Top 31 Occult Songs of All Time
Music has always possessed a mystical power, capable of stirring emotions, evoking memories, and even transcending the boundaries of our physical world. Throughout history, certain songs have delved into the realm of the occult, exploring esoteric themes, hidden knowledge, and ancient mysteries. In this article, we embark on a journey through the enigmatic depths of sound and unveil the top 50 occult songs of all time, each resonating with the arcane and esoteric.
S-Tier: “Mr. Crowley” – Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy + Randy + Crowley + Satanic Synthesizers = Bliss. “I wanna know what you meant!”
- “Sympathy for the Devil” – The Rolling Stones: This iconic song by The Rolling Stones delves into the persona of Lucifer, portraying the devil as a seductive figure tempting humanity towards darkness and self-destruction. It touches upon the concept of duality, the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the transformative power of embracing one’s shadow.
- “Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zeppelin: “Stairway to Heaven” is a masterpiece that weaves together cryptic lyrics and ethereal melodies. It explores themes of spiritual ascent, the pursuit of enlightenment, and the thin veil between the material and the mystical. Its ambiguous symbolism invites listeners to unravel its hidden meanings.
- “Hotel California” – Eagles: Through a haunting narrative, the Eagles’ “Hotel California” evokes a sense of entrapment and the allure of the dark side. With references to mysterious rituals, mirrors reflecting lost souls, and a surreal hotel that one can never leave, the song captures the occult’s enigmatic allure and warns of its seductive nature.
- “Black Magic Woman” – Santana: Inspired by occultism, “Black Magic Woman” combines Santana’s hypnotic guitar riffs with lyrics alluding to supernatural powers and enchantment. It speaks of a bewitching woman with mystical abilities, blending elements of love, desire, and the allure of the occult.
- “Imagine” – John Lennon: While seemingly diverging from traditional occult themes, “Imagine” by John Lennon carries an underlying message of unity, oneness, and transcending worldly attachments. It taps into the esoteric concept of collective consciousness, envisioning a world devoid of divisions and embracing a spiritual connection between all beings.
- “Paint It Black” – The Rolling Stones: This haunting track by The Rolling Stones explores themes of loss, darkness, and transformation. “Paint It Black” delves into the occult’s transformative power and the process of shedding one’s ego to embrace the unknown. Its brooding atmosphere captivates listeners, drawing them into a world of mystery and introspection.
- “Dance Macabre” – Ghost: With a blend of catchy melodies and occult-inspired lyrics, Ghost’s “Dance Macabre” pays homage to the macabre dance of death. It revels in the occult’s fascination with mortality, reminding us of the ephemeral nature of life and the mysterious allure of the afterlife.
- “The Number of the Beast” – Iron Maiden: Iron Maiden’s epic masterpiece, “The Number of the Beast,” delves into the realms of biblical and occult symbolism. Drawing inspiration from the Book of Revelation, it contemplates the battle between good and evil and the presence of dark forces in the world, reflecting on the age-old concept of the devil’s mark.
- “Witchy Woman” – Eagles: “Witchy Woman” is an enchanting song that conjures images of mysticism and feminine power. It celebrates the captivating aura of a witch-like figure, exploring the occult’s ancient archetype of the wise woman who possesses hidden knowledge and draws upon her connection with nature.
- “Spirits in the Material World” – The Police: The Police’s “Spirits in the Material World” delves into the esoteric concept of the material realm as a vessel for spiritual exploration. It questions the nature of reality, highlighting the ephemeral nature of material possessions and the spiritual void they often create.
- “Strange Brew” – Cream: “Strange Brew” by Cream delves into the mysterious world of potions, spells, and alchemy. It paints a picture of an enchanted brew that captivates and mesmerizes, reflecting the occult’s fascination with hidden knowledge and arcane practices.
- “The Crystal Ship” – The Doors: “The Crystal Ship” by The Doors is a mesmerizing ballad that explores the mystical journey of self-discovery. It alludes to the esoteric concept of the inner voyage, where the crystal ship represents a vessel of enlightenment and transcendence.
- “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder: Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” touches upon the occult’s fascination with superstitions and beliefs in unseen forces. It highlights the influence of cosmic energy and the consequences of tempting fate, drawing listeners into a world where the mystical and the everyday collide.
- “Black Sabbath” – Black Sabbath: Considered the birth of heavy metal, Black Sabbath’s eponymous song delves into the occult’s darker realms. Its ominous atmosphere, haunting lyrics, and thundering riffs explore themes of demonic possession, supernatural phenomena, and the foreboding presence of evil.
- “Her Ghost in the Fog” – Cradle of Filth: Cradle of Filth’s “Her Ghost in the Fog” draws inspiration from Gothic literature and occult themes. It weaves a tale of forbidden love, dark rituals, and ghostly apparitions, immersing listeners in a world of atmospheric horror and mysticism.
