Netflix Summons the Dark: New Documentary Shines Light on Cult Rock Band Samhain
April 18, 2025 — In a move sure to excite fans of punk, metal, and underground music history, Netflix has officially announced the release of a brand-new documentary chronicling the rise, reign, and legacy of the cult rock band Samhain. Titled “Unholy Fire: The Story of Samhain,” the documentary is set to premiere worldwide on May 13th, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the band’s debut album, Initium.
Samhain, formed in 1983 by punk icon Glenn Danzig after the dissolution of The Misfits, fused horror-themed punk with gothic atmospheres and early elements of what would become doom metal. Though their existence was brief—lasting just a few years before morphing into the more commercially successful band Danzig—their influence has echoed throughout multiple music scenes for decades. The band’s mysterious aura and occult-infused aesthetics have earned them a near-mythic status among fans of underground music.
Directed by acclaimed music documentarian Erin Rourke (Behind the Static, Echoes of the Underground), Unholy Fire promises a deep dive into the band’s formation, creative process, and impact. The film includes never-before-seen rehearsal footage, rare photos, and candid interviews with former members, music historians, and musicians inspired by Samhain’s unique sound. Glenn Danzig himself participated in several in-depth interviews, marking a rare occasion where he opens up about this often-overlooked era of his career.
“People think of The Misfits and Danzig, but Samhain was the crucible where I really figured out what I wanted to do musically,” Danzig says in the trailer. “It was raw, it was dark, and it was mine.” The trailer, released alongside the announcement, quickly gained traction online with its gritty aesthetic and haunting soundtrack featuring remastered Samhain tracks.
The documentary also explores the band’s controversial imagery, use of horror iconography, and its connection to ancient traditions like the Celtic festival of the same name. It makes thematic connections between the band’s music and the darker, spiritual roots of Samhain the holiday, further cementing its place as a cultural artifact that transcends genres.
Music critics and historians featured in the film highlight Samhain’s critical role in the evolution of darker subgenres. “Without Samhain, you don’t get the same kind of goth-punk or even the early sludge metal scenes,” says one expert in the film. “They bridged the gap between punk aggression and the atmospheric menace of metal.”
Netflix has also confirmed a companion digital EP featuring remastered Samhain songs, set to drop alongside the documentary. Hardcore fans are buzzing over the possibility of previously unreleased material or alternate takes—fueling rumors that more archival content from the band’s vault may be on the way.
Unholy Fire: The Story of Samhain premieres exclusively on Netflix on May 13. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a student of rock history, or someone curious about the dark roots of alternative music, this documentary promises a raw and unflinching look into one of rock’s most enigmatic chapters.
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