Image: Slayer - Hell Awaits Album Cover
Easter is just around the corner, and of course we’re getting into the search for Easter eggs – in music too! Because Easter eggs don’t just mean colorful holiday treats, but also hidden messages and secrets in media.
If you listen closely and let certain records play long enough, you’ll come across some very creative gems from bands. So today we’re diving into ten rock and metal songs that hold little surprises – from hidden tracks to mysterious sounds. Maybe you’ve already discovered a few of these Easter eggs yourself?
Pink Floyd – “Empty Spaces”
In the song “Empty Spaces” from Pink Floyd’s legendary album The Wall, you can hear a few lines that aren’t understandable at first. But when played in reverse, the following sentences are revealed:
“Congratulations. You've just discovered the secret message. Please send your answer to Old Pink, care of the funny farm, Chalfont…”
“Roger! Carolyne is on the phone!”
Carolyne was Roger Waters’ wife at the time.
Nirvana – “Endless, Nameless”
On their smash-hit album Nevermind, Nirvana included a thirteenth song that doesn’t appear on the tracklist. The hidden track titled “Endless, Nameless” starts about 10 minutes after “Something in the Way” ends. As is often the case with hidden tracks, it might catch you off guard with a bit of a fright…
Ozzy Osbourne – “Bloodbath in Paradise”
In the track “Bloodbath in Paradise” from the album No Rest for the Wicked, Ozzy Osbourne parodies a famous line from the 1973 horror film "The Exorcist", saying:
“Your mother sells whelks in Hull.”
Slayer – “Hell Awaits”
Slayer also hid a reversed voice message in their music. In the title track “Hell Awaits” from the album of the same name, a garbled phrase is repeated. When played backwards, it clearly says: “Join us!” And at the end: “Welcome back!”
The Beatles – “Strawberry Fields Forever”
Even though this leans more into conspiracy theories than actual facts, we can’t leave out The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Many fans interpreted John Lennon’s words “cranberry sauce” at the end of the song as “I buried Paul.” Similar interpretations also came from songs like “I’m So Tired” and “Revolution 9.” This led to the theory that Paul McCartney actually died in a car crash in 1966 and was replaced by a lookalike. Even shows like "The Simpsons" have referenced this bizarre idea.
Radiohead – Kid A
Radiohead’s Kid A album also came with some mystery. Those who bought the physical CD found a second hidden booklet inside the packaging. It contained lyrics that didn’t match any songs on the album – instead, they were clues for their upcoming albums Amnesiac and Hail to the Thief. Check out the secret booklet here.
Tool – “10,000 Days”
On Tool’s album 10,000 Days, there’s a hidden track of sorts – but in an unusual way. The three songs “Viginti Tres,” “Wings for Marie,” and “10,000 Days” can be layered on top of each other to form a completely new song with a combined lyrical message. Curious how that sounds? Listen here:
The Rolling Stones – Their Satanic Majesties Request
In 1967, The Beatles released their iconic album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. On its colorful cover, there’s a doll wearing a shirt that says “Welcome The Rolling Stones” – a cheeky nod to their friendly rivalry. Just months later, the Stones released Their Satanic Majesties Request, with an equally vibrant cover that was clearly a reference to the Beatles.
Harry Nilsson and John Lennon – Pussy Cats
Harry Nilsson and John Lennon released the album Pussy Cats in 1974, which also features a clever Easter egg – this time on the cover. At the bottom, there’s a carpet (or “rug”), and next to it are toy blocks with the letters D and S, spelling out the word “DrugS.”
The Velvet Underground – White Light/White Heat
At first glance, the cover of White Light/White Heat by The Velvet Underground looks completely black, except for the album and band name. But under closer inspection – using light, UV, or brightening the image digitally – you can clearly make out a tattoo of a skull on an arm. The photo was of actor Joe Spencer, known at the time for starring in Andy Warhol’s film "Bike Boy".
