8 Creepy, Heavy Tracks for Your All Hallow’s Eve Bash

“Saints in Hell” by Judas Priest from Stained Class (1978)

The grimmest song from the darkest Priest album starts off with the following lyrics:

They laughed at their God and foughthim in vain
So he turned his back on them and left them in pain

The lyrical imagery gets lurid from there on out, as the song title telegraphs. These are definitely the most evil-sounding riffs in the Priest catalog, with Rob Halford’s unnerving screams adding to the foreboding atmosphere in a twisted tale of divine dismay.

“The Dark”/“Zero the Hero” by Black Sabbath from Born Again (1983)

Prefaced by the murky instrumental “The Dark,” “Zero the Hero” is about a famous person anointed for their mediocrity, and this churning, ominous rock song delivers some of the most evil-sounding riffs and solos guitarist Tony Iommi ever conjured. Although Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillen only lasted one album in the Sabbath continuum, there are memorable songs like this that still stand out today. This could have been used in an ‘80s horror movie.

“The Return of the Darkness and Evil” by Bathory from Scandinavian Metal Attack (1983)

The year before he released his debut album that would inspire future black metal musicians, Quorthon recorded early versions of a couple of songs that made it onto this 1983 compilation. This raw track would later close out his second album of the same name, but it would run a minute shorter because it was faster and more aggressive. However, this slightly slower yet still propulsive version actually sounds more sinister and effective.

“Strange Things” by Black ‘N Blue from Without Love (1985)

There’s a gothic vibe to this moody anthem that delves into the scary thoughts that can creep into someone’s head. It’s not overly sinister like other songs on this list, although the suicide musing is unsettling so it still fits. “Strange Things” is a contrast to the rest of the album, which is far more bright and upbeat, and the song ends unexpectedly with excerpt from an old recording of “Danny Boy.” That’s an old horror movie trick: Contrast the gloomy present with the distant past.

Now all the lights are gone
Things are just too empty, yeah
The rats are gnawing at the brains again
And if I see that face inside the mirror
I’m fighting desperately
The things you’ll never know

“The Candle” by King Diamond from Fatal Portrait (1986)

After the initial dissolution of famed Danish band Mercyful Fate, King Diamond’s solo release launched with this creepy track that features nearly a minute and a half of eerie organ, baby shrieks, and an ominous incantation, before bursting into a mid-tempo stomper with plenty of ghostly vocals. Although “Halloween” from the same album seems like it would be most appropriate for the season, this track has a darker atmosphere that will better serve your playlist.

“Witches’ Dance” by Mercyful Fate from Time (1994)

During the second period of Mercyful Fate, three of the original members managed to survive into the first couple of albums. This song isn’t as aggressive as some of the others on the album, but its gothic tone summons a perfect Halloween vibe. King Diamond sings more in the ominous baritone range rather than invoking his shrieking falsetto, which is an acquired taste for many. The neoclassical string section in the break is a nice touch.

“Spellbound (by the Devil)” by Dimmu Borgir from Enthrone Darkness Triumphant (1997)

Norwegian black metal icons Dimmu Borgir have fashioned a career out of ominous and belligerent music. Coming from their earlier days, this track has the requisite blast beats and feral growls but with haunting organ and synths layered on top, making it a more euphonious outing for people unusued to the genre. The title alone is perfect, but the track kicks too and it actually closes with a majestic feeling.

“Necromantic Fantasies” by Cradle of Filth from Existence is Futile (2021)

The extensive Cradle of Filth catalog spans neoclassical interludes, rambunctious black metal, and gothic rock ambiance. There are some dynamic peaks and valleys along the way, and many of the songs are often quite epic. This generally mid-tempo rocker from their latest studio release finds Dani Filth tempering his shrieks more, and the eerie keyboards and female vocals make it a beguiling listen. “Necromantic Fantasies” is one of those tracks that could be done with an orchestra.

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Photo by Gus Stewart/Redferns