Paul Booth’s Debut Novel “Mortal Skin” is Out Now


Paul Booth and www.GhostCultMag.com co-owner Keefy – photo credit by @OJCPICS

Known as a macabre artist, tattooist, filmaker, sculpter, and musician, Paul Booth has now taken his first step into the realm of literature with his debut novel, Mortal Skin. This release marks a departure from his celebrated career as a visual artist into storytelling. Mortal Skin is now available in digital bookstores worldwide, as both a softcover and an e-book. Find more details below.
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Pantera and Z2 Comics Team Up to Release The “Vulgar Display Of Power” 30th Anniversary Graphic Novel


In the grand tradition established by Z2, the Pantera Vulgar Display of Power 30th anniversary graphic novel unites famous fans of the band throughout comics and music to team up on adaptations of all eleven of the album’s tracks. Creators including Alan Robert (Life of Agony), Eric Peterson (Testament), Keith Buckley (Every Time  I Die), Burton C. Bell (Fear Factory), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night),  Ryan J. Downey (MTV News), Tony Lee (Dr. Who) and illustrators Paul Booth, Erik Rodriguez, Ryan Kelly, Steve Chanks, Kevin Mellon, John Pearson and Danijel Zezelj will each offer a unique interpretation inspired by the lyrics and music to create a whole new way to experience this landmark work of heavy art. Continue reading


Behemoth: Thou Art Darkest Exhibition


The faithful devotees of the kvlt of Behemoth came to sing and rejoice at the marvel that is the artwork exhibition from their recent album I Loved You At Your Darkest (Metal Blade). Beginning with Gdansk, and carrying on to Berlin, London, Warsaw, and now in New York, before heading to Los Angeles later this month, the traveling exhibition is an immersive experience into the passion and pain wrought in these works of art, correlating to the music of ILYAYD. We were treated to a viewing of these amazing paintings and sculptures, the creators and models themselves, a Behemoth documentary, and some great Behemoth beer. All of this took place at Last Rites Gallery, home to the legendary tattoo artist, musician and creative genius Paul Booth. Ghost Cult attended a preview night last Friday, before the public opening, the same night as Behemoth’s sold out show at the PlayStation Theater in Times Square. Continue reading


Paul Booth Talks Tattooing, His New Album, And His Life In The Arts


Paul Booth has spent the majority of his life dedicated to art. Since he was a child he gravitated to the darker nature of art and used the world as his canvas over many different mediums. Of course, Paul is perhaps best known for his legendary tattoo-work and paintings which have a legion of fans. Paul welcomed Ghost Cult’s crew into his private sanctum at Last Rites Tattoo Theatre within Last Rites Gallery In New York City. Paul discussed his entire career with us, including his passion for film, painting, sculpture, jewelry, his creative process, and especially his pride over his new album, the just-released Nihilistic Melodies. Interview with Keefy and Videography by Omar Cordy of OJC Photography.Continue reading


Paul Booth Releases New Single, New Album Due This Month


World-renowned artist and musician Paul Booth has announced a new solo album Nihilistic Melodies, due out on September 30th. Paul has shared a new single, ‘Snuff Film’ featuring Eve Minor, which you can listen to below. Paul, whose astonishing 30-plus year career has seen him create a legacy as a tattoo artist, create breathtaking artwork in such mediums as paintings, photos, sculpture, and metalwork, as well as his solo albums all bearing his distinctive style. Continue reading


Musink Festival – Orange County Event Center


colcock whiskey sponsors musink ghostcultmag

For the ninth year in a row music lovers and tattoo culture seekers joined at the Travis Barker’s (Blink 182) Musink Festival. Held at the Orange County Event Center and Fairgrounds in California and featured headliners Snoop Dogg, Deftones, and Circa Survive, as well as the Transplants come back show, Yelawolf, Taking Back Sunday, Plague Vendor, Atreyu, Face to Face, Spirit In The Room and more.Continue reading


Housecore Horror Festival III: Part 2- San Antonio, TX


Housecore Horror Fest

On Saturday we were running a little late to the venue for Housecore Horror Festival III. I made it just in time to catch most of NAILS’ set, most of which Todd Jones was visibly displeased the entire time. While dozens of kids could be spotted wearing their hardcore and metal shirts all around San Antonio, the floor of the theater was lightly peppered with kids there to watch the band. Coupled with the fact that there was little to no moshing, or just overall lack of general mayhem during their caustic performance, it was leaving a bad taste in Jones’ mouth.

Nails, by Emma Parsons Photography

Nails, by Emma Parsons Photography

Catching only snippets of Poison Idea and Crippled Bastards, we jumped over to see Providence, RI power-violence group Dropdead. Seeing our fellow New Englanders in the south was cool. Dropdead are here with a message, and that message hasn’t changed, nor will it ever; says singer Bob Otis. Otis is also the main lyricist and mouthpiece of the group, and he made a speech about animal cruelty and corporate greed. The group wants you to leave their shows informed, if anything. After getting crushed by Crowbar, then sped back up again by Negative Approach, we close in on the headliners of the night , Corrosion of Conformity, Agoraphobic Nosebleed, and New York’s own Suffocation.

