Top 10 Best Goth Rock Bands

Goth rock is where post-punk wandered into a fog machine and decided the lighting was much better there. Built from sharp basslines, chilly guitars, dramatic vocals, and lyrics that prefer candlelight to sunshine, the genre gives you music that can brood, snarl, ache, and strut all in the same song.

Its roots stretch back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when bands began pulling darker moods out of punk's wreckage and shaping them into something more atmospheric. Since then, the sound has branched into neighboring shadows, brushing against darkwave, industrial rock, gothic metal, synth-driven gloom, and even poppier corners of alternative music. Apparently, darkness has range.

You come to goth rock for the mood, but you stay for the craft. The best bands do more than dress everything in black. They build entire rooms out of reverb, tension, romance, dread, and that oddly comforting feeling you get when a song sounds like it knows exactly why you stare out windows during storms.

1. The Cure

   

   The Cure are an English post-punk and gothic rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex, in 1978. The band has undergone numerous lineup changes, with vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter Robert Smith remaining the only consistent member. They are known for hits such as Just Like Heaven and Lovesong... read more

   I can't believe The Cure isn't number one! Not only because they were pioneers but because of their different music.

   Sorry, but I sometimes can't tell or even hear the difference between the other bands, while The Cure has always had their sound. Each album is so different from the others. Some of their songs aren't Gothic at all (like Lovecats and How Beautiful You Are). Their lyrics are so good.

   No, The Cure definitely has something the others don't. It's one of the greatest pop and Gothic rock bands of the late '70s, the '80s, the '90s, and they still are!

   Gothic music is really about the whole gothic rock and post-punk genre. I think everyone should listen to this type of music before they get into the gothic scene.

   Sure, Evanescence is inspired by goth culture, but their sound isn't the traditional goth rock you associate with bands like The Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees.

   I found this a really hard decision (as I'm a massive fan of lots of bands on this page), but I just love listening to The Cure. Sorry, I like a few Evanescence songs, but they're not traditional goth rock.

2. Evanescence

   

   Evanescence is an American rock band founded in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1994 by singer and keyboardist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody. The group rose to prominence in the early 2000s with their debut studio album Fallen (2003), which included the hit singles Bring Me to Life and My Immortal.... read more

   I totally love Evanescence. Their songs are deep and meaningful. They certainly have to be the best goth rock band! Amy Lee complements the band further with her amazing vocals that are out of this world and kind of give you goosebumps.

   Not to mention her adeptness in playing the piano. Gosh, she sings and plays the piano effortlessly at the same time! I respect her because she isn't like some other female artists who rely more on their sex appeal rather than talent to sell their songs.

   I'm not saying that all artists are like that, but sadly, many nowadays lack real talent like Amy Lee, and their songs are just meaningless. So now, I listen more to Evanescence and truly enjoy their songs. I love rock, and they sure know how to rock it with those great guitar riffs, impressive drums, and chillingly good vocals! Someday, I hope to attend their concert.

3. Bauhaus

   

   Bauhaus is an English gothic rock and post-punk band formed in Northampton, England, in 1978. The group includes Peter Murphy, Daniel Ash, Kevin Haskins, and David J. They are considered pioneers of the gothic rock genre and are best known for their single Bela Lugosi's Dead.

   One of the most influential and underrated bands ever. They show true passion and talent, not caring about being super famous and getting tons of media hype, but still making fantastic music.

   I think it's great how they even influenced non-gothic bands (e.g., My Chemical Romance. Listen to the intro of Bela Lugosi's Dead and Vampires Will Never Hurt You, it's very similar.) Being born in 2001, I didn't really get into '80s stuff, but this band sort of kick-started my interest.

   There are a lot of baby bats here who mistakenly think alternative radio rock bands like Evanescence, HIM, Manson, and NIN are goth. Wearing black clothes and playing a piano does not make your music goth. These people are only using the term because the media idiotically uses the label to define such acts (and, unfortunately, horrible things like school shootings, etc.).

   Bauhaus is credited with creating the first true goth song, "Bela Lugosi's Dead." Baby bats should do their research and look into genres such as darkwave, post-punk, deathrock, coldwave, dream pop, industrial, new wave, minimal synth, and neofolk, to name a few. Also, for the record, there is no such thing as emo-goth.

