Poltergeist

The reason reviews below seem to be all over the place, or incredibly inconsistent, is that there have been 4 or 5 different formulations of Poltergeist released since introduction. There may have been a couple versions within the initial years of production, then after discontinuation each time it was brought back (limited runs or the current version) reviews are quite different as to what users are smelling. The perfume's color changed several times, as have the stated natural ingredients used. The note pyramids provided by the original creator (perfumer?) himself, Heretic, and websites like Fragrantica are so different that they can't be relied upon. Even if accurate, exactly WHICH version do they belong to? Some (I believe) were released as a joke or to mislead as to the actual composition. I mean, there never was pineapple in any version of Poltergeist, and that's just one example. Reading the reviews shows that people often smell what they are told to smell while looking at a note pyramid. Yes, Fragrantica did publish a pyramid with pineapple included❗ I'm not even sure of the exact date my bottle was purchased directly from Heretic, but it was early on. It's a 100mL size and they haven't been offered since late 2018 +/-1 year. My liquid is so dark it appears black. The documentation in my box states: TOP: Wormwood, Pine, Geranium MIDDLE: Neroli BASE: Myrrh, Birch Tar, Oakmoss Perhaps I'm reading my included pyramid too😂, but I get a potent blast of wormwood, a lesser amount of dried pine needles, and a small amount of a fresher green note (herbal, almost minty) well in the back during the opening. Performance is strong at that point. As it starts to settle down the fresh green aspect wanes too. When it almost disappears it's replaced by a very gentle feeling of something floral in the bitter mix. I catch it, then I can't (repeat), but whatever it is there's an ever so slight sweet note accompanying when I find it. That's good because next comes the heavy smoke. At first, I can only identify birch tar, and it is the note that takes over the composition before it too settles and things clear again (more below). It was present even at the open, but it grew as the rest faded. Even at it's strongest I've never felt anything other than plant life was charred or smoking to provide the scent around me. I can't say others didn't smell BBQ or grilled meat. I'm not them, but I can say that was never my experience. Okay, so the birch tar recedes to allow this to finish as more than one note that might become cloying. Oakmoss now plays a strong second, and there is something resinous in there too. After a few hours all 3 are about equal to me. I feel there's more to it than that but I can't discern what that is. My Poltergeist is noticeable to those within arms length for about 6-7 hours, but I notice it on myself a few hours longer. On clothing it requires laundering off. YMMV. Do I smell the pyramid in my perfume box as I've accused others of doing? Yeah, maybe, but I love greens and resins, and I'm old enough to remember real oakmoss in great perfumes. Knowing that this is one of the all natural ingredient offerings from Heretic assures me it's the "real deal". It's a shame that future formulations weren't able to continue this oakmoss note, whether due to cost or (more likely) adopting IFRA conformity as the brand grew. Perhaps all the reformations since we're attempts to work around ingredient regulations, but I also think they may have been trying to make Poltergeist less "niche" and more mainstream to increase sales. I hope I didn't confuse in my attempt to clear up some things about this perfume. Please read everyone's review, just remember that (like it or not) we're not all reviewing versions that were meant to smell the same. This isn't Creed Aventus.

Poltergeist opens with a strong hit of juniper and cedar, sharp and unmistakable, while frankincense sits just beneath them and slowly grows more dominant. The overall impression is immediately evocative, like stepping into an old, empty cathedral after a winter midnight mass. There’s a reverent stillness to it. I also get damp cellar vibes which grounds the more ethereal imagery with something earthy and slightly unsettling. It’s dark, atmospheric, and very intentional. This isn’t a casual reach, I won’t be wearing it to a summer brunch, but it fits perfectly for goth/industrial club nights. It's very niche and will probably be a hit for some and a flop for others; I don't think you'll find many people on the fence with this one. As it dries down, a gentle smokiness emerges. I’ve seen people compare it to bonfires or BBQ, which I understand on paper, but to my nose it’s far more refined than that. Instead of campfire or charcoal grill, it reads like premium applewood or mesquite: earthy, spicy, and with a slight sweetness that mingles well with the frankincense. Longevity isn't great. After about three to four hours, it’s faded enough to need another spritz. That said, for a fragrance this moody and situational, I don’t mind reapplying.

Wanna see another eclipse? You have 2 choices: Don't pay your light bill this month or just buy Poltergeist instead. The most interesting thing about this fragrance is that it has an Aventus like profile boasting pineapple, birch and oakmoss. Aventus this is not therefore, I don't want anyone inboxing me saying, "I ran out to buy this fragrance because you said it was like Aventus." This opening is precisely the smell of lemon flavored cigarette with oakmoss. A weird combination but one to behold as it transitions to the "smoked meat" that others have mentioned. Personally, I think the smoky sensation is akin to soot from burning wood. This is an intimate fragrance and a joy to wear as you receive compliments from the most unlikely people...and then you will understand the allure of Poltergeist: Distinguished. Like Basquiat paintings, this is weird but necessary.

This is the fuel nightmares are made of Bypassed my nose, straight to the limbic system Raised neck hairs, brain screaming, sweats, and a cartoon shade of green Luckily I hadn't eaten yet, or I would have chucked up my breakfast The nose caught up and it was the most horrendous stench I've ever encountered Tyrannosaurus Rex and Inexcusable Evil have nothing on this I scrubbed it off so fast Had to Nil Odor the entire house And wash the bedding IF you're going to attempt to wear this 1. One spray, two at the absolute most 2. Let it sit for at least an hour before going out It's a creative masterpiece of horror, well done. Love it, even if it's just for Halloween.

Cold winds over a rocky, Pacific beach. Secrets murmured under the glow of a campfire. Burnt paper, as if to execute a secret spell via ink and spiritual direction. Poltergeist is a statement fragrance. Smoky, eerie, unwarm, all by design. It's beautiful and haunting in the bottle, and I can imagine that it suits someone's skin chemistry gorgeously. Unfortunately, Poltergeist does not mix well with my natural scent. In good faith, I gave it to someone who did suit it well. I regret it every day, and I wish I had the bottle just to smell because this fragrance is a work of art.