Blood Brothers

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Exclusive Clip, Poster: Jose Prendes’ Fright Icon-studded “BLOOD BROTHERS”

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Familial animosity is no stranger to the horror genre. Whether it’s MOTEL HELL, WE ARE WHAT WE ARE, or the entire HALLOWEEN franchise, horror proves that blood is thicker than water, for better or for worse. That’s never been more true than in Jose Prendes’ fright film BLOOD BROTHERS, the first feature under the Kondelik’s Dual Visions banner, and FANGORIA has an exclusive first look at the film, which you can check out below!

For those unfamiliar with BLOOD BROTHERS, here’s the official synopsis…

BLOOD BROTHERS, based loosely on the famous Leopold and Loeb murder case, tells the tale of Charles Brubaker and his half-brother Thomas Lo Bianco, who concoct a deadly game to test their superior intelligence against the dimwitted masses. This game will eventually lead to murder, but problems arise when they quickly discover that Detective Homer Gaul, a cop with a very special gift, is hot on their trail.

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Starring filmmakers Graham Denman and Jon Kondelik, as well as Hannah Levien (THE HORSEMAN), Ken Foree (DAWN OF THE DEAD), Lynn Lowry (THE CRAZIES), Ruben Pla (INSIDIOUS), Sean Whalen (THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS), and Barbara Crampton (RE-ANIMATOR), BLOOD BROTHERS hits theaters and VOD on December 2nd, 2016, with a DVD release set for February 14th, 2017 via Uncork’d Entertainment. You can check out an exclusive bloody clip from the film below, and stay tuned for more from BLOOD BROTHERS here at FANGORIA.com!

 

FULL ARTICLE: http://www.fangoria.com/new/exclusive-clip-poster-jose-prendes-fright-icon-studded-blood-brothers/

The Divine Tragedies: Official Selection in several festivals!

The Divine Tragedies written and directed by Jose Prendes and produced by The Kondelik Brothers has made it into several festivals so far!

If you have the great opportunity to attend these festivals, please give our film some love!

 

 

 

 

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Razor Reel Flanders Film Festival, Bruges 2015SELECTION_RRFFF_2015

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Little Rock Picture Show 2015LRPS Laurels

 

 

 

 

 

ICONS OF FRIGHT INTERVIEW WITH DUAL VISIONS’ JAMES & JON KONDELIK; TALKS THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES, BEHIND THE WALLS

Source: Icons of Fright

Posted by Jerry Smith on Saturday, July 11, 2015

ICONS OF FRIGHT INTERVIEW WITH DUAL VISIONS’ JAMES & JON KONDELIK; TALKS THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES, BEHIND THE WALLS

Jon and James Kondelik and their DUAL VISIONS production company has been making the name for themselves by producing the upcoming Jose Prendes-helmed thriller THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES (featuring Graham Denman, Barbara Crampton and Ken Foree) as well as BEHIND THE WALLS, a film that has been gaining steam the more time goes on. The pair have worked both behind and in front of the camera, with Jon appearing as one half of the murderous brothers inTRAGEDIES, and also directing the Asylum film,AIRPLANE VS. VOLCANO.

Icons of Fright’s own editor in chief, Jerry Smith, along with Natty Cox, were able to chat a bit with the twin brothers about both projects and what’s in store for them next. Read on!


 

There’s a switch in the film, DIVINE TRAGEDIES, and we won’t go into detail because of spoilers, but a switch that really turns things around as far as how each character feels about what they’re being a part of. I’m curious how you decided to play the film that way? Acting 10854456_416954651796312_8059999730272253605_owise, it’s almost like you had to play two different sides of the same character.

Jon: It really did feel like both Graham and I played the same role at some point which is something we both were drawn to. It allows both of us to not be missing out on anything. We both can be weak and also go a little mad at some point in the film. As far as deciding that, I think it was pretty clear in Jose’s script which allowed us to sink our teeth in to these meaty roles.

James: Jon and Graham were fantastic. They played off eachother’s psycho energy very well. I don’t want to brag too much about my brother
and give him a big head. ?

