The Haunting is a US-based project, primarily active since 2014, that occupies the niche intersection of horror punk, alternative rock, and post-hardcore. Centered around the creative output of John Von Braunsberg and Scott Kearney, the band evolved from earlier Long Island scene projects.
Their sound identity is built on high-gain distortion, macabre lyrical themes, and a lo-fi production aesthetic that prioritizes atmosphere over clinical clarity. Musically, they draw from the legacy of the Misfits but filter it through a 2010s post-hardcore lens, resulting in a sound that is more abrasive and textured than traditional deathrock. Critical consensus often highlights their ability to maintain a 'spooky' aesthetic without descending into parody, citing their raw vocal performances and aggressive rhythm sections as key strengths. They occupy a similar cultural space to artists like Scarlet House or Too Close to Touch, bridging the gap between emo-adjacent alternative and the darker fringes of garage punk. Their catalog, including standout releases like 'Decay and Rot,' serves as a modern touchstone for the horror-rock subculture.
Shares lo_fi, noise_textured, analog_warmth (production style); raspy, intense, gravelly (vocal style)
Shares lo_fi, noise_textured, analog_warmth (production style); raspy, intense, gravelly (vocal style)
Shares lo_fi, noise_textured, analog_warmth (production style); basement_show, urban_night, fog (atmosphere)
Shares lo_fi, noise_textured, analog_warmth (production style); alternative rock, post-hardcore, garage rock (subgenres)
Shares lo_fi, noise_textured, analog_warmth (production style); basement_show, urban_night, dive_bar (atmosphere)
Shares lo_fi, noise_textured, analog_warmth (production style); raspy, intense, gravelly (vocal style)
Shares lo_fi, noise_textured, analog_warmth (production style); raspy, intense, gravelly (vocal style)
Shares lo_fi, noise_textured, analog_warmth (production style); dive_bar, urban_night, basement_show (atmosphere)
Shares alternative rock, post-hardcore (subgenres); lo_fi, noise_textured, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares lo_fi, noise_textured, analog_warmth (production style); basement_show, urban_night, fog (atmosphere)
Shares post-hardcore, noise_textured, alternative rock, raspy (subgenre)
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