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The Best Gothic Metal Albums


Note 1: This list will take time before it gets a definitive form (or it might take forever if good gothic metal albums will be released in the future).

Note 2: Another important feature is that this list will not take into consideration the Metalstorm way of labeling what is gothic metal and what isn't. Some albums have gothic metal elements yet they are not categorized as gothic metal. No hard feelings. I am also accepting suggestions as I might slip a couple of albums in the process.

Note 3: I will try to make a specific order for at least the top 20 albums. For the rest, it will be just random as it is kind of hard to order your favorite albums.

Created by: ManiacBlasphemer | 25.04.2014



1. Estatic Fear - A Sombre Dance
Symphonic Gothic/Doom Metal - 1999
2. Tiamat - Wildhoney
Atmospheric Gothic Metal - 1994
3. The Sins Of Thy Beloved - Lake Of Sorrow
Symphonic Gothic Metal - 1998
4. Tristania - Widow's Weeds
Symphonic Gothic Metal - 1998
5. Theatre Of Tragedy - Velvet Darkness They Fear
Gothic Death/Doom Metal - 1996
6. Type O Negative - Bloody Kisses
Gothic Doom Metal - 1993
7. Draconian - Arcane Rain Fell
Gothic Doom Metal - 2005
8. Moonspell - Irreligious
Extreme Gothic Metal - 1996
9. The 3rd And The Mortal - Tears Laid In Earth
Atmospheric Doom/Gothic Metal - 1994
10. Paradise Lost - Draconian Times
Gothic Death/Doom Metal - 1995
11. The Gathering - Mandylion
Atmospheric Gothic Metal - 1995
12. Katatonia - Viva Emptiness
Gothic Alternative Metal - 2003
13. My Dying Bride - The Angel And The Dark River
Gothic Doom Metal - 1995
14. Lacrimosa - Elodia
Symphonic Gothic Metal - 1999
15. Saturnus - Veronika Decides To Die
Melodic Gothic Death/Doom Metal - 2006
16. Mortal Love - All The Beauty...
Melodic Gothic Metal - 2003
17. Lake Of Tears - Forever Autumn
Gothic Doom Metal - 1999
18. Cradle Of Filth - Dusk... And Her Embrace
Symphonic Gothc/Black Metal - 1996
19. Virgin Black - Requiem - Mezzo Forte
Symphonic Neo-Classical Gothic Metal - 2007
20. Sirenia - At Sixes And Sevens
Symphonic Gothic Metal - 2002
21. Paradise Lost - Icon
Gothic Death/Doom Metal - 1993
22. Elis - Griefshire
Gothic Metal - 2006
23. Saturnus - Paradise Belongs To You
Melodic Gothic Death/Doom Metal - 1996
24. Tristania - Beyond The Veil
Symphonic Gothic Metal - 1999
25. Saviour Machine - Saviour Machine I
Gothic Metal - 1993
26. Katatonia - The Great Cold Distance
Gothic Alternative Metal - 2006
27. Fields Of The Nephilim - Mourning Sun
Gothic Metal/Rock - 2005
28. Heavenwood - Diva
Gothic Metal - 1996
29. Penumbra - Seclusion
Symphonic Gothic Metal - 2003
30. Celtic Frost - Monotheist
Avant-Garde Gothic Doom Metal/Blackened Thrash Metal - 2006
31. Lacrimas Profundere - Memorandum
Gothic Doom Metal - 1999
32. Saturnus - Martyre
Melodic Gothic Death/Doom Metal - 2000
33. Virgin Black - Sombre Romantic
Symphonic Neo-Classical Gothic Metal - 2001
34. Trail Of Tears - Bloodstained Endurance
Gothic Black Metal - 2009
35. Darzamat - Solfernus' Path
Symphonic Gothic/Black Metal - 2009
36. The Vision Bleak - The Deathship Has A New Captain
Gothic Metal - 2004
37. After Forever - Decipher
Symphonic Gothic Metal - 2001
38. Mortal Love - I Have Lost...
Melodic Gothic Metal - 2005
39. Dismal Euphony - Autumn Leaves - The Rebellion Of Tides
Melodic Black/Gothic Metal - 1997
40. Theatre Of Tragedy - Theatre Of Tragedy
Gothic Death/Doom Metal - 1995
41. Paradise Lost - Gothic
Gothic Death/Doom Metal - 1991
42. How Like A Winter - ...Beyond My Grey Wake
Gothic Doom Metal - 1999
43. Triptykon - Melana Chasmata
Avant-Garde Gothic Doom Metal/Blackened Thrash Metal - 2014
44. Lacrimas Profundere - Burning: A Wish
Gothic Doom Metal - 2001
