Who can forget Metal? It is a large part of Goth culture. Even those with other preferences appreciate the throbbing, melodic tunes associated with hard rock.
The origins of Death Metal are muddled. In the United States the lineage traces back to Alice Cooper in 1964; however, the true origins may stem from fierce marches of Eastern Europe or France. With a dramatic flare he portrays a dominating, sinister emperor with long capes, long hair and black eyeliner. This image is associated to the previous century's men who often wore makeup as a sign of elitism.
Since Alice Cooper emerged, several mimic Cooper or enhance the genre though experimentation. Hawkwind and known as Hawklord is comparatively relaxed. Expanding on the ideal of royalty, they are often called psychedelic, yet maintain enough force to continue the Metal Evolution.
The blues rock movement began experimenting with electronic music in the 70s. David Bowie is amongst one of the first bands to appear on television with a super computer. Though Goth Electronica didn't become fully realized until the early 80s with bands, such as: Sisters of Mercy, Depeche Mode and Soft Cell, it is deeply rooted in the Goth Culture.
Success and notoriety related to Patti Smith, Heart, Black Sabbath and others produced a myriad of differing music in the 80s. Exodus refined Thrash Metal. Napalm Death introduced Extreme Metal. DIO continued Fantasy Metal. Metallica established Metal. In 1983 the Possessed were dubbed the Godfather of Death Metal; however, it was Morbid Angel who topped the charts in 1989 and ushered another generation of complex musical layering.
Some people believe bands like David Bowie and Peter Gabriel disappeared forever. The latest emergence of the style appears in the Hip-Hop and Rhythm and Blues music sections. Notorious bands Pet Shop Boys, Duran Duran and Mission UK are composing new albums in Techno, House or Rave.
This is confusing to many Goths, especially since the rising music style is moving away from Industrial Music to Death Metal and Core Rock. However, there is already an established place in Goth Culture for those dabbling in synthesized music, especially when the imagery is supernatural, macabre or melancholy.
As someone from the old school, it took awhile before realizing Goth Electronica is being played on Hip-Hop Stations; however, not all Hip-Hop has a Goth influence. Club music changed. Going to raves was just as interesting as going to Goth Night Clubs. People attempt to separate by infusing Disco and Rap into Rave Music; however, sampling Depeche Mode is normal.
With the invention of the synthesizer Emperor established the last link to current musical standards Symphonic Black Metal. Since then several bands emerged, including, Kittie who strive to excel in an underground movement with many listeners and fans.
Metal is an oddity. Many people listen to the music, yet it is not "Mainstream" nor has it gained a "Pop" title. Initially, rock, metal and dark wave established themselves as completely different genres. Over the years various genres reemerged with one title of Alternative. The other day someone dated themselves by saying they listen to all types of music. We don't listen to, "all types of music." We listen to Alternative Music which encompasses various types of music derived from a common origin.
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