Category: Entertainment News

Monsters, Love, and Survival: Inside Alec Gillis’ Indie Creature-Feature ‘Wellwood’

Wellwood is available on Video On Demand. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Wellwood: Creature Effects Legend Alec Gillis Returns to His Indie Roots

Renowned creature effects artist Alec Gillis—known for his groundbreaking work on the Alien and Predator franchises, Starship Troopers, and most recently Smile 2—is returning to his independent film roots with Wellwood, a new creature-feature produced under his company Pro Machina, Inc. (Roberson Public Relations, 2025)

Alec began his career working with low-budget film icon Roger Corman and has long been an advocate for the art of practical effects. His latest venture, Wellwood, embraces that passion. Produced through Pro Machina, a studio focused on practical effects-heavy, lower-budget films, Wellwood showcases the craftsmanship and creativity that have become Alec’s hallmark.

Now Available on VOD

Wellwood, executive produced by Alec Gillis, was released in April 2025 by Uncork’d Entertainment and is now available on all major video-on-demand platforms, including streaming, satellite, and cable.

Practical Effects at the Forefront

True to Gillis’ legacy, every creature and corpse in Wellwood was built using practical effects. Alec and his team created the alien creature at the center of the film using rod puppets, a full-body suit, and mechanized heads. They also designed several human and animal “bodies” for key scenes—don’t worry, no animals were harmed in the making of this film!

A Legacy of Creature Creation

In addition to his work on Wellwood, Alec’s effects company Studio Gillis has recently contributed creatures and effects to major films such as Smile 2, Alien: Romulus, the upcoming I Love Boosters, and the Naked Gun reboot.

Previously, Alec co-founded Amalgamated Dynamics, Inc. (ADI), where he was nominated for an Academy Award for his work on Alien 3. Other notable credits from his ADI tenure include Death Becomes Her, Tremors, Prey, and of course, Starship Troopers.

Wellwood — A Sci-Fi Thriller With Heart

Tagline:
A man takes a dangerous creature hostage after he convinces himself the creature’s blood is the key to curing his sick wife.

Question:
In the end, what would you believe?

Synopsis

When Laura Harper (Camille Balsamo-Gillis) is diagnosed with a terminal illness, her husband Nick (Reid Collums) is driven to the edge in his search for a cure. His desperate journey leads him to an extraterrestrial being he believes can save her. But as Nick’s obsession grows, their actions draw the attention of law enforcement, including Deputy Gracie Marsh (Keisha Castle-Hughes) and the steadfast Sheriff Bradley (Lance E. Nichols). What follows is a harrowing exploration of love, belief, and the consequences of crossing the line.

Meet the Filmmakers

  • Director: Eliza Hooper
  • Producers: Camille Balsamo-Gillis, Reid Collums, Alec Gillis
  • Writer: Reid Collums

Wellwood is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi, practical effects, and human storytelling. Catch it now on your favorite VOD platform.

Camille Balsamo Gillis as Laura Harper in Wellwood. Courtesy photo,used with permission.

‘Suitcase Blues’: Shelby Means Hits the Road with Her Solo Debut

Shelby Means gets help from her all-star friends for a heartfelt road song, “Suitcase Blues.” It’s the latest single from the Maya de Vitry-produced self-titled solo debut. Photo: Hunter McRae, used with permission.

Shelby Means Packs Up the “Suitcase Blues” and Heads Down a New Road

“I had driven out of Nashville hundreds of times as a touring musician, but this time I was packed up and moving to a different city,” says songwriter, singer, and bassist Shelby Means.

Known for her dynamic work with world-class string bands like Della Mae and the GRAMMY-winning Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Means is now stepping into the spotlight with her debut solo album, Shelby Means. The bittersweet memory of leaving Nashville is captured in her latest single “Suitcase Blues.” (IV-PR, 2025)

Backed by an all-star lineup—Billy Strings on harmony vocals, along with Bryan Sutton, Michael Cleveland, Ron Block, and Sam Bush—the track offers a poignant twist on the classic road song.

