I'm a writer and an avid reader. I was classically trained in voice years ago and once aspired to become an opera singer. I enjoy immersing myself in music, from classical to goth rock tunes. I'm fascinated with vampires, all things spooky, vintage style and old Hollywood films. My website covers events, people, places and topics that embody all that is odd and macabre.
How can one not be curious to check out the musical offerings of a band that goes by a name like Horror for Breakfast? I enjoy horror with all my meals, and there’s definitely room on my plate for this group. The duo is from Italy and consists of Lily B. and Louis M. They are very new to the darkwave scene and began creating music in 2023. In December, they unleashed their first two songs, and I’m reviewing them here.
No stranger to death, ghosts, hauntings and the occult, Edgar Allan Poe was right at home among the macabre. These morbid themes became great companions of his as he’d write his poems and short stories. His dark imaginings continue to bring readers into realms where the spectral reigns. A few years ago, I wrote a blog post celebrating the birthday of Poe, who was born on January 19, 1809. In it, I dedicated a small portion to interesting facts about the writer. I decided to expand on those and create a special feature to commemorate his birth. While many aspects of Poe’s life remain a mystery, the following are a few pieces to add to the puzzle of his existence.
Hailing from Lyon, France, Divine Shade is a band that blends a mix of dark alternative sounds that include industrial, darkwave and electronic. Last October, they dropped a single titled “Oublier,” which gives a taste of a bigger music project they’re currently working on. The song is my introduction to this group, and I’m pleasantly pleased with what I hear.
Vamp Jenn at The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Titans show
Another year has commenced, and you know what that means. It’s time to release my annual Odd & Macabre Events Calendar for 2024! This is always exciting for me to work on as it gives me a teaser of what devilish happenings I can look forward to in the coming months. And I hope it does the same for you, so you can fill your calendar with all sorts of spooky outings.
If you’re new here, allow me to explain the purpose of this page. It’s to be used as a helpful resource for anyone interested in attending events that are related to the worlds of horror, Halloween, alternative subcultures and the macabre in general. Many of these activities occur in Los Angeles because that’s where I’m based, but I don’t want anyone feeling left out, so I do my best to list affairs happening across the U.S. and worldwide. I do as much research as I can and am always open to suggestions. If you know about an event that would fit perfectly on this calendar, just drop your recommendations in the comments. This is a work in progress as new events pop up continuously throughout the year, so bookmark this page so you can easily refer back to it for updates. Here’s to another odd and macabre-filled year!
Since 2014, Seatemples has been hypnotizing listeners with their songs. They’re a Chilean band that’s adding to the diversity of the goth scene and helping to bring more Latin American groups within the genre to the forefront. Their music blends various sounds that fall under the wide goth genre umbrella, including shoegaze, post-punk, goth rock and darkwave. As they approach their 10-year anniversary as a group, they’re continuing to create and flourish.
It may be difficult for some to believe that the holidays have a dark side, but they do and Krampus is legendary proof. Tales of the demonic figure have existed for centuries, and his origins are shrouded in mystery. However, scholars have managed to uncover a few essential facts over time and truth be told, he’s more popular now than ever. Brace yourself because I’m about to divulge a few ghastly details about this demon of Christmas.
Zeitgeist Zero’s Meddling With The Forces album cover
If you’ve been pining to find a band that embodies the essence of the dark alternative sound, Zeitgeist Zero is the remedy you’ve been seeking. The Anglo-Irish group unites darkwave and industrial genres to create a listening experience that makes you want to move and puts you in a trance. Their new album, Meddling With The Forces, dropped this past Halloween and has been my formal introduction to the band. Let’s a take a closer peek at their latest musical endeavor, shall we?
If you’re like me and procrastinate on holiday shopping, this time of year can be a bit daunting. However, with some assistance, you can swiftly check off friends and family on your list and that’s where I come in. I’ve returned with a revamped edition of my Macabre Holiday Gift Guide. It’s ideal for anyone you know that has an appreciation for all things strange and unusual. The items featured here are more likely to be delivered by Krampus and are sure to appeal to those who are dreaming of a black Xmas. Season’s Screamings, everyone!
It’s time to descend into the bowels of hell with The Sixth Chamber. The gothic doom metal band has just unleashed their third full length album titled Beyond the Night Veil. Over the last few years, they’ve released singles giving listeners a taste of what was to come. A few of these tracks included “Blood of the Prophet,” “Walpurgis Night” and “Red Death Masquerade.” Here’s what you can expect from their latest LP.
Vamp Jenn celebrating Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever
A tradition that pays homage to the dead and began in Mexico with the Aztec and Nahua tribes is alive and well today. I’m referring to Dia de los Muertos. The holiday is a mix of Mesoamerican and European customs and celebrates the memory of those who’ve departed from this earthly realm. Hollywood Forever Cemetery held their annual Dia y Noche del los Muertos event and this was my second year attending the latter. I’m here to tell you all about it and share photos from the evening.
Vamp Jenn's Corner 