Satanic Static

by Bryan Holm

What if a vinyl record could drive you to insanity, to commit unspeakable acts of violence simply by listening to it?

 

A record so dangerous the Catholic church has spent decades trying to bury the darkness trapped beneath its blood-soaked, acetate grooves?

 

ManDown, a reclusive hip-hop producer, stumbles upon a copy in his quest for the rarest samples in the world. His manipulation of the recording unleashes a torrent of supernatural forces, leading to personal tragedy for Nina, an obsessed record collector.

 

Nina is thrust into a world of demonic possession and religious conspiracies, forcing her into a battle against ManDown, who threatens all of mankind with the release of his final mix-tape masterpiece, The Symphony of Volume III. 



Put on your headphones and descend into a world of vinyl madness with this unique work from author, Bryan Holm.

Genres: Horror

166 pages, Paperback

Published March 14, 2025

Reviews

[Charlene (Char) ❤︎ ❀˖° ❤︎]

Music can be deadly when it’s placed in the wrong hands and ears. This book is about a record that is so deadly that it’s kept stored away from everyone. The way this record came out to be I cannot say but you have to read the book to find out.
Father Killian a man that was given no choice and having to give his life to protect the church secrets, at all costs. I did love how the author portrayed him as a man of honor and duty.
Nina is a woman that has a love for music and her father is given a crash course into demonology. I did like Nina and Father Killian tag team! I loved the banter between them. No book would be complete with an antagonist, insert “Mandown” a myth and a legend in the music industry. Well know for his beats and musical genius. He wants this next album to be his greatest. Even if he has other worldly help.
This author has a gift for storytelling !! I love the imagery and scenery throughout the book. As I was reading it I felt like I was in the book. To describe this book in three words, Haunting, Intense, and Riveting. You should definitely read this book. Thank you again Bryan Holm for the book.

[Kim Novak (The Reading Rx)]

Wow, this book blew my mind. I love a good religious horror story, but merging it with vinyl records and hip-hop put a unique spin on things. I loved all the characters, their personal hauntings, and the way they problem solved (even when it didn't always work out). The portal functionality addressed a design flaw that is typically ignored in sliding door types of stories, and I found it perfectly done.

Thank you to Anuci Press for the complimentary copy as part of the Small Spec Book Awards judging process.

[Kiera ☠]

I really struggled with the pacing and continuously changing POVs in this book unfortunately. I really loved the concept of this, especially as a massive Hip-Hop head. Who doesn't love the idea of a cursed LP that possesses anyone who is unfortunate enough to listen to it? It starts off with a bang, introducing us to the lure of these tapes and then brings you to the stories current time line. The first 20% of 'Satanic Static' really had me hooked but then it kind of goes off the rails for me. There is no lack of action, but the rate it in which it happens is so quick, it kind of felt like whip lash. I found myself confused and having to go back to the previous paragraph because I didn't know how we had gotten to action so quickly from one sentence to another. I think this would have really benefited from being a longer book to build on the characters and the story a bit more.

I love the concept of ManDown coming across these tapes in his search for increasingly more obscure samples for his music, that was a really good arc but again, I feel like as we moved forward it went too quick from his discovery of the tapes to the violence. Ultimately, this was left on a cliffhanger leaving room for a sequel which I'm not opposed to. Again I think this has potential, I just didn't find myself invested in the story and the characters like I would prefer just due to how quickly things moved.

[Risshan Adele]

Evil Dead Rise meets The Pope’s Exorcist and has a baby that runs a vintage music store.
Now I’m going to be scared of any and all static because it’s going to possess me. Fun read!

[Tracy]

wow just wow. what a storyteller

[Gemma]

Satanic Static is a brilliant and clever horror novel that uses music to create a terrifying atmosphere as it makes the people who listen go crazy. It gave me the vibe of ‘The Ring’ horror film but with vinyl records instead of a VHS tape. The story starts with a great first chapter set in a church in which a priest has been listening to the devilish music which causes horrific apparitions and he has become possessed. There is graphic and bloody detail and this really sets up the tone for the rest of the story as the reader gets a first glimpse at what these records are capable of.

