Some have suggested that you can classify ‘Vampire Music’ into five different categories:

1. Songs with obvious vampire lyrics
2. Songs that are obliquely vampiric
3. Songs that are allegedly vampiric
4. Songs in which vampires are mentioned
5. Songs found on the soundtracks to vampire films

First, songs with obvious vampire lyrics usually contain references to famous vampires like Dracula, a nocturnal existence, the “undead”, or drinking blood. These songs usually leave little doubt in the listeners’ mind that the song is about vampires or vampiric activity.

Oblique references are more subtle than obvious vampire lyrics (obviously). Usually oblique references are metaphorical and make references to things like nocturnal activities, predatory hunger for another person, or of a victim being drained of blood or life essence.

Allegedly vampiric songs are usually identified through the title of the song or some other similar means. The nature of the music may make it unintelligible or difficult to understand though, like in some hardcore punk or thrash metal. Although the listener may suspect that the music is vampiric in nature, it may be difficult to decipher exactly what is being sung.

Songs in which vampires are mentioned are definitely more overt and easy to identify. These songs may reference a specific vampire or stories about vampires. Sex and vampirism are often the main focus, but there may be other focuses as well.

Finally, vampire film soundtracks can be instrumental, lyric-based, or both. They can also include both songs from movies and television shows. The Queen of the Damned soundtrack is an example of a vampire film soundtrack that is lyric-based and not necessarily an instrumental.

It is important that the listener identifies the type of vampire music that they would like to listen to. There are hundreds and even thousands of songs out there that may fit into one, or more than one, of the five categories listed above. Identifying the proper category that the listener wishes to listen to will enable them to find the vampire music that is most suited to them.

This post was inspired by the article Vampire Music at Answers.com.

1. Not Meant for Me – Wayne Static of Static-X
2. Forsaken – David Draiman of Disturbed
3. System – Chester Bennington of Linkin Park
4. Redeemer – Marilyn Manson
5. Slept So Long – Jay Gordon of Orgy
6. Dead Cell – Papa Roach
7. Change (In The House of Files) – Deftones
8. Down with the Sickness – Disturbed
9. Cold – Static-X
10. Headstrong – Earshot
11. Penetrate – Godhead
12. Before I’m Dead – Kidneythieves
13. Excess – Tricky
14. Body Crumbles – Dry Cell

The significance of this soundtrack was that the songs played a vital role in the movie’s storyline. The vampire Lestat was awakened after decades of slumber by the sound of a rock band. He then proceeded to take over the rock band and perform as the lead singer. Eventually, Lestat was approached by Marius and warned that other vampires would not tolerate his flamboyant public profile.

This was first musical output for Jonathan Davis outside of his band, Korn. He is created for creating the music for the movie, along with Richard Gibbs. The soundtrack was released in March 1, 2002 and is primarily alternative metal. Jonathan Davis was unable to provide vocals for any of the songs due to his contractual commitments with Song BMG.

Atreyu – A Vampire’s Layment – An American metalcore band from Orange County, California. The band was named after the character in the fantasy book and movie, The Neverending Story. A great song that may not hit you until you read the lyrics.

HIM – Vampire Heart – A rock band from Finland, their genre is often considered gothic rock. Vampire Heart is the first track of the 2005 album, Dark Light. It was released as the album’s second single.

Godsmack – Vampires – An American heavy metal band from Lawrence, Massachusetts. Their genre is most often described as alternative metal, heavy metal, or nu metal. Their song, Vampires, earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 2002.

Smashing Pumpkins – Bullet with Butterfly Wings – An American alternative rock band that formed in Chicago, Illinois. The song features a heavy sound with the opening line, “The world is a vampire…” Smashing Pumpkins is a Grammy Award winning band.

The Meteors – My Daddy is A Vampire – A British psychobilly band formed in 1980. Their genre is described as psychobilly or also punk. The song’s title speaks for itself.

Twiztid – Nosferatu – This band is an American hip hop duo from Detroit, Michigan. The duo is comprised of Jamie Madrox and Monoxide. Their performance style is often described as horrorcore hip hop. The Nosferatu song is a direct reference to vampires, as are all the lyrics of the song.

Twiztid – Monster’s Ball – This song is also performed by the American hip hop duo, Twiztid. Monster’s Ball is primarily about vampires and vampire culture.

Although these songs may not be songs that get you into a vampire mood, they are songs about vampires by fairly popular bands. This original list was created by a user at Yahoo! Answers.

The English Gothic rock band, Nosferatu, formed in March 1988. The original band members included Damien DeVille, Vlad Janicek, and Sapphire Aurora. Their group is considered one of the most successful second wave Gothic rock groups in the world. Their band has received success on both UK and Germany charts, selling over 100,000 copies of their music world-wide. The band has had numerous changes over the years, and Damien DeVille is the only member to have been in the band through the entire 19 year history. They are a good example of what ‘Vampire Music’ could be considered.

Others may look to the soundtrack of Vampire-themed movies to find their “Vampire Music”. Van Helsing, Blade, Blade II, Blade: Trinity, The Lost Boys, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, From Dusk Till Dawn, From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money, From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman’s Daughter, Bordello of Blood, Underworld, Underworld: Evolution, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, BloodRayne, BloodRayne II: Deliverance, 30 Days of Night, I am Legend, Twilight, and many, many more movies. The soundtracks from these movies can provide some great music for a vampire-themed game or just music for you to use.

Over the next few months we will be exploring these questions and ideas about Vampire Music. We will build lists of different types of Vampire Music and hopefully offer it up at this website (or at least direct you with links on where to get it).

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