In the latest episode of Paranormal Prison, Jasen Rauch, guitarist for Breaking Benjamin since 2014, embarks on a chilling exploration of the Ohio State Reformatory. This historic prison, known for its grim past, serves as the backdrop for the 11th episode of the show’s second season.
Upon entering the cell block, Rauch remarks on the palpable atmosphere, stating, “Knowing the history that these walls have seen has to be pretty crazy, so there’s definitely a little bit of a weight there… it’s heavy.” His journey includes venturing into one of the prison’s smaller cells in the west cell block and the notorious shower room, areas marked by violent histories.
Throughout the investigation, the team employs specialized equipment to detect paranormal activity. Notably, they attempt to communicate with a former inmate named Glenn at the exact location of his untimely death. Host Josh Bernstein prompts, “Can you make this ball of light turn on?” leading to an immediate and eerie display of lights.
Reflecting on the experience, Rauch notes, “Whether we’re here twice or 10 times, there’s got to be something different that we’re experiencing or that someone sees or hears or feels. So, that’s the coolest part about this building specifically.”
Paranormal Prison is a collaborative project between Loudwire, Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival, and Danny Wimmer Presents. The series invites artists to delve into the haunted corridors of the Ohio State Reformatory, a facility that operated from 1896 to 1990 and gained cinematic fame in “The Shawshank Redemption.” Season 2 airs every Wednesday at 1 PM ET on Loudwire’s YouTube channel, with the finale scheduled for February 5.
For fans eager to experience the reformatory firsthand, the Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival is set to return from July 18 to 20, 2025, featuring headliners Falling in Reverse, Slipknot, and Five Finger Death Punch. More details are available on the official Inkcarceration and Danny Wimmer Presents websites.
