Classic rock has a knack for weaving unsettling tales, and sometimes, those stories are more chilling than we realize. Behind the iconic guitar riffs and unforgettable hooks are songs that delve into the eerie and the mysterious. These tracks carry lyrics that explore ghosts, monsters, and real-life horrors, offering more than just music—but spine-chilling narratives.
From tales of supernatural encounters to unsettling stories based on true events, these songs paint a dark picture of the world. With every note, they draw listeners into twisted scenarios that leave a sense of dread and intrigue lingering long after the music fades.
For those who appreciate the strange and the eerie, this collection of 20 of the most unsettling classic rock songs offers a glimpse into the genre’s darker side. Each one unearths a story that is both captivating and unnerving, showing just how powerful music can be in telling a haunting tale.
20. “Night Prowler” – AC/DC (1979)
“Night Prowler,” from AC/DC’s Highway to Hell, was originally about youthful mischief, like sneaking into a girlfriend’s room when her parents were asleep. Guitarist Malcolm Young clarified that it wasn’t meant to be about anything as dark as Richard Ramirez, the notorious “Night Stalker.” However, things took a twisted turn when Ramirez, a fan of AC/DC, was linked to the song.
In the mid-’80s, Ramirez’s crimes overshadowed the original meaning of the track. He even left behind a hat with the band’s logo, prompting the media to link AC/DC with his horrific actions. The resulting controversy led to canceled shows and negative publicity for the band.
Despite not being part of the lineup when “Night Prowler” was recorded, vocalist Brian Johnson was horrified by the association. He expressed his disgust at the connection to the serial killer, which only made the song’s eerie reputation even more unsettling.
19. “One” – Metallica (1988)
“One” came to life when James Hetfield imagined the haunting idea of someone trapped in a conscious state without the ability to communicate. This thought expanded when band manager Cliff Burnstein pointed out that Dalton Trumbo’s Johnny Got His Gun shared a similar theme. Metallica then incorporated footage from the film adaptation into their video.
The song’s dark and lengthy nature made it unlikely for mainstream radio or MTV play, with a runtime of 7:26 (the video stretched closer to eight minutes). Yet, despite these challenges, “One” still made a significant impact.
The intensity and heavy storytelling in “One” laid a strong foundation for Metallica’s later success. The song’s narrative depth prepared the way for the iconic arrival of “Enter Sandman.”
18. “Gallows Pole” – Led Zeppelin (1970)
“Gallows Pole” carries a dark history dating back to the late 19th century. The folk song, originally called “The Maid Freed From the Gallows,” has appeared in various versions over the years. One notable early recording was made by Lead Belly in 1939, a blues influence for Led Zeppelin.
The song tells the grim tale of a condemned man pleading for mercy from the hangman, asking, “What did you bring me my dear friends to keep me from the gallows pole?” In Led Zeppelin’s rendition, the pace quickens, heightening the tension.
The chilling climax comes when the hangman ignores the pleas, continuing with his grim task. “Now I laugh and pull so hard, and see you swinging on the gallows pole,” the lyrics declare, underscoring the inevitability of fate.
17. “Devil Inside” – INXS (1987)
The internal struggle between good and evil has inspired artists for centuries, often symbolized by a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. This is the theme frontman Michael Hutchence explores in INXS’ 1987 hit “Devil Inside.” “I was on a God and the Devil phase,” Hutchence shared, highlighting the chaos and unpredictability of life.
Hutchence felt that the devil represented chaos, constantly upending what seemed right. This inner conflict is reflected in the song’s eerie vibe. The ominous synth and menacing guitar add to the song’s dark and unsettling energy.
With its foreboding tone, “Devil Inside” feels like a tune that the devil himself could endorse. The track’s sinister instrumentation and lyrics echo the constant battle between order and chaos.
16. “Mr. Crowley” – Ozzy Osbourne (1980)
By the time Ozzy Osbourne released Blizzard of Ozz, he had spent years fending off Satanism rumors. So, including a song about English occultist Aleister Crowley made perfect sense. “Mr. Crowley” is steeped in an eerie atmosphere, with Don Airey’s chilling keyboard and Osbourne’s hypnotic vocals.
The standout moments, however, come from Randy Rhoads’ dizzying guitar solos. These neoclassical riffs add a haunting dimension to the track, enhancing its unsettling vibe.
The live version on Tribute takes the song even further, with a slow, dirge-like tempo, extended solos, and Osbourne’s emotional voice cracks. It’s a powerful depiction of confronting the supernatural.
15. “Lullaby” – The Cure (1989)
The Cure’s “Lullaby” was described by an Elektra executive as “‘willfully obscure,’” a phrase Robert Smith later recalled. The song’s origins were mysterious—was it inspired by past struggles or eerie bedtime stories from his father? Smith never clarified.
