Wednesday 13: A Macabre Rebirth with ‘Mid Death Crisis’ and Expansive Global Tour

Horror-punk has always thrived on theatricality, rebellion, and an unabashed embrace of the macabre. Few acts have embodied these qualities as completely as Wednesday 13, a band that has risen from underground obscurity to become a fixture in gothic-tinged rock and heavy metal. For more than two decades, Wednesday 13 has cultivated a distinct identity, merging punk’s raw energy with horror-driven narratives and a stage presence that is as dramatic as it is unrelenting.

With ‘Mid Death Crisis,’ slated for release on April 25, 2025, via Napalm Records, Wednesday 13 reaches a defining moment, balancing reinvention with unwavering identity. The album not only charts the band’s evolution but reaffirms its ability to adapt without compromising its macabre sensibilities. In an industry increasingly shaped by digital algorithms, Wednesday 13’s endurance highlights the power of artistic distinctiveness and a devoted fan base.

From the Underground to Global Stages

Wednesday 13, the brainchild of North Carolina native Joseph Michael “Wednesday 13” Poole, emerged in 2004 following the hiatus of his previous band, Murderdolls. Drawing inspiration from theatrical rock icons such as Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, and The Misfits, Poole crafted a distinctive fusion of gothic theatrics and punk defiance. This unique blend quickly garnered a dedicated cult following, captivated by the band’s macabre musical and visual identity that seamlessly intertwines horror narratives with high-energy rock. Over the past two decades, Wednesday 13 has solidified their prominence in the modern horror-rock scene, releasing numerous albums and touring internationally, thus becoming fixtures in both the punk and heavy metal underground.

Beyond their music, Wednesday 13 has earned acclaim for their elaborate and immersive live performances. Concert venues are transformed into eerie theatrical spectacles, complete with intricate set designs, haunting lighting, and chilling stagecraft. This commitment to visual storytelling, infused with dark humor, has positioned them as one of modern rock’s most compelling live acts. Each performance offers an experience that lingers, reminiscent of a horror film’s haunting final scene. Critics have lauded their shows as “electric, intense, and fun,” highlighting the band’s ability to engage and captivate audiences.

In 2005, Wednesday 13 unveiled their debut album, ‘Transylvania 90210: Songs of Death, Dying, and the Dead,’ introducing their macabre yet tongue-in-cheek vision. The album featured tracks like ‘I Walked with a Zombie,’ which was accompanied by a campy music video incorporating footage from ‘Night of the Living Dead.’ To promote the album, the band embarked on the Tour from the Crypt in 2005, including a headlining run in the United Kingdom and a performance on the main stage of that year’s Download Festival in England. They also secured high-profile support slots, notably opening for shock-rock legend Alice Cooper around Halloween 2005, which helped expose the band to larger rock audiences early on.

Following their debut, Wednesday 13 continued to build momentum with subsequent releases. After parting ways with Roadrunner Records, the band signed with Rykodisc and released their second studio album, ‘Fang Bang,’ on September 12, 2006. This album maintained their signature horror-infused hard rock style and included special edition covers of tracks by Motörhead and the Ramones. Their third album, ‘Skeletons,’ arrived in 2008, released independently in the United States and through DR2 Records in the United Kingdom. Around this time, the group also released their first live CD/DVD, ‘Fuck It, We’ll Do It Live’ (2008), capturing the raw energy of a Wednesday 13 concert in Pennsylvania. These releases solidified the band’s reputation for consistent output and kept their fanbase engaged, despite frequent lineup changes during those years.

After a brief hiatus, Wednesday 13 returned with ‘Calling All Corpses’ in 2011, marking a return to their horror punk roots. This was followed by the heavier, Southern-influenced ‘The Dixie Dead’ in 2013, and then ‘Monsters of the Universe: Come Out and Plague’ in 2015—a concept album exploring sci-fi and horror themes. During this period, frontman Joseph Poole continued to experiment within the horror rock genre, releasing an acoustic album, ‘Undead Unplugged,’ in 2014, offering stripped-down renditions of their earlier work. Despite frequent lineup changes, the band’s identity remained consistent: campy horror imagery, tongue-in-cheek B-movie-inspired lyrics, and a blend of punk energy with classic heavy metal hooks.

