Created by Ermanaric Underrated

Most underrated goth bands

Goth bands who fly under the radar despite having released amazing records.

9 bands

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#1

Red Sun Revival 4 1

2011 — present United Kingdom, England, Greater London, London
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This is by far my most favourite gothic rock band as of writing this. They flawlessly represent the qualities of goth music that made me fall in love with the genre, and their melancholic and slightly Victorian/old-fashioned gothic atmosphere is just what I crave. They have great progressive songwriting, passionate vocals and violins, which is always a plus. I have no idea why they're virtually unknown in the goth scene, but I can recommend them to any Second Wave fan.

#2

Opened Paradise 2

2003 — present Greece, Athens
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Another solid Second Wave band that is probably even more underground than Red Sun Revival. These Greeks are heavily inspired by Fields of the Nephilim and Garden of Delight, but inject their own progressive and metal-influenced tinge, which results in a great melancholic and occult sound. Periklis is literally a beast as a vocalist, sounding like Carl McCoy on steroids. His forceful and dramatic voice stands out compared to other Second Wave vocalists who instead mostly mimic Andrew Eldritch (although he is capable of that kind of style too, given some songs on the debut "Occult").

#3

Hada 2 1

2018 — present Greece, Attica, Athens
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Speaking of the Greek scene, here's another underground project featuring Babis Nikou (formerly of just mentioned Opened Paradise). A truly unique project in the current landscape. Not only is it Ethereal Wave, it leans more on Dead Can Dance's ritualism rather than Cocteau Twins' prettiness. Natasa Koumi's breathy vocals are more accessible than what is usually featured in bands like this, providing an interesting contrast.

#4

Cold Contrast 2

2023 — present Hungary, Budapest
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This recent Hungarian act took me by surprise. Their melancholic but not overly minimalistic Darkwave sound may not be groundbreaking, but they execute it perfectly. I am looking forward to their next efforts, as they sound very promising.

#5

Adoration 1

2003 — 2012 United Kingdom, England, London
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This Second Wave band features an accomplished guitarist in Stephen Carey, who also played in NFD and co-founded a better known still active act The Eden House. Personally, I enjoy Adoration's more focused approach more. These guys concentrated on creating a gloomy and evocative aquatic atmosphere, and they definitely succeeded. The album is hard to get, but it's worth the effort. If you enjoy Red Sun Revival, this is your obvious next step, given RSR's Rob Leydon's ties with Stephen Carey.

#6

Solemn Novena 5

2006 — 2010 United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Belfast
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A gem of the Northern Irish goth scene, this band only released 1 EP and 1 full-length before breaking up, but they featured an uptempo and vigorous yet still mournful sound that is quite unique among other Second Wave acts. The members later founded their own solo projects that partially replicate the magic, but this vibe will never be fully recreated ever again. Nevertheless, "Kiss The Girls" stands as an iconic album for this era of goth music and should not be forgotten.

#7

Speaking Silence 2

1993 — present France, Île-de-France, Paris
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A little known French Ethereal Wave duo that is quite similar to better known genre peers Autumn's Grey Solace in several ways. Like AGS, they started with a heavily Cocteau Twins-influenced sound before experimenting with heavier, almost metal-like influences on "The Twilight World". I can definitely recommend Speaking Silence to all Ethereal Wave fans, as their recognizably French and slightly neoclassical tone perfectly fits the genre.

#8

Canaan 3

1996 — present Italy, Lombardy, Milan
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This experimental Italian project started as a funeral doom metal band called Ras Algethi. Despite moving in a more gothic direction, they still retained the metal and ambient influences, creating a unique and recognizable mix. The result is probably the most depressive goth music in existence, rivalling Lycia (whom they resemble in the mood and love of ambient). The albums "A Calling To Weakness" and "The Unsaid Words" are just perfect for wallowing in self-pity. Canaan never gained the recognition for those amazing records probably because of how inaccessible they are, but if you're patient enough, there is a lot to be obtained from this band's music.

#9

Occults 3

2021 — present United States, California, Los Angeles
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A newer band that released a very high quality and catchy album. They have a quite poppy and accessible sound, but the gloomy atmosphere is not forgotten, and the music is lush and perfectly produced. The melodic vocals are also refreshing compared to what's in vogue in the goth scene currently.