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Articles Posted: 11; Links Seeded: 7
Member Since: 7/2009Last Seen: 11/27/2009

"The Children Of The Night", An Ongoing Exploration Of The Rising "Goth" Culture, A Periodic Column by Dr Rex Dexter

Octavia Sperati

Octavia Sperati

Sonata Arctica-The Band

Epica-The Band

Epica & Symphony

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First, I want to take a moment to thank Sydney5 and MoonCrow for their invaluable intellectual prodding that started me researching the Artists and Culture this Column will be the continuing story of. I fact, this first installment will revolve around the 'Moon' and it's use as the subject of songs. I apologize in advance. Some of the Song "Links" will have to be copied and pasted into your address bar, as no amount of editing would seem to make them all work within the article. Trust me it's WORTH the time to do. this is Music that's Well-Crafted, Dramatic, and Compelling that most of you have never heard before, done by some very talented Musicians. The first Band, we'll take a look at is Octavia Sperati. Their 'MySpace' Page is found here: http://www.myspace.com/octaviasperati

Octavia Sperati, A Brief History Condensed From Their Own Words.
The Band was formed as a result of new friendships and common musical preferences and hails from Bergen, Norway. Octavia kicked off, early, playing several gigs and festivals in Norway. In between intensive rehearsing and multiple live acts, the band recorded and released their self-financed, five track demo 'Guilty' in 2002.

Early 2005, Debut Album 'Winter Enclosure' was finished after signing with Candlelight Records autumn 2004. Octavia also released the first video version of 'Lifelines of Depths' spring 2004. The album was released on May 9th, 2005. 'Winter Enclosure' was embraced by both the critics and audience. Octavia won flattering comparisons to the likes of Candlemass, The 3rd and the Mortal, & Black Sabbath, among others. Top UK hard rock magazine, Kerrang! described the album as 'Extravagant, dramatic doom with a rock 'n' roll heart.' Octavia made the "Top 10 Best Newcomer Acts, 2005" in the highly important Terrorizer magazine.

Two videos were recorded: 'Hunting Eye', along with a second version of 'Lifelines of Depths'. Both videos were directed by Asle Birkeland. Octavia started touring June 2005.

A few months into the new year of 2006, the band spent the spring finding a new drummer, as well as composing new material for the next Album.

Closing ranks with new Drummer, Ivar Alver, Octavia did a pre-production in Sandefjord, October 2006. Recordings for the album started shortly after. A video of 'Moonlit' was recorded early March.

The band hit the road again supporting Amon Amarth and Finntroll in UK and Ireland in April 2007, then held the launch party for the new album "Grace Submerged" in Bergen at Garage, after which, Stavanger, UK was once again visited, this time with legendary Fields of the Nephilim at Astoria, then with To-Mera at the Underworld. Back in Norway, Octavia played Screamfest and hit UK in December for a new headliner tour with Tom Erik and Jan Åge Svendsen (Temple Sleep) as stand ins for Trine and Ivar, both expecting children.

"Grace Submerged" received great reviews all over. Big Cheese 5/5 said: "The likes of 'Moonlit' have that droning, Gothic feel that will have fans almost breaking into a smile. 'And Then the World Froze' is the sound of a band destined for even bigger things. Classic Rock 7/10 added: "... So, leave it to us to say that the rendition of 'Don't Believe A Word' is beautiful...full of sparse piano, mournful strings, and sighing vocals...One can't help but feel that these Norwegian atmospheric "Doom Merchants" are on the cusp of something special".

Dr Dexter Says:
The first thing you realize about this Band, is that this mostly female Band, has tremendous power and range within this Genre. the Vocals are strong, the Drumming crisp, and the Instrumentation is done with much finesse...fearless and confident in their presentation. Whether Melodic and 'Moody' or Angst-Ridden and Intimidating, this is a Band to be reckoned with. I have chosen TWO songs to showcase this band. The First, "Moonlit" is part of the underlying theme of the moon, in honor of Sydney5 & MoonCrow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNwhbX8L9Q0

The Second is "Lifelines Of Depths" which truly displays their virtuosity:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT-iGNLXLZ8&feature=related

Next I will introduce the Band: Sonata Arctica. Band Site:http://www.sonataarctica.info
MySpace:http://www.myspace.com/sonataarctica

The History Of Sonata Arctica, Condensed From Their Own Words Sonata Arctica was born in 1996 in the northern Finnish town of Kemi. The very first incarnation of the band was named Tricky Beans. As Tricky Beans, the group produced three demos.

