The Aesthetics of Darkness: An Introduction to Gothic Rock — Notable Bands

DesireGene Loves Jezebel

Gene Loves Jezebel – Desire HD

Among the positive punk–new wave and gothic rock acts of the 1980s, Gene Loves Jezebel—from Wales—drew attention in Japan as well for their striking looks.

Centered on the handsome Ashton twins, Michael and Jay, the band formed in 1980 and has enjoyed a long career, even releasing new material in 2017.

Unfortunately, due to disputes over rights between the brothers, it seems that activities with both of them together have become virtually impossible.

The early works in which the two fronted the band are all highly regarded in the history of gothic rock and post-punk, and their flawless style—post-punk–derived, steely guitars and floating soundscapes, paired with alluring melodies sung by beautiful frontmen, conjuring a decadent world—continues to captivate many aesthete goth fans today.

They likely had a considerable influence on Japan’s visual kei scene as well, so if you came to gothic rock through visual kei, be sure to pick up the first four albums featuring the Ashton brothers!

Wax and WaneCocteau Twins

Cocteau Twins – Wax and Wane 1982 Good quality video

If you introduce Cocteau Twins in the context of gothic rock, listeners who know them for their dream pop and shoegaze elements might find it a bit jarring.

Debuting in 1979, Cocteau Twins brought together uniquely distinctive musicians: Robin Guthrie, an inventive guitarist who also thrived as a producer, and Elizabeth Fraser, a singer with a truly inimitable, bewitching voice.

As mentioned at the outset, they released landmark works that exerted a tremendous influence on later genres like dream pop and shoegaze.

They also helped define the aesthetic of the esteemed 4AD label, and the sonic world they created remains one that contemporary artists continue to revere.

That said, Cocteau Twins originally played a sound rooted directly in post-punk.

The debut album Garlands (1982)—with its drum-machine-driven, monotonous rhythms, bass lines that lead the songs, neo-psychedelic guitars heavy on flanger, and Elizabeth’s eerie yet fresh vocals (she was reportedly 18 at the time)—might surprise listeners who only know them from the stylistic shift that came with their third album onward.

Elizabeth was apparently a huge fan of Siouxsie Sioux of Siouxsie and the Banshees, and the band itself seems to have been influenced by them.

If you want to discover Cocteau Twins from a gothic rock angle, give their debut album and early EPs a listen.

Walking On Your HandsRed Lorry Yellow Lorry

Red Lorry Yellow Lorry – Walking On Your Hands (Official Video)

When it comes to Leeds in the UK from a gothic rock perspective, it’s known as the birthplace of The Sisters of Mercy, but fellow Leeds natives Red Lorry Yellow Lorry were also a group that drew attention in the gothic rock and positive punk spheres.

Their band name doesn’t sound particularly gothic, but it’s said to come from an English tongue twister.

Formed in 1981, they attracted notice with a sound directly rooted in post-punk, akin to Joy Division, early The Cure, and Killing Joke.

Their debut album, Talk About the Weather, released in 1985, is often considered their masterpiece.

For those who love this style, the growling basslines and the distinctive groove forged by a mechanical drum machine, guitar work with hints of neo-psychedelia, and the singer’s dark, velvety baritone are irresistible.

In their later period, they incorporated live drums to gain a more rock-like dynamism, though it never quite became a straightforward rock sound—a fate perhaps inherent to bands of their ilk.

They’ve also released a best-of compilation, so starting there to explore their sonic world might be a good idea.

Promised LandSkeletal Family

Skeletal Family – Promised Land – (Official Video 1984)

If you’re familiar with British rock, the band name Skeletal Family might ring a bell.

Formed in 1982, they borrowed their name from “Chant of the Ever Circling Skeletal Family,” a track on David Bowie’s classic album Diamond Dogs.

With female vocalist Anne-Marie at the helm, Skeletal Family drew attention as the band poised to follow in the wake of Siouxsie and the Banshees.

Their sound—marked by a distinctly post-punk, highly mobile bassline, driving drums, solid guitar riffs, and Anne-Marie’s vocals—will definitely resonate with fans of gothic rock and post-punk.

While they may lack an overpowering individuality or sense of menace, their touches—like incorporating saxophone on certain tracks—are quite interesting.

They released their debut album, Burning Oil, in 1984, followed by their second album, Futile Combat, in 1985, continuing steadily until, unfortunately, frontwoman Anne-Marie left the band.

They brought in a new vocalist but eventually disbanded; in the 2000s, they reunited and have released new material.

If this piques your interest, be sure to listen to Promised Land, one of their signature and truly great tracks!

Nick The StripperThe Birthday Party

The Birthday Party – Nick The Stripper (1981)

The Birthday Party was a legendary post-punk band featuring Australian Nick Cave—known not only for his musical career but also as a distinctive actor—as the vocalist, and it launched innovative musicians like Mick Harvey and Rowland S.

Howard.

Formed in 1977 under the name The Boys Next Door, they released their debut album, Door, Door, in 1979, making a name for themselves on the underground scene.

At that time, their sound, though experimental in parts, had the rough-hewn quality of youthful post-punk and even included romantic, melodic tracks like Shivers.

After changing their name, they moved from Australia to London, where they developed an intense stage presence and a decadent, cryptic sound; disillusioned with the London scene, they returned to Australia and eventually relocated to West Berlin, only to break up the following year.

Despite their brief existence of just a few years, the three albums they released as The Birthday Party are celebrated for their quintessentially “new wave” sound—combining icy madness and intellect with destructive impulses, sometimes freaky, sometimes bluesy—and they are regarded as highly influential works within the realm of gothic rock.

SeverinaThe Mission

The Mission – Severina (Official Video)

The Mission is a group newly formed by guitarist Wayne Hussey and Craig Adams, who helped bring about the birth of the Gothic rock landmark debut by The Sisters of Mercy, First and Last and Always, but left the band afterward.

Naturally, if you’re interested in Gothic rock, this is a band you absolutely should check out—one of the famous names that inevitably comes up in conversations about the genre.

Having started in 1986, broken up twice, and still active in the 2020s, they enjoyed commercial success particularly with their first three albums—their peak period—and have continued to delight fans by releasing new work at regular intervals.

While their style has evolved with the times, it’s reassuring that their core “Gothic” appeal has always remained intact.

That said, if you’re about to dive into their albums, I recommend starting with those first three releases mentioned above.

They’re packed with the essence of classic British Gothic rock, and their melodies are relatively accessible, making them an easy entry point even for newcomers to the genre.

LeavesThe Gathering

THE GATHERING – Leaves (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

The Gathering is a Dutch rock band known for mastering a variety of genres such as trip hop, ambient, and gothic rock.

Among their songs, a particularly dark and cool track I highly recommend is Leaves.

This piece strongly highlights the gothic rock elements that defined their early sound.

Beyond its dark, striking vibe, the sultry, captivating vocals are nothing short of breathtaking.

Be sure to check it out.