Deathrock Weblog

(For a more complete listing of influential artists, see [[List of forerunners of punk music|Punk Forerunners]] and [[Gothic rock#Musical predecessors .281960s.E2.80.931970s or Earlier.29|Gothic Rock predecessors]].)

(For a more complete listing of influential artists, see [[List of forerunners of punk music|Punk Forerunners]] and [[Gothic rock#Musical predecessors .281960s.E2.80.931970s or Earlier.29|Gothic Rock predecessors]].)

Horror movies also directly influenced deathrock artists. According to [[Dinah Cancer]], Italian horror movies were a large influence on [[45 Grave]]’s visual style <ref>[http://www.deathrock.it/content/view/12/10/lang,en_GB/ Deathrock.it]</ref>. Zombie movies influenced many deathrock artists, especially [[George Romero]]’s ”[[Night of the Living Dead]]” (1968) and its sequels. John Russo’s ”[[Return of the Living Dead]]” (1985) which featured [[Linnea Quigley]] and a mostly punk soundtrack<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005Y6Y2/ Amazon.com]</ref> influenced later deathrock bands. Horror-themed TV shows, such as ”[[The Addams Family (TV series)|The Addams Family]]”, ”[[The Munsters]]”, ”[[The Twilight Zone (1959 TV series)|The Twilight Zone]]”, ”[[Dark Shadows]]”, etc., also provided some visual influence, as did spookily-clad horror movie hosts on TV such as [[Vampira]] <ref>[http://partigirl.www1.50megs.com/VAMPIRA.html PartiGirl.com]</ref> in Los Angeles, [[John Zacherle]] in Philadelphia and New York, [[Elvira]] in Los Angeles (then later nationally), and [[Ghoulardi]] <ref>[http://www.emplive.org/visit/education/popConfBio.asp?xPopConfBioID=543&year=2005 EmpLive.org]</ref> in Cleveland.

Horror movies also directly influenced deathrock artists. According to [[Dinah Cancer]], Italian horror movies were a large influence on [[45 Grave]]’s visual style <ref>[http://www.deathrock.it/content/view/12/10/lang,en_GB/ Deathrock.it]</ref>. Zombie movies influenced many deathrock artists, especially [[George Romero]]’s ”[[Night of the Living Dead]]” (1968) and its sequels. John Russo’s ”[[Return of the Living Dead]]” (1985) which featured [[Linnea Quigley]] and a mostly punk soundtrack<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005Y6Y2/ Amazon.com]</ref> influenced later deathrock bands. Horror-themed TV shows, such as ”[[The Addams Family (TV series)|The Addams Family]]”, ”[[The Munsters]]”, ”[[The Twilight Zone (1959 TV series)|The Twilight Zone]]”, ”[[Dark Shadows]]”, etc., also provided some visual influence, as did spookily-clad horror movie hosts on TV such as [[Maila Nurmi|Vampira]] <ref>[http://partigirl.www1.50megs.com/VAMPIRA.html PartiGirl.com]</ref> in Los Angeles, [[John Zacherle]] in Philadelphia and New York, [[Elvira]] in Los Angeles (then later nationally), and [[Ghoulardi]] <ref>[http://www.emplive.org/visit/education/popConfBio.asp?xPopConfBioID=543&year=2005 EmpLive.org]</ref> in Cleveland.

However, horror was not the only influence on deathrock. Film noir, surrealism, cabaret, and various religious iconography (particularly [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholicism]] and [[Voodoo]] supplied much lyrical and visual inspiration to deathrock artists.<ref>[http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/weekly_article/england-fades-away-stylus-magazines-guide-to-goth.htm]</ref>

However, horror was not the only influence on deathrock. Film noir, surrealism, cabaret, and various religious iconography (particularly [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholicism]] and [[Voodoo]] supplied much lyrical and visual inspiration to deathrock artists.<ref>[http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/weekly_article/england-fades-away-stylus-magazines-guide-to-goth.htm]</ref>

===Revival===

===Revival===

[[Image:deathrockers.jpg|thumb|300px|Dinah Cancer and other deathrockers at Release the Bats.]]

[[Image:deathrockers.jpg|thumb|300px|Dinah Cancer and other deathrockers at Release the Bats.]]

