STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Horror isn’t supposed to make people smile, but at Netherworld, it’s been decades of smiles.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve been doing this that long,” said co-owner Ben Armstrong.

The secret? Keep changing.

“You’ve got to make something people have never seen before,” Armstrong said.

This year, the monsters are bigger, louder and more vicious.

“Here is a massive gargoyle telling the tale of this year’s show,” Armstrong explained, showcasing a massive beast with a 20-foot wingspan.

This year’s theme is Monsters Attack!. But the monsters that people will see starting Friday are not dusted off each September. It’s a year-round job.

“Maintaining all the attractions here is a challenge,” Armstrong admitted.

Netherworld was recently named the “Most Technologically Innovative” haunted house in America by America Haunts, a collection of haunted houses throughout the country.

“Show control, sound, pneumatics, motors, all in a symphony to create something that is absolutely mindboggling,” Armstrong said.

There are more than 450 special effects that the crew of several hundred has to maintain. Attractions include everything from smoke to robot battles to a simulated elevator drop.

AI is now being incorporated into some voiceovers, but the human element is integral.

“We love our actors, because they’re what people come to see,” Armstrong said.

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