witch house
occult-themed dark electronic music genre; emerged in the late 2000s and early 2010s; uses synthesizers, drum machines, obscure samples, droning repetition and heavily altered, ethereal, indiscernible vocals
Witch house envelops you in a mysterious, shadowy atmosphere, where dark synths weave together with haunting vocal samples and otherworldly beats. The sound is often dense yet ethereal, drawing you into a hypnotic trance that feels both unsettling and strangely comforting. With its blend of slow tempos and ghostly textures, witch house creates a sonic space where the uncanny meets the dancefloor, evoking scenes of candlelit rituals and abandoned warehouses alike.
Emerging in the late 2000s, witch house arose from the ashes of chillwave and industrial music, crafting an aesthetic that was as much about visuals—think occult imagery and VHS nostalgia—as it was about sound. This genre took shape in places like Los Angeles and Detroit, with artists like Salem, whose album *King Night* laid the groundwork for its distinctive style, and oOoOO, who helped define the lo-fi, atmospheric qualities that characterize the scene. Other notable contributors include White Ring and Crim3s, both of whom added their own touch to the genre's murky allure.
For those looking to step into this captivating realm, start with Salem's *King Night* for its transformative soundscapes. Dive into oOoOO's self-titled EP for its chilling ambiance. Don't miss White Ring’s tracks for an exploration of beats infused with dark energy. Finally, listen to the eerie vibe of Crim3s' work to grasp the genre's unique aesthetics fully. Once you're hooked on witch house, keep an ear open for ambient and vaporwave sounds—they often share a kinship with this enchanting world.
50 artists in the catalog.
Start here
Alice Practice
Crystal Castles · 2006
Top witch house albums
See essentialsAll witch house artists
Crystal Castles
electroclash, experimental music
Salem
ethereal wave, synth-pop
Pictureplane
Ritualz
Holy Other
Mater Suspiria Vision
NOIRE ANTIDOTE †
dark ambient
oOoOO
chillwave
∆AIMON
Skaen
△Sco△
Crim3s
electronic music
ΛΛ4Я4ZΛΛ
Violet7rip
MONOMOR✞E
PEAKi
About witch house
What is witch house?
occult-themed dark electronic music genre; emerged in the late 2000s and early 2010s; uses synthesizers, drum machines, obscure samples, droning repetition and heavily altered, ethereal, indiscernible vocals
Where should I start with witch house?
Start with "Alice Practice" by Crystal Castles. It captures what makes witch house worth exploring.
What are the best witch house albums?
The witch house albums worth hearing first: "Alice Practice" by Crystal Castles, "III" by Crystal Castles, "Amnesty (I)" by Crystal Castles, "King Night" by Salem and "Fires in Heaven" by Salem.
How many witch house artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 50 witch house artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.