After some personnel changes in 1997, the outfit changed their name to Tricky Means. Let it be known to the Metal community that initially the band experimented in musical styles far from heavy metal.

Turning the page in 1999, Tricky Means recorded a new demo "FullMoon" in Tico Tico Studios located in their hometown, Kemi. At the time of recording the line-up consisted of: Tony (vocals/keys), Jani (guitars), Tommy (drums), and Janne (bass). This new demo was the first exploration for the band in heavy metal waters. The band's trademark sound of fast, melodic, and keyboard oriented heavy metal with clear, high vocals was born. As fate would have it, and with help from Ahti Kortelainen of Tico Tico Studios, the "FullMoon" demo found its way to the premier metal label of Finland, Spinefarm. At the same time Tricky Means became Sonata Arctica.

While the band was working hard in different studios recording their fifth studio album "Unia" - Finnish for "Dreams" -, Finnish press announced an official Sonata Arctica documentary being in production. The documentary film will follow Sonata Arctica in their hometown Kemi and show how a Sonata Arctica song is being formed from the "scratch track" to the very end of the creative process. The documentary had its first public appearance during the annual music video festival of Oulu in September 2007. Meanwhile the documentary isn't the only non-musical work related to Sonata Arctica, since an official Sonata Arctica 3D role playing game for PC, called "Winterheart's Guild", is in the works.

The fifth studio album of Sonata Arctica is called "Unia". The album was released in May 2007. Before the release of the album a single entitled "Paid In Full" was released in Finland, Germany, and Japan. The single hit the #1 position in the official Finnish charts, moved to second place the following week, and stayed in the national top ten until "Unia" was released a month later!

During the same week the new single was released, the band played four gigs in the biggest rock clubs of Finland. The sizes of the venues varied from 700 to 2,300 people, and each night was sold out.

Sonata Arctica is confirmed to perform on a few selected festivals during the summer. In July the band travels to the Land of the rising Sun, and the Japanese audience will be the first foreigners to hear the new songs from the "Unia" album performed live. After the festival season, Sonata Arctica is ready for a four-show excursion to Mexico. These are the first Mexican shows ever! From Mexico, the band continues to the USA and Canada.
Returning to the continent, the Band begins its massive headlining tour starting from Stockholm, Sweden. During the European tour the band plays in thirteen different countries with their support act, the Netherlands-based Epica.

With four gold disc awards and multiple sold-out tours, Sonata Arctica has got its hands tightly attached to the history of Finnish Metal Music - and more will definitely be achieved in the future!

Dr Dexter Says:
This is a Band steeped in the Lore of the Epic History of the north, and in particular, Finland. They are Story-Tellers", adept at being almost as Mythological as their Finnish Heritage. These are "Gentleman Warriors" with Guitars and Drums instead of swords and shields. Their very existence has become a saga they continue to write. The Music is Loud and Heroic, yet full of "Heart". I have chosen to share "Full Moon", in honor of "Sydney5 & MoonCrow", and "Flag In The Ground" from their new Album "The Days Of Grays". Let the saga begin.

Here is the link to "Full Moon":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQghSEl0hHQ&feature=related

Here is the Link to "Paid In Full"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1zkXdqcajk&feature=fvw

Last, but not least, is the Band that was mentioned as an opening act, above: Epica.
Band Site: http://www.epica.nl/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/epica

The History Of Epica Condensed From Their Own Words.

Ever since EPICA emerged on the scene, the band has been caught in a whirlwind of studio recordings, interviews, screaming fans, world wide live performances and the rock 'n roll lifestyle. The loss of both a record company and a drummer in 2006 seemed to have stopped the band on their rise to the top. But all is not what it seems. EPICA is back with a mighty new album called 'The Divine Conspiracy', an exiting new chapter in the history of the band.

