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Rotten Requiems Volume 2 : Tales of Extreme Metal Horror
Getting high by smoking narcotics out of a baby’s skull, a demon covered head to toe in barbed penises and leathery scrotums, levitating in front of a burning cross, record store massacres, blood and body parts strewn across a stage, fields of impaled men and women sinking anus-first onto spears, angrily bludgeoning someone’s head until it resembles a soft boiled egg, and abandoned churches inhabited my unholy creatures:
What do these things have in common? The answer is twofold.
They’re all contained within this volume.
They’re fuckin’ metal as fuck!
Rotten Requiems Volume 2 brings together an unholy alliance featuring eight of the most innovative authors currently working in boundary-pushing horror fiction.
Not even a burning bible is as metal as this extreme horror anthology.
So, if you think you can handle this shit, open these blood-soaked pages and experience just how heavy horror literature can possibly get.
What do these things have in common? The answer is twofold.
They’re all contained within this volume.
They’re fuckin’ metal as fuck!
Rotten Requiems Volume 2 brings together an unholy alliance featuring eight of the most innovative authors currently working in boundary-pushing horror fiction.
Not even a burning bible is as metal as this extreme horror anthology.
So, if you think you can handle this shit, open these blood-soaked pages and experience just how heavy horror literature can possibly get.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2026
About the author
James Oliver
110 books8 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
A second installment you say? More tales of extreme metal mayhem you say? Well don’t mind if it do…
James Oliver has once again compiled a wild anthology of 8 brutal stories that will slap you in the mouth with the hardest of metal music mythos, as well as some of the most gruesome imagery from all ends of the extreme horror spectrum.
One thing that really stuck out to me in this set of stories, was a clear focus on the general public’s vilification of metal and hardcore music.
Whether it be a religiously driven maniac thinking he’s doing the lords work by destroying the tools to such devilry, or a father who is just sick and tired of listening to his damn kids band practicing in the garage at all hours… destruction was a general theme I picked up on here.
We also delve into the music industry a bit, and what lengths it will got to to keep the vision alive and functioning. And those lengths run… disturbingly deep.
As we know, the metal scene has a long history of being associated with the demonic, and Satan worship. That is also touched upon a bit here as well.
My favorite story was probably the last one. It closed out the anthology, ending more than just the book, but quite possibly the world all in one fell swoop.
All this to say, if you love metal music, and extreme horror, this collection will surely tickle your fancy, whatever that might mean…
James Oliver has once again compiled a wild anthology of 8 brutal stories that will slap you in the mouth with the hardest of metal music mythos, as well as some of the most gruesome imagery from all ends of the extreme horror spectrum.
One thing that really stuck out to me in this set of stories, was a clear focus on the general public’s vilification of metal and hardcore music.
Whether it be a religiously driven maniac thinking he’s doing the lords work by destroying the tools to such devilry, or a father who is just sick and tired of listening to his damn kids band practicing in the garage at all hours… destruction was a general theme I picked up on here.
We also delve into the music industry a bit, and what lengths it will got to to keep the vision alive and functioning. And those lengths run… disturbingly deep.
As we know, the metal scene has a long history of being associated with the demonic, and Satan worship. That is also touched upon a bit here as well.
My favorite story was probably the last one. It closed out the anthology, ending more than just the book, but quite possibly the world all in one fell swoop.
All this to say, if you love metal music, and extreme horror, this collection will surely tickle your fancy, whatever that might mean…
September 12, 2026
First, you don’t have to be a metalhead to read this anthology.
Second, how extreme do you like your extreme horror?
Third, just bloody read it!!!
James Oliver has done it again and summoned some incredible authors to unleash some mayhem with extreme metal playing in the background.
… and what I like the most about it is how each story is completely different from the one before.
From a festival with gory props, to albums from hell, to supernatural vibes, and even a creature feature… there’s a bit of everything for everyone.
I’m not even going to try to choose a favourite, but I was glad to see some familiar faces.
Also… I could hear my mom’s words, and I bet many of us can relate to them…
“What are you listening to? That’s not even music?”
Sorry, Mom! It’s better! Music and horror together! What more could I ask for?
This review and more here:
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Second, how extreme do you like your extreme horror?
Third, just bloody read it!!!
James Oliver has done it again and summoned some incredible authors to unleash some mayhem with extreme metal playing in the background.
