Ghoultown
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Ghoultown is a popular horrorpunk band from Texas, specializing in a mixture of classic rockabilly music and dark, horrifying lyrics. They are somewhat different than other gothabilly bands, due to a heavy spaghetti western influence.
"The true tequila-guzzlin' sounds of Texxxas!" exclaims Razorcake Magazine, which sums up the music and attitude behind Texas-based Ghoultown. Their unique heavy western sound has brought attention from both fans and press alike. Since their debut in 1999, Ghoultown's dark western dirges and unmistakable presence have found their way into four CD releases, numerous compilations, movies, short films, a comic book and even a video game.
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[edit] Biography
Formed in 1999 by vocalist/guitarist Count Lyle (Solitude Aeturnus, The Killcreeps), Ghoultown recorded its first 3-song EP in October of that same year. Titled Boots of Hell, the EP illustrated the power of the band's Tex-Mex blend while garnering rabid reviews, a fanbase and independent radio airplay. With Boots of Hell in circulation, the band's early buzz landed them several compilation appearances. The most notable being Skully Records' (NY) Gothabilly 2: Rockin' Necropolis where they share the bill with some of the best psychobilly acts around the world. As a kick off, the band was invited to participate in the world-release show held at NY's infamous CBGB's on Halloween 2000.
In early 2001 Ghoultown released their full-length debut Tales From the Dead West. The album, produced by Kol Marshall (Mercyful Fate, etc.), captured the versatility and unique sound of the Texan quintet from the powerful "Killer in Texas" to the Doors-esque "Running From the Sun." "This album already has a place on my best of 2001 list," quoted a Harder Beat reviewer who reflected the positive response. Not only were ears turned, but eyes as well as the release pushed the band into new live show territory. With highlight performances such as an Atlanta benefit, which featured Jerry Only of the legendary Misfits as an onstage guest, Ghoultown has played with an amazing variety of bands such as Hank III, Rocket from the Crypt, The Independents, DRI, Bile, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Flametrick Subs, Dick Dale, Road Kings, Men of Porn, Captured By Robots, Fear, Cruxshadows, and The Misfits.
By 2002 Ghoultown invaded the film world when four of their tunes were chosen for the soundtrack of the horror-slasher, American Nightmare, starring b-movie queen Debbie Rochon (Tromeo and Juliet). As a testament to their memorable live show, the movie script was subsequently altered to include a Ghoultown performance cameo after the director witnessed the band live, and the video for their track "Killer In Texas" was included as a bonus on the DVD.
In the spring of 2002, not only did the band release their follow-up Give 'Em More Rope, but Angry Planet Records signed an exclusive licensing deal with Netherlands-based Corazong Records to release the Ghoultown U.S. catalog in Europe and Canada. The first Euro-Canadian release was a special version of Tales From the Dead West, which included tracks from their Boots of Hell EP as well.
By late summer, Ghoultown hit the road for a 35 date U.S. tour which included performances at NY's CBGBs to The Garage in L.A. The tour was concluded by a performance at one of the world's largest annual entertainment media conventions, Dragon*Con in Atlanta, where the band has performed for the last two years by popular demand.
Hitting 2003 Ghoultown's signature tune "Killer In Texas" made yet another appearance in a short film called Headcheese which was released on DVD with a movie called Freak. Appropriately, Headcheese was filmed in the same location as Texas Chainsaw Massacre... house and all! Spending the first half of 2003 performing, the band toured the midwest and east coast, in addition to numerous Texas area shows. By the end of spring, Ghoultown completed work on songs for two upcoming Jon Keeyes films, Slice pf Life and Hallow's End, the later in which they will also be making a cameo appearance. These are due on the market around Halloween.
In 2004 Ghoultown released a double disc set, Live From Texas!, which showcased their powerful live show on both CD and DVD. "Ghoultown puts the grit back into rock 'n' roll with a blazing hellfire vengeance!" said Horror Garage in praise of the release, which has garnered extremely positive feedback and become the best selling release to date. Also in 2004, the band managed to creep into the video game market where several of their actual gig posters can be seen in the award-winning Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines PC game.
Currently the band is playing in support of their new studio CD entitled Bury Them Deep which was released in October 2006 on Zoviet Records. The cover was painted by noted comics artist Dan Brereton, who is a fan of the band.
[edit] Band Members
- Count Lyle - Vocals, Guitar
- Jake Middlefinger - Guitar
- Lizard Lazario - Accustic Guitar, Backing Vocals
- Santi - Bass, Backing Vocals
- Dalton Black - Drums
- Randy Grimm - Trumpet
Former Band Members
- Queeno DeVamps - Bass
- X-Ray Charles - Drums
- Dez Black - Trumpet
- J. Luis - Trumpet
[edit] Discography
- Boots of Hell (1999)
- Tales From the Dead West (2001)
- Give 'Em More Rope (2002)
- Live From Texas! (2004)
- Bury Them Deep (2006)
Skeleton Cowboys limited 7 inch (2008)
