If you’re heading to the 13th Annual Catskills Halloween Festival & Vendor Market / Oddities Market at Blackthorne Resort in East Durham, NY (Hudson Valley), one of the must-see live acts is The Chris Cyanide Trio (also known as the evolution of The Chris Cyanide Bass Solo Project). This New York-based group delivers a high-octane blend of industrial metal, shock rock theatrics, cyberpunk flair, and horror-infused performance art that feels tailor-made for a spooky October weekend in the Catskills. With Year 13 of the festival promising free tickets and a massive lineup of oddities, vendors, authors, and entertainment, the Trio slots in perfectly as a high-energy musical highlight.
Origins and Evolution
Chris Cyanide officially launched The Chris Cyanide Bass Solo Project in July 2017. From the start, it was defined by thunderous, bass-driven industrial metal laced with shock rock elements and horror theatrics. Chris, a New York native (often associated with the New Rochelle area), positioned himself as a “heavy metal, shockrock, cyberpunk bass playing monster.” The project quickly carved out a unique niche: heavy on low-end grooves that hit like a freight train, combined with theatrical stage presence that blends cyberpunk aesthetics, horror imagery, and pure rock ‘n’ roll energy.
Over nearly eight years, the solo project released multiple records: full-length albums Bassic Evil and Don’t Look In The Bassment, plus EPs It Came From Outer Bass and Bass Of Operations. These are available on physical CD and all major digital platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.). Tracks like “Undead Nanites,” “Hooked on Cyanide,” “Cobra Strike,” “Bomb Everything,” and “Freak Show” showcase the signature sound—pummeling bass riffs, industrial beats, and lyrics that lean into sci-fi horror, undead themes, and chaotic fun.
By around 2025, the project had grown beyond solo territory. Chris dropped the “Bass Solo Project” moniker and branched into two distinct but related acts. One is The Cyanide Trio—a full band featuring Chris on bass and vocals/lead theatrics, Lady Krystalline on violin (adding a haunting, melodic layer that cuts through the heaviness), and Jon Seymour on drums (locking in the relentless groove). This configuration brings a more dynamic, live-band energy while retaining the core industrial-metal DNA.
The second offshoot keeps the original industrial vibe but incorporates dancers Shannon Fatale and Amaris The Fire Vixen alongside Lady Krystalline’s violin, turning shows into full sensory spectacles with movement, costumes, and visual flair.
Sound and Style: What to Expect Live
The Chris Cyanide Trio’s music is best described as heavy bass-driven industrial metal with shock rock and horror theatrics. Expect crushing riffs centered around Chris’s bass work (he often plays extended-range or uniquely modified instruments that deliver both melody and earthquake-like lows). Lady Krystalline’s violin adds an eerie, classical-meets-metal edge—think symphonic metal influences filtered through a darker, more industrial lens. Jon Seymour’s drumming provides the mechanical precision and raw power needed to drive the chaos forward.
Live performances are where the Trio truly shines. Shows mix high-energy metal anthems with theatrical elements: costumes, props, lights, and audience interaction that feel like a horror movie come to life. Past gigs have included everything from club dates (Club Andromeda in Nyack, Lucky 13 Saloon in Brooklyn, Nostalgia in Bethpage) to festivals, steampunk events, and multi-band bills. They’ve shared stages with national acts and thrived in intimate settings, proving their versatility.
Fans describe the vibe as immersive and fun—perfect for Halloween crowds who want to mosh, dance, or just soak in the spectacle. Newer material (including untitled jams teased in clips) shows the band evolving with fresh songs that keep the core sound but expand the palette. Whether it’s a pounding industrial banger or a violin-laced atmospheric piece, the Trio maintains that signature “Cyanide” edge: dark, heavy, and unapologetically entertaining.
Key Members
- Chris Cyanide (Chris Vazquez): The driving force—bassist, frontman, and creative visionary. His bass work is the sonic anchor: heavy, melodic, and monstrous. He brings the shock rock charisma and horror-themed aesthetics that define the project.
- Lady Krystalline: Violinist whose playing adds haunting melodies, classical flourishes, and dynamic contrast. She’s a frequent collaborator across both the Trio and the industrial/dance configurations, often incorporating cosplay and visual elements.
- Jon Seymour: Drummer who powers the full-band sound with precise, hard-hitting rhythms.
Supporting performers like dancers Shannon Fatale and Amaris The Fire Vixen frequently enhance the visual and performative aspects, turning sets into multi-media experiences.
Connection to Catskills Halloween
The Chris Cyanide crew has a proven history with the Catskills Halloween Festival. They returned for the 12th Annual event in 2025 (performing as the Cyanide Trio around 9:45pm one night), and they’re back for Year 13 in 2026. The festival’s blend of oddities market, vendor village, horror-themed entertainment, authors, and free admission creates the ideal backdrop for their horror-infused metal. Expect a set packed with fan favorites, new material, and that signature theatrical energy that pairs perfectly with costume contests, haunted vibes, and the resort’s rustic-yet-spooky atmosphere.
They’re an incredible Halloween band.
In a region like the Hudson Valley/Catskills—known for its fall foliage, historic haunts, and growing reputation as a destination for alternative and genre events—the Trio brings professional-level production and originality. Their cyberpunk-horror aesthetic aligns with vendor oddities, costume culture, and the festival’s “largest free Halloween festival in the Northeast” ethos. Whether you’re a metalhead, a horror fan, or just looking for something memorable between browsing vendors and enjoying the market, their set delivers an adrenaline rush wrapped in darkness and fun.
Discography Highlights (Solo Project Era, Foundation for the Trio)
- Bassic Evil
- Don’t Look In The Bassment (features tracks like “Undead Nanites”)
- EPs: It Came From Outer Bass, Bass Of Operations
These releases are still the backbone of live sets, with the Trio expanding on them through collaboration and new writing. Stream them on major platforms or pick up physical copies at shows or via chriscyanide.com.
Catch Them Live
Check chriscyanide.com for the latest tour dates, ticket links, and updates. Recent/upcoming spots include venues in New Jersey, Brooklyn, and festival appearances. For Catskills Halloween 2026 specifics, keep an eye on the official festival site and the band’s socials (@CyanideBassSolo on Facebook, @chris_cyanide on Instagram).
The Chris Cyanide Trio represents the best of underground New York scene creativity: heavy music, strong visuals, and a genuine love for performance that translates into unforgettable nights. At a free, expansive event like Catskills Halloween, their set will be one of those moments where the crowd comes alive—bass rumbling through the venue, violin slicing through the night air, and everyone embracing the horror-rock spirit. Whether you’re there for the music, the market, or the full Halloween immersion, don’t miss them. Year 13 is shaping up to be legendary, and the Cyanide Trio is ready to deliver the sonic and theatrical thrills.
(Word count: ~1,020. All details drawn from official sources and recent performance history for accuracy.)
See you in the Catskills—grip the saint and get ready to unleash some bass evil!