- “Black Magic” – Slayer: As the name suggests, Slayer’s “Black Magic” delves into the world of occult practices, summoning dark forces, and rituals. With its blistering riffs and aggressive energy, the song reflects the occult’s connection to the rebellious and darker aspects of human nature.
- “The Wizard” – Black Sabbath: “The Wizard” by Black Sabbath invokes imagery of a mysterious and powerful sorcerer. Through its lyrics and mesmerizing melodies, the song explores the allure of arcane knowledge, the interplay between light and shadow, and the supernatural powers possessed by those who delve into the occult arts.
- “Magick” – Aleister Crowley: Aleister Crowley, renowned occultist, poet, and writer, delved into the world of music as well. His track “Magick” encompasses his philosophical and occult teachings, emphasizing the transformative power of magic, the importance of will, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation.
- “Witchcraft” – Frank Sinatra: Frank Sinatra’s “Witchcraft” captures the seductive and enchanting nature often associated with the occult. Through its smooth melodies and alluring lyrics, the song evokes the power of attraction, mirroring the spellbinding charm attributed to witches and their mystical abilities.
- “The Mystic’s Dream” – Loreena McKennitt: “The Mystic’s Dream” by Loreena McKennitt creates an ethereal soundscape that transports listeners to ancient realms of mysticism and spirituality. Its haunting melodies and poetic lyrics draw from diverse mythologies, capturing the essence of the occult’s connection with the unseen and the profound.
- “Witch Hunt” – Rush: Rush’s “Witch Hunt” delves into the theme of persecution and the hysteria surrounding witch trials. The song highlights the irrational fear that often accompanies the occult and warns against the dangers of mob mentality and ignorance.
- “Bat Out of Hell” – Meat Loaf: Meat Loaf’s epic rock ballad “Bat Out of Hell” weaves a tale of supernatural romance and rebellion. It encapsulates the occult’s fascination with forbidden love, dark desires, and the untamed spirit that defies conventional norms.
- “Spellbound” – Siouxsie and the Banshees: “Spellbound” by Siouxsie and the Banshees captures the mystique and allure of the occult through its mesmerizing melodies and enchanting vocals. The song immerses listeners in a world of spells, enchantments, and the tantalizing power of magic.
- “Witchcraft Destroys Minds & Reaps Souls” – Coven: Coven’s album “Witchcraft Destroys Minds & Reaps Souls” explores occult themes extensively. It delves into witchcraft, summoning spirits, and the transformative power of magic, challenging societal norms and embracing the mysteries of the occult.
- “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” – Paul Dukas: Originally a symphonic poem, “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” by Paul Dukas gained popularity through its inclusion in Disney’s “Fantasia.” The piece narrates the tale of a young apprentice who loses control over the magic he attempts to wield, highlighting the consequences of delving into the occult without proper knowledge or guidance.
- “Spirit in the Sky” – Norman Greenbaum: Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky” delves into the concept of spirituality and the afterlife. With its infectious groove and uplifting lyrics, the song explores the possibility of connecting with higher realms and finding salvation beyond the earthly plane.
- “Magickal Child” – The Doors: “Magickal Child” by The Doors combines spoken word poetry with haunting melodies, capturing the essence of mysticism and the exploration of the occult. It delves into the realms of magic, ancient rituals, and the transformative power of embracing one’s inner mystic.
- “N.I.B.” – Black Sabbath: Black Sabbath’s “N.I.B.” explores the concept of a fallen angel, delving into the occult’s fascination with supernatural entities. The song’s lyrics depict Lucifer‘s perspective as he falls from grace, bringing forth the allure and dangers of dark forces.
- “Ave Satani” – Jerry Goldsmith: Jerry Goldsmith’s eerie composition “Ave Satani” served as the haunting theme song for the movie “The Omen.” With Latin chants and a foreboding atmosphere, the song invokes the presence of the devil and echoes the occult’s fascination with dark symbolism.
- “I Put a Spell on You” – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins: “I Put a Spell on You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins is a bluesy and enchanting track that embodies the occult’s influence on popular music. It evokes the power of love and desire, drawing upon the imagery of spellcasting and bewitchment.
The world of music intertwines with the occult, providing a medium through which esoteric concepts, ancient symbols, and hidden knowledge can be expressed and contemplated. The top 50 occult songs of all time, such as “Sympathy for the Devil,” “Stairway to Heaven,” and “Dance Macabre,” take listeners on a journey of introspection, inviting them to explore the mysterious depths of the occult.
Each song weaves together elements of mysticism, duality, transcendence, and hidden symbolism, resonating with those who seek to unravel the enigmatic truths of the universe. These musical incantations serve as a testament to the enduring fascination with the occult, its archetypes, and its timeless allure.
So, immerse yourself in these mystical melodies, let them guide you through the realms of the unknown, and discover the profound connections between music and the occult.