It’s that bewitching time of year when everyone on Biff Bam Pop embraces the macabre and revels in all the spine-tingling sensations that come with it. And what better way for the site’s weekly music column to contribute to 31 Days of Horror and indulge in the spooky vibes of Halloween than by serving up music videos designed to send shivers down your spine? From the cryptic to the downright chilling, these haunting visual spectacles have carved their own sinister place in music video history. Join us as we embark on another journey through some of the creepiest music videos ever crafted. Did we leave anything out? Comment below and let us know what your favorite scary music videos are.
Faith No More – “Ashes to Ashes” It’s not a Bowie cover, okay. Mike Patton and co. released “Ashes to Ashes” in 1997 as the lead single from their sixth studio album Album of the Year. In the Tim Royes-directed video for “Ashes to Ashes,” the eerie and unsettling atmosphere is what’s at the forefront. The video features lead singer Mike Patton wandering through a haunting, nightmarish landscape. As he encounters bizarre and disturbing characters, often manifesting as human walls, the line between reality and a distorted dream world blurs, leaving viewers with a feeling of disquiet and unease.
Nine Inch Nails – “Closer” In the ‘90s, you could always count on Trent Reznor to push the envelope as far as possible with his music videos. Perhaps nothing makes that case more than Nine Inch Nails‘ “Closer” video, which is notorious for its disturbing imagery and surreal visuals. Directed by Mark Romanek, the very NSFW clip features disturbing scenes of fetishism, religious symbolism, lots of shots of Trent Reznor gritting his teeth, and unsettling treatment of animals. It’s a mesmerizing yet deeply unnerving journey into the deep dark recesses of desire and obsession, leaving a lasting impression on those who dare to watch.
Rob Zombie – “Living Dead Girl” Probably just as recognized now for directing horror movies as he is for his music, it’s no surprise that Rob Zombie landed on this list. Rob Zombie, known for his love of all things macabre, delivers a visually striking and eye-catching video for “Living Dead Girl.” Drawing inspiration from the 1920 silent horror film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, the video features Zombie’s wife Sherri Moon Zombie playing the titular living dead girl, a reanimated corpse. With its herky-jerky cuts, the video is a nightmarish ride through a world where the living and the dead collide.
Radiohead – “Burn The Witch” Oh look, we’ve got an animated entry on the list. Radiohead enlisted director Chris Hopewell for the “Burn The Witch” video, a haunting piece of social commentary on conformity and mass hysteria. While there’s no gore or body horror, the stop-motion animation serves up a very eerie atmosphere as a picturesque town descends further into madness and paranoia. The video explores themes of surveillance and collective fear, making it a thought-provoking and uneasy experience.
Billie Eilish – “Bury A Friend” She’s one of this generation’s biggest pop superstars, but that hasn’t stopped Billie Eilish from creeping people out when she feels like it. Billie’s “Bury A Friend” music video offers a nightmarish glimpse into the singer’s subconscious. Directed by renowned horror director Michael Chaves (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, The Nun II), the video features unsettling imagery, including ominous gloved hands contorting the singer’s body, lots of quick cuts, and eerie lighting. It embodies the feeling of being trapped in a terrifying dream, making it a perfect accompaniment to the song’s dark and haunting lyrics.