Nearly 20 years after the deathrock first appeared on the music scenes in Southern California and London, the deathrock revival began in Southern California. During 1998 in [[Long Beach, California]], owners of the Que Sera, a local bar asked Jeremy “Jermz” Meza and friends, to throw a one-night “old school” Gothic Halloween party. After the success of the one-off party, the event quickly evolved into a regular deathrock club called Release the Bats <ref>[http://www.releasethebats.info/ ReleaseTheBats.info]</ref> and a focal point in California for the reemerging deathrock movement. (The club is named after a song by the Australian band [[The Birthday Party (band)|the Birthday Party]].)

Nearly 20 years after deathrock and Batcave first appeared on the music scenes in Southern California and London, the deathrock revival began in Southern California. During 1998 in [[Long Beach, California]], owners of the Que Sera, a local bar asked Jeremy “Jermz” Meza and friends, to throw a one-night “old school” Gothic Halloween party. After the success of the one-off party, the event quickly evolved into a regular deathrock club called Release the Bats <ref>[http://www.releasethebats.info/ ReleaseTheBats.info]</ref> and a focal point in California for the reemerging deathrock movement. (The club is named after a song by the Australian band [[The Birthday Party (band)|the Birthday Party]].)

The current deathrock movement is similar to the original deathrock scene in Los Angeles<ref>[http://kisskissbangbang.bravehost.com/faq1.html KissKissBangBang.com]</ref>, but more unified in the US, UK, and Europe through various record labels. In addition to clubs, the current scene is centered around concerts, special events, parties, and horror movie screenings, as well as bands like Ex-VoTo,[[Cinema Strange]], [[Bloody Dead And Sexy]], [[Chants of Maldoror]], and [[Tragic Black]]. The [[internet]] is playing a major role in the deathrock revival. There are [[websites]] devoted to the discussion deathrock [[music]], [[Band (music)|bands]] and [[fashions]] as well as horror movies, such as [http://www.deathrock.com deathrock.com] and [http://www.post-punk.com post-punk.com], plus [[Electronic mailing list|mailing lists]] for deathrockers on various online virtual communities, such as [[MySpace]].

The current deathrock movement is similar to the original deathrock scene in Los Angeles and the Batcave movement in London <ref>[http://kisskissbangbang.bravehost.com/faq1.html KissKissBangBang.com]</ref>, but more unified in the US, UK, and Europe through various record labels. In addition to clubs, the current scene is centered around concerts, special events, parties, and horror movie screenings, as well as bands like Ex-VoTo,[[Cinema Strange]], [[Bloody Dead And Sexy]], [[Chants of Maldoror]], and [[Tragic Black]]. The [[internet]] is playing a major role in the deathrock revival. There are [[websites]] devoted to the discussion deathrock [[music]], [[Band (music)|bands]] and [[fashions]] as well as horror movies, such as [http://www.deathrock.com deathrock.com] and [http://www.post-punk.com post-punk.com], plus [[Electronic mailing list|mailing lists]] for deathrockers on various online virtual communities, such as [[MySpace]].

The deathrock movement in England is also growing quickly, particularly in [[London]]. Regular deathrock nights in the city, such as Dead & Buried (named after an [[Alien Sex Fiend]] song).

The deathrock movement in England is also growing quickly, particularly in [[London]]. Regular deathrock nights in the city, such as Dead & Buried (named after an [[Alien Sex Fiend]] song).

===Revival===

===Revival===

[[Image:deathrockers.jpg|thumb|300px|Dinah Cancer and other deathrockers at Release the Bats.]]

[[Image:deathrockers.jpg|thumb|300px|Dinah Cancer and other deathrockers at Release the Bats.]]

Nearly 20 years after deathrock and Batcave first appeared on the music scenes in Southern California and London, the deathrock revival began in Southern California. During 1998 in [[Long Beach, California]], owners of the Que Sera, a local bar asked Jeremy “Jermz” Meza and friends, to throw a one-night “old school” Gothic Halloween party. After the success of the one-off party, the event quickly evolved into a regular deathrock club called Release the Bats <ref>[http://www.releasethebats.info/ ReleaseTheBats.info]</ref> and a focal point in California for the reemerging deathrock movement. (The club is named after a song by the Australian band [[The Birthday Party (band)|the Birthday Party]].)

