A Psychobilly & Horror-Punk Halloween

Zombie Ghost Train – RIP

Zombie Ghost Train is an Australian Psychobilly band. The band formed initially with members  Stu Arkoff on vocals and guitar, Azzy T on drums, and Captain Reckless on bass guitar as well as backing vocals. In 2007, JM was replaced when he left to pursue other musical ventures. The band released an EP and the two albums, Glad Rags & Body Bags and Dealing the Death Card, the former of which RIP is a part of. The song RIP is one of the band’s most well known songs and more importantly, it’s the quintessential psychobilly song with references to the horror movie genre, such as Frankenstein and ghosts. There are plenty of other gems from the band, including Graveyard Queen and Step into my Coffin, but RIP is best suited for this list, since it is perfect for sitting back on Halloween and resting in peace.

Blitzkid – October 31

If the name Blitzkid rings a bell, it’s because they are not the new kids on the Horror-punk block. In fact, they formed in 1997 and played their great music until 2012 when they disbanded. Blitzkid released five albums and also made appearances on numerous punk compilations, plus they toured both in the United States and internationally. Argyle Goolsby  provided vocals and played bass, TB Monstrosity played the guitar and provided vocals, and Ricko Mortis beat away on drums. While many of their songs outshine October 31, October 31 is perfect for Halloween for obvious reasons and it is great despite, perhaps, not being Blitzkid’s best. 

Corpse Show Creeps – Werewolves

You can’t have a howling good time without a song about werewolves. Corpse Show Creeps have just what we need to remedy that potential problem. The four member psychobilly combo hail from the corpse cold land known as Minneapolis, MN. Blackblood Call is there debut album, and with the quality of their songs, it’s clear they have a talent for producing some great psychobilly music.Click the album cover image to the left to have a listen on the Amazon page.

Misfits – Halloween I & II

You couldn’t have a Horror-punk list without including at least one song from the Misfits. Strangely enough, the Misfits fit. So here’s two: Halloween and Halloween II make the list not only because of their incredibly relevant titles, but because they’re such incredible songs in general. Great enough to be covered by other, newer, big names in music, including AFI, Alkaline Trio, Cradle of Filth, Drop Kick Murphys, and Samhain. Whether you’re in the Danzig or Graves camp, or if you side with neither vocalist, you’ve got to admire Danzig’s voice and idea for the band. Personally,I think Danzig started something amazing and Graves polished it to perfection. The Misfits would not be what is has become today without either vocalist, nor without Jerry Only or Dr. Chud.

The Koffin Kats – Vampire’s Curse

Just as a Halloween song list would bite without werewolves, it would suck without vampires. This can help explain why Vampire’s Curse appears on this list over the other psychobilly masterpieces composed by the talented Koffin Kats.  These cool cats currently consist of Vic Victor on the upright bass and lead vocals, Johnny Kay on guitar and backing vocals, and Eric “E Ball” Walls on drums, and began near Detroit, Michigan with Vic and founding members Tommy Koffin (Guitar), and Damian Detroit (Drums). The band has put out several albums and played far more shows. As for Vampire’s Curse, it offers some of the best instrumental work of all the songs on this list, certainly some of the most expressive upright bass playing, and the vocals are unique as well.

The Lurking Corpses – Maggots ate her brain

When it comes to The Lurking Corpses, they’re really hit or miss when it comes to the horror-punk genre. This is likely because half their songs seem to be in a different genre of music altogether–perhaps best labeled as Horror-Metal? That doesn’t stop the the slower tempo half of their songs being more punk and even psychobilly. Whatever genre they fall in, the band is great, and Maggots Ate Her Brain incorporates all the best aspects of the band. Plus, we’ve all witnessed the Halloween food scares of “Brains,” “Worms,” and “eyes” which were really only Jell-O, cold spaghetti, and peeled grapes.

