Ghoultown

Ghoultown is a psychobilly group from Dallas, Texas, active since 1999. The band is led by vocalist and guitarist Count Lyle, who is also associated with Solitude Aeturnus and The Killcreeps. Its membership has included Dalton Black, Dez Black, X-Ray Charles, Count Lyle, Randy Grimm, Lizard Lazario, J. Luis, Jake Middlefinger, Queeno De Vamps and Santi.

Style and sound

The group works in psychobilly and rock, with a sound built from classic Americana, Gothic music and dark, horror-themed lyrics. Its early recordings present a Tex-Mex approach that becomes a defining feature of the band’s identity.

Early releases and first recognition

Ghoultown records its first three-song EP, Boots of Hell, in 1999. The release brings the band early attention, independent radio airplay and a growing following. That exposure also leads to compilation appearances, including Skully Records’ Gothabilly 2: Rockin’ Necropolis, alongside other psychobilly acts.

The band is also invited to appear at the world-release show at CBGB’s in New York on Halloween 2000.

Albums and later activity

In early 2001, Ghoultown releases its first full-length album, Tales from the Dead West, produced by Kol Marshall, who has also worked with Mercyful Fate. The album includes tracks ranging from the aggressive “Killer in Texas” to the more Doors-like “Running From the Sun”.

In spring 2002, the band issues Give ’Em More Rope. Around the same period, Angry Planet Records enters an exclusive licensing agreement with the Netherlands-based Corazong Records to release Ghoultown’s U.S. catalogue in Europe and Canada. A special European and Canadian version of Tales from the Dead West includes songs from Boots of Hell.

During 2002, Ghoultown also tours widely across the United States, including dates at CBGB’s in New York and The Garage in Los Angeles, and performs at Dragon*Con in Atlanta. The band returns to Dragon*Con by popular demand in subsequent years.

In 2004, Ghoultown releases the double-disc Live From Texas!, a live CD and DVD set. The group later appears in the video game Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, where several of its gig posters are visible in the game world.

In October 2006, Ghoultown releases Bury Them Deep, with cover art by Dan Brereton, the creator of Nocturnals. In 2008, it issues the limited hand-numbered 7-inch single Skeleton Cowboys and the full-length studio album Life After Sundown, also featuring cover art by Brereton.

Film, soundtrack and live work

Several Ghoultown songs are chosen for the horror-slasher film American Nightmare, starring Debbie Rochon. After seeing the band perform live, the director changes the script to include a Ghoultown performance cameo, and the video for “Killer in Texas” appears as a DVD bonus.

The band also contributes music for the Jon Keeyes films Slice of Life and Hallow’s End, and “Killer in Texas” appears again in the short film Headcheese, released on DVD with Freak. Ghoultown is known for extensive live activity and has shared bills with Hank III, Rocket from the Crypt, The Independents, DRI, Bile, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Flametrick Subs, Dick Dale, Road Kings, Men of Porn, Captured By Robots, Fear, Cruxshadows and The Misfits. Jerry Only of the Misfits also appears as an onstage guest at an Atlanta benefit performance.