Despite the cryptic nature of the track, “Lullaby” became the Cure’s highest-charting single in the U.K. Its haunting, obscure lyrics resonated with fans, even if the exact meaning remained elusive.
When asked by a fan if he was drunk during a performance of “Lullaby” on Top of the Pops, Smith gave a straightforward answer: “Yes!!” The candid reply only added to the song’s enigmatic allure.
14. “The End” – The Doors (1967)
“The End” started as a simple “goodbye song,” according to Jim Morrison. But it quickly grew into something much more complex, even confusing, to him. Morrison admitted that each time he heard it, its meaning seemed to shift.
Despite its ambiguity, Morrison embraced the freedom the song offered. With nearly 12 minutes of music on record, it was common for The Doors to extend it to 20 minutes during live performances. This improvisational space allowed for endless interpretations.
The song also brought an important lesson for Morrison. He became aware of how closely fans analyzed his lyrics, which made him reflect on the power and consequences of his songwriting.
13. “The Number of the Beast” – Iron Maiden (1982)
Iron Maiden’s The Number of the Beast opens with a chilling recitation from the Book of Revelation by actor Barry Clayton. He got the job after Vincent Price was deemed too expensive. Bruce Dickinson’s iconic wail follows, born from frustration with hours of repeated takes dictated by producer Martin Birch.
Once Dickinson cues the band, the track explodes with fast riffs, energetic grooves, and blazing solos. Religious fanatics rallied against it, thinking the song endorsed Satanism. However, it was never meant to promote evil.
Instead, The Number of the Beast serves as a cautionary tale. It’s about the dangers of succumbing to evil, making it much more terrifying than simply glorifying it.
12. “Pet Sematary” – Ramones (1989)
The Ramones recorded “Pet Sematary” for the 1989 film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, making it their biggest rock-radio hit. The music video even featured guest stars from Blondie. However, the story behind how the song came to be remains a bit mysterious.
Marky Ramone’s memoir recounts a dinner in 1982 at King’s house, where Dee Dee Ramone was supposedly handed the book, sparking him to write the song in under an hour. However, there’s a timeline issue since Marky was out of the band by then, and the book wasn’t even published until later that year.
Stephen King later commented on the tale, acknowledging its creative liberties. “This story about them coming to my house is total bullshit,” King admitted, “But I also said, ‘Don’t change a fucking word.’” The song, however, still stands as one of the band’s most memorable tracks.
11. “Shout at the Devil” – Mötley Crüe (1983)
Mötley Crüe’s second album was heavily influenced by Nikki Sixx’s fascination with the occult and Satanic symbolism. Sixx initially wanted to call it Shout With the Devil, but a warning from their A&R man, Tom Zutaut, pushed him to reconsider.
Zutaut reportedly witnessed strange occurrences in Sixx’s apartment, including objects flying, which led to the album’s title change. “If you keep shouting with the devil, you’re going to get killed,” he told Sixx, urging a safer direction.
Despite the title change, the track Shout at the Devil still exudes the intense energy that made it a staple of the ’80s glam-metal scene. The heavy riffs, powerful grooves, and frantic vocals created a defining anthem for the genre.
10. “Witchy Woman” – Eagles (1972)
“Witchy Woman” conjures a figure of mystery and danger with its portrayal of a woman with raven hair and ruby lips. The eerie sparks she sends flying add to the song’s supernatural vibe.
Don Henley drew inspiration from multiple figures, including Zelda Fitzgerald, whose struggles with mental health influenced the haunting mood of the song. Henley wrote it during a time of personal delirium, adding a layer of authenticity to its eerie tone.
Collaborating with Bernie Leadon, the pair crafted a “strange minor key riff” that Henley described as perfect for capturing the haunting essence of the lyrics. This eerie creation became one of the Eagles’ most unforgettable tracks.
9. “Psycho Killer” – Talking Heads (1977)
Initially, Talking Heads recorded “Psycho Killer” as a strange ballad, complete with a cello accompaniment. The oddity didn’t last, as they soon stripped the song down to its bass-driven essence, creating the iconic track we know today.
The song’s eerie vibe was enhanced by its connection to real-life horror. Released shortly after the Son of Sam murders, it resonated with the terrifying atmosphere of the time.
David Byrne’s vocal performance was uniquely unsettling, especially after rejecting the suggestion to hold a carving knife while recording. Meanwhile, producer Tony Bongiovi went on to greater fame helping launch Jon Bon Jovi’s career, though without any more cellos.
8. “Bark at the Moon” – Ozzy Osbourne (1983)
After the tragic death of Randy Rhoads, Ozzy Osbourne had to rebuild his solo career from scratch. His first collaboration with guitarist Jake E. Lee resulted in the powerful werewolf-themed track “Bark at the Moon.”
The song’s eerie lyrics paired with Lee’s aggressive riff create a chilling atmosphere. It wasn’t just the music that added to the creepiness, though—Osbourne went all in on the horror theme.