4. The Sisters of Mercy

   

   The Sisters of Mercy is a British rock band formed in 1980 in Leeds, England. Although often associated with the gothic rock genre, the band has explored a variety of musical styles, including post-punk and alternative rock. They are known for their dark, atmospheric sound and introspective lyrics that... read more

   I totally agree with the previous poster. Most of the entries above the Sisters on this list would probably not even exist if it were not for the Sisters. This band pretty much invented modern Goth Rock. Yes, Bauhaus laid the template, and the Cure and the Banshees molded the idea, but it was the Sisters who became the model for all future Goth Rock bands in terms of their sound and look.

   Even with their limited releases, they still epitomize what Goth Rock should be about - not the commercial, oh-so-pretty pretenders who appeal to the Goth-teens of today (judging by those positioned above the Sisters in this list). The Sisters of Mercy are, and will always be, the true godfathers of Goth. For me, only the mighty Fields of the Nephilim come close.

5. Siouxsie & The Banshees

   

   Siouxsie and the Banshees were an English rock band formed in London in 1976 by vocalist Siouxsie Sioux and bass guitarist Steven Severin. The band gained critical acclaim and influenced many artists both during and after their active years. Their music was an important part of the post-punk and gothic... read more

   They're better than Evanescence, in my opinion. Plus, Evanescence is not a goth band. Yes, they have songs that are Gothic, but they don't consider themselves goth, and they're more focused on alternative metal. Siouxsie & The Banshees have more goth rock songs than Evanescence.

   I fear an even greater indignity has been bestowed upon this most important and influential goth band of all time. Aside from the sadly predictable ranking below the decidedly non-goth band Evanescence, there is the unacceptable misspelling of Siouxsie. Shameful.

6. Joy Division

   

   Joy Division was an English post‑punk band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. They originally used the name Warsaw. The quartet comprised Ian Curtis (vocals), Bernard Sumner (guitar. Keyboards), Peter Hook (bass), and Stephen Morris (drums). The band became influential despite their brief... read more

   I'm not goth, and I hate pretentious elitist people who seem to think only certain people can be into goth. However, I do think that if you're going to call a band a goth band, you need to know your stuff. If you're calling Evanescence or HIM goth, then you certainly do not understand what goth music is. Goths can, of course, be into any music, but don't call non-goth music goth.

   Joy Division, The Cure, Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Christian Death, etc., are goth bands. Do your research. Also, Unknown Pleasures for me is the ultimate goth album. Joy Division is one of the greatest bands of all time.

   Joy Division was decades ahead of their time and put so much heart and soul into their music. They should definitely be a candidate for the top spot. The atmosphere they create is like no other. The fact that they aren't in the top 5 is an absolute atrocity exhibition.

7. Christian Death

   

   What the hell is going on here? Has Hot Topic tainted the minds of our youth THIS much? Christian Death may not be the "greatest" - I'll leave that to Bauhaus and The Sisters of Mercy - but they belong in the top 5 at the very least.

   Evanescence? Nightwish? HIM? Marilyn Manson? Don't get me wrong, I like these artists (except for Evanescence, hate them posers), but they have no place here. Christian Death is my favorite though, and they truly are "Goth." I will never come to this site again.

   I don't get why Evanescence is number one up there. I like Evanescence, don't get me wrong on that, but they're not a Goth band. Yes, they do have songs that are Gothic, but Evanescence is more of an alternative metal band. Hell, even Amy Lee doesn't consider herself Goth.

   Christian Death, however, are a Deathrock and a Gothic Rock band. I prefer these guys over Evanescence. I'm just saying.

8. HIM

   

   HIM was a Finnish gothic rock band from Helsinki, Finland. Formed in 1991 by vocalist Ville Valo and bassist Mikko "Mige" Paananen under the name His Infernal Majesty, the band disbanded in 1993 before reforming in 1995 with Valo and guitarist Mikko "Linde" Lindström. The group achieved international... read more

   HIM is my favorite band of all time. Ville Valo is definitely my favorite vocalist, and Linde (Lioneye) is my favorite guitarist. I have all kinds of heartagrams painted on my walls and tattooed on me. I remember first listening to Volume 666 and Razorblade Romance. They influenced me enough to go to Finland for Ruisrock to see them live.

   They have been my favorite band for years and will continue to be so. If you don't know who HIM is, look up these five songs: Dead Lovers' Lane, Wings of a Butterfly, Funeral of Hearts, Tears on Tape, and In Venere Veritas. You are bound to like at least one of them.

