Image: Ice Nine Kills - "Assault & Batteries" - Official Music Video
Halloween is approaching, and it’s the best time for eerie, spine-chilling metal in its darkest form! Here are 8 songs that should not be missing from any Halloween playlist – perfect for setting the tone for the darkest night of the year. Whether it’s dark stories or horror movie references, these tracks hit the mark.
1. Cradle of Filth - "Born in a Burial Gown"
When it comes to Halloween, Cradle of Filth is practically mandatory. "Born in a Burial Gown" from Bitter Suites to Succubi exudes a perfect mix of gothic horror and atmospheric darkness. The hard-hitting riffs, paired with Dani Filth’s unmistakable vocals, transport you to a circus of horrors, full of monsters and supernatural forces. This song provides the perfect creepy soundtrack for a haunted night on an old, abandoned circus ground – fitting Halloween like a glove.
2. Motionless In White - "Werewolf"
Motionless In White has created the perfect Halloween track with "Werewolf." This song from their album Scoring the End of the World blends catchy metalcore with cinematic horror vibes. With gripping synths, driving beats, and Chris Motionless' intense vocals, "Werewolf" feels like a modern metalcore version of Michael Jackson’s "Thriller." The track immediately conjures images of running through dark forests, pursued by an unstoppable beast. With its eerie energy and spooky atmosphere, "Werewolf" is the perfect soundtrack to fill Halloween night with adrenaline and chills.
3. Ghost - "Ritual"
Ghost has made it their mission to create dark yet captivating atmospheres. "Ritual" from their debut album Opus Eponymous is practically the soundtrack for a satanic Halloween ritual. The occult lyrics and the gripping, almost hypnotic melody make this song a perfect choice for anyone who sees Halloween not just as a costume party but as a mystical experience.
4. Ice Nine Kills - "Assault & Batteries"
If you love horror movies, then Ice Nine Kills should definitely be on your playlist. "Assault & Batteries" is a wild, action-packed track inspired by Child’s Play and the murderous doll Chucky. With its fast pace, bloody lyrics, and homage to one of the most famous horror films of all time, this song is the perfect pump-up track for a Halloween night full of shocks and scares.
5. Mister Misery - "My Ghost"
With their mix of theatrics, dark melodies, and a touch of gothic metal, Mister Misery has created a Halloween anthem. "My Ghost" combines creepy lyrics about the Boogeyman myth with energetic riffs and a dark circus melody. It’s the kind of track that immediately puts you in a ghostly yet thrilling mood – making it the perfect accompaniment for a haunted Halloween party.
6. King Diamond - "Halloween"
What would Halloween be without King Diamond? The master of horror metal delivers with "Halloween" from the album Fatal Portrait a hymn to Halloween and an absolute classic. With his high-pitched voice and ominous guitar riffs, this song encapsulates the essence of Halloween. It’s a track that shouldn’t be missing from any Halloween party.
7. The Black Dahlia Murder - "Nightbringers"
With their brutal blend of melodic death metal and dark lyrics about the supernatural, The Black Dahlia Murder is the perfect choice for a Halloween night filled with terror and chaos. "Nightbringers" is a fast, intense track brimming with energy, making you feel like you’re being hunted through the night by dark forces. If you love it hard and heavy, this song is a must.
8. Rob Zombie - "Dragula"
Rob Zombie is a master of horror, both in his films and his music. "Dragula" is probably one of his most well-known songs and mixes heavy metal grooves with a dark industrial flair. The track is named after a hot rod from the TV show The Munsters and delivers the perfect mix of horror and action to elevate Halloween to the next level. It’s the kind of song that takes you on a hellish joyride.
If you're looking for even more songs for your Halloween party, then take a look at our Halloween playlist on Spotify.
