This is a list of gothic metal bands. Gothic metal

Gothic metal

Gothic metal or goth metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that combines the aggression of doom metal with the dark melancholy of gothic rock. The music of gothic metal is diverse with bands known to adopt the gothic approach to different styles of heavy metal music...

 is a genre of heavy metal music

Heavy metal music

Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...

. It is characterized as a combination of the dark melancholy of gothic rock

Gothic rock

Gothic rock is a musical subgenre of post-punk and alternative rock that formed during the late 1970s. Gothic rock bands grew from the strong ties they had to the English punk rock and emerging post-punk scenes...

 with the aggression of heavy metal music. The genre originated during the early 1990s in Europe

Europe

Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...

 as an outgrowth of death/doom

Death/doom

Death/doom, sometimes writes as death-doom or deathdoom, is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal. It combines the slow tempos and pessimistic or depressive mood of doom metal with the deep growling vocals and double kick drumming of death metal...

, a fusion of death metal

Death metal

Death metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal. It typically employs heavily distorted guitars, tremolo picking, deep growling vocals, blast beat drumming, minor keys or atonality, and complex song structures with multiple tempo changes....

 and doom metal

Doom metal

Doom metal is an extreme form of heavy metal music that typically uses slower tempos, low-tuned guitars and a much "thicker" or "heavier" sound than other metal genres...

. The music of gothic metal is diverse with bands known to adopt the gothic approach to different styles of heavy metal music. Lyrics are generally melodramatic and mournful with inspiration from gothic fiction

Gothic fiction

Gothic fiction, sometimes referred to as Gothic horror, is a genre or mode of literature that combines elements of both horror and romance. Gothicism's origin is attributed to English author Horace Walpole, with his 1764 novel The Castle of Otranto, subtitled "A Gothic Story"...

 as well as personal experiences.

Members of metal bands such as After Forever

After Forever

After Forever was a Dutch symphonic metal band with strong progressive metal influences. The band relied on the use of both soprano vocals and death grunts. In February 2009, it was announced that After Forever had disbanded.-Biography:...

, HIM

HIM (band)

HIM is a Finnish rock band from Helsinki. Formed in 1991 by vocalist Ville Valo, guitarist Mikko "Linde" Lindström, and bassist Mikko "Migé" Paananen, HIM's current lineup consists of Valo, Linde, Migé, Janne "Emerson Burton" Puurtinen on keyboards and Mika Karppinen on drums...

 and Nightwish

Nightwish

Nightwish is a Finnish symphonic metal band from Kitee, Finland. Formed in 1996 by songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and former vocalist Tarja Turunen, Nightwish's current line-up has five members, although Tarja has been replaced by Anette Olzon and the...

 have downplayed or dismissed the gothic label from their music. The issue is obscured further by bands that have since moved away from gothic metal or even heavy metal music altogether, as is the case for Anathema

Anathema (band)

Anathema are an English band from Liverpool primarily known for their ever evolving sound. Beginning as pioneers of the death/doom metal sub-genre, their later albums have been associated with genres such as alternative rock, progressive rock, art rock, new prog, and post-rock.-History:Anathema...

 and The Gathering

The Gathering (band)

The Gathering is a Dutch alternative rock band, founded in 1989 by brothers Hans and René Rutten and vocalist Bart Smits in the small city of Oss, North Brabant....

.

List of bands

Band	Country	Formed	Notes
Abonos Abonos Abonos is a Serbian gothic metal band from Belgrade.The guitarist Jakša Vlahović and a former keyboardist and vocalist Marta Vlahović are brother and sister and children of graphic artist and former Porodična Manufaktura Crnog Hleba member Jugoslav Vlahović...	Serbia	1999
After Forever After Forever After Forever was a Dutch symphonic metal band with strong progressive metal influences. The band relied on the use of both soprano vocals and death grunts. In February 2009, it was announced that After Forever had disbanded.-Biography:...	The Netherlands	1995	Guitarist Sander Gommans Sander Gommans Sander Gommans is a Dutch musician. He founded the symphonic metal band Apocalypse with Mark Jansen in 1995, which later changed its name to After Forever. He played guitar and did the grunting parts in the band...  feels that the band has "broke with the gothic style" since their 2004 album Invisible Circles Invisible Circles Invisible Circles is the third studio album by Dutch symphonic metal band After Forever. It was released on 25 March 2004, by the small Dutch label Transmission Records... though critics still identify them as a gothic metal act.. The group disbanded in 2009.
Agathodaimon Agathodaimon (band) Agathodaimon is a gothic/melodic black metal band from Mainz, Germany.-Biography:The band began in September 1995, when guitarist Sathonys and drummer Matthias got together to assemble a dominant death metal band with harmonic arrangements . They put adverts in several music magazines in the hopes...	Germany	1995
Aion	Poland	1996
Alastis Alastis -History:The initial line-up was War D. on guitar, Zumof on vocals, Acronoise on drums, and Masmiseim on bass. Masmiseim left early on to join Samael, with Zumof departing soon after...	Switzerland	1987	Gothic black metal
Amorphis Amorphis Amorphis is a Finnish heavy metal band started by Jan Rechberger, Tomi Koivusaari, and Esa Holopainen in 1990. Initially, the band was a death metal act, but on later albums they evolved into playing other types of genres, which include heavy metal, progressive metal, and folk metal...	Finland	1990
Anabantha Anabantha Anabantha is a Gothic metal band from Mexico, founded in 1997. In 2006, they signed with Mexican Label Discos y Cintas Denver.-1997-2006:The band began in 1997 with Duan Marie on vocals and Vlad Landeros on keyboards, performing under the name Sentido Pésame. In 1998, the band changed its name to...	Mexico	1997
Anathema Anathema (band) Anathema are an English band from Liverpool primarily known for their ever evolving sound. Beginning as pioneers of the death/doom metal sub-genre, their later albums have been associated with genres such as alternative rock, progressive rock, art rock, new prog, and post-rock.-History:Anathema...	England	1990
Angtoria Angtoria Angtoria is a symphonic metal band composed of British singer Sarah Jezebel Deva and Swedish brothers Chris Rehn , and Tommy Rehn ....	England	2002
Artrosis Artrosis Artrosis is a Polish gothic metal band founded in 1995 in Zielona Góra.In 2001 band was nominated to Fryderyk, an annual award in Polish music.-Band members:Current members* Magdalena "Medeah" Stupkiewicz-Dobosz – vocals, keyboards...	Poland	1995
Asrai Asrai (band) Asrai is a band from Schiedam, Netherlands. Their music is mostly on the border between gothic and metal genres.- History :Asrai's roots lay in the 1980s. The band was formed in 1985 and changed their name in 1988 to Asrai. Several of its members played in various punk and new-wave bands...	The Netherlands	1988
Atargatis Atargatis (band) Atargatis is a symphonic metal band from Germany, formed in 1997 in Regensburg.- Current Line-Up :*Stephanie Luzie – Vocals*Artur Vladinovskij - Guitar*Lord Lornhold – Bass, backing vocals*Tialupa - Violin*Shadrak – Drums- Former members :...	Germany	1997
Atrocity Atrocity (band) Atrocity is a German Heavy Metal band formed in Ludwigsburg.-History:First started in 1985 as Instigators and playing grindcore, Atrocity arose as a death metal band with their debut EP, Blue Blood, in 1989, followed soon by Hallucinations, a concept album about drug use...	Germany	1985
Autumn	The Netherlands	1995
Ava Inferi Ava Inferi Ava Inferi is a musical group created in Almada, Portugal, by guitarist and songwriter Rune Eriksen .The debut album, Burdens, was released in January 2006....	Portugal	2005
Beseech Beseech Beseech was the name of a Gothic metal band from Borås, Sweden. The group has disbanded and have actually formed two other bands, TWDSO and The Mary Major.-This is an official statement from BESEECH:...	Sweden	1992
Cadaveria Cadaveria The extreme metal band Cadaveria was born in April 2001, forged by the erstwhile Opera IX personnel Cadaveria and Flegias, , the latter reverting back to his real name. The band signed to Scarlet Records for the opening 2002 album The Shadows' Madame...	Italy	2001