45. Lacrimosa - Stille
Symphonic Gothic Metal - 1997
46. Rise Of Avernus - L'Appel Du Vide
Progressive Gothic Metal - 2014
47. Trail Of Tears - A New Dimension Of Might
Symphonic Gothic Metal - 2002
48. Ashes You Leave - The Passage Back To Life
Gothic Death/Doom Metal - 1998
49. Sirenia - An Elixir For Existence
Symphonic Gothic Metal - 2004
50. Dreams Of Sanity - Masquerade
Symphonic Gothic Metal - 1999
51. The Gathering - Nighttime Birds
Atmospheric Gothic Metal - 1997
52. Theatres Des Vampires - Suicide Vampire
Symphonic Gothic/Black Metal - 2002
53. Sentenced - The Funeral Album
Gothic Metal/Suomi Metal - 2005
54. Galadriel - Renascence Of Ancient Spirit
Symphonic Gothic/Dark Metal - 2007
55. Siebenbürgen - Delictum
Gothic/Melodic Black Metal - 2000
56. Silentium - Altum
Symphonic Gothic/Doom Metal - 2001
57. My Dying Bride - Songs Of Darkness, Words Of Light
Gothic Doom Metal - 2004
58. Triptykon - Eparistera Daimones
Avant-Garde Gothic Metal/Blackened Thrash Metal - 2010
59. Rotting Christ - Triarchy Of The Lost Lovers
Gothic Black Metal - 1996
60. Theatre Of Tragedy - Aégis
Atmospheric Gothic Metal - 1998
61. Ebonylake - On The Eve Of The Grimly Inventive
Avant-Garde Symphonic Gothic/Black Metal - 1999
62. Notre Dame - Le Théâtre Du Vampire
Avant-Garde Gothic Metal - 1999
63. Sentenced - The Cold White Light
Gothic Metal/Suomi Metal - 2002
64. Diabulus In Musica - Secrets
Symphonic Gothic/Power Metal - 2010
65. Draconian - Where Lovers Mourn
Gothic Doom Metal - 2003
66. Charon - Songs For The Sinners
Gothic/Suomi Metal - 2005
67. Artrosis - In The Flower's Shade
Gothic Metal - 2000
68. Crematory - Act Seven
Gothic Death Metal/Industrial Metal - 1999
69. Beseech - From A Bleeding Heart
Gothic Doom Metal - 1998
70. The Vision Bleak - Carpathia - A Dramatic Poem
Gothic Metal - 2005
71. Dark Princess - The World I've Lost
Gothic Metal/Rock - 2012
72. Flowing Tears - Thy Kingdom Gone
Gothic Alternative Metal - 2008
73. Moonspell - Night Eternal
Gothic Black Metal - 2008
74. The Foreshadowing - Days Of Nothing
Gothic Doom Metal - 2007
75. Delight - The Fading Tale
Gothic Metal - 2001
76. Angtoria - God Has A Plan For Us All
Symphonic Gothic Metal - 2006
77. Ebonylake - In Swathes Of Brooding Light
Avant-Garde Symphonic Gothic/Black Metal - 2011
78. Xandria - India
Symphonic Gothic Metal - 2005
79. Moi Dix Mois - Dixanadu
Symphonic Gothic Metal - 2007
80. Catafalque - Unique
Atmospheric Gothic Metal - 2005
81. Diabulus In Musica - Argia
Symphonic Gothic/Power Metal - 2014
82. Type O Negative - October Rust
Gothic Doom Metal - 1996
83. Dark The Suns - All Ends In Silence
Melodic Gothic Doom Metal - 2009
84. Mandragora Scream - Madhouse
Gothic Metal - 2006
85. To Cast A Shadow - All Alone
Gothic Doom Metal - 2007
86. Pythia - The Serpent's Curse
Symphonic Power/Gothic Metal - 2012
87. Mandrake - Calm The Seas
Gothic Death Metal - 2003
88. Lacuna Coil - Unleashed Memories
Gothic Metal - 2001
89. Cradle Of Filth - Cruelty And The Beast
Symphonic Gothic/Black Metal - 1998
90. Darkseed - Astral Adventures
Gothic Metal - 2003
91. Lycanthia - Oligarchy
Gothic Doom Metal - 2012
92. Macbeth - Romantic Tragedy's Crescendo
Gothic Black Metal - 1998
93. Asrai - Touch In The Dark
Gothic Metal - 2004
94. Via Mistica - Fallen Angels
Gothic Doom Metal - 2004
95. Chalice - An Illusion To The Temporary Real
Gothic Doom Metal - 2001
96. Cemetery Of Scream - Prelude To A Sentimental Journey
Gothic Doom Metal - 2000
97. Dimlight - Psychosynthesis
Gothic Death/Dark Metal - 2012
98. Tales Of Dark... - Fragile Monuments
Gothic Doom Metal - 2006
99. Embraze - The Last Embrace
Gothic Metal - 2006
100. Black Countess - Carnivorous Romance
Gothic Doom/Black Metal - 2003
101. Crematory - Illusions
Gothic Death Metal - 1995