   Hi, I have adored HIM for a couple of years now. It's just a shame Ville and the boys will never know just how much they mean to me. If it was not for them, I would not be here - they helped save my life.

   I will always be eternally grateful to them all for their incredibly stunning words and their amazing passion for what they love to do. It's really gorgeous to see that, after all their years together, they still produce the most stunningly amazing music I have ever had the pleasure of hearing.

   Thank you so much, Ville, Mige, Linde, Gas, and Burton. You are the most gorgeous souls on this planet, and thank you for sharing your amazing music with us all.

   - Charmaine

9. Nightwish

   

   Nightwish is a symphonic metal band from Kitee, Finland. It was formed in 1996 by Tuomas Holopainen, Emppu Vuorinen, and Tarja Turunen. The current lineup includes Holopainen, Vuorinen, Floor Jansen, Troy Donockley, and Kai Hahto, who is temporarily replacing drummer Jukka Nevalainen.

   I have been a fan of Nightwish since around 2005. They are, of course, awesome. However, I believe it was an absolute mistake for them to have kicked Tarja out of the band. That just simply does not make any sense whatsoever!

   But, aside from this, I can honestly say they are one of the best symphonic metal bands out there today!

   If I have to put Nightwish into words, the music and the lyrics are something that created a shadow over my existence. I hope Nightwish will keep 'fantasizing in the dark' and bring all of us to their 'dark fantasy.'

10. Killing Joke

    

    Killing Joke are an English rock band formed in October 1978 in Notting Hill, London, England. The original lineup included Jaz Coleman, Paul Ferguson, Geordie Walker, and Youth. The band is known for its influence on industrial rock, punk, and heavy metal genres.

    You can equally add Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, The Damned, and October Burns Black.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Spear of Destiny

    Kurt Brandon deserves a vote. Pumpkin Man Live is a fantastic song, or Mickey.

    A great band who knows their craft. Don't miss them at Rebellion 2019.

12. ?

    And Also The Trees

    
The Contenders

13. Fields of the Nephilim

    Evanescence, HIM, Nightwish, NIN... All amazing bands. All above Fields of the Nephilim on this list. Not a single one of them is goth. This is supposed to be a list of goth bands. I find this misconception rather strange. Evanescence being at the top of this list is like putting The Who at the top of a Top Ten Prog Metal Bands list. They share some aspects, but one is most certainly not the other.

    Fields of the Nephilim is one of my favorite goth bands, second only to Bauhaus, and Fields of the Nephilim is also one of my favorite bands of all time. I believe that they deserve a higher spot on this list.

    What? Why are Evanescence, HIM, Nightwish, and NIN on this list? They aren't even CLOSE to being gothic. They are all alt rock (except for NIN, which is industrial rock).

    This, on the other hand, is actual gothic rock, with an almost Pink Floyd-ish atmosphere to boot (especially on Elizium, which is probably one of the best albums of the genre).

14. Clan of Xymox

    

    This band, ever since the '80s, has made dark goth music. They became fairly electronic in the early to mid-'90s, but the majority of their music is slow and has a lot of darkness in it. A great example of this is Stranger, or maybe even one of their shorter filler songs like Theme II.

    This band should be in the top 10. It has very good songs with great production quality.

    Pretty much every song has some deep and dark feeling to it, especially songs like Craving and Cry In The Wind. This band does not deserve to be this low.

15. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds

    

    Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are an Australian rock band formed in Melbourne in 1983 by vocalist Nick Cave, multi-instrumentalist Mick Harvey, and guitarist Blixa Bargeld. The group has included musicians from various countries and currently features Cave, violinist and multi-instrumentalist Warren Ellis... read more

    Mainly associated with goth due to The Birthday Party, though their early post-punk days could also be considered goth.

16. The Cult

    

    The Cult are a British rock band formed in 1983. Before adopting their current name in January 1984, they performed under the names Southern Death Cult and Death Cult. The band is known for blending post-punk, hard rock, and gothic rock influences.

17. The Mission UK

    Wow, this shows how much the readers of this blog know. The Mission have just redefined goth with their latest album, Another Fall from Grace, which is much, much darker and more disturbing than anything the Sisters ever did. Stupendously good goth rock act. You're not a true goth if you've not got at least one of their albums in your collection. A true talent, and amazing live, more like a life-changing religious experience than a gig. Phenomenally good. Check them out and find out what you're missing. You can't go much wrong with them, apart from Masque.

