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RE: what is Goth Metal???

jamesjohn — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:54:51 GMT

Heh, on goth rock bands you are not likely to really find any that are satanic. Just is not their style really. Though some will talk about darker topics.

The Sisters of Mercy are really really good, but some of the songs do involve bad language. (Though not gratiutiously)

Cruxshadows, Siouxsie and the Banshees, London after Midnight, Clan of Xymox, The Birthday party, The last dance, Love and Rockets, and Tones on Tail to list a few more.

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RE: what is Goth Metal???

mark123 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:06:01 GMT

Goth Metal?
First time I am hearing this name .
I am very interested to get the details about this.

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RE: what is Goth Metal???

Dark Gothic Sanctuary — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:49:07 GMT

[quote][b]voodoo (9/15/2008)[/b][hr]Rhapsody's music is just plain obnoxious. IMHO, of course.[/quote]

why so? I mean these guys are good power metal!!! I can see how they are annoying though...

RE: what is Goth Metal???

voodoo — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:42:49 GMT

Rhapsody's music is just plain obnoxious. IMHO, of course.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Dark Gothic Sanctuary — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:22:57 GMT

[quote][b]Jeremy (8/15/2007)[/b][hr][quote][b]Forsaken (8/15/2007)[/b][hr][Wikipedia]Power metal is a style of heavy metal music typically with the aim of evoking an "epic" feel, combining characteristics of traditional metal with thrash metal or speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and [b]a later more widespread and popular style based in Europe (Especially Germany, Italy and Scandinavia) with a lighter, more melodic sound and making frequent use of keyboards. [/b]

Nevermore may indeed have alt rock influences, but I just don't agree to their sound being as simple as prog + altrock, as you said before.

For Trivium, you can explain where the hardcore part of their sound went. They sound like Lamb of God because both bands are heavily influenced by thrash.
But I'll just let you win this time and label them as metalcore just for their first two albums.

God, I love being stubborn.[/quote]

Wikipedia is not a reliable source, since anyone can edit the info.

Even European power metal was faster and heavier in the 80's. Helloween, Running Wild, Grave Digger, Blind Guardian, Asgard (both Asgards, from Italy, and Germany), Rage, (even Stratovarius, back when Timo Tolki did vocals) etc were all much more powerful, and had much more musical depth, than all these crappy flower metal bands out there now. The current bands are watered down pop/hard rock with fast kick drums and guitar wankery.

Nevermore doesn't really have any power metal influences at all. Sanctuary was a PM band, but not Nevermore. But if you do want to call them power metal, with thrash elements, that's also a large part of progressive metal.

Trivium's progressions, vocal patterns and songwriting style are all very derivative of metalcore. The main difference is the lack of breakdowns.[/quote]

Even if people can edit information in Wikipedia, the number that do it is extremely low... and what's wrong with Rhapsody??? The are certainly Power Metal and it has that epic feel to power metal. Power Metal was actually derived from a vocal style called "Powerhouse vocals."

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Jeremy — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 18:04:29 GMT

[quote][b]Forsaken (8/15/2007)[/b][hr][Wikipedia]Power metal is a style of heavy metal music typically with the aim of evoking an "epic" feel, combining characteristics of traditional metal with thrash metal or speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and [b]a later more widespread and popular style based in Europe (Especially Germany, Italy and Scandinavia) with a lighter, more melodic sound and making frequent use of keyboards. [/b]

Nevermore may indeed have alt rock influences, but I just don't agree to their sound being as simple as prog + altrock, as you said before.

For Trivium, you can explain where the hardcore part of their sound went. They sound like Lamb of God because both bands are heavily influenced by thrash.
But I'll just let you win this time and label them as metalcore just for their first two albums.

God, I love being stubborn.[/quote]

Wikipedia is not a reliable source, since anyone can edit the info.

Trivium's progressions, vocal patterns and songwriting style are all very derivative of metalcore. The main difference is the lack of breakdowns.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Hitnoxfiction — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 18:01:58 GMT

[quote][b]Forsaken (8/15/2007)[/b][hr]Yeah, I liked that point. It was before I derailed the thread by showing how much of an elitist I am by putting down anything I don't like.[/quote]

People are going to listen to whatever they are going to listen to for whatever reason. Everyone has their own opinions; that's why there is so many different sub-genres.