The Dutch female fronted Symphonic Metal Band EPICA was founded in 2002. Mark Jansen left "After Forever" to pursue his own dreams, finding that guitar player Ad Sluijter, bass player Yves Huts, and keyboard and piano player Coen Janssen, shared his vision. Drummer Jeroen Simons and singer Simone Simons completed the band. The band name is derived from an album of "Kamelot" of whom several band members are big fans, and musically, EPICA stands out by not only taking influences from the world of Rock and "Symphonic Metal", but also from film music as composed by the likes of Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer.

Within a few months, EPICA had the material to record the stunning debut album 'The Phantom Agony'. The album was released worldwide in 2003, followed by a lengthy tour. EPICA's efforts were rewarded in 2004 with an Essent Award (an important Dutch award for talented young bands). While touring continued throughout the year, EPICA recorded and released their second full length album 'Consign To Oblivion' in 2005. The album made it to #12 in the Dutch charts and remained in the Top 100 for 7 weeks. This release also features a guest appearance by Kamelot front-man Roy Khan. With the creative juices flowing, that same year the album 'The Score: An Epic Journey' also saw the light of day. The album consists of the music EPICA wrote for the Dutch movie 'Joyride'. This album is marked by the absence of guitars, drums, or even vocals, and contains mainly instrumental symphonic songs. In 2006 the photo-sound book 'The Road To Paradiso' saw the light of day. It's a detailed description of the band's history in words and images, containing many pictures taken by band members, professional photographers, and hundreds of fans that contributed their best pictures and words. This book comes together with a unique bonus-CD that features unreleased songs, live material, and demo recordings.

The year that started on a high, ended in a low, when drummer Jeroen Simons decided to quit the band. But, it's not in the band's nature to be taken aback. After hundreds of shows in dozens of countries all over the world (including the US, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, most European countries, Israel, Tunisia…) this band had become a well-oiled metal machine. In 2007 EPICA signed a new record deal with Nuclear Blast and the year saw the release of their third full length album 'The Divine Conspiracy'. "More" is the best word to define this album. More choirs, guitars, grunts, speed and songs. 'The Divine Conspiracy' is more guitar oriented-four guitar tracks recorded instead of the usual two. Thanks to the skills of talented "God Dethroned" drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek, EPICA was able to make faster and more complex songs. This new opus is more than 75 minutes long and is EPICA's first Concept Album. It deals with the theory that, as a test, God created all kinds of different religions and released those upon humanity to see if they would be able to find the true nature of them. The question is whether mankind can realize that all religions are basically the same. But there's more to it. The album also concludes the 'Embrace That Smothers' concept that could already be found on 'The Phantom Agony', but started on the After Forever-album 'Prison Of Desire'. It seems only fitting that the conclusion of the concept features a guest appearance by After Forever "grunter" Sander Gommans. The circle has closed, the journey continues…

Dr Dexter Says:
When the history above was written, it was before the release of their latest, and perhaps most finely crafted Opus, to date: "Design Your Universe". this album takes every aspect of Epica's immense musicality to whole new levels. It's Metal, it's Symphonic, and it flys from ethereal to rumbling thunder. This is a Band that will be seen rising to new heights as this Genre becomes more and more "Mainstream". Their a place in the heat for Heroic and Compelling, and Epica "brings it!" I have, again chosen to showcase this Band with two songs:
The first, also in honor of Sydney5 & MoonCrow, "Cry For The Moon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dys1_TuUmI4

The second is a more recent offering from a newer Album, "Illusive Consensus": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMbEX08hu2Y&feature=related

This is but the first installment of a continuing story. Next week will include "Lennon", Kivimetsän Druidi, and one or two surprises. this Movement includes Graphic, Illustrative, Fashion, and "Fine" Artists. It is moving into Cinema, Video, and even Television. It has created and is creating it's own Literature, it's own Mythology, and it's own very unique style.

The people of this Culture DO LOOK different, but here's the up side. they embrace a deep and abiding sense of Community, cooperating instead of competing, sharing rather than hoarding, they are a huge family of families from every Nation and Ethnicity who share an understanding. Death IS an eternal partner of Life. Rather than fear it, they co-exist with it, romanticize it, share a toast with it, and give it a place in the endless cycles of living. It's the 'High Drama' of their Art. It's the call of the Epic Hero, of Times of Warriors, and Creatures of Legend. They are everything in terms of belief, but from their own special point of view. They are the "Nation of Goth", they are "The Children of the Night".

