Evanescence where the frontmen of the idea - they originated the Nu-Goth thing and fronted it |
Danteferno (talk | contribs) Leyasu, please bring your reasoning for edits on the discussion. Revert wars will go nowhere. |
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'''Gothic metal''' (also called '''Goth metal''' |
'''Gothic metal''' (also called '''Goth metal''') is a crossover between [[heavy metal music]] and [[gothic music]] itself; although the term 'metal' is debated by those who say it is mainly gothic music. It developed in the early 1990s in [[Europe]] and the [[United States]]. Gothic metal has proven somewhat difficult to categorise. Some fans and musicians have a firm concept of genre and subgenre, but others reject such categorisation as limiting or useless. There is often significant crossover from one category to another, and often the influence of non-metal music. |
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== Beginnings (1983-1990) == |
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==Sound and lyrics== |
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<p> |
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The earliest stage of gothic metal could be traced to bands |
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in the 1980s who utilized [[goth rock]] aesthetics with metallic |
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songwriting. Although Glenn Danzig's [[Samhain (band)|Samhain]] made some attribution of this, [[Christian Death]] are regarded as the most influential to the founding of the genre. The deep vocal baritones of [[Rozz Williams]] and Valor Kand, the downtuned bass guitars and eerie synths made a strong impression on many bands that would form later, including those who experimented with other metal influences. [[Celtic Frost]] - although considered by many as an early [[black metal]] band - also played an early role for their "gothic-sounding" atmospherics. |
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== Forward (1990-present) == |
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Gothic metal first appeared in the early [[1990s]]. It grew from the [[doom metal]] scene in parallel with a subgenre of doom metal; gothic doom metal. Its first origins were with bands such as [[The Gathering]], [[Moonspell]] and [[Theatre of Tragedy]]. These bands created the first symbiotes of gothic doom metal, which later went on to further gothic metal. Over time gothic metal was knocked back in its growth several times, the most reknown being the surge of [[symphonic metal]] bands in the mid 1990s and the surge of [[nu metal]] bands using keyboards in the early [[2000s]]. |
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<p> |
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In the 1990s, a group of young bands in Northern England borrowed |
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from the early gothic metal sound of the 1980s and incorporated it with the slow, downtuned guitar dirges of [[Black Sabbath]]. Gothic Doom, or DoomDeath, as it was often called, would be regarded as a second stage of the subgenre. Bands most notable for this style included [[Paradise Lost (band)|Paradise Lost]], [[My Dying Bride]], and [[Anathema (band)|Anathema]]. |
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<p> |
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Although the Scandinavian region was known more for its [[death metal]] and [[black metal]] fertility, many bands who started in either genre had progressed and conformed more to gothic metal styles - [[Tiamat (band)|Tiamat]], [[Theatre of Tragedy]], and [[Lake of Tears]] being a few examples. Although [[Paradise Lost (band)|Paradise Lost]], [[Anathema (band)|Anathema]] used some female vocals in their music, Norway's [[Theatre of Tragedy]] was the first gothic metal band with a leading female singer, [[Liv_Kristine|Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull]] (later replaced by another female singer, named Nell). |
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<p> |
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Similarly, [[New York City]]'s [[Type O Negative]] had some connections to [[death metal]] and [[thrash metal]] with lead singer/bassist's Peter Steele's earlier group, [[Carnivore (band)|Carnivore]]. Although the band has taken a more humorous, tonque-and-cheek approach to the genre, they have played a large role in the genre and its characteristics. |
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<p> |
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A softer version of Gothic metal had evolved in the mid-late 1990s. These bands focused on female vocals as well, although not neccesserly operatic ones, and reduced [[doom metal]] elements and male death vocals significantly. These bands include [[The Gathering (band)|The Gathering]] ([[Netherlands]]), [[Within Temptation]] (Netherlands), [[Lacuna Coil]] ([[Italy]]) and [[Lacrimosa]] ([[Germany]]). Some of these bands also combined electronic sounds and mainstream [[rock music]] with the traditional Gothic metal sound to create a lighter and more accessible form of the genre. |
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<p> |
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The Gothic metal scene is currently very developed in Northern [[Europe]], especially [[Norway]]. |
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<p> |
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== Misperceptions and Categorization == |
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Gothic metal is a relatively loose genre; the overall sound in gothic metal plays only a minor role in differentiating between it and other genres. Gothic metal tends to lend itself musically to both doom metal and black metal. Bands often tend to take their musical influence from doom metal bands or black metal bands, taking the melody ideas from these genres. Thus, added in with gothic metal's unique use of dual vocalists, keyboards, and acoustic guitar help distinguish the music. Keyboards in gothic metal often play a major role in the music, and many gothic metal bands have one guitarist and a keyboardist rather than two guitarists. Acoustic guitars are often present in gothic metal; gothic metal bands with two guitarists often have one of them playing an acoustic guitar. Bass guitars in gothic metal pays akin to the deep lowness of doom metal, and the brash harshness of black metal. |
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Although the style has seen much less controversy than other metal subgenres - and remarkably, fewer instances of debate - some arguments have gone on in regards to bands that have sported a gothic "image" versus those with direct genetics to the gothic metal genre. |
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When widespread news events surrounded [[Marilyn Manson]], for instance, some media personalities and journalists categorized him as a "gothic rock" and "gothic heavy metal" musician, eventhough few elements in his music would be classifiable as such. The growing popularity of [[industrial music]] in the 1990s can be factored as a major source to this, considering several artists in the genre inspired a "gothic" styled dress amongst suburban youths which was similarly debated in authenticity by those who proclaimed themselves "true" members of gothic [[subculture]]. |
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Lyrically gothic metal is concerned with [[Romanticide]] and [[Fantacide]]. The time setting for lyrics is often in the [[New Age]] or [[Dark Ages]], but can also be in Victorian, Edwardian, Roman, or modern eras. Gothic metal bands often write their albums in the form of books, with each song being a chapter in the book. Thus, they use this strategy so that listeners will want to listen to their whole album in order. |
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Although gothic metal - like most metal subgenres - is difficult to classify, some main attributes have remained fairly consistent: |
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Vocalists in gothic metal borrow from two notes. First, the male vocalist often uses vocals akin to black or death metal. The second vocalist is usually female, often singing [[soprano]] or providing [[harmony]]; the female vocalists never use black or death metal vocals. Drums are used to complement the music and use a wide variety of influences. Atmosphere is tailored to fit the song, warm and energetic, empty and enclosing. The atmosphere does not share the morbidity of doom metal, however. |
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*''lyrics'' focus on a variety of subjects: [[religion]] and [[God]], heaven and hell, romance, (gothic) horror, depression, bereavement, emptiness, and death. Typically, the subjects are set in a pre-20th century environment. |
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== History (1990-present) == |
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* ''vocals'' are either sung by a male vocalist, female vocalist, or both. The male vocals are either in a deep [[tenor]], or [[death grunt]]. Female vocals tend to be high and operatic, but sometimes sung in a regular tone with reverb usage for effects. |
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*the ''guitar(s)'' and ''bass'' are often in minor key, but can also be slow and heavily distorted, as what would be heard in [[doom metal]]. Along with ''percussion'' (and sometimes ''synthesizers''), the pace and tone is sometimes dependent on the performance of the singer or the nature of the song. |
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There are also (occasional) instances in which gothic metal crosses over into other genres, such as [[power metal]] and [[symphonic metal]]. |
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In the 1990s, a group of young bands in Northern England borrowed from the early gothic rock sound of the 1980s and incorporated it with the slow, down-tuned guitar dirges of Black Sabbath. Gothic doom, as it is known, was the first stage of the genre. Bands most notable for this style included [[Paradise Lost]], [[My Dying Bride]], and [[Anathema]]. Gothic metal originated from this, with bands such as [[The Gathering]] taking the gothic Doom sound that had arisen and making Romantically-themed bands that borrowed from black metal. |
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==List of Gothic metal bands== |
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Although the Scandinavian region was known more for its [[death metal]] and [[black metal]] fertility, many bands who started in either genre had progressed and conformed more to gothic doom styles - [[Tiamat (band)|Tiamat]], and [[Theatre of Tragedy]], being two examples. Although [[Paradise Lost (band)|Paradise Lost]], [[Anathema (band)|Anathema]] used some female vocals in their music, Norway's [[Theatre of Tragedy]] was the first gothic doom band with a leading female singer, [[Liv_Kristine|Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull]] (later replaced by another female singer, named Nell). Using two vocalists, as Theatre of Tragedy did, later became a signature of gothic metal. |
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*[[Aesma Daeva]] ([[United States|USA]]) - [http://www.symphonicmetalband.com/ Official Band web site] |
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*[[After Forever]] ([[Netherlands]]) |
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*[[AraPacis]] ([[Canada]]) |
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*[[Ashes You Leave]] ([[Croatia]]) |
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*[[Charon (band)|Charon]] ([[Finland]]) |
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*[[Demons And Wizards]] |
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*[[Dreams of Sanity]] ([[Austria]]) - [http://www.bnrmetal.com/groups/dos.htm BNR summary] |
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*[[Darkwell]] ([[Austria]]) [http://www.darkwell.org] |
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*[[Edenbridge (band)|Edenbridge]] ([[Austria]]) |
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*[[Elis]] ([[Liechtenstein]]) |
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*[[End My Sorrow]] ([[Denmark]]) |
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*[[Entwine]] ([[Finland]]) |
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*[[Epica]] ([[Netherlands]]) |
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*[[For My Pain]] |
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*[[Haggard (band)|Haggard]] ([[Germany]]) - [http://www.bnrmetal.com/groups/hagg.htm BNR summary] |
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*[[In Grey]] ([[Sweden]]) - [http://www.in-grey.com/ Official Band Web Site] |
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*[[Killing Miranda]] ([[United Kingdom|UK]]) |
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*[[Lacrimas Profundere]] |
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*[[Lacrimosa]] ([[Germany]]) |
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*[[Lacuna Coil]] ([[Italy]]) - [http://www.bnrmetal.com/groups/laco.htm BNR summary] |
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*[[Lake of Tears]] ([[Sweden]]) |
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*[[Leicohtica]] (Australia) - [http://www.leicohtica.net/] |
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*[[Leaves' Eyes]] |
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*[[Lightning War]] ([[United Kingdom|UK]]) |
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*[[the missing:]] (USA) - [http://www.themissing.com/ Official Band web site] |
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*[[Moi Dix Mois]] ([[Japan]]) |
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*[[Moonspell]] ([[Portugal]]) |
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*[[More (band)|More]] ([[Italy]]) |
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*[[My Dying Bride]] ([[UK]]) |
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*[[Myriads]] ([[Norway]]) |
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*[[Paradise Lost (band)|Paradise Lost]] ([[United Kingdom|UK]]) |
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*[[Poema Arcanus]] ([[Chile]]) |
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*[[Rain Fell Within]] ([[United States]]) |
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*[[Rotting Christ]] ([[Greece]]) - [http://www.bnrmetal.com/groups/roch.htm BNR summary] |
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*[[Saviour Machine]] ([[United States|USA]]) - [http://www.saviourmachine.com Official Band Website] |
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*[[Septic Flesh]] ([[Greece]]) |
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*[[Sirenia (band)|Sirenia]] ([[Norway]]) - [http://www.bnrmetal.com/groups/srna.htm BNR summary] |
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*[[Skeptical Minds]] ([[Belgium]]) |
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*[[Theatre of Tragedy]] ([[Norway]]) - [http://www.bnrmetal.com/groups/tot.htm BNR Summary] |
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*[[The Gathering (band)|The Gathering]] ([[Netherlands]]) |
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*[[The Sins Of Thy Beloved]] ([[Norway]]) |
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*[[Tiamat (band)|Tiamat]] ([[Germany]]) (formerly [[Sweden]]) |
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*[[Trail of Tears (band)|Trail of Tears]] ([[Norway]]) - [http://www.bnrmetal.com/groups/trot.htm BNR summary] |
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*[[Tristania (band)|Tristania]] ([[Norway]]) - [http://www.bnrmetal.com/groups/tris.htm BNR summary] |
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*[[Type O Negative]] ([[United States|USA]]) |
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*[[Xandria]] ([[Germany]]) |
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*[[Within Temptation]] ([[Netherlands]]) |
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*[[Without Face]] ([[Hungary]]) |
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*[[Velvetcut]] ([[Finland]]) |
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== See also == |
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A softer genre known as [[symphonic metal]] had evolved in the mid-late 1990s. These bands focused on female vocals as well, although not necessarily operatic ones, with no [[doom metal]] elements and little use of male death vocals. These bands include [[Within Temptation]] (Netherlands), [[Epica]] (Netherlands) and [[Lacrimosa]] ([[Germany]]), focusing more on opera and classical music themes than those akin to gothic metal. Some of these bands also combined electronic sounds and mainstream [[rock music]] with the traditional symphonic metal sound to create a lighter and more accessible form of the genre. During this time the divide between [[gothic]] Metal and [[symphonic metal]] became greater, gothic metal becoming more aggressive, and incorporating elements of [[death metal]] into the music. |
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* [[Goth]] |
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* [[Gothic rock]] |
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* [[Gothcore]] |
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==External links== |
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In 2004, Nu Metal bands [[Evanescence]] and [[ [[Lacuna Coil]], alongside gothic metal band [[Tristania]], power metal band [[Nightwish]] and symphonic metal band [[Within Temptation]] agreed to start a new form of music called [[nu-goth]]. The idea of this was to add [[symphonic metal]] and gothic metal elements to nu metal to create a more easily accessible, and marketable form of the two genres. This sent the gothic metal and [[symphonic metal]] scenes into fits of rage, creating a spoken treaty amongst the worldwide scene that as long as nu-goth was in existance, bands would refuse to play at any festival or be on any music channel, that featured a nu-goth band. <!--- Source?? --> The gothic metal scene also grew a strong hatred for nu-goth the site [[Goth-Metal.net]], that laid claim to the title of the genre. This inspired many savage attacks from the gothic metal scenes fans, most travelling to places where nu-goth bands were playing and attacking them and the fans. <!--- Source? ---> |
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Metal and Goth databases: |
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The gothic metal scene is currently very developed in [[Europe]] after its problematic past, most notably in England and France. |
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* [http://www.bnrmetal.com/ The BNR Metal Pages] - short bio and review of almost every metal band there is. |
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* [http://www.metal-archives.com/ The Encyclopaedia Metallum] - database of all metal bands (includes biographies, line-ups, reviews, etc.), updated by users. |
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Goth Metal magazines / portals / reviews: |
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== Common misconceptions == |
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* [http://www.gothmetal.net Goth Metal World ] - band reviews, band database, radio, forums. |
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{{section-stub}} |
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Although the style has seen much more controversy than other metal genres, some arguments have gone on in regards to bands that have sported a gothic "image" in the eyes of the media versus those with direct genetics to the gothic metal genre. <!--- Expand, but not with previous information, which was redundant with the What Is Gothic Metal (now Sound and lyrics) section. Also, I've removed the "not gothic metal" section; see the talk page - Idont havaname ---> |
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==List of gothic metal bands== |
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* [[Artrosis]] |
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* [[Cryptal Darkness]] |
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* [[Darkwell]] |
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* [[Draconian]] |
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* [[Eternal Oath]] |
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* [[Evereve]] |
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* [[Gothic Sex]] |
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* [[Leaves Eyes]] |
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* [[Macbeth (band)|Macbeth]] |
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* [[Penumbra (band)|Penumbra]] |
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* [[Poisonblack]] |
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* [[Sirenia]] |
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* [[Silentium]] |
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* [[Trail of Tears]] |
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[[Category:Metal_subgenres]] |
[[Category:Metal_subgenres]] |
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Revision as of 02:57, 4 November 2005
Gothic metal (also called Goth metal) is a crossover between heavy metal music and gothic music itself; although the term 'metal' is debated by those who say it is mainly gothic music. It developed in the early 1990s in Europe and the United States. Gothic metal has proven somewhat difficult to categorise. Some fans and musicians have a firm concept of genre and subgenre, but others reject such categorisation as limiting or useless. There is often significant crossover from one category to another, and often the influence of non-metal music.
Beginnings (1983-1990)
The earliest stage of gothic metal could be traced to bands in the 1980s who utilized goth rock aesthetics with metallic songwriting. Although Glenn Danzig's Samhain made some attribution of this, Christian Death are regarded as the most influential to the founding of the genre. The deep vocal baritones of Rozz Williams and Valor Kand, the downtuned bass guitars and eerie synths made a strong impression on many bands that would form later, including those who experimented with other metal influences. Celtic Frost - although considered by many as an early black metal band - also played an early role for their "gothic-sounding" atmospherics.
Forward (1990-present)
In the 1990s, a group of young bands in Northern England borrowed from the early gothic metal sound of the 1980s and incorporated it with the slow, downtuned guitar dirges of Black Sabbath. Gothic Doom, or DoomDeath, as it was often called, would be regarded as a second stage of the subgenre. Bands most notable for this style included Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, and Anathema.
Although the Scandinavian region was known more for its death metal and black metal fertility, many bands who started in either genre had progressed and conformed more to gothic metal styles - Tiamat, Theatre of Tragedy, and Lake of Tears being a few examples. Although Paradise Lost, Anathema used some female vocals in their music, Norway's Theatre of Tragedy was the first gothic metal band with a leading female singer, Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull (later replaced by another female singer, named Nell).
