Horror in rock goes back at least to Alice Cooper, though the late great Screaming Lord Sutch was singing 20-minute odes to Jack the Ripper before Cooper clicked. Horror in rock is a transgression, but it's an acceptable transgression. (For the most part. GWAR still manages to gross us out.) Anyway, locally, Cheryl and Frank, aka Dreamchild, are in the midst of recording their fourth (possibly double) CD, but are taking a break to play a concert Friday June 27 at the Abbey Lounge, Peviously, Dreamchild has told us about live shows that come "complete with deranged and operatic theatrics and lush orchestral soundscapes." That should remain in place. Their update for this gig: "Having been busily creating more dark delights for your perusal while recording, Dreamchild will present two brand new songs, never before heard nor seen: the hauntingly mesmeric 'Enchanted Valley'' and the eerie otherworldly take of 'Melusina.' The band will also offer the second live performance ever of the psychotically melodramatic, looped piece of vocal madness, aptly entiltled 'In Bedlam,' the bloody retelling of Bluebeard's ill-fated wife, the terrifying embodiment of Lizzie Borden as murderess - and more, if you dare to partake." They'll be joined by Melt, anticipating the release of their second CD, Topheavy, and Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys.  Starts at 9. Tix: $8.

3 Beacon St., Somerville, www.abbelylounge.com