Welcome to Metal Lair’s Seven Deadly Songs feature: Spooktober edition! Throughout October, we’ll delve into the chilling and eerie aspects of metal music—those spine-tingling sounds, blood-curdling screams, and the shadows lurking just beyond your sight. Each week, our staff will share their picks of terrifying metal tracks. So, without further adieu, let’s dive in!
Death – “Zombie Ritual”
The late Chuck Schuldiner, a true icon of metal, never shied away from direct and visceral imagery. As the frontman of Death, he preferred to confront listeners head-on rather than cloak his messages in poetic language. One standout track from the 1987 album Scream Bloody Gore showcases this unfiltered intensity. Accompanied by drummer Chris Reifert, Schuldiner unleashes a barrage of graphic and shocking imagery, including lines about “maggots for a cock” and the “zombie whores.” It’s an experience that’s as disturbing as it is compelling.
Moment That Sends Chills: At around two minutes in, when Schuldiner ominously sings, “Drink from the goblet/ The goblet of gore,” the way he elongates “gore” adds an extra layer of dread.
Dimmu Borgir – “The Serpentine Offering”
Dimmu Borgir’s lead single, “The Serpentine Offering,” from their concept album about a priest’s assistant’s pact with the devil, taps into a chilling form of Satanism that feels all too real. This isn’t playful darkness; it’s a raw exploration of inner turmoil: “My descent is the story of everyman/ I am hatred, darkness, and despair.” Musically, the track is just as haunting, showcasing the band’s mastery of symphonic black metal. After 25 years, they’ve crafted a compelling fusion of dark metal and classical elements that creates an atmosphere of true dread.
Cradle of Filth – “Thirteen Autumns and a Widow”
With its haunting keyboard choir intro, “Thirteen Autumns and a Widow” by Cradle of Filth sets a chilling tone that is both grand and eerie. As frontman Dani Filth bursts in with a blend of piercing shrieks and guttural growls, this track firmly cements its place as a Halloween staple. The ethereal soprano of Sarah Jezebel Deva, paired with unsettling spoken-word segments, amplifies the spine-tingling atmosphere throughout its seven minutes of goth-metal splendor.
The most chilling moment of the song occurs at when those vocal harmonies rise ominously alongside Filth’s chilling vocal attack.
Mushroomhead – Querty
Dive into the eerie world of Mushroomhead’s lead single, “Qwerty,” from The Righteous & the Butterfly. This chilling track features vocalist J-Mann, whose haunting presence adds a sinister circus vibe to the commentary on modern society’s descent into chaos. As Big Brother tightens its grip, the lyrics reveal the dark truth of war turning into profit and the hollow echo of false patriotism.
Drawing inspiration from their early catalog, the band blends the playful yet unsettling sounds of their past with a heavy modern twist. Guitarist Church and bassist Dr. F crafted this track during rehearsals for a special show, channeling the spirit of their roots. “Qwerty” reminds us that beneath our differences, we are all pawns in a twisted game, facing the stark reality of conflict driven by forces far beyond our control.
Fire Action & Them – No Drone Zone
Get ready for a spine-chilling experience with FIRE ACTION’s new single “No Drone Zone,” set to drop from their upcoming album Until The Heat Dies on November 29 via Steamhammer/SPV. This haunting track explores a dystopian future where the shadow of surveillance looms large—echoing the grim realities of totalitarian regimes like China, where Big Brother is always watching.
But beware: the insidious reach of control isn’t just overseas. Even in the Western world, there are dark forces eager to invade your privacy and manipulate your thoughts. With heavy riffs and an ominous atmosphere, “No Drone Zone” serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat lurking just beyond the veil.
Emasculator – In Resplendent Terror
Prepare for a hauntingly brutal experience with “In Resplendent Terror” from the all-female death metal band EMASCULATOR. This relentless force is here to unleash chaos—lock up your boys, because they won’t be safe when these fierce women strike!
Their debut EP, The Disfigured and the Divine, now available on streaming platforms, plunges into dark themes of mythology, womanhood, and the empowerment of overcoming obstacles. Following their chilling 2022 demo Depraved Disfigurement, this international collaboration brings together talent from Czechia and the United States, featuring members like Mallika Sundaramurthy and Morgehenna. Get ready for a spellbinding journey into the depths of power and justice—order your CD at nserecords.bigcartel.com before it’s too late!
The Pale Horses – Morningstar
Prepare for a darkly enchanting experience with THE PALE HORSES, whose catchy guitar riffs and sinister, vampiric vocals create an electrifying blend of demonic rock ‘n’ roll. Their fuzz-laden sound is perfect for echoing through the stone corridors of a haunted castle. The band’s debut EP, Enchantress, releases on October 25th, 2024, through Black Throne Productions.
The track “Morning Star” erupts with intensity, delving into the exploration of alternative philosophies beyond traditional religion. Meanwhile, “Bad Love” revisits themes of desire, painting a vivid picture of seduction tangled with the complexities of a self-absorbed lover.
