Dark Metal is a subjective term used to describe metal bands from various genres that have combined traits from symphonic black metal, gothic metal, doom metal, dark wave and black metal[1] such as synthesizer use, acoustic guitar experimentation and/or operatic female vocals. The music can be described as a atmospheric, melodic, more sophisticated sound within the metal genre, and sometimes also with progressive touch. The lyrics are often introspective and poetic. Some dark metal bands also often incorporating death metal influences.
The term is thought to have been coined by German Band Bethlehem, with their album Dark Metal from 1994.[2]
Other most important bands in dark metal genre, are Rotting Christ (mid), Thy Serpent, Deinonychus, Empyrium, Agalloch, Forgotten Tomb and Katatonia (early).
In a 2005 interview done by Barry Lee Dejasu for the magazine Modern Fix, John Haughm was quoted as suggesting Agalloch's musical sound was Dark Metal. "Sure, we have progressive and experimental elements but the root is Dark Metal." (Issue 54).
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.
* 13 Winters
* Agalloch
* Ajattara
* The Amenta
* Antestor
* Avec Tristesse
* Bethlehem
* Dawn of Relic
* Empyrium
* Forgotten Tomb
* Hermit Age
* Katatonia (early)
* Rotting Christ (mid)
* Shade Empire
* The Old Dead Tree
* Throes of Dawn
* Thy Serpent
