Wednesday 13

Wednesday 13 (born Joseph Poole on August 12, 1976, in Charlotte, North Carolina – But don’t dare call him that) has established himself as one of the most distinctive voices in horror rock, earning his moniker "The Duke of Spook" through decades of creating music that blends horror themes with punk rock and metal.

His musical journey began in the early 1990s with Maniac Spider Trash, an early horror punk project that laid the foundation for his signature style. While this project was relatively short-lived, it served as a crucial stepping stone in developing his horror-influenced musical direction.

In 1996, he formed Frankenstein Drag Queens from Planet 13, a project that would become a significant influence in the horror punk scene. The band released several albums between 1996 and 2002, including The Late, Late, Late Show, Night of the Living Drag Queens, and Songs from the Recently Deceased. These releases established Wednesday's trademark combination of horror movie references, dark humor, and punk rock energy. The band would later reunite for select performances, showcasing the enduring appeal of their original material.

The formation of Murderdolls in 2002 marked a significant evolution in Wednesday's career. This collaboration with Joey Jordison of Slipknot brought his music to a broader audience within the metal community. Their debut album Beyond the Valley of the Murderdolls featured both new material and reworked versions of Frankenstein Drag Queens songs, introducing Wednesday's songwriting to a larger audience. The band toured extensively during this period, including supporting slots with major acts and building a particularly strong following in the UK and Japan. After a period of inactivity, Murderdolls returned in 2010 with Women and Children Last, showcasing a heavier, more metal-oriented sound while maintaining their horror elements. This second era of the band featured guest appearances from artists like Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe before the project concluded.

Wednesday 13's solo career officially launched in 2005 with Transylvania 90210: Songs of Death, Dying, and the Dead. This album established his solo sound, which initially drew heavily from his horror punk roots while incorporating elements of glam metal and hard rock. His theatrical presentation began to evolve during this period, developing the elaborate stage shows that would become his trademark.

Throughout his solo career, Wednesday has been supported by various talented musicians who have helped shape his sound. Notable members have included bassist Nate Manor, drummer Kyle Castronovo, whose powerful playing style helped drive the band's heavier direction, and longtime guitarist Roman Surman, who has been crucial in developing the band's sound across multiple albums. Other significant contributors have included drummer Johnny Chops, guitarist Jack Tankersley, and bassist Piggy D (known for his later work with Rob Zombie), who performed during the Transylvania 90210 era.

His musical evolution has been particularly notable in his later releases. While maintaining his horror themes, Wednesday's sound has grown increasingly heavy and complex. Necrophaze (2019) marked a significant step in this evolution, incorporating more electronic and industrial elements while featuring collaborations with artists including Alice Cooper and Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil. The album's production by Michael Spreitzer of DevilDriver helped create a more polished, modern metal sound. Horrifier (2022) continued this progression with some of his heaviest material to date, with a new album (TBA) announced for 2025.

Beyond his main projects, Wednesday has explored different musical territories with side projects including Bourbon Crow, which showcased his appreciation for outlaw country music with a horror twist, and Gunfire 76, which explored a more straightforward rock 'n' roll sound influenced by artists like Hanoi Rocks and the New York Dolls.

His live performances have evolved significantly over the years, growing from basic horror punk shows into elaborate theatrical productions. Modern Wednesday 13 concerts feature multiple costume changes, sophisticated lighting designs, video projections, and various practical effects that enhance the horror movie atmosphere. His setlists skillfully blend fan favorites with newer material, showcasing both his horror punk roots and more recent metal-oriented songs.

Wednesday's influence on the horror rock scene extends beyond music to include merchandise design and visual aesthetics. His artwork and merchandise often incorporate vintage horror movie poster designs and his own artistic vision, creating unique collectibles that appeal to both music and horror fans. His stage costumes and makeup designs have evolved to become increasingly elaborate while maintaining his signature horror aesthetic.