The novel then moves to present day, decades later, to Nina a music producer and collector whose father owns a record store and he also secretly helps out ManDown , a hugely successful music producer. ManDown visits the store and finds one of these records from the church and what follows is his gradual descent into madness as the horrors and gruesome scenes begin to unfold on his journey to releasing his largely anticipated new album which samples the satanic record.

Killian, one of the priests from chapter one, returns and he and Nina work together to try and find the remaining records and destroy them before ManDown gets his hands on them and it’s too late. I enjoyed the way these three characters connected and I loved how the story is connected to Killian as he’s already witnessed firsthand what the music can do and he becomes quite an important character alongside Nina. I also liked how the chapters were titled like record tracks such as track 1, side B and interlude.

I absolutely loved the premise of this novel with the idea of listening to this music making people go mad and the reveal of what is actually on the tracks was very intriguing and a brilliant twist! I also loved the history of the triplet girls which was a very dark and terrifying story especially how Nina began to have visions of them after listening to the record. I really liked the graphic imagery of certain scenes and ManDown gradually gets stronger through his possession and is able to control other people which was quite terrifying to see.

The ending of the novel hits all the right notes as Nina is in a race against time to try and counteract ManDown’s new music using her own spin and I really loved the intensity of the scene as it all plays out. There is yet another twist right at the end of the novel which shows that it was never really over and I love the idea that there are still records out there which can cause more chaos and horror! This novel is one of the most original and exciting horror stories that I have read in a while and I wish there was more!

Do you hear them?

[Jolene]

Prepare to be swept into a world where music is more than just sound—it’s a doorway to madness, a conduit for darkness, and a weapon of destruction. Satanic Static is not just a book; it’s an experience, a descent into the chaos that can be unleashed by the most innocuous of objects: a vinyl record.

The premise is as intriguing as it is unsettling: What if a single, cursed vinyl record could push a person into the depths of insanity, leading them to commit unspeakable acts of violence? And what if this record held such power that the Catholic Church had devoted decades to erasing it from existence? The record is known as The Symphony of Volume III—an artifact shrouded in myth, hidden away for reasons that become chillingly clear as the story unfolds.

In Satanic Static, hip-hop producer ManDown stumbles upon this cursed artifact, unleashing chaos that threatens not only his own life but the fate of humanity. As he manipulates the record’s haunting grooves, he sets off a chain of events that drag Nina, a passionate record collector, into a terrifying battle against demonic forces and religious conspiracies.

Bryan Holm weaves a chilling tale where music isn’t just sound, but a gateway to horror. A great blend of supernatural terror with music culture, exploring the dangerous obsession with forbidden knowledge. Nina’s journey from collector to reluctant hero is gripping, while ManDown serves as a perfect antagonist—his thirst for the ultimate sample unleashes an irreversible descent into madness.

Satanic Static is a must-read for fans of horror, music, and psychological thrillers. It’s a book that digs into your brain, stays with you, and leaves you questioning the cost of chasing after the ultimate sound. Just be warned: once you start reading, you might find it hard to stop—and you definitely won’t look at your vinyl collection the same way again.