“Bryan, Michael, Ron, and Sam brought incredible life and depth to the recording,” Means shares. “Already a very strong collaboration with the band, I was honored that Billy Strings agreed to sing harmony. His voice and energy mixing with mine and the sentiment of the song paint a vivid picture of chasing down a dream on the open road.”

Musically, “Suitcase Blues” rolls forward on a moody chord progression, its trepidation mirrored in the interplay of fiddle and banjo, with tasteful flourishes on guitar and a brief, emotive mandolin solo. The lyrics tell a story many touring musicians know all too well:

“I don’t know when I’ll be back
I gotta go with Cackalack Jack
It’s a lonesome road that I choose
Packing up my suitcase blues”

🎧 Listen now: Stream or purchase “Suitcase Blues.”
📀 Explore more music: Check out previously released singles — “Farm Girl,” “Streets of Boulder,” and “Million Reasons.”
🛒 Pre-order the full album: Shelby Means arrives May 30. Pre-order now.
💾 Want to pre-save on Spotify? Click here.

🎶 Catch Shelby Means on Tour

May 23 – WMOT Finally Friday @ 3rd and Lindsley – Nashville, TN
June 4 – The Ramkat & Gas Hill Drinking Room – Winston Salem, NC
June 6 – Midwood Guitar Studio – Charlotte, NC
June 7 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC 🌟 Album Release Show
June 25 – The 5 Spot – Nashville, TN 🌟 Album Release Show
July 4 – Soundcheck Summer Music Series – Pinedale, WY
July 6 – Hot House West – Salt Lake City, UT
July 13 – Means House Concert – Laramie, WY
July 17 – Big View House Concerts – Westcliffe, CO
July 18 – Music on the Green – Telluride, CO 🎤 with Maya de Vitry
July 25 – RockyGrass – Lyons, CO 🎤 with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
August 22 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC 🎤 with Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
October 18 – Henderson Bluegrass – Henderson, NV
October 20 – WoodSongs – Lexington, KY
October 22 – Red Barn Radio – Lexington, KY

📍 See all tour dates online.

🌾 About Shelby Means

Shelby Means was born in the bluegrass of Kentucky and raised on the high plains of Wyoming. With nearly two decades of experience across bluegrass, folk, rock, Americana, and country, she’s one of the most respected upright bassists in the roots music world.

During her years in Nashville, she was a core member of the GRAMMY-nominated Della Mae, bringing her magnetic presence and deep rhythmic pocket to stages across the globe. She’s since toured nearly 30 countries as a musical diplomat and collaborated with some of the genre’s finest artists.

Now based in Charleston, SC, Means also performs with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, earning her first GRAMMY with the group’s 2023 release, City of Gold. Her accolades include multiple IBMA awards for her work with both Della Mae and Golden Highway.

With her upcoming solo debut, Means opens a new chapter—blending tradition with individuality, heartache with hope, and musicianship with soul.

From NPR to the Grand Ole Opry, Telluride, Bonnaroo, Newport Folk, and beyond, Shelby Means is forging a path that’s both grounded and boundless.

Shelby Means album cover. Courtesy photo,used with permission.

Cowtown Unplugged 2025: A Star-Studded Night of Country Music in Fort Worth

Omni Fort Worth Hotel announces 8th Annual Cowtown Unplugged: A Songwriter’s Showcase. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

🎶 Cowtown Unplugged Returns to Fort Worth This Memorial Day Weekend

The Omni Fort Worth Hotel is thrilled to announce the return of Cowtown Unplugged: A Songwriter’s Showcase, bringing a revamped and refreshed live music experience to Fort Worth. This exclusive concert event is set for Sunday, May 25, 2025, during Memorial Day Weekend, featuring a stellar lineup of country music talent. (Omni Fort Worth Hotel, 2025)

⭐ Headlining: ERNEST

Country music powerhouse and Grammy-nominated artist ERNEST will headline this year’s showcase.

