"Season In Hell: Evil Farmhouse Torture" DVD (director: Elliot Passantino)

This low-rent "Texas Chainsaw" knock-off has so little going for it. Where do I begin? The goofy redneck farmer is reminiscent of a mix between Billy Bob Thornton in "Swingblade" and Larry The Cable Guy. But his accent comes and goes. And the overwhelming (and overbearing) use of digital effects is annoying, perhaps covering up some bigger mistakes in the filming.

The acting is terrible, the plot barely exists, the characters lack any depth, and, with the over-reliance on psychedelic effects, "Season In Hell" is a truly tedious experience. I could go on. Even the tortured girls in the basement are annoying, and, dare I say, deserve what they get. I could barely get through this one. (World Wide Multi Media)

"An Unholy Exorcism: The Devil Inside (aka "Chronicles Of An Exorcism")" DVD (director: NIck G. Miller)

I don't like to be too critical of small-time indie films, but this one was tough to sit through. Why filmmakers (big or small) emulate past films (and ones of repute, even more bafflingly) is beyond me. Exorcism films, like shark attack films, have a huge legacy to live up to. "An Unholy Exorcism" comes across like a shallow, illegitimate, and amateurish simulation of the classic William Friedkin film, with a splash of "The Blair Witch Project". Call this one "The Linda Blair Witch Project", perhaps.

 You already know the story. Experienced priests are called in to "rescue" a poor girl from a demonic possession. This one's in an abandoned shack in a cornfield. And there's a local priest who's skeptical of the exorcist's motives. Shot in rough, grainy, faux documentary-style, this one hides behind the hackneyed camerawork, inane script, and virtually nonexistent effects. This is a silly film that isn't worth pursuing. (WWMM)

"Indemnity: Rage Of A Jealous Vampire" DVD (director: David Dietz)

This short (60 minute) micro-indie film has some fair scripting and acting, but it never quite gets off the ground. Produced by, directed by, and starring David Dietz, this is a tale of a man being relentlessly pursued by an ex-lover, who coincidentally is a murderous, bloodthirsty vampire. The man holes up in a bar, where he encounters the town bullies and a wise bartender, who exposes his own story.

Suffice to say, "Indemnity" tries to be twisty and unpredictable, but doesn't hit the mark well enough. The sex and blood are even sparse to nonexistent. I have to say, I lost interest quickly. At least it was mercifully brief! And to add to the woes, my copy (a professionally-duplicated DVDR), had several digital glitches and moments of poor color and video quality. Sadly, this is one to avoid on all counts. (WWMM)

Bonnie "Prince" BIlly - "I See A Darkness" video

Here's a new promotional video from the inimitable Bonnie "Prince" Billy, a re-interpretation of his early "hit", "I See A Darkness", from Bonnie's upcoming EP, "Now Here's My Plan". I like it. You will, too.

Paul Barker - "Fix This!" CD

Packaged with the Ministry "FIX" documentary film, or available as a download on it's own, this solo work by the longtime Ministry bassist, programmer, and co-producer is a breath of fresh air. Not to mention it features well-done collaborations with past Ministry members who were long ago estranged from the band due to tensions, egos, drug addictions, or some combination of the aforementioned. We get Barker collaborating with old friends like Ogre and Chris Connelly, plus a remix by Maynard Keenan's Puscifer, and an appearance by Barker's post-punk band, USSA. Beginning with the surprisingly commercial rock track "Victory", featuring teen actress Taylor Momsen, the album then diverts itself with "reSpite", a creepy collab with Ogre (and Skinny Puppy producer Mark Walk). "Heavy Water" is a moody and cinematic track that uses Chris Connelly's Scottish baritone to great effect, and his other track, the epic "Evangelical Sound Barrier", begs for further work from the duo. And although "Fix This!!!" ends with some less-impressive mixes and tracks using samples of Ministry's "Psalm 69", the success of the first 8 cuts are enough the recommend this strong and heavy release of post-industrial rock from one of the masters. More, please! Gigantic Pictures

Ministry - "FIX" DVD

This long-awaited DVD is less a documentary of Ministry's 1996 "Sphinctour" as it is a character study of Al Jourgensen and his serious drug addictions. Painting the sometimes-genius frontman as a paranoid "rock star" whose attitude and excess is legendary, even among his fellow junkies and musician friends, 'FIX" shows what fame and money (and indulgence) can do to an intelligent, thinking, and conscientious individual. Peppering the backstage/off-stage insanity with plenty of live clips (which sound great) helps this presentation, as do the large amount of interviews with past Ministry members (namely Paul Barker, Rey Washam, Louis Svitek, and Ogre), friends, tourmates and collaborators (David Yow, Trent Reznor, Jello Biafra, Maynard Keenan, and Buzz Osborne), and other hangers-on (Jonathan Davis? The babbling nonsense of Casey Chaos of Amen? What?). Anyway, aside from the many talking heads speaking of Al's addictions, we get very little insight into Ministry's history or the other members' lives. Al is the centerpiece here, and it's not a flattering portrait. Perhaps a must-see for serious Ministry fans, but casual fans will have no interest in seeing this messy side of a once-world class band. (Gigantic Pictures)

Craig Padilla - "The Heart Of The Soul" CD

Idaho-based electronic musician Padilla has been a prolific member of the ambient community for some time, and this solo album is one of understated beauty. These sensitive and melodic analogue instrumentals are delicately infused with piano, strings and percolating electronic sequences, and the effect is one of warmth and passion. Expect no ominous or dark-tinged vibes here, as Padilla is definitely going for another angle. The title track, for example, is lovely and elegant, based around a circular piano melody. "Lost In You" summons a rolling drum rhythm to accompany the piano and electronics. The expansive 13-minute "Midnight Encounter" is more mysterious and ambient, while the closer, "Divine Embrace", brings it all back down to Earth with a cloud of gauzy strings and guitar. "The Heart Of The Soul" is a gorgeous and tender album of lilting melody and fragile soundscaping. Quite enjoyable! (Spotted Peccary Music) Craig Padilla site