The 10 Best Albums To Soundtrack Your Spooky Season

Written By, Ethan Fuller 

As the leaves change and the temperature drops, there's a common debate amongst music nerds: What are the best Halloween-time albums to groove to during this season? From ambient goth folk —  to the finest horror punk written, there's no time like the present to get spinning before the inevitable tidal wave of Christmas music lands on November 1.

Here's our take on the 10 best albums to soundtrack your spooky season this fall.

10. Birth Of Violence - Chelsea Wolfe

Released in 2019 and produced by Wolfe and longtime collaborator Ben Crisholm. Birth of Violence provides ambient, ethereal, and haunting folk soundscapes. Blending a perfect mix of eeriness and wanderlust with masterful lyricism by Wolfe. This album is ideal for mid-afternoon autumn walks before the sun's fully set. Be sure to check out the track "American Darkness" to get you in the perfect out-of-body, calm autumn mood. 

9. Return of the Loving Dead - Nekromantix 

Looking to spice up your spooky sonic landscapes? Look no further than the Danish psychobilly act Nekromantix. Blending elements of rockabilly and horror-punk, the trio have managed to embody a unique and iconic look and sound. Think if the Misfits and Johnny Cash collaborated at a USO dance. For the uninitiated, this sound will be fresh and unique, especially for fans of Rancid and the aforementioned misfits. Queue up "Gargoyles Over Copenhagen" on your next night out. 

8. Party Monsters - The Haxans 

Looking for high-energy, party-ready industrial goth pop suitable for any occasion? Look no further than New Year's Day frontwoman Ash Costello and Rob Zombie bassist Matt Montgomery (Piggy D to the fans) 's passion project, The Haxans. Their 2017 album Party Monsters brings everything you could want to a horror bash, ripping guitars, unsettling organs and synths, and catchy anthemic choruses fitting for any party or action-horror movie trailer. Guaranteed to get your blood going. Check out their renditions of 45 Grave's "Party Time," one of the few cases of a cover being superior to the original.

7. V •••– - Tiger Army 

In the footsteps of Nekromantix before them, Nick13's Tiger Army has been the American standard for horror rockabilly, punkabilly, and psychobilly. Leaning more on their outlaw country roots and Americana iconography, Tiger Army has always been a unique and relaxing listen with a horror-punk edge. Their 2016 album V •••– delivers the best distillation of all their sonic talents and features arrangements by AFI's Jade Puget, longtime friend of the band. For your next road trip through the desert, look no further than V •••– lead single "Prisoner of the Night." 

6. POSTHUMAN: Survival Horror - Bring Me The Horizon

Released in 2020, the horror-metal fan's go-to COVID album Bring Me The Horizon's grand return to their metal roots with a fresh splash of modern conventions is everything a fan of metal and horror could ask for. With production from DOOM composer Mick Gordon on opener "Dear Diary," the likes of Yungblud, Amy Lee of Evanescence, and Babymetal on tracks "Obey," One Day The Only Butterflies Left Will Be In Your Chest as You March Towards Your Death," and the pulse-pounding "Kingslayer" respectively this album serves to dish out everything a longtime BMTH fan wants while also catering to their new fans as well. Check out the Hideo Kojima-inspired track "Ludens" for a perfect synthesis of this blend of styles.

5. Collection II - The Misfits

Released in 1996, the Misfits second collection is a must for this Halloween season. Containing fan-favorite tracks such as "Last Caress," "We Are 138," and, of course, the ripping "Halloween," and "Halloween II." Featuring some of the last tracks with both longtime members Glenn Danzig and Jerry Only, Collection II is a must for any punk's autumn playlist rotation.

4. Reincarnate - Motionless In White

Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, Motionless In White's megalithic Reincarnate encapsulates so much of what makes autumn feel downright tangible and spooky. Blending industrial synths reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails and belting metal choruses of the many greats before them coupled with Chris Motionless' menacing growls and anthemic Davey Havok-esque croons. This album became an instant classic upon release and has stood the test of time amongst the scene. Ensure "Puppets III (The Grand Finale)" featuring Dani Filth of Cradle of Filth is in your playlists this fall. 

3. Son of Sam - Son of Sam 

When talk of supergroups comes up, few have the impact and nascent Halloween vibe as Horror-punk powerhouse, Son of Sam. Their self-titled LP featuring AFI front man Davey Havok brings all the energy and power of an AFI record with the drive and groove of a misfits or minor threat LP draped in all the horror laden flavors one could ask for. This entire album is worth the listen, not just one singular track. Make it a must spin this fall.

2. Good Mourning - Alkaline Trio

Chicago-based punk trio legends Alkaline Trio are no strangers to the Halloween aura. Iconic frontman and Stephen King aficionado Matt Skiba delivers some of his best riffs and lyrics on the band's 2003 outing Good Mourning. From ripping punk grooves on "We've Had Enough" and "Donner Party All Night" to more somber and heartfelt acoustic romps on the closer "Blue In the Face." The album also features career-best performances from bassist and co-lead vocalist Dan Andriano on tracks "Emma" and "If we never go inside." Twenty plus years on, this album remains the benchmark for horror laden pop punk. Newcomers take notes. 

1. The Art of Drowning - AFI 

Genre and decade-spanning punk rock titans AFI cornered the market on the Halloween horror-punk vibes for nearly a decade before moving on to tackle post-punk and other genre endeavors. Their 2000 LP, The Art of Drowning, is arguably the culmination of over a decade of solidifying their lineups, lead singer and lyricist Davey Havok honing his craft, and the band truly meshing with their current lineup that has been running for 26 years strong. The Art of Drowning features punchy punk riffs, anthemic gang vocals, and a driving energy that keeps the listener hooked from start to finish. Late album track "Wester" encapsulates this best but the whole of the record is a must listen this fall.