Cemetary Cemetary (band) Cemetary was a Swedish gothic metal band founded by Mathias Lodmalm in 1989. A few years later they signed a contract with Black Mark Productions and released their debut album An Evil Shade Of Grey in 1992. The band would record one more album before moving from death metal into a gothic metal...	Sweden	1989
Chalice Chalice (band) Chalice was a Gothic-doom metal band from Adelaide, South Australia. The group released three albums and was perhaps Australia's most notable Gothic metal band for a number of years before splitting up in 2007....	Australia	1997
Charon Charon (band) Charon was a Finnish gothic metal band from Raahe, Finland.-Biography:Charon was founded in 1992 by Mario Tepšić, Teemu Hautamäki, Pasi Sipilä, and Jasse Hast and was originally a brutal death metal act. After releasing three promo albums and two demos, all self-released, the band signed a record...	Finland	1992
Closterkeller Closterkeller Closterkeller is a Polish Gothic rock band from Warsaw. It was formed in 1988 by Przemysław Guryń, Jacek Skirucha, and the vocalist Anja Orthodox. Despite many changes in the band's line-up it has created a characteristic sound. Orthodox is the only member of the original line-up, performing...	Poland	1988
Cradle of Filth Cradle of Filth Cradle of Filth are an English extreme metal band, formed in Suffolk in 1991. The band's musical style evolved from black metal to a cleaner and more "produced" amalgam of gothic metal, symphonic black metal, and other extreme metal styles, while their lyrical themes and imagery are heavily...	England	1991
Creation’s Tears Creation’s Tears Creation's Tears is a heavy metal music band based in the Greater Belfast region of Northern Ireland, with some members based in England.The band's personnel includes former members of established heavy metal acts; Lee Morris ex Paradise Lost and guest female vocalist Sarah Jezebel Deva ex Cradle...	Northern Ireland	2002	Reputedly the only gothic metal band from the entire island of Ireland and featuring Brian Eddie Reynolds, Lee Morris Lee Morris (musician) Born in 1970 in Wolverhampton, Lee came from a musical family and started playing the drums at six years of age. He learnt his instrument from his dad and spent many hours during his early years playing along with various records from the family record collection...  and Sarah Jezebel Deva Sarah Jezebel Deva Sarah Jane , better known by her stage name Sarah Jezebel Deva, is a British vocalist. She was the female vocalist in Cradle of Filth for 14 years and also fronts her own band, Angtoria. In 2009, Deva started her self-titled solo project. The debut album A Sign of Sublime was released in February... , who has toured and/or recorded with Cradle of Filth, Therion, Mortis and Angtoria
Crematory Crematory (band) Crematory is a gothic/melodic death metal band formed in Mannheim, Germany in 1991.- History :The band received its earliest recognition in the mid-1990s by touring with My Dying Bride, Tiamat and Atrocity. Much like the latter two groups, the band had begun as traditional death metal, then evolved...	Germany	1991
Cryptal Darkness Cryptal Darkness Cryptal Darkness were an Australian doom metal band featuring Mark Kelson, now of The Eternal & InSomnius Dei and for a short period, former My Dying Bride/Cradle of Filth member, Martin Powell.-History:...	Australia	1993
Dakrua Dakrua - Members :* Eva Rondinelli - Vocals* William Quattrone - Vocals, bass* Alessandro Buono - Guitars* Davide Sangiovanni - Drums...	Italy	1995
Darkseed Darkseed (German band) Darkseed is a German gothic metal band, formed in 1992. Darkseed, beginning as a death metal band, took a more unconventional song writing method that aimed more towards the gothic experimental route...	Germany	1992
Darkwell Darkwell Darkwell is a gothic metal band from Innsbruck, Austria. Formed in 1999 by bassist Roland Wurzer and guitarist Roman Wiencke. Soon after formation, they signed with Napalm Records and released their first album, Suspiria, in 2000. Before the release of Conflict of Interest in 2002 they toured...	Austria	1999
Deathstars Deathstars Deathstars is a Swedish band from Stockholm that perform industrial and gothic metal. Formed in 2000, the group are noted for their dark horror-themed lyrics, pessimistic and misanthropic social commentary, distinctive trademark face paint, dark stage uniforms and physical appearances that...	Sweden	2001
Delain Delain Delain is a Dutch symphonic metal band. The band was founded by the ex-keyboardist of Within Temptation, Martijn Westerholt.-Founding:Delain was founded by Martijn Westerholt and Charlotte Wessels. Westerholt is the ex-keyboardist and brother of one of the founders of Within Temptation, Robert...	The Netherlands	2002
Delight Delight (band) Delight is a Polish gothic metal band. They are currently signed to Roadrunner Records.- Current members :*Paulina "Paula" Maślanka - vocals *Jarosław "Jaro" Baran - electric guitar *Marek Tkocz - bass guitar...	Poland	1992
