On the writer's iPod – Fit for Rivals

Here’s a band that offers a raspy voiced lead singer in Renee Phoenix and belts out rock for those who simply love the genre. Fit for Rivals (on FB) debut album Steady Damage (sample it here) provides simple roll call of good old rock and roll. Great riffs and an aggressive beat keeps the rock on edge and the palette satisfied.

Steady Damage offers the following playlist:

Crash

Hallelujah
Damage

Get With Me
Better Off (Alone)

Burn

Can't Live Without You

Girl in a Coma
Reason

Cut Off Your Hands

The entire album is steady and will appease the rock muse – mine has personal favorites in tracks 1, 3 and 9. Their second studio album is under way and I anticipate my rock-loving muse will enjoy the offering.

For now, enjoy a visual of Damage:

Into the Hollow - Karina Halle

Yes, Into the Hollow is a paranormal book that moves back in the face of the mundane were, vampi and cutesy horror that rules the mainstream and indie horror scene. Does that mean that it is good? 

Perry Palomino and Dex Foray - they are a pair of paranormal investigators, more along the lines of Perry being the investigator and Dex the media guru behind the venture. Seems this is book nine (9)! of a series under the subtitle of Experiment in Horror. Curious, I took a look at some past antics and was amazed at the seemingly cult following. 

I am not sure I am a huge fan though I have to admit there is some level of being 'hooked.' Let's just say that I have put my hands on two other titles, Darkhouse and Red Fox, so perhaps I am a closet addict? Now, Perry is somewhat annoying, narcissistic pain in the ass that needs to get a clue or a stiff ... well you fill in the blank, want to keep things at least PG-13. At the same time she is very relatable and real. I'd say we all know a Perry Palomino. 

The paranormal of the story changes obviously from tale to tale. It is kind of like watching episodes of Ghost Hunters or Paranormal  State - sometimes cheesy and sometimes pretty cool. So, here we have a hunt for Bigfoot in the Canadian Rockies - psych, or perhaps we have a story about Perry trying to reconnect with her past … ahem … well, the storyline seems to move about a bit but always returns to the paranormal.

Realizing now I haven't said much about the book. It's a reader, worth the inflated price (considering) and your time to at least explore the possibilities. Decent characters that are at a minimum believable and on some pages not bad neighbors. The plot is rich with activity but not of the intense horror variety but perhaps a good ghost or Bigfoot story.

Spyder's ridiculously short movie review: Kick-Ass 2

If you liked the first - I think you will enjoy part 2 - especially if you liked Hit Girl - concentrates a little more on her as a person. Hard to imagine Hit Girl as Carrie - but we'll see.

The Book of Paul - Richard Long

Sometimes you read something that just leaves you speechless. The Book of Paul qualifies along those lines. This was my first exposure to Richard Long and will not be my last. As I read I questioned my own ability and drive to write. It is one of those tales that sparks imagination as you read. Leads your mind astray and questions your personal descriptions of the genre or in this case, many genres.

For those that follow this blog you probably have come to understand that the blog isn't necessarily about writing a review about the book as much as it is talking about the writing, characterizations and mechanics as a reader, yes but as a writer as well.

Seldom do I read something that crosses genres so seamlessly and so definite. The Book of Paul could read like a madman's bible as well as it could a collection of independent thrills and leads the reader down a path that only lust for words can bring.

Here you have story that defines structure and storyboarding. It moves through page after page like a film unfolding before your eyes. The feel is dark and sometimes sinister. Characters are drawn out over a short period of time but in such a manner that you feel the psychosis, their every desire and hideous thought. Where the story meets the character as if they walked into the tale as it moved along, living and breathing the words on the page.

The level of sin and gore is well placed and the evil that lives in the souls of the characters jump off the pages in The Book of Paul. Certainly Mr. Long has a taste for the macabre, a vision of demonic passion and the art of storytelling. I find this to be a tool for self discovery. The talent, the ability to breath such horror is inspiring or damning depending on your heart.

Little Terrors - David Jester

David Jester's Little Terrors "horror anthology" is comprised of nine (9) tales from the author. So Little Terrors (Horror Collection) by David Jester offers a nine course meal in horror and suspense. Nothing horrible or dreadful however there are some tasty treats between the pages. Let's take for example:

'Wipeout' runs a bit of terror through the veins and a pair of neighbors who 'carry' one another to the doorstep of hell, but do they take the plunge.