  • 2X ACM Award nominee
  • Co-writer of the record-breaking hit “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen
  • Eleven No. 1 hits to his name
  • New album NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE includes collaborations with Lainey Wilson, Lukas Nelson, Jelly Roll, and HARDY
  • Praised by Billboard, Los Angeles Times, and The Tennessean
  • Known for blending influences from Eminem to George Jones, redefining country music while staying true to its roots

🌟 Featured Act: Jenna Paulette

Texas-native Jenna Paulette brings a unique blend of neo-traditional country with a modern twist.

  • Recognized by CMT, Billboard, and the Grand Ole Opry
  • Brand ambassador for Justin Boots and Ranch Water
  • Debut album The Girl I Was featured on major DSP editorial playlists
  • Celebrated for her authentic cowgirl lifestyle and dynamic sound

🎤 Opening Act: Bryce Leatherwood

Bryce Leatherwood, winner of The Voice Season 22, kicks off the night with classic country vibes.

  • Known for his smooth baritone and genuine stage presence
  • Deeply rooted in traditional country with influences like George Strait and Travis Tritt
  • A rising star committed to preserving the genre’s timeless appeal

🎟️ Exclusive Hotel Packages

Make it a full getaway experience with one of Omni Fort Worth’s three premium hotel packages, crafted to elevate your Cowtown Unplugged weekend:

🥂 Platinum Package – Starting at $529

  • All Gold & Silver Package perks
  • Exclusive VIP dinner before the show
  • Artist meet-and-greet

🌄 Gold Package – Starting at $349

  • All Silver Package perks
  • Breakfast for two the morning after the show

🛌 Silver Package – Starting at $299

  • Luxurious accommodations for two (night of the show)
  • Two concert tickets to Cowtown Unplugged
  • Pre-show cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres & cash bar

🔗 Book now.
📞 Or call 817-535-6664 for more details.

🎫 New This Year: Single Concert Tickets Available!

For the first time, single concert tickets are available for those who prefer not to book an overnight stay. Enjoy the music and pre-show cocktail reception with a limited number of tickets available for $175 each (pre-tax) on Eventbrite.

🏨 About Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Located in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, the Omni blends Western spirit with casual elegance. The hotel is steps away from iconic Texas destinations like:

  • The historic Fort Worth Stockyards
  • Sundance Square entertainment district
  • The Fort Worth Zoo
  • World-class museums and cultural attractions

Experience genuine hospitality, refined comfort, and the rhythm of Texas—only at Omni Fort Worth Hotel.

🎸 Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable night of live country music. Whether you’re booking a full weekend escape or grabbing a single ticket, Cowtown Unplugged 2025 promises a night to remember.

Clowns, Cornfields, and Carnage: A Look at Horror’s Creepiest Villains

The movie adaptation of Adam Cesare’s ‘Clown in a Cornfield’ is in movie theaters now. Photo: Barnes & Noble

The Terrifying Appeal of Clowns in Horror

Clowns have long been a staple in horror movies, tapping into a deep-rooted fear known as coulrophobia. Their exaggerated makeup, forced cheerfulness, and unpredictable behavior create a sense of unease, making them perfect villains.

From It’s Pennywise to Poltergeist’s creepy toy clown, these characters distort childhood innocence into pure terror. The contrast between their playful facade and sinister intentions fascinates audiences, offering a twisted reflection of trust gone wrong. Over the years, horror clowns have evolved from quirky jump-scare devices to complex symbols of chaos—continuing to captivate moviegoers who crave both fear and fascination in equal measure.

Book Spotlight: “Clown in a Cornfield” by Adam Cesare

Bram Stoker Award Winner for Superior Achievement in a Young Adult Novel

In Adam Cesare‘s terrifying young adult debut, Quinn Maybrook finds herself caught in a battle between old and new, tradition and progress—a conflict that may cost her life. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Quinn and her father move to the tiny, seemingly boring town of Kettle Springs, hoping for a fresh start. But since the Baypen Corn Syrup Factory shut down, the town has split in two:

  • The adults, desperate to return to a conservative past
  • The teens, eager to move on, party, and escape

Enter Frendo, the town’s former factory mascot—now a homicidal clown in a pork-pie hat. As tensions boil over, Frendo takes it upon himself to “cull the rotten crop” of local teens in a bloody attempt to restore order.

