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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Good list, makes my gothic list feel really short. I've listened to nearly all of these and most are worthy for the spot.

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:

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...

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.

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....

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.

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!!!

Great list.