Category:Darkwave

Darkwave is a music genre that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a darker, more atmospheric evolution of new wave and post-punk. It blends synthesizers, cold electronic production, and melancholic melodies, often incorporating gothic and industrial influences. Darkwave has maintained an underground following and has influenced genres such as synthwave, EBM, and gothic rock.

Characteristics

• Dark, melancholic atmospheres, often with introspective or surreal lyrical themes.
• Use of synthesizers and drum machines, creating a cold, electronic sound.
• Influences from post-punk, new wave, and gothic rock, with moody, reverb-heavy production.
• Slow to mid-tempo beats, often hypnotic and cinematic in nature.
• Deep, haunting vocals, sometimes ethereal or whispered, contributing to a brooding aesthetic.

Artists and Labels

Darkwave has been championed by various artists and labels, including:

• 4AD
• Projekt Records
• Metropolis Records

Notable artists in the genre include:

• Clan of Xymox
• The Frozen Autumn
• Cocteau Twins
• Dead Can Dance
• She Past Away
• Lebanon Hanover

For more details see: Wikipedia