horror genre – Vamp Jenn's Corner

Spotlight On Rose Sinister: Vampire Scholar & Author

January 27, 2023March 8, 2023by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments

Rose Sinister (Photo credit: Rachel Clinesmith, editor-in-chief Vampyre Magazine and owner of Vampyre Cosmetics) — Rose Sinister (Photo credit: Rachel Clinesmith, editor-in-chief of Vampyre Magazine and owner of Vampyre Cosmetics)

Author and content creator Rose Sinister has been on a mission to explore the question, “Why do we tell vampire stories?” This query laid the foundation for her podcast Rose Sinister: Vampires, which she launched in 2018. Since then, she’s branched off to work on multiple projects dedicated to enriching people’s knowledge of these creatures of the night, plus she’s just released her first novel within the vampire genre titled This Crimson Debt. I had the opportunity to interview the writer and read the story, and it’s fangtastic. Don’t worry; there won’t be any spoilers in the following review.

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Literature, occult

Top 10 Must-Read Dark Books

March 27, 2020September 23, 2022by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments

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With the current Coronavirus pandemic, life seems to have become its own horror story. A novel illness is running rampant across the globe, streets have become eerily quiet, citizens have been ordered to self-isolate and panic has turned as contagious as COVID-19. But not all is as dire as it seems.

Since we’ve suddenly had to adjust to a new way of existing, I think everyone needs a break from reality and nothing provides that more readily than a good book! I’ve created a list of Top 10 Dark Reads with varying levels of darkness. Some embody gallows humor, while others are just plain morbid. They are presented in no particular order, but I do believe I saved the most sinister for last. Continue reading “Top 10 Must-Read Dark Books” →

Events, Film

House of Salem & Lethal Amounts Present The Texas Chainsaw Museum

December 10, 2019December 16, 2019by Jennifer Vasquez11 Comments

The House of Salem's The Texas Chainsaw Museum at Lethal Amounts — House of Salem’s The Texas Chainsaw Museum at Lethal Amounts

It’s gone down in history as one of the most controversial films of the 20^th century and set the bar for the slasher genre. Upon release, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” was not only met with polarizing critical reviews but was also banned in more than six countries. From being described as “despicable” by one Los Angeles Times reporter to being said to possess “redeeming social merit” by Stephen King, there’s no doubt this horror movie elicits strong reactions from audiences, down to the present day.

To commemorate the 45^th anniversary of the motion picture, House of Salem, in collaboration with Lethal Amounts in Los Angeles, California, debuted The Texas Chainsaw Museum this past weekend. The pop-up features hundreds of memorabilia and artifacts from the 1974 film, including many never-before-seen items—until now. Continue reading “House of Salem & Lethal Amounts Present The Texas Chainsaw Museum” →

Events, music, Performing Arts

LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra

October 30, 2019November 16, 2019by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments

The notorious shower scene—a pivotal moment in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” where Marion Crane is stabbed to death by a shadowed figure. The only thing more terrifying than the blood-splattered bathtub and close-up of the victim’s lifeless stare is the screeching of the strings as the knife repeatedly pierces her flesh. It’s “The Murder” by composer Bernard Herrmann and one of the most unforgettable instrumental scores to grace a horror film.

For 2019, as part of its annual Halloween tradition, LA Opera’s Off Grand presents “Psycho” at The Theatre at Ace Hotel. Off Grand is an extension of the opera company that showcases more experimental performances across the city. Making this event extra special is the live orchestra, conducted by Louis Lohraseb, that provides the soundtrack as the film plays on the silver screen. Continue reading “LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra” →

Lifestyle

Best Ways to Keep the Halloween Spirit Alive Year-Round

April 5, 2018December 8, 2022by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments

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If you’re like me, you start the countdown to next Halloween once November 1st hits. I absolutely love when fall rolls around, especially when October begins. Both my birthday and favorite holiday happen during this time. Some celebrate All Hallows’ Eve just for the day, some make it a month-long fete. For me, Ministry got it right when they sang “Every Day is Halloween.” For those of you out there that feel the same, here are some of the best ways to keep the Halloween spirit alive throughout the year. Continue reading “Best Ways to Keep the Halloween Spirit Alive Year-Round” →

Tag: horror genre