A subgenre of metal that grew out of death/doom and has a dark atmosphere, mournful and often introspective lyrics, and a gothic aesthetic. Vocals vary between growls, shrieks, deep bass/baritone male vocals and female vocals.
The genre started thanks to three British death/doom bands, Paradise Lost, Anathema and My Dying Bride, known as the "Peaceville Trio" due to being signed to Peaceville Records. These three were among the pioneers of death/doom, but they soon added other elements to their music, including female vocals and the use of keyboards and, in the case of MDB, violins. The genre grew thanks to Katatonia, Tiamat, Theatre of Tragedy , Type O Negative and The Gathering.
There is some controversy regarding the term amongst members of the metal community; it has been used to describe bands such as Evanescence, Nightwish and Epica, who have nothing to do with the genre and are mainly called "gothic metal" because of their female singers. Some use the term to mean "metal bands with female singers", even though the pioneers of the genre had male frontmen.
Finally, it has nothing to do with goths. Gothic metal is a straight-up metal genre, not a fusion of metal and goth rock. The goth subculture is not affiliated with gothic metal; obviously there are some who listen to gothic metal, but it's not "goth music". This is something many ignorant people get wrong, believing that "gothic metal" means "metal for goths".
The genre started thanks to three British death/doom bands, Paradise Lost, Anathema and My Dying Bride, known as the "Peaceville Trio" due to being signed to Peaceville Records. These three were among the pioneers of death/doom, but they soon added other elements to their music, including female vocals and the use of keyboards and, in the case of MDB, violins. The genre grew thanks to Katatonia, Tiamat, Theatre of Tragedy , Type O Negative and The Gathering.
There is some controversy regarding the term amongst members of the metal community; it has been used to describe bands such as Evanescence, Nightwish and Epica, who have nothing to do with the genre and are mainly called "gothic metal" because of their female singers. Some use the term to mean "metal bands with female singers", even though the pioneers of the genre had male frontmen.
Finally, it has nothing to do with goths. Gothic metal is a straight-up metal genre, not a fusion of metal and goth rock. The goth subculture is not affiliated with gothic metal; obviously there are some who listen to gothic metal, but it's not "goth music". This is something many ignorant people get wrong, believing that "gothic metal" means "metal for goths".
Gothic metal bands - Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Anathema, Katatonia, Tiamat, Type O Negative, Theatre of Tragedy, The Gathering, Tristania, Trail of Tears, The Sins of Thy Beloved, Cradle of Filth, Graveworm, Moonspell, Draconian, Charon, Before the Dawn, Lacuna Coil (early), Within Temptation (first album).
Not gothic metal - Evanescence, Nightwish, HIM, Epica, Delain, Therion, Sirenia, Nemesea, After Forever.
Not gothic metal - Evanescence, Nightwish, HIM, Epica, Delain, Therion, Sirenia, Nemesea, After Forever.
by EvanescenceIsNotGothicMetal June 4, 2010
Gothic punk (also defined as 'deathrock' and part of the 'post-punk' movement) deals with themes of death and mortality, sorrow, despair, surrealism, fantasy, the darker side of the life of society, the supernatural, the occult, romanticism, the effects of psychological terror and trauma - just to name a few of the basics. The music of gothic punk, (as opposed to the more traditional extremely fast and anger-based hardcore punk), usually exists within the realm of medium-fast, more danceable rhythms often including tribal tom-based drum sections for the verses. The music also often includes a synthesizer to accompany the drums, bass and guitar, which again, is something more traditional hardcore punk usually refrained from including. The result is more of a moody, introspective sound that takes one into the realms of imagination. The classic, essential deathrock (or goth punk) bands include: Christian Death (the original lineup with vocalist Rozz Williams), early TSOL, UK Decay, The Damned, 45 Grave, Alien Sex Fiend and The Cramps.
Keep in mind that there were also several 'dark punk' bands around the same time that, while not maybe being quite as 'gothic' in some regards, still had enough stylistic similarities to be worthy of mention. They include bands such as: The Adicts, The Adverts, The Mob, False Prophets, Wipers, Chrome and can't forget classics that bridged the gap between hardcore and darkpunk such as Black Flag, Dead Kennedys and The Misfits. One should at least check out the classic gothic punk (or, as I prefer to call them, deathrock) bands before making comments on the genre. Keep in mind that while all these bands have similarities, they also have very distinctive sounds that set them apart from the others, as all good artists should, so don't think that just because you've heard one or two of the bands mentioned that you know what gothic punk sounds like. Modern gothic punk bands worthy of mention are: Cinema Strange and Cauda Pavonis.
by Daemone Darker March 2, 2009
Gothic metal is a type of metal which is fairly heavy, with heavy guitars, but what attributes most to gothic metal is the unique vocals, which make it gothic. If it's a male vocalist, the vocals will be low and deep, and in some gothic metal bands, there is no screaming/growling. If it's a female vocalist, then she just sings in her normal singing voice (no screaming, no POP voice - whining, moaning).
John said, "Hey what's that type of metal called when the dude sings really low, is it black metal or something?" . Micheal said, "No dude, it's gothic metal".
by K. Madness December 1, 2006
A superfluous house of worship; too small to be a cathedral, too gaudy to be conducive to prayer or meditation. The end product of too much ambition and too little ability.
by Wodn May 4, 2009
A gothic hippie is the best of both words.