DIVINE TRAGEDIES is a very unique take on the thriller film, the addition of a psychic detective was very interesting, when working with Jose on the film, as producers were you always sold on that approach? It’s pretty interesting.

Jon: The Psychic approach was a surprise when we got the script, but it just made sense within context of this bizarre world Jose has created. So we definitely encouraged for him to go even further with the idea. If you’re gonna go psychic then let’s go that far out. If we’re gonna go weird then let’s get weird!

James: We always knew Divine was going to be a crazy film but when Jose added the element of a psychic detective–we were sold with that idea.

Are there back stories to the two really good looking horror journalists named Natty and Jerry who may or may not get murdered in the film?

Jon: Yes, I believe they are there to see a screening of some horror movie I never heard of called, Haunting of Whaley House or something. I don’t know. But anyway, they may or may not have liked it. And they may or may not have been assaulted.

11221422_895046810542041_4944647515474566884_nIts apparent that you two were definitely meant to make movies. Was it always something you were passionate about? How did you two get started in the film industry?

Jon: I think loving movies always comes first. Realizing making movies is a thing and can be attainable by people like us happened when we were in High School. After we graduated, we never looked back and came out to LA. James went to an editing school and I was getting acting gigs here and there until we found our home for the next 5 years at The Asylum. After a long time, we finally get a chance to write a feature that gets produced. That then led to us getting hired on as writers forAirplane vs. Volcano and ultimately Directing too.

James: Jon took the words out of my mouth.

Your new film, BEHIND THE WALLS, begins shooting soon. Based off of what we’ve read on your Facebook page for the film, it looks interesting. Can you tell us anything about it?

Jon: Thank you! Behind The Walls is officially our first Directorial effort in the horror genre, but it’s definitely not foreign territory. We wanted to make a haunted house film from a completely different angle—seen from the perspective of the house itself. To make the House a legitimate character in the film as opposed to a creepy backdrop to set the film in. The three keywords we keep telling everyone are: Unconventional, Simple and Stylized. That’s what we’re aiming for with this film.

James: Behind the Walls was an idea I pitched to Jon–I was kinda joking about it–half nervous he’d laugh at the idea. Low and behold, he liked it, “I think there’s something there.” Oh thank god! We wanted to make a darker haunted house film–instead of the typical family down on their luck. We wanted
the film to begin bleak with a genuinely broken family. They aren’t more so starting over, for the sake of the real estate market–more so in hiding. So there are more secrets about this family and they begin to surface throughout the film. To make matters worse–the house is alive. Things go from bad to worse steadily.

We noticed with BEHIND THE WALLS, that you guys are building your own house for the set, Was that difficult? Do you think it helped 11703393_928544190525636_2566569945311686232_owith the filmmaking process by giving you an ideal set to work with?

Jon: It’s incredibly difficult because we’re talking building a two story home with a basement equipped with electricity and running water! It’s a tall order and our Production Designer is delivering! Building the set tailored to the script really makes the process THAT more creative. After all, the film is called, Behind The Walls…we wouldn’t want to be liars with that title. We’re going there.

James: We didn’t know we could do that–so we figured what the hell. Let’s push the envelope for ourselves.

This could either be a question, or suggestion…but will there be a AIRPLANE VS VOLCANO 2?

Jon: Hey if you start the trend, the Asylum will answer!

James: What Jon said. Never say never. But let’s just say that was a crazy film…even the folks on Sharknadowere saying ‘Airplane vs Volcano?! That’s dumb.’ haha. But it was a fun, ridiculous, little film.

Your fans have some awesome horror flicks to look forward to, will you guys continue on with the horror genre? Or could we expect any non-horror in the future? Will the Kondelik brothers ever make a Rom com?

Jon: We love all genres of film. I wouldn’t say “never” to anything. Who would’ve thought our first film was going to be a Disaster Sci-Fi film involving Volcanoes? We sure didn’t see that one coming. So I wouldn’t be surprised if we gave anything a shot. But I can tell you this, if we commit to a project we put our everything into it and make it our voice—every time. We do have a handful of projects in development. We’ll make an announcement when something is ready to be presented to the world. And we love all of our fans! Now is the time to show their support for our current film we Produced, The Divine Tragedies currently going to Festivals. If they can Tweet to their favorite film festivals demanding @DivineTragedies premieres there–it just gives us more of an edge.

