Straight out of R'lyeh

Worn out by werewolves and think Mummies are dusty and dull? Frankenstein’s monster not giving you a jolt anymore? Think that Vampires, in all forms, suck? Have the old horror icons lost their luster or, perhaps, you are in need of a change of pace?

Time to crack open the Lovecraft and get yourself acquainted with Darkest of the Hillside Thickets. Based out of Vancouver but coming straight from R’lyeh, this group is fronted by Toren Atkinson, an artist who has contributed to Call of C’thulu roleplaying game. He and guitarist Warren Banks wrote the game Spaceship Zero, which is also an album by their band.  

Rock and roll and Lovecraftian mythos make for a good combination. ‘Great Old Ones’ and ‘Cthulu Strikes Back’ are good introduction albums, while ‘Spaceship Zero’ and ‘Shadow out of Tim’ are more sonic stories. Start with the first two, progress to the latter, go mad in the meantime. They’re a fun rock band that doesn’t let the subject of the work bog down their music.

This band played at Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) 2008, which would hint that they’re more nerd than spooky. But sometimes, it’s not all crypts and ghoolies.