Six Gothic Albums That Would've Been Perfect for Halloween

If I'd written this list in time

These would’ve been the perfect albums to listen to on Halloween if I’d written this a little sooner. But alas, I fell asleep and these gothic rock and metal masterpieces will have to be enjoyed on Nov. 1.

But don’t worry, these six albums from artists like Katatonia and She Wants Revenge are all great to listen to during cold November and going into the December winter.

HIM - Razorblade Romance (1999)

Bring out the heartagram. Although I was familiar with HIM through Bam Margera and early 2000s skate culture, I didn’t start listening to them until 2016 when I decided to check out this album. I began listening to it in the summer and by the time fall came around I was addicted to the gothic romance, cheesy hooks, and melancholic melodies that make up Razorblade Romance. Down to the iconic hot-pink artwork, this album is a must-listen for any fans of accessible gothic rock with pop sensibilities (sorry elitists). And if “Heaven Tonight” doesn’t remind you of heartbreak, you have never experienced love.

Key Tracks: Heaven Tonight, Razorblade Kiss, I Love You (Prelude to Tragedy)

Katatonia - Tonight’s Decision (1999)

Sticking with the year 1999, which was clearly quite the year for gothic music, Katatonia’s Tonight’s Decision is likewise full of accessible alternative rock masterpieces that are perfect for a fall evening. Really any Katatonia album could go on this list and it was hard to look past my favorite Brave Murder Day, which seemed too death-doom to include. It was difficult to return to this album after associating it with memories of being ghosted (looking at you, Damian) but I’m glad I did.

Key Tracks: In Death, A Song, For My Demons, No Good Can Come Of This

Moonspell - Irreligious (1996)

I first heard Moonspell in high school on the Blackend compilation, which also introduced me to black metal artists like Mayhem, Gorgoroth and Darkthrone. Despite being completely blown away by the baritone leads and operatic backing vocals that make up “Tenebarum Oratorium,” I didn’t dive deeper into the Portuguese gothic metal band’s catalog until college when I picked up this bad boy on vinyl in 2017. Ah, I still remember listening to tracks like “Raven Clows” and “Ruin and Misery” as I got dressed and ready to bus tables in downtown Salt Lake City. Though it’s not on this album, “An Erotic Alchemy” is essential autumn listening and my favorite Moonspell track.

Key Tracks: Full Moon Madness, Opium, Raven Clows

Type O Negative - October Rust (1996)

Another album I got into in college through physical media, which coincidentally also came out in 1996, was Type O Negative’s October Rust. I picked up this gothic metal classic on CD in January or February 2016 at Graywhale in Salt Lake. I also grabbed Bloody Kisses, which could have easily been included on this list. Ultimately, I decided the warm synth leads on tracks like “My Girlfriend’s Girlfriend” and the magnum opus of a track that is “Love You to Death” made this album the clear choice for a Halloween list. Also be sure to check out Pallbearer’s cover of that track on the Fear & Fury EP, which I frequently find myself listening to more than the original. '

Key Tracks: Love You to Death, My Girlfriend’s Girlfriend, Red Water (Christmas Morning), Wolf Moon

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - Let Love In (1994)

Breaking away from the heavy guitars of goth metal bands like Type O Negative and Moonspell, no list about gothic music would be complete without Australian post-punk legend Nick Cave. While Let Love In is not my favorite Nick Cave album (hello Murder Ballads and The Good Son), it is the perfect companion piece for a cold autumn night walking underneath falling yellow leaves. Just go for a stroll and listen to “Do You Love Me?” or “Red Right Hand” and you’ll see what I mean (I wish I would've done this).

Key Tracks: Red Right Hand, Loverman, Do You Love Me?

She Wants Revenge - She Wants Revenge (2005)

This album wouldn’t be on this list if I wrote it a year ago because I hadn’t heard it yet. I stumbled upon this modern gothic synth-punk masterpiece by accident earlier this year when YouTube recommended me a mashup of “Tear You Apart” with Bauhaus classic “Bela Lugosi’s Dead.” If the Bauhaus song that inspired it is great, the LA duo’s homage to it is also great. If you can look past the teenage romance lyrics, the bouncy kraut synth bass lines on tracks like “Red Flags and Long Nights” make this essential fall listening for fans of accessible gothic post-punk.

Key Tracks: Tear You Apart, Red Flags and Long Nights, Out of Control

If you want to listen to these gothic masterpieces, I have conveniently arranged them in this Spotify playlist.

Honorable Mentions

Bauhaus - In the Flat Field - (1980)

Misfits - Static Age (1978/1996)

Paradise Lost - Draconian Times (1995)

Cradle of Filth - Thornography (2006)

My Dying Bride - Feel the Misery (2015)

Blitzkid - Five Cellars Below (2006)

Lebanon Hanover - Tomb for Two (2013)

Panopticon - Autumn Eternal (2015)