Unmasking The Haunting, Gothic Melodies of Morbus Tenebris

Benjamin Fouché of Morbus Tenebris
Benjamin Fouché of Morbus Tenebris

I enjoy losing myself in gothic melodies and if you do too, then you’ll take great delight in listening to Morbus Tenebris. This music project is the brainchild of Benjamin Fouché who embarked on this venture in 2018. Since then, he has released a trio of albums, as well as books to accompany them. Here, I give a closer peek at the artist’s work.

Continue reading “Unmasking The Haunting, Gothic Melodies of Morbus Tenebris”

Spirit Tomb Weaves Gloomy & Wistful Tales in Debut EP ‘The Lotus of Dahlia’

The album cover of Spirit Tomb's The Lotus of Dahlia
The album cover of Spirit Tomb’s The Lotus of Dahlia

Spirit Tomb is the solo music project of musician Leon Kristoffer who’s based in Norway. Since forming in 2020, he’s now released his debut EP titled The Lotus of Dahlia, which constitutes part one of his Aandegrav trilogy focusing on themes of grief, loss and catharsis. The tracks in this opening chapter are laced with gothic sentiments and dark ambient undertones.

Continue reading “Spirit Tomb Weaves Gloomy & Wistful Tales in Debut EP ‘The Lotus of Dahlia’”

The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth Book Review

John Robb (Photo credit: John Middleham)

“Nothing exists independently; goth was a kind of fever. It just seemed to seep in on a tide of black lace and black leather.”

Nina Antonia quoted in The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth

Various books have been written attempting to unravel the mystery of the goth subculture and trace its roots. A new text has recently been added to the canon, The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth by John Robb who’s the frontman of the post-punk band The Membranes and head of the online media publication Louder Than War. His behemoth of a book takes a deep plunge into the musical origins of goth, and it’s quite an adventure.

Continue reading “The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth Book Review”

Fuschia Phlox Embraces a Darker Sound in Her New Album ‘Aspro A.S.B.O’

Musician Emma Russell, aka Fuschia Phlox
Musician Emma Russell, aka Fuschia Phlox

If you rage against the patriarchy and champion women’s independence, then Aspro A.S.B.O. is an album you’d enjoy. It is the latest release from musician Fuschia Phlox and possesses a darker mood compared to her other works. The tracks explore themes of female suppression, objectification and empowerment, beckoning listeners to heed their message in a magical way.

Continue reading “Fuschia Phlox Embraces a Darker Sound in Her New Album ‘Aspro A.S.B.O’”

Spotlight On A Time of Shadows: A Journey Into Gothic Horror Music

Ravenson Mansion Dark Secrets: Volume I album cover by A Time of Shadows
Ravenson Mansion Dark Secrets: Volume I album cover by A Time of Shadows

For your listening pleasure, we’re going to step into the world of A Time of Shadows whose music embodies elements of gothic horror and fantasy. Paul is the mastermind behind the project, and although the first album released in 2021, he’s already produced five full-length recordings. Of course, I’ve heard each one, and they’re the perfect backdrop for a haunting atmosphere. The newest LP, Ravenson Mansion Dark Secrets: Volume I, is accompanied by a novella that tells a sinister tale.

Continue reading “Spotlight On A Time of Shadows: A Journey Into Gothic Horror Music”

Spotlight on Wikka: Classical Music Artist with Gothic Flair

Wikka (Photo by Jacob Maximillian Baron)
Photo by Jacob Maximillian Baron

The worlds of classical music and dark alternative magically collide when listening to the melodies of Wikka. The artist behind the persona is Alexia DelGiudice Bigari who’s an adept vocalist and violist from New York City. She studied at The Juilliard School, then went on to receive her Master of Music degree at Northwestern University. Her classically trained background and appreciation for the macabre influence her art, and the result is enticing.

Continue reading “Spotlight on Wikka: Classical Music Artist with Gothic Flair”

Spotlight on Edward Transylvania: Dark Singer, Songwriter & Poet

Singer, songwriter and poet Edward Transylvania
Photo courtesy of Edward Transylvania

Into the depths of the psyche we go, with artist Edward Transylvania as our guide. The Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and poet has been crafting macabre magic through his lyrics for more than a decade and is continuing to carve out his own place within, not only the goth genre, but also the world of dark music. Listeners can expect passionate vocals and sinister beats.

Continue reading “Spotlight on Edward Transylvania: Dark Singer, Songwriter & Poet”

Midnight Syndicate Unravels a Haunting Tale in Latest Album ‘Bloodlines’

Edward Douglas & Gavin Goszka of Midnight Syndicate
Edward Douglas & Gavin Goszka of Midnight Syndicate (Photo credit: Colleen Douglas)

To usher in last Halloween season, Midnight Syndicate released new music with Bloodlines. Members Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka continue the story of the enigmatic Haverghast family, which they first introduced in 2001’s Gates of Delirium. The mini-album adds another layer to their narrative and is a prequel to the 2005 recording The 13th Hour. I’ve listened to it several times and the effects are chilling!

Continue reading “Midnight Syndicate Unravels a Haunting Tale in Latest Album ‘Bloodlines’”

The Dark Pariahs of Society: A Baby Bat’s Ruminations on Goth

To commemorate World Goth Day this year on May 22nd, I’ve decided to take a nostalgic look back at a high school paper I wrote on the subculture in 2002. I was 16 years old and in 11th grade. The assignment was for an English class and I was to write an expository essay. I was a young goth who was still learning about the scene and eager to share the knowledge I had gained. This project was my opportunity to not only reveal to readers the dark beauty of this alternative community, but also proudly proclaim my connection with it.

Continue reading “The Dark Pariahs of Society: A Baby Bat’s Ruminations on Goth”

Vampires Descend in The Sixth Chamber’s “Walpurgis Night”

Lead singer & guitarist Rahne Pistor of The Sixth Chamber

“Walpurgis Night, when, according to the belief of millions of people, the devil was abroad—when the graves were opened and the dead came forth and walked. When all evil things of earth and air and water held revel.”

-Bram Stoker’s Dracula’s Guest

Like bats taking flight from their shadowy cave, gothic metal band The Sixth Chamber has emerged, releasing the lyric music video to their latest single “Walpurgis Night.” The newest track will be part of the group’s third full-length album, which is currently in the works, and nocturnal souls are sure to revel in it.

Continue reading “Vampires Descend in The Sixth Chamber’s “Walpurgis Night””