The series also includes:

  • “Frendo Lives: Clown in a Cornfield Book 2”
  • “The Church of Frendo: Clown in a Cornfield Book 3”

The movie adaptation is now in theaters nationwide.

Movie Review: Clown in a Cornfield

Clown in a Cornfield is a slasher horror film that blends old-school gore with modern teen angst, offering a chilling—if somewhat familiar—ride through rural Americana. It follows Quinn and her father as they settle in Kettle Springs, only to encounter terror when the clown-masked Frendo begins a gruesome rampage.

The movie taps into generational tension, pitting rebellious teens against a town stuck in the past. Frendo’s clown mask is genuinely unsettling, as is his menacing giggle, and the film delivers scares in everything from cornfield chases to abandoned farmhouses.

While the story doesn’t break new ground, its brisk pace, creative kills, and intense finale make it a solid entry in the teen slasher canon. If you’re in the mood for bloody fun with a side of small-town social commentary, Clown in a Cornfield delivers just enough thrills to satisfy.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Having read the book before watching the movie, I can attest that the major plots present in the book made it into the movie and it has just a couple of major differences: Quinn’s father Glenn is given a more heroic role in the movie and Janet, the teen group’s queen bee, is not as deeply developed in the movie as she is in the book.

J. Horton’s ‘A Hard Place’ Brings Monsters, Mayhem, and a DIY Roadshow Spirit

, J. Horton’s star-studded monster opus A Hard Place comes to VOD on May 27, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

A Hard Place Hits Digital May 27: J. Horton’s Genre-Bending Thriller Comes Home

Following a successful theatrical run, J. Horton’s apocalyptic crime thriller arrives on Digital VOD just in time for summer.

After months on the road, filmmaker J. Horton is bringing his latest film, A Hard Place, to audiences across North America via Digital VOD on May 27, 2025. Viewers will be able to rent or own the film on major platforms, including Apple TV and Prime Video. Pre-order on Apple TV. (Justin Cook PR, 2025)

From Indie Roadshow to Digital Release

The A Hard Place road show began on January 12 at Englewood Cinema, just outside Dayton, Ohio. From there, the film made its way through theaters and drive-ins across the country, especially in the Midwest. With many sold-out screenings and in-person Q&As with Horton, the film built momentum as it connected directly with audiences.

Theatrical and drive-in showings will continue at independent cinemas through May, leading up to the digital release.

A Cast of Genre Icons

A Hard Place brings together an impressive ensemble of horror and cult film veterans, including:

  • Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp, Terrifier 2)
  • Lynn Lowry (Shivers, The Crazies)
  • Sadie Katz (Wrong Turn 6, The Beast Inside)
  • Rachel Amanda Bryant (Craving)
  • Kevin Caliber (Future Man)
  • Ashley Undercuffler (Craving, 16 Bits)
  • Bai Ling (The Crow)

Horton on the Roadshow Experience

Ahead of the film’s wider release, Horton shared his thoughts on the journey:

“A Hard Place has been by far the most ambitious project I’ve ever made. This movie would not exist if not for the talent, generosity, and just general good personalities of ALL of the cast and crew, as well as our cinema partners.

In true Roger Corman style, we hit the road with A Hard Place, traveling with the film to theaters and drive-ins across the country. It’s been a complete joy to see the movie with multiple audiences — something a lot of independent movies don’t get the opportunity to do.”

What’s A Hard Place About?

After a botched job leaves a trail of bodies behind, a gang of desperate criminals seeks refuge in a remote desert hideout. But their plans fall apart fast when they discover the area is home to something far worse than the law — an ancient war between monstrous predators of day and night.

As tensions rise and the body count climbs, the crew must decide if survival is worth trusting each other — or the creatures hunting them.

