About this episode
In this episode, Paul K interviews David Peak about his book 'The World Below' and explores themes of family feuds, horror, and psychedelic experiences.
Last year, David Peak released "The World Below," a midwestern gothic tale intertwining two rival families whose animosity sparks amidst a ritualistic occult murder mystery, amplified by heroic doses of LSD. Published by Apocalypse Party, a rapidly acclaimed purveyor of top-tier horror, "The World Below" is a testament to their commitment to darkness. This book seamlessly blends atmosphere and narrative, achieving the rare feat of being both immersive and a page-turner. David Peak's work aligns him with horror luminaries like Brian Evenson, Clive Barker, and Poppy Z Brite. In this episode, we delve into reading as a psychedelic act, exploring how family feuds in small towns can evolve into an art form. We also dissect the drama and artistry of Jerry Springer, touch on the American mythology surrounding the West Memphis Three, and revel in the exhilaration of death metal and films like "Mandy." "A brilliant and flayed slice of Midwest gothic. While one might find traces of Poppy Z. Brite or Michael McDowell here, The World Below is wholly its own beast. Peak laces the classic premise of feuding, cursed families with high-potency LSD, forming…
People in this episode
Host: Paul K
Guest: David Peak
Topics covered
- Midwestern gothic
- occult murder mystery
- family feuds
- horror literature
- psychedelic experiences
- American mythology
- death metal
Keywords
- David Peak
- The World Below
- Midwestern gothic
- occult
- horror
- LSD
- family drama
- American mythology
- death metal
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Apocalypse Party
Books & works: The World Below, Mandy, Negative Space
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