 The Murder Weapon- Walking with the Dead

From their Facebook: “Since 2004, these 3 broke musicians from Mid-coast Maine have been performing their unique blend of punk, rockabilly, and horror that is unlike anything else you’ll hear or see in New England. Their lightning fast speed and precision will melt your face and kick your ass.” The Murder Weapon certainly stays hidden from mainstream sight as most murderers would hope their murder weapons would, but the only screams The Murder Weapon summons are not those of terror but of delight.With their unique songs The Murder Weapon could soon be a common name in the psychobilly scene. Walking with the Dead brings zombies to our list and a music so good it will turn listeners into mindless shells as they enjoy the song. Download the song on band camp here: Walking with the Dead and help spread their name (click the image to the left). Their other songs are a delight, as well, such as Dead Light and East Bumfuck.

 Nekromantix – Haunted Cathouse

Many consider Nekromantix to be the kings of psychobilly, having recieve international attention and success, and whether or not them being the king of psychobilly is ever objectively proven, the band is certainly worthy enough to make the list of some of the greatest Psychobilly Halloween bands/songs. Nekromantix songs are as well crafted as Kim Nekroman custom built coffin upright bass and the pompadours and quiffs of the band members including front man Kim Nekroman.  The Danish-American psychobilly band formed in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1989. The band’s music is generally structured around monster and horror themes, as is considered a staple of the genre. Haunted Cathouse is one of their softer songs, but it also best incorporates the horror genre monsters in one monster house party. The song is in someways reminiscent of the classic Halloween song, Monster Mash.

 12 Step Rebels – Banshee’s Wail

12 Step Rebels have a younger sound to them, much like Blitzkid, especially in comparison to to some of the deeper voices of bands such as the Koffin Kats and Nekromantix, but they are no less skilled in the art of making music. The Horror-punk band utilizes the legend of the uncommonly used banshee for their song Banshee’s Wail. It’s a real scream! The whole Go Go Graveyard Rockin ablum is great, but Banshee’s Wail mixes things up with a haunting song about a horrific creature that feels right at home on Halloween.

 Reckless Ones – Dead and Gone

While perhaps more rockabilly, the lyrics do bring this band into the haunted realm of psychobilly. Even the video of this particular song screams psychobilly, but it’s comes down to opinion, really. There’s no denying that the Reckless Ones are talented though. From their site: “Reckless Ones hit the ground running in 2009 with the vintage style and modern sound of their debut record, “Make Your Move.” Following the album’s release, the band took to the road — in a big way. Touring extensively across much of the United States and as far as the UK, Reckless Ones gained themselves a reputation and loyal set of fans within their first year as a band.” The song Dead and Gone is one perfect for pulling your ghoul-friend close and is a great addition to any Halloween playlist.

The Howlers – Watch the World Die

The howlers are one of the lesser known bands on this list. As such, they’re perfect for any hipsters reading… Really though, most everyone will love this band. The song Watch the World Die was good enough for the band to make it the title of their debut album and it’s more than good enough to make this list of the best songs for making a perfect Psychobilly & Horror-Punk Halloween. The band falls in the horror-punk category and the song Watch the World Die is perfect for anyone angry at the injustices of the world or those who simply want to get the blood pumping.

 Dead Vampires – Closed Casket

The Dead Vampires know how to ham it up and how to do so in the most fun ways. From their stage costumes to their lyrics, the band has completely embraced the horror aspect of their music. This particular song is on an album that is a duo effort with Harley Poe, but is well worth purchasing if you want a full album and not just a song, and both Harley Poe and the Dead Vampires have plenty of great songs as well. Closed casket nods to the darkest moments in most every decade while creating a motivating song. If you never want your party to die (and lay down in a closed casket) then add the song Closed Casket to your roster. Harley Poe is a great artist as well and you shouldn’t be disappointed in buying the half-and-half Dead Vampires/Harley Poe album as both groups are talented.

Bathory Boys/The Nasties – Wolfman

The Bathory Boys / The Nasties (two names for the same band) are perhaps the most obscure band on the list and certainly the hardest to track down as far as their music mp3s go, but if all else fails just type “The Nasties – Wolfman” or “Bathory Boys – Wolfman” (or click the image to the left) in on YouTube and the video should be the first result. The horror-punk band has a more rugged sound to them, but that’s likely from less production opportunities, and yet the music is still wonderful. Their sound is akin to Blitzkid and The Howlers, and Wolfman is a fantastic addition to a psychobilly & Horror-Punk Halloween song list.

 That’s it for my list. Happy Listening, boys and ghouls!