'Cold' is a decent run on more psych-horror which plays well in the genre today. I found the overall feel of this one to my liking and perhaps my fave of the nine.

The creativity of 'When the Reaper Smiles' was a familiar yet well managed tale of suspense and quality. Not to be mistaken for hard horror but certainly possesses some elements to tuck in neatly on horror's bookshelf.

Other stories such as 'The Sleepover' and 'Valley of Shadows' really didn't provide much punch for my liking. I found this more of a thriller or suspense collection with a spot of humor and a dash of terror woven in here and there. Not to say this is not a fine collection of literature that won't please the tasteful reader, because it will. Well with the cover price, though admittedly it is a touch high for what it is and perhaps will send people from the 'buy with 1-click' button but only you can decide that.

From a writing perspective I felt much like this collection was a solid template for good writing, collection cohesiveness as it provided a nice variety and quality of work. I especially enjoyed the use of suspense as a horror tool vice the shock and gore approach. the writing solid and felt relaxed and certainly not forced or rusted to completion. Nice work, Jester.

Spyder's ridiculously short movie review: Elysium

Seems familiar, seems political and seems familiar ... or did I say that already? Visuals are stunning, plot wore out and the movie is as well ... if you must see, get it from RedBox.

On the writer's iPod – The Nearly Deads

Another band out of Nashville that doesn’t fit traditional molds … yes-stereotypical view but one can’t always help it. Led by female front woman, Theresa Jeane, The Nearly Deads offer a grunge inspired seasoned sound that is truly their own. With their self-titled LP/EP making the rounds and gaining notoriety, it would seem they are about to break through and make it big.

The Nearly Deads (FB) offer up a sweet sound and tongue in cheek zombie tune (Never Look Back) that fits well with my muse's genre. More importantly, it rocks and sets the stage for a exception offering from The Nearly Deads.  The tune Fact or Friction highlights the range of this band – they are simply amazing. A smart and talented band with a commercial appeal but true to their musical roots. Of course, front woman Theresa Jeane is positively stunning, that fact never hurts.

The Playlist:

1. Fact & Friction             
2. Never Look Back         
3. Reasons          
4. Special              
5. The Perfect Cure  
6. Thanks For Nothing

My muse finds tracks 1, 2, 3 and 5 of special note, though the entire playlist holds merit. Sit back and enjoy the Nearly Deads Zombie invasion –

The Nearly Deads (RN) are a group to stand up and listen to. Your muse will enjoy either the horror or fantastic aspects of the bands music. And speaking of music, not only is Jeane stunning, she has a wonderful range and a fantastic voice. In fact, I place her up there at the top vocally with such belters as Mixie, Lzzy and Danni (look 'em up). As well, the mates, Brandon Barnes - rhythm guitar, Steven Tobi - lead Guitar, Kevin Koelsch - bass and Cory 'DPro' Walen - drums are a tight and professional ensemble that can rock or rhythm your socks off - simply fantastic.

Purchase The Nearly Deads (iTunes) you will not be sorry you did - support is the key to survival for these new bands. I have my copy, I also sport (product) a sick-ass 'T' as well! 

After First Light - Scott Nicholson

Mr. Nicholson is a writer; he proves this with this well-written tale of civilization being thrust into the dark ages with the loss of power and technology through the introduction of solar flares into the atmosphere. For me, it is a worn storyline – even television jumped on this bandwagon with “Revolution” be aware as well that this is a prequel story to a series based on the same topic aptly named “After.”

Apocalyptic happens are running amuck in this perhaps political 'horror' fiction or perhaps that aspect of it is not really intentional?

Zapheads … the designation of those negatively affected by the solar flares, creative? I don’t know, for me there really isn’t much to talk about but I gather if you are into the series then this is a great read. As I said, the writing is tight and well presented. Mr. Nicholson tells a good story and apparently knows a little about solar flares and their affect on the atmosphere. I would recommend experiencing outside of milestone 291 and save this tale for later if you decide you dig the After series.

I must confess that I enjoyed the info at the tail of the book where he gets into his other works. That said ...

RTS presents Arkoski’s “Vlad - The Lazy Vampire”

Vlad drank his cocktail - courtesy of the Vampi, Eleanora. “Why can’t being a vampire be like True Blood?

