Van Helsing's Curse is a symphonic metal side project formed by Dee Snider, the frontman of Twisted Sister. The project was founded in 2003 and focused on creating a unique blend of heavy metal and classical music. The band took its name from the famous vampire hunter, Professor Abraham Van Helsing, from Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula." One of the main features of Van Helsing's Curse was their use of a full orchestra, creating a grandiose sound that merged the power of heavy metal with the richness of symphonic music. This combination resulted in a dramatic and epic sound that embraced both the darkness of gothic horror and the intensity of metal. The band released their debut album, "Van Helsing's Curse: Oculus Infernum," in 2003.
My first project is also an entry for the Sweet Stamp Shop ‘Use What You Have Challenge – #20’. The challenge is to use your neglected stash, thinking outside the box and using it in a way that doesn’t seem obvious.
For another way to use a stamp set differently, I used a small outline triangle stamp from Triangle Style to make a few 6-pointed stars, stamped with red ink onto yellow patterned paper, and added to my background. This season seems to be taking a turn though, as early as the Halloween special multiple scenes depicting a female character placing a curse on the Merriwicks and now with the latest episode The Clock having a lot in it that overtly points to witchcraft, in a way that the show previously hadn t, at least not from my perspective.
The band released their debut album, "Van Helsing's Curse: Oculus Infernum," in 2003. The album featured a collection of original songs and a few classic covers, including Black Sabbath's "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" and Blue Öyster Cult's "Burnin' for You." With these covers, Van Helsing's Curse added their unique touch, infusing these timeless songs with their dark orchestral sound.
Witch 3 Ways – Sweet Stamps Versatility!
Today I’m sharing three different projects using the same stamp – a Witch Stamp by the Sweet Stamp Shop. I’ve just noticed it’s currently on clearance for $1.50 so get it before it’s gone!
My first project is also an entry for the Sweet Stamp Shop ‘Use What You Have Challenge – #20’. The challenge is to use your neglected stash, thinking outside the box and using it in a way that doesn’t seem obvious.
So I used the witch stamp as a cute little schoolgirl for this card…
You’re Totally Amazing:
It was easy to mask off the top of her witch hat – without the point it looks like a sweet straw hat, especially coloured yellow! To colour the stamp I heat embossed the image with black ink and clear embossing powder, then coloured it in with watercolour paints. Bonus points for me because I used a super old puffy flower sticker on here, that I bought years ago!
I also used the stony road from ‘Speedy Greetings’ and the arrow from ‘Made By #2’ for detail along the base of the card. For another way to use a stamp set differently, I used a small outline triangle stamp from ‘Triangle Style’ to make a few 6-pointed stars, stamped with red ink onto yellow patterned paper, and added to my background! The sentiment uses parts of stamps in ‘Made By #2’ and the word amazing from the ‘Triangle Style’ set:
I also used this set, along with the witch, in my next project, a halloween layout…
Creepy Fun:
This page is about a fun party my friend held for Halloween last year – the photos are some that I posted on Instagram at the time.
For the witch here I heat embossed her onto black paper using clear ink and white embossing powder, so she looks classy and party-like. I couldn’t resist adding a little gold bow to her hair too:
I used the ‘Triangle Style’ set to give impact to my journal spot (which was a piece of ledger paper from a Pebbles Basics paper pad). I randomly stamped different sizes and patterns of triangles at the top and bottom, pointing to my journaling. I stamped some with black and some with orange ink, and overlapped a few of them too. With a couple of enamel/candy dots, and two resin triangles added, it means my journaling is a focal point for the page:
The final project I have to show you today is also for Halloween, but using non-traditional colours, as this card is pretty pink, blue, and yellow…
Epic Halloween:
I’m going to give this to my daughter for Halloween, she loves this holiday and starts asking months in advance whether it’s time yet! The umbrella and raincloud on here are by Freckled Fawn, I included them on this card as it’s rained every time we’ve been trick-or-treating so far, fingers crossed this year will be dry! The word epic is from the ‘Starts Here’ stamp set, and yep, you’re special is from ‘Made By #2’.
So there we go, I’ve been getting my stamp on! Now I need to do some pumpkin carving, I’ve bought a couple so I can try one with a picture instead of a face this year – something new for me! The other one will have the scary face as usual though! And of course we’ll be going trick-or-treating and having fun. Do you celebrate Halloween?
P.S. If you missed my giveaway see it HERE!
Epic Halloween:
The project also incorporated elements of storytelling, as each song on the album contributed to an overarching narrative. This approach further enhanced the immersive and cinematic experience that Van Helsing's Curse aimed to create. The lyrics explored themes of vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures, bringing to life the mystique and horror associated with classic Gothic literature. In addition to their studio album, Van Helsing's Curse also performed live shows, featuring a full orchestra and choir, as well as guest appearances by renowned musicians such as Neal Schon of Journey and Al Pitrelli of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. These performances provided an unforgettable experience, allowing the audience to witness the fusion of metal and orchestral music in all its glory. While Van Helsing's Curse was initially formed as a Halloween side project, they captured the attention of fans and received critical acclaim for their unique sound and performances. Although the band has not released any new material since their debut album, their legacy as a groundbreaking symphonic metal project remains, leaving a mark on the intersection of heavy metal and classical music..
Reviews for "Defeating the Unbeatable: Tactics to Break Van Helsing's Curse"
1. John - 2/5 - I was extremely disappointed with "Van Helsing's Curse". The acting was subpar, with most of the cast delivering wooden performances. The plot was convoluted and lacked coherence, making it difficult to follow and ultimately uninteresting. The special effects were also quite underwhelming, especially considering the technology available today. Overall, I found the film to be a letdown and would not recommend it to others.
2. Laura - 1/5 - "Van Helsing's Curse" was an absolute mess of a movie. The storyline was incredibly dull and predictable, offering no surprises or moments of suspense. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it impossible to connect or sympathize with any of them. Furthermore, the dialogue was cringeworthy and felt forced, leaving me cringing throughout the entire film. I honestly can't think of anything positive to say about this movie and would advise others to stay away from it.
3. Michael - 2/5 - As a fan of vampire movies, I was eagerly looking forward to watching "Van Helsing's Curse". However, the film fell short of my expectations. The pacing was incredibly slow, with long stretches of mundane dialogue and little action to keep me engaged. Moreover, the editing seemed haphazard, with abrupt transitions and disjointed scenes that made it difficult to follow the story. Although the concept had potential, the execution was lacking, and I was left feeling underwhelmed by the overall experience.