The Most Popular Goth Band, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the goth band you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 10, 2024 07:58
Goth music, with its deep, resonant tones and shadowy aesthetics, has captivated a dedicated fan base. Yet, within this genre, opinions on the best band often vary, leading to lively discussions in dimly lit corners of concerts and online forums. By ranking these bands, fans are given a voice to proclaim which resonates the strongest with their somber melodies and poignant lyrics, creating a collective echo of goth culture's pulse.
This dynamic ranking taps into the heart of the music scene, allowing each fan to contribute to the ongoing narrative of what truly defines the goth sound. As votes accumulate, they don’t just reflect personal preferences; they sketch out a living map of the genre’s evolution and influence. Through participating, fans ensure their favorite bands garner the recognition they deserve, affirming their place in the intricate tapestry of goth music.
Which Is the Most Popular Goth Band?
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158votes
Jelmer Luimstra at nl.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 2.5One of the pioneers of goth rock, The Cure has been around since the late 70s and has continued to be a popular and influential band in the genre. Their music is characterized by moody, atmospheric instrumentation and introspective lyrics.The Cure is a highly influential alternative rock band that emerged in the late 1970s and achieved widespread success in the 1980s and 1990s. Known for their dark and introspective lyrics, atmospheric soundscapes, and innovative blend of post-punk and pop, The Cure has left a lasting impact on the alternative music scene.- Formed: 1976
- Genre: Alternative rock
- Origin: Crawley, West Sussex, England
- Lead Vocalist: Robert Smith
- Active Years: 1976-present
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238votesAnother early goth rock band, Bauhaus is known for their dark, brooding sound and theatrical live performances. They were a major influence on the goth subculture and continue to be popular today.Bauhaus was an influential goth band formed in Northampton, England in 1978. They were one of the pioneers of the gothic rock genre, known for their dark and atmospheric sound. Bauhaus' music combined elements of post-punk, glam rock, and art rock, creating a unique and haunting style.
- Formation Year: 1978
- Based In: Northampton, England
- Genre: Gothic rock
- Influences: David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed
- Active Years: 1978-1983, 1998-2008
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330votesLed by the iconic Siouxsie Sioux, this band was one of the most influential in the post-punk and goth scenes. Their music blended punk, goth, and new wave influences, creating a unique and powerful sound.Siouxsie and the Banshees were a British gothic rock band formed in 1976. Considered one of the most influential bands in the goth subculture, they blended post-punk, new wave, and alternative rock to create their distinctive sound. With their provocative image, dark and atmospheric music, and Siouxsie Sioux's haunting vocals, the band became known for their unique and innovative approach to music.
- Formation: 1976 in London, England
- Genres: Gothic rock, post-punk, alternative rock, new wave
- Active Years: 1976-1996
- Label: Polydor, Geffen, Wonderland
- Albums Released: 11 studio albums
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417votes
TOMNORTHWALES · Public domainAlthough they only released two albums before the untimely death of lead singer Ian Curtis, Joy Division had a huge impact on the goth and post-punk scenes. Their music was intense and emotional, with dark lyrics and haunting melodies.Joy Division was a popular goth band known for their dark and atmospheric sound. Formed in 1976 in Manchester, the band quickly gained a large following with their unique blend of post-punk and gothic rock. Their music often explored themes of isolation, melancholy, and existentialism. The intense and haunting vocals of lead singer Ian Curtis added to the band's distinctive and moody sound.- Active Years: 1976-1980
- Genre: Post-punk, gothic rock
- Origin: Manchester, England
- Albums: Unknown Pleasures, Closer, Still
- Famous Songs: Love Will Tear Us Apart, Disorder, She's Lost Control
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59votes
Sven Mandel · CC BY-SA 4.0This band is often associated with the goth rock subgenre known as "darkwave." Their music is characterized by heavy use of synths and drum machines, creating a dark and electronic sound.The Sisters of Mercy is a British gothic rock band that emerged in the early 1980s. They are regarded as one of the pioneering and most influential goth bands of all time.- Genre: Gothic rock
- Formed: 1980
- Origin: Leeds, England
- Active Years: 1980-present
- Members: Andrew Eldritch, Ben Christo, Chris Catalyst, Doktor Avalanche (drum machine)
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616votesAlthough not strictly a goth band, The Birthday Party's music was heavily influenced by the same post-punk scene that gave rise to goth. Their music was dark, intense, and often unpredictable, with lyrics that explored themes of isolation and despair.The Birthday Party was a highly influential goth band that emerged in the late 1970s. Known for their dark and intense sound, the band blended elements of post-punk, noise rock, and blues to create a unique and haunting musical experience.
