Melodic Mayhem: The Big Bad
Anyone with even a small amount of knowledge knows that New Jersey is seen as the birthplace of horrorpunk, thanks to a little band called The Misfits. You may have heard of them.
However, since then, bands from all over the world have been picking up the mantle of the genre and taking their own stab at it. No one would expect a place like West Virginia, the home of the infamous Mothman, to become a hotbed of horrorpunk, but here we are. Not only was it the home base of the almighty Blitzkid, but WV has also given the world a little band by the name of The Big Bad.
Fronted by the charismatic Zackula Von Nasty, the band burst onto the scene in 2009 with their debut album After Dark. Highlights on the album include “Transylvania Is for Lovers” and “Wish Everyday Was Halloween.” The band would not reappear until 2013, where they fully came into their own with See You in the Shadows. Featuring songs inspired by The Omen, Nightbreed, and Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II, the absolute highlight of the album is what I will argue is the best song ever written in tribute to the 80’s vampire classic Fright Night, appropriately titled “Fright Night.” The whole album is just a love letter to the genre and some of the great movies our generation grew up with.
The band would return in 2014 after being signed by HorrorHound records and released their self-titled debut on the label. Blasting right out of the gate with the exceptional “Shine the Signal” The Big Bad make sure that anyone listening needs to know that they are a force to be reckoned with. With songs referencing beloved movie classics like The Monster Squad (“Shadowbrook Road”) as well as classic stories like The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (“Inside the Vial”), there is literally something for any fan of horror amongst the band’s full discography.
The band is currently in the process of re-releasing 2013’s See You in the Shadows on vinyl, and there is little doubt that they are also currently working on some new music for an upcoming album.
Discography
2009 – After Dark
2013 – See You in the Shadows
2014 – The Big Bad
Be sure to visit The Big Bad on Facebook.
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