Five times Type O Negative appeared on a horror soundtrack

Type O Negative vocalist/bassist Peter Steele died nine years ago on Apr. 14 and, although criminally underrated, the “Drab Four” still left a lasting impression — especially on horror fans.

Metal, regardless of which subgenre your more familiar with, goes remarkably well with horror movies — there’s no disputing that. It doesn’t matter if it’s a slasher film, creature features, ghost or zombie flicks, whatever it is. Unsurprisingly, certain metal groups appear on multiple soundtracks throughout their careers. One band that seemed so unique in their approach to convey emotion, sensuality and dark humor with depth was Type O Negative.

I didn’t know who Type O Negative were until I was in 9th grade, by which time Pete might’ve passed on. If memory serves, I was either in AIS English or study hall, and a teacher at my school mentioned the band and talked about Peter. It was towards the end of that class period and he looked up the music video for Black No. 1 to show us. I was intrigued and this prompted me to research them further, until I realized, I’ve heard these guys before.

I can’t quite recall where I made the connection, it could’ve been at my aunt’s apartment or the local library, but I just remember being overwhelmed and totally impressed with each and every song I was finding on YouTube. Discovering that I’ve heard some of their work in horror movies and or on soundtracks made me wish I paid closer attention much sooner. If this list doesn’t get you interested, I don’t know what will.

Left to right: Johnny Kelly, Josh Silver, Peter Steele and Kenny Hickey, circa 1996.

1) I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

Off their 1993 album, “Bloody Kisses,” Type O Negative released this Seals and Crofts cover. It’s featured in the opening of the Kevin Williamson ’90s hit, I Know What You Did Last Summer. The camera is moving over a body of water to its destination and slowly the song transitions to the film’s score by John Debney. It’s a strong mood setter, especially with the sound effects added in.

Something about their cover of Summer Breeze is perfect for this opening. It feels sarcastic, insincere and perhaps a tad dangerous. Either way you look at it, it’s a huge departure from what the 1972 original’s vibe is like.

Noteworthy in the band’s history: “Bloody Kisses” earned them recognition from the Recording Industry Association of America. Also noteworthy, drummer Sal Abruscato quit the band shortly after and was replaced by their drum technician, Johnny Kelly.

2) Nosferatu (1922 silent film, released in 1998)

Courtesy of Arrow Videos and DigiView Entertainment, the original 1922 silent film was re-released in 1998 with music taken from 1991’s Slow, Deep and Hard, 1993’s Bloody Kisses and 1996’s October Rust. If interested, you can watch it in full on YouTube, but if you’d prefer a DVD copy, check here. The song I’ll choose to highlight comes off October Rust. Green man is an earthy, tranquil song that suits any season and any purpose.

3) Bride of Chucky (1998)

The song, “Love You to Death,” appears as track number six on the official soundtrack, however, it doesn’t appear in the movie. It’s interesting because the album cover reads, “Music from and inspired by the Motion Picture”, but the song came out in 1996; so if it’s neither featured in the film, nor inspired by it, why is it listed?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I love the song and I think the film is great. I just wished they actually used it somewhere in the movie. It’s a sexy, goth romance song that’s as beautiful and overwhelming as it is passionately played and mellifluously sung. I still get chills, and yes, I admit, teary-eyed whenever I hear it.

4) The Blair Witch Project (1999)

The Blair Witch Project — Courtesy of Lionsgate

Say what you will about this found footage flick, but the soundtrack isn’t half bad. Included on it, is the 1996 track, Haunted. It’s ethereal, otherworldly, tragic and effective in every sense. While none of the songs on the soundtrack actually made it to the film, the idea was to market the hell out of it by releasing a mixed CD the character Josh had in his car before disappearing. It’s funny to note that, if memory serves, the film takes place in 1994, despite being released in 1999. “Haunted” was not released until 1996. The film was shot in late October of 1997 and became a hit two years later during its festival run.

5) Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

“(We Were) Electrocute” is one of many awesome tracks on the film’s official soundtrack. It’s a mournful yet celebratory track of heavy riffs complimenting reflective lyrics softly albeit passionately sung. The track is off Type O Negative’s 2003 album, “Life is Killing Me.” The album would be their last with Roadrunner records. Although not the first, Freddy vs. Jason is certainly one of the greater horror soundtracks offering a variety of different types of metal.

Five times Type O Negative appeared on a horror soundtrack

By Avery McReynolds | Apr 28, 2019

Type O Negative vocalist/bassist Peter Steele died nine years ago on Apr. 14 and, although criminally underrated, the “Drab Four” still left a lasting impression — especially on horror fans.

5) Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

Band notes