By the late 2010s, Wednesday 13 expanded their reach by partnering with prominent rock and metal labels. Their seventh album, ‘Condolences,’ released on June 2, 2017, marked their debut with Nuclear Blast Records. This record showcased a darker, more polished heavy metal sound and was the first album Poole wrote and recorded after becoming sober. The follow-up, ‘Necrophaze,’ released on September 27, 2019, was a horror-themed concept album featuring guest appearances, including a spoken intro by Alice Cooper. ‘Necrophaze’ became one of the band’s most acclaimed releases, reaching #2 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart, underlining their growing impact.

In October 2022, Wednesday 13 unveiled their ninth studio album, ‘Horrifier,’ through Napalm Records. This release was lauded as a return to the band’s roots, blending various styles from their two-decade career into a “raucous blend of ballistic metal and macabre heavy rock.” Drawing inspiration from classic horror films such as John Carpenter’s ‘Halloween’ and Stephen King’s ‘Christine,’ the album featured singles like ‘You’re So Hideous,’ accompanied by an Exorcist-inspired music video. ‘Horrifier’ received positive reviews and debuted at #11 on the Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart in the United Kingdom, underscoring the band’s enduring presence in the rock and metal scene.

Throughout its history, Wednesday 13 has essentially been Joseph “Wednesday” Poole’s project, featuring a rotating lineup of supporting musicians. As of the mid-2020s, the band comprises guitarists Roman Surman and Jack Tankersley, bassist Troy Doebbler, and drummer Mike Dupke. Notable former members include guitarist Matt “Piggy D.” Montgomery, who played on early tours before joining Rob Zombie’s band, and guitarist Acey Slade, known for his work with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and the original Murderdolls. Despite these lineup changes, Wednesday 13 has maintained a cohesive identity, driven by Poole’s vision and theatrical flair.

‘Mid Death Crisis’: A Defining Moment

Wednesday 13 is poised to release their tenth studio album, ‘Mid Death Crisis,’ on April 25, 2025, via Napalm Records. This album signifies a return to the band’s hard-rocking origins, blending campy horror themes with the infectious energy of 1980s sleaze metal. Produced by guitarist Alex Kane and mixed by Steve Evetts, the record comprises twelve tracks, including the lead single ‘When the Devil Commands,’ which reflects on the 1980s’ “satanic panic” era. Notably, the track ‘No Apologies’ features guest vocals from Faster Pussycat’s Taime Downe.

In support of ‘Mid Death Crisis,’ Wednesday 13 will embark on the There’s No Such Thing as Monsters North American tour, commencing on March 14, 2025, in Las Vegas, N, and Nevada on May 3, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The tour celebrates 20 years of ‘Transylvania 90210’ and will include a “best of” Murderdolls set. Following the North American leg, the band will continue with the United Kingdom & European Summer Blood Storm headline run, starting on July 24, 2025, in Buckley, United Kingdom, and ending on August 9, 2025, in Utrecht, Netherlands.

‘When the Devil Commands’ Music Video Release

On February 18, 2025, Wednesday 13 unveiled the official music video for their latest single, ‘When the Devil Commands,’ offering fans a glimpse into their forthcoming album, ‘Mid Death Crisis.’ The track stands out with its unforgettable hook, robust arena rock-inspired drum production, and chugging guitar riffs. The accompanying video amplifies the song’s dark and theatrical essence, delivering a visual experience that aligns seamlessly with the band’s signature horror-inspired aesthetic.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind ‘When the Devil Commands,’ frontman Joseph Poole, drew from his experiences growing up during the 1980s’ “satanic panic.” He recalls his mother’s concerns over his music choices, often checking his cassettes to ensure they were not devil-related. This track was crafted with lyrics designed to evoke the fears prevalent during that era, though Poole emphasizes the song’s playful spirit, stating they have no intentions of “burning any churches in the future.”

Extensive 2025 Tour Dates

In anticipation of their forthcoming album, ‘Mid Death Crisis,’ Wednesday 13 has unveiled an extensive tour schedule for 2025, encompassing both North American and European dates. These tours aim to celebrate the band’s two-decade legacy while introducing audiences to their latest musical endeavors.

North American Tour: There’s No Such Things As Monsters

The North American leg, titled There’s No Such Things As Monsters, is set to commence on March 14, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The tour will traverse major cities across the United States and Canada, including Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, New York City, and Toronto, before concluding on May 3, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Support for this segment will feature Stitched Up Heart, Dead Rabbits, and I Ya Toyah.

Frontman Poole, expressed enthusiasm about returning to his solo work after dedicating the past eighteen months to honoring his former band, Murderdolls. He noted that the upcoming performances will highlight tracks from their debut album, ‘Transylvania 90210,’ in commemoration of its 20th anniversary, alongside selections from their early catalog and new material from ‘Mid Death Crisis.’

