How to Become a Horror Punk

Often used to define a form of dress or a lifestyle, horror punk began as a form of music that combines punk rock music with horror music style lyrics. Somewhere during the punk rock heyday of the 1970s, horror punk allowed its followers to distance themselves further from the mainstream as punk became popular among the masses.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Horror movie collection
• Black clothes
• Halloween decor

1. Listen to the masters such as The Misfits, Earth A.D. and Glenn, Danzig. Each of the bands combines the style and lyrical composition of horror punk music.

2. Watch classic and modern horror films, taking note of visual and dialogue cues. Consider how these themes fit into lyrics that connect the listener to the emotions presented on the screen. Dark and Gothic in nature, the lyrics should leave the listener with a feeling of doom and fear.

3. Use disharmonic chords and mismatched rhythm patterns as you weave the tale of the undead. Take cues from the soundtracks of the movies including strategic placement of riffs that signal impending danger.

4. Add skulls, snakes, bats and satanic symbols to your attire and stage presentation. Welcome the dark side into the symbols and clothing you select both on and off stage. Makeup to mimic the look of zombies, skeletons and vampires are all standard issue wardrobe choices.

5. Plan ahead for all hallows eve, the night valued above all others by hardcore horror punks. Use satanic rituals and stories to heighten the holiday spirit and relish the darkness that flows from the celebration. Use traditional Halloween decoration as a basic template for the musical influence you seek.

Resources

• Home of horror rock information and music.