Lords of Death is a true-crime podcast that takes us back in time to 1995, when a brutal and forgotten murder in Dayton, Ohio terrified the local community.

The series investigates whether this crime might be connected to other unsolved cases with host Thrasher Banks.

Additionally, it looks into the influence of the satanic panic era-a period in which fear of cult activity and ritualistic violence had Americans afraid.

As Banks unspools the details, which are truly chilling, he sheds light on the hysteria of the 1980s and 90s, the impact of false narratives, and how one case can hold the key to unlocking long-buried truths.

What is Lords of Death about?

The podcast launches right from a murder in 1995 in Dayton, Ohio. Such a case was shockingly underreported back in the day.

Through fantastic forensic investigation, Thrasher Banks revisits the scene, piecing together forgotten evidence and finding potential connections to other mysterious cases in the area.

This podcast focuses especially on the so-called satanic panic, terminology used to describe a cultural paranoia that spread across America from the 1980s into the early 90s.

At the peak of this hysteria, people lived in fear of crimes of a ritualistic nature and cult conspiracies.

Lords of Death examines exactly how this moral panic fashioned public opinion, police investigations, and how such cases were handled.

With each episode, another layer is peeled back to show how misinformation, paranoia, and societal fears may have clouded the truth.

Banks pieces together the puzzle through interviews with investigators, journalists, and family members in the series.

He also questions whether the cultural obsession with satanism caused authorities to miss important clues in this and other cases.

Haunting and immersive, the storytelling is combined with great narration details and sound design.

And with each new detail that arises, one can't but feel: how many more such forgotten cases are out there, lost deep in the shadow of mass hysteria and fear?

What does Lords of Death do differently?

What makes Lords of Death stand out, however, is its unique lens on a forgotten murder amidst the greater cultural context of satanic panic.

Rather than simply reporting on the crime, Thrasher Banks digs deeper to show just how much fear and misinformation dictated the investigation.

It is not only a podcast that throws light on one forgotten case, but it also questions justice, truth, and the dangers of societal hysteria.

Banks connects past events to larger themes in such a way that this podcast is both captivating and intellectually stimulating.

Who's it for?

Lords of Death is perfect for anyone who loves true crime podcasts that dive deeper than just the facts. This show is ideal for listeners interested in:

• Unsolved cases and crimes forgotten by history

• The cultural impact of the satanic panic era

• Thoughtful storytelling that uncovers hidden truths

Episodes you’ll love

Episode 2: “The Forgotten Crime” – A deep dive into the 1995 Dayton murder and the initial investigation.

Episode 4: “The Panic” – A look at how satanic panic fueled fear and misinformation across America.

Episode 6: "Unsolved Connections" - The unnerving connections between the Dayton case and other unsolved crimes.

When to listen

Lords of Death is a limited series, with all episodes available for streaming now.

This would include episodes of 35 to 40 minutes long. That gives the depth but is also balanced in length and pacing for the audience's focus and interest.

Where to Listen

You may hear "Lords of Death" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and any other main source out there. Make sure to check out our Podcast AI Chart too!

About the Host

Thrasher Banks is a journalist and podcast creator known to breathe life into stories that many others would miss.

Bringing years of experience into the true crime reporting field, Banks brings a curious, caring, and incisive eye for detail into every case he works on.

His work points out the not-so-just crimes but also their deeper impacts on communities and society.

Anything to keep in mind?

Lords of Death is a mature true-crime podcast touching on murder, violence, and hysteria in societies. Material may be disturbing to sensitive listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

More of a reader than a listener? Check out the official podcast page for summaries of the episodes, with added information and behind-the-scenes content.

Similar podcasts you may like

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Unresolved: A podcast about cold cases and mysteries that are unsolved, leaving questions unanswered.

The Clearing: A haunting podcast about a woman who suspects her father of multiple unsolved crimes.

These podcasts all share the deep investigations, forgotten cases, and riveting storytelling found in Lords of Death.

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Author's note

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