I'm open to whatever. If the band sucks, it sucks, but that conclusion has nothing to do with the genre. It seems genres are 30% opinion anyway.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Forsaken — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:49:56 GMT

Yeah, I liked that point. It was before I derailed the thread by showing how much of an elitist I am by putting down anything I don't like.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Hitnoxfiction — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:47:36 GMT

[quote][b]Forsaken (8/15/2007)[/b][hr][quote][b]Metalhead87 (8/13/2007)[/b][hr]The metal tag is thrown on everything. People completely forget that there are other genres, like hard rock, punk/hardcoreor alternative rock, which better describes the sound of certain bands (like industrial metal, nu-metal or metalcore). Sure, some goth metal bands (like Cradle Of Crap or Stream Of Passion), might include some metal in their sound, but for the most part, goth has nothing to do with metal. Playing a heavier version of goth rock, with some occasional throat vocals (which didn't even come from metal in the first place, metal bands just expanded on it), doesn't make bands like Leave's Eyes or Epica metal.[/quote]
No, but the close ties of their music to symphonic power metal might.

Bottom line is that genre labeling is done by people. And wherever there are people involved, there are conflicting opinions.
If a band is generally called gothic metal, I'll have a broad idea of what to expect. I can then proceed to argue whether goth metal is true metal (or true goth, something entirely different) or not, but does it matter? Music is here to enjoy, not so everyone can show how much of an elitist they are by putting down anything they don't like.[/quote]

Exactly my point Forsaken...

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Forsaken — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:47:03 GMT

[Wikipedia]Power metal is a style of heavy metal music typically with the aim of evoking an "epic" feel, combining characteristics of traditional metal with thrash metal or speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and [b]a later more widespread and popular style based in Europe (Especially Germany, Italy and Scandinavia) with a lighter, more melodic sound and making frequent use of keyboards. [/b]

Nevermore may indeed have alt rock influences, but I just don't agree to their sound being as simple as prog + altrock, as you said before.

For Trivium, you can explain where the hardcore part of their sound went. They sound like Lamb of God because both bands are heavily influenced by thrash.
But I'll just let you win this time and label them as metalcore just for their first two albums.

God, I love being stubborn.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Jeremy — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:32:44 GMT

[quote][b]Forsaken (8/15/2007)[/b][hr]No.

Really though, any continuation on this conversation is just going to result in both of us being pissed off because "the other has absolutely no clue about metal, labelling band X as genre Y".

Now... Is there any way to somehow get this topic back on [i]goth[/i] again?[/quote]

No, give an argument to support your reasoning as to why all those flower metal bands, deserve to be called power metal. Or how Nevermore have absolutely no alternative rock influences, or how Trivium are actually thrash.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Forsaken — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:29:44 GMT

No.

Really though, any continuation on this conversation is just going to result in both of us being pissed off because "the other has absolutely no clue about metal, labelling band X as genre Y".

Now... Is there any way to somehow get this topic back on [i]goth[/i] again?

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Jeremy — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 15:54:59 GMT

Actual power metal, and symphonic power metal, sound absolutely nothing alike. Power metal is meant to be heavy, fast, powerful and aggressive (like it was in the 80's). All these flower metal bands are fast, but they lack everything else that makes a band "power metal". Listen to [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlHdPrW7Sss]Europe's Scream Of Anger[/url]. The modern flower metal bands sound more like this (except absolutely nowhere near as good as older Europe), and Helloween's pop metal singles (like Eagle Fly Free and I Want Out), but just played at faster tempos, devoid of emotion (I don't care how fast they can shred, I'd like to see Luca Turilli play a guitar lead, crafted as emotionally and beautifully, like the intro for The Guardian), or any real musical depth.

Nevermore has a lot of alternative rock influences in their guitars and songs. Just listen to songs like Inside Four Walls or The Death Of Passion. I still love Nevermore, but you can't deny the alternative rock leanings.