Divina Enema Divina Enema Divina Enema is an avant-garde metal band from Belarus. They create their sound by using elements from many different genres, including gothic, black, death, progressive, and symphonic metal, and even electronic music. They had released two full-length albums through divisions of the notable...	Belarus	1998
Draconian Draconian (band) -External links:* at Napalm Records...	Sweden	1994
Drastique Drastique Drastique is an avant-garde gothic metal band from Italy with progressive metal and symphonic black metal influences.- Biography :...	Italy	1995
Dreams of Sanity Dreams of Sanity Dreams of Sanity was a gothic metal band from Austria. Founded in 1991, they released three full-length albums, before disbanding in 2002. Many of their songs are about Buddha...	Austria	1991
Elis Elis (band) Elis is a gothic metal band from Liechtenstein, formed by Sabine Dünser and Pete Streit in 2003 after the split of Erben der Schöpfung in 2002.-God's Silence, Devil's Temptation:...	Liechtenstein	2001
Entwine Entwine Entwine is a Finnish gothic metal band.-Biography:Entwine was originally assembled as a death metal band in 1995 by guitarist and vocalist Tom Mikkola, drummer Aksu Hanttu and bassist Taipale. In 1997 they decided to change Entwine's musical style to gothic metal. Rhythm guitarist and vocalist Panu...	Finland	1995
Epica Epica (band) Epica is a Dutch symphonic metal band founded by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen subsequent to his departure from After Forever. They are known for their symphonic sound and the use of female vocals and male growls performed by Simone Simons and Mark Jansen, respectively. All six members write...	The Netherlands	2003
Erben Der Schöpfung Erben der Schöpfung Erben der Schöpfung is a dark-gothic-metal/EBM band from Liechtenstein, founded in 1998/99 by Oliver Falk.-History:...	Liechtenstein	1998
The Eternal	Australia	2003
Eternal Tears of Sorrow Eternal Tears of Sorrow Eternal Tears of Sorrow is a Finnish symphonic death metal band formed in Pudasjärvi in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland...	Finland	1994
Evanescence Evanescence Evanescence is an American rock band founded in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1995 by singer/pianist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody. After recording private albums, the band released their first full-length album, Fallen, on Wind-up Records in 2003. Fallen sold more than 17 million copies worldwide...	USA	1995	They have been identified as gothic metal by such publications as the New York Times, Rough Guides Rough Guides Rough Guides Ltd is a travel guidebook and reference publisher, owned by Pearson PLC. Their travel titles cover more than 200 destinations, and are distributed worldwide through the Penguin Group... , Rolling Stone Rolling Stone Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J... , Blender Blender (magazine) Blender was an American music magazine that billed itself as "the ultimate guide to music and more". It was also known for sometimes steamy pictorials of celebrities.... , Blabbermouth.net Blabbermouth.net Blabbermouth.net is a website dedicated to heavy metal and hard rock news, as well as album and music DVD reviews. Blabbermouth.net was founded and is run by Borivoj Krgin. The first version of the website was officially launched in March 2001... and others.
Eyes of Eden Eyes of Eden Eyes of Eden is a German symphonic metal band founded in 2005 by multi-instrumentalist and record producer Waldemar Sorychta. Sorychta initially chose Sandra Schleret as the singer, but she became ill and could not finish the recordings for the first studio album. She was replaced by the...	Germany	2005
Flowing Tears Flowing Tears Flowing Tears is a German gothic metal band. Their original band name was Flowing Tears & Withered Flowers, which they used for their first several releases.-History:The band formed in 1994 under the moniker Flowing Tears & Withered Flowers...	Germany	1994
For My Pain... For My Pain... For My Pain... is a gothic metal supergroup from Oulu, Finland, featuring members from Embraze, Eternal Tears of Sorrow, Nightwish, Charon and Reflexion...	Finland	1999	A supergroup that includes members from Eternal Tears of Sorrow, Nightwish and Charon.
Forever Slave Forever Slave Forever Slave is a Spanish symphonic-gothic metal band founded by Servalath and vocalist Lady Angellyca in 2000.They recorded two demos, "Hate" and "Schwarzer Engel", in 2000 and 2001 respectively, returning with another demo in 2004, "Resurrection"....	Spain	2000
The Gathering The Gathering (band) The Gathering is a Dutch alternative rock band, founded in 1989 by brothers Hans and René Rutten and vocalist Bart Smits in the small city of Oss, North Brabant....	The Netherlands	1989