Nearly 20 years after the deathrock first appeared on the music scenes in Southern California and London, the deathrock revival began in Southern California. During 1998 in [[Long Beach, California]], owners of the Que Sera, a local bar asked Jeremy “Jermz” Meza and friends, to throw a one-night “old school” Gothic Halloween party. After the success of the one-off party, the event quickly evolved into a regular deathrock club called Release the Bats <ref>[http://www.releasethebats.info/ ReleaseTheBats.info]</ref> and a focal point in California for the reemerging deathrock movement. (The club is named after a song by the Australian band [[The Birthday Party (band)|the Birthday Party]].)

The current deathrock movement is similar to the original deathrock scene in Los Angeles and the Batcave movement in London <ref>[http://kisskissbangbang.bravehost.com/faq1.html KissKissBangBang.com]</ref>, but more unified in the US, UK, and Europe through various record labels. In addition to clubs, the current scene is centered around concerts, special events, parties, and horror movie screenings, as well as bands like Ex-VoTo,[[Cinema Strange]], [[Bloody Dead And Sexy]], [[Chants of Maldoror]], and [[Tragic Black]]. The [[internet]] is playing a major role in the deathrock revival. There are [[websites]] devoted to the discussion deathrock [[music]], [[Band (music)|bands]] and [[fashions]] as well as horror movies, such as [http://www.deathrock.com deathrock.com] and [http://www.post-punk.com post-punk.com], plus [[Electronic mailing list|mailing lists]] for deathrockers on various online virtual communities, such as [[MySpace]].

The current deathrock movement is similar to the original deathrock scene in Los Angeles<ref>[http://kisskissbangbang.bravehost.com/faq1.html KissKissBangBang.com]</ref>, but more unified in the US, UK, and Europe through various record labels. In addition to clubs, the current scene is centered around concerts, special events, parties, and horror movie screenings, as well as bands like Ex-VoTo,[[Cinema Strange]], [[Bloody Dead And Sexy]], [[Chants of Maldoror]], and [[Tragic Black]]. The [[internet]] is playing a major role in the deathrock revival. There are [[websites]] devoted to the discussion deathrock [[music]], [[Band (music)|bands]] and [[fashions]] as well as horror movies, such as [http://www.deathrock.com deathrock.com] and [http://www.post-punk.com post-punk.com], plus [[Electronic mailing list|mailing lists]] for deathrockers on various online virtual communities, such as [[MySpace]].

The deathrock movement in England is also growing quickly, particularly in [[London]]. Regular deathrock nights in the city, such as Dead & Buried (named after an [[Alien Sex Fiend]] song).

The deathrock movement in England is also growing quickly, particularly in [[London]]. Regular deathrock nights in the city, such as Dead & Buried (named after an [[Alien Sex Fiend]] song).

These early post-punk deathrock bands were not immediately identified as part of a new subgenre of punk; they were simply considered a darker flavor of punk and were not yet considered part of a separate musical movement <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/histgoth.htm Scathe.Demon.co.uk]</ref>. During this time, these bands would play at the same venues as punk, hardcore and [[new wave music|new wave]] bands.<ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/batcave.htm]</ref> A similar situation arose in New York circa 1978-79, albeit on a much smaller scale, in which influential punk rock bands like [[The Cramps]] and [[Misfits]], as well as [[The Mad]] (fronted by future horror-film effects artist Screaming Mad George) had incorporated extensive horror themes into their lyrics, visuals, and stage show, though they did not use the term “deathrock” to describe themselves.

These early post-punk deathrock bands were not immediately identified as part of a new subgenre of punk; they were simply considered a darker flavor of punk and were not yet considered part of a separate musical movement <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/histgoth.htm Scathe.Demon.co.uk]</ref>. During this time, these bands would play at the same venues as punk, hardcore and [[new wave music|new wave]] bands.<ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/batcave.htm]</ref> A similar situation arose in New York circa 1978-79, albeit on a much smaller scale, in which influential punk rock bands like [[The Cramps]] and [[Misfits]], as well as [[The Mad]] (fronted by future horror-film effects artist Screaming Mad George) had incorporated extensive horror themes into their lyrics, visuals, and stage show, though they did not use the term “deathrock” to describe themselves.

