Silver Scream Con 3 befell on the DCU Heart in Worcester, MA, from Friday, September thirteenth, to Sunday the fifteenth, and what a weekend it was! From the visitors to the distributors to the cosplayers, it was an enormous success!
For the uninitiated, Silver Scream Con is an annual horror and heavy metallic conference, based by Ice 9 Kills singer Spencer Charnas. This yr marked the primary time the conference befell on the DCU Heart, a bigger venue than the earlier two years. The additional area was positively wanted, contemplating how shortly every thing bought out final yr. Even with the bigger venue, it was packed all weekend lengthy with horror and metallic fanatics desirous to mingle, have fun the fandom, and meet a few of their favourite celebs.
Having lined many conventions over time, what stands out about Silver Scream Con is its sturdy sense of neighborhood. Sure, you should buy merch and autographs, and sure, you possibly can even seize a selfie with a celeb. However the principle draw? That may be the vibe. A few of my favourite recollections from the three years this conference has been operating have been assembly fellow horror geeks and having superior conversations with people who find themselves as passionate as I’m. Horror isn’t only a passion; it’s a way of life. And it’s superb to satisfy individuals who share that mindset.
To completely describe Silver Scream Con, permit me to color you an image. Strolling by the crowded conference space, between packed rows of distributors, was an virtually 9-foot-tall Grim Reaper. This factor was terrifyingly detailed and awe-inspiring. Because it made its method towards us, eyes glowing a deep pink and a bloodied scythe slung over its huge shoulders, I noticed a bit of boy, about 5 years outdated, cease useless in his tracks. His eyes have been frozen on the towering determine. I waited for the child to freak out.
On the final second, because the little one stood fully nonetheless—whether or not in concern or fascination—the Grim Reaper gently bent down and supplied out his hand. With a comically massive grin, the child eagerly fist-bumped the big creature, who stood again up and went about his enterprise. I couldn’t meet up with them to get their names, however that’s the form of factor that occurs all weekend at Silver Scream Con. Everybody who noticed it cheered.
This little child wasn’t alone both. There have been a number of kids in attendance, most of them much less freaked out than my very own fiancé! It was really a wondrous and exquisite sight. Folks of all ages, from all walks of life, gathered in a single place for a typical objective: to have fun horror and heavy metallic. The 2 go collectively so completely, it feels pure.
Friday night time after the con was the R.I.P. social gathering, which we have been invited to. It was a blast! The spotlight was “Scary-oke,” and Spencer Charnas (INK) himself was there, assembly followers and hanging out. I’m certain that made loads of followers very blissful. The social gathering befell at Off the Rails, a grill/bar simply throughout the road from the venue.
Saturday night time after the con was the live performance. Held outdoor at The Palladium, the lineup was unbelievable. Ari Lehman’s band, First Jason, opened the present, adopted by TX2. The group was warmed up by the point Avatar slaughtered the stage. In This Second got here subsequent, and by the point Ice 9 Kills took the stage, the group was at fever pitch.
With lights on surrounding buildings, fireworks within the sky, and an insane theatrical efficiency filled with pyro, spark-shooting chainsaws, and even a fire-spewing Freddy glove, INK didn’t disappoint. Should you’ve by no means seen Spencer chop off somebody’s arms and head on stage, it’s good to add that to your bucket record instantly. Even these unfamiliar with their music couldn’t cease raving about their efficiency.
Silver Scream Con was as soon as once more hosted by the “Steel Ambassador” himself, Jose Mangin from Octane and Liquid Steel on Sirius XM. He’s probably the most enthusiastic and genuinely constructive folks I’ve ever met. It’s not an act—Jose is the true deal. He eats, sleeps, and breathes heavy metallic and horror, making him the proper host for the occasion.
We attended the primary horror trivia competitors at Silver Scream, and Jose had some superior trophies made for the winners. The successful workforce of seven took them residence (sadly, I wasn’t on that workforce—however congrats to the winners!). It was a lot enjoyable! Usually, I’m not one to mingle with strangers, however at this conference, it simply felt proper—not cringy or awkward. An enormous a part of that’s because of Jose’s internet hosting abilities. Whenever you snort, you’ve enjoyable. It’s that straightforward.
The visitor record was completely stacked this yr. Spencer Charnas (INK) had a sales space, and the road to satisfy him was insanely lengthy. He stayed till the final minute every day, leaving solely simply earlier than the live performance on Saturday night time and the INK panel on Sunday.
Eli Roth was additionally in attendance all three days. He wasn’t doing any press, although. David Howard Thornton, identified for enjoying Artwork the Clown within the Terrifier collection, was there all weekend, and his line was loopy! Lauren LaVera from Terrifier 2 additionally attended, together with a number of different members of the solid and crew. Ari Lehman, who performed the unique boy model of Jason Voorhees, was in attendance too. There have been simply so many visitors, far too many to call all of them, however you possibly can take a look at the complete visitor record beneath!
We additionally stopped by Danielle Harris’ sales space to say whats up! Danielle is at all times superior!
Invoice Moseley was there too, chatting with followers and signing autographs!
David Arquette, a.ok.a. Deputy Dewey from the Scream franchise, was additionally in attendance.
Derek Mears? Simply one of many nicest folks on the planet. Critically.
Quinn Lord, who performs Sam in Trick ‘r Deal with, was all smiles! No information on half 2 but, although. Quinn, who to contact!
Bonnie Aarons, who performs Valak in The Nun, was an absolute riot. I needed to cease laughing earlier than I might snap an image!
Elden Henson, generally known as Pnub in Idle Arms and Foggy in Netflix’s Daredevil, was additionally there.
Physician Loomis’ precise station wagon from Halloween was parked inside, too! So cool!
You’ll be able to take a look at all of the superb distributors who attended right here, however one standout was DementedFX from Holyoke, MA. They run an interactive haunted home, they usually introduced a bit of style of it to the con with “The Dice.” You needed to signal a waiver to enter this field, the place as much as 4 folks expertise an interactive scare. With out giving an excessive amount of away, let’s simply say the expertise will get intense—it even looks like an actual sting in your leg. Should you see DementedFX, signal the waiver and soar into “The Dice.” It’s price it!
Main information was introduced on the Ice 9 Kills panel on Sunday: the band will present the tune for Terrifier 3! A video will play after the movie’s credit, starring Jose Mangin. That is large, and we couldn’t be extra excited!
We had a blast at Silver Scream Con 3 and are already trying ahead to what Spencer Charnas and the crew have in retailer for subsequent yr! No matter it’s, we’re certain it will likely be killer! Enormous shoutout to everybody who labored exhausting to make this yr occur. See you subsequent yr!