Because the Metallica riffs aren't a vital part of Trivium's sound. They songs are closer to bands like Lamb Of God, they just throw in cliche guitar leads and try to rip off James' vocals. That doesn't make them a thrash band. That just makes them a metalcore/modern poser metal band pretending to be thrash.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Forsaken — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 15:38:07 GMT

I... Well, I have no smartass way to say it, so I'll just say I disagree. Symphonic power metal is just power metal with an extra layer or cheesiness. I don't see how that suddenly loses it all power metal status.

I'll have to disagree on Nevermore, too. There's definitely more than slight hints of power and thrash in their sound, while I can't make out your alt rock statement.
...Yeah, I think I just subjectively disagreed on your labeling.

Trivium... If they're just a shitty band that rips off Metallica riffs (and vocals), where exactly do you get the metalcore part from?

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Jeremy — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 15:25:39 GMT

[quote][b]Forsaken (8/15/2007)[/b][hr]Well, I never called or considered either Europe or Pretty Maids as symphonic power. For that, I'm looking more along the lines of Rhapsody.

The conflicting opinion isn't always an issue, no. I'm sure no-one would classify Black Sabbath as black metal. But what about borderline bands like Iced Earth and Nevermore, what do you call them?

Slightly off-track, but on their latest album Trivium is desperately trying to sound exactly like Metallica. So I guess that it would be thrash there. Bad thrash at that, but still thrash.[/quote]

I didn't say Europe and Pretty Maids were symphonic power metal. What I said was that symphonic power metal bands (like Crapsody) are closer to the sound of Europe, than they are to Running Wild.

Iced Earth and Nevermore are a mix of styles. Iced Earth's first album was power/thrash metal. After that, they were pretty much an old-school power metal band (in the vein of old Fates Warning, Liege Lord or Agent Steel). Nevermore mixes progressive metal with alternative rock.

They're still not thrash. They're just a shitty metalcore band that rips off Metallica riffs.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

voodoo — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 12:18:39 GMT

Iced Earth and Nevermore are tough calls. IMHO, and if a gun were held to my head, I would say both are somewhat like power thrash. Both have strong, powerful elements in addition to thrash elements.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Forsaken — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:59:24 GMT

Well, I never called or considered either Europe or Pretty Maids as symphonic power. For that, I'm looking more along the lines of Rhapsody.

The conflicting opinion isn't always an issue, no. I'm sure no-one would classify Black Sabbath as black metal. But what about borderline bands like Iced Earth and Nevermore, what do you call them?

Slightly off-track, but on their latest album Trivium is desperately trying to sound exactly like Metallica. So I guess that it would be thrash there. Bad thrash at that, but still thrash.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Jeremy — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:17:49 GMT

[quote][b]Forsaken (8/15/2007)[/b][hr]
No, but the close ties of their music to symphonic power metal might.

Bottom line is that genre labeling is done by people. And wherever there are people involved, there are conflicting opinions.
If a band is generally called gothic metal, I'll have a broad idea of what to expect. I can then proceed to argue whether goth metal is true metal (or true goth, something entirely different) or not, but does it matter? Music is here to enjoy, not so everyone can show how much of an elitist they are by putting down anything they don't like.[/quote]I even have trouble calling a lot of Symphonic power metal as metal. So much of it has more to do with hard rock (like the first two albums from Europe, or Pretty Maids), than actual power metal.

It's not really a matter of conflicting opinions. For people that actually know about the music and the bands, what genre they would fall into would be a general consensus. Fans that know hardly anything about thrash, want to categorize bands like Lamb Of God, Devildriver and Trivium as such. But to any real thrash fan, that would be considered heresy.

But anyway, you pretty much proved my point for the need of genre classifications. We can argue whether or not goth metal is actually metal until our faces turn blue, but the bottom line is, you do realize that the sub-genre classification is indeed necessary. If someone says goth "metal", you would pretty much know what to expect from that, so you would be willing to check it out (whereas I would make sure to avoid it like the plague).