Runtime: 88 minutes
Country: USA

A Hard Place still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Step Into Joy: Inside Out Exhibit Comes to The DoSeum This Summer

The DoSeum to premiere Emotions at Play with Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ this summer. Photo: The DoSeum, used with permission.

🎉 Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out – Now at The DoSeum! 🎉
📅 May 24 – September 1, 2025
📍 The DoSeum, San Antonio

Step into the colorful world of Pixar’s Inside Out at The DoSeum’s newest interactive exhibit, Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out. Designed in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, this exhibit helps children and families explore the science of emotions through joyful, hands-on experiences. (The DoSeum, 2025)

👀 What to Expect:

  • Take charge at Headquarters’ Control Panel to explore emotional responses
  • Reflect on feelings with Emotion Mirrors
  • Capture powerful moments inside glowing Memory Spheres
  • Create stories at Dream Productions
  • Balance feelings on the Train of Thought and Emotion Blocks

🧠 Focused on the five core emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear—this playful exhibit supports emotional literacy, self-expression, and imagination, making it the perfect learning adventure for kids and caregivers alike.

About The DoSeum

The DoSeum is San Antonio’s museum for children and a cornerstone of interactive learning. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, with roots dating back to 1995 when it first opened as the San Antonio Children’s Museum, The DoSeum has grown into one of the nation’s top children’s museums. The DoSeum features interactive exhibits spanning science, math, art, and literacy, designed to spark curiosity and ignite imaginations. Committed to fostering hands-on learning and discovery, The DoSeum serves as a premier educational resource for educators, caregivers, and children in the San Antonio community.

About Inside Out 

Pixar’s hit animated feature Inside Out is the story of 11-year-old Riley, who like all of us, is guided by her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco as Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive. Inside Out was released in 2015. 

🎂 You’re Invited: Hooray for 10! A Community Celebration
📅 Friday, June 6 | 10a.m. – 8p.m.
Celebrate The DoSeum’s 10th birthday with a FREE day of fun, including the Inside Out exhibit, live performances, treats, activities, and more!

🎟️ RSVP Required – Limited Tickets Available!
Reserve your free spot online during one of these RSVP windows:

  • May 16 at 8a.m.
  • May 17 at 12p.m.
  • May 18 at 3p.m.
  • May 19 at 7p.m.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn, laugh, and grow with your community!

The DoSeum
2800 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209

Photo: The DoSeum, used with permission.

Commoner’s ‘Change of Heart’: A Raw and Reflective Breakthrough

Commoner’s new EP is available now. Photo: Yeshua Flores, used with permission.

Commoner Announces New EP Change of Heart via New Morality Zine

Tucson-based alternative rock band Commoner has announced the release of their new EP, Change of Heart, out now via New Morality Zine. The title track “Change of Heart” delivers a hard-hitting, emotionally raw experience, digging deep into themes of fractured relationships and shifting personal dynamics. The accompanying music video reflects this narrative visually, using fragmented edits of the band’s performance to emphasize the feeling of instability and change. (Big Picture Media, 2025)

A Dynamic, Emotional Sound

Change of Heart blends elements of emo, alternative, and post-hardcore, showcasing Commoner’s ability to strike a balance between cathartic intensity and stripped-back vulnerability. The band’s sound is raw, dynamic, and highly personal—each track moving seamlessly between heavy, driving moments and quiet emotional reflections.

“The process of recording this EP was truly healing for me,” says lead singer Romin Mattison. “We had been sitting on these songs for a while and getting a little stir crazy with listening to them over and over again. It was really awesome to hear the final product and be able to listen back to the memories in real time.”

Produced in collaboration with Zach Tuch (Touche Amore, Knocked Loose, Zulu), the EP leans into what makes Commoner’s sound so compelling: emotive vocals, tight instrumentation, and a gritty, aggressive edge that commands attention. The release features five tracks, each delivering a distinct emotional and sonic punch.