“Seriously?” Eleanora snorted.

“Sure, why not?” Vlad replied.

Eleanora laughed. “Fairies, shape shifters and werewolves all living in the same little town in podunk Louisiana?

“They have their issues.” Vlad retorted.

“Just finish your cocktail. I really don’t want to have this conversation with you.”

“Cause you know I am right.”

Eleanora smirked.

“I’d be a bad-ass.” Vlad proclaimed.

“You would be the town lazy-ass and if you ever was able to take yourself outdoors, you’d end up dead.”

Vlad leaned in with furrowed brow. “How so?”

“Because, no one in town would carry your lazy ass indoors before the sun came up.”

“Aha!” Vlad replied, falling back to his relaxed position. "With fairy blood they wouldn't have to."

Vlad in season 6?

… to be continued.

Spyder's ridiculously short movie review: We're the Millers

Laughed out loud in public with a stranger sitting next to me ... 'nuff said :)

On the writer's iPod – Stitched Up Heart

Well … my muse had me out of sorts with the keyboard and every further from finishing the latest chapter of the 'Last Orc.' So, I do what I normally do, which is either explore Twitter or the web for something to ignite my creativity. I cam upon a quartet who tagged themselves as 'Stitched Up Heart.  On first inspection they do raise curiosity. My muse of course was drawn to the female fronted band and the pipes provided by Mixi (singer/screamer). 

Off to  Reverberation to get a taste of the music Stitched Up Heart was pushing. Nice … drawn … wanting more. Since my muse is visual we wandered over to YouTube and saw Stitched Up Heart in virtual person. Handsome and sexy is the line up - Mixi, Grant - Guitar, Derek - Bass and Decker - Drums. This Hollywood band has a nice web presence which if course helps spread the word, music and attitude - visit them on Facebook and Twitter. 

Admittedly, their music isn't something never before heard - the tight rifts and steady beat coupled with the vocals of Mixi that range from rock to guttural provide great movement in appeal, however. The consistency provides a great base for writing in a 'mood' and remaining there for four tracks before you find yourself spinning the EP over. Check out 'Grave' it is a microcosm of the mood and music as it threads through the words you weave.

Have a look and listen:

They are something that should pique the interest of the horror writer with the sharp and 'grave' mood the music conjures. The vocals are intense and somehow beautiful, all wrapped up nice a tight, perhaps with a noose about your neck. 

My muse welcomes you to take Stitched Up Heart for a spin about your imagination and see what the vocals and chords conjure. We have introduced quite a few 'not mainstream' bands here on Sinister Tidings and Stitched Up Heart is one of the promising bands with horror bites that is sure to get the blood flowing.

In case you missed it: Killer of Demons

Killer of Demons is a three-issue miniseries from Image Comics. The series follows the odd adventures of Dave Sloan, your quintessential no fun, mundane junior account executive with one exception. He can see demons, and there are loads of demons. Not the kind the hide in seedy corners or the ones that reside in your head whispering dirty little things, demon. Demons that walk, talk and act just like you and me.  They look like your neighbor, cashier at the corner store, cop that pulled you over for speeding, your boss, wife, even your kid. To you and me however, they look entirely normal. Dave Sloan however sees them for what they are.

His sidekick is a cigar-smoking cherub who urges him along and tells him it is his heavenly duty to kill all these demons. Chris Yost and Scott Wegener do a wonderful job with the tongue in cheek demon slayer comic, which begs the question, is Dave Sloan a serial killer or actually the hand of God?

Demons are everywhere so needles to say Dave and his cherub sidekick are quite the busy pair, though the cherub is simple there to antagonize Dave into carrying out his “duty.” The blood flows freely and often and the dialog is comical, sensible and entertaining.

Overall, this is an entertaining and fun series. The art is dynamic and telling and the storyline flows and is well thought-out. I enjoyed  it and was disappointed it ended after three issues, though they are graphic novel in length (mostly) not your typical comic book offering.

Getting Better - Tyr Kieran

Tyr Kieran is a name that I have heard among writing circles and horror den gatherings. It is not a name I am familiar with but one that raised much curiosity. So, to begin I wandered over to his web home (blog) where I found much to devour. Then I moved over to Pen of the Damned and discovered more morsels.  I soon discovered that Kieran has an extensive online portfolio of dark places to infest your soul. I was impressed with the diversity, to say the least.