James: I will say that there may be something on the horizon. We always want to challenge ourselves. We’re lovers of film, not just horror. Though, that’s what we grew up with. That’s where my heart is. But we really want to make some dark dramas as well….and a light hearted drama (involving love–i don’t know if it’s a rom/com) nothing’s official but there’s an idea being kicked around.


 

Feel free to visit The DUAL VISIONS Facebook page for more updates!

 

RUE MORGUE: James and Jon Kondelik on THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES

Source: Rue Morgue

June 8, 2015

James and Jon Kondelik on THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES

Call it a family affair.

Of the many good things that can be said for the up-and-coming crop of indy filmmakers, perhaps the most hopeful for the future of the genre is the level of cooperation found amongst them. From the Women in Horror Blood Drive to the VHS anthology series, today’s horror world has thrived thanks in part to the willingness of its’ creative minds to not only work alongside one another, but together, for the betterment of the horror world.

Case in point: Jessica Cameron — perhaps the busiest woman working in horror today —was kind enough to take time out of her own schedule to introduce me to the life and times of the Kondelik Brothers, James and Jon, former directors and editors for THE ASYLUM who’ve broken free from their padded cells to unleash their own visions of terror onto the world.

The first odious offering from the dazzlingly demented duo: THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES, the tale of what happens when impeccably dressed brothers (Graham Denman and Jon Kondelik) with delusions of grandeur get involved with a single mom (Hannah Levien, in a rivetingly vulnerable star turn). When the brothers’ plans for life as Nietzschian supermen diverge, things hit the fan in trippy fashion, especially once their toxic mom (Barbara Crampton) and a psychic detective (Ken Foree) decide to meddle in their business.

After getting a first look at TRAGEDIES — set to begin its festival run this year — I had the opportunity to sit down with the brothers and discuss what went into making the film.

How did THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES come about?

James: DIVINE TRAGEDIES came about from an idea from Jose Prendes when we were just hanging out… I think he was showing us the Orson Welles film COMPULSION, and we were just marveling at it, like, “Wow, this is a fun movie, good ideas,” and Jose was sort of saying “I want to do a movie kind of like that, with two brothers… And I want you two guys to be the brothers.” The more we were talking about it and whatnot, I just asked him, “Do you have a script?” He said, “No, but I can get you one in a week.” That was in November, then in February we started shooting. So it went really, really quick. It shows how much you can get done when you’re motivated and you’re passionate.

Did you have any creative input?

Jon: We tried to give Jose his space. Of course we’re not doing our job if we don’t’ give some creative input as far as ideas in the script. But all of us working together, Jose included, helped to produce the film… All of us were operating on the idea, “How do we make the movie better in all aspects?” I think just approaching it that way, in a collaborative way, made things smoother.

James: We tried to give him as much freedom as we could… We told him, “If you’re going to go weird, make it really weird, if you’re going to make it violent, make it really violent.” And there are some scenes in the movie that are iconic and memorable because of those very reasons, because we were constantly pushing him, because that’s where he excels: Bizarre, bizarre images that stick with you after the film.

How did Ken Foree get involved?

Jon: Ken and Barbara [Crampton] had worked together, and we got Barbara and then we got Ken. It was one of those great ideas where we were just talking one day, and we were like, “Well, Barbara’s great, and we got her, and you know who else would be great? It’d be Ken Foree, and have this sort of FROM BEYOND reunion in the middle of it. Let’s see if we can get him, see if he’d be interested. And he was. And he was amazing.

The movie sort of switches genres a third of the way through, with the revelation that Foree’s character can communicate with the dead. What was the idea behind the shift?

James: I think that was all Jose. The original idea he pitched to us sounded like a psychological thriller. All the characters seemed to be really grounded in reality. Then we read the script, and he said, “Oh yeah, the detective is psychic.” And I said, you know what? That makes sense to me. It made sense to all of us. And we were even more intrigued by it. It made things more interesting. So I think it might’ve always been in Jose’s head, he might’ve always had that ace up his sleeve, but we didn’t know about it, prior to reading the script for the first time.

What makes THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES unique among today’s horror films?

James: I think first and foremost, it’s Jose Prendes’ style. That’s the first thing you’re going to notice. I hate to make the comparison but I can’t think of anyone else that comes to mind. If you’re going to a Quentin Tarantino movie, no matter what genre, you’re going to see a Quentin Tarantino movie because of the dialogue, the intriguing characters, and so on. Jose is the same way. He comes up with sometimes over the top but very intriguing, unique characters, and puts them in these crazy situations. And you want to watch them interact with each other and see the whole crazy thing play out. So I think that’s what’s different. It’s not running and chasing and screaming. There’s disturbing, gruesome, and grotesque things in the movie, and pretty bizarre, awful, off the wall things, but at the same time, it’s so different than anything else; it’s not so glossy. The final look of the film is so fucking beautiful. You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. You’ll be like, “What the hell did I Just watch?”

Keep up with THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES on their Facebook page.

Ain’t It Cool News Review : The Divine Tragedies

Source: Ain’t It Cool News

Reviewed by: Mark L. Miller “Ambush Bug”

Dec. 28th, 2014

THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES is a confident little bastard of a film, trusting that the characters and the story is going to be compelling enough for you to stick around long enough to figure out the ups and downs of the weird little universe the film lives in. And it turns out, the film delivers on that confident beginning and never really lets up until the ultra-powerful final beats.

Taking a page or two from NATURAL BORN KILLERS and maybe some nuances from a David Lynch film or two, THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES is still one of the most original and entertaining films I’ve seen in ages. The opening scene focuses on two brothers Charles (Graham Denman) and Thomas (Jon Kondelik), two evil bastards who are playing a game with a crackhead they used to go to school with as kids. As the scene progresses, the conversation bips and bops, riffs and raps a lot like a Tarantino joint. There are sidebars and diatribes, discourses and distracting conversations before the actual violence they’ve been talking about occurs. The way it plays out, surely we won’t be following around these two devious sons of bitches for the whole movie. Surely, these two guys are the ones who get wiped out in the first scene in order to establish the real heroes. That’s what writer/director Jose Prendes seems to want us to think. But turns out we have it all wrong and this is a film about these two evil fucks. Beginning in such an off kilter manner gives us a hint that all bets are off and by following these two nicely dressed monsters, we’re headed into dangerous territory.

But while Thomas and Charles talk a big game, they seem to have a softer side. They take care of their ailing and bed-ridden mother (Barbara Crampton) and are obviously living a very privileged life. All of this makes their plans to murder someone for the first time all the more shocking and deliciously evil. As it walks through the two brothers’ first kill, THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES turns out to be an unpredictable little number, never really going the expected route and proving to be full of surprises all the way until the end.

A lot of the power of this film comes from the bizarre portrayal of Thomas and Charles by Denman and Kondelik. Kondelik seems to be the eviler of the two, more verbal and confident, definitely the bully of the two. But it’s the Crispin Glover-esque performance by Graham Denman that really stands out here. Denman goes through such a transformation in this film. Both brothers do, really. And to see these two brothers metamorphose after blood is spilled is brilliant to see from these two up and coming actors.

DAWN OF THE DEAD’s Ken Foree appears as a cop with psychic powers and with Crampton, really adds some solid acting foundation for these two newcomer actors to play off of. But it is the performances by Denman and Kondelik and the words and twists from writer/director Jose Prendes that make this film one to remember. Though there is copious amounts of blood and violence, the real horror comes from how fucked up these two brothers really are and how it plays out with everyone unlucky enough to cross their path. The heavy reliance on dialog is definitely going to make or break this film depending on whether you like Tarantino-ian wordplay or Mamet-esque bullet-speak. But for my tastes, THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES is a dangerous and perfect little nightmare that needs to be seen.

Leggy New Divine Tragedies One Sheet

Another new one-sheet for Jose Prendes’ The Divine Tragedies has arrived, and it’s home to blood, legs, and praise. We like that! Check it out!

From the Press Release:
Brothers Jon and James Kondelik are moving closer to the final reveal of their serial killer thriller The Divine Tragedies. This film has already completed production, with several new and older horror veterans attached. Based on the famous Leopold and Loeb murder case, Dual Visions presents a new poster for the film here.

The Divine Tragedies is a film which takes its story from truth. Leopold and Loeb were two intellectuals, who thought they could get away with the perfect murder, in 1924’s Chicago. In Jose Prendes’ vision, the two killers are brothers. Set in the modern era, Charles Brubaker (Graham Denman) and Thomas Lo Bianco (Jon Kondelik) believe they are above the law and they kill without mercy. Their murders become more and more gruesome, until Detective Homer (Ken Foree) is able to intervene. But, Homer is only a few steps away from his own tragedy.

Early reviews have been favorable for the film. Josh Soriano of the horror website Icons of Fright noted the film’s many influences: “like the word of Palahniuk through the eyes of David Lynch…an uncompromising and original horror.” The Divine Tragedies is surreal in scope as imagined by director Prendes. As well, Matt (Boiselle) enjoyed the film’s darker tones: “ferocious. This tragedy is simply divine, one of the better films I’ve personally dropped eyeballs on in some time.” Both of these quotes are featured in the film’s latest artwork. You can feast your eyes on the bloody graphic here.

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Synopsis:
The Divine Tragedies, based loosely on the famous Leopold and Loeb murder case, tells the tale of Charles Brubaker and his half-brother, Thomas Lo Bianco, who concoct a deadly game to test their superior intelligence against the dimwitted masses. This game will eventually lead to murder. And when Genevieve, a beautiful single mother, enters their lives, they finally find the perfect girl for their first kill. But problems arise when they quickly discover that Detective Homer Gaul (Ken Foree), a cop with a very special gift, is hot on their trail.

“The Divine Tragedies” Trailer Terrorizes in Color

Source: Bloody Disgusting 

posted on September 8th, 2014 by Mr Disgusting

Producers Jon and James Kondelik have debuted the trailer for the horror feature The Divine Tragedies.

The trailer shows the brothers Charles and Thomas LoBianco on a terrible killing spree. Shot in bright colours, the trailer shows more of the film’s characters and the brothers’ terrible motivations – to get away with murder!

The Divine Tragedies is based on a brutal crime. The Leopold and Loeb murder case, of Chicago, would shock the world. Two brothers thought they could commit the perfect crime, the murder of a young boy. But, the authorities were hot on their trail. In the film’s story, actor Ken Foree plays Det. Homer Gaul. Gaul is intent on ending the brothers’ wanton killing; he just has to find them first. But, Charles and Thomas have plans of their own.

Trailer for Jose Prendes’ The Divine Tragedies promises a beautiful death

Source: Arrow in the Head 

posted on September 5, 2014 by Kevin Woods

Trailer for Jose Prendes’ The Divine Tragedies promises a beautiful death

One film we’ve been keeping close tabs on over the past several months is Jose Prendes’ THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES, a serial killer fever dream that stars genre heavyweights Ken Foree (DAWN OF THE DEAD), Lynn Lowry (CAT PEOPLE), Barbara Crampton (YOU’RE NEXT) and Sean Whalen (HATCHET III). Back in late July we brought you the official artwork for the film and today we’ve landed the first trailer to share with ya, and I gotta say that it looks like a wicked good time.

The Divine Tragedies, based loosely on the famous Leopold and Loeb murder case, tells the tale of Charles Brubaker and his half-brother Thomas Lo Bianco, who concoct a deadly game to test their superior intelligence against the dimwitted masses. This game will eventually lead to murder. And when Genevieve, a beautiful single mother, enters their lives they finally find the perfect girl for their first kill. But problems arise when they quickly discover that Detective Homer Gaul (Ken Foree), a cop with a very special gift, is hot on their trail.

Producers James and Jon Kondelik are hoping to release this title before audiences later this year as the film tours the film festival circuit, and judging from the trailer below audiences will be in for a real treat with this one. I’m certainly intrigued!

Horror Icon Barbara Crampton Joins the Divine Tragedies

Alienbee.net spreads the news about the amazing Barbara Crampton!