Meet the Band

Commoner is made up of:

  • Romin Mattison – Vocals
  • Matthew Bryant – Bass
  • Jeremy Buck – Guitar
  • Beto Marroquin – Guitar
  • Tyler Casillo – Drums

Together, they create music that invites listeners to lose themselves in the noise, drawing inspiration from early 2000s and 2010s influences like Citizen, Movements, Incubus, and Fuel. Their high-energy performances bring their emotional songwriting to life on stage, leaving a lasting impact on their growing fanbase.

About Commoner

Formed in Tucson, Arizona, Commoner blends emo, alternative, and post-hardcore into a style that feels raw and cathartic. What started as a solo project by Romin Mattison with the track Japanese Apartments eventually evolved into a full band when Matthew Bryant joined on bass. The lineup was completed with the addition of Jeremy Buck, Beto Marroquin, and Tyler Casillo, solidifying the band’s identity and collaborative sound.

In 2023 and 2024, the band released two singles as part of their Winter Promo series—“Misery Mistaken” and “Whatever’s Left is Yours”—exploring themes of abandonment, neglect, and healing. These tracks laid the groundwork for Change of Heart, both in tone and depth.

With plans to tour and keep evolving their sound, Commoner is just getting started—and Change of Heart marks a powerful new chapter in their journey.

Change of Heart tracklist:

1.Test Your Luck

2.Change of Heart

3.Parting Gift B-Sides (Vinyl Only)

4.Misery Mistaken

5.Whatever’s Left Is Yours

‘Ingress’: A Grief-Stricken Journey Through the Multiverse

Ingress is available on digital and on demand. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New Movie: Ingress – Beyond Grief, Beyond Time, Beyond Reality.

Directed by Rachel Noll James

Starring: Rachel Noll James, Christopher Clark, Tim Dekay, and Johnny Ferro

Ingress is available to rent/buy at Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

The Story

A woman with the ability to travel between parallel realities is devastated when she loses her husband in a tragic accident. Overcome with grief, she journeys through the multiverse in search of a reality where he’s still alive. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

Movie Review: Ingress – A Haunting Journey Through the Multiverse

Ingress is a gripping sci-fi drama that combines emotional depth with mind-bending concepts. At its core is Riley (played masterfully by Rachel Noll James), a woman shattered by the sudden loss of her husband in a tragic accident. But Riley isn’t like most people—she has the rare ability to travel between parallel realities. Fueled by grief and desperation, she begins a journey across the multiverse in search of a world where her husband still lives.

Director Rachel Noll James crafts a visually stunning and emotionally charged narrative that explores not only the scientific “what-ifs” of alternate realities but also the human heart’s unwillingness to let go. Every effort at a reunion gives her glimpses of hope, heartbreak, and hard truths, challenging her understanding of love, fate, and identity. Along the way she meets Daniel Cassanders, an author who tries to help her with his specialized skillset.

The production value is good and the cinematography is striking. Rachel Noll James skillfully brings Riley’s struggles to life and given Daniel’s complicated role in her life, Christopher Clark handles his role well.

Ingress skillfully combines intimate storytelling with grand speculative ideas. It’s not just about science fiction—it’s about the emotional consequences of clinging to the past and the cost of rewriting fate.

With a haunting score and a poignant conclusion, Ingress will linger long after the credits roll. It’s a must-watch for fans of cerebral, emotionally driven science fiction.

Have you seen Ingress? Share your thoughts.

Ingress movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

*The author was contacted for an honest review and received a link to this movie. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Cults, Curses, and Creatures: ‘First Moon’ Revives Werewolf Horror

‘First Moon’ stars Lauren Esposito, Julian Curtis, and Shannon Ryan. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Why Werewolf Movies Still Howl at the Moon

Werewolf movies have captivated audiences for decades with their potent blend of horror, folklore, and human emotion. From classics like The Wolf Man (1941) to modern cult favorites like Ginger Snaps and An American Werewolf in London, these films explore themes of transformation, inner conflict, and the beast within.

What makes werewolf stories so enduring? The genre taps into our primal fears and fascination with the supernatural. The werewolf is often both victim and monster—a symbol of identity struggles, rage, and loss of control. This duality, paired with suspenseful storytelling and visceral special effects, keeps the genre fresh and alive in horror cinema.

