Blade Manor [LP]

Dark Ride - Blade Manor [LP]

Dark Ride is a California melodic punk rock band founded by singer and songwriter Emilio Menze. Compared to bands like AFI, Misfits, and Alkaline Trio, Dark Ride has established its own unique West Coast sound with energetic, emotional anthems that incorporate horror/fantasy themes and metal influences. Emilio Menze has been a prominent figure in the American horror punk scene for over 20 years. He was a songwriter and guitarist for Stellar Corpses and also performed in the live bands of John Christ (Danzig), Michael Graves (Misfits), Argyle Goolsby (Blitzkid), and Mister Monster. After 14 years of touring across the United States, Europe, and Mexico with Stellar Corpses, Emilio left the band to launch his first solo project with Dark Ride’s debut album. The name was inspired by the style of the “Haunted Mansion” attraction at Disneyland. In fall 2020, Dark Ride released their first single and accompanying music video, “Anti-Hero,” from their upcoming self-titled EP. The song quickly gained attention thanks to its infectious energy and catchy chorus. Shortly afterward, the full EP was released and enthusiastically received by new fans, magazines, and websites. A second music video for the now-popular song “Infernally Yours” was later released and filmed inside a real Halloween attraction. Due to the pandemic, Dark Ride unfortunately could not properly begin performing live again until spring 2022. They made their live debut at the Nosferatu Festival in Austin. Since then, the band has toured throughout the United States, including their first official headlining tour, “Halloween Heresy,” and an appearance at the renowned horror film festival HorrorHound Weekend. Dark Ride has already shared the stage with bands such as Blitzkid, 45 Grave, The Haxans, Calabrese, and Zombeast. In 2024, Dark Ride served as the main supporting act for Nekromantix on their entire North American tour. In summer 2025, the band performed in Europe for the first time at the legendary WGT Festival.