10 Vinyl Soundtracks Every Horror Fan Should Own [Gift Guide]

Music is intrinsically and irrevocably intertwined with cinema; it is never more vital than in horror. What builds mood, tension, and fear better than sound design and an unsettling score?

This Gift Guide is for the music lover. More specifically, it’s for the horror fan that collects vinyl soundtracks, from recent releases to recently unearthed rarities and beyond.

Here’s what you need this year…

The Black Phone OST

“The score for the film was created by composer Mark Korven, the mastermind behind The Witch, The Lighthouse, and Into the Tall Grass. Korven is a Toronto-based award winning composer and multi-instrumentalist. He is known for his innovation and experimental approach to film scoring. In 2016, Korven conceived the notorious horror musical instrument, The Apprehension Engine.”

In other words, a unique horror film score worth grabbing on vinyl.

Firestarter (2022) OST

“The horror master John Carpenter is back with his Halloween franchise collaborators Daniel Davies and Cody Carpenter for their infectious new soundtrack to the 2022 adaptation of Stephen King’s Firestarter. This marks the first official soundtrack that the team has composed together outside of the Halloween franchise and their inspiration and evolution as a creative team is on full display.“

A Carpenter score makes for an easy gift option for the horror fan. Sacred Bones makes this OST even more accessible with multiple vinyl variants as well as CD and cassette options.

Nope OST

“NOPE marks Michael Abels’ third feature film score with director Jordan Peele, having previously scored Peele’s GET OUT and US. The album also features songs from the film, including a new version of Corey Hart’s classic ‘Sunglasses at Night (Jean Jacket Mix),’ Dionne Warwick’s ‘Walk on By,’ The Lost Generation’s ‘This is the Lost Generation,’ Exuma’s ‘Exuma, the Obeah Man,’ and a never-before-released gem by a young Jodie Foster, ‘La Vie C’est Chouette’ from the 1977 film MOI, FLEUR BLEUE.”

Waxwork Records’ release, in partnership with Back Lot Music, is currently set to pre-order and expected to ship this month.

The People Under the Stairs OST

“The first-ever vinyl release of Don Peake’s atmospheric and spooky score for Wes Craven’s 1991 enduring classic.”

Terror Vision’s limited variant is a stunner currently on sale, but you can also grab a different variant of this OST LP at Mondo.

Phenomena OST 2XLP

“Death Waltz Recording Company & Mondo are proud to present the complete original score to Dario Argento’s 1985 formidable fright film, Phenomena (a.k.a. Creepers). This Suspiria-esque offering features music by Claudio Simonetti, Goblin, Simon Boswell, and Andi Sex Gang, and includes all the original cues and two never-before-released bonus tracks!”

Because all horror vinyl collections should feature a Goblin score, right? Bonus: This gorgeous release includes three previously unreleased tracks.

Prince of Darkness OST

“Carpenter and Howarth’s score has the feel of a dream and a nightmare, one which is immediately displayed in the main title theme, where ethereal voices are combined with a typically catchy bassline to create a sense of disquieting mystery. Wild and dissonant synthesizer effects are juxtaposed with more traditional melody which suggests the meeting of our world and that of the Anti-God. The best way to stop the end of the world happening again is to listen to PRINCE OF DARKNESS.”

John Carpenter and Alan Howarth’s score is enough of a sell on its own, but they also provide the liner notes. Mondo’s limited variant option promises a one of a kind gift: “Eco-vinyl production uses leftover pellets from previous jobs, meaning each record is different, with the colors being completely random. It’s more environmentally friendly as it uses material that would have otherwise been thrown away. Therefore, every single copy is unique.”

Possessor OST 2XLP

“Jim Williams delivers an incredible and singular piece of work scoring Brandon Cronenberg’s POSSESSOR. The soundtrack is a sonic journey through a fractured mind, much like the film melds the organic and the artificial to stunning effect. Dreamy and ominous synths weave otherworldly textures as violas, violins, and discordant choral vocals converge to create something quite spectacular and terrifying.”

The perfect mood setter for Brandon Cronenberg’s upcoming Infinity Pool.

Rob Zombie’s Firefly Trilogy Set

Waxwork Records’ 6xLP Box Set houses the Original Motion Picture Soundtracks for all three films in Rob Zombie’s Firefly trilogy: House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects, and 3 From Hell. As if that’s not enough, the deluxe set comes with extensive liner notes by Zombie, art prints, and a Dr. Satan Turntable Slipmat.

Scream Box Set OST 4XLP

“The first-ever box set for the Scream franchise’s original score features 3 hours of music (over 80% new to vinyl) with each of the four films getting a dedicated LP. Each record is pressed on translucent red vinyl with black smoke, placed into heavy full-color sleeves and then housed within a die-cut wraparound package that expands to a huge 3′ x 2′ image of the mask of Ghostface on the front and new notes with classic film stills on the reverse.”

A must for Scream fans indeed!

Waxwork OST

“First ever release of this cult classic. Music pulled from original tapes and LP artwork/layout by Earl Kess. Gatefold packaging w/ rad die-cut and liner notes by composer Roger Bellon.”

Terror Vision offers two vinyl variants for this rare horror offering.

Bonus: A Waxwork Records 2023 Subscription

For the horror fan that’s either an avid collector or hard to shop for; this coveted subscription service is back! While the lineup for the 2023 subscription has yet to be revealed, first up is George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead Original Theatrical Library Soundtrack 3xLP!

Look for this limited option to go on sale at 9AM CST on Tuesday 12/13. It’s a popular item, so mark your calendars.