Dark metal

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Dark metal
Stylistic origins: Black metal, Death metal, Doom metal, Gothic metal
Cultural origins: Mid 1990s; Germany
Typical instruments: GuitarBass guitarDrumsKeyboard
Mainstream popularity: Underground to moderate
Regional scenes
Europe

Dark metal is a subjective term used to describe metal bands from various genres that have combined traits from gothic metal, doom metal, death metal and black metal[1] such as synthesizer use, acoustic guitar experimentation and/or operatic female vocals. The music can be described as a melodic, more sophisticated sound within the metal genre. The lyrics are often introspective and poetic.

The term is thought to have been coined by German Band Bethlehem, with their album Dark Metal from 1994.[1]

Root, Samael, Tiamat, Daylight Dies, Akercocke and Rotting Christ[2] have been termed as "dark metal", however, more popular artists like Opeth, Katatonia and Lacuna Coil can be attributed to some extent as well for their sound.

The term is often used by the media and fans to describe already known bands in various metal genres due to themes that are considered more dark. The term is also brought up by more recent underground metal bands seeking an atmospheric or darker approach in sound.

[edit] References

  1. ^ The Doom-metal FAQ. www.doom-metal.com. Retrieved on September 12, 2006..