Halloween’s massive monster

Mercedes Kastner / Asst. Arts & Culture Editor / The USD Vista

For over a decade, Monster Massive has been the ultimate destination for seekers of Halloween festivity and mischievous mayhem; this year promises to be equally as electrifying.

Located at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, a venue that can hold upwards of 70,000, the event, on Oct. 25, is certain to be more than the average Halloween experience. With smoking areas, a full bar for adults 21 and over and 24 DJs performing on several themed dance floors, the 11th annual Monster Massive is drawing people from all over the world. Although the event is taking place the weekend before Halloween instead of the night itself, with its impressive line-up and numerous stages, Monster Massive is guaranteed to be just as exhilarating as it has been in years past. Last year, the event sold out, and with over a million hits on their website and internet buzz at a maximum, it’s likely the event will once again be packed to capacity.

Along with it’s obvious attraction of ravers and techno music junkies, this year the event is also attracting young college kids just looking for something out of the ordinary. In addition to intricate light shows and intense sound and visual delivery on the dance floors, Monster Massive will feature a line-up with some of the most globally recognized names in electronic, techno and dance music.

In the evocatively named “House of Horror” section, Pete Tong from the United Kingdom, Felix Da Housecat, Antoine Clamaran from France, Barry Weaver and DJ Reza will be performing, while Steve Lawler, James Lavelle, Audiofly (an epic talent from Spain) and other underground techno favorites will be slaying the dance floor in the “Phantom Chamber.” Felix da Housecat’s performance in particular has been anticipated, as he rarely appears at such mainstream events.

Conjuring up colossal sounds in the “Tomb of Doom,” will be notorious dance music genius Paul Van Dyk, alongside Markus Schulz, Swedish Egil, John O. Callaghan and BBC Radio’s Judge Jules. Van Dyk, a Grammy nominated producer and globally renowned DJ, became popular in the world of mainstream pop for his exceptional remixes of Britney Spears’ “Gimme More” and Justin Timberlake’s “What Goes Around… Comes Around,” as well as in the alternative realm with his remix of Depeche Mode’s “Martyr.” The Devil’s Dungeon, a private VIP area, offers complimentary (non-alcoholic) refreshments, separate entrances and exclusive backstage access as well as an open vodka bar and beer on tap for those showing proper identification. The final floor, called the “Witches Woods,” will be feature several DJs from Holland and the United Kingdom as well as the Los Angeles area.

Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com for both general admission and VIP sections, although the price has gone up considerably. If you would like to go, be aware of the list of items that have been banned, including writing utensils to avoid graffiti and open cigarette packs to prevent attendees from bringing in marijuana and other drugs. Costumes are strongly encouraged, although a dress code prohibiting spikes and chains is in effect.
If you want to avoid the same old college parties this weekend and instead take part in something more unique, take a trip down to Los Angeles and experience the flood of light and sound that is Monster Massive. For more information, check out monstermassive.com.