The delectable Traci Lords is the star attraction of this howler of a B flick. Another addition to the "horror & heavy metal" sub genre, it stars a dude named Stephen Quadros as Martin, a loser employee at a pizza joint. Ordered around by the gruff boss Tony (Aldo Ray, in his last film role), he craves success as a rock 'n' roll guitarist. Unfortunately, he sucks, but after a bungled audition, he makes a deal with Satan via a voodoo priestess (Tyger Sodipe, who deliciously overplays her role). He is reborn as a guitar god named Angel with awesome 80s hair. Of course, his newfound abilities come at a price: he can no longer consume ordinary food, but must derive sustenance from peoples' souls.Traci, looking as ravishing as ever, may have been hired for her name value, but this is more Quadros' story and movie. He's believable as both the hopeless nerd and his head banging alter ego. Markus Grupa is amusing as the effeminate singer Jonny, whom Angel replaces in a rather aggressive manner. Tim Moffett is the requisite hero as bass player Greg, who is engaged to Tracis' band manager character. Also hired for name value is another veteran, Troy Donahue, who is good as a sleaze ball record executive.The movie is much more campy & cheesy than scary *or* creepy, but this does give it some entertainment value. Both the visual and the makeup effects are very damn crude; they must have been done for next to nothing. The music is sometimes fun, and sometimes it's cringe-inducing yet catchy in spite of itself. Best of all is when the movie focuses on Angels' new entourage of babes: Karen Russell ("Tenement") as Michelle, Gina Parks as Marilyn, and Laurel Wiley as Monique. There's no shortage of very sexy women to fill out roles (and costumes).Dopey beyond belief, but it's not without its pleasures, such as when Angel satisfyingly deals with Jonny.Six out of 10.

This flick RULES!! A modern day exploitation classic that is highly recommended to fans of 80's metal and horror!Everything a B-Film should be! Crazy, violent and filled with many beautiful actress's! Oh and yes, lead actor Stephen Quadros is excellent as the ultimate 80's Metal God! A great job turned in by him!I won't bother talking plot details as they've been discussed (to a point) in the other reviews. My advice is to seek this film out, kick back, relax and ENJOY a truly classic little flick!Great actors!! Great Music!! I hope director Mark Freed gets this film out on DVD soon with tons of extras! This film needs to get a second life on DVD SOON!!!!Hey Mark, if ya read this.... How bout re-uniting the cast and doing a sequel! Angel Martin needs to return!!!!!

This B-movie is only held together by its coherent and vivid story. That's a pity I think, because the 'Shock 'em dead'-story is worth a much better movie than what we see here.The only person in 'Shock 'em dead' with some acting talents, Traci Lords, plays the wrong role. Although this movie is about horror & suspense, Lords' part has nothing to do with that -- while h&s just suits her talents very much! Lords' acting as the rock group's manager is wooden and uninspiring. If she had taken part in the horror & suspense, for instance by teaming up with self-destructive rock guitarist Martin Paxton, I feel 'Shock 'em dead' would have turned out much better.

Shock 'em Dead is a lame movie. A sloppy rehash of the old Faust tale brought up to date for the 90's. Notable for being one of Aldo Ray's last film. Traci Lords (looking good might I add) co-stars as the rock band Spastic Colon's manager. Faded matinee idol Troy Donahue makes a special guest apperence as a Record Company Executive. Bad music, tired cliches and lame Ozzy references can be found in this cheap production. Nothing to recommended here. F