Dropdead, by Emma Parsons Photography

Dropdead, by Emma Parsons Photography

Phil Anselmo gives a backrub to Pepper Keenan of COC, by Emma Parsons Photography

Phil Anselmo gives a backrub to Pepper Keenan of COC, by Emma Parsons Photography

COC, back with Pepper Keenan at the helm, had a setlist full of classic tunes ending with ‘Clean My Wounds’. Jesus then showed up to clean the crowds wounds and sung with Pepper, followed by stage diving off both ends of the stage to “bless” the theater. To the untrained eye, ANB look like four people standing around waiting for something to happen. But as soon at the lights dim and the projector flashes their name, the audible noise of our butt holes tightening with excitement shadowed the opening notes of the set. It was strangely entertaining to see such a large stage completely devoid of a drum kit, yet welcome.

Suffocation, by Emma Parsons Photography

Suffocation, by Emma Parsons Photography

Suffocation began much like that of ANB, a few people standing on stage waiting for the go ahead amidst sound checking. Once the OK was given, the lights go down and the grindcore onslaught began. Shortly before the small tour they embarked on leading to Texas, the Suffo guys asked the fans what songs they wanna hear in an online poll, and boy did they deliver. From classics to more recent jams, few songs were spared. A love song, ‘Entrails of You’,  seemingly penned by Ed Gein himself for a long since passed lover was a highlight.

Agoraphobic Nosebleed, by Emma Parsons Photography

Agoraphobic Nosebleed, by Emma Parsons Photography

Agoraphobic Nosebleed, by Emma Parsons Photography

Agoraphobic Nosebleed, by Emma Parsons Photography

Agoraphobic Nosebleed, by Emma Parsons Photography

Agoraphobic Nosebleed, by Emma Parsons Photography

Sunday Funday! Day three of the festival and the wear and tear is starting to show on just about everyone, but spirits remain high. Maybe they were just waiting for the headliners or even just to hang out and shop upstairs at the booths in the convention floor. By the way I got a great haul of shirts, patches, and the god-like Boss HM-2 guitar pedal; the most Swedish of all metal pedals! The fest had great vendors with booths both local and internationally based. Often times it was hard to traverse due to hall size and all the people, but with a little courtesy and sucking in of the gut, the metal head marches on! After being preoccupied with a handful of other tasks and waiting in lines, I got to chit-chat with horror film legend Mr. Bill Mosley for a bit before heading back over to the stage,

Author And Punisher, by Emma Parsons Photography

Author And Punisher with Muscle And Marrow, by Emma Parsons Photography

 

Author And Punisher, by Emma Parsons Photography

Author And Punisher, by Emma Parsons Photography

Next up was the barrage that is Author & Punisher. Tristan Shone was joined onstage by tour mates Muscle and Marrow for a song, but was mostly accompanied by projections and skewed video segments. They were followed by YOB who were flawless, even with a sick Mike Schiedt. Had he not told me himself that he was ill, I’d have never known.

YOB, by Emma Parsons Photography

YOB, by Emma Parsons Photography

YOB, by Emma Parsons Photography

YOB, by Emma Parsons Photography

Shortly after YOB’s set I caught up with Mike to have a chat and we found ourselves at Whataburger a block away. We got to talking about touring, music and the state of metal. We discussed the weekend so far and previous tours they had been on, and our mutual love and admiration for Neurosis. In short Mike was my own personal Yoda for an hour and I couldn’t have been happier. Next I briefly checked out Autopsy and Incantation and while both are awesome and historic in their own right, at this stage of the game I was so tired every thing was blurring together tonally. Old school death metal just wasn’t for me that night. To close out the weekend Dawn Of The Dead was screened with the live film score to accompany the film performed by Goblin. Unfortunately by this time it was getting close to midnight, and the walk to the hotel was getting longer. My hotel bed was actually starting to look comfy.

Phil Anselmo watches the bands on stage at Housecore Horror Fest III, by Emma Parsons Photography

Phil Anselmo watching bands from the stage at Housecore Horror Fest III, by Emma Parsons Photography

The long trip was totally worth it, and I’m very honored to have gone and shared this weekend with both the bands, the fans, and fellow metal heads. Thanks to the staff of The Aztec Theater for being both friendly caring, and above all professional. Lastly every one behind the scenes working with Philip Anselmo to put the Housecore Horror Festival III together.

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HCHF III REVIEW PART 1

WORDS BY ANDREW FRANCIS

PHOTOS BY EMMA PARSONS PHOTOGRAPHY


Festival Preview: Philip Anselmo’s Housecore Horror Festival III


Housecore Horror Fest

Philip H. Anselmo, metal legend and horror film aficionado puts on his third annual Housecore Horror Festival this weekend, in San Antonio, Texas. Kicking off tomorrow night with a pre-party, the fest runs all weekend at The Aztec Theater and The Korova venues, as well as at the Holiday Inn Riverwak Hotel from November 12th to 15th.  Ghost Cult Magazine will be there to capture all the action.

