Horror movies have been a staple in the film industry for decades, and one of the key elements that make these films truly terrifying is the soundtrack. From the eerie melodies to the bone-chilling sound effects, a well-crafted horror soundtrack can effectively build tension and send shivers down your spine. While mainstream horror films often have big budget soundtracks, there is a whole other world of horror movie soundtracks that are created by independent artists. These indie horror soundtracks may not have the same level of recognition, but they pack just as much punch and add a unique flavor to the horror genre. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at 15 of the best indie horror soundtracks that are guaranteed to haunt your dreams.
1. “It Follows” by Disasterpeace
“It Follows” is a 2014 psychological horror film that follows a young woman being pursued by a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter. The soundtrack, composed by Disasterpeace, perfectly captures the eerie and unsettling mood of the film. With its retro synth beats and haunting melodies, this soundtrack will transport you back to the 80s and leave you feeling on edge.
2. “Mandy” by Jóhann Jóhannsson
The 2018 film “Mandy” is a psychedelic revenge horror that features a mesmerizing soundtrack by the late Jóhann Jóhannsson. With its blend of heavy metal and ambient music, this soundtrack perfectly complements the trippy visuals and intense violence of the film.
3. “Hereditary” by Colin Stetson
“Hereditary” is a 2018 horror film that follows a family plagued by supernatural occurrences after the death of their matriarch. The soundtrack, composed by Colin Stetson, is a mix of eerie strings and unnerving percussion that captures the sense of dread and paranoia present throughout the film.
4. “The Witch” by Mark Korven
“The Witch” is a 2015 folk horror film that takes place in colonial New England and follows a family being tormented by a witch. The soundtrack, composed by Mark Korven, utilizes traditional folk instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy and a waterphone to create a haunting and atmospheric score.
5. “The Guest” by Steve Moore
“The Guest” is a 2014 thriller that follows a family who welcomes a stranger into their home, only to realize he may not be who he claims to be. The soundtrack, composed by Steve Moore, is a blend of pulsating synth and suspenseful strings that perfectly captures the tension of the film.
6. “The Babadook” by Jed Kurzel
“The Babadook” is a 2014 psychological horror film that follows a single mother dealing with her son’s fear of a monster in their house. The soundtrack, composed by Jed Kurzel, is a haunting mix of piano and strings that reflects the creeping dread and psychological turmoil of the characters.
7. “Under the Skin” by Mica Levi
“Under the Skin” is a 2013 sci-fi horror film that follows an alien seductress who preys on unsuspecting men in Scotland. The soundtrack, composed by Mica Levi, is an eerie and otherworldly mix of strings and electronic elements that creates an unsettling atmosphere throughout the film.
8. “The House of the Devil” by Jeff Grace
“The House of the Devil” is a 2009 throwback to 80s satanic horror films that follows a college student who takes on a babysitting job in a remote mansion. The soundtrack, composed by Jeff Grace, perfectly captures the retro feel of the film with its blend of synth and ominous tones.
9. “It Comes at Night” by Brian McOmber
“It Comes at Night” is a 2017 post-apocalyptic horror film that follows a family as they try to survive in a world plagued by a deadly virus. The soundtrack, composed by Brian McOmber, creates an unsettling sense of isolation and dread with its use of strings and percussion.
10. “The Invitation” by Theodore Shapiro
“The Invitation” is a 2015 psychological thriller that follows a man who suspects his ex-wife and her new husband have sinister intentions for their dinner party guests. The soundtrack, composed by Theodore Shapiro, utilizes eerie piano and strings to create a feeling of unease and tension throughout the film.
11. “It” by Benjamin Wallfisch
“It” is a 2017 supernatural horror film based on Stephen King’s novel about a group of kids being terrorized by a shape-shifting clown. The soundtrack, composed by Benjamin Wallfisch, is a mix of eerie melodies and intense orchestral pieces that perfectly captures the terror of the film.
12. “Spring” by The Gifted
“Spring” is a 2015 romantic horror film that follows a young man who falls in love with a woman who may not be as she seems. The soundtrack, composed by The Gifted, features dreamy guitar and electronic elements that reflect the unsettling and romantic tone of the film.
13. “Suspiria” by Thom Yorke
“Suspiria” is a 2018 supernatural horror film that follows a young American dancer who joins a prestigious dance academy in Berlin, only to discover it’s run by witches. The soundtrack, composed by Thom Yorke of Radiohead, is an atmospheric and experimental mix of electronic and orchestral elements that perfectly complements the dark and twisted world of the film.
14. “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” by Federale
“A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” is a 2014 Iranian vampire Western that follows a lonely vampire who preys on the men in a small Iranian town. The soundtrack, composed by Federale, features a blend of Western-inspired guitar and Middle Eastern elements that create a unique and haunting atmosphere.
15. “Let the Right One In” by Johan Söderqvist
“Let the Right One In” is a 2008 Swedish romantic horror film that tells the story of a young boy who befriends a vampire. The soundtrack, composed by Johan Söderqvist, is a mix of delicate piano and eerie strings that highlights the dark and melancholic tone of the film.
In conclusion, these 15 indie horror soundtracks are just a small sample of the vast and diverse world of music in the horror genre. From retro synth to haunting orchestral pieces, these soundtracks add a unique and chilling element to their respective films. So, the next time you watch a horror movie, pay attention to the music and see how it enhances the fear factor. You may just discover a new favorite indie horror soundtrack.