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4.2
3.7
{"commentId":10415487,"authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}

Here are some of the Links that refused to work in the Column. This all will be unnecessary once the "Beta" Pages become the "Norm" which should hopefully be soon.

Octavia Sperati:

Moonlit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNwhbX8L9Q0

Lifelines Of Depths:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUPCJQYOI7o

Sonata Arctica:

Paid In Full:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1zkXdqcajk

Full Moon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQghSEl0hHQ

EPICA:

Cry For The Moon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dys1_TuUmI4

Again, you STILL may have to copy and paste. But it's worth it. you can find links to these and many of the other Artists I intend to feature at MY "MySpace" Site:

http://www.myspace.com/drsuleimandex

{"commentId":10415487,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}
  • 3 votes
Reply#1 - Sun Nov 1, 2009 7:47 PM EST
{"commentId":10416046,"authorDomain":"mstanley2265"}

I'll try,....haven't been doing too much on other music for awhile but have more time now.,..will check them out....Is KISS considered somewhat Goth too?

{"commentId":10416046,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"mstanley2265"}
  • 3 votes
Reply#2 - Sun Nov 1, 2009 8:21 PM EST
{"commentId":10416295,"authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}

Dear Friend,

They might be more an offshoot of the 70' and 80' "Glam-Rock" that inevitably became the "Hair Bands" of the mid to late 80's. Costumed Rockers were a pretty big thing during those days, and Kiss took that Genre further than most.

A Gothic Great-Grandpa,

'DeX'

{"commentId":10416295,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}
  • 3 votes
Reply#3 - Sun Nov 1, 2009 8:34 PM EST
{"commentId":10417992,"authorDomain":"nesta12572"}
Death IS an eternal partner of Life. Rather than fear it, they co-exist with it, romanticize it, share a toast with it, and give it a place in the endless cycles of living. It's the 'High Drama' of their Art. It's the call of the Epic Hero, of Times of Warriors, and Creatures of Legend. They are everything in terms of belief, but from their own special point of view. They are the "Nation of Goth", they are "The Children of the Night".

This is a thing (death and life interwoven) many are comfortable with, and it has made it's presence known in music, art and literature since time immemorial. Excellent article. As the mother of teenagers (and some out of their teens, as well) and a child of the early 80's punk scene I'm familiar with some of these musicians. I just folded an Amon Amarth t-shirt the other day. :D Thanks for the links, I'll be checking out the music of the ones I'm not familiar with over the next few days.

{"commentId":10417992,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"nesta12572"}
  • 3 votes
Reply#4 - Sun Nov 1, 2009 10:29 PM EST
{"commentId":10418079,"authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}

Dear L.M.M.,

I'm glad you liked it AND amazed you've heard of Amon Amarth. Not one of my favorites, I do lean toward the Melodic AND Symphonic, but what I do like is the strong sense of Community, Family, and being 'Honorable'. That's actually kind of "Old Fashioned", and Pagan, or whatever, kind of Cool.

Yawning On The Great Mid-Continental Steppes,

'DeX'

{"commentId":10418079,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}
  • 3 votes
Reply#5 - Sun Nov 1, 2009 10:35 PM EST
{"commentId":10452318,"authorDomain":"rochart"}

A good read DeX. It leaves me mooning as I am somewhere over the rainbow.

I will try to do better next time(life).

{"commentId":10452318,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"rochart"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#6 - Tue Nov 3, 2009 3:55 PM EST
{"commentId":10484447,"authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}

You found a good wife, a great place and way to live life with her, you have accumulated wisdom, and found your personal paradise. Not bad in my book. 'DeX'

{"commentId":10484447,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}
  • 1 vote
#6.1 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 10:01 PM EST
Reply
{"commentId":10484255,"authorDomain":"davidemeadows"}

i'm just now buying cd's from the 90's!

I do have some Goth: Evanescence (I can hear you laughing), but I did want some good Goth to check out...

{"commentId":10484255,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"davidemeadows"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#7 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 9:51 PM EST
{"commentId":10484331,"authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}

Dear PCBN,

There's going to be some great stuff up over the coming weeks, including the bands this week. For something truly "Heroic and Vocally Incredible" Check out "TYR".

