Social Picks: The 25 Spookiest Albums of All Time
Dig into the community’s picks for the spookiest records, featuring releases from Cypress Hill, Black Sabbath, Rob Zombie, and more.
What does “spooky” mean to you? Is it something that goes bump in the night? Maybe it’s more campy than cannibalistic. In preparation for Halloween, Discogs asked its community on Instagram what albums they associated with the word “spooky.” Collectors chimed in with a cauldron full of answers, from the swampy sounds of Black Sabbath to scary movie soundtracks.
After someone shared an album in a comment, other fans of that record showed support by “liking” it. The albums with the most “likes” are compiled here.
Whatever “spooky” means to you, explore what the Discogs community considers the spookiest albums of all time below.
#1
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
1971
By fusing distorted blues riffs, psychedelic imagery, cavernous low end, and a dash of harmonica, Black Sabbath created a playbook that bands continue to follow to this day. And, despite being nearly 55 years old, the group’s self-titled debut hasn’t been buried under the progress of those who came after. It is the gold standard.
With its slower tempos and stretched-out riffs, Black Sabbath excels at creating an atmosphere. The world’s first introduction to the band is rain pelting what sounds like a hardened dirt ground, followed by a tolling bell. Then comes one of the most famous doom riffs, a glacial transmission from planet Iommi. That titular first track set the scene for decades for all things dark, queezy, and skunky.
#2
October Rust
Type O Negative
2024
It doesn’t take much to see why so many collectors associate a band nicknamed “The Drab Four” with spookiness. Type O Negative‘s October Rust is gothic in the early sense: Grand, dramatic, and strong.
Don’t let the occasional ballad fool you. Type O Negative‘s fourth record is a colossal effort, bursting with haunting auras courtesy of the band’s keyboardist Josh Silver. Over the sheets of icy synth pads, the guitarist lays down massive riffs one after the other. The drums sound like the band recorded them in a medieval castle. And most importantly, vocalist Peter Steele‘s ginormous presence commands attention and obedience.
#3
Suspiria
Goblin
1977
Few bands or artists are as intertwined with horror as Goblin. Originally performing under the name Cherry Five, the Italian prog group was the de facto leader in the Giallo scene. 1977’s Suspiria is the group’s most celebrated work.
Like other Giallo soundtracks, Goblin hypnotizes the listener with dark, bass-driven grooves. These rhythms are the bloody meat of the work, acting as a soundbed for various slapstick notes and shrill sound effects and a companion to industrial, raw passages. What makes Suspiria so memorable is how it has become the platonic ideal of a Giallo soundtrack. It’s proggy, low-budget, barely creepy, and a joy to experience.
#4
III – Temples Of Boom
Cypress Hill
1995
Cypress Hill has always been sonically closer to horrorcore pioneers like Detroit’s Esham than West Coast compatriots Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, or Freestyle Fellowship. On the group’s third album, III – Temples of Boom, they shifted from stoner to sinister.
First, there’s the artwork. Remove the name and title, and it’s a typical black metal album cover: Dark castle, black sky, and hooded figure. Drop the needle, and there’s an immediate vibe shift from the group’s previous effort, Black Sunday. DJ Muggs‘ productions are darker and tighter. The new palette provided a more appropriate backdrop for the B-Real and Sen Dog‘s wily yelps.
#5
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Various Artists
1999
From the terrifying to the terrific, The Rock Horror Picture Show represents the campy end of the spook spectrum. Whether you’ve seen hundreds of live performances or you’re a Rocky virgin, it’s always a welcomed listen.
While the one-liners are famous, Rocky’s songs are the meat of the show. With tracks like the iconic “Dammit Jammit,” Meat Loaf‘s “Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul,” and, of course, “The Time Warp,” the soundtrack is a portal into Dr. Frank N. Furter’s castle. It puts the “fun” in “funeral.”
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About the 25 Spookiest Albums of All Time on Discogs
For the month of October, Discogs collaborated with the vinyl community to showcase underrated albums. Check out the community’s picks and share your own with #GetSpookyDiscogs. Be sure to follow Discogs’ Instagram for new monthly challenges.
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