The Most Mysterious Halloween Playlist

Are you struggling to get in the spirit of spooky season? Perhaps your Halloween playlist is in need of titillating tunes to invoke the witch inside you. You are in for a treat because I have compiled the most mystical melodies for ghouls and goblins alike.

“Every Day is Halloween” by Ministry

This song is for those who are strange all year round. Although they went on to make industrial metal, Ministry began as a synth-pop band. In 1984, this song portrays the unabashed spookiness of singer Al Jourgensen.

“Gallowdance” by Lebanon Hanover

Lebanon Hanover, a modern post-punk band, brings an atmospheric doom and gloom to the Halloween season. With a driving bass line, shrieking guitar, and monotone vocals from Larissa Iceglass, this song is perfect to listen to while trying to look mysterious on your way to class.

“I Was A Teenage Werewolf” by The Cramps

The Cramps are a rockabilly band consisting of husband and wife, Lux Interior, and Poison Ivy. Although they have a cult following, plenty of people may have heard them for the first time on the TV show, ‘Wednesday’ with their song “Goo Goo Muck.” The Cramps are sure to bless your ears during this frightful Fall.

“Wax and Wane” by Cocteau Twins

If you haven’t had the privilege of listening to this eerily stunning song, you are missing out. Cocteau Twins are an influential Scottish rock band who are known for their incomprehensible yet bewitching vocals. Beloved rock band Deftones covered this track on their B-Sides & Rarities album.

“Double Dare” by Bauhaus

Bauhaus is another wildly influential band known for their gothic anthem “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” (which is also worth a listen). David J’s nagging bassline compliments Peter Murphy’s haunting vocals. “Double Dare” is but one amazing song from of 1980’s In The Flat Field.

“The Days of Swine and Roses” by My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult

The eccentric sounds of My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult are sure to put a spell on you this season. This song appeared on a split single with industrial band KMFDM in 1991, although it was first released in 1990’s Confessions of a Knife. Thrill Kill Kult has also appeared on 1994’s ‘The Crow‘ soundtrack.

“Psychedelic Sacrifice” by The Electric Hellfire Club

Although more niche than other songs in this playlist, “Psychedelic Sacrifice” is a treat. Combining elements of industrial, techno, psychedelia, as well as horror samples, the Hellfire Club makes the ideal Halloween soundtrack. This band was formed when Thomas Thorn left My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult in 1991. If you are as pretentious as me, you may recognize this band from the iconic Gummo soundtrack.

“A Forest” by The Cure

Last but certainly not least, “A Forest” is the perfect song for the waning days and nippy nights. When I listen to this song, I can’t help but imagine being chased through a foggy forest- in the best way possible. The Cure is a goth classic, and I’d be wrong not to include this tune on a Halloween playlist.