    This band is great, but bands like Marilyn Manson, The Rasmus, Evanescence, etc. shouldn't even be here. You guys do not know goth. You guys do not know emo either. Most of you labelling Marilyn Manson "goth" or "emo" really need to do some research.

18. Alien Sex Fiend

19. Within Temptation

    

    Within Temptation is a Dutch symphonic metal band founded in April 1996 by vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt.hey gained widespread popularity with their second album, Mother Earth, released in 2000. The band is known for blending metal with symphonic and gothic elements.

    They're amazing, it's as simple as that. Their musical style is very unique, and the singer, Sharon Den Adel, is very beautiful, and so is her voice. They rock. Their latest album, The Unforgiving, is a bit commercial if you ask me, but still, they remain my second favorite band, right behind Evanescence.

    Sharon's voice is angelic and dark all at the same time. She has raised the standard for music and has proved to others that you don't have to be just a goth band or just a metal band. You can be whatever you want to be. I love Within Temptation, and their music is golden.

20. The 69 Eyes

    A mix of Type O Negative, Sisters of Mercy, and HIM all wrapped into one tragically beautiful package. Great work, guys.

    Quite easily one of the best bands, period. They can sound one way in one song and totally different in another.

    At least number 5. Their song Dead Girls Are Easy is one of the best songs ever. Back in Blood, again, another great Gothic song. Come on, you cannot miss them out of the top 10.

21. Ministry

    

    Ministry is an American industrial metal band founded by lead singer and only original member Al Jourgensen in 1981. Originally a new wave synthpop outfit, Ministry changed its style to industrial metal in the mid-1980s. In the late 1990s and beyond, the band explored other metal genres, most notably... read more

    One of the most underrated bands of all time.

22. The Shroud

    A list that doesn't have Sisters, Siouxsie, or The Cure at #1 is sure to miss this standout band from the '90s. Every bit as nuanced and striking the perfect emotional tune on all levels. If you have not added The Shroud to your collection of second-generation Goth trailblazers, you owe it to yourself to run, not walk, to Amazon (or your local music connection) to at least die having heard this sublime music and the superlative vocals of Lydia Fortner-Walker.

    The very first song I heard from The Shroud was "Caged Bird" on a goth compilation CD. Lydia's vocals have spellbound me ever since.

    It's hard to list my favorite songs in order, but here are my top 5 favorite songs by The Shroud: 1) Prophecy, 2) Collector, 3) Let Go, 4) Pandora, 5) Apology. I'm a Native American artist, and these songs have created some awesome inspiration for me in my artwork and outlook on life.

    I think The Shroud is highly underrated. They're inspirational in both lyrics and music. I love The Shroud and love Lydia.

23. Inkubus Sukkubus

    This is the best band ever. The first time I ran across them was by mistake. Well, a lot of my new favorites have been found by mistake. They have been the best mistake ever.

24. Gene Loves Jezebel

25. The Birthday Massacre

    

    The Birthday Massacre is a Canadian dark wave and synth rock band currently consisting of Chibi (vocals), Rainbow (guitar), Falcore (guitar), Owen (keyboard), Rhim (drums), and Nate Manor (bass). The band formed in 1999, although the 2016 demo collection "Imagica" includes tracks that date back to 1998... read more

    Some of the most deeply, soul-touchingly beautiful music that it has ever been my privilege to enjoy is from The Birthday Massacre. Their music is simply from another realm.

    Another commenter here was right in believing they are better than Evanescence. I do like some Evanescence now and again, but with repeated listening, they rapidly grate on me. I also find them a bit too depressive, despite their other charms.

    The Birthday Massacre, on the other hand, is ever new, enriching, inspiring, and uplifting. Their music is always simply beautiful. It's the perfect accompaniment to a night under the stars. I can't wait for their next album!

    Being Canadian, music-wise, I have been rather disappointed, wondering what our country has come to (Justin Bieber, Nickelback).

    But when I discovered The Birthday Massacre, my faith was restored.

26. Corpus Delicti

    Because they actually ARE goth, unlike e.g., Nightwish or Evanescence. Also, because they recorded many great and valuable tracks. Valuable for the goth rock history. As simple as this.

27. Merciful Nuns

    The Merciful Nuns along with the Garden of Delight, i.e., works of Artaud Seth, make them the best bands of this genre of all time. The body of work is unmatched in quality and quantity.

    One of the best bands on this list! Definitely worth listening to.