Digging For Gold,

'DeX'

P.S. there's NOTHING wrong with Evanescence...

{"commentId":10484331,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}
  • 2 votes
#7.1 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 9:55 PM EST
Reply
{"commentId":10484275,"authorDomain":"davidemeadows"}

BTW, Dex. As second member of Way Smart, have you notced all of the new members?

{"commentId":10484275,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"davidemeadows"}
  • 1 vote
Reply#8 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 9:52 PM EST
{"commentId":10484399,"authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}

Not yet, but I WILL! I think the last several days have gone to local Elections and the World Series. there's been mostly less activity on Newsvine, generally. ( Except, of course, the "Thrash Politics" Fan-base...Hi-Ho!)

{"commentId":10484399,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}
  • 2 votes
#8.1 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 9:58 PM EST
Reply
{"commentId":10493082,"authorDomain":"mooncrow"}

Wow DeX ... great "stuff" here. "Thanks" for your thanks ... appreciate it.

I love Gothic music. I am amazed at how versatile various artists are in expressing it. One group, Lycia, has been catching my attention ... sometimes they are a bit "dark" but for the most part it's unobtrusive ... I can have it on and still do other mind concentration things. Their music seems like it has folk or Celtic roots.

Great read and info.

MoonCrow

{"commentId":10493082,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"mooncrow"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#9 - Thu Nov 5, 2009 11:16 AM EST
{"commentId":10506528,"authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}

Dear MoonCrow,

I thank you AND Sydney for helping me decide to do this. I've followed some of these Bands for years and thought it was high time the N. Amer. Audience began to be more familiar. Glad you came by, always glad to hear from you-send friends, as well. there ARE going to be more columns, as well.

Your Friend,

'DeX'

{"commentId":10506528,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}
  • 2 votes
#9.1 - Thu Nov 5, 2009 6:15 PM EST
Reply
{"commentId":10507110,"authorDomain":"tcervo"}
{"commentId":10507110,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"tcervo"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#10 - Thu Nov 5, 2009 6:34 PM EST
{"commentId":10508910,"authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}

Dear Gecko,

I sent her a "Friend" Invite to my "MySpace" Page.

( http://myspace.com/drsuleimandex )

You may want to check out some of the Music and Videos that are there, as well. I had a couple of the "Siouxsie & The Banshees" Albums in the Mid-80's. I've always listened to alot of variety and I never really got too "Nostalgic" about any one era in time. There's a Band with a Video on my page called TYR, that does impeccable vocals. I'll be putting up more Columns over time, as well. The ones this week are some seriously talented people.

there's much happening with Goth/Metal/Progressive/Classical Genres in Music, Art, and Acting right now. though it's still mostly elsewhere, I think N America is ready for it.

your Friend,

'DeX'

{"commentId":10508910,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}
  • 2 votes
#10.1 - Thu Nov 5, 2009 7:44 PM EST
{"commentId":10536270,"authorDomain":"nkycarbon"}

I've always been a Cramps fan myself. It's one thing to sing about the moon, it's another to be a lunatic or even maybe a goo goo muck.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQQjfmKjXNU

{"commentId":10536270,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"nkycarbon"}
  • 2 votes
#10.2 - Fri Nov 6, 2009 11:05 PM EST
{"commentId":10536411,"authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}

Dear Icocclasm,

While there will always be things that will inevitably be "head-scratchers", there's a growing body of well-crafted music, that has the "Gothic" Imagery and Drama, the Metal and Progressive Edge, but a Classical Sensibility and Feel. Katherine Jenkins, a world-renowned Classical Diva, just released a new Album with a "Cover" of one of 'Evanescence's' more intense pieces, which she debuted at this years UK "Prom" to 40,000+ "Long-Hair Classical Buffs". When she first announced it (the Video is on my MySpace Page: http://myspace.com/drsuleimandex) you could hear a general DISAPPROVAL from the Audience. When she was done, she brought the house down.

That's why I'm trying to expose the N American Listener to this Music...It's just plain good. I'm nearly 60, but I like it.

