EP 8: VEROTIKA (2019) vs. VICIOUS LIPS (1989)

“Girls, and Rock, and Plot--Oh My! Wait . . . there's no plot.”

Have you ever wondered what THE ROOM would've been like as a horror film? Well, punk-rocker DANZIG answers that question for you with his feature debut VEROTIKA from 2019!

What could we possibly pair with that magical flick but Albert Pyun's 1989 girl-group space-capade VICIOUS LIPS? Get your ear plugs in and turn on your amps for this week's episode of CULT and CLASSIC Podcast!

Host: Nate Wyckoff

Panelists: Jeffrey Tucker & Tad Mastroianni

More on VEROTIKA (2019):
"Verotika" is a 2019 horror anthology film written and directed by Glenn Danzig, based on his comic book series of the same name. The film consists of three separate stories, each exploring different aspects of erotic and violent horror.

The first segment, titled "The Albino Spider of Dajette," follows Dajette (played by Ashley Wisdom), a young woman with a strange facial feature that causes her to cry distinctive tears. As she falls asleep one night, her tears transform into deadly albino spiders, leading to a horrifying series of events in her life.

The second story, "Change of Face," revolves around a stripper named Mystery Girl (Kayden Kross), who has the ability to remove her face like a mask and wear the faces of other women. However, her bizarre habit quickly takes a dark turn when she becomes obsessed with collecting a series of macabre trophies.
In the final segment, "Drukija Contessa of Blood," a vampire queen named Drukija (Rachel Alig) seduces men into her web of desire and gore, ultimately preying on their bloodlust. As her reign of terror continues, a group of women rises up to confront her and put an end to her sadistic rampage.

"Verotika" is an unconventional and visually striking film that delves into dark and sexually charged themes. It presents a surreal and brutal portrayal of horror, where beauty and violence coalesce, creating a unique blend of eroticism and grotesqueness. While the film has garnered both praise for its audacity and criticism for its execution, it undeniably stands as an intriguing and polarizing entry in the realm of cult horror cinema.

More on “VICIOUS LIPS” (1989):
"Vicious Lips" is a cult classic film released in 1989 that combines elements of science fiction, comedy, and the rock 'n' roll genre. Directed by Albert Pyun, this quirky and offbeat movie takes audiences on a space-faring adventure like no other.

The story follows the eponymous all-female rock band, Vicious Lips, who embark on a journey to an intergalactic battle of the bands competition. When their lead singer and keyboardist mysteriously disappears, the group recruits a timid and untested backup singer as a replacement. As they travel through the cosmos in their spaceship, they encounter a multitude of bizarre and colorful characters.

As the band members face various challenges and obstacles on their quest, including confrontations with alien species and quirky space oddities, they must find their missing singer and prove their musical prowess in the competition. With a mix of catchy rock music, outrageous costumes, and a zany sense of humor, "Vicious Lips" offers an unforgettable experience that is as entertaining as it is unpredictable.

While "Vicious Lips" didn't achieve mainstream success upon its release, it has garnered a loyal following over the years for its unique blend of sci-fi and musical elements. The film's energetic performances, absurd storyline, and eccentric characters make it a delightful treat for fans of cult films and lovers of offbeat cinema alike. If you're looking for an unconventional and entertaining ride through outer space with a rock 'n' roll twist, then "Vicious Lips" is a movie worth exploring.