A dark psy classic | Enter the world of dark and eerie psychedelia...

MandragoraSilent Enemy

Mandragora (Original Mix)

Silent Enemy is one of the most active composers in the dark psy scene.

It’s no exaggeration to say no one surpasses him when it comes to producing dark psy, and his compositional sense in this genre is simply outstanding.

One of his masterpieces is Mandragora.

While retaining the eerie atmosphere characteristic of dark psy, it’s crafted into an incredibly cool track overall.

Seriously, it’s amazing—if you haven’t heard it yet, definitely check it out.

KreshnayePitch Bend

Kreshnaye

Dark psy is known for its focus on a ghastly, ominous atmosphere, which makes it a great match with gothic metal.

“Kreshnaye” is a track that showcases the strong affinity between gothic metal and dark psy.

The intro is shaped with a serious gothic metal vibe, and from there it carefully builds step by step into a dark psy track.

The way the drop comes in is just exquisite.

Mind AttackApsynum

Apsynum – Mind Attack (Dark Psy)

Not limited to electronic music, a wide range of genres have recently been influenced by hip-hop.

“Mind Attack” is one such work; its intro carries a vibe reminiscent of drill music.

From there, the development coalesces into dark psy close to noise music.

The way the drop lands is interesting too, evoking a dancehall/reggae feel.

I’d say it’s a highly unconventional take on dark psy, wouldn’t you?

Bao KaoCrone

Crone – Bao Kao

In dark psy, it’s very common to use programmed instrumental hits rather than synthesizers in the intro.

Bao Kao, however, departs from that standard by diving straight into a cyber-like synth-driven intro.

Usually, tracks like this end up sounding like typical psychedelic trance, but this one still conveys a distinctly dark psy atmosphere.

Electronic music often draws attention for its groove, yet a melody line can instantly transform the mood.

This track really shows how important the melody line can be.

KukeriFlash Jack

Kukeri

To briefly explain for those not familiar with trance: broadly speaking, there are two main types—Goa trance and psychedelic trance.

Darkpsy basically evolved from psychedelic trance, but because many tracks have a horror flavor, some pieces do incorporate elements of Goa trance.

Among them, a particularly striking work is “Kukeri.” Its world-building, created by the blend of horror and sacred atmospheres, evokes the image of Hecate, the goddess of death.

BazingaAjja

Bazinga

Dark psy has many tracks with a horror flavor, so it tends to have strong affinity with contemporary music and noise music.

This classic dark psy track, “Bazinga,” also showcases the high compatibility between noise music and dark psy.

It layers an easy-to-groove psychedelic trance foundation with dark, bizarrely effected synths as accents.

You could call it a highly distinctive track.

Be sure to check it out.

DiabolicSilent Enemy

Diabolic (Original Mix)

Even when we say “dark psy” in a broad sense, it takes many forms.

I imagine many of you enjoy tracks that evoke a truly terrifying atmosphere.

For those listeners, I highly recommend this work, Diabolic.

Personally, I’d call it one of the pinnacles of dark psy, meticulously crafted down to the finest details.

You can especially hear the obsessive attention to the basslines.

If you’re tired of monotonous psychedelic trance, be sure to give it a listen.