[Books For Decaying Millennials]

The author very generously sent me a paperback copy to review. All views and opinions are my own.
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Satanic Static is one for the Vinyl heads, but be warned, as you are digging through those crates of records, some records are obscure and rare for a reason. Author Bryan Holm delivers a quickly engrossing, page turner of a novella. While by its nature Satanic Static does fall into the same category as forbidden books, cursed VHS Tapes etc, beyond that it delivers something special. This is a clever and entertaining blend of demonic horror, and hip hop music. A love letter to Vinyl culture, and the nerds who have fallen down the rabbit holes of obscure music albums. You'll reach a point in this book where you will want to craft your own play list inspired the story.
Author, Musician and *Practitioner* Evan Dean Shelton has coined a term "Real Sonic Danger", first and foremost to relate to music like his band Grave Gnosis, and his podcast The Lurking Transmission. I have taken to assigning this description to books and stories that deal with Music and Audio Media that transcend the auditory, things that shouldn't be taken lightly.
Satanic Static has earned this label. If I was to make a book playlist, so to speak, containing books that speak to Real Sonic Danger, Bryan Holm's Satanic Static would hold a place right next to Evan Dean Shelton's CHURCHBURNER and Bass Tape Massacre.
Decaying Millennial's Satanic Static artist playlist (no particular order, except put LaVey last):
MF DOOM
Lustmord
Pertubator
Haunted House Party
Rasputina
Anton LaVey - Satanis Theme
(because you can't not include the old skeezy conman in a playlist like this)

[Emma]

I want to extend a huge thank you to Bryan Holm for sending me an eARC of Satanic Static – what a ride! From the very first few pages, Holm doesn’t waste time and jumps straight into a violent, brutal descent into madness. If that’s your thing, you're going to love this book. I especially enjoyed the unique music element—hip-hop. I was half-expecting more of a metal/rock vibe, but the hip-hop twist felt so refreshing and added a unique layer to the story. The horror, the religious conspiracies, and the demon possession all make for a fantastic race against time that I couldn’t put down. There’s also a great representation of LGBTQ+ characters, which I really appreciated. If you’re into horror with a mix of supernatural chaos, you’ll want to pick this up.

Happy publish day to Bryan Holm! Satanic Static is available now at https://www.anuci-press.com/ and everywhere books are sold. Highly recommend for all horror fans.

[Kylee Smith]

Satanic Static follows Nina, a grieving young woman entangled in a terrifying descent into darkness. She's battling more than sorrow — she's up against demons. Real ones.

Years ago, the Catholic Church began recording exorcisms to train seminarians. It seemed like a good idea until one exorcism went horribly wrong. The ritual didn’t banish the demons; it trapped them. The result: a set of three vinyl records, each etched with more than just sound. Now, those records are resurfacing. Listening to them can make you ill — or worse. Some hear whispers. Some go mad. But for the vulnerable, the truly broken… the demons may find a new home.

This book masterfully blends religious horror, grief, demonic possession, and the haunting power of music. I couldn’t recommend it more if you're looking for a quick, chilling read. Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy!

[Aeroreader]

Make this one in to a movie please! This is destined to be on the big screen. Read the book before you watch the film though.

I remember when I was young watching The Exorcist for the first time. This book is that vibe all the way through. Satanic Static is full of action, kick ass characters and demonic possession in ways you've never read about before. I fully enjoyed this read and would love for a sequel to be written.

Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

[Brooklyn Attic Books]

The lesson I learned from this book is don't have any body parts sticking out when a portal doorway closes. It will get cut off!

This was a fun read. Modern twist on the possessed music subgenre given that ManDown is an unknown masked DJ. At one point I was shocked by the amount of characters that were killed off. RIP Killian, you didn't need to be done dirty like that.

Highly Recommend

[Svea Neitzke]

Music horror is becoming one of my favorite genres. A cursed record gets into the hands of Mandown, an underground hip-hop artist. Nina has nothing in common with Father Killian, and their lives crash together. This book is a mix of narrative with found footage from documents from various sources and interviews. It makes it a brutal, immersive, and entertaining experience!

[Mallory McCartney]

I loved this, honestly it would make a great movie. An anonymous DJ had me sold right there , but add in a badass like Nina and demonic possession? chefs kiss!

horror lovers you won't want to miss this novella!

[Nipizza-Crustchev]

Analog music production and demonic horror is a unique blend, but this book finds so many good ways to make it work. Very entertaining read.