Even though Halloween happened almost half a year ago, yet another Friday the 13th rolls around. Because there’s no better day to put on some scary music, here are 13 songs that you can play to set the mood on this horror-filled holiday.
“6 Inch Gold Blade” — The Birthday Party
This song is a timeless classic from one of the most influential post-punk bands of all time. If you’re familiar with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, you’ll love this band, as The Birthday Party is an earlier project of Cave’s. This song is fun, campy and packed with horror.
“Turned Killer” — Eugene Viscione
There’s not a whole lot of information about Eugene Viscione on the internet, other than that he was a New Jersey barber that kept a recording studio in the back of a shop. This song is strange, fuzzy and creepy. It’s like a half-forgotten memory or the auditory version of a liminal space. Anyone looking for a creepy, dreamlike vibe should listen to this song.
“Down in a Willow Garden” — Kossoy Sisters
This folk song is deceptive with its happy melody, but if you listen beyond the gentle voices of the Kossoy Ssisters, you’ll hear the surprisingly brutal lyrics about committing murder. For fans of folk, bluegrass, and country, this could be a go-to creepy song for you.
“Killing Fever” — Dazzling Killmen
Dazzling Killmen is one of the most underappreciated noise rock bands of the 1990s. Their aggressive and abrasive sound and morbid lyrics make the perfect combination for any Friday the 13th playlist. If you are a fan of Nirvana’s more abrasive songs, this band will be right up your alley.
“Lower East Side” — Keiji Haino and Tatsuya Yoshida
Although the theme of this song isn’t related to death, fear or horror in any direct way, this track is one of the most intense, angular and dissonant avant-garde jazz pieces out there. This piece drills its way into your ears and stays there — a perfect musical mirror of the feeling of overwhelming fear. Fans of noise should check this one out.
“Known Victims” — Deathpile
This might be one of the most difficult songs to listen to on this list, and for good reason. This song comes from a concept album inspired by the Green River Killer, one of the deadliest serial killers in American history, and the music provides a disturbing window into the deranged mind of the killer. This track falls closer to noise than music, but for anyone with an adventurous music taste looking for a scare, this is a great pick.
“Re-Enact the Crime” — Unwound
Unwound is probably one of the best bands for anyone looking for an entry into noise rock. This track and its horror-esque themes features a nice blend of dissonance while also preserving enough of the musicality to easy listening.
“Too Many Humans” — No Trend
There aren’t any bands that are even close to being similar to No Trend. This ‘80s punk band packs a punch: every second of every song drips with intense hatred and misanthropy. If there’s any song that matches the angst of Friday the 13th, it’s this one.
“Designed to Kill” — James Chance and the Contortions
If there’s one thing I could say to sum up this song, it’s this: James Chance, a prevalent NYC musician in the 1970s, started out as a jazz musician. He would be subsequently kicked out of most New York jazz clubs after gaining a reputation for jumping into the crowd to fight people. This song shows that rage; it’s almost like violent disco.
“Bloodhail” — Have a Nice Life
This song is gloomy, morbid and a great song to play for anyone wanting to create a graveyard-like atmosphere. With the fuzzy, experimental production, this song plays like a disturbing dream. It makes for the perfect Friday the 13th soundtrack.
“Fear” — South of No North
This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one goth song. This song, from a severely overlooked Greek goth band, fits the bill perfectly. It’s gloomy, edgy, and full of horror. For fans of goth music that haven’t heard this band yet, this is a perfect one to check out.
“Destination: Blood!” — Orchid
Of course, I’m obligated to include goth’s cousin, emo, in this list as well. This band, from Amherst, Mass. is without a doubt one of the most influential screamo bands of the 1990s. This song perfectly fits the fear, drama and intensity of Friday the 13th.
“Nothing is Safe” — clipping.
Clipping is probably one of the most interesting rap groups to come out of the past couple of decades. This song, with its experimental edge and slow buildup, matches the anticipation and anxiety of Friday the 13th. For any rap fans looking for more diversity in their regular rotation, this is a must-listen.