It’s Halloween! And that means horror and all its associated aesthetics and subgenres are dominating the discourse- horror films, horror characters, horror books, horror costumes…and, if you are a website dedicated to punk music (which we are…) then horror punk is top of the agenda!
But rather than just re-hash a history of punk’s facepainted, goth-adjacent, dark and gloomy cousin, Punk Rock Philosophy wants to know why there seems to be such an easy overlap of two passionate and creative fandoms- punk and horror. We spoke to two experts: Dan Phillips, founder of We Are Horror Records (the UK’s largest record label dedicated to the subgenre of horror punk) and Dr Darren Gray, Researcher in Literature, Film and Cultural Studies and author of upcoming book ‘Horror and Disability’. What are the parallels between the genre of horror and that of punk? What do they have in common? And are they more then just a bit of escapism, but rather holding a special place in creative society that allows humanity to push boundaries? Let’s delve in!
For the uninitiated, we need to start by explaining exactly what we mean by the term ‘horror punk’- what it is and how it started:
Dan Phillips: “At its base, horror punk is a subgenre of punk and sometimes hardcore, that blends that raw energy with themes drawn from horror films and gothic culture. If you discovered the Misfits in the early 2000s, like I did, you’d know they were the spark. The short (original) 1977-1983 run the band had, pretty much created the genre we know and love, but in my personal opinion the real flame came from the second wave of bands that took things further, in the region of 2001-2007.
The “Fiendforce” bands essentially, plus some notable others! It’s about campy, blood-soaked fun, with lyrics that dive into the macabre, often leaning on classic horror imagery but keeping the vibe theatrical and over-the-top rather than genuinely scary. It’s less about anarchy and politics and more about embracing a dark, twisted fantasy world.”
So why would anyone want to embrace a dark fantasy world? Well it seems, whatever the reason, there are many people who do! True crime is a million dollar industry: podcasts, documentaries, books and real life events like US CrimeCon rake in a LOT of cash and thousands if not millions of combined enthusiasts. Podcasts like ‘Serial’ accrued 80 million downloads in its first 2 years and according to Forbes- based on average daily rankings of top podcasts on Apple and Spotify- true crime is the No. 1 genre. Similarly, horror continues to be a money maker with Bloomberg stating that the genre grossed $798 million in the US in 2023. The success of Terrifier 3 at the box office this Halloween shows the appetite for blood, gore and a good scare is one that is still not satiated.
But why? What’s the appeal of hearing gruesome stories of (sometimes real world) cruelty and violence? Do we like to feel fear in a controlled way?
Dr Darren Gray: “Horror and its sister genre, crime, both reflect deep social and personal anxieties, but they handle fear and resolution in distinct ways. In crime, the disruptive “monstrous” individual is typically caught, restoring social order and offering a sense of reassurance. Horror, however, is more ambiguous. While the monster may be defeated, there’s often a lingering sense of unease. Horror provides reassurance only up to a point.
What sets horror apart is its direct connection to the body. It seeks to evoke visceral, physical reactions, making it a powerful medium for expressing and confronting fears that exist in broader society. Through horror, audiences can explore primal emotions and reactions in a controlled, “safe” environment. The relief that follows moments of intense fear or tension is almost addictive. A prime example is the jump scare: after the initial shock, many people laugh. A shared experience in a group setting like in a cinema, amplifies both the dread and the fun in the sense of collective relief.”
Despite the continuing popularity of both horror and punk, there’s still a sense that both genres can operate outside of the mainstream. In fact, they are built upon ideals and creative approaches that challenge the ‘norm’ and what is acceptable and what is tasteful. Offending delicate sensibilities is a key part of the evolution of both horror and punk and as such, it’s a natural home for those who feel different, alienated or that they just don’t necessarily fit in elsewhere.
Dan Phillips: “That’s a big part of it. Horror punk feels like an escape—a way to step outside of everyday reality and live in this world where monsters are real, but they’re not necessarily the enemy. The themes are usually fantastical, which keeps it fun and liberating. Unlike some other punk genres that tackle serious social issues or politics, horror punk leans into fiction, which lets you tap into that sense of freedom without getting bogged down by real-life problems. For me, horror punk is about embracing the weird, the eerie, and the camp, and finding your place in that world, would I be crucified if I said horror punks are to punk what Juggalos are to hip-hop? Probably, but it’s a good a comparison as any!”
Dr Darren Gray: “Horror boasts a vibrant, diverse, and passionate community. Since the early days of horror cinema, and even earlier gothic literature, the genre’s embrace of the strange, abnormal, and subversive has attracted those who feel outside society’s norms. Horror celebrates difference and non-conformity, and much like Punk, it is often dismissed by the mainstream as “low” art, criticised as juvenile, offensive, or obnoxious. Yet, this dismissal only strengthens the bond among horror fans, turning them into a dedicated and organised community of activists for the genre.