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Forsaken — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 03:41:43 GMT

[quote][b]Metalhead87 (8/13/2007)[/b][hr]The metal tag is thrown on everything. People completely forget that there are other genres, like hard rock, punk/hardcoreor alternative rock, which better describes the sound of certain bands (like industrial metal, nu-metal or metalcore). Sure, some goth metal bands (like Cradle Of Crap or Stream Of Passion), might include some metal in their sound, but for the most part, goth has nothing to do with metal. Playing a heavier version of goth rock, with some occasional throat vocals (which didn't even come from metal in the first place, metal bands just expanded on it), doesn't make bands like Leave's Eyes or Epica metal.[/quote]
No, but the close ties of their music to symphonic power metal might.

Bottom line is that genre labeling is done by people. And wherever there are people involved, there are conflicting opinions.
If a band is generally called gothic metal, I'll have a broad idea of what to expect. I can then proceed to argue whether goth metal is true metal (or true goth, something entirely different) or not, but does it matter? Music is here to enjoy, not so everyone can show how much of an elitist they are by putting down anything they don't like.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Hitnoxfiction — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:24:34 GMT

[quote] [b] Metalhead87 (8/13/2007) [/b] [hr]But then a lot of bands that aren't metal, will get lumped into that category. People even refer to Marilyn Manson as metal.

There is definitely a chain of key characteristics that would link a band to a certain sub-genre. It's pretty objective, and doesn't have all that much to do with opinion.

Sub-genres are essential. People are more interested in certain sub-genres, than they are with others. If someone told me about some black metal band, I would be a little reluctant to check them out. But if they told me about some tech thrash band that I haven't heard of, I would jump all over it.[/quote]

I'm picking up what you are throwing down in regards to sub-genres being essential when it comes to introducing a band, and how that can effect whether or not a person will listen to whatever or whoever. But, what I don't get is why certain groups, if labeling a band is "pretty objective", will label a band this way, and another group will label it another way. Is it just some sort of marketing ploy by record labels? Give a band this label and you'll get this many listeners? That wouldn't surprise me. Money grubbing bastards.

It really doesn't effect me at all. At this point I'm just curious as to why magazines like Metal Hammer, or whoever, will call Manson "metal" when the fans of "real" metal call it something else. I guess it really doesn't matter what the record labels or magazines call it; what's important is what the "fans" call it. Whatever I guess...

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Dr. Pete — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:18:09 GMT

The whole Gothic metal thing is rather arbitrary. For instance, I could consider bands such as Tristania, Theatre of Tragedy, and Poisonblack metal while at the same time not referring to Marylin Manson or HIM as such. In many cases, the stereotype, besides the "Woe is me" attitude, often involves female vocals with some male growls.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Jeremy — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 17:47:49 GMT

[quote][b]Hitnoxfiction (8/13/2007)[/b][hr]....(crickets chirping)....(more crickets chirping). Maybe I just like my idea of "metal is metal" because it's easier to comprehend.

That's what I'm saying though about all the sub-genres; they don't necessarily mean anything. That's why I'm not, not going to listen to a band just because they're a certain genre. I'll give everything a shot. How many people really know what makes a band part of a certain genre? Is it just a matter of opinion for the most part, or is there some classifying entity out there that properly labels a band's style of music? As Metalhead87 mentioned, people label certain bands differently for whatever reason, so who is right, and who is wrong. Opinion, or entity is the question.

I'd like to pick your "metal sub-genre" brain sometime Metalhead87 if that's cool. You seem to know a lot about the subject. A hell of a lot more than I do that's for sure. I know what certain bands are labeled, but I only know because that's what I've been told, or that's what I've read. It's seems to me that some bands could fit into multiple genres, but I don't know how all that comes about. I'd like to learn though.[/quote]

But then a lot of bands that aren't metal, will get lumped into that category. People even refer to Marilyn Manson as metal.

