Halloween is upon us again, meaning that it’s time to get our sinister, scary vibes on! But we’re not here to talk about what costume we think you should wear, oh no. We’re going to get you in the mood for horror and trick or treating with help from some of Malaysia’s musical talents instead.
There’s a handful of local bands that have – at some point, at least – leaned on ominous or evocatively terrifying melodies to conjure up a stirring piece of aural and visual art. Here are our picks of music videos by some of these artists that we believe embody the spirit of Halloween!
1. Ballad For Layla “The Dead Marshes” (2011)
Horns up people! First up on our list is the metal outfit from Kuala Lumpur, Ballad For Layla with their track “The Dead Marshes”. Though the name might have zombie-themed implications, the music video actually revolves around freaky-looking werewolves. Maybe they’re zombie werewolves. In any case, the ominous atmosphere and 80s-style special effects make this an interesting yet oddly funny music video.
It’s a well executed production that ties seamlessly with the song itself, on top of oozing the Halloween vibe.
2. Once Upon A Time There Was A Sausage Named Bob “Truth To Be Told” (2011)
Don’t judge a book (band) by it’s cover (name)! Once Upon A Time There Was A Sausage Named Bob might not strike you as the kind of band that plays remotely dark music, considering their name, but they do a remarkable job of blending gothic bleakness and heart pumping sounds together.
This is apparent in their music video, “Truth Be Told” that is about a boy who came to an amusement park, bought a big music box from a man with a bicycle and got transported to a weird realm when he looked inside it. It is then where the truth becomes told…
3. Kyoto Protocol “Still Alive” (2015)
Hardly anything is creepier than going to a party with a group and next thing you know, you’re surrounded by hordes of faceless people! Kyoto Protocol’s “Still Alive” – released last year – is a classic thriller woven into a music video. The colour tone is relatively vibrant for its theme, but the cinematography and concept direction is well executed with a couple spine-chilling scenes here and there.
4. Beatburns “Ice Cream” (2016)
Beatburns has a knack for illustrating a dark and disturbing state of mind in its creative concoctions. This track may be called “Ice Cream”, but it would have been more fitting if it were titled “I Scream” instead.
Possessing a Lady Gaga kind of craziness, the video’s concept works great with the band’s sound. This ice cream isn’t going to melt anytime soon, but just like the edible version it’s a track that’s best experienced sooner rather than later.
What other bands have also given off the Halloween feel, and which of the ones listed here you think embody the spirit of horror best? Share us your thoughts in the comment section below. Enjoy a spine tingling Halloween!
