Seattle’s goth music scene
Seattle may be best known for its grunge scene, but the city has also played a significant role in the development of goth music. From the early days of punk and post-punk to the industrial-goth fusion of the 1990s, Seattle has produced a number of influential goth bands over the years. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the key players in Seattle’s goth scene, from the early days to the present.
Early influencers: The Blackouts and 10 Minute Warning
Seattle’s goth scene can trace its roots back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when post-punk and punk bands were experimenting with darker, more atmospheric sounds. Two early influencers of Seattle’s goth scene were The Blackouts and 10 Minute Warning. The Blackouts, formed in 1979, blended post-punk and new wave with goth elements to create a moody, introspective sound. Meanwhile, 10 Minute Warning, formed in 1982, incorporated goth influences into their punk rock sound, creating a raw, edgy sound that would inspire a generation of Seattle musicians. Though neither band was strictly goth, they both played an important role in shaping the sound of Seattle’s early goth bands.
Melding punk and goth: The Accüsed and The Dead Vampires
As the 1980s wore on, more and more Seattle bands began incorporating goth influences into their music. Two notable examples were The Accüsed and The Dead Vampires. The Accüsed, formed in 1981, were known for their hardcore punk sound with goth-inspired lyrics and imagery. The Dead Vampires, formed in 1983, blended punk and goth elements to create a sound that was dark and brooding, yet still energetic and aggressive. Though neither band was strictly goth, they helped to establish the melding of punk and goth that would become a hallmark of Seattle’s goth scene.
Post-punk favorites: Red Dress and The Beakers
Post-punk was another key influence on Seattle’s goth scene, and two of the most beloved post-punk bands to come out of Seattle were Red Dress and The Beakers. Red Dress, formed in 1978, blended post-punk with elements of goth, creating a sound that was both atmospheric and danceable. Meanwhile, The Beakers, formed in 1979, were known for their angular, minimalist sound that incorporated goth influences. Though neither band was strictly goth, their contributions to the sound of Seattle’s early goth bands were significant.
Haunting sounds: Mors Syphilitica and Atriarch
As the 1990s approached, Seattle’s goth scene began to shift towards a darker, more haunting sound. Two bands that exemplified this shift were Mors Syphilitica and Atriarch. Mors Syphilitica, formed in 1993, blended elements of goth and neoclassical music to create a sound that was ethereal and otherworldly. Meanwhile, Atriarch, formed in 2009, combined elements of goth, doom metal, and post-punk to create a sound that was bleak and moody. Both bands helped to establish the haunting sound that would become a hallmark of Seattle’s goth scene in the 1990s.
Industrial-goth fusion: Chemlab and Christ Analogue
As the 1990s wore on, Seattle’s goth scene began to incorporate more industrial elements into its sound. Two bands that exemplified this trend were Chemlab and Christ Analogue. Chemlab, formed in 1989, blended goth and industrial influences to create a sound that was aggressive and confrontational. Meanwhile, Christ Analogue, formed in 1995, combined elements of goth, industrial, and electronic music to create a sound that was dark and atmospheric. Both bands helped to establish the industrial-goth fusion that would become a hallmark of Seattle’s goth scene in the late 1990s.
Darkwave titans: Lycia and Black Tape for a Blue Girl
Darkwave, a subgenre of goth music characterized by its atmospheric soundscapes and melancholy lyrics, was also a significant influence on Seattle’s goth scene. Two of the most beloved darkwave bands to come out of Seattle were Lycia and Black Tape for a Blue Girl. Lycia, formed in 1988, blended elements of goth, shoegaze, and ambient music to create a sound that was both ethereal and haunting. Meanwhile, Black Tape for a Blue Girl, formed in 1986, combined elements of goth, neoclassical, and dark ambient music to create a sound that was lush and evocative. Both bands helped to establish the darkwave sound that would become a hallmark of Seattle’s goth scene in the 1990s.
Atmospheric goth legends: Faith and the Muse and The Chameleons
Atmospheric goth was another key influence on Seattle’s goth scene, and two of the most legendary atmospheric goth bands to come out of Seattle were Faith and the Muse and The Chameleons. Faith and the Muse, formed in 1993, blended elements of goth, neoclassical, and world music to create a sound that was rich and diverse. Meanwhile, The Chameleons, formed in 1981, combined elements of goth, post-punk, and shoegaze to create a sound that was both atmospheric and intense. Both bands helped to establish the atmospheric goth sound that would become a hallmark of Seattle’s goth scene in the late 1990s.
Seattle’s goth revival: The Mercy Cage and Cold Voices
After a period of relative quiet in the early 2000s, Seattle’s goth scene experienced a revival in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Two bands that played an important role in this revival were The Mercy Cage and Cold Voices. The Mercy Cage, formed in 1995, blended elements of goth, industrial, and shoegaze to create a sound that was dark and brooding. Meanwhile, Cold Voices, formed in 2006, combined elements of goth, post-punk, and new wave to create a sound that was both atmospheric and energetic. Both bands helped to reinvigorate Seattle’s goth scene, introducing a new generation of musicians and fans to the city’s rich goth music history.
The ongoing legacy of Seattle’s goth scene
Seattle’s goth scene may have had its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s, but the city’s influence on goth music continues to be felt today. From the pioneering work of early influencers like The Blackouts and 10 Minute Warning to the ongoing success of bands like The Mercy Cage and Cold Voices, Seattle’s goth scene has left an indelible mark on the world of goth music.
Conclusion: Seattle’s contribution to goth music
While Seattle may be more famous for its grunge scene, the city’s contribution to goth music cannot be overstated. From the early days of punk and post-punk to the industrial-goth fusion of the 1990s, Seattle has produced a number of influential goth bands over the years. Whether blending punk and goth influences, exploring haunting soundscapes, or crafting lush, atmospheric music, Seattle’s goth bands have helped to shape the sound of goth music for decades.
References and further reading
- Seattle Music Wiki: Goth Scene. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://seattlemusic.fandom.com/wiki/Goth_Scene
- The Blackouts – Seattle’s First Punk Band. (2016, April 22). Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.seattleweekly.com/music/the-blackouts-seattles-first-punk-band/
- The Accüsed. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-accsed-mn0000572965/biography
- Red Dress. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.allmusic.com/artist/red-dress-mn0001959989/biography
- Mors Syphilitica. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mors-syphilitica-mn0000634262/biography
- Chemlab. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.allmusic.com/artist/chemlab-mn0000098731/biography
- Lycia. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.allmusic.com/artist/lycia-mn0000862935/biography
- Faith and the Muse. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.allmusic.com/artist/faith-and-the-muse-mn0000765973/biography
- The Mercy Cage. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-mercy-cage-mn0001403872/biography
- Cold Voices. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.allmusic.com/artist/cold-voices-mn0002669393/biography