… and what I like the most about it is how each story is completely different from the one before.
From a festival with gory props, to albums from hell, to supernatural vibes, and even a creature feature… there’s a bit of everything for everyone.
I’m not even going to try to choose a favourite, but I was glad to see some familiar faces.
Also… I could hear my mom’s words, and I bet many of us can relate to them…
“What are you listening to? That’s not even music?”
Sorry, Mom! It’s better! Music and horror together! What more could I ask for?
This review and more here:
Instagram | Tiktok | Youtube
September 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This anthology fucks so hard! Each gore-soaked, heavy metal story brought its own charm and insanity to the table. Though my favorite of the bunch would have to be “The Lord Of All That Shames Us.” The sheer carnage and lore was so creepy and creative it really made my skin crawl, I effing loved it! 🤠🔥
This anthology fucks so hard! Each gore-soaked, heavy metal story brought its own charm and insanity to the table. Though my favorite of the bunch would have to be “The Lord Of All That Shames Us.” The sheer carnage and lore was so creepy and creative it really made my skin crawl, I effing loved it! 🤠🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
This anthology of bizarre and brutal AF stories makes me realize that this is most likely exactly what old folks think goes on with metal music and why they call it “The Devil’s Music” Which I am totally here for! All of these authors understood the assignment, and all of these stories are unique in their own way. They all have a common denominator of metal music, whether that be just a really killer concert, a cursed record album, or even a dad sick and tired of his son’s metal band. Each story is packed full of blood, guts, and metal music! I definitely recommend this anthology of traumatizing tales to any extreme horror reader who wants some quick and brutal reads!
September 16, 2026
Thank you so much to James Oliver for accepting me on your street team.
As a whole, I truly enjoyed this collection of horror melodies with its ties to death metal.
The Foreword was a crash course on the intersectionalities of horror and metal music. This was great for anyone new to the genre, or those who have been reading it for years, but wanted to learn more about its history.
Breakdown per story:
"All these stories are metal as fuck! Wimps and posers leave this book where you found it!"
Impaler: This was wild, and bloody, and a perfect start for this anthology, while also being my target reading preference!
The Secret Chord: A demon 🍆 monster, literal demon 🍆. Gave me vibes of a cthulu demon.
"...like the worst scented candle one could imagine."
"...every apocalypse needs a soundtrack."
Orobos: "What type of Airbnb bullshit is this?"
"This is what matters in life: the people who love and care about you. And doing what makes you happy, even if it is playing death metal music."
For Their Worm Shall Never Rot: This one felt like a miss for me through much of the story, but by the end, it caught up quickly with the follow through/delivery.
The Perpetuity Clause: Aside from James, Dicey was the author I was most looking forward to reading. This one went real hard, and I loved it so much I had to message her immediately to let her know! Very unique concept paired with the "horror" of AI.
The Lord That Shames Us: Imagine being in Hell and having to relive your shame every day for eternity!?
"Let him come. And let him cum."
"Why not gargle to show your gratitude?"
Is This What Passes for Music Nowadays?: I think we have all been in Adrian's shoes before when we have to suffer through someone else's terrible taste in music.
A Carrion Crown Soundcheck: My favorite part of this story was the entire church scene. It was so vividly detailed that I felt like I could see it through my own eyes! Mara and Liv's characters reminded me of the women in the 70s and 80s cult horror flicks I enjoy so much! Loved them!
As a whole, I truly enjoyed this collection of horror melodies with its ties to death metal.
The Foreword was a crash course on the intersectionalities of horror and metal music. This was great for anyone new to the genre, or those who have been reading it for years, but wanted to learn more about its history.
Breakdown per story:
"All these stories are metal as fuck! Wimps and posers leave this book where you found it!"
Impaler: This was wild, and bloody, and a perfect start for this anthology, while also being my target reading preference!
The Secret Chord: A demon 🍆 monster, literal demon 🍆. Gave me vibes of a cthulu demon.
"...like the worst scented candle one could imagine."
"...every apocalypse needs a soundtrack."
Orobos: "What type of Airbnb bullshit is this?"
"This is what matters in life: the people who love and care about you. And doing what makes you happy, even if it is playing death metal music."
For Their Worm Shall Never Rot: This one felt like a miss for me through much of the story, but by the end, it caught up quickly with the follow through/delivery.
