Gothic Rock Bands Top 10 of All Time
Goth has both sound and aesthetics, they go together, in my opinion. Although I was born in 1974 I was not there when the birth of goth “happened” with artists like Bauhaus and Joy Division. I discovered goth and gothic music in the early 90’s during my most intense years of being part of the death- & blackmetal underground scene. I immediately fell in love with this dark style of music and lyrics.
These are my personal favourite artists within the realm of goth and goth music that inspired me to write and perform this kind of music myself. It does not mean it´s necessarily the same as your favourites. It does not mean that it´s the truth. Take it for what it is. A short list of some great music and the artists who created it.
1. The Sisters of Mercy
The undisputed heavyweights of gothic rock in my opinion. They were definitely not first, but made the most long-lasting impression on the gothic rock scene of all “bands”. The Sisters were not really a “band” for more than a few years. After splitting up, The Sisters of Mercy more or less turned into a solo project of Mr. Eldrich. “Temple of Love” was the song that got me hooked, the rest is history.
2. Fields of The Nephilim
Fields of The Nephilim was another british band with an excellent way of combining gothic rock and atmosperic, dark landscapes into a unit. “For her light” was the song that made it for me, but the entire “Elizium” album is a masterpiece and highly addictive.
3. The 69 Eyes
Founded in 1989, The 69 Eyes are a long standing powerhouse within the gothic rock scene. Although at present day more “rock” than “goth” I still think their two early albums, “Blessed Be” and “Paris Kills” are some of the best gothic rock ever made. And the voice of vocalist Jyrki 69 is easily one of the best ever, his performances on these two albums are just top notch. Favorite track? “Dance d amour”
4. Tiamat
Tiamat was the link between the death- & blackmetal scene of the 90´s and goth. They went through the whole process of going from primitive blackmetal to atmospheric, dark, pulsating landscapes with both gothic and dark wave elements while still being a tiny bit in touch with their “metal” roots. Their 1997 album “A deeper kind of slumber” is a journey in Pink Floyd-ish landscapes with a truly gothic touch. Favorite track? “Phantasma De Luxe” from the very same album.
5. Bay Laurel
Swedens Bay Laurel did three albums and two ep’s before they decided to call it quits in 2001. They had some roots in the early 90’s deathmetalscene and did at some point feature Vomitory drummer Tobias Gustafsson. I was not too impressed of the band before they released their last album “Where Pain Comes to Die” which is a masterpiece that a lot of people has missed out on. Favorite track? “Pale Colours”, easily one of the best gothic rock songs ever made.
6. Type O Negative
Brooklyn’s finest, Type O Negative, was a great crossover of goth, doom and metal. Featuring the charismatic frontman Peter Steele they were truly one of a kind. Type O Negative made a huge impact with their third album “Bloody Kisses” in 1993, the first record to reach certified gold status for their US label Roadrunner. The band is ever present and has a stunning 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify despite not having released new music since 2007. Peter Steele died of a heart failure in 2010. Favorite track? “Wolf Moon” from their 1996 “October Rust” album.
7. Billy Idol
Billy Idol is one of those artists that you cannot put in a certain genré. Billy plays rock, goth rock, punk…all with the same true attitude. Billy is also still very much relevant, releasing new great music even to this day. There is no denying in that “White Wedding” is a great gothic rock song together with “Rebel Yell” and a few others from his repetoire. Favorite track? Even though I have recorded a cover of “White Wedding” myself I have to answer “Rebel Yell” on this one.
8. Malaise
Malaise is a Swedish “electro” goth band that was founded in 1989. They have so far released three albums and a few ep’s, all with high quality. Malaise has not been too active after their 2006 release “Hypnotized by Forgotten Lies” but occasionally play some live shows here and there. If you get the chance to catch them live, do not miss the opportunity! Favorite track? “Wait For The Ghost” from their “Fifty-Two Ways” album from 1996.
9. Lake of Tears
I first ran into Lake of Tears when buying their 1993 demo tape from a friend of mine and I have followed the “band” ever since. Lake of Tears evolved “little by little” I would say and move in a landscape of gothic rock / metal and atmospheric expressions. I have truly enjoyed all of their albums although one could say that Lake of Tears nowadays are more or less the brainchild of Daniel Brennare, so it’s not really a “band” anymore. The last album “Ominous” is a dark journey for sure. Favorite track? “Return of Ravens” from the 2002 album “The Neonai”.
10. Katatonia
Last but not least have I chosen Katatonia for this little list of mine. I followed them from early black-/doommetal days to their more present dark and gothic sound. Their musical journey has been a pleasure to follow and I have truly enjoyed every way of it. And it would not be a lie to say that Scheitan was inspired by Katatonia at least at the point of their release of “Brave Murder Day” where some of the riffing certainly had an impact on both our “Berzerk 2000” album as well as “Nemesis”. Favorite track? “The Winter of Our Passing” from their 2020 album “City Burials”.