===Merger===

Around the same time as deathrock was emerging as a distinctively darker subgenre of punk rock in the United States, other subgenres of punk and [[post-punk]] were developing independently in the UK <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/histgoth.htm Scathe.Demon.co.uk]</ref>.

By 1982, a wave of darker, more tribal post-punk bands had coalesced, influenced by punk rock and the first-generation post-punk bands (and specifically the noisier 1980-81 post-punks [[UK Decay]], [[Killing Joke]], and [[Theatre of Hate]]). The primary bands in this new movement were [[Sex Gang Children]] and [[Southern Death Cult]]. Along with [[Brigandage]], [[Blood and Roses]], [[Ritual]], and others, they were dubbed “”positive punk”” by the UK press to differentiate them from other bands who were attempting to fly under the punk banner, such as the [[UK 82]] and [[Oi!]] acts. These positive punk bands featured tribal drumming, high-pitched vocals, scratchy guitar, and bass as melodic lead instrument, and a visual look blending glam with Native American-influenced warpaint and spiky haircuts, the first generation of the UK’s post-punk Goth bands.<ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/punk.htm]</ref> Other related bands like [[Ausgang]], [[Inca Babies]], and [[Bone Orchard]] shared much of the tribal ethos and spiky look, but took more inspiration from [[The Birthday Party (band)|The Birthday Party]]. <ref>[http://www.deathrock.com/boneorchard/links.html]</ref>

During 1983, a related movement was brewing at a London [[Gothic Rock]] club called the [[Batcave (London nightclub)|Batcave]] <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/batcave.htm Scathe.Demon.co.uk]</ref>. Initially envisioned as a venue specializing in [[glam rock]] and [[New Wave music|new wave]] musical acts, the two main bands which debuted and performed frequently at the Batcave, [[Specimen (band)|Specimen]] and [[Alien Sex Fiend]], developed their own different sounds strongly influenced by horror in British [[pop culture]], which set them apart from the rest of the glam and post-punk scenes in Britain. Also in 1983, [[The Gun Club]] toured in Europe <ref>[http://www.trakmarx.com/2005_02/09_gunclub.htm TrakMarx.com]</ref> as did [[Christian Death]] <ref>[http://www.projekt.com/projekt/product.asp?sku=TXX60016 Projekt.com]</ref> which meant the European and the American deathrock scene were now able to directly influence one another.

By 1984, the term “”positive punk”” was outdated, and the tribal positive punk bands, the various bands from the Batcave scene, as well as the bands from [[Leeds]] (such as [[The Sisters of Mercy]] <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/gotbands.htm ScatheDemon.co.uk]</ref>, [[March Violets]], [[Red Lorry Yellow Lorry]], and others) some of which used drum-machines, had all come to be referred to as “”gothic”” <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/histgoth.htm Scathe.Demon.co.uk]</ref> or [[gothic rock]] <ref>[http://mutantnation.com/underground/goth.asp MutantNation.com]</ref>. The same year, California deathrock band [[Kommunity FK]] toured with [[Sex Gang Children]] (and the following year with [[Alien Sex Fiend]] <ref>[http://www.starvox.net/feat/kfk.htm Starvox]</ref>) which continued the trend in which American and British movements intermixed.

===Irreconcilable differences===

===Irreconcilable differences===

These early post-punk deathrock bands were not immediately identified as part of a new subgenre of punk; they were simply considered a darker flavor of punk and were not yet considered part of a separate musical movement <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/histgoth.htm Scathe.Demon.co.uk]</ref>. During this time, these bands would play at the same venues as punk, hardcore and [[new wave music|new wave]] bands.<ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/batcave.htm]</ref> A similar situation arose in New York circa 1978-79, albeit on a much smaller scale, in which influential punk rock bands like [[The Cramps]] and [[Misfits]], as well as [[The Mad]] (fronted by future horror-film effects artist Screaming Mad George) had incorporated extensive horror themes into their lyrics, visuals, and stage show, though they did not use the term “deathrock” to describe themselves.