The Perpetuity Clause: Aside from James, Dicey was the author I was most looking forward to reading. This one went real hard, and I loved it so much I had to message her immediately to let her know! Very unique concept paired with the "horror" of AI.
The Lord That Shames Us: Imagine being in Hell and having to relive your shame every day for eternity!?
"Let him come. And let him cum."
"Why not gargle to show your gratitude?"
Is This What Passes for Music Nowadays?: I think we have all been in Adrian's shoes before when we have to suffer through someone else's terrible taste in music.
A Carrion Crown Soundcheck: My favorite part of this story was the entire church scene. It was so vividly detailed that I felt like I could see it through my own eyes! Mara and Liv's characters reminded me of the women in the 70s and 80s cult horror flicks I enjoy so much! Loved them!
September 16, 2026
An Anthology of Extreme Horror Stories all themed around Extreme metal? I Can't think of anything that is more up my street.
Once again James Oliver has brought together 8 awesome authors treating us to 8 short stories that are extreme, gory, taboo and metal as fuck!
I loved the forward from Klaus Kinion. he talks about the duality that has always existed between metal music and horror
That sentiment is carried throughout this anthology.
Every single author hit the nail on the head and I really love how this collection really leans into the misconceptions and bias’s people have around heavy and extreme music.
There was demon worship, cursed records, a religious maniac and creatures that skitter from Hell.
Not forgetting Sex, drugs, road trips, roadies gigs, and all that fun stuff.
There really is something for everyone in here. Unless you are easily offended, in which case I'd say this is possibly not for you...
This was brutal, boundary pushing and gave so many what the F did I Just read' moments and I loved every minute.
If you like Your extreme extreme and you think you can handle this gig, this is definitely one to check out!
Once again James Oliver has brought together 8 awesome authors treating us to 8 short stories that are extreme, gory, taboo and metal as fuck!
I loved the forward from Klaus Kinion. he talks about the duality that has always existed between metal music and horror
That sentiment is carried throughout this anthology.
Every single author hit the nail on the head and I really love how this collection really leans into the misconceptions and bias’s people have around heavy and extreme music.
There was demon worship, cursed records, a religious maniac and creatures that skitter from Hell.
Not forgetting Sex, drugs, road trips, roadies gigs, and all that fun stuff.
There really is something for everyone in here. Unless you are easily offended, in which case I'd say this is possibly not for you...
This was brutal, boundary pushing and gave so many what the F did I Just read' moments and I loved every minute.
If you like Your extreme extreme and you think you can handle this gig, this is definitely one to check out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again James Oliver has put together one of the best collections together. The stories are filled with heavy metal splattering horror. Each story had a unique version of Horror. I definitely enjoyed the intermissions between stories. The book is a blast so what are you waiting for huh? Get on your phones tablets or computers and pick this book up.
Synopsis
Getting high by smoking narcotics out of a baby’s skull, a demon covered head to toe in barbed penises and leathery scrotums, levitating in front of a burning cross, record store massacres, blood and body parts strewn across a stage, fields of impaled men and women sinking anus-first onto spears, angrily bludgeoning someone’s head until it resembles a soft boiled egg, and abandoned churches inhabited my unholy creatures:
What do these things have in common? The answer is twofold.
1. They’re all contained within this volume.
2. They’re fuckin’ metal as fuck!
Rotten Requiems Volume 2 brings together an unholy alliance featuring eight of the most innovative authors currently working in boundary-pushing horror fiction.
Not even a burning bible is as metal as this extreme horror anthology.
So, if you think you can handle this shit, open these blood-soaked pages and experience just how heavy horror literature can possibly get.
If this sounds like fun for you then what are you waiting for!
Synopsis
Getting high by smoking narcotics out of a baby’s skull, a demon covered head to toe in barbed penises and leathery scrotums, levitating in front of a burning cross, record store massacres, blood and body parts strewn across a stage, fields of impaled men and women sinking anus-first onto spears, angrily bludgeoning someone’s head until it resembles a soft boiled egg, and abandoned churches inhabited my unholy creatures:
What do these things have in common? The answer is twofold.
1. They’re all contained within this volume.
2. They’re fuckin’ metal as fuck!
Rotten Requiems Volume 2 brings together an unholy alliance featuring eight of the most innovative authors currently working in boundary-pushing horror fiction.
Not even a burning bible is as metal as this extreme horror anthology.
