2003 was in many ways a transition to a new age of NETHERWORLD, the age of the Icon Characters. The main show, DARK HARVEST, a tale of rural nightmares, evil plant creatures and the harvest season saw the creation of THE HARVESTMAN, a twisted legendary creature that haunted the lonely roads and forgotten towns of the Deep South. The detailed theming of the haunt was also put onto several unconnected websites to create a more elaborate legend that was believed by many to be real! The terrifying nature of THE HARVESTMAN took a sudden turn however when we realized that it was an even better character when a comedic edge was added – and suddenly he became a media darling appearing on lots of local TV and getting a job as a horror movie host that actual won a Telly award!
This was also a big year for NETHERWORLD because we added a third Haunted House located in the basement below our current location. The attraction was called TOMB OF DARKNESS and was a completely pitch black show with the theme of an Egyptian Tomb. It began with an elaborate entrance, but after that guests didn’t see light again until the very ending!
After several years of 3D shows we decided it was time for a break and tried out a show completely full of fog. It was the second appearance of VAULT 13, this time called THE BERSERKER PROJECT. Similar to the pitch black show patrons were lost in a sensory deprived environment this time in a dense green swirling mist filled with mutations and weird science.
The three show format worked well, and would continue for a number of years until 2007 when the two upstairs shows would be merged into the massive LEVIATHAN!
Check back soon for a further look into the twenty year history of NETHERWORLD Haunted House!
Every year The Harvestman finds a lonely forgotten town and plants a seed of evil in an ancient burial ground.
As the season of Halloween nears, the dead rise and foul creatures are drawn to to answer an ancient call.
The Tree thing must be fed, and the Door to the NETHERWORLD shall open once more!
Woe to those who fall before the reaper of Dark Harvest…
A terrifying journey through an Egyptian tomb…in TOTAL DARKNESS! Not for the faint of heart. Those with a fear of the unknown should not enter the tomb!
Your other senses come alive as strange and horrifying sounds and smells haunt you in the stygian void! Can you find your way to the hidden burial chamber of Necrotis, Queen of the Dead? Only the brave can survive…
Escape a secret military base hidden deep within the earth. Hideous creatures and toxic mutations stalk you at every turn…
Armed only with your wits and a radiation detector, can you navigate the twisting corridors of VAULT 13 and find your way back to the surface? Or will the strange Green Radiation claim you as its next victim?
Reviews from 2003
“Netherworld cohorts Billy Messina and Ben Armstrong consistently kick out the Halloween jams on a cinematic level.”
– AJC access Atlanta
Winner of Best Creatures & Set Design in AJC Access Atlanta
“Netherworld Haunted House in Norcross frightens guests Hollywood-style.”
– AJC access Atlanta
“Atlanta’s ultimate Halloween event.”
– insiteatlanta.com
“Best Bet” AJC Access Atlanta
“Among haunted house attractions, Netherworld is at the top of its game.”
– AOL Local Guide: Atlanta
“A perfectly gruesome way to prepare for the Halloween season.”
– AOL Local Guide: Atlanta
“Atlanta’s ultimate Halloween event continues to terrify thrill seekers with legendary special effects and intense haunted house actors.”
– Key Atlanta Magazine
“Visitors can expect an amazing array of special effects, including animatronic scares, two spinning vortex tunnels, and dozens of other devices sure to shock!”
– Key Atlanta Magazine
“Known collectively as the Netherspawn, these actors specialize in portraying savage things thirsty for the blood of the living.”
– Key Atlanta Magazine
“One of the most elaborate and exciting Halloween attractions you will ever experience.”
– Key Atlanta Magazine
“Hands down the best haunted house in Atlanta.”
– Key Atlanta Magazine
“The most horrifying haunted house in the nation.”
– The Technique
“Netherworld is Atlanta’s premiere haunted house destination.”
– The Technique
“Netherworld is great fun and good times will be had by all who attend.”
– The Technique
“One of the scariest haunted houses around, complete with strange sounds and smells.”
– Gwinnett Daily Post
“For seven years, Netherworld Haunted House in Norcross has been the premiere spot for Halloween jolts and spooked-out seasonal escapes for metro Atlanta.”
– AJC
“One element that separates Netherworld from fly-by-night haunted houses is that each maze has a loosely constructed plot. Couple that with the actors and special effects and it’s akin to walking through a movie set.”
– AJC
“These actors—who include doctors and lawyers—perform with the dedication of true thespians. The Netherspawn are basically a theatre troupe with fangs.”
– AJC
“The improvisational aspect changes the experience each time.”
– AJC
“Netherworld always ranks in the top ten haunted houses in the country. The secret is in the scares and Netherworld has plenty.”
– INsite Atlanta
“If you need a little nudge to get into the spooky spirit of the month or just love to be scared, be sure to check out Netherworld, Atlanta’s ultimate Halloween event.”
– INsite Atlanta
“Elaborate costumes combined with stunning special effects make for one scary night.”
– INsite Atlanta
“Netherworld, Atlanta’s finest haunt, features ghouls and goblins a plenty.”
– The Emory Wheel
“The true embodiment of the Halloween spirit.”
– The Emory Wheel
“The setting is fantastic, with extremely elaborate elements that engage the audience.”
– The Emory Wheel
“Netherworld offers surprises even for the most courageous viewer, making it the best thrill in town.”
– The Emory Wheel
“Atlanta’s finest haunt.”
– The Emory Wheel
“Every year around Halloween, Atlantans summon their courage and make the trek to the Netherworld Haunted House.”
– Jezebel Magazine