So, through all the 'free' horror I read it becomes obvious that I owed a purchase of one read, if nothing else. Like most writers (myself included) there were a few horrific offerings via amazon, so I picked up 'Getting Better.' I had a heightened sense of hope based on what I knew of the author — so I dove in. I just knew I was about to be blown away.

Shaun Briant is institutionalized for the butchering of his sister and mother. He has an issue with footsteps and Marcus the orderly tosses havoc into his already skewed world through mistreatment and plain 'being an asshole'. The tale starts out innocently enough, Shaun is petrified and submissive to his handlers brutality. As the story unfolds, with vivid detail and fluid development the world beyond the apparent begins to unfold.   

We meet Dr. Lisa Ferrus in 'class' which includes Shaun and three other patients. It is here that the horror opens its maw and sucks you in. The cinematic vision of his tormented mind is nothing short of intense. Fascinating is the character development in such a small space, I especially loved Darla. To read the words on the pages were to see them in the depths of the mind. The detail, interruptions by Shaun as he imagines murdering the lot of them, were well placed as his irritation with the visceral they spew increased. Tasty was Getting Better - short, tight and explosive. A well drawn out piece of artful literature that will seize the mind and take you for a delightful trip through the world of the demented. 

Still, I wonder who the hell is this person named Tyr Kieran? So … the journey continues.

Spyder's ridiculously short movie review: 2 Guns

Gotta say I was entertained. Good action, storyline was alright but frankly the chemistry between Washington and Wahlberg was excellent. Hell, even made me laugh a few times - check it out!

Simple gadgets for writers: 'A Novel Idea'

Certainly there are a myriad of tools and devices to assist the writer, whether it be the old fashioned handheld recorder (or even the new fangled Pulse Pen), pocket notebook, notepad on your phone or any number of other devices or habits that get your thoughts down so you don’t soon forget them.

There are also a ton of applications (Apps) that can store ideas and much more. They can get quite complicated and pricey but there is one App, A Novel Idea (free at the writing of this post) that provides a simple foundation for your ideas and so much more. A Novel Idea is a simple tool that allows the writer to outline ideas and much more in one simple application.

Add Novel data such as title, setting, plot and more. Allows you to create scenes within the novel and develop characters. Further the App has the ability to store location descriptions and tie them altogether back to the novella or a scene. The data it collects is defined to a specific novel, scene, character or location but allows you to tie each piece to the other to derive a complete description. Further, it has an ideas section that is a wonderful brainstorming tool or ‘thought of the moment’ place to record and attach it to your novel, scene, character or even location.

A Novel Idea is from Svacha Software – iPhone based and of course comes with a purchase version that is more robust (and no ads) — try out the free variety and if you like it and want to invest … well, do it. Nice tool – with plenty of applicability for the writer who enjoys the freedom of storing his/her ideas at a moments notice. This easy to use App is a life and idea saver if you are like most and ideas seem to come along an the most inopportune times.

Recommend it for a try - it's free after all so there really isn't anything to lose. 

   

A Book of Horror - Stephen Jones (editor)

A Book of Horrors is a traditionalist horror collection bringing some of the finer names in horror both past and present with a few "newer" names to join the party. The TOC is a who is who in horror; such as - Stephen King, Ramsey Campbell, Peter Crowther, Elizabeth Hand now sprinkle in Caitlin R. Kiernan, Dennis Etchinson and Robert Shearman and in many circles you have the horror genre defined. 

Purest will love the horror, the writing is crisp and rich as you would expect from such seasoned veterans but it is much more than that. What A Book of Horrors brings is horror back to light, to the forefront and to the mainstream conversation. For too long the art has gone out of traditional horror for a more commercial appeal. These writers remind us of the roots and intent of horror … to scare, tantalize, horrify, appall or downright get under the reader's skin and into their minds. 

Some of my favorites were not by the masters but their replacements. Shearman's "Alice Through the Plastic Sheet" is an amusing tale spun with a horrific theme that is certain to leave an impression. Go along for the ride with Alan and Alice as they get to know their new neighbors. Kiernan's "Chacloth" takes the Firestarter to new heights and directions. This is a very heated tale, filled with wonder and poetic demise. Consider as well, Australia's own Angela Slatter, her tale "The Coffin-Maker's Daughter" is a fresh and compelling tale that will take you places you never before explored. 