Graveworm Graveworm Graveworm is a symphonic black metal band from Bruneck, Italy with strong influences from gothic metal .-History:...	Italy	1997
HIM HIM (band) HIM is a Finnish rock band from Helsinki. Formed in 1991 by vocalist Ville Valo, guitarist Mikko "Linde" Lindström, and bassist Mikko "Migé" Paananen, HIM's current lineup consists of Valo, Linde, Migé, Janne "Emerson Burton" Puurtinen on keyboards and Mika Karppinen on drums...	Finland	1991	Singer and songwriter Ville Valo Ville Valo Ville Hermanni Valo is a Finnish singer, songwriter and frontman of the Finnish rock band HIM. He has received the "Golden God" award in 2004 by the heavy metal magazine Metal Hammer. Valo has a baritone vocal range. Valo was ranked number 80 in Hit Paraders Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time...  does not feel that the band is either gothic or metal but the band is commonly described as such.
How Like a Winter How Like a Winter How Like a Winter is a gothic doom metal band from Italy that was formed in the mid-1990s, although their first recording wasn't until much later. The band's music, which can be described as atmospheric and melancholy, is composed using violins, various classical, acoustic and electric guitars, and...	Italy	1995
Imperia Imperia (band) Imperia is a symphonic gothic metal band with opera influences from the Netherlands. They are fronted by vocalist Helena Iren Michaelsen. The band consists of Helena Iren Michaelsen, Gerry Verstreken, John Stam, Jan "Örkki" Yrlund, Steve Wolz and Audun Gronnestad.-Discography:* The Ancient Dance of...	The Netherlands, Norway	2003
Katatonia Katatonia Katatonia is a Swedish metal band formed in Stockholm in 1991 by Jonas Renkse and Anders Nyström .-1991-1993:The early Katatonia releases, such as the EP Jhva Elohim Meth.....	Sweden	1991
Krypteria Krypteria Krypteria is a symphonic metal band from Germany. Originating from a 2001 "pop musical theatre studio project" of the same name, the idea was to use different vocalists, though German-Korean singer Ji-In Cho assumed the role of lead vocalist in 2004...	Germany	2001
Lacrimas Profundere Lacrimas Profundere Lacrimas Profundere is a gothic metal band from Germany. Their name means "to shed tears" in Latin. Their stylistic aesthetic has evolved over time, originally a death doom rooted gothic metal band, they have progressively changed their style to a more mainstream gothic style with the late...	Germany	1993
Lacrimosa Lacrimosa (band) Lacrimosa is a duo led by German Tilo Wolff, the main composer, and Finnish Anne Nurmi, currently based in Switzerland, but originally from Germany...	Germany	1990
Lacuna Coil Lacuna Coil Lacuna Coil is an Italian gothic metal band from Milan. Formed in 1994, the group has had two name changes since being previously known as Sleep of Right and Ethereal and was inspired by the combination of gothic imagery and music...	Italy	1994
L'Âme Immortelle L'Âme Immortelle L' Âme Immortelle is an Austrian band. Many of L'Âme Immortelle's songs feature melancholy or lovelorn lyrics in German or English, and juxtaposed harsh male and emotional female vocals...	Austria	1996
Leaves' Eyes Leaves' Eyes Leaves' Eyes is a German-Norwegian symphonic metal band from Stavanger, Norway and Ludwigsburg, Germany. They were formed in 2003 by Liv Kristine, the former lead singer of Theatre of Tragedy and the entire line-up of Atrocity...	Germany	2003
Letzte Instanz Letzte Instanz Letzte Instanz, founded in Dresden, Germany in 1996, is a German metal band particularly noted for their use of the violin and cello. The founding members included Hörbi, Tin Whistle, Muttis Stolz, Kaspar Wichman, Holly D. and Markus G-Punkt. Benni Cellini and Robin Sohn entered the group a year...	Germany	1996
Lullacry Lullacry Lullacry is a melodic band with gothic metal influences that hails from Helsinki, Finland. The band recorded their first demo in 1998 and in a short time they had enough of a following to safely attempt a full-length album – Sweet Desire – recorded in 1999. This got the attention of Spinefarm...	Finland	1999
Macbeth Macbeth (band) Macbeth is an Italian gothic metal band formed in 1995. Signed to Dragonheart Records, they have been releasing albums since 1998.-History:Formerly known as Land of Dark Souls, the band was inspired by the combination of gothic imagery and music, and the members have been known for contrasting dual...	Italy	1995
Madder Mortem Madder Mortem Madder Mortem is a Norwegian progressive metal band. They were formed in 1993 as Mystery Tribe.-Current lineup:* Agnete M. Kirkevaag − Vocals * BP M...	Norway	1993
Mandragora Scream Mandragora Scream -Early history:Formed in 1997 by singer and front-woman Morgan Lacroix. In 1999 Morgan recorded a Demo Album, with 4 songs.In 2000, Morgan is introduced to singer, guitarist and composer Terry Horn...	Italy	1997
