I need to express how much I love the cover to The Monster Within. It shows the dark lord Cthulhu hovering over a screaming, inked beauty. If this were a poster for a classic B-horror movie, I’d join the cult following.

Now, I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I haven’t listened to any of The Brains’ albums since their 2009 self-titled album. Shame on me for not keeping up with my city’s local talent. But in my defense, I still regularly listen to their 2007 album, Hell n’ Back, so I am quite familiar with their brand of psychobilly. After more than 10 years, I would have thought that vocalist Rene D La Muerte would have run out of material. I mean, how many songs can you write about murder and horror-related themes? But alas, The Brains continue to impress me (and scare me). Their musical talent is unquestionable, and they manage to stay fresh while dressing like rotting zombie greasers. Having listened to the Monster Within several times, I think it’s about time I pick up their 2011 album Drunk Not Dead and 2010’s Zombie Nation. I’m back on the psychobilly train!

(Sailor’s Grave Records, PO Box 515, Glen Mills, PA 19342)