Similarly, New York City's Type O Negative had some connections to death metal and thrash metal with lead singer/bassist's Peter Steele's earlier group, Carnivore. Although the band has taken a more humorous, tonque-and-cheek approach to the genre, they have played a large role in the genre and its characteristics.
A softer version of Gothic metal had evolved in the mid-late 1990s. These bands focused on female vocals as well, although not neccesserly operatic ones, and reduced doom metal elements and male death vocals significantly. These bands include The Gathering (Netherlands), Within Temptation (Netherlands), Lacuna Coil (Italy) and Lacrimosa (Germany). Some of these bands also combined electronic sounds and mainstream rock music with the traditional Gothic metal sound to create a lighter and more accessible form of the genre.
The Gothic metal scene is currently very developed in Northern Europe, especially Norway.
Misperceptions and Categorization
Although the style has seen much less controversy than other metal subgenres - and remarkably, fewer instances of debate - some arguments have gone on in regards to bands that have sported a gothic "image" versus those with direct genetics to the gothic metal genre.
When widespread news events surrounded Marilyn Manson, for instance, some media personalities and journalists categorized him as a "gothic rock" and "gothic heavy metal" musician, eventhough few elements in his music would be classifiable as such. The growing popularity of industrial music in the 1990s can be factored as a major source to this, considering several artists in the genre inspired a "gothic" styled dress amongst suburban youths which was similarly debated in authenticity by those who proclaimed themselves "true" members of gothic subculture.
Although gothic metal - like most metal subgenres - is difficult to classify, some main attributes have remained fairly consistent:
- lyrics focus on a variety of subjects: religion and God, heaven and hell, romance, (gothic) horror, depression, bereavement, emptiness, and death. Typically, the subjects are set in a pre-20th century environment.
- vocals are either sung by a male vocalist, female vocalist, or both. The male vocals are either in a deep tenor, or death grunt. Female vocals tend to be high and operatic, but sometimes sung in a regular tone with reverb usage for effects.
- the guitar(s) and bass are often in minor key, but can also be slow and heavily distorted, as what would be heard in doom metal. Along with percussion (and sometimes synthesizers), the pace and tone is sometimes dependent on the performance of the singer or the nature of the song.
There are also (occasional) instances in which gothic metal crosses over into other genres, such as power metal and symphonic metal.
List of Gothic metal bands
- Aesma Daeva (USA) - Official Band web site
- After Forever (Netherlands)
- AraPacis (Canada)
- Ashes You Leave (Croatia)
- Charon (Finland)
- Demons And Wizards
- Dreams of Sanity (Austria) - BNR summary
- Darkwell (Austria) [1]
- Edenbridge (Austria)
- Elis (Liechtenstein)
- End My Sorrow (Denmark)
- Entwine (Finland)
- Epica (Netherlands)
- For My Pain
- Haggard (Germany) - BNR summary
- In Grey (Sweden) - Official Band Web Site
- Killing Miranda (UK)
- Lacrimas Profundere
- Lacrimosa (Germany)
- Lacuna Coil (Italy) - BNR summary
- Lake of Tears (Sweden)
- Leicohtica (Australia) - [2]
- Leaves' Eyes
- Lightning War (UK)
- the missing: (USA) - Official Band web site
- Moi Dix Mois (Japan)
- Moonspell (Portugal)
- More (Italy)
- My Dying Bride (UK)
- Myriads (Norway)
- Paradise Lost (UK)
- Poema Arcanus (Chile)
- Rain Fell Within (United States)
- Rotting Christ (Greece) - BNR summary
- Saviour Machine (USA) - Official Band Website
- Septic Flesh (Greece)
- Sirenia (Norway) - BNR summary
- Skeptical Minds (Belgium)
- Theatre of Tragedy (Norway) - BNR Summary
- The Gathering (Netherlands)
- The Sins Of Thy Beloved (Norway)
- Tiamat (Germany) (formerly Sweden)
- Trail of Tears (Norway) - BNR summary
- Tristania (Norway) - BNR summary
- Type O Negative (USA)
- Xandria (Germany)
- Within Temptation (Netherlands)
- Without Face (Hungary)
- Velvetcut (Finland)
See also
External links
Metal and Goth databases:
- The BNR Metal Pages - short bio and review of almost every metal band there is.
- The Encyclopaedia Metallum - database of all metal bands (includes biographies, line-ups, reviews, etc.), updated by users.
Goth Metal magazines / portals / reviews:
- Goth Metal World - band reviews, band database, radio, forums.