Is Goth music dead?

Goth Music, a subgenre of rock music, emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Its melancholic sound, dark themes, and often introspective lyrics characterized it. This article will briefly delve into the history and development of Goth Music and attempt to find out where it is today, concluding with a look at some of the recent bands continuing to carry the torch for Goth Music well into the 21st century.

Goth Music's roots lie in the punk rock scene of the mid-to-late 1970s, where bands were experimenting with new sounds and ideas.

 For many, The Doors' The End is the very first goth song due to its dark, gloomy theme. 

However, the Doors weren't goth at all. Instead, post-punk bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, Bauhaus and The Cure were instrumental in defining what would become known as Goth Music. These bands were characterized by their use of minor keys, slow tempos, and dark, insightful lyrics. They also began incorporating elements of horror films, vampire literature, and other macabre influences into their music and image.

Early Goth fashion was characterized by black clothing, 'spooky' makeup, and lace. As the genre evolved, however, so too did its fashion. By the mid-1980s, Goth fashion had diversified, with subcultures emerging. Deathrock incorporated elements of punk and new wave, while some darkwave blended Gothic imagery with futuristic technology, to mention two extreme examples.

Today, Goth fashion continues to be diverse, with individuals expressing themselves through various styles, including Victorian-inspired clothing, steampunk, and industrial wear.

Goth Music has grown in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit. This time, fashion carries goth music instead of the other way around. And although not all goth kids listen to or even enjoy goth music, some are assimilating the whole package and making it their own.

Trad goths have divided opinions on the new goth wave. While some look down on the current goth trend, calling it unauthentic, others embrace it — perhaps they remember how others looked down on them once. 

So, is Goth Music dead? Certainly not. While the genre may have undergone significant changes since its inception, it remains a vibrant and thriving part of the music landscape. With new subgenres emerging and younger musicians embracing the Goth aesthetic, the future looks bright for Goth Music. And with bands like Drab Majesty, Chelsea Wolfe, and Puppy, among others, continuing to carry the flag, it seems safe to say that Goth Music is alive and well.

Some recent bands carrying the flag for Goth Music include:

Drab Majesty - An American band whose music blends synth-pop and shoegaze with Gothic influences.

Chelsea Wolfe - An American singer-songwriter whose music combines elements of doom metal, drone, and folk with Gothic themes.

Puppy - A British band whose music draws on post-hardcore and screamo influences while maintaining a distinct Gothic flavor.

Twin Tribes - Inspired by 80s darkwave, this band looks and sounds like trad goth, but it also sounds current.

Strange Bones - Founded in 2015, this band brings energy to the table with industrial sounds combined with a charming British accent.