So, if you think you can handle this shit, open these blood-soaked pages and experience just how heavy horror literature can possibly get.
If this sounds like fun for you then what are you waiting for!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an anthology with a theme of extreme metal and extreme horror! I will be the first to admit, I am not a metal head. But there were some stories I really enjoyed in this book. I don’t want to give too much away since they are short stories. These are the stories that stood out to me.
“The Secret Chord” by John Baltisberger is an apocalyptic story that involves a constant thrum being heard across the world. This sound is making people nuts! Does anyone survive?
“Orobos” by Stephanie E. Jensen is a story about a secret record. The underground is a buzz about the record that shouldn’t exist. What happens to those who get to hear it?
“The Perpetuity Clause” by Dicey Grenor is a really fresh take on technology and the limits of humans being replaced with AI.
“The Lord of All That Shames Us” by Jonathan Butcher is a tour into a special Hell where you live a demented punishment based on previous deeds. What level of Hell will you occupy?
This was a good anthology. The authors did a great job building the stories and carrying that suspense. The gross factor was definitely there too! Go get this gore fest!
“The Secret Chord” by John Baltisberger is an apocalyptic story that involves a constant thrum being heard across the world. This sound is making people nuts! Does anyone survive?
“Orobos” by Stephanie E. Jensen is a story about a secret record. The underground is a buzz about the record that shouldn’t exist. What happens to those who get to hear it?
“The Perpetuity Clause” by Dicey Grenor is a really fresh take on technology and the limits of humans being replaced with AI.
“The Lord of All That Shames Us” by Jonathan Butcher is a tour into a special Hell where you live a demented punishment based on previous deeds. What level of Hell will you occupy?
This was a good anthology. The authors did a great job building the stories and carrying that suspense. The gross factor was definitely there too! Go get this gore fest!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book hit every level of f*cked up, and then some.
Such a great lineup of talent in this anthology, not one story was disappointing or killed the vibe. It was banger after banger after banger, and, as a reader, you ride that high the whole way through.
This has everything from eldritch horrors and creepy crawlies to dead kids and religious f*ckery.
I think this really highlights each authors talent, throwing you in at the deep end with each story and wanting more from each one. It's a good way to get introduced to the authors and to James Oliver and Klaus Kinion, whose thoughtful forward was educational but still fun.
James chimes in throughout the book with his own thoughts on the stories, which I think is a cool addition, and gives the vibe that we are an audience, watching these stories play out, and he is our emcee.
This was wild, deranged, bloody and brilliant!!
Such a great lineup of talent in this anthology, not one story was disappointing or killed the vibe. It was banger after banger after banger, and, as a reader, you ride that high the whole way through.
This has everything from eldritch horrors and creepy crawlies to dead kids and religious f*ckery.
I think this really highlights each authors talent, throwing you in at the deep end with each story and wanting more from each one. It's a good way to get introduced to the authors and to James Oliver and Klaus Kinion, whose thoughtful forward was educational but still fun.
James chimes in throughout the book with his own thoughts on the stories, which I think is a cool addition, and gives the vibe that we are an audience, watching these stories play out, and he is our emcee.
This was wild, deranged, bloody and brilliant!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
James Oliver once again brings together eight authors for an anthology full of murder, mayhem, and METAL!!! I did not want to put this book down once, each author did such an amazing job telling a story filled with gore, mutilation, lots of metal music. Stories of religious nuts against metal, blood soaked music festivals, deals made with the Devil, and the higher ups in the music industry not giving a damn about the artists. This anthology has a bit of everything. Thanks so much James for letting me be an ARC reader for this book, and being introduced to all the amazing authors featured in it
September 16, 2026
Thank you to the author for letting me arc read this!
I thought RR was brutal but this one takes the cake I absolutely loved all the stories I haven’t read any of the work by the authors in this anthology but you bet I am now, I’m highly going to recommend this book.
I thought RR was brutal but this one takes the cake I absolutely loved all the stories I haven’t read any of the work by the authors in this anthology but you bet I am now, I’m highly going to recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another heavy metal installment from James Oliver. The stories are all bangers. Klaus Kinion's cover is so sick. I definitely recommend this for any extreme horror fans.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Welp he's done it again! One of the most disgusting, vile, wtf did I just read books you'll ever come across. Metal heads, s*x, gore, and violence all wrapped in this analogy. Describing this filth are beyond words🤘🏻
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews