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{{heavymetal}} {{heavymetal}}


'''Gothic metal''' (also called '''Goth metal''' much to the bereavement of its fans) is a genre of music that is often mistaken for a crossover between ] and ] itself. It developed in the early 1980s in ] as a subgenre of Doom Metal, the genre later forming from that subgenre. Gothic metal is a pretty linear genre but due to much debate amongst non Gothic Metal fans, its actual definition is not commonly known. The fans and musicians have a firm concept of the genre having been around through its growth and nurturing, but newer fans reject such categorisation as limiting or useless on the pretense it is not what they want it to be. '''Gothic metal''' (also called '''Goth metal''') is a crossover between ] and ] itself; although the term 'metal' is debated by those who say it is mainly gothic music. It developed in the early 1990s in ] and the ]. 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) ==
== Sounds, Constructs and Lyrics ==
<p>
The earliest stage of gothic metal could be traced to bands
in the 1980s who utilized ] aesthetics with metallic
songwriting. Although Glenn Danzig's ] made some attribution of this, ] are regarded as the most influential to the founding of the genre. The deep vocal baritones of ] 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. ] - although considered by many as an early ] band - also played an early role for their "gothic-sounding" atmospherics.
,


== Forward (1990-present) ==
Gothic Metal is a genre of Metal that first appeared in the early 90's. It grew from the Doom Metal scene in parallel with the subgenre of Doom Metal; Gothic Doom. Its first origins was with bands such as The Gathering, Sweet Nightmare, Moonspell and Theatre of Tragedy. These bands created the first symbiotes of Gothic Doom, which later went on to further Gothic Metal. Over time Gothic Metal was knocked back in its growth several times, the most well known being the surge of Symphonic Metal bands in the mid 90's and the surge of Nu Metal bands using Keyboards in the Early 2000's.
<p> <p>
In the 1990s, a group of young bands in Northern England borrowed
Gothic Metal is a relatively loose genre in the way it sounds because the genre is built and weighed upon its construction of songs and their parts. The overall sound in Gothic Metal plays a minor role to suffice only to depict between itself 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 both Doom Metal bands and Black Metal bands, taking the melody ideas from these genres. Thus, added in with Gothic Metals unique use of Duel Vocalists, Keyboarding and Acoustic guitar help distinguish the music. Keyboards in Gothic Metal often play a major role in the music, sufficing to replace the second guitarist in bands, taking on the role of either lead or rhythm. Acoustic guitars are often present in Gothic Metal, and if a second guitarist is used, often is playing a form of acoustic guitar. Bass in Gothic Metal pays akin to the deep lowness of Doom Metal, and the brash harshness of Black Metal.
from the early gothic metal sound of the 1980s and incorporated it with the slow, downtuned guitar dirges of ]. 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 ], ], and ].
<p> <p>
Although the Scandinavian region was known more for its ] and ] fertility, many bands who started in either genre had progressed and conformed more to gothic metal styles - ], ], and ] being a few examples. Although ], ] used some female vocals in their music, Norway's ] was the first gothic metal band with a leading female singer, ] (later replaced by another female singer, named Nell).
Gothic Metal generally has a high sound quality, but that's only due to the fact the only bands in the genre have the money for high quality equipment. It's become a general rule of thumb, and unspoken treaty of respect in the Gothic Metal community, that bands don't put out stuff unless they use good quality equipment.
<p> <p>
Similarly, ]'s ] had some connections to ] and ] with lead singer/bassist's Peter Steele's earlier group, ]. 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.
Lyrically Gothic Metal is concerned with one thing, ] and ]. The time setting for lyrics is often in the New Age or Dark Ages, but can also be in Victorian, Edwardian, Romanian, or even modern day. Most people mistake Gothic Metal for having depressive lyrics, or those focused around anger or satanism. Another unique thing to note about Gothic Metal is that lyrically bands don't write in the form of songs, they write in the form of books. This is so that each song acts as a story, or, chapter, inspiring people to listen to the whole album in order to hear the story, instead of just certain songs.
<p> <p>
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 ] elements and male death vocals significantly. These bands include ] (]), ] (Netherlands), ] (]) and ] (]). Some of these bands also combined electronic sounds and mainstream ] with the traditional Gothic metal sound to create a lighter and more accessible form of the genre.
Vocalists in Gothic Metal borrow from two notes. First you have the Male vocalist who will use vocals akin to Black or Death metal. The second vocalist is usually female, often using Soprano based vocals, or harmonic singing. You will never find females doing Black or Death type vocals in Gothic Metal, as duel vocalists in the manner prescribed are the signature of Gothic Metal.
Drums are used to complement the music, using influences from many varying forms of music. The atmosphere is tailored to fit the song, warm and energetic, empty and enclosing. The atmosphere doesn't share the morbidity of Doom Metal, however.

== History (1990-present) ==

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 ], ], and ]. Gothic Metal originated from this with bands such as ] taking the Gothic Doom sound that had arisen and making romanticide themed bands that borrowed from Black Metal.
<p> <p>
The Gothic metal scene is currently very developed in Northern ], especially ].
Although the Scandinavian region was known more for its ] and ] fertility, many bands who started in either genre had progressed and conformed more to gothic doom styles - ], and ], being two examples. Although ], ] used some female vocals in their music, Norway's ] was the first gothic doom band with a leading female singer, ] (later replaced by another female singer, named Nell). This impacted on Gothic Metal by adding the first ideas of using two vocalists in the bands, which later became a signature of Gothic Metal.
<p> <p>
A softer genre known as ] had evolved in the mid-late 1990s. These bands focused on female vocals as well, although not necessarily operatic ones, with no ] elements and little use of male death vocals. These bands include, ] (Netherlands), ] (Netherlands) and ] (]), focusing more on Opera and Classical music themes than those akin to Gothic Metal. Some of these bands also combined electronic sounds and mainstream ] with the traditional Symphonic metal sound to create a lighter and more accessible form of the genre. During this time the divide between ] Metal and ] became greater, ] becoming more aggressive, and started incorporating elements of ] into the music. Taking on a more technical approach and adding highly complex melodys and rhythms into the music.
<p>
In early 2000's ] band ] released the album Fallen. This hurt the ] scene badly, as it was later learned by many bands that ] and pirated the songs, stealing them from smaller bands in the Gothic Metal community that had yet to acquire record deals. This sent ]'s smaller bands into a stunted stage where many bands refused to put out albums, fearing they too would be ripped off, and instead resigning into only playing live sets.
<p>
In 2004, Nu Metal bands ] and ], alongside Gothic Metal band ], Power Metal band ] and Symphonic Metal band ] agreed to start a new form of music called ]. The idea of this was to add ] and ] elements to ] to create a more easily accessible, and marketable form of the two genres. This sent the ] and ] scenes into an angered period, creating a spoken treaty amongst the worldwide scenes that as long as ] was in existence, bands would refuse to play at any festival or be on any music channel, that featured a ] band. The ] scene also grew a strong hatred for ] site ], that laid claim to the title of Gothic Metal. This inspired many savage attacks from the ] scenes fans in England, most travelling to places where ] bands were playing and attacking them and the fans.
<p>
The Gothic metal scene is currently very developed in ] after its problematic past, most notably in England and France, and is growing rapidly in Germany.


== Misperceptions and Categorization ==
== Common Misconceptions ==
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 ], 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 ] 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 ].
Although the style has seen much more controversy than other metal genres - and remarkably, the most instances of debate - 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. This has included bands that have shown imagery akin to morbidity, religious themes, gothic fashion, vampirism, and satansim.


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: ] and ], heaven and hell, romance, (gothic) horror, depression, bereavement, emptiness, and death. Typically, the subjects are set in a pre-20th century environment.
== A List Of Gothic Metal Bands (Coming Soon) ==
* ''vocals'' are either sung by a male vocalist, female vocalist, or both. The male vocals are either in a deep ], or ]. 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 ]. 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 ] and ].
]

<p>
==List of Gothic metal bands==
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== See also ==
* ]
* ]
* ]

==External links==


Metal and Goth databases:
(Updated as and when more sites become available)
* - short bio and review of almost every metal band there is.
* - database of all metal bands (includes biographies, line-ups, reviews, etc.), updated by users.


Goth Metal magazines / portals / reviews:
* - band reviews, band database, radio, forums.


] ]
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Revision as of 16:14, 5 November 2005

Heavy metal
Subgenres and
fusion genres
Musical elements
Notable scenes
and movements
Culture

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

See also

External links

Metal and Goth databases:

Goth Metal magazines / portals / reviews:

Categories: