Lifestyle, Travel

Spotlight on Malia Miglino of Macabre Mondays

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Spotlight on Malia Miglino of Macabre Mondays
Photo Credit: Chelsea Curtis

Cemeteries, history, death, the paranormal and plenty of delicious wine are just some of the elements that make Macabre Mondays so alluring. Meet Malia Miglino, the woman behind this creative endeavor that highlights the dark side of centuries past. She hosts, researches, writes and produces the material for her episodes, and, let me tell you, her charisma immediately draws you in.

Continue reading “Spotlight on Malia Miglino of Macabre Mondays” →
music, Performing Arts

Spotlight on Midnight Syndicate: Masters of Gothic Melodies

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on Spotlight on Midnight Syndicate: Masters of Gothic Melodies

Photo credit: Midnight Syndicate
Photo credit: Midnight Syndicate

Midnight Syndicate has been haunting the Gothic music landscape for more than 20 years. Members Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka specialize in creating macabre melodies and their collection of work has become the ultimate Halloween soundtrack. With the fall season approaching, I thought it’d be fitting to present a look inside the machinations of the duo, along with a special interview. Continue reading “Spotlight on Midnight Syndicate: Masters of Gothic Melodies” →

music

The Sixth Chamber Brings the Apocalypse with New Single “Blood of the Prophet”

by Jennifer Vasquez2 Comments on The Sixth Chamber Brings the Apocalypse with New Single “Blood of the Prophet”

The Sixth Chamber (Photo credit: Matthew Fields)
The Sixth Chamber (Photo credit: Matthew Fields)

Are you ready to experience Armageddon with The Sixth Chamber? The metal band just dropped a new single titled “Blood of the Prophet” and it’s being dubbed “the soundtrack to the end of the world.” I’m thrilled to share a look at the official lyric video with you all! Prepare to enter an arcane realm where you’ll witness mysteries from the beyond. Continue reading “The Sixth Chamber Brings the Apocalypse with New Single “Blood of the Prophet”” →

Fashion, Lifestyle

Spotlight On Goth Fashion Blogger Stygian Siryn

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Spotlight On Goth Fashion Blogger Stygian Siryn

Photo credit: Stygian Siryn
Photo credit: Stygian Siryn

Goth fashion blogger and model Stygian Siryn, aka Dawn, is setting the alternative scene ablaze with her chic and edgy style. Her blog site covers the latest trends available from lauded alternative apparel brands, such as Foxblood, Killstar and Regal Rose, to name a few, highlighting plus-size options. Her reviews are honest, informative and include fantastic detailed images of the fashion pieces.

I was fortunate to come across her page on Instagram months ago and was immediately taken in by the looks she creates. In this spotlight feature, Dawn opens up about what inspires her, her love of the macabre, her hopes for the future of alternative fashion and more! With impeccable taste in the world of dark lifestyle and a magical aesthetic, Stygian Siryn is an enchanting figure the goth scene needs. Continue reading “Spotlight On Goth Fashion Blogger Stygian Siryn” →

Lifestyle, Spiritual

Practicing Magickal Self-Care

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Practicing Magickal Self-Care

Photo by Soulful Stock
Photo by Soulful Stock

Can you believe we’re half-way through 2020? My mind flashes back to the moment I was excitedly counting down to the New Year, having no clue that the months ahead would drastically transform humanity’s existence. This year has challenged us significantly, to say the least—first with the global pandemic and, more recently, with the call to action to take an active stance against racism.

Major shifts can send anyone into overload and there comes a point when you need to stop and center yourself. So, what are some of the best ways you can decompress? I’m going to share a few tips, from the one card Tarot pull to virtual spiritual classes. Continue reading “Practicing Magickal Self-Care” →

Dining & Drink, Events, Film, Lifestyle, Literature, music, Travel

The Undead Way to Celebrate Dracula Day

by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments on The Undead Way to Celebrate Dracula Day

From left to right: Bram Stoker, Vlad Tepes and Bela Lugosi as Dracula
From left to right: Bram Stoker, Vlad Tepes and Bela Lugosi as Dracula

On May 26th, 1897, Bram Stoker’s notorious novel Dracula was published. More than a century later, the vampire tale has indeed proven to be as immortal as its protagonist. There have been films, TV shows, music, books, art and entertainment events inspired by the Count. Stoker’s work has left such an indelible mark on, not just the literary world, but the creative world in general that there is a day dedicated to it—Dracula Day. There are many ways to celebrate and following you will find ideas for how to throw a fangtastic vampire soiree, whether alone or with others! Continue reading “The Undead Way to Celebrate Dracula Day” →

Fashion, Lifestyle, music

Growing Up Goth: Finding My Self Within the Subculture

by Jennifer Vasquez11 Comments on Growing Up Goth: Finding My Self Within the Subculture

Vamp Jenn's Corner

How does one know they’re goth? I can’t recall a specific incident that brought me to this realization. There wasn’t some grand transformation that happened, although it would be more exciting to say I underwent a dramatic change similar to Anne Rice’s vampires. These characters shed their mortal shell in a painful process; even their bowels are emptied of all human waste. No, nothing of the sort happened when I began identifying with the goth subculture. The shift for me was subtle, but my family noticed my all-black apparel, heavy use of black eyeliner and polish, and unusual taste in music.

Here’s my coming of “dark age” story of how I found my place within this alternative group and discovered my true colors—black, black and black. Continue reading “Growing Up Goth: Finding My Self Within the Subculture” →

Film

7 Films to Watch on Goth Day

by Jennifer Vasquez11 Comments on 7 Films to Watch on Goth Day

Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (© Columbia Pictures & Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (© Columbia Pictures & Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

Wondering how you can celebrate Goth Day on May 22nd? Set the mood with a list of binge-worthy, macabre films. Following are a few of my favorite flicks that either feature goth characters or exude a dark vibe. By no means an exhaustive compilation, this should at least give you a good start. So, drape yourself in black, dim the lights and enjoy the feature presentation. Continue reading “7 Films to Watch on Goth Day” →

Fashion, Lifestyle, music

Do You Know Your Goth ABCs?

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Do You Know Your Goth ABCs?

Photo by Matheus Farias
Photo by Matheus Farias

You’ve seen us lurking in the shadows, clad in black, listening to dark tunes and exuding a sense of mystery. We’re goths and there’s more to us than meets the eye. The goth subculture is multifaceted and not a teenage phase. In an ode to Goth Day that is on the 22nd of this month, I wanted to offer an introductory course on this dark and beautiful community. Let’s call it Goth 101. I’ve combed through the alphabet selecting words that are related to the subculture to provide deeper insight.

Ready to begin your lesson? Class is now in session. Continue reading “Do You Know Your Goth ABCs?” →