Tickets for the North American tour became available to the general public on November 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. For detailed information on tour dates and ticket purchases, fans are encouraged to visit the band’s official website.

United Kingdom and European Tour: Summer Blood Storm

Following the North American dates, Wednesday 13 will embark on the Summer Blood Storm tour across the United Kingdom and Europe. This leg is scheduled to begin on July 24, 2025, in Buckley, Wales, and will include performances in cities such as Ebbw Vale, London, and Utrecht. The United Kingdom portion of the tour will feature special guests Fearless Vampire Killers.

Tickets and VIP packages for the United Kingdom and European dates were made available starting November 8, 2024. Fans can obtain more information and purchase tickets through the band’s official channels.

The Resurgence of Theatrical Rock in the Digital Age

In an era where the music industry is increasingly dominated by streaming algorithms and viral trends, Wednesday 13 has steadfastly prioritized the immersive power of live performances and tangible fan engagement. While many contemporary rock artists focus on digital-first strategies, Wednesday 13 has cultivated a legacy centered on theatrical stagecraft and a distinctive aesthetic that resonates deeply with a dedicated fanbase.

Their commitment to live shows is evident in their rigorous touring schedule. For instance, in late 2024, the band performed at Limelight 1 in Belfast, delivering a high-energy set that captivated the audience. The demand for their performances was so high that the show, originally slated for a smaller venue, was moved to accommodate the growing number of fans.

Beyond the stage, Wednesday 13 emphasizes the importance of physical media and exclusive merchandise. Their official store offers a diverse range of items, from apparel to unique collectibles, allowing fans to tangibly connect with the band’s macabre themes. This focus on physical products not only reinforces their brand identity but also fosters a sense of community among supporters.

This approach stands in contrast to the broader industry trend, where major retailers like Best Buy have ceased sales of physical media, and others are reevaluating their strategies. By doubling down on in-person experiences and tangible products, Wednesday 13 has carved out a niche that thrives on loyal, cult-like fandom, ensuring their relevance and resonance in a rapidly evolving musical landscape. This hands-on approach has allowed the band to cultivate an audience deeply engaged beyond passive streaming. With a strategy rooted in exclusivity and direct fan interaction, Wednesday 13’s continued relevance is a testament to the enduring appeal of tangible artistry in an increasingly digital world. Their sustained success underscores the notion that, for some artists, a strong identity and theatrical commitment can outweigh the pressures of fleeting online trends.

Conclusion

Few artists have left as indelible a mark on horror-punk and shock rock as Wednesday 13. Throughout their career, they have seamlessly bridged the gap between punk’s raw energy, metal’s sonic weight, and theatrical rock’s immersive storytelling. Their music and stage presence have influenced a new wave of gothic and horror-driven acts, inspiring a resurgence of macabre storytelling, elaborate stagecraft, and performance-driven rock.

While the mainstream music industry has often sidelined theatrical rock, Wednesday 13’s longevity proves that there remains a dedicated audience for horror-fueled spectacle. By intertwining dark satire, grotesque humor, and anthemic songwriting, the band has built more than just a career—they have cultivated a subculture. Their influence is evident in modern gothic metal and horror-punk artists who draw from their eerie visuals and narrative-driven lyrics, ensuring that the genre remains vibrant and ever-evolving.

Reflecting on their enduring presence, Wednesday 13 has expressed surprise at their lasting impact: “I really had never even thought of it like that. Never thought that I would be doing this at 47 years old. But it is really cool to be this age and still have it mean something and be important to me and to the fans.” Their commitment to horror-inspired themes and theatrical performances has not only secured their legacy but also laid the groundwork for emerging artists in the genre. By fusing elements of punk, metal, and glam rock, Wednesday 13 has created a distinctive sound and aesthetic that continues to resonate worldwide.

With ‘Mid Death Crisis’ and its accompanying tours cementing Wednesday 13’s continued relevance, the band’s next chapter remains an intriguing prospect. Their ability to evolve while staying true to their horror-laced aesthetic opens the door for new creative ventures, potentially expanding beyond music into multimedia projects, film, or immersive theatrical performances. As an artist who has defied fleeting trends, Wednesday 13’s resilience stands as a testament to their undying influence. Their ability to merge horror and rock into a singular art form ensures that their legacy will endure, keeping the spirit of theatrical horror-punk alive for generations to come.