Be forewarned: The grim reaper shall cometh to the East Valley forthwith, and when thine angel of death heaves the mighty blade of the scythe, it shall collect the life of Monsterland. The hybrid haunted house, eatery, and nightclub at 18 West Main Street in Mesa will head for the hereafter because its ownership decided to pull the plug and close its doors after this weekend. Despite all the gnashing of teeth and spilling of tears from the goth/industrial/fetish crowd, who have held numerous parties at Monsterland in recent months, its getting sacrificed to the gods of financial solvency, but not before the eerie establishment goes out in style with a pair of farewell affairs.
The duo of DJ Apollynon and DJ Aeternum will hold the vampire-themed Black Mass: Fang Party on Friday, January 18, offering a night of old-school goth, industrial, synth-pop, and other spooky tunes. "With Monsterland closing, it means we lose another great venue and the goth scene continues to search for a home," Apollynon says.
On Saturday, January 19, the Thriller costume ball will serve as the venue's "last hurrah" and will feature party rock from DJ Con, go-go dancers, burlesque performances, drink specials, giveaways, and more. Attendees can participate in a staging of the titular Michael Jackson-meets-zombies dance at the stroke of midnight. And be sure to bring some coins to help pay for Monsterland's ferry ride across the Styx. Both dead man's parties start at 9 p.m. Admission for each is $5. Call 480-461-3300.
