10 rock songs that’ll possess you with the Halloween spirit.
It is that time of year again: spooky season. It is the time for scary movies, creepy costumes and horror-filled fun. With Halloween just a few days away, it’s time to prepare for the celebration. And, what’s a celebration without music? Whether you’ll be attending a Halloween party, doing some pumpkin carving or even spending the Monday studying, here are a few tracks that’ll make your night a little more living and a little less dead.
“Friday the 13th” by White Reaper
This White Reaper track is the perfect way to kick off your Halloween. Its spooky synthesizer and garage band guitar will make you want to move. With lyrics about a relationship gone sour on Friday the 13th, listening to the song is almost like watching a mysterious horror film. The track leaves you wondering what wicked things are next for this troubled couple.
“Serafina” by Bambara
In this song, Bambara paints a picture of a girl dancing around a fire in a mischievous way, charming those around her to join her in her acts of arson. The dark and effortless vocals make you feel as if you’re listening to a scary story around the campfire — or performing sacrificial rituals, if that’s your vibe.
“London Dungeon” by Misfits
What’s Halloween without the Misfits? “London Dungeon” draws you in with a percussion intro, followed by a dark, rhythmic bass line and eerie guitar effects. Some see Halloween as a time when the “freaks” come out, but this horror-punk band embraces the sides of themselves that may seem strange to others. This track is proof of that, and it will have everyone wanting to dance with the living dead.
“Pet Sematary” by The Ramones
The party continues with “Pet Sematary.” The song is the epitome of Halloween. Written for the movie based on Stephen King’s novel, the lyrics are about walking around a magical cemetery, in which the buried come back to life. However, the singer expresses that he doesn’t want to be buried here since he does not want a replay of his terrible experience. Despite the dreary lyrics, this is a song you can bop your head to this Halloween.
“Possessed” by Suicidal Tendencies
The title of this song from the hardcore and thrash band says it all. “Possessed” is about being controlled by some unknown, outside force, whether it be spirits, voices in your head or even the opinions of others drowning out your thoughts. Mosh with the monsters to this fast-paced track.
“The Staircase (Mystery)” by Siouxsie and the Banshees
“The Staircase (Mystery)” sets the scene of a house that’s upside down with spinning staircases. The echoing guitar riffs and the haunting notes will make you feel like you’re walking through a haunted house that you can never escape. Siouxsie’s ghoulish vocals towards the end close out the song in the most chilling way.
“Gravediggin’” by The Buttertones
Take a swim with the “Creature from the Black Lagoon” in the surf rock song “Gravediggin.’” This song from The Buttertones is an excellent addition to your Halloween festivities. With its surf rock guitar sounds and screamin’ sax, this song will get you moving. The smooth, deep vocals bring darkness while the fast tempo brings the dance.
“Lucifer Sam” by Pink Floyd
Starting with surf rock-inspired guitar and ominous notes from the organ, “Lucifer Sam” enchants you. With lyrics about a devilish cat and a witch, this song is perfect for the season. Filled with mysterious sounds, this psychedelic tune will take you on a trip with the creepy creatures of the night.
“Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads
This catchy track from the band Talking Heads takes you into the mind of a “Psycho Killer.” It begins with a simple bass line and some kicks of the bass drum, then it picks up with light guitar chords. The rhythm of the guitar brings out the feelings of anxiety and tension that the killer is feeling, as depicted through the lyrics. Recently used in an episode of “Stranger Things 4,” this song is a staple this Halloween.
“Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)” by David Bowie
Last but not least, “Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)” by the legendary David Bowie is a must-listen this spooky season. The wailing guitar and clanking percussion create a chaotic sound most pleasingly. The haunting vocal harmonies during the chorus make Bowie sound like the monsters he’s singing about, but what’s even scarier than this song is not having it in your Halloween playlist this year.
