Goth music

So, I've never gotten a totally clear answer to this: why is gothic metal called gothic metal, and why has no metal subgenre that's properly gothic emerged? Metal's certainly versatile enough, given its ridiculous number of other subgenres.

I think it's because Goth Rock has a very particular feel to it that metal can't quite get.

I must agree with inane, Gothic rock has subtleties that the harsh tones of metal simply isn't capable of being compatible with. It's like taking a potbellied, shirtless, beer guzzling, air horn blasting, tailgate throwing, hardcore football fan........ to a chess tournament.

Not that beer and tailgate parties, or even enthusiasm for a sport are a bad thing, I love the smell of Bratwurst on the grill on a fine summers day as much as the next guy, it's just something you don't do at a chess tournament.

Though to be fair I've never been to a chess tournament, I'm not fat, don't like going shirtless, air horns hurt my ears, and Green Bay Packers(though I have been to several badgers games) tickets aren't easy to get. I also couldn't help myself with this comparison..... the smell of spring is in the air.

edited 17th Mar '12 4:31:33 PM by Renatus

Eh, Metal doesn't have to be harsh.

But Metal is very POWERFUL. Gothic Rock is not.

I've always felt that Type O Negative were effective at combining metal and goth rock, but that might just be because I'm a massive fanboy of theirs. Generally metal and goth rock don't fit together well, but I wouldn't say it's because of subtlety, or lack thereof (there's metal that's pretty damn subtle, and goth rock that's pretty damn unsubtle). It's pretty much what inane said — metal has POWER, goth rock does not, although I suppose it depends on your definition of POWER.

Also, I don't really see how goth rock would be the equivalent of a chess tournament in that situation, it's a bit too lowbrow for that. Classical and jazz would be a better fit.

That does sound like a better way of putting it than harsh. All this talk of summer reminds me of how several years ago before I was all the way into goth I missed a chance to see The Sisters of Mercy live at Summerfest (biggest music festival in the world), I haven't forgiven myself since.

as for the comparison, I merely was trying to provide two very different sport events as a crude metaphor. I'm not exactly a person of colorful musical adjectives, in spite of my efforts to acquire an electric cello so I can pick up where I left off as a kid.

Still it doesn't excuse the fact that I haven't had any bratwurst this year yet.

edited 17th Mar '12 4:49:57 PM by Renatus

Goth Rock and Gothic metal are different for the same reason that rock and metal are still considered separate genres; because they sound different.

Example...listen to a Lacuna Coil album and then throw on something by Bauhaus. Both are dreary, but in completely different ways.

Also, I agree with whoever said that metal has the power that goth-rock lacks.

Drunk Scriblerian, yeah, when you compare those two bands the different feel is obvious. I just mentioned a gothic metal band because they were the first one that came to mind, and they have elements that are found in gothic rock (darkly romantic atmosphere, morbid themes, etc).

Renatus, just a question so that I don't mess up again. Are you looking for deathrock at all? Because I used to listen to a few of those bands, so I can give you suggestions if you want.

What exactly are the differences between goth rock and deathrock? As a post-punk noob I've always been curious.