in 1999 as a conduit to express his darker, slower, goth rock-inspired songwriting. An impressive collection of heavy metal veterans, including ex-Misfits singer Myke Hideous, guitarist Jack Frost (Seven Witches, Metalium), keyboard player Charlie Calv, and drummer Tim Mallare (also Overkill) came to his aid, and the band's eponymous debut resembled a less overbearing, even refreshing alternative to fellow New Yorkers Type O Negative. Their equally compelling sophomore release, Sweet Home Transylvania, followed two years later. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia