The Ultimate Halloween Costume Guide for Metalheads
The most sacred — and metal — holiday of the year is quickly approaching. Do you find yourself still without any idea of what to dress up as for Halloween?
Fear not! MetalSucks has you covered with plenty of metal-themed costume ideas of both the store-bought and home-made variety for budgets big and small. We’ve even got some couple costumes if you want to get dressed up with your boo or BFF.
Happy trick or treating!
Lemmy Kilmister
There are three keys to executing any Lemmy costume: 1) the hat, 2) the facial hair, 3) the moles. The rest isn’t that important; any old jean jacket or form-fitting black coat should do. For the hat, we recommend this one from Costume Discounters ($16), but really any cheap cowboy hat will work (if you can tape on a skull and crossbones, even better). Men better get started ASAP growing out that trademark facial hair so they can shave it down to the proper contour when the day comes, while women, or men who simply don’t have the chops, might find this “Pedal to the Metal” fake beard ($16) perfect for the occasion. Walmart sells a pack of fake facial moles for just $7.
Axl Rose
There are many eras of Axl Rose, but for the sake of this column we’re going to assume you want to dress up as early ’90s Axl from the “Estranged” video because that’s by far the most outrageous and recognizable. You’ll need a bandana and a backwards black baseball cap to put over it, and a red flannel that can either be worn or tied around your waste; that part’s easy. If you really want to go all-out for this one, though — and you have the balls (metaphorically) to do it — you’ll purchase some tight white boxer briefs or athletic support shorts ($9 and up), and you’ll don those pants-less with either white cowboy boots or Axl’s trademark white Reebok high tops ($35 and up). You will be the talk of the party.
James Hetfield
Again, so many eras of Jaymz, so many fashions to choose from… but no Jaymz was more badass than Black Album-era Jaymz. This is a great option for anyone on a budget: a black tank-top and tight black pants are musts, but the long black armbands (available on Amazon for $10) are what will really bring this one home. Immitating Hetfield’s towhead mane is gonna be tough, but this “heavy metal rocker wig” ($12) will get the point across. The “Pedal to the Metal” fake beard ($16) might be useful here, but as long as you get all the other elements you should be good. Bonus points if you can lug around a friend’s Gibson Explorer all night.
Glen Blenton (Deicide)
Draw an upside down cross on your forehead and walk around being angry at everything all night. Done.
Adam D. (Killswitch Engage)
Another great costume for the budget-conscious metalhead. You likely already have most of what you need at home: take some old jeans and cut them into Daisy Dukes that are WAY higher than what you’re comfortable with, wear a tank top or cutoff shirt (any will do!), don a do-rag or elastic headband, buy any old cape on Amazon ($4 and up), walk around making silly faces all night and faux-flexing your biceps and you’re done!
Trevor Strnad (The Black Dahlia Murder)
Trevor is another one who’s gone through a number of styles over the years, but we think he’s looking mighty sexy lately (above left) so let’s go with that. A black denim battle jacket is a must (borrow a friend’s if you need to, or buy one at a thrift store and cut off the sleeves), but the most important thing is obviously the “heartburn” stomach tattoo. Get a friend to draw it for you, pop on some fake glasses, be the nicest/funniest dude ever and you’ll basically be Trevor. Death metal vocals not included.
Wayne and Garth
Great option for a duo, and you’ve likely already got most of what you need at home: a flannel, a black t-shirt and a black baseball cap. If you’ve got long hair you’re set, but if you need wigs Party City has a large selection in the $15-$30 range and Amazon has them for even cheaper. You could also just buy a pre-fab Wayne and Garth costume kit that comes with a black wig, a blonde wig, fake glasses, Wayne’s hat and drumsticks for just $45 all-in.
Vic Rattlehead (Megadeth mascot)
The Megadeth webstore is selling a fine-looking latex Vic Rattlhead mask ($80). It’ll set you back some dough, but it looks like it’s a high-quality item.
Slipknot
No matter which member of Slipknot you want to dress up as — are you Sid Wilson’s biggest fan? sure, why not — HalloweenCostumes.com has you covered ($35 and up). The black jumpsuits are out of stock there, but Amazon to the rescue: $50 for a branded Slipknot version and about half that for a generic black jumpsuit to which you can easily make your own modifications.
Insane Clown Posse / Juggalos
If these prefab latex masks ($48) are too much for your wallet, you and a friend can get creative with some facepaint ($6 and up). Don some gold chains or a hatchet man necklace ($7), walk around with a bottle of Faygo and you’ll be the life of the party.
King Diamond
Metal Blade Records is selling a corpse paint pack for just $7. Add in a hat, some silver chains and a tight-fitting coat and you’ll be transformed into the King himself in no time. The label’s Halloween offerings also include some sweet, season-appropriate shirts ($16 and up), a live King Diamond 10″ ($20), a Cattle Decapitation DVD ($10) and a friggin’ replica battle axe ($18)… so make sure you get on that before it’s too late.
Beavis and Butt-Head
Any Beavis and Butt-Head costume is going to be best if it’s home-made, so buy yourself some simple Hanes colored t-shirts ($3 and up) and get to work with a Sharpie, then walk around all night giggling, lighting your farts on fire and mining your nose for boogers. Bonus points if you can rope a friend into being the duo’s nerdy, constantly picked on next-door neighbor Stewart.
Eddie the Head (Iron Maiden mascot)
No matter which era of Iron Maiden’s iconic mascot Eddie you prefer, Trick or Treat Studios has you covered! Slip on one of these high-quality latex masks ($50 and up) and you’ll be ready to go.
Papa Emeritus (Ghost)
Trick or Treat Studios has masks available for both Papa Emeritus II and III ($59.99), whichever you prefer. You can also purchase a staff ($25), a robe ($80), and Nameless Ghoul masks ($60) for all of your friends (hopefully they won’t sue you).