Disclaimer: All top lists are unofficial and do not represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
[ More lists by ManiacBlasphemer ]



Comments

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Comments: 16   Visited by: 216 users
25.04.2014 - 21:54
Erik M.

Nice list, man. Your taste in music seems very diverse (judging from your other lists). I've heard most of these and I do agree with their inclusions (especially #2-5!). But having Draconian Times at #1 is a big NO.

Good you added genre-tags, as it's something I really like in a list (I do it myself as well). I can't say I agree with all inclusions here, nor do I agree with all the genre-tags, but I've read the notes in your description, so I won't be annoying you with what's wrong (in my opinion).

Anyway, check out my list as well, as it's a bit similar to this one: The Best "(Gothic) Beauty And The Beast" Albums. Just check that list if you need other great similar albums. Your list is already quite long so I won't bother giving you suggestions (for now).
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25.04.2014 - 22:23
ManiacBlasphemer
Black Knight
Written by Erik M. on 25.04.2014 at 21:54

Nice list, man. Your taste in music seems very diverse (judging from your other lists). I've heard most of these and I do agree with their inclusions (especially #2-5!). But having Draconian Times at #1 is a big NO.

Good you added genre-tags, as it's something I really like in a list (I do it myself as well). I can't say I agree with all inclusions here, nor do I agree with all the genre-tags, but I've read the notes in your description, so I won't be annoying you with what's wrong (in my opinion).

Anyway, check out my list as well, as it's a bit similar to this one: The Best "(Gothic) Beauty And The Beast" Albums. Just check that list if you need other great similar albums. Your list is already quite long so I won't bother giving you suggestions (for now).


Thanks. I haven't settled yet for Draconian Times and I probably won't keep it on no.1. I have not arranged all yet. I've seen your list in the past and it is a pretty good one too, though I label here what is gothic metal while you labeled there albums that are in the 'beauty and the beast' vocal concept which transcends gothic metal.

I've listened to most of what you have on your list and I can agree, it is a pretty damn good one (though personaly, I would never put Where Lovers Mourn over Arcane Rain Fell).

As for genre tags, some albums are pretty hard to define, others are unsuficiently defined. So I pretty much stick with my own interpretation of their sound.
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25.04.2014 - 22:36
Cynic Metalhead
Paisa Vich Nasha
From new lot, this surprised me.

Still I find last half to be boring and stretched out but it wasn't that bad either. It has it's own great moments.
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25.04.2014 - 22:43
ManiacBlasphemer
Black Knight
Written by Cynic Metalhead on 25.04.2014 at 22:36

From new lot, this surprised me.

Still I find last half to be boring and stretched out but it wasn't that bad either. It has it's own great moments.


Yeah, I know those guys. A part of them are in one of my favorite bands, Omit and another part in Skumring. A pretty good bunch I suppose. And yeah, this album, especially the first part is fabulous, but the second kinda drags. I intended to include them nonetheless, just need to find the time and mood to do it as my catalogue of gothic metal offerings is pretty large.
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25.04.2014 - 23:01
Cynic Metalhead
Paisa Vich Nasha
Written by ManiacBlasphemer on 25.04.2014 at 22:43

Written by Cynic Metalhead on 25.04.2014 at 22:36

From new lot, this surprised me.

Still I find last half to be boring and stretched out but it wasn't that bad either. It has it's own great moments.


I intended to include them nonetheless, just need to find the time and mood to do it as my catalogue of gothic metal offerings is pretty large.


Nah, i don't think you should include it considering that last half swallowed the fun of that album.

Anyway, tons of Gothic metal albums is still surround. Seriously, genre hasn't died yet. They're artists who still pushes "Gothic Metal" competition bar high.
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25.04.2014 - 23:30
ManiacBlasphemer
Black Knight
Written by Cynic Metalhead on 25.04.2014 at 23:01

Written by ManiacBlasphemer on 25.04.2014 at 22:43

Written by Cynic Metalhead on 25.04.2014 at 22:36

From new lot, this surprised me.

Still I find last half to be boring and stretched out but it wasn't that bad either. It has it's own great moments.


I intended to include them nonetheless, just need to find the time and mood to do it as my catalogue of gothic metal offerings is pretty large.


Nah, i don't think you should include it considering that last half swallowed the fun of that album.

Anyway, tons of Gothic metal albums is still surround. Seriously, genre hasn't died yet. They're artists who still pushes "Gothic Metal" competition bar high.


Indeed, and here are some guys that I think might interest you. They are stupidly labeled here, but they somehow fit the avant-garde gothic/black metal genre. They are really weird, but the debut is fucking amazing though it take time to get the drill.
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26.04.2014 - 00:12
Erik M.

Written by ManiacBlasphemer on 25.04.2014 at 22:23

Thanks. I haven't settled yet for Draconian Times and I probably won't keep it on no.1. I have not arranged all yet. I've seen your list in the past and it is a pretty good one too, though I label here what is gothic metal while you labeled there albums that are in the 'beauty and the beast' vocal concept which transcends gothic metal.

I've listened to most of what you have on your list and I can agree, it is a pretty damn good one (though personaly, I would never put Where Lovers Mourn over Arcane Rain Fell).

As for genre tags, some albums are pretty hard to define, others are unsuficiently defined. So I pretty much stick with my own interpretation of their sound.


Good to hear Draconian Times won't remain #1 then, haha. Apart from that, the top 5 is pretty spot-on I'd say, even though this list contains lots of other excellent albums. And yeah, the variety on your list is bigger than on mine, which is only logical of course. About Draconian: I haven't listened to any of their albums in years I think, so right now it's hard to say which album is my favourite. But back then I definitely preferred the debut over Arcane Rain Fell, just like how I prefer Widow's Weeds over Beyond the Veil. All those albums are excellent nonetheless, it's a matter of preference.

Edit: oh, I just noticed you already changed the order. Already an improvement.
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26.04.2014 - 08:22
Cynic Metalhead
Paisa Vich Nasha
Written by ManiacBlasphemer on 25.04.2014 at 23:30

Written by Cynic Metalhead on 25.04.2014 at 23:01

Written by ManiacBlasphemer on 25.04.2014 at 22:43

Written by Cynic Metalhead on 25.04.2014 at 22:36

From new lot, this surprised me.

Still I find last half to be boring and stretched out but it wasn't that bad either. It has it's own great moments.


I intended to include them nonetheless, just need to find the time and mood to do it as my catalogue of gothic metal offerings is pretty large.


Nah, i don't think you should include it considering that last half swallowed the fun of that album.

Anyway, tons of Gothic metal albums is still surround. Seriously, genre hasn't died yet. They're artists who still pushes "Gothic Metal" competition bar high.


Ebonylake


I heard "In Swathes" and as Craig said it, "it's Chaotic Fucking Mess". Damn fine album. But, missed the debut.

I'll surely to check out soon.
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26.04.2014 - 18:55
CyberSymphony
Ollie
Good list, makes my gothic list feel really short. I've listened to nearly all of these and most are worthy for the spot.
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15.05.2014 - 07:14
R'Vannith
ghedengi
Kicki Hoijertz has to be one of the most talented vocalists I've heard in metal. Overlooked I think because her work was minimal and she doesn't perform anymore to my knowledge. An exceptional talent though, as she shows on Seibenburgen's Delictum.