How can this A Book of Horror disappoint? Only if you are not a fan of the genre or are such a commercialized fan of horror that the roots and all do not find their way into your heart. Recommend for the horror lover and writer … style, plot, characterization, mood, flow everything the budding writer needs to point them in the right direction.

On the writer's iPod – Chamber of Echoes

Chamber of Echoes possesses a unique look, sound and persona. Boisterous online with a dominant and ultra cool look (web presence) that exemplifies the out of the ordinary sound of CoE. I stumbled with a label for CoE, so I will leave it alone (Industrial?). I will say that the voice of front woman and CoE mastermind Klaryssa Korolenkov is unquestionably poetic and simply beautiful. 

Their work provides a sense of home for the muse, somewhere fantastic and mystical. My muse loves the undertones and the melodies carried by Korolenkov. CoE is seemingly an online social media band (FB) but nothing could be further from the truth. They are a live band (SC) and have been known to tour but their work is in the studio and online primary still with a firm fan base. CoE is interesting in many ways — their music, presentation and personal for front woman Korolenkov offers something far from ordinary.

Visually, the muse is stimulated but the pure artistic wonder of CoE (Flickr) as spoke to before visual arts are another stimuli for the writer — all art in some form feeds art and the artist. CoE is no exception. Music labeled Industrial, a look unlike any other and a moods the breeds creativity CoE (Twit) is going to be creating and inspiring for quite some time. 

eSpin some 'We Belong to the Night,' 'Scar Tissue,' 'Disenchanted' and ' The Way Out' for a full feel of the range of this amazing movement. Enjoy a visual - World of Silence:

Safe Haven - Steve Byrne

Safe Haven is an account of a diary found by the US military and translated (looking for secrets) and recounted within the pages of Safe Haven. Originally, I thought this was a horror story – of course all tales (well most) about war are horror, but real-life horrors are something entirely different from the horrors I was expecting.

All that aside and my chagrin over the tale, I did continue to read. Steve Byrne weaves a nice recount of the Vietnamese solder’s diary and the events that lead him to Mau Gaing village where he sought refuge. The mood of the story, is as you can imagine, somber but shows an interesting spin as it is told in the eyes of the enemy.  

Overall, I don’t recommend Safe Haven for general horror fans. If you are looking for war stories or tales of fiction with historic significance then by all means. Solid writing – and one can’t help but feel a but for the soldier – Safe haven is based off of Mr. Byrne’s novel documenting the same – entitled Phoenix.

314 (series) - A.R. Wise

Wise has a way with gore, slash and murderous intent that brings about the fierce wails of horror and turned up noses in disgust – so, naturally – I loved it. Granted, this is not for everyone, in it just for some spine tingling apparitions, crab-walking children on the ceiling or traditional vamps and wolves? You will be deeply disappointed.

The Skeleton Man is one of those persona’s that keeps the reader in tune. Weaving an intricate web of lies and deceit with hidden reality disguised in the fiber of illusion leaving the reader wondering what the hell just happened. I enjoyed the dark mood and the very graphic nature of the storyline – nothing tasteful here but spun in the proper bite sized morsels leaving you full but never feeling glutinous.

There are not enough adjectives to describe how intense, graphic and brooding this series is – from start to finish, 314 … is biting fiction that is intense and holds no punches. If violence offends – death of anything or one upsets – gore for gore sake turns you off then read the damn book anyway!

See if you aren’t wondering, where the hell you are or if you are feeling a bit queasy after you close the virtual dust cover on Wise’s 314 (book 1 & 2).

The Line Unseen - Joe Hart

Hart’s The Line Unseen is a pleasurable read. One that is dark and brooding. Both the tone and storyline are well constructed. Hart develops the plot in tantalizing bites and offers just the right size bite as each paragraph moves along. 

Tim killed a man to ‘prove’ himself. He really didn’t mean to but the situation got away from him and before he knew it, he had indeed taken a life. With the assistance of his friends Denny and Jay – Tim disposes of the body and wallows in self-pity. Little does he know his nightmare has just begun.

Hat’s off to Mr. Hart and his skill of morbid description and lust for horror makes The Line Unseen and exceptional introduction to his work.