One of the most exciting aspects of horror fandom is how fans often evolve into creators. The genre’s DIY spirit and fan-driven culture have led to countless independently made horror films, often shot on shoestring budgets with borrowed cameras, equipment, and friends as actors. These creators know the fandom will embrace their work. Beyond film production, the horror community thrives through fan-made clubs, online forums, websites, YouTube channels, and podcasts, all contributing to and promoting the genre’s ever-expanding universe.”
The parallels between punk and horror become ever clearer! And although both genres have a reputation for, as Dr Gray states ‘low art’- both have the capacity to tell us something about the world around us and communicate serious themes in an alternative way.
Dr Darren Gray: “Horror, by its very nature as it articulates social anxieties and fears, is always political, even if it doesn’t seem so explicitly. A seemingly innocent film like Bride of Frankenstein (1935), when viewed in context, makes bold statements about gay and women’s rights. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) serves as a critique of McCarthyism, while They Live (1988) satirizes consumerism and capitalism.
In the modern era, directors like Jordan Peele are pushing the genre forward, using horror to explore the legacies of racism and tackle issues of class and wealth inequality. Given the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, it’s no surprise that horror in 2024 (Immaculate, The First Omen, Apartment 7A) is grappling with themes of religion, patriarchy, female autonomy, and forced pregnancy. Horror continues to reflect the pressing political issues of its time, offering a unique space for confronting societal fears”.
As for horror punk, its specific appeal has been ever-present although it has been prone to ups and downs and hasn’t always been as well-known as other parts of the punk movement.
Dan Phillips: “It definitely ebbs and flows. Horror punk has never quite been in the mainstream; instead, it has these moments where it gains a little more traction, then fades back into the underground. There’s always a dedicated fanbase keeping the flame alive, though. Right now, it feels like we’re heading into a bit of a downturn after a high period, but that’s just the way it goes. It’s a niche scene with a strong core of die-hard fans, and it’s that commitment that keeps it going, regardless of trends. It’s really hard at times”.
And Phillips is part of that commitment to keep such a vibrant subsection of punk alive- his label We Are Horror Records is TIRELESS in promoting and supporting horror punk acts worldwide.
Dan Phillips: “I’m not into bands that just try to recreate the Misfits’ sound verbatim-it’s fine to have those influences, but you need to bring something new to the table. That’s essentially why I started We Are Horror Records: to find and promote those “different” bands that have a unique twist on the genre, who aren’t afraid to experiment and blend different styles.
Running the label has been a rollercoaster—there’s a lot of passion in the scene, but it can also be tough to maintain momentum when the genre is going through one of its quieter periods like right now! Still, I’m always excited when I find something fresh, that’s the main goal, to find these bands, partner up, and push them to the moon. Ideally I would have the label and the bands on it break through the glass ceiling and show the world that it really can be Halloween 24-7, 365 days a year!”
Halloween all year round? Sign me up! And if it is a Halloween playlist you’re after, then Phillips is the man you need! So what would he recommend to get that punk party started?
Dan Phillips: “When it comes to horror punk, my favorites tend to be some of the second-wave trailblazers like The Crimson Ghosts, Mister Monster, The Rosedales, Blitzkid and Nim Vind. They took the genre and shaped it into something that was more than just a nod to the Misfits—they made it their own. As for bands on my label, I’m proud of all of them, really. Each brings a different flavor to the mix, and that’s what I love. We’ve got about 20 artists on the roster, each offering something exciting. Any one of the bands on the label could break down the walls in my opinion and “make it big” and if I can help make that happen, that would be awesome.”
We asked Phillips for a playlist of 5 tracks to give to someone wanting to get into horror punk if they didn’t know where to start?
1. The Misfits – Astro Zombies
2. The Crimson Ghosts – Reborn of Trioxine
3. The Rosedales – Frozen Ghost
4. Mister Monster – Tina ‘n Freddy
5. Blitzkid – Lady in the Lake
Dr Darren Gray’s book Horror and Disability, (set for release in late 2025 or early 2026) delves into the portrayal of disability in horror film and television since 2000. The book critically examines the genre’s historically problematic relationship with physical and mental disability, exploring how modern horror uses representations of the disabled body to address socio-cultural issues like stigma, marginalised identities, inclusion, and diversity. It highlights how contemporary horror has shifted to engage more thoughtfully with these themes, reflecting deeper conversations about identity and representation in society.
You can follow both Dr Gray and We Are Horror Records on social media and be part of the blood-curdling conversation!
Happy Halloween everyone! Mwahahahaha 🙂
Pic credits courtesy of Unsplash:
Stefano Pollio- ghostly hands
Oxana Melis- Pumpkin pic