Midnattsol Midnattsol Midnattsol is a Symphonic metal band from Germany and Norway, The band was formed in 2002 by singer Carmen Elise Espenæs and guitarist Christian Hector.- History :...	Germany, Norway	2003
Moi dix Mois Moi dix Mois Moi dix Mois is a musical project founded by Japanese musician and fashion designer Mana in 2002 after his previous band, Malice Mizer, paused activities.- History :...	Japan	2002
Moonspell Moonspell Moonspell is a Portuguese gothic metal band from Brandoa, Lisbon. Formed in 1992, the group released their first EP Under the Moonspell in 1994, a year before the release of their first album Wolfheart...	Portugal	1992
Monumentum Monumentum Monumentum are an Italian gothic metal band formed in 1987 by Roberto Mammarella, founder of Obscure Plasma Records .-Biography:...	Italy	1987
Mortal Love Mortal Love Mortal Love is a Norwegian metal band which is currently signed to Massacre Records. Their sound makes combined use of soprano and tenor vocals, whilst placing emphasis on a consistent rhythm section with heavy guitars, piano and synthesizer melodies...	Norway	2001
Motionless in White Motionless in White Motionless in White is an American metalcore band from Scranton, Pennsylvania. Formed in 2005, the group is known for its dark horror-themed lyrics and physical appearances, that of which heavily correspond to gothic imagery. Motionless in White is currently signed to Fearless Records and have...	USA	2005	The band is also commonly dubbed as "gothic metalcore Metalcore Metalcore is a subgenre of heavy metal combining various elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk. The name is a portmanteau of the names of the two genres. The term took on its current meaning in the mid-1990s, describing bands such as Earth Crisis, Deadguy and Integrity... ".
My Dying Bride My Dying Bride My Dying Bride are an English doom metal band formed in 1990. To date, My Dying Bride have released eleven full-length studio albums, three EPs, one demo, one box set, four compilation albums, one live album, and one live CD/DVD release. The band released their tenth studio album, For Lies I Sire,...	England	1990
Nemesea Nemesea Nemesea is a Dutch female-fronted Symphonic metal band with pop and rock influences, formed in 2002 in Groningen. Their musical style has been compared to that of After Forever-Biography:...	The Netherlands	2002
Nightwish Nightwish Nightwish is a Finnish symphonic metal band from Kitee, Finland. Formed in 1996 by songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and former vocalist Tarja Turunen, Nightwish's current line-up has five members, although Tarja has been replaced by Anette Olzon and the...	Finland	1996	Publications that identify the band as gothic metal include Rough Guides Rough Guides Rough Guides Ltd is a travel guidebook and reference publisher, owned by Pearson PLC. Their travel titles cover more than 200 destinations, and are distributed worldwide through the Penguin Group... , PopMatters PopMatters PopMatters is an international webzine of cultural criticism that covers many aspects of popular culture. PopMatters publishes reviews, interviews, and detailed essays on most cultural products and expressions in areas such as music, television, films, books, video games, comics, sports, theater,... , About.com About.com About.com is an online source for original information and advice. It is written in English, and is aimed primarily at North Americans. It is owned by The New York Times Company....  and others. Bassist Marco Hietala Marco Hietala Marko Tapani "Marco" Hietala is a heavy metal vocalist and bassist. Internationally, he is most known as the current bassist, male vocalist and composer, of the symphonic metal band Nightwish...  concurs with the gothic metal description but this is not a view shared by all members of the group, including band composer Tuomas Holopainen Tuomas Holopainen Tuomas Lauri Johannes Holopainen is a Finnish composer known best for symphonic metal music. He has also studied jazz and classical styles, but prefers to be influenced by harmonic film music....
Notre Dame Notre Dame (band) Notre Dame was a Swedish metal band formed in 1997 and disbanded in 2004. Members included Snowy Shaw and Vampirella and Jean-Pierre de Sade and Mannequin de Sade two brothers who claimed to be descendants of legendary revolutionary writer Marquis de Sade.The band mixed black metal with elements...	Sweden	1997
Octavia Sperati Octavia Sperati Octavia Sperati, formerly known as Octavia, is a gothic metal/doom metal band from Bergen, Norway.The group released their debut album Winter Enclosure in 2005. Their second album, Grace Submerged, was released in May 2007. Both albums were released by Candlelight Records, and both releases were...	Norway	2000
The Old Dead Tree The Old Dead Tree The Old Dead Tree was a Progressive death metal band from the city of Paris, France active between 1997 and 2009.-Musical style:Their musical style is a mixture of death metal elements, such as double bass drumming and heavy guitar riffing, and more mellow, progressive, gothic metal and doom metal...	France	1997
