Deathrock vs. Goth Rock

Attribute	Deathrock	Goth Rock
Origins	Los Angeles, late 1970s	United Kingdom, late 1970s
Music Style	Punk-influenced, dark and eerie	Gothic, melancholic and atmospheric
Fashion	DIY, punk-inspired, dark and edgy	Romantic, Victorian-inspired, dark and elegant
Lyrics	Often deal with death, horror, and the macabre	Explore themes of love, loss, and existentialism
Key Bands	45 Grave, Christian Death, Kommunity FK	Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, The Cure

Origins

Deathrock and Goth Rock are two subgenres of rock music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Deathrock originated in the Los Angeles punk scene, drawing influences from punk rock, post-punk, and horror films. Bands like Christian Death and 45 Grave are considered pioneers of the Deathrock sound. On the other hand, Goth Rock originated in the UK, with bands like Bauhaus and Siouxsie and the Banshees leading the way. Both genres share a dark and moody aesthetic, but they have distinct musical and stylistic differences.

Musical Style

Deathrock is characterized by its raw and aggressive sound, often incorporating elements of punk rock and post-punk. The music is typically fast-paced, with heavy guitar riffs and driving rhythms. Vocals in Deathrock are often dramatic and theatrical, with lyrics that explore themes of death, decay, and the macabre. In contrast, Goth Rock has a more atmospheric and melodic sound, with a focus on mood and texture. The music is often slower and more introspective, with haunting melodies and ethereal vocals. Goth Rock lyrics often delve into themes of romance, melancholy, and the supernatural.

Fashion

Both Deathrock and Goth Rock have distinct fashion styles that reflect their dark and edgy aesthetics. Deathrock fashion is often characterized by DIY punk elements, such as ripped clothing, leather jackets, and spikes. Makeup in Deathrock is typically heavy and dramatic, with dark eyeliner and bold lipstick. Hair in Deathrock is often styled in wild and unconventional ways, with bright colors or shaved sides. On the other hand, Goth Rock fashion is more elegant and Victorian-inspired, with an emphasis on black clothing, lace, and velvet. Makeup in Goth Rock is usually more subtle and romantic, with pale skin and dark lipstick. Hair in Goth Rock is often long and flowing, with an emphasis on natural colors and styles.

Lyrics and Themes

Lyrically, Deathrock and Goth Rock explore similar themes of darkness, death, and the supernatural, but they approach these themes in different ways. Deathrock lyrics are often more confrontational and aggressive, with a focus on shock value and rebellion. The lyrics can be graphic and explicit, dealing with themes of violence, horror, and nihilism. In contrast, Goth Rock lyrics are more poetic and introspective, with a focus on emotion and atmosphere. The lyrics can be romantic and melancholic, exploring themes of love, loss, and longing. Both genres use imagery from horror films, literature, and mythology to create a sense of mystery and intrigue.

Legacy

Both Deathrock and Goth Rock have had a lasting impact on the music scene, influencing a wide range of bands and artists across different genres. Deathrock bands like Christian Death and 45 Grave paved the way for the gothic punk and deathrock revival movements of the 1990s and 2000s. Goth Rock bands like Bauhaus and Siouxsie and the Banshees have inspired countless artists in the post-punk, gothic rock, and darkwave genres. Today, both Deathrock and Goth Rock continue to thrive in underground music scenes around the world, with new bands carrying on the dark and moody traditions of these iconic genres.