One of the best, and deepest lineups in the history of the fest, this year’s talents with such immense talents as King Diamond, Anselmo’s own Superjoint, Goblin, YOB, Exodus, Suffocation, Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Autopsy, Incantation, Corrosion of Conformity (with Pepper Keenan), EyeHateGod, Crowbar, Poison Idea, Nails, Zombi, Black Breath and many more from across all genres of heavy music.

King Diamond. Photo Credit: Kevin Estrada

King Diamond. Photo Credit: KevinEstrada.com

In addition to the concert portion there will a screening of 80 underground and legendary horror films from some of the greats as well as up and coming directors in the genre. Some of the films will come from Phil’s personal collection and he is sure to be on hand to lend a word or ten on the matter. There will be celebrity panels, signings, and vendors galore as well. Special guests include GWAR’s Don Drakulich aka “Sleazy P. Martini” who will host a special screening of Skulhedface and a secret bonus film that GWAR fans won’t want to miss, a onetime screening of cult classic, Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things with original cast members Alan Ormsby and Anya Cronin in attendance, a premiere of a never-before-seen short film from Coffin Joe, the world premiere of the controversial, massacre-ridden American Guinea Pig: Bloodshock, a special director’s cut of zombie-Viking-black metal-biker film, Saga, starring Ted Skelljum of black metal icons Darkthrone and a an appearance by iconic bodybuilding champion/actor/ songwriter/

Superjoint, by OJC Pics/Omar Cordy

Superjoint, by OJC Pics/Omar Cordy

screenwriter/musician, Jon Mikl Thor, who will be screening his new documentary followed by a performance on The Korova stage. Additional special guests include comedian Dave Hill from the Metal Grasshopper films, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 star Bill Moseley, president of Unearthed Films/producer of the American Guidea Pig Series Stephen Biro, world renowned tattoo artist Paul Booth and more! For a detailed 2015 film screening list visit: http://housecorehorrorfilmfestival.com/films.

Housecore Horror Fest Aztec Theater Day-To-Day Lineup:


Friday, November 13th
Doors at 5:00 pm

Child Bite – 5:30 – 6:00
Warbeast – 6:15 – 6:55
Eyehategod – 7:15 – 8:00
Exodus – 8:20 – 9:05
Superjoint – 9:25 – 10:10
King Diamond – 10:30 – 12:15

Saturday, November 14th
Doors at 1:30 pm
Gasmiasma – 2:00 – 2:30
Nails – 2:45 – 3:20
Poison Idea – 3:35 – 4:15
Cripple Bastards – 4:30 – 5:10
Dropdead – 5:25 – 6:05
Crowbar – 6:25 – 7:10
Negative Approach – 7:30 – 8:15
Corrosion of Conformity – 8:35 – 9:25
Agoraphobic Nosebleed – 9:45 – 10:35
Suffocation – 11:00 – 12:00

Sunday, November 15th
Doors at 1:30 pm
Muscle And Marrow – 2:00 – 2:30
Gristnam – 2:45 – 3:15
Author & Punisher – 3:40 – 4:20
YOB – 4:40 – 5:30
Ghoul – 5:50 – 6:35
Zombi – 7:00 – 7:50
Incantation – 8:10 – 9:00
Autopsy – 9:20 – 10:20
Goblin (Dawn Of The Dead live score) – 10:45 – end

HOUSECORE HORROR FESTIVAL The Korova Day-To-Day Lineup:


Thursday, November 12th – Preparty!
Doors at 6:30 pm

Aggravator – 7:00 – 7:45
Protest – 8:00 – 8:45
The Black Moriah – 9:00 – 9:45
Black Breath – 10:00 – 10:45
Idolatry – 11:00 – 12:00

Friday, November 13thvember 13th

Doors at 12:00 pm

Butcher – 12:30 – 1:00
Bloodfuckers – 1:15 – 1:45
Fat Stupid Ugly People – 2:00 – 2:30
Hellshock – 2:50 – 3:30
Valdur – 12:30 – end

SATURDAY, November 14th

Saturday, November 14th

Doors at 5:30 pm

Krigblast – 6:00 – 6:30
Kill it Again – 6:50 – 7:30
Classhole – 7:50 – 8:30
Ossacrux – 8:50 – 9:30
The Unnaturals – 9:50 – 10:30
Thor – 10:50 – 11:30
Fang – 11:50 – 12:25
Disfigured – 12:40 – end

Sunday, November 15th
Doors at 7:00 pm

Los Revolucionarios – 7:40 – 8:15
Honky – 8:40 – 9:30
Big Okie Doom – 9:50 – 10:30
Mountain Of Wizard – 10:50 – 11:40
Hellknife – 12:00 – end

Get tickets for Housecore Horror Fest III here:

Housecore Horror Fest on Facebook

Housecore Horror Fest on Twitter

The Aztec Theater online

The Korova Theater online