'DeX'

{"commentId":10536411,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}
  • 2 votes
#10.3 - Fri Nov 6, 2009 11:21 PM EST
Reply
{"commentId":10594066,"authorDomain":"perrie"}

Hi Dex,

A very interesting topic to cover. I have never really been a big fan of goth. I must admit that the total package was a bit of a turn off for me. It seemed like a over the top version of "Don't fear the Reaper" meets Vampires to me. But they do have a strong community. There is a similar subculture of music and image that comes from Japan called Lolita, that often combines goth into it. Here is a link:

http://www.bookmice.net/darkchilde/japan/lolita.html

Great job on the article. I can see a lot of work went into it!

{"commentId":10594066,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"perrie"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#11 - Tue Nov 10, 2009 11:15 AM EST
{"commentId":10604757,"authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}

I don't know if you listened to any of the Music, but the range of sound is broader then any other Musical Genre. There's everything from near classical to "Growly" thrash metal, with influences from Folk, Celtic, Jazz, Electronica, Pop, and, well many things. While there ARE "Neo-Vampires", there are also people who dress as their Medieval Ancestors, people who dress in "Period Clothing" from every age and ethnicity of Europe , Russia, the Far East, through Edwardian times. Recently the Classical UK Diva, Katherine Jenkins, did a "Cover" of an Evanescence Song on her latest Album and before 40,000 plus Classical Fans at this years UK "Prom". There are more and more Classical Musicians participating in Recording Projects and Live Concerts all the time.

The "Vampire" thing IS there, as is a preoccupation by the more extreme elements, particularly the American "Metal Scene" with death and evil. But that really isn't the mainstream of this Culture now and it is becoming less so as time passes.

Keep an eye on the Column/Articles as they come out and explore some of the "Friends" I have on the "MySpace Page". this really is an evolving and emerging Culture...huge in Europe, just starting here.

Thank you for taking a look. I respect you as one of the more objective and "cooler" heads here on the Vine.

Your Friend,

'DeX'

{"commentId":10604757,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}
  • 3 votes
#11.1 - Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:22 PM EST
{"commentId":10605861,"authorDomain":"perrie"}

I can see that you have done a lot of research into this. I am quite impressed! I didn't realize that there was so many varieties of goth around. How did you get so interested in it?

And thanks Dex for your kind words! That means a lot to me.

{"commentId":10605861,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"perrie"}
  • 1 vote
#11.2 - Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:24 PM EST
{"commentId":10606425,"authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}

Dear Perrie,

Kind words for you are always easy, we ARE speaking of YOU, of course. My interest is that of an Artist. I've played Drums in a Melodic Progressive Metal Band, that, while we weren't pushing a specific "Goth" Theme....if you can imagine me behind a nice kit of Tamas wearing a black tuxedo with tails and a top hat, well...you get the picture. I LOVE the Drama, the Melodies, and the people are truly marvelous. I'm just getting started, but so many of the Artists have sent me kind words, thanks, and encouragement. They really go out of their way to be helpful. They treat each other well and always have a place for a stranger. Many of them are probably more Pagan or Atheist than not, but act more openly loving and kind than many of the folks I know that claim to be "Christian". More "Walk" with less "Talk". I can relate to that REAL EASY.

I think at the end of the day, most everyone else can, too.

Love Ya', Kiddo.

'DeX'

{"commentId":10606425,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}
  • 1 vote
#11.3 - Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:52 PM EST
Reply
{"commentId":10594585,"authorDomain":"zomzom"}

Dex,

I don't know your nationality but I find it odd/awkward that you're reviewing metal bands as a commentary on "goth" culture. The goth and metal scenes really aren't the same subcultures. There is some cross-over in the doom metal stuff (like what you've got here and bands like Anathema), but, for the most part, metal-heads aren't particularly welcome among goth crowds. Er, not "unwelcome," really (everybody's welcome), but there just isn't much cross-over between the groups. The whole numetal movement, particularly, is pretty thoroughly reviled by goths.

Here in the states, at least, goth music covers a whole lot of genres, but very specifically doesn't include: metal-heads, numetal, NINnies and Spooky Kids. There are a lot of people in those groups that might consider themselves goth, but they have very little to do with it, and we kinda don't like them very much. Typically, they're pretentious, adolescent and confrontational.

Goth is inclusive, and of course they're welcome to drop by, same as anyone else with a good attitude, but those people really aren't part of it.