I was raised by Hippie parents, but my dad is also very gothic in style. I'm in my late 30s. So that can give you an idea of my parents age.
I was raised by Hippie parents, but my dad is also very gothic in style. I'm in my late 30s. So that can give you an idea of my parents age.
I am a gothic hippie, and I have been one my entire life. Being a girl, I tend to wear a wide variety of clothing. One day I can be in a pair of bell bottom jeans and a rock band shirt, the next a black broomstick skirt and a nice flowing shirt on top. My music is across the board depending on mood. I can listen to meditation one moment and Rob Zombie the next. Really it is across the board. Hippie Goths don't have to be just pagans either. I am Catholic, and am very devout. I am about Peace love and happiness. I do love history and the victorian era as someone else wrote.LOL But I do also love to read. Sci-fi, horror,classics, and I don't love romance unless its about some form of vampire lust. I have a dark humor. I love Renfaires too. So, like I said I am exactly what the name says Gothic hippie..the best of both worlds.
by o0gi3b00gi3 October 10, 2008
Is a black person (african american) who embraces the darker side of life. No they aren't a devil worshipper or satanist they just know that there can not be light without dark. Because you have to have darkness to first of all have a place where light can be. There isn't that many out there but are a real rarity if you see them. Most are understanding people, not all are suicidal, or cutters, or depressed but just (aware). Yes, they tend to where black or more natural earth colors, yes they listen to rock/punk/goth music. And most (F**k that) all gothic people will tell you that just because a person wears black DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY ARE GOTHIC. OR JUST BECAUSE "YOU" WEAR ALL BLACK DOES NOT MAKE YOU GOTHIC. It's more to it than that. Black goths tend to always be by themselves because they don't have many friends, and really don't go out looking for them.Black goths listen to the same music as your more traditional goths do. They really don't need friends bacause they know that most bonds in life will be broken sooner or later. So they'd rather not get involved right from the get go. WHen you go to a (goth show) or a something of that nature, and you see that one or maybe a coulpe of black dudes that don't look out of place they just kind of stand out a little more... (there you have it) they are black gothic. They're not afraid to be themselves and they know who they are inside and out. They are individuals and are comfortable with it. But a black person that is gothic isn't trying to be gothic but thats what they are labeled just like a white person is. No, they are not trying to fit in, no.. they are not posuers. Don't get me wrong there are posuers in every culture, genre, and way of life. But it just so happens that the group that they identify with the most just so happens to be a mostly white crowd. Just like (white) goth people can be some of the most, intellegent, artistic, opinionated, kind and all around cool people. So can black goth people. Thats like when you see a white kid with his hat to the back and baggy jeans and air force ones or timberland boots and talk with a certain slang. No, they are not posuers of the hip hop culture, no.. they do not want to be black.. no, they do not want to be a rapper. It's just that that's the culture or group that they identify with the most. When you bring up great rappers.... of course you will hear names like Tupac, Biggie, Big L, Big Pun, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, and eventually maybe sooner maybe later you WILL hear Eminem's name. He is not trying to be black is just that he is good, "DAMN" good at what he does and just so happens it's a thing where theres more black people in than white. So if you see a black goth just know that times are changing, and things are getting more diverse... that's a good thing. On this note if don't matter if you black, white, yellow, red, blue or from the moon. If you're gothic you're gothic but be who YOU ARE. And if that's who you are then it really dosen't matter who thinks what about who.... right..? All goths need to come together and show people that this gothic thing is not a trend its not going anywhere.
Person 1: Eh.. look... look... over there, that black dude looks like us. Just like us... that kicks ass. He could almost pass for being gothic.
Person 2: Whoa...!! he could..couldn't he.? Wait a mintue,...could that even be such a thing. A black gothic person.?
Person 1: I guess so.. where looking at him right now.
Person 2: Hell yeah... let's go over and introduce ourselves. He seems to be a cool person..
Person 2: Whoa...!! he could..couldn't he.? Wait a mintue,...could that even be such a thing. A black gothic person.?
Person 1: I guess so.. where looking at him right now.
Person 2: Hell yeah... let's go over and introduce ourselves. He seems to be a cool person..
by Urban Darkness May 10, 2006
Gothic Drill is a fusion genre derived from chicago style or drill music & gothic metal.
Unlike vapordrill, which some people may get mixed up about the genres, Gothic Drill is more gloomy, heavier, & has a darker atmosphere than vapordrill. But, songs can both be Gothic Drill & Vapordrill.
Unlike vapordrill, which some people may get mixed up about the genres, Gothic Drill is more gloomy, heavier, & has a darker atmosphere than vapordrill. But, songs can both be Gothic Drill & Vapordrill.
Brian: Hey I'm so into this new vapordrill music
Timothy: That's not vapordrill... that's Gothic Drill . Can't you tell by the more gloomy & dark atmosphere & the bass is wayyyy heavier.
Timothy: That's not vapordrill... that's Gothic Drill . Can't you tell by the more gloomy & dark atmosphere & the bass is wayyyy heavier.
by HotTopic May 23, 2017