Horror Icon Barbara Crampton Joins the Divine Tragedies

Wow, the cool casting news just keeps coming in for THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES! Fan favorite Barbara Crampton (Re-animator,You’re Next)  has joined Lynn Lowry, Ken Foree and Sean Whalen in the horror project set to begin production this month. Head inside for more!

Details:

Writer and director Jose Prendes (The Haunting of Whaley House) and producers Jon and James Kondelik are excited to announce the casting of the eternally beautiful Barbara Crampton (Your’re Next, Re-animator). Crampton joins her From Beyond co-star Ken Foree, in their new film The Divine Tragedies.

Barbara says of the film: “I am very excited to take part in Jose Prendes’s complex and disturbing film, The Divine Tragedies; deeply exploring the nature of relationships and the influence they provide while carving out our places in the world,” she says. “I am excited to play the mother of two brothers whose torturous tendencies exact horrific carnage to people they claim to both admire and love. Being reunited with one of my favorite co-stars, horror luminary Ken Foree, is an added delight!”

The Divine Tragedies, based loosely on the famous Leopold and Loeb murder case, tells the tale of Charles Brubaker (Graham Denman, The Haunting of Whaley House) and his half-brother Thomas Lo Bianco (Jon Kondelik, Airplane Vs. Volcano), who were raised by their arthritis-twisted, alcoholic Mother (Barbara Crampton). The boys concoct a deadly game to test their superior intelligence against the dimwitted masses. This game will eventually lead to murder, and when Genevieve, a beautiful single mother, enters their lives they finally find the perfect girl for their first kill. But problems arise when they quickly discover that Detective Homer Gaul (Ken Foree), a cop with a very special gift, is hot on their trail.

“Barbara is an actress that I have admired for years and I am beyond thrilled to have her on this film,” says Jose. “She glows with life and is really going to surprise people with her performance in this one. Not only does she love the material and respect it, which is the best compliment an actor can give, but she has raised the bar for us dramatically.”

 

READ MORE: http://alienbee.net/horror-icon-barbara-crampton-joins-the-divine-tragedies/

SHIVERS/WHALEY HOUSE Star Lynn Lowry Joins THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES!!

Being a big of Cronenberg’s SHIVERS, this casting news brings a smile to my face. The announcement that Lynn Lowry has been in the upcoming Jose Prendes-directed thriller, THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES has made its way online and with the already announced Ken Foree and Sean Whalen set to star as well, it’s beginning to sound like a hell of a time. Read the official press release for more info!

“Writer/Director Jose Prendes (THE HAUNTING OF WHALEY HOUSE) and producers Jon and James Kondelik are excited to welcome the gorgeous genre vet Lynn Lowry (THE CRAZIES, SHIVERS, I DRINK YOUR BLOOD) to the cast of their new film.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Jose Prendes again,” says Lynn. “THE HAUNTING OF WHALEY HOUSE” was a great experience and I’ve gotten so many compliments from fans about my work in that film. I’m certain that Jose will do a brilliant Job on this film as well!”

DIVINE TRAGEDIES, based loosely on the famous Leopold and Loeb murder case, tells the tale of Charles Brubaker (Graham Denman, The Haunting of Whaley House) and his half-brother Thomas Lo Bianco (Jon Kondelik, Airplane Vs. Volcano), who concoct a deadly game to test their superior intelligence against the dimwitted masses. This game will eventually lead to murder, and when Genevieve, a beautiful single mother, enters their lives they finally find the perfect girl for their first kill. But problems arise when they quickly discover that Detective Homer Gaul (Ken Foree), a cop with a very special gift, is hot on their trail.

“Lynn is simply wonderful,” say Jose. “She is the kind of actor that draws us in and makes us care and easily changes the dynamic of any scene. I am honored to be working with one of my favorites again.”

Filming begins at the end of February.”

SHIVERS/WHALEY HOUSE Star Lynn Lowry Joins THE DIVINE TRAGEDIES!!

Read more: http://www.themartyrcycle.com/#!SHIVERSWHALEY-HOUSE-Star-Lynn-Lowry-Joins-THE-DIVINE-TRAGEDIES/cn0d/517B6C5A-7141-4CCD-9715-0F72E75BB96B