Hold on to your vocal cords, ladies and gentlemen, metro Atlanta’s nationally-praised haunted house is back and better than ever for the Halloween season. Netherworld Haunted House has been a beloved fall attraction for Georgians since 1997, when a group of film and television experts decided to make a haunted attraction the likes of which Atlanta had never seen.

Since then, Netherworld has been dubbed one of the best haunted houses in America and attracts visitors from all over the country with its frequent frights and strident screams. At North Atlanta, October brings hallway buzz about the attraction and its annually revamped haunted house.

Although the lines at Netherworld often wrap around the building, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, they hardly deter North Atlanta students from driving 30 minutes to the Norcross location and waiting anxiously in line for two hours for just 20 minutes of scares.

Exploring fear in a safe setting, for some people, is both cathartic and stimulating, because they are able to explore new sensations that are different from their daily routines. Some people, like junior Matthew Aspinwall, however, have the opposite perspective of fear. “I have a pretty big aversion to fear. I went to Netherworld for the first and last time two years ago. I’ve never been more terrified, and I spent the entire time huddled behind my friend,” he said.

For those who enjoy the feeling of fear, Netherworld is the perfect escape to find that freaky alternate reality that the thrill-seekers so desire to find. The main haunted house, this year dubbed Primal Scream, remains constant each year with its terrifying decorations and special effects. Some people may question the appeal of returning each year for the same haunts, but many argue that there is no limit to the frights that the rotating cast of monsters and house itself produce. However, if seeing the same things each year isn’t the ideal use of one’s money and time, the second haunted house that changes themes annually may be a more pleasant experience. This year, the special effects and decorations are all new to produce a chilling, 3D “funhouse,” brimming with evil clowns and maniacs. This theme comes at the perfect time, after this year’s film revival of Stephen King’s haunting “It,” which features a creature that wears the skin of a killer clown. Junior Zachary Lloyd finds the notion of the Fun House quite tempting. “I’ve never been to Netherworld but I’m going this year and both houses sound totally terrifying! I’m really excited,” said Lloyd.

Last year, Netherworld announced its upcoming relocation from its warehouse in Norcross to a 9.5-acre property in Stone Mountain, Georgia. This implies inherent changes to the haunted houses themselves, but it is safe to say that the attraction will draw just as many, if not more visitors. There is even some talk of adding more seasonal events like a pumpkin patch, so have no fear, Netherworld regulars, there will still be frights and entertainment next year. Junior Emma Lawson was grateful to hear that the last year for Netherworld in Norcross was not its final year as a working haunted house. “Going to Netherworld is an annual Halloween practice for me and my friends and I’m very relieved we’ll still be able to go,” said Lawson.

So if you feel inclined to scream this Halloween season, make your way over to Netherworld!