Hello friends! This week's newsletter is coming to you in transit again—this time from an Amtrak train zipping from Philadelphia back to New York. Travel has been a recurring theme for me lately, mostly for work, but no matter where I go, music has been my constant companion. While I was in Philly, I stumbled into Repo Records, and it felt like stepping back in time. I found myself at an actual listening station (yes, they still exist!) and spent hours immersed in goth rock, post-punk, and coldwave CDs. It felt like rediscovering a treasure trove of music. This week's edition of Black Noise comes directly from that experience, filled with some dark and eerie selections that are perfect for setting the mood this spooky season.
In keeping with the Halloween spirit, the albums I’ve chosen this week embody the haunting, the atmospheric, and the just plain chilling. These are often overlooked gems that deserve a spot on any Halloween playlist. If you’re ready to explore some truly atmospheric, spine-tingling sounds, buckle up—we’re diving deep into the dark side of music.
Black Noise Rating System
Before we jump in, here's a quick reminder of the Black Noise Rating System to help guide you through today’s picks:
🔥🔥🔥🔥 Absolute Fire - modern classic, must listen
These albums are my top recommendations. They are modern classics that you absolutely must listen to.
🔥🔥🔥 High Heat - potential classic, highly suggested listen
These albums have the potential to become classics and are highly suggested listens for any fan of the genre.
🔥🔥 Warm Glow - for any fan of the genre
These albums are great for any fan of the genre and will definitely keep you warm and satisfied.
I only talk about albums I liked in this newsletter, so even the “Warm Glow” albums are still good. 😉
45 Grave - Sleep in Safety
Genre: Deathrock, Horror Punk
Released: 1983
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
We start off with 45 Grave, one of the pioneers of horror punk. While many people know them for their track “Party Time”—which gained cult status after being featured in Return of the Living Dead—there’s so much more to them than that one hit. Sleep in Safety is a perfect example of how the band fused punk energy with creepy, horror-inspired themes. The album feels like a chaotic punk house party set in a haunted mansion, with each track dragging you deeper into a sinister atmosphere.
The vocals by Dinah Cancer are absolutely haunting—she switches effortlessly from guttural growls to eerily seductive whispers, especially on standout tracks like “Insurance from God.” The music itself is raw, messy, and unpolished, which only adds to the album's charm. “Procession” stands out as my personal favorite, with its slow build-up and spine-chilling tension. By the time you reach the end of the album, you’ll feel like you’ve been through a haunted carnival ride, disoriented but exhilarated by the experience. This is an album that really feels like Halloween in audio form.
Standout Track: “Procession”—this track builds a creeping tension that stays with you long after the song ends.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Absolute Fire – If you’re into horror-themed punk, this is a must-listen for your Halloween playlist.
The March Violets - The Botanic Verses
Genre: Gothic Rock, Post-Punk, Darkwave
Released: 1993
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
Next up, we have The March Violets, an underrated band from the UK goth/post-punk scene. Part of the Leeds “drum machine” bands alongside The Sisters of Mercy, they brought their own twist to the genre with dual male and female vocalists, giving them a sound that was both haunting and a little more melodic. The Botanic Verses is essentially a collection of their best singles, providing a solid introduction to their music if you’re unfamiliar with the band.
The album starts off strong with “Snake Dance,” a track that immediately grabs you with its infectious rhythm and dark, pulsating energy. The interplay between the male and female vocals adds a unique depth to their sound, making it both mysterious and captivating. While the album does dip into a few moments that feel more like filler, the overall mood is consistently dark and brooding, with a danceable edge that would fit perfectly into a dimly lit club or a goth-themed Halloween party. If you're looking for something a little less aggressive but still packed with goth energy, The March Violets will deliver.
Standout Track: “Snake Dance”—this track captures everything that makes The March Violets stand out in the goth scene.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥 High Heat – A solid pick for those who enjoy goth rock with a bit of a melodic, danceable twist.
Play Dead - The Collection
Genre: Alternative Rock, Gothic Rock, Post-Punk
Released: 2023
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
For those who aren’t familiar with Play Dead, this post-punk band from Oxfordshire deserves your attention. They were active in the early '80s and blended gothic rock with elements of funk and alternative, creating a unique sound that set them apart from their peers. The Collection is a fantastic introduction to their best work, capturing the raw energy and creativity that defined their short but impactful career.
Tracks like “The Tenant” and “Sacrosanct” stand out for their gritty, atmospheric soundscapes, with brooding basslines and echoing vocals that create a sense of tension and unease. There’s something about Play Dead’s music that feels both aggressive and introspective at the same time, like you’re hearing the internal struggle of a generation. This compilation is full of emotion, raw energy, and a perfect balance of light and darkness. If you're looking to add a bit of post-punk edge to your Halloween playlist, The Collection won’t disappoint.
Standout Track: “Sacrosanct”—a dark, haunting track that perfectly encapsulates Play Dead’s gothic sensibility.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥🔥 High Heat – Essential listening for anyone who loves post-punk or gothic rock with a gritty edge.
Clan of Xymox - Exodus
Genre: Darkwave, Gothic Rock, Electro Wave
Released: 2024
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Bandcamp
Moving on to the legendary Clan of Xymox, a band that has been at the forefront of darkwave since the '80s. Their latest release, Exodus, is a testament to their enduring influence and ability to evolve while maintaining their signature melancholic sound. The album is a beautiful blend of atmospheric synths, moody melodies, and Ronny Moorings’ unmistakable vocals, which are as haunting as ever.
