Skincrawling Soundscapes - Discover Music for Horror
The evolution of horror skyrocketed in the 21st century when streaming media popularised the genre with the success of films like Saw, Halloween, The Shining and popular franchises like The Final Destination series. Independent films such as Blumhouse Productions; Get Out, A24's Hereditary and Neon's Longlegs have also been major box office hits.
From slasher to supernatural, there are multiple sub-genres within the wider horror theme, including gothic films like Robert Egger’s Nosferatu, indie horrors such as A24’s Hereditary and The Witch or religious horrors such as Heretic and The Conjuring.
Some of the best horror productions are often characterised by artful cinematography and a focus on exploring the psychological depths of their central characters. Ambiguity is also a persistent theme, with many productions leaving audiences to speculate about the true ending and intricacies of the plotline.
No matter the sub-genre, one thing that unites all successful horror films and hard-hitting trailers is the music. Music is a powerful vehicle through which fear, psychological trauma and suspense are often conveyed.
For example, the haunting, paranormal atmosphere of A24’s Heretic is fueled by an unsettling, textural soundscape of brass instruments, drone-like sounds, and moaning reverbs, which elevate the torment and uncertainty of every scene. Meanwhile, folk horror film Midsommar opts for a more ethereal yet dissonant score, which features uncomfortable tonal shifts, unexpected key changes and high-pitched string instruments to enhance the dreamy, yet menacing ambience.
If you’re looking to conjure a skin-crawling soundscape for your latest project, discover our full selection of playlists and albums below - perfect for suspenseful trailers, dark textures and ominous ambience.
Spooky playlists
Horror albums