There is definitely a chain of key characteristics that would link a band to a certain sub-genre. It's pretty objective, and doesn't have all that much to do with opinion.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Hitnoxfiction — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:43:44 GMT

....(crickets chirping)....(more crickets chirping). Maybe I just like my idea of "metal is metal" because it's easier to comprehend.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Jeremy — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 09:28:00 GMT

The metal tag is thrown on everything. People completely forget that there are other genres, like hard rock, punk/hardcore or alternative rock, which better describes the sound of certain bands (like industrial metal, nu-metal or metalcore). Sure, some goth metal bands (like Cradle Of Crap or Stream Of Passion), might include some metal in their sound, but for the most part, goth has nothing to do with metal. Playing a heavier version of goth rock, with some occasional throat vocals (which didn't even come from metal in the first place, metal bands just expanded on it), doesn't make bands like Leave's Eyes or Epica metal.

It's even a stretch to call a lot of the post-1st wave of black metal bands, as actual metal. Many of them are more rock, punk and even folk in their approach.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

voodoo — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 04:04:25 GMT

metalhead87 has a very specific idea of what metal is and how to define it. If it does not meet his specifications, he does not consider it metal.

personally, I know next to nothing about goth so I won't comment.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Hitnoxfiction — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 22:09:57 GMT

[quote][b]Metalhead87 (8/12/2007)[/b][hr]Genre classifications are very important. Not everyone is into every sub-genre of metal. If you tell someone "yeah, this is metal", they won't know if it sounds like Iron Maiden, Thyrfing or Amputated.

Besides, goth metal isn't even really metal.[/quote]

Well... I don't know about all that, but you're the DB guy so I'll take your word for it. The genre thing makes sense from a DB point of view, so I agree with you from that perspective, but...

If goth metal isn't even metal, why is it a metal sub-genre? Is it just because it's "dark and evil", and some clown decided to stamp "metal" on it?

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Jeremy — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 10:24:41 GMT

Genre classifications are very important. Not everyone is into every sub-genre of metal. If you tell someone "yeah, this is metal", they won't know if it sounds like Iron Maiden, Thyrfing or Amputated.

Besides, goth metal isn't even really metal.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Hitnoxfiction — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 21:56:22 GMT

I don't get all these different genres of metal. Why can't we just have METAL and leave it at that? I don't care if it's goth, thrash, death, black, or whatever crazy genre it supposedly is. If it sounds good, I'm going to listen to it regardless.

I have numerous friends that won't listen to a band just because they're -x- genre. That's ridiculous. Metalheads fighting against metalheads just because they listen to different genres of metal equals laaaaame. Metal is metal. Who cares what genre it is.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Sylvia — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 13:56:05 GMT

Just wanted to tell that Metalheads are more direct than Goths ;)

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Jeremy — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 17:00:56 GMT

Well, as a metalhead, I can honestly say that we would not hit them back. We would beat the shit out of them back until they cry like a little bitch before we take a long steamy piss on the floor next to them (no golden showers) and rub their faces in it. The cuts they get from being rubbed in the concrete mixed with the urine stinging them, it's a proper payback for a punch in the face.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Sylvia — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 14:01:17 GMT

Well, in Germany we say:

What is the difference between a Metalhead and a Goth?
If you hit the Metalhead in his face, he hits you back and the Goth goes home and writes a poem....:D

Anyway, some good Gothicmetal-CDs.

Theatre of Tragedy - Theatre of Tragedy
Theatre of Tragedy - Velvet darkness they fear
The Gathering - Mandylion
Lacrimas Profundere - Filthy notes from frozen hearts
Giants Causeway - Is there anyway
Love like blood - Snakekiller

Except for Lacrimas Profundere all older than 8 years - there are not many bands left which play good Gothic Metal....

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Sebastian — Sun, 28 May 2006 22:21:22 GMT

However, keep in mind that Gothic Rock and Gothic Metal have very little to do with each other. Gothic Rock was an off-shoot of Punk Rock. Gothic Metal is what the last post on the first page was and another accurate description would be [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_Metal][/url]. I don't agree with everything on there though,but, for the most part, it's accurate.

Also, Gothic Metal has nothing to do with Emo.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Jeremy — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 13:11:28 GMT

I know what you meant. I'm just saying that I don't know why those pus***s name themselves after a mighty group of people.