- Active Years: 1978-1983
- Genre: Goth, Post-Punk, Noise Rock, Blues
- Notable Albums: Prayers on Fire, Junkyard
- Critical Acclaim: Cult following, highly regarded by music critics
- Influences: The Stooges, The Velvet Underground, Captain Beefheart
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716votesThis British band is known for their distinctive blend of goth rock and western themes. Their music is characterized by atmospheric guitars and deep, rumbling basslines.Fields of the Nephilim is a renowned gothic rock band from England. Formed in Stevenage in 1984, the band drew inspiration from dark and atmospheric elements, incorporating elements of goth rock and post-punk into their music. They gained significant popularity in the 1980s and early 1990s and continue to have a dedicated fanbase to this day.
- Genre: Gothic rock
- Origin: Stevenage, England
- Formed: 1984
- Founder: Carl McCoy
- Popular Albums: The Nephilim, Elizium, Mourning Sun
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85votes
The Mission
Chef Matt CarterFormed in the mid-80s, The Mission was one of the most popular goth rock bands of their time. Their music was melodic and anthemic, with lyrics that often dealt with spiritual and philosophical themes.The Mission is a highly acclaimed restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona, known for its vibrant atmosphere and modern Latin cuisine. It beautifully combines traditional Latin flavors with contemporary culinary techniques, offering a unique dining experience for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant features an elegant and inviting decor, with warm lighting, stylish furnishings, and a dynamic ambiance.- Cuisine: Modern Latin
- Ambiance: Vibrant
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Restaurant Type: Fine Dining
- Signature Dish: The Ceviche Sampler
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910votes
Ralf Lotys (Sicherlich) · CC BY 4.0Christian Death
Rozz WilliamsThis American band was one of the pioneers of the deathrock subgenre, which blended punk and goth influences. Their music was dark and intense, with lyrics that explored themes of death, religion, and sexuality.Christian Death is an influential goth band known for their dark and atmospheric music. The band was formed in 1979 and has undergone several lineup changes over the years. Their music is characterized by its haunting lyrics, melodic guitar riffs, and the atmospheric vocals of their lead singer. Christian Death has been credited as one of the pioneers of the goth rock genre.- Formation Year: 1979
- Genre: Goth rock
- Lead Singer: Rozz Williams
- Number of Albums: Over 20
- Influential Albums: Only Theatre of Pain, Catastrophe Ballet
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105votes
Clan of Xymox
Ronny MooringsThis Dutch band is known for their blend of goth and synthpop influences. Their music is characterized by catchy hooks and danceable rhythms, making them a popular choice for club DJs.Clan of Xymox is a renowned goth band known for their dark and atmospheric sound. With a distinct blend of melancholic vocals, ethereal melodies, and electronic elements, their music has captivated audiences since their formation in 1984.- Genre: Goth
- Formed: 1984
- Origin: Netherlands
- Label: 4AD
- Members: Ronny Moorings, Mojca Zugna, Mario Usai, Sean Gilmartin
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Ranking factors for popular goth band
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InfluenceHow influential the band has been on the gothic music scene and its subculture.
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SalesThe commercial success of their albums and singles.
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Fan baseHow large and dedicated their fan base is, including the number of social media followers and concert attendance.
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Critical acclaimThe number of positive reviews and awards the band has received over the course of their career.
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Cultural impactThe band's impact on gothic fashion, art, and culture.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular goth band. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or goth band is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1744 views
- 201 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each goth band once every 24 hours. The rank of each goth band is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular goth band
Goth music has been a popular subculture since the late 1970s, characterized by its dark, moody lyrics and heavy, atmospheric sound. While there are many goth bands that have emerged over the years, a few have risen to become the most popular and influential in the genre. From the iconic sound of The Cure to the haunting melodies of Sisters of Mercy, there is no shortage of great goth bands to choose from. But which one reigns supreme as the most popular goth band of all time? Join us as we explore the contenders and determine the ultimate victor.
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