These early post-punk deathrock bands were not immediately identified as part of a new subgenre of punk; they were simply considered a darker flavor of punk and were not yet considered part of a separate musical movement <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/histgoth.htm Scathe.Demon.co.uk]</ref>. During this time, these bands would play at the same venues as punk, hardcore and [[new wave music|new wave]] bands.<ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/batcave.htm]</ref> A similar situation arose in New York circa 1978-79, albeit on a much smaller scale, in which influential punk rock bands like [[The Cramps]] and [[Misfits]], as well as [[The Mad]] (fronted by future horror-film effects artist Screaming Mad George) had incorporated extensive horror themes into their lyrics, visuals, and stage show, though they did not use the term “deathrock” to describe themselves.

===Merger===

Around the same time as deathrock was emerging as a distinctively darker subgenre of punk rock in the United States, other subgenres of punk and [[post-punk]] were developing independently in the UK <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/histgoth.htm Scathe.Demon.co.uk]</ref>.

By 1982, a wave of darker, more tribal post-punk bands had coalesced, influenced by punk rock and the first-generation post-punk bands (and specifically the noisier 1980-81 post-punks [[UK Decay]], [[Killing Joke]], and [[Theatre of Hate]]). The primary bands in this new movement were [[Sex Gang Children]] and [[Southern Death Cult]]. Along with [[Brigandage]], [[Blood and Roses]], [[Ritual]], and others, they were dubbed “”positive punk”” by the UK press to differentiate them from other bands who were attempting to fly under the punk banner, such as the [[UK 82]] and [[Oi!]] acts. These positive punk bands featured tribal drumming, high-pitched vocals, scratchy guitar, and bass as melodic lead instrument, and a visual look blending glam with Native American-influenced warpaint and spiky haircuts, the first generation of the UK’s post-punk Goth bands.<ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/punk.htm]</ref> Other related bands like [[Ausgang]], [[Inca Babies]], and [[Bone Orchard]] shared much of the tribal ethos and spiky look, but took more inspiration from [[The Birthday Party (band)|The Birthday Party]]. <ref>[http://www.deathrock.com/boneorchard/links.html]</ref>

During 1983, a related movement was brewing at a London [[Gothic Rock]] club called the [[Batcave (London nightclub)|Batcave]] <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/batcave.htm Scathe.Demon.co.uk]</ref>. Initially envisioned as a venue specializing in [[glam rock]] and [[New Wave music|new wave]] musical acts, the two main bands which debuted and performed frequently at the Batcave, [[Specimen (band)|Specimen]] and [[Alien Sex Fiend]], developed their own different sounds strongly influenced by horror in British [[pop culture]], which set them apart from the rest of the glam and post-punk scenes in Britain. Also in 1983, [[The Gun Club]] toured in Europe <ref>[http://www.trakmarx.com/2005_02/09_gunclub.htm TrakMarx.com]</ref> as did [[Christian Death]] <ref>[http://www.projekt.com/projekt/product.asp?sku=TXX60016 Projekt.com]</ref> which meant the European and the American deathrock scene were now able to directly influence one another.

By 1984, the term “”positive punk”” was outdated, and the tribal positive punk bands, the various bands from the Batcave scene, as well as the bands from [[Leeds]] (such as [[The Sisters of Mercy]] <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/gotbands.htm ScatheDemon.co.uk]</ref>, [[March Violets]], [[Red Lorry Yellow Lorry]], and others) some of which used drum-machines, had all come to be referred to as “”gothic”” <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/histgoth.htm Scathe.Demon.co.uk]</ref> or [[gothic rock]] <ref>[http://mutantnation.com/underground/goth.asp MutantNation.com]</ref>. The same year, California deathrock band [[Kommunity FK]] toured with [[Sex Gang Children]] (and the following year with [[Alien Sex Fiend]] <ref>[http://www.starvox.net/feat/kfk.htm Starvox]</ref>) which continued the trend in which American and British movements intermixed.

===Irreconcilable differences===

===Irreconcilable differences===

By 1982, a wave of darker, more tribal post-punk bands had coalesced, influenced by punk rock and the first-generation post-punk bands (and specifically the noisier 1980-81 post-punks [[UK Decay]], [[Killing Joke]], and [[Theatre of Hate]]). The primary bands in this new movement were [[Sex Gang Children]] and [[Southern Death Cult]]. Along with [[Brigandage]], [[Blood and