Halloween season is upon us! One of the most festive ways to get in the spirit is with a playlist that embodies the haunts, chills, thrills, and spooks that await us in October. Here are 15 essential spooky rock songs to get your Halloween playlist started.
Misfits — “Scream!”
The Misfits have been unprecedented pioneers of the horror punk genre since the 1970s with their immaculate blend of horror-themed lyrics, imagery, and wardrobe. Any of their songs can be considered vital for your Halloween playlist. This just happens to be a top track and personal favorite.
AFI — “Halloween”
In October 1999, AFI released their iconic spooky delight, the All Hallow’s EP, which includes three original tracks and this immaculate cover of the Misfits classic song.
Ice Nine Kills — “A Grave Mistake”
This track comes from Ice Nine Kills‘ breakthrough album, The Silver Scream. Every song on the tracklist is heavily inspired by a different beloved horror movie. In particular, this one is inspired by the cult-classic noir superhero film The Crow. If you want to stack your playlist high with horror-fueled rock bangers, this album deserves inclusion.
Ministry — “Every Day is Halloween”
This track is an anthem for the outcasts, freaks, and misfits who treat every day like a Halloween party. While some people would consider it an insult to tell someone they dress like it’s Halloween on an average day, Ministry turns it upside down to celebrate individuality. This song was an anthem for the emerging goth scene when it was released in 1987.
Ghost — “Dance Macabre”
Ghost is a staple band whose imagery and musical themes exude Halloween spirit. The song title is a nod to “danse macabre,” also referred to as “the Dance of Death,” which is a genre for stories and poetry in the Late Middle Ages that focus on the absolutism of death. This nerdy, morbid fact gives you intel into the song’s lyrical themes about the Black Death in Europe in the mid-1300s.
Siouxsie And The Banshees — “Spellbound”
Siouxsie And The Banshees inspired a revolution in gothic post-punk. Without their contributions to the genre, we may not have some of our favorite masterpieces from The Cure, Joy Division, The Smiths, Depeche Mode, and more. “Spellbound” is one of their most influential tracks, with lyrics that are left open to interpretation. During this time of year, listeners see it as an anthem for the paranormal.
Rob Zombie — “Dragula”
“Dragula” finds itself on every Halloween playlist regardless of the genre preference because of its indispensable role in the season’s theme. The Rob Zombie track has horror nods interwoven throughout every aspect of its lyrics and instrumentation, including the title. The song is named after Grandpa Munder’s famous drag racer car “DRAG-U-LA” from The Munsters. A replica car inspired by the original makes an appearance in the music video.
Alice Cooper — “Feed My Frankenstein”
Alice Cooper‘s iconic cover of the song, originally made famous by Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction, is renowned for his unique spin on the lyrics and the star-studded guest appearances from Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe and Elvira. The song uses monster metaphors for its saucy lyrical themes, making it a playful, fun track for your playlist.
HIM — “Join Me In Death”
HIM are the masters of morbidly beautiful love songs. On this track, Ville Vallo professes his admiration for his lover and serenades us to join him in the afterlife.
Ramones — “Pet Semetary”
If you’re wondering which came first, the Stephen King story or the song, I have the answer! The track was originally written for the 1989 film adaptation of the book and plays during the movie’s credits. It became one of the Ramones’ biggest radio hits and is appropriately accompanied by an atmospheric video filmed in a cemetery.
Type O Negative — “Black No. 1”
This is the anthem for your inner darkness and is arguably one of Type O Negative‘s most famous tracks. Throughout the song, you’ll find Easter eggs nodding to Halloween, Nosferatu, and Lily Munster. There are also sneaky musical references to The Addams Family and The Munsters‘ theme songs.
The 69 Eyes — “Framed In Blood”
The 69 Eyes are the masters of Scandinavian goth rock that combines elements of rock, metal, punk, and gothic synths. They are famous for their signature leather jackets, black eyeliner, and sunglasses that exude mystery and danger. Their unique brand of gloom, doom, and glam is synonymous with the dark, cool breeze of Autumn.
The Rolling Stones — “Paint It Black”
Does this Rolling Stones song really need an explanation? As soon as the opening note begins, there is no question what song it is. The minor key sets the tone, while psychedelic elements leave listeners unsettled every time.
Ozzy Osbourne — “Back At The Moon”
The Prince of Darkness deserves a spot in every Halloween playlist. The title track to Ozzy Osbourne‘s 1983 album “Back At The Moon” is a rockin’ tale of a creature (presumably a werewolf) who returns from the dead to haunt us.
Gerard Way — “Baby You’re A Haunted House”
Gerard Way delighted My Chemical Romance fans when he released this vintage-inspired, bouncy rock song about the inner ghosts and demons that haunt us. He recruited his brother, Mikey Way, on bass for this Halloween-worthy tune.