10 songs that will actually scare the hell out of you, ranked

It’s October, and that means pumpkin coffee, costumes, candy and getting creeped the hell out! Just like horror movies, a good horror-filled song can be well-crafted into hitting the right points in us—and by that, I mean a good scream. Whether it’s their instrumental atmosphere or lyrical content, here are 10 songs to send chills down your spine and make you want to sleep with the lights on.

10. CocoRosie – “Gallows”

Certainly not the heaviest song on the list, but creepy enough to kick it off. Not only does the combination of ambient nature sounds, strings and vocals make for a ghostly track, but this music video is eerie as hell. It’s subtle uneasiness lingers like a haunting lullaby.

9. Slayer – “Altar Of Sacrifice”

When thinking of horror, we can’t forget about that little cozy place down south of heaven (high five if you get the joke). But really, “Altar of Sacrifice,” off the thrash album Reign In Blood, is a classic as far as songs discussing the tortures to come in the underworld, and it played a huge role in why so many parents feared their young ones listening to heavy metal.

8. The Black Dahlia Murder – “Den Of The Picquerist”

Piquerism is the act of penetrating the skin, and if the idea of needles or anything sharp going near skin freaks you out, so will this song. These melodic death metal giants have been slayin’ the game for quite some time, and with “Den Of The Picquerist,” their constant chugging and nerve-wracking instrumentals make for one hell of a panic attack.

7. Anaal Nathrakh – “Depravity Favours The Bold”

From the very first second, this song feels like a descent into a hellish nightmare. With high sonic energy in instrumentals and vocals, the wails and screams are reminiscent of souls left to wander in the darkness.

6. Myrkur – “Hævnen”

This goddess of darkness is one of the greatest things to come out of black metal, and absolutely deserves to be recognized for her talent (and ghostly thick atmosphere). While Myrkur provides a variety of vocal ranges, “Hævnen” is seeped in witchery and magic.

5. Cradle Of Filth – “Tortured Soul Asylum”

We enter the realm of magical gothic horror with Cradle Of Filth. If you are a fan of monsters and witchcraft, then “Tortured Soul Asylum” is sure to cast one hell of a spell on you. I can’t think of vocals more unique (and terrifying) than that of Dani Filth, who adds such a strong emphasis on the night seeking terror atmosphere on this track.

4. Cannibal Corpse – “Hacksaw Decapitation”

We could have easily have filled this entire list with Cannibal Corpse songs, but we had to find the creepiest of them, and “Hacksaw Decapitation” stands out as one of the best. Lyrically, it is full-on body horror at its most cringe-worthy. And not only can you count on being uncomfortable with the lyrics, you’re also sure to get hooked on the guitar work, with such a groove that slides back and forth…like a saw.

3. Marilyn Manson – “Godeatgod”

You knew the prince of darkness was going to make this list. “Godeatgod” is unsettling in its realism and commentary, leaving a void of hopelessness and chills that vibrate throughout one’s ears and body. Manson’s voice mixed with the lo-fi fuzz creates a pit one slowly finds themselves drifting further into, escaping into something much more sinister.

2. Sunn O))) – “It Took The Night To Believe”

It’s really tough to pick the creepiest Sunn O))) song (since so many of them are terrifying), but “It Took The Night To Believe” is pure nightmare fuel that stands out as a classic for the band. It is certainly not a song you want to hear while wandering the woods at night.

1. Slipknot – “Iowa”

With its 15-minute run time, there is nothing more sinister than “Iowa.” Opening with distant screams, haunting percussions and Corey Taylor’s spoken word and growls, this is easily the most terrifying song on this list. There is something deep within it, something at its core full of a dark and angry muck. “Iowa” is a song that has laid the ground for transporting us to dark and unsettling places.