The album kicks off with “Save Our Souls,” a dark, slow-building track that sets the tone for what’s to come. My personal favorite, “I Always Feel The Same,” showcases the band's ability to blend melancholy with rhythm, creating a danceable yet deeply emotional track. The entire album feels like a journey through shadowy landscapes, where every track adds another layer of mystery and tension. Whether you’re new to Clan of Xymox or a longtime fan, Exodus is a hauntingly beautiful album that deserves a place in your Halloween rotation.
Standout Track: “I Always Feel The Same”—a perfect blend of darkwave melancholy and hypnotic rhythm.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Absolute Fire – One of the best darkwave releases of the year, this album will haunt you in the best way possible.
Selofan - Vitrioli
Genre: Coldwave, Darkwave, Minimal Synth
Released: 2018
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Bandcamp
Selofan is a Greek coldwave/darkwave band that has been steadily making waves in the scene with their eerie, atmospheric sound. Vitrioli is an album that perfectly captures the moody, minimalist style that defines coldwave, with icy synths and brooding melodies that feel like they were crafted for a foggy, moonlit night. Joanna Pavlidou’s vocals are haunting, weaving between languages to create a sound that feels both intimate and alien.
One of the standout tracks is “Billie Was A Vampire,” a song that pulls you into its dark, otherworldly world with hypnotic beats and ghostly vocals. The whole album feels like the soundtrack to a gothic dreamscape—perfect for those cold autumn nights when you want to lose yourself in the music. If you’re a fan of coldwave or darkwave, Vitrioli should definitely be on your radar this season.
Standout Track: “Billie Was A Vampire”—haunting and hypnotic, it perfectly embodies the eerie coldwave vibe.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥🔥 High Heat – If you love dark, atmospheric soundscapes, this album is a must-listen.
Dystopian Society - Overturned Reality
Genre: Deathrock, Gothic Rock, Post-Punk
Released: 2015
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Bandcamp
Florentine duo Dystopian Society delivers a grim, dystopian vision with Overturned Reality, a deathrock/post-punk album that feels like a soundtrack to a world unraveling. The band’s sound is raw and unpolished, filled with snarling vocals, gritty basslines, and jagged guitar riffs that create a sense of urgency and unease. Lyrically, the album touches on themes of societal decay and existential dread, making it a perfect fit for anyone looking to add a bit of apocalyptic energy to their Halloween playlist.
Tracks like “Resist” stand out with their punk-infused aggression, offering a rebellious, defiant spirit that cuts through the gloom. While the production quality is a little rough around the edges, the rawness only adds to the charm for fans of DIY-style deathrock. If you’re into anarchic, politically charged goth music, Overturned Reality is worth a listen.
Standout Track: “Resist”—an aggressive, punk-tinged anthem that channels raw energy.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥 Warm Glow – For fans of gritty, anarchic deathrock, this is a solid addition to your playlist.
The Cemetery Girlz - L’Envol Du Corbeau
Genre: Darkwave, Gothic Rock
Released: 2023
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Bandcamp
French goth rockers The Cemetery Girlz return after a decade with L’Envol Du Corbeau, a short but haunting album that brings their signature darkwave sound back into the spotlight. Despite its six-track length, the album is packed with atmosphere, blending gloomy synths with haunting vocals and brooding guitar lines to create a sense of tension and melancholy that fits perfectly with the Halloween season.
Tracks like “The Wanderer” and “Echoes of My Tears” stand out for their deep, introspective lyrics and ethereal soundscapes, capturing the essence of the gothic experience. This album feels like a trip back to the darkest corners of the '80s goth scene, making it a perfect companion for those cold autumn nights.
Standout Track: “The Wanderer”—a haunting, introspective track that lingers in your mind long after it ends.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥🔥 High Heat – A must-listen for fans of darkwave and gothic rock, especially during spooky season.
Bat Nouveau - Metamorphoses
Genre: Darkwave, Gothic Rock
Released: 2023
Listen on: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Bandcamp
Closing out this week’s selections is Bat Nouveau, an Australian duo who have delivered one of the best darkwave albums in recent memory with Metamorphoses. This album takes everything you love about gothic rock and darkwave and cranks it up a notch. The track “Death Mask” sets the tone with its driving basslines and ghostly vocals, and from there, the album never lets up.
Each track feels like a journey through dark, gothic landscapes, blending elements of Bauhaus, The Sisters of Mercy, and Disjecta Membra while still sounding fresh and original. “Funeral Eyes” is a particular standout, with its brooding atmosphere and haunting melody that sticks with you long after the album ends. This is one of those records that will keep you coming back for more, and it’s a perfect addition to any Halloween playlist.
Standout Track: “Funeral Eyes”—dark, brooding, and utterly captivating.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Absolute Fire – A darkwave masterpiece that’s perfect for the Halloween season and beyond.
That wraps up this week’s edition of Black Noise! I hope these albums help you set the perfect mood for spooky season. Whether you’re into gothic rock, darkwave, or deathrock, these records will keep your Halloween soundtrack fresh and eerie. Let me know what your go-to spooky albums are—hit me up on social media, and let’s keep the conversation going!
And if you enjoyed this edition of Black Noise, feel free to share it with a friend (or even an enemy—good music can work wonders).
STAY NOISY FRIENDS! ✌️
—Saint Virgil
Great read, and I can't wait to dig into the stuff that's new to me.
I recommend this artist to anyone interested in the modern dark sided stuff
https://open.substack.com/pub/georgedhenderson/p/trapping-fairies-in-metal?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=9ni9m
I was excited to see two bands I already love on here (Selofan and Clan of Xymox). Will definitely check out the rest!