Halloween Music from the 1960s Part 2 - Black Mass!

Yesterday we heard a 60s Halloween Party classic that originated in the 50s - I Put A Spell On You. It's pretty tame and mainstream; you hear it on the radio even today on certain stations.

Today we go off the rails on the crazy train and listen to a song called "Black Mass" from 1969. I bet no one has heard this song! Jason Crest was an English band active at the end of the 60s and had several pop psych records that didn't get all that much attention. But Garage Rock fans know This one - it has been on compilations and has received some airplay on Garage Rock radio stations.

I'll give a WARNING to those who might be offended or who might not want to subject themselves to a song about a Black Mass, which is a worship event for The Devil. I will say that the singer is clearly not happy to be in attendance and wishes that the darkness be damned!

Musically, this is a slow psychedelic song with organ, guitars and backwards drum tracks. Vocally we hear a person under duress with lots of screams, and background demonic chanting. The song starts with a typical 60s 4 chord structure with organ or lead guitar sounding like a theremin, bass and drums.

Then the verses begin, and the drum track is replaced with a backwards tape of a simple drum beat. Kind of like what Jimi Hendrix used in Are You Experienced? on his first album in 1967 of the same name.

The lyrics are as follows:

What is this place that I am in, where time itself is ruled by sin? Malignant forces wait unseen; death is here where life has been.

Chorus:

Darkness be damned; release your hold over man! Let there be life; stop these sounds! Ahhhh Black Mass-s-s-s-s!

Likenesses of man I see. Women who are evil by decree. They worship everything that's vile! The holy trinity has been defiled!

Chorus again, followed by sinister chanting and screams.
The backwards guitar tracking over backwards drums.

An incantation summons Pan; his presence is too much for man. Forever his I must remain. Ah eternal darkness fills my brain.

Chorus again, chanting and screams again. Backwards guitar over drums again.

The song concludes with some final tormented screams over the backwards guitar and drums.

Halloween is not for everyone, and neither is This kind of Strange, Satanic music! I will say that this is most likely just theater, much like the movies of the late 60s and early 70s. For example, see the horror catalogue of Hammer Films, many of which are viewable online. Caution! Adult themes in several of these movies!

I've warned you all! Now it is your choice. Do you care to listen to Black Mass, by Jason Crest?

Press PLAY if you dare!