New Release: First Moon: Fear The Monster Within

A new chapter in werewolf horror has arrived—First Moon is now available to rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

Starring The Conjuring 2‘s Lauren Esposito and featuring creature design by Emmy Award-winning SFX artist Thomas E. Surprenant (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Halloween H20, The Grinch), First Moon offers a chilling, cult-inspired twist on werewolf lore.

Written & Directed by: Peter McLeod
Starring: Lauren Esposito, Julian Curtis, Shannon Ryan

Plot:
A young waitress is abducted by a religious cult determined to “cure” her of a werewolf virus—by any means necessary. With her first full moon fast approaching, she must escape before it’s too late.

First Moon still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

‘Alone in a World of Wounds’: Steve Von Till’s Meditative Ode to Nature and Loss

Steve Von Till releases new single/video from Alone in a World of Wounds. Photo: Bobby Cochran, used with permission.

Steve Von Till’s Alone in a World of Wounds: A Haunting Tapestry of Loss, Nature, and Reflection

Ploughing a different furrow from his work with post-metal pioneers Neurosis, Steve Von Till’s latest solo album, Alone in a World of Wounds, is a sweeping, gothic-tinged collection of Americana infused with ambient textures and world-weary vocal melodies. It’s a deeply introspective journey—both sonically and thematically. It will be released on May 16 via Neurot Recordings. (another/side, 2025)

A Cinematic Opening

The album opens with “The Corpse Road,” a track that unfolds in a haze of mauve-toned drone textures, immediately immersing listeners in a creaking, dust-laden wilderness. Von Till sings of being placed in the “solitude of our inner spaces,” his voice framed by the mournful resonance of French horn and beautifully subtle cello arrangements by Brent Arnold. The track is accompanied by a haunting visual, directed by Josh Graham.

Rooted in Atmosphere and Intuition

Initially inspired by the harmonic resonance of piano and synths, Alone in a World of Wounds follows the reflective ambience of 2021’s No Wilderness Deep Enough. This new album sees Von Till opening up his voice like never before, with songs that emerged from intuitive improvisations—raw, emotional, and unguarded.

Music, Poetry, and Purpose

Outside of music, Von Till is also a published poet. His 2021 collection, “Harvestman,” draws from a deep well of personal and philosophical writing. His lyrics and prose often reflect on humanity’s place in the cosmos, touching on themes of longing, loss, and the vastness of existence. In this album, a profound connection to—and disconnection from—nature serves as the thematic core.

The title Alone in a World of Wounds is inspired by a quote from environmental philosopher Aldo Leopold’s 1949 book A Sand County Almanac:

“One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds.”

Life Beyond the Music

Von Till’s commitment to the natural world goes beyond his art. He has been an elementary school teacher for over two decades and serves on the board of directors for the Firekeeper Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to reducing youth suicides among the Blackfeet Nation in Montana.

A Sonic and Visual Aesthetic

While Alone in a World of Wounds may seem far removed from the aggressive tones of Neurosis, the raw spirit of punk and DIY ethos remain essential to Von Till’s process. His search for deeper connection, his willingness to live with sorrow, and his instinctive approach to creativity all ground this project in authenticity.

Recorded largely at his barn studio in Idaho and mixed by Randall Dunn at Circular Ruin in Brooklyn, the album also features artwork by Spokane-based alternative process photographer Brian Deemy. Working in colloidal wet plate tintype, Deemy’s visuals perfectly complement Von Till’s ancient-yet-modern aesthetic—a haunting tribute to our bond with the more-than-human world.

Steve Von Till Live Dates:

May 30 – June 1: Prepare the Ground Festival – Toronto, CAN
July 25 – 27: Fire in the Mountains Festival – Blackfeet Nation, MT

Alone in a World of Wounds tracklist:
1 – The Corpse Road
2 – Watch Them Fade
3 – Horizons Undone
4 – Distance
5 – Calling Down the Darkness
6 – The Dawning of the Day (Insomnia)
7 – Old Bent Pine
8 – River of No Return

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