Gothic: The Music

Many people wonder what gothic music means. This question has very simple answer: it’s like music that goths listen. Gothic music has mostly a dark character and much emphasis on death. But there is certainly much more than that. Gothic music has a very broad concept, and it has a unique character.

Gothic rock / deathrock
This music has the origin of all gothic music, although this genre is not used for very long time. This music contains simple drum and bass and they are supported by vocals and guitar. Gothic is using reverbs to get sound more bombastic.
Famous bands: Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus and Joy Division.

EBM: Electronic Body Music
This genre was developed around 1980. Currently it is coming back to life. This music is entirely electronic. Distinctive features hard 4 / 4 beats, staccatto basslines, and dramatic melodies. The singing is in many cases distorted.
Famous bands: VNV Nation, Cyborg Attack, Accessory, Suicide Commando.

Dark Wave
This is the electronic version of the gothic rock / deathrock. Drum machines and synthesizers dominate this music. In addition, the echoing vocals, atmospheric beats and the sinister sound parties breakthrough.
Famous bands: Deine Lakaien, Clan of Xymox, Diary of Dreams, Diorama.

Neofolk
Here you can hear mainly acoustic instruments. Quiet melancholy music on acoustic guitars, flutes, violins and cellos. Texts often act on the simple life and esoteric themes.
Famous bands: Death in June, or the wall and the moon, Current 93 and Ostara.

Gothic music with classical influences
This movement is especially popular in recent years. It contains rough music with instruments like bass guitar, electric guitar, synthesizer and drums.
Famous bands: Nightwish, After Forever, Epica and Tristania.