Pale Forest Pale Forest Pale Forest, originally named Pangaea, is a Norwegian female fronted alternative/gothic rock band, similar in sound to The Gathering, although softer and less electronic...	Norway	1998
Paradise Lost Paradise Lost (band) Paradise Lost are a heavy metal band that formed in 1988 in Halifax, England.-History:Their first three full-length albums are examples of the death/doom style, although the latter two incorporated some melodic and gothic elements...	England	1988
Penumbra Penumbra (band) Penumbra is a French gothic metal band. They have released their last two albums through Season of Mist. - Formation of Penumbra :The original founders of Penumbra were Jarlaath and Dorian, who met at a concert in 1996...	France	1996
Perseo Miranda Perseo Miranda Perseo Miranda is a vocalist and songwriter, and founder of the Italian heavy metal band Perseo Miranda.He's been active since the 1980 but only recently obtained a discrete attention in the music scene.-Biography:...	Italy	1980
Poisonblack Poisonblack Poisonblack is a Finnish heavy/gothic metal band led by singer/guitarist Ville Laihiala, known for his vocals with the band Sentenced from 1996 - 2005...	Finland	2000
Rain Fell Within Rain Fell Within Rain Fell Within was a symphonic gothic metal band from Virginia, USA. They are known for their atmospheric sound, symphonic arrangements and female soprano vocals.-History:...	USA	1996
Revamp	The Netherlands	2009
Rotting Christ Rotting Christ Rotting Christ is a Greek black metal band formed in 1987. They are noted for being one of the first black metal bands within this region, as well as a premier act within the European underground metal scene.- Line-up :...	Greece	1987
Sarah Jezebel Deva Sarah Jezebel Deva Sarah Jane , better known by her stage name Sarah Jezebel Deva, is a British vocalist. She was the female vocalist in Cradle of Filth for 14 years and also fronts her own band, Angtoria. In 2009, Deva started her self-titled solo project. The debut album A Sign of Sublime was released in February...	England	2009
Sariola Sariola Sariola is a female fronted gothic metal band from Germany consisting of an international line-up featuring members from Russia, Germany, Ukraine and Belarus....	Germany / Russia	2005
Sentenced Sentenced Sentenced was a Finnish heavy metal band that played melodic death metal in their early years. The band formed in 1989, in the town of Muhos, Finland, and broke up in 2005.-Early years :...	Finland	1989
Silentium Silentium Silentium is a Finnish Gothic metal band. The band was formed in 1995 and it originates from Jämsänkoski, Finland...	Finland	1995
Sinamore Sinamore Sinamore is a Finnish gothic metal band from Hamina. Sinamore released their first album A New Day in January 2006.- Current members :*Mikko Heikkilä - Vocals, guitar*Jarno Uski - Bass*Sami Hauru - Guitar*Miika Hostikka - Drums- Discography :...	Finland	1998
The Sins of Thy Beloved The Sins of Thy Beloved The Sins Of Thy Beloved is a gothic-doom metal band from Bryne, Norway.- Biography :The band was formed in November 1996 by Glenn Morten Nordbø, Arild Christensen and Stig Johansen. The band was initially called "Purgatory" but they soon decided to change their name to something less common...	Norway	1996
Sirenia Sirenia (band) Sirenia is a gothic metal band from Stavanger, Norway which incorporates a mixture of gothic metal and symphonic metal, as well as extreme metal and death metal elements...	Norway	2001
Sorrowful Angels Sorrowful Angels Sorrowful Angels is a Greek/Polish gothic metal band originally formed in 1999. In that same year the band soon started to land gigs in the Greek underground club scene presenting their initial atmospheric material and gradually making a name for themselves....	Greece	1999
Stravaganzza Stravaganzza Stravaganzza is a Symphonic metal/Gothic metal band from Madrid, Spain formed in 2004, the band has since released 3 studio albums and one EP. They combines element of extreme metal such as gothic metal, death metal, doom metal and black metal with heavily orchestrated symphonic metal and...	Spain	2004
Stream of Passion Stream of Passion Stream of Passion is a progressive metal band with symphonic metal and gothic metal influences founded by Arjen Anthony Lucassen and Marcela Bovio. Because the musicians in the band lived thousands of miles apart, Lucassen composed the group's debut album, Embrace the Storm, over the Internet...	The Netherlands	2005
Subway to Sally Subway to Sally Subway to Sally was founded in Potsdam, Germany, in the early 1990s. It is a rock band with clear folk and medieval influences, later also with gothic and metal elements added to the mix...	Germany	1990
