It’s just two weeks until the next Rock and Shock, Massachusetts’ annual marriage of two perfect partners, horror and heavy metal.  On October 16-18, the convention/ marathon concert offers up a solid lineup of horror favorites signing autographs, and a veritable Woodstock of evil music that is sure to please any dark and brooding fan of the macabre.

The autograph signings for the weekend brings a wicked group of convention stalwarts:  Headlined by Malcolm “Hey, Don’t Blame Me for H2” McDowell and American Werewolf in London director John Landis, the con also boasts appearances by two Jasons, Derek Mears and Kane Hodder;  Rob Zombie favorites Walter Phelan, Sid Haig and Bill Moseley;  original Halloween scream queen P.J. Soles;  and the star of the legendary Dentist franchise, Corbin Bernsen, just to name a few.  The highlight for me is the Fulci trio of Al Cliver, Ottaviano Dell’acqua and the lovely Catriona MacColl.  Now that Chiller has decided to downsize this October show and discontinue the Italian Invasion’s assault that it started back in April, this is the best collaboration of Italian stars to hit the northeast this October.   Make sure to thank Mike Baronas personally for this, as his love of all things Fulci has compelled him to bring some of the maestro’s most famous stars to the convention.

The concert end of things offers a mix of established favorites and new groups.  Revco, Type O Negative and the Misfits prove that longevity is on their side as they rock the Palladium alongside the Insane Clown Posse and some newer metal groups such as God Dethroned and Abigail Williams (who may be my favorite named band of all time, as I revere Arthur Miller’s The Crucible).

Rock and Shock looks to provide exactly what its title rather bluntly suggests.  With the line up of musicians and horror favorites, it should destroy all sense of the sacred in Mass, and leave carnage and destruction in its wake.

If you are interested in attending, please follow the link to the Rock and Shock.  And you can always visit Mike Baronas' site, Paura, to find what interesting things he's got going for the Italians.

--Phil Fasso