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.
Continue reading “10 Fascinating Facts About Edgar Allan Poe”Tag: gothic
Spirit Tomb Weaves Gloomy & Wistful Tales in Debut EP ‘The Lotus of Dahlia’
Spirit Tomb is the solo music project of musician Leon Kristoffer who’s based in Norway. Since forming in 2020, he’s now released his debut EP titled The Lotus of Dahlia, which constitutes part one of his Aandegrav trilogy focusing on themes of grief, loss and catharsis. The tracks in this opening chapter are laced with gothic sentiments and dark ambient undertones.
Continue reading “Spirit Tomb Weaves Gloomy & Wistful Tales in Debut EP ‘The Lotus of Dahlia’”Vamp Jenn’s Crypts: Welcome to Vamp Manor
On this edition of Vamp Jenn’s Crypts, we’ll be visiting Vamp Manor based in Townsville, a city in Queensland, Australia. It’s the place Lady Vamp and The Wolf call home, as well as the namesake of their brand. The power couple, Kyra and Richard, established their online shop out of their love for handcrafting dark decor. The pieces they sell are custom made and exquisitely detailed, inspired by the macabre and occult. Since they are so gifted at creating their own ornamentations and have an eye for style, it comes as no surprise that their residence is magnificently furnished.
Continue reading “Vamp Jenn’s Crypts: Welcome to Vamp Manor”Welcome to Vamp Jenn’s Crypts
I’m introducing an all-new blog series titled Vamp Jenn’s Crypts! I’m so excited to finally launch this project. I came up with the idea more than two years ago while watching an episode of Architectural Digest featuring burlesque star Dita Von Teese. It got my wheels turning about how awesome it would be to see inside the homes of individuals who are darkly inclined. It also brought to mind the early 2000s show MTV Cribs, which, if anyone recalls, took viewers inside the dwellings of celebrities.
Continue reading “Welcome to Vamp Jenn’s Crypts”Spotlight On A Time of Shadows: A Journey Into Gothic Horror Music
For your listening pleasure, we’re going to step into the world of A Time of Shadows whose music embodies elements of gothic horror and fantasy. Paul is the mastermind behind the project, and although the first album released in 2021, he’s already produced five full-length recordings. Of course, I’ve heard each one, and they’re the perfect backdrop for a haunting atmosphere. The newest LP, Ravenson Mansion Dark Secrets: Volume I, is accompanied by a novella that tells a sinister tale.
Continue reading “Spotlight On A Time of Shadows: A Journey Into Gothic Horror Music”12 Unusual Facts About Mary Shelley
In 1818, Mary Shelley published her first major work, Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus. More than 200 years later, the novel is still popular among gothic horror fans. Not only has it sparked numerous movie adaptations, but the monster of the narrative has been the inspiration behind Halloween costumes, haunts and a Frankenstein-themed bar in the UK. The author also continues to be a prominent literary figure today, inspiring countless contemporary horror writers. There’s even an annual holiday commemorating her birthday and notorious book, Frankenstein Day on August 30th. To pay homage to the author, here are 12 interesting facts about Mary Shelley that may surprise you.
Continue reading “12 Unusual Facts About Mary Shelley”Spotlight on Wikka: Classical Music Artist with Gothic Flair
The worlds of classical music and dark alternative magically collide when listening to the melodies of Wikka. The artist behind the persona is Alexia DelGiudice Bigari who’s an adept vocalist and violist from New York City. She studied at The Juilliard School, then went on to receive her Master of Music degree at Northwestern University. Her classically trained background and appreciation for the macabre influence her art, and the result is enticing.
Continue reading “Spotlight on Wikka: Classical Music Artist with Gothic Flair”Spotlight on Adrienne LaVey: Absinthe & Gothic Arts Connoisseur
Bridging the realms of goth subculture and the gothic aesthetic, Adrienne LaVey is an individual who revels in the beauty of darkness. Her YouTube channel, Ligeia Resurrected, features insightful reviews on topics that run the gamut from 19th-century macabre literature to the latest goth music releases. Of the content she produces, her absinthe videos truly set her apart and are a unique offering. Since March 5th is National Absinthe Day, I felt it fitting to interview someone who seeks to unravel the mysteries that surround this widely misunderstood spirit.
Continue reading “Spotlight on Adrienne LaVey: Absinthe & Gothic Arts Connoisseur”Midnight Syndicate Unravels a Haunting Tale in Latest Album ‘Bloodlines’
To usher in last Halloween season, Midnight Syndicate released new music with Bloodlines. Members Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka continue the story of the enigmatic Haverghast family, which they first introduced in 2001’s Gates of Delirium. The mini-album adds another layer to their narrative and is a prequel to the 2005 recording The 13th Hour. I’ve listened to it several times and the effects are chilling!
Continue reading “Midnight Syndicate Unravels a Haunting Tale in Latest Album ‘Bloodlines’”Midnight Light Book Review: A Poetic Exploration of Life & Death
“The moon appears in the night sky
Midnight Light
Casting our souls into dreams
Endlessly flowing streams of subconscious move over the land”
-Another Perspective
Verse and imagery entwine in Midnight Light, a book that illuminates darkness and uncovers life pulsating in the land of the dead. It is the creation of two dear friends—writer Michael Pace and photographer Brian Paglinco—who wanted to share their artistic vision with the world, as well as pay tribute to their enduring friendship. The pages contain a series of gothic-inspired poems and photos that transported me to different time periods and places as I explored the work.
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Vamp Jenn's Corner 