Theatre of Tragedy Theatre of Tragedy Theatre of Tragedy was a Norwegian band from Stavanger, active between 1993 and 2010. They are best known for their earlier albums, which provided a great deal of influence to the gothic metal genre.-Biography:...	Norway	1992
Theatres des Vampires Theatres des Vampires Theatres des Vampires is an Italian gothic metal band with strong black metal influences, mostly noted for the predominant theme of vampirism within their lyrics.-History and background:In 1994, Alessandro Nunziati form Theatres des Vampires....	Italy	1994
Therion Therion (band) Therion is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987. The word "therion" comes from the Greek therion , meaning "Beast," i.e., that of the Christian Book of Revelation...	Sweden	1987
Tiamat Tiamat (band) -Biography:Initially, the band played straightforward black metal under the name Treblinka. After having recorded the album Sumerian Cry in 1989, vocalist/guitarist Johan Edlund and bassist Jörgen Thullberg parted ways with the other two founding members, and subsequently changed the name to Tiamat...	Sweden	1988
To/Die/For To/Die/For To/Die/For is a gothic metal band from the town of Kouvola in southeast of Finland, assembled in 1993 as a hard rock band under the name Mary-Ann. In 1999, they decided to change their musical style to gothic metal, changing their band name as well...	Finland	1993
Trail of Tears Trail of Tears (band) Trail of Tears is a Norwegian gothic/symphonic black metal band originally formed in 1994 by vocalist Ronny Thorsen, under the name of Natt...	Norway	1994
Tristania Tristania (band) Tristania is a band from Norway, formed in 1996 by Morten Veland, Einar Moen and Kenneth Olsson. Tristania's music is usually classified as symphonic gothic metal with doom/death metal influences , due to its strong ties with the goth metal's history...	Norway	1996
Type O Negative Type O Negative Type O Negative was a gothic metal band from Brooklyn, New York City. The band also incorporated elements of doom metal and thrash metal. Their dramatic lyrical emphasis on themes of romance, depression, and death resulted in the nickname "The Drab Four"...	USA	1990
Undish Undish Undish is a Christian gothic metal band from Oborniki, Poland, formed in 1991. Undish is led by female vocalist Ada Szarata as well as a male vocalist named Robert Baum who is also handling the drums...	Poland	1991
Unsun UnSun UnSun is a Polish Gothic metal band formed by ex-guitarist Maurycy "Mauser" Stefanowicz of death metal band Vader. Their debut album, entitled The End of Life, was released on September 22, 2008 by Century Media Records.Their second album Clinic for Dolls was released on October 11, 2010 via Mystic...	Poland	2006
Urn Urn (band) Urn is a gothic / folk metal band based out of the Chicagoland area.-Members:Current membersDominic St. Charles - Lead Vocals, GuitarChristopher Lorton - GuitarJulian Umberger - Bass, Death and Backing Vocals...	USA	1994
Virgin Black Virgin Black Virgin Black is an Australian band that combines gothic-doom and symphonic metal influences. Signed to The End Records and Germany's Massacre Records , the band has released 4 albums and 1 EP...	Australia	1993
The Vision Bleak The Vision Bleak The Vision Bleak is a gothic metal band from Germany formed in 2000, consisting of former Empyrium member Ulf Theodor Schwadorf and former Nox Mortis member Allen B Konstanz. The band's themes are most notably orientated towards horror....	Germany	2000
We Are the Fallen We Are the Fallen We Are the Fallen is an American gothic metal band consisting of former American Idol contestant Carly Smithson, Marty O'Brien and former Evanescence members Ben Moody, John LeCompt, and Rocky Gray. The band's name is an allusion to Evanescence's 2003 album, Fallen, which has resulted in criticism...	USA	2009
Within Temptation Within Temptation Within Temptation is a Dutch symphonic gothic metal/rock band founded in 1996 by vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt. Their music is described as symphonic metal, although their earlier material, such as Enter, was gothic metal. In an interview, Den Adel said they fell into a...	The Netherlands	1996
Xandria Xandria Xandria is a German symphonic metal band, founded by Marco Heubaum in 1997. The band's music combines elements of symphonic metal with light electronic elements and rock....	Germany	1997
The 69 Eyes The 69 Eyes The 69 Eyes are a multi-platinum selling Finnish gothic rock band. They are currently signed to EMI Finland. The band's albums are now distributed worldwide. The End Records acts as the band's official North American distributor, as Nuclear Blast Records provides distribution in Mainland Europe,...	Finland	1989

External links

• List of gothic metal bands on About.com
  About.com
  About.com is an online source for original information and advice. It is written in English, and is aimed primarily at North Americans. It is owned by The New York Times Company....