In this edition of The Underground Sound, I will be discussing spooooooky music! It’s nearly Halloween and there are a ton of great, haunting tunes to add to your playlist to get yourself in the spirit of Halloween. Or, if you’re crafting that last-minute playlist for your Halloween party. Below, I will share some tracks/albums, my thoughts, and provide ways for you to listen.
#1: Lowell Liebermann – Gargoyles for Piano, Op. 28
Now, normally I am not a classical music listener. Though, this piano score would fit the vibe of any Halloween-themed playlist. As I listen to it, I am transported to the world of 80s cult horror movies worldwide. It’s creepy in some places and anxiety-producing in others. It would make for a great ambiance-builder for your Halloween party or playlist.
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXTmuc–cpU
#2: Isaac Rother & The Phantoms – Heeby Jeebies
If you’re a fan of 50s style rock-n-roll, Isaac Rother & The Phantoms is going to be a pleasing experience. Just imagine Jerry Lee Lewis mixed with spooky vibes (especially if you watch the music video). The vocal style of Isaac Rother is oddly satisfying to my ears; he’s got a very unique style. I also love the female backing vocals.
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ch0obMk6j4
#3: Kip Tyler – She’s My Witch
This track is slow, plodding, and sexy in its own way. A seductive, sultry song is a necessity for any Halloween playlist! You’ve gotta get those party-goes moving and grooving, after all. Kip Tyler’s vocal approach reminds me so much of The Doors that I thought it was Jim Morrison fronting the band. The vibe fits The Doors as well, as the track has a psychedelic feel to it.
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GZfi6FKBQw
#4: The Devin Townsend Band – Vampira
It would be a tragedy if I did not mention at least ONE metal band in one of my columns. The first reason I selected this song is because it is about vampires. Vampires and Halloween go hand-in-hand, a no-brainer, right? The track itself is entertaining, high energy, and driving. Even if your party-goers are not fans of metal music, this is one you could get away with sneaking into a playlist.
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjjIna3j1Nc
#5: Ceremonial Castings – Salem 1692 (full album)
Salem 1692 is an album by the black metal band Ceremonial Castings, released in 2008. The album is a concept piece that draws inspiration from the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692, blending themes of occultism, witchcraft, and historical events with the band’s signature blend of black, symphonic, and melodic metal. “Salem 1692” features intense black metal elements, such as fast-paced drumming, tremolo guitar picking, and harsh vocals, all layered with atmospheric keyboards that add a symphonic dimension to the sound.
While Ceremonial Castings is now a defunct band (now under the name Uada), this album is all about witchcraft, paranoia, hysteria, and violence of the Salem witch trials. The songs narrate tales of accusation, trial, and execution, capturing the fear and chaos of the period. The lyrics often evoke imagery of witchcraft, occult rituals, and the supernatural, aligning with the historical setting but interpreted through a dark, mythological lens. The music is haunting, heavy, and spooky. Any track from this album would fit nicely onto your Halloween playlist.
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXk5uvs2Rgk
#6: The Misfits (various songs)
The Misfits are an American punk band who started the concept of “horror punk”. There are so many songs created by the Misfits that I have created a list for you to save you a lot of time! The Misfits are full of raw energy. Not only are these songs great for a Halloween playlist, but also for your exercise playlist.
1. “Halloween”
This song is a Halloween anthem with lyrics that directly reference the holiday, making it a must for any Halloween playlist.
2. “Dig Up Her Bones”
A melodic track from their later era, it combines eerie lyrics about resurrection and love from beyond the grave, perfect for a haunting atmosphere.
3. “Night of the Living Dead”
Inspired by the iconic zombie film, this fast-paced track is perfect for fans of horror and sets a spooky, frantic tone.
4. “Die, Die My Darling”
A dark and aggressive track that delivers haunting energy with its menacing lyrics, great for a high-energy Halloween party.
5. “Skulls”
With its macabre lyrics about collecting skulls, this song blends the creepy theme with catchy punk riffs..
6. “Vampira”
A tribute to the iconic horror hostess Vampira, this track taps into vintage horror culture, making it ideal for a Halloween throwback.
8. “Astro Zombies”
A song about an apocalyptic zombie takeover, it perfectly blends horror and punk, great for Halloween vibes.
9. “Horror Business”
With its title alone, it’s a go-to Misfits song for Halloween. Its lyrics and punk energy are quintessential for a horror-themed playlist.
#7: Bobby Bare – Marie Laveau
For fans of country-esque music, Bobby Bare is a satisfying artist. The song tells the story of Marie Laveau, a notorious voodoo queen in New Orleans folklore. According to the lyrics, Marie was known for casting spells and curses, causing fear among those who crossed her path. The song’s narrator humorously describes how she uses her voodoo powers to manipulate and intimidate men, warning that she would “put a spell on you.” The climax of the song comes when a suitor promises to marry Marie in exchange for her help in acquiring money. However, he ultimately tries to cheat her, leading to his demise when Marie curses him. It’s a fun song with a lot of spooky vibes. Perfect for your Halloween party or playlist.
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBt845vjzq0
#8: Alan Jackson – Midnight in Montgomery
Now, this track is not about Halloween, but it IS about a ghostly encounter. The song tells the story of a narrator, presumably Jackson himself, traveling to Montgomery, Alabama, to visit the grave of country music legend Hank Williams. The narrator arrives at midnight, describing the eerie and quiet atmosphere of the cemetery. As he reflects on Williams’ legacy and the loneliness that comes with life on the road, he encounters a mysterious figure in the shadows. It is revealed that this ghostly presence is Hank Williams himself, standing alone, still embodying the soul of country music long after his death.
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCvSBVDZTDE
#9: Oingo Boingo – Dead Man’s Party
Now, not all spooky-themed music needs to be scary. Sometimes spooky music can make you want to hit the dance floor and get your groove on! This is the case for Dead Man’s Party by Oingo Boingo, written by the legendary frontman Danny Elfman. The lyrics of Dead Man’s Party explore themes of death and celebration, with the idea of embracing the inevitability of death rather than fearing it. The song presents a darkly humorous and festive tone, describing a party thrown by and for the dead, where guests are “dressed up with nowhere to go.” The chorus, “It’s a dead man’s party, who could ask for more?” reflects the lighthearted yet eerie perspective on death as a celebration.
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhN8SdulOFc
#10: King Diamond – Abigail (album)
Abigail is the second album by Danish heavy metal artist King Diamond, released in 1987. It is regarded as one of the most iconic concept albums in the heavy metal genre and is a defining release in King Diamond’s solo career.
Abigail tells a gothic horror story set in 1845 about a young couple, Jonathan La’Fey and his wife Miriam, who move into a haunted mansion. They are warned not to proceed with their move but ignore the advice, leading to a terrifying series of events. The house is haunted by the ghost of Abigail, a stillborn child whose spirit seeks to be reborn. Throughout the album, supernatural occurrences, possession, and tragic fate unfold as Abigail’s presence threatens to destroy the couple. The lyrics explore themes of death, possession, and fate, capturing the eerie and unsettling mood of the story.
For those of you who enjoy heavy metal and falsetto style vocals a la Judas Priest, this album will satisfy your listening needs. The overall concept of the album is very spooky and would be fitting for any Halloween-themed playlist. My personal favorite tracks on this album are Welcome Home, Abigail, and The Family Ghost.
