Blitzkid

ByLets Go Punk
American horror punk icons Blitzkid deliver high-energy performances with a melodic twist

Blitzkid is an American horror punk band from Bluefield, West Virginia, recognized as one of the leading proponents of the horror punk scene. The band is led by singer/guitarist TB Monstrosity and singer/bassist Argyle Goolsby. Active from 1997 until 2012, and reforming in 2020, Blitzkid has released five studio albums, appeared on numerous compilations, and toured nationally and internationally.

History

Formation and Early Years (1997–2007)

Argyle Goolsby, inspired by his late mother’s dedication to music, and TB Monstrosity, driven by the ambition to make the band huge, began playing as Blitzkid in early 1997. Initially motivated by boredom and a desire to create a soundtrack for skating, they gradually infused their lyrics with deeper metaphors about understanding the world and one’s place in it. Their early work quickly established them within the horror punk community.

Artist and filmmaker Gris Grimly approached Blitzkid to compose the title track for his 2006 film Cannibal Flesh Riot. The band contributed the song and received artwork from Grimly for a Blitzkid T-shirt design, further cementing their connection to the horror and art worlds.

Blitzkid was highly active in the mid-2000s, playing 260 live shows in 2006 alone. They headlined major festivals like Germany’s Summer Breeze Open Air in 2007, supporting influential bands such as The Damned. By 2008, they were back on the main stage at Germany’s M’era Luna Festival, drawing massive crowds.

Subsequent Tours and Releases (2009–2012)

In July 2010, during their tenth European tour, Blitzkid performed at the Amphi Festival in Cologne, playing to an audience of up to 50,000. In 2011, they toured North America with Face to Face, Strung Out, and the Darlings, which helped raise their profile in the punk community. Critical reception varied, with some praising their polished fusion of horror punk, ’50s rock, and hardcore, while others were less impressed. The band continued to perform at significant festivals, including another appearance at Summer Breeze Open Air in 2011.

During their final European tour in 2012, Blitzkid expanded their reach by playing in Russia for the first time and headlining a show in Moscow. They also performed at events such as the Whitby Goth Weekend in the UK. However, due to changing family commitments, Monstrosity announced his intention to leave the band in 2011, and by the end of 2012, Blitzkid officially disbanded. Following the breakup, Argyle Goolsby embarked on a solo career, while Monstrosity pursued another project.

Reunion and Later Developments (2019–present)

After unofficial reunions for tribute shows in 2019, Blitzkid announced a reunion tour in spring 2020 named the Escape the Grave tour. However, the tour was postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The band continues to be celebrated for their contributions to the horror punk genre, despite periods of inactivity.

Notable Collaborations

Blitzkid has strong ties with horror punk legends like the Misfits. In 2007, Argyle Goolsby joined Gorgeous Frankenstein, a project by ex-Misfits guitarist Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein, and Doyle later guested on Blitzkid’s track “Mr. Sardonicus” from the album Apparitional. Other collaborations include performances with ex-Misfits drummer Dr. Chud and work with The Undead, featuring former Misfits member Bobby Steele.

Musical Style

Blitzkid is noted for a melodic approach within the horror punk genre, highlighted by the strong vocals of TB Monstrosity and Argyle Goolsby. Their music blends elements of punk rock with traditional horror themes, delivering energetic and haunting tracks that appeal to fans of the genre. While some critics have critiqued aspects of their instrumentation, others praise their sound as reminiscent of peers like Bouncing Souls, NOFX, and AFI.

Impact

Blitzkid has maintained a dedicated fanbase and a significant presence within the horror punk scene. Their energetic live performances and commitment to the aesthetic of horror punk have earned them a lasting reputation, influencing younger bands and contributing to the genre’s enduring appeal.

Discography

  • Terrifying Tales (2000, Independent CDr)
  • Let Flowers Die (2001, Antidote Records) – First full-length album
  • Trace of a Stranger (2003, Antidote Records)
  • Five Cellars Below (2006, Fiendforce Records)
  • Anatomy of Reanimation Vol 1 (2008, Fiendforce Records) – Re-recorded versions of older songs
  • Apparitional (2011, Century Media/EMI) – Features guest guitar by Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein

Demos

  • 1997: Songs for the Aesthetically Challenged (Re-released in 2010, downloadable)

EPs

  • 1999: Terrifying Tales (Re-released in 2012 on EMI Germany)
  • 1999: Revisited
  • 2003: Exhuming Graves and Making Dates (Split 10-inch LP with Mister Monster)
  • 2006: Everyday Is Halloween (Split 7-inch LP with The Spook)
  • 2007: Split Personalities (Split 7-inch LP with The Cryptkeeper Five)
  • 2008: Hell Night’s Tour 7-inch picture disc (Only 66 copies pressed; features Dr. Chud on drums)
  • 2010: Fistfull of Balls Volume 1 (Split with Nim Vind)
  • 2011: Head over Hills (7-inch LP)

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