For the music video, Osbourne enlisted Rick Baker, a legendary horror movie-effects wizard, to transform him into a monstrous figure. The video, inspired by Jekyll and Hyde, gave the song an even darker, more unsettling edge.
7. “Season of the Witch” – Donovan (1966)
By his third album, Donovan had already begun blending folk with psychedelic elements. However, “Season of the Witch” marked a shift toward something darker. Combining both genres, the track took on a heavier, more ominous tone.
The song’s lyrics reflect a growing sense of unease: “When I look in my window / So many different people to be / They’re strange, so strange.” As the music intensifies, Donovan hints at an impending doom that feels both surreal and unsettling.
Since its release, “Season of the Witch” has been featured in numerous films, books, and TV shows. The title alone has become synonymous with eerie, foreboding stories that range from unsettling to outright terrifying.
6. “Careful With That Axe, Eugene” – Pink Floyd (1969)
Pink Floyd’s journey out of the chaos following Syd Barrett’s departure was a rocky one. The band, reeling from Barrett’s unraveling, found itself at a crossroads. As David Gilmour later explained, the leader was falling apart, and so was the band.
“Careful With That Axe, Eugene” was an instrumental track that symbolized this shift. Its unsettling, dynamic structure was a far cry from the earlier, more experimental Pink Floyd, marked by abrupt changes in volume and tone.
While Nick Mason later dismissed the song as a basic “quiet, loud, quiet, loud again” formula, its influence was undeniable. It laid the groundwork for the band’s later successes, paving the way for their iconic sound.
5. “Enter Sandman” – Metallica (1991)
Children’s rhymes have always carried a dark edge, and Metallica taps into that unsettling vibe with “Enter Sandman.” The song draws on the eerie perspective of a child’s mind, warped by nightmarish images and adult influences.
James Hetfield sought to capture the way children can be manipulated by adults, creating a nightmare world filled with “dreams of war, dreams of liars, dreams of dragons’ fire.” This haunting imagery fuels the song’s sense of dread.
The peak of the song’s creepiness occurs around 3:25, when Hetfield and a child-like voice exchange verses from a traditional nighttime prayer. It’s a chilling reminder of the power of childhood fears, made even darker by Metallica’s intense sound.
4. “Sympathy for the Devil” – The Rolling Stones (1968)
The Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil” takes on the darkest chapters of history, narrated from the perspective of Satan himself. From the crucifixion of Christ to the Crusades, the Russian Revolution, and World War II, the song explores the human capacity for violence.
Mick Jagger initially wrote, “I shouted out, ‘Who killed Kennedy?’” but history had other plans. While recording, Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated, prompting Jagger to update the lyric to reflect both Kennedy brothers.
Charged with promoting Satanism, Keith Richards dismissed the criticism, saying, “Everybody’s Lucifer.” The song’s hypnotic rhythm and chilling lyrics continue to provoke thought about humanity’s darkest moments.
3. “Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)” – David Bowie (1980)
David Bowie’s “Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)” marks a transition from his Berlin Trilogy into more commercially viable territory. Teaming up again with producer Tony Visconti, they crafted a song about a woman spiraling into madness.
As the song progresses, Bowie’s voice becomes more distorted, mimicking the unraveling of the woman’s mind. His exaggerated accent adds to the growing tension, while the abrasive music mirrors her deteriorating sanity.
The standout feature of the track is Robert Fripp’s slashing guitar, cutting through the chaos like a storm. His intense riffs bring an unsettling energy, making “Scary Monsters” a true journey into the dark recesses of the human mind.
2. “Black Sabbath” – Black Sabbath (1970)
Black Sabbath made an unforgettable debut with their self-titled track. The song begins with storm sounds and eerie bells, setting the tone for what’s to come. What follows is a slow, heavy descent into darkness, amplified by Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting vocals.
The lyrics, written by bassist Geezer Butler, describe a ghostly apparition that appeared after he read about the occult. The dark, ominous music, drawing from classical influences with a twist of “Satanic” progressions, perfectly complements the eerie tale.
With its thick, foreboding atmosphere, “Black Sabbath” became the blueprint for heavy metal. Its chilling sound and unsettling imagery still have the power to send a shiver down your spine.
1. “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” – Blue Oyster Cult (1976)
Blue Oyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear the Reaper” has stood the test of time, despite its revival in 2000 via the iconic “More Cowbell” sketch on Saturday Night Live. The sketch, starring Will Ferrell, introduced the song to a new generation, but its eerie power was already well established.
The song’s haunting charm is driven by its timeless riff and the invitation to embrace death as part of the life cycle. The extended interlude, which was cut from the radio version, only adds to the song’s otherworldly atmosphere.
Though often remembered for the cowbell joke, the original track remains a classic. With its gentle yet chilling melody, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” continues to captivate listeners, offering a perspective on life and death that resonates deeply.