New Nightmares: The October Spirits Playlist Concludes
This week we conclude our multi-episode journey into a playlist called “October Spirits” - 40 spooky tunes for the Halloween season. In this episode, we explore the 13 creepy, haunting, and new songs that were just spooky enough to make the playlist.
Well, it’s almost the end. There’s one more song to appear in the playlist, but you’ll have to wait until Halloween Day 2023 for that.
Our whiskey pairing for this week is Smokehead Single Malt Scotch Whisky. My version is The Rock Edition but there are several different versions that you can get if you can’t find it. This was the first Islay scotch whisky I ever tried.
The Playlist:
Back From The Dead - Halestorm
Album: Back From the Dead, 2022
Why: The title itself screams resurrection and Halloween vibes, though it’s really about persevering through difficult times. Halestorm is known for their powerful rock anthems, and this one has the energy to set a spooky mood.
Halloween - Mastodon
Album: Once More 'Round the Sun, 2014
Why: The name itself is self-explanatory. Mastodon's heavy, sludgy sound with intricate guitar work can create an atmosphere befitting of the season.
Witches Burn - The Pretty Reckless
Album: Death By Rock And Roll, 2021
Why: The title evokes images of witch trials and their fiery ends, but is actually a more poignant anthem for women about uniqueness and individuality in the face of misogyny and objectification.
Hunter’s Moon - Ghost
Album: IMPERA, 2022
Why: Ghost is known for their mysterious, theatrical, and eerie image. A song about the Hunter’s Moon, a full moon, can add a spectral charm to the playlist. This song was featured on the soundtrack of the recent horror movie Halloween Kills.
Black Cat Bone - The Haxans
Album: Party Monsters, 2017
Why: Black cats are iconic symbols of October and Halloween and this sexy, witchy song from Ash Costello and Piggy D off. The Haxans is a perfect addition to your rock & roll Halloween night.
Black Widow - In This Moment
Album: Black Widow, 2014
Why: Black Widows are symbols of danger and mystery, and pro-woman message is loud and clear in this very strong in this creepy, fun, heavy metal dance number.
Opus of the Night (Ghost Requiem) - Kamelot ft. Tina Guo
Album: The Awakening, 2023
Why: The title hints at a ghostly tale, and Kamelot's melodic metal can add a majestic yet eerie ambiance to any spooky soundtrack. Cellist Tina Guo adds a layer of depth and richness to this already beautiful and haunting track.
Pan - Nightwish
Album: HUMAN. :II: NATURE., 2020
Why: Nightwish's symphonic metal, combined with a song about Pan, a goat-like mythological figure, can introduce a touch of the mystical and demonic to the playlist. Floor Jansen’s vocals are amazing as always.
The Summoning - Sleep Token
Album: Take Me Back To Eden, 2023
Why: The act of summoning often has supernatural undertones. Sleep Token is the newest group on this list and their unique, genre-mixing sound and spooky themes are perfect to be included here.
Black Anima - Lacuna Coil
Album: Black Anima, 2019
Why: "Anima" suggests soul or spirit, and in combination with "Black," it hints at something shadowy. Lacuna Coil's heavy, dark, gothic rock sound makes this an obvious choice.
Fire Walk With Me - The Black Keys
Album: "Let's Rock", 2019
Why: The title, reminiscent of the supernatural series Twin Peaks and prequel movie: Fire Walk With Me adds a little eeriness and darkness to the playlist, even though the song actually has a fun, upbeat Black Keys groove.
Bad Spell - Larkin Poe
Album: Blood Harmony, 2022
Why: Spells and enchantments resonate with the witchy theme of October. Those themes are right at home in the blues, and Larkin Poe delivers this soulful tune with creepy lyrics in a way that only the Lovell sisters can.
The Bone Collector - The Curse of K.K. Hammond
Album: Death Roll Blues, 2023
Why: This song is about an evil-yet-enterprising capitalist. who collects the bones of the dead,grinds them to dust, and sells them as what he claims is an aphrodisiac. Do you have to ask why it would be included? Plus, K.K. Hammond’s vocals and slide guitar mimic the Delta Blues style amazingly well.
The Final Song (40):
Welcome To My Nightmare - Alice Cooper
Album: Welcome To My Nightmare, 1975
Why: Welcome to My Nightmare is the perfect song to kick off the October Spirits playlist. It's theatrica. It’s very 1970s. It's got a real groove to it. It's also a bit darkand mysterious. It sets the tone for perfectly for the creepy concept album which bears its name. I think it’s the perfect number to kick off my 2023 October Spirits playlist.
Listen to the playlist:
The Whiskey:
This episode's pairing is Smokehead Single Malt Scotch Whisky. My version is The Rock Edition, but if you can’t get that there are other bottles in their lineup. It's an 88 proof Islay whisky. Islay is an island off the west coast of Scotland known for the use of peat in their distilling process.
Smokehead lends a robust peaty punch while leaving subtle sweet undertones. The smoky flavor, almost ghostly in intensity, pairs perfectly with the cold October evenings and our haunted playlist.