Different context, and much different style, but I also like her performance on Left Hand Solution's Ep "Shadowdance." Doomy and impressive:
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15.05.2014 - 07:42
ManiacBlasphemer
Black Knight
Written by R'Vannith on 15.05.2014 at 07:14

Kicki Hoijertz has to be one of the most talented vocalists I've heard in metal. Overlooked I think because her work was minimal and she doesn't perform anymore to my knowledge. An exceptional talent though, as she shows on Seibenburgen's Delictum.

Different context, and much different style, but I also like her performance on Left Hand Solution's Ep "Shadowdance." Doomy and impressive:



Yeah, an exceptional vocalist, a rare talent indeed. Too bad Siebenburgen is gone and her colaboration with them too, long ago though. I also listened to her work in LHS, simply amazing... there are people in this world that wherever they go and whatever they do, they put a magic touch to their works. Amazing...
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31.05.2018 - 00:57
Gothic Metalhead
Pro Introvert
Great list, love most of the albums on the list and most I haven't heard yet. However, I'm wondering why Anathema is not on the list. I know they have been classes under doom metal or death-doom metal but to my ears they're eternity, alternative 4, and judgment albums sound very dark, atmospheric and depressing and I myself have considered them as gothic metal. I would like your thoughts on Anathema.
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23.02.2019 - 14:46
Amenday

The absolute and undisputedly BEST Gothic album of all time that you can hear at any time, in any mood and never get tired of it, the album that has the best gothic feeling and atmosphere is AEGIS by Theatre Of Tragedy. End of story. Every song a masterpiece....
Also you guys forgot to put Samael's ETERNAL in the top 10. Hell it should be there just for the Infra Galaxia song. Not to mention Us, Together, The Cross to name a few....
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23.02.2019 - 16:09
ManiacBlasphemer
Black Knight
Written by Amenday on 23.02.2019 at 14:46

The absolute and undisputedly BEST Gothic album of all time that you can hear at any time, in any mood and never get tired of it, the album that has the best gothic feeling and atmosphere is AEGIS by Theatre Of Tragedy. End of story. Every song a masterpiece....
Also you guys forgot to put Samael's ETERNAL in the top 10. Hell it should be there just for the Infra Galaxia song. Not to mention Us, Together, The Cross to name a few....


To each his own. Estatic Fear's A Sombre Dance for me is the magnus opus of the Gothic metal genre. Aegis is very listenable, a highlight for the genre, but not the best there is. And I like the first 2 ToT albums better than Aegis, which is too commercial for my taste. Samael's Eternal is more of an industrial metal album than a gothic metal album. Doesn't really have that gothic metal signature sound, thus I did not include them here. But surely, on an industrial metal list I would include one or two of their albums.
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03.03.2019 - 11:22
Amenday

A Sombre dance is a wonderful medieval gothic soundtrack. It truly is. But by using the word soundtrack i also point out its weakness if you may call it that. Every song feels -and is- a part of a bigger idea, meaning the whole album. So chances are that you will play this album when you are in the mood to hear such kind of music and you will listen to it whole.
Aegis, i agree that it is a softer album compared to previous Theatre of Tragedy releases but every song is a "hit". You can put any song of Aegis in a collection as every song is autonomous. Every song has a more standard structure with strong chorus, bridge and climax making them appropriate for any occasion listening. It is too damn perfect. The cover, the use of the ancient lyrics, the melodies, the combination of male and female vocals...When you reach the song Poppea, close to its end you feel like transcending to a higher plane...
If a friend asked me what gothic music is, i would introduce him this album. He would probably make a full circle of listening and searching for the best gothic albums, only to realize that i gave him the best album to start with...
Samael' s Eternal i also agree that it can be described as industrial metal but not in its entirety. The singer' s voice is gothier than gothic lol and there is a certain atmosphere in the songs other than space feeling that i can only describe it as gothic...
Finally ManiacBlasphemer m8 i too agree that anyone is entitled to each opinion as taste is a personal thing. But what is great is that even if we disagree in absolute terms, all guys here know what good music is and we get to enjoy it and talk about it! Cheers!!!
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21.07.2019 - 19:00
Great list.
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