Thread: Gothic Horror - for Halloween

Once again, the pagan party is upon us again. Celebrating ghouls, ghosts, goblins, witches, warlocks and embracing the evil spirits that for the other 364 days of the year terrify us. Halloween may be a uniquely American/Western celebration but most cultures have their own form of the ceremony. Today's festivities that include Trick or treating, jack o lanterns and donning menacing costumes were in part bought the the shores of the U.S by Irish immigrants in the 1800's.

All Hallows Eve evolved from the Ancient Celtic tradition of Samhain, which revolved around the harvest cycle and was practiced under the belief that each October 31st the unearthly walls of the deceased were shattered causing the dead to bring harm to the living and their stocks. In the modern crime riddled, morally questionable era we live in Halloween has become a novelty, not a ritual to protect the innocent from evil spirits.

Images of grotesque horror have always been a staple of the art world, challenging religious faith, death writes and perceived fear of the supernatural and mysterious. There is no better day to share these sometimes shocking, always atmospheric creative expressions of a dark, Gothic world flowing with dangerous imagery. Happy Halloween and enjoy the pictures.


Deterioration of Mind Over Matter by Otto Rapp - frightening picture of a decomposing human scull firmly ensconced on some devilish birdcage in which the raw gore of man's physical being lies lifeless at the base. The parting flesh of the scull is secured by a safety pin. This is truly an image that could have been utilized in the former issues of Tales From The Crypt.



Classic Demonic Visions



J Ross Bach Surreal terror



The Examination