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Efilnikufesin — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 22:09:32 GMT

well when i said the Germans are 90% goths, he meant that the lame hopeless people are all germans, but i emant the wicked ass barbarians

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Jeremy — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 09:19:15 GMT

The Goths and those goth kids have nothing in common. This Goths were mighty and ruthless barbarians. Goth kids are smelly, extremely overweight/underweight kids who cut themselves and act like there is no hope in life because their parents didn't pay enough attention to them 10 years earlier. Not that it's not a sad thing, it's just that they should just get over it already and make something of themselves. What kind of life is it to just be depressed all day and listening to people saying how suicide is the only answer?

RE: what is Goth Metal???

paranoidmexican009 — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 09:01:50 GMT

[quote][b]Efilnikufesin (11/3/2005)[/b][hr]goth metal is depressing, and generally based around love and death. its the emo of metal. no one likes it. its not possible. its crap. its generally slow, and pretty lame.

Gothic, are the people who follow it. they are also lame.

goths are also a barbarian clan from germany. i was recently told by some ignorant shit that 90% of germans are goth. this is true. and i am not goth. i am a metalhead.[/quote]

i agree with that. also i think it almost always have keyboards to make that goth sound. a but of goth in metal is alright but too much is gay. fuck emos.

ADAM

RE: what is Goth Metal???

xuong xau — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 02:59:46 GMT

hey Bare
don't call me "xuong", please :D
u can call me : "xau" ;)
my friends always call me :)

xuong xau = skeleton :D

Goth metal = Gothic metal = metal + Gothic rock

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Bare — Tue, 08 Nov 2005 05:44:40 GMT

Very interesting read..

Thanks Xuong!

RE: what is Goth Metal???

xuong xau — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 20:22:14 GMT

Goth Metal

Goth metal (also called Gothic metal) is a crossover between doom metal, heavy metal music and goth music itself; although the term 'metal' is debated by some who say very few elements of metal are present. It developed in the early 1990s in Europe and the United States. Goth 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.

Originally, Gothic metal evolved from doom metal, where bands like Celtic Frost (Switzerland) and some years later Paradise Lost (U.K.) and The Gathering (Netherlands) added female vocals and melodic keyboards to heavy doom riffs and death grunts. Bands such as Type O Negative (U.S.), My Dying Bride (U.K.), and Anathema (U.K.), focused on eerie keyboards and gloomy atmosphere as well. Though Paradise Lost's Gothic (1991) is widely considered to be the first Gothic metal album, or even the first Gothic metal song ever created due to the duet of female vocals and death grunts, Celtic Frost had already combined operatic female vocals and death grunts in 1987 on their third album Into The Pandemonium. This album was a main influence for Paradise Lost, The Gathering and many more.

Norwegian bands, such as Theatre of Tragedy, Tristania, and The Sins of Thy Beloved, added gorgeous vocals to dark, haunting music. The medieval-classic elements - Gregorian Chant choruses, church organs, side-flutes, violins and operatic female vocals - have added a new layer to the heavy Doom metal riffs and created a fascinating style of music. This style is known as "Scandinavian Gothic Metal" and often resembles symphonic Black metal or Death metal (bands such as Therion). However, not all bands mixing death or doom metal with female vocals can be considered Gothic metal. One noteworthy exception is Visceral Evisceration from Austria.

A softer version of Gothic metal 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.

In general, Gothic metal lyrics focus on a variety of subjects: religion and God, heaven and hell, romance, (gothic) horror, depression, bereavement, emptiness, and death.

The Gothic metal scene is currently very developed in Northern Europe, especially Norway.

in http://www.answers.com/topic/goth-metal

have a good day :)

RE: what is Goth Metal???

Efilnikufesin — Fri, 04 Nov 2005 22:46:05 GMT

despite popular belief, Cradle of Filth is an extreme form of goth rock. if i had to have a favorite, its them. bvut i don't really like them. you know im not too sure any other band names, but most of them sound alike. but im sure the same could be said by a goth metal fan about black metal. so yah