Gothic Metal is a subgenre of metal that combines the dark, brooding atmosphere of gothic rock with the heaviness of metal. It often features a blend of heavy guitar riffs, symphonic elements, and both clean and harsh vocals.

Emerging in the early 1990s, Gothic Metal bands drew influence from doom metal, blending the crushing heaviness of doom with ethereal, moody textures. Vocally, Gothic Metal is notable for its contrasts, with many bands employing operatic female vocals juxtaposed with deep, growling male vocals taken from death-doom bands.

A notable example of Gothic Metal comes from the Peaceville Three, influential gothic metal bands Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, and Anathema all on the same label.

Artists:

• Type O Negative
• Paradise Lost
• Lacuna Coil