Splatterlands: Reawakening the Splatterpunk RevolutionSPLATTERLANDS reawakens and reimagines the hyperintensive writing style and controversial themes indicative of the original Splatterpunk movement. Containing the work of some of the freshest voices of our modern time, it is an anthology of deeply intelligent short stories whose extreme themes and graphic depictions of violence and terror are intended to have a lasting effect for years to come.
Splatterlands is a disturbing collection that is not for the weak of heart. It pushes the boundaries of horror while taking several giant leaps beyond senseless violence and simple gore for the sake of gore. Splatterlands is a collection of personal, subversive and intelligent horror that refuses to sugarcoat reality.
Exploring themes that include serial murder, personal betrayal and revenge, religious fanaticism, physical and mental abuse, the fragility of the human mind, societal corruption, corporate greed, sexual assault and more, Splatterlands reaches into your soul with an icy, steel claw and twists. You will never look at the world the same way again.
I was a huge fan of splatterpunk back in the day, and I guess I still am (although my tastes lean more towards traditional horror than anything). I liked it so much that my parents considered sending me to a psychiatrist. I guess a person has to be a little ‘off’ to enjoy something like this; but putting the subject matter aside, the authors in this collection are talented and are definitely worth watching for in the future.
The stories in SPLATTERLANDS are written well and most have intriguing plotlines. I will confess there a couple of stories that I didn’t care for, but 10 winners out of 12 is still pretty good.
One of my favorite stories is the first one, “Heirloom” by Michael Laimo. In this tale, a young woman uses a rifle that has been handed down in her family as a sick toy for fantasies. Unfortunately, the fantasies she acts out have dire consequences for those involved. This story is written very well and captivated me from the start.
My least favorite story in this collection is “Empty” by A. A. Garrison. In this one, Cunt and Shit are two entities that raise children to sell into slavery; Shit runs out of fuel and Cunt has to travel into the city to beg the prophet for more. The author literally inserts himself into the story, which completely took me out of my immersion into the tale. As such, I finished this one with disappointment instead of satisfaction.
Still, SPLATTERLANDS, is a heck of a collection and one you should check out, BUT ONLY IF YOU ARE NOT EASILY OFFENDED. These stories are full of things many people would find reprehensible and even blasphemous. If you can look past that, however, you’re in for the ride of your life.