Among goth culture in the US, at least, the trends are more towards EBM/synthpop (VNV Nation, Apotygma Berserk), dark-wave (like Crux Shadow), cabaret/punk (like Emily Autumn), and classic, poppy stuff (like Depeche Mode, Joy Division, the Cure, Souixsie, et cetera). There is also the industrial scene that crosses over a lot, with aggrotech and industrial stuff and is seen as the complement (the masculine version of the typically feminine goth outlook and scene). Trip hop is in there somewhere, too, but I don't know if it really pertains to goth so much as it's simply a fact that everyone loves trip hop.

But what you almost never see in the goth scene, in the US at least, are metal people. It's a completely seperate subculture that isn't really connected. It might have been, at one point, but I kinda doubt it. Goth emerged out of post-punk, while metal came straight out of hard-rock.

Oh, and, by the way? No self-respecting goth would be caught dead listening to Evanescence.

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  • 2 votes
Reply#12 - Tue Nov 10, 2009 11:35 AM EST
{"commentId":10604999,"authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}

The only thing about Evanescence, was that the Classical Diva: Katherine Jenkins covered one of her songs. Could a cover of a Tarja song be far afield? Some of the Bands you've mentioned ARE going to be covered in the upcoming Articles. I allow anyone who believes they fit the criteria to become "Friends" on my "MySpace" page. But I know what I like, and:

1) I don't turn away darker Metal Bands, but I don't really look for them or invite them. An occasional "growl" for effect can be interesting, but non-stop gets redundant after a while. As those who come see the the types of Bands, Artists, and Other Types of Contributors I write about, some of those form the outer edges may drift away or change. I'm looking for real Art. I just found a Band , I'm excited about called: Ebony Ark, very Melodic and Dramatic, but listenable, and not trying to re-invent evil. Acknowledging that Evil and Death are in the world is a step toward Wisdom and Peace of Mind, Lifting it to the realm of "Entertainment" will eventually polarize the very people AWAY from you that, if you're honest with yourself, are the ones you like to be around.

I would actually welcome you ideas and input into this Project as it moves forward. I will go to your Column and send you my "Real E-Mail and other Contact information, with that in mind, as you sound like you've spent a little quality time in the Culture, where-as I'm a Musician and Artist whose found myself captivated by the Best of what I'm finding.

your Friend,

'DeX'

{"commentId":10604999,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}
  • 1 vote
#12.1 - Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:35 PM EST
{"commentId":10605158,"authorDomain":"zomzom"}

By the way, I wasn't trying to rip on these bands. Was just curious about why you were linking it to goth. There are a lot of wonderful bands (like some of these) in the genre. I love the folk-music incorporation that goes on in a lot of it. Some about reading too much Charles De Lint.

My biggest problem with metal isn't the music so much as the shows. Mosh pit kids make me so angry. "Dude, I was listening. What the hell are you slamming into me for?" I see from you're myspace that you're in the US. May I ask where? I've mostly only been around the San Francisco/Los Angeles scenes. Out here, our gothiest event is Bat Day, when seven thousand goths all go to Disneyland. It's fun, but more with the silly (and bad-ass outfits), and less with the thoughtful, a lot of the time.

I admit that the Evanescence thing was sorta a jab, though :)

{"commentId":10605158,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"zomzom"}
  • 1 vote
#12.2 - Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:45 PM EST
{"commentId":10605342,"authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}

Dear "ZomZom",

the E-Mail I just sent to you will give you more insight into my actual thinking. I believe we are actually on the "same page" in this. I want to draw the brighter minds like Perrie, PenniD, rochart, MoonCrow, Sydney5, etc., etc. to look at and comment about the truly better stuff. Some of Lennon's Music is very "Edgy", but she is a Commensurate Artist with tremendous range, a righteous 'Work Ethic', and tremendous Heart. She was completely accessible and helpful as I was gathering copy, photos, and music for her part of this week's Article, in spite of a work and responsibility level that would stagger a strong man.

that's what I'm talking about-and probably what you're accurately pointing to.

Your Friend,

'DeX'

{"commentId":10605342,"threadId":"714465","contentId":"3450084","authorDomain":"drrexdexter-1241358"}
  • 1 vote
#12.3 - Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:55 PM EST
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