SKULLZIE SEZ:

 
The one truly amazing attribute of any Goth scene boils down to one word: diversity. There are so many creative styles and genres fall into the greater Goth category that to encompass them all is a daunting and laborious task indeed...and New Goth City is certainly trying to equally shed light on all of these diverse facets of Goth-dom! However, for this review, we are going to focus on one singular portion of the Goth Lifestyle: Vampires!
 
The Court of Lazarus is actually a "Metropolitan Vampire Society" dwelling within the N.Y.C. area...albeit among a small handful of other "Courts." What sets this Court apart is its willingness to be very open and accepting of those outside of their close realm. The night at their venue, The Slipper Room, begins promptly at 8pm, every third Sunday of the month, but only to its Citizens. For about an hour, they will conduct a private meeting and cater to the group's issues and activities before allowing guests and friends in to partake in their most unique event to witness their regale, rituals, and revelries.
 
What make this event really extraordinary...and even somewhat chilling...is that, from the moment you walk through the door and sign the guestbook, you will feel as though you have been transported to another time and land...basically, because you have! You have entered their dominion. First, you are expected to be in your "Midnight Best" clothes; this event aptly next in line only to Dances of Vice when it comes to dressing up! Secondly, the Court of Lazarus is not just a simple nightclub...it is part meeting, part Vampiric ritual (complete silence during this part of the night, please), part cabaret show, part concert, part lounge, and part "dance-your-daylight-loathing-booty-off!"
 
Primarily though, The Court of Lazarus is a collection of like-minded friends that meet every month and strive to have an intimate time in true "Salon Noir" fashion. Those that dare to venture in to this lavish event might feel a bit alienated at first...this feeling lasts only for a brief moment...the hosts and court members do try to make all new faces feel welcome, while maintaining that sense of aloof mystery that makes the Goth scene oh-so-appealing to us! Quite honestly, I have to say that this event is as close as a "Dark Bar" should be every night of the week! It is a shame that The Court of Lazarus congregates only but once a month...but any more would simply dilute its essence.
 
This is exactly the type of event that is expected of the N.Y.C. Goth scene! Visit it at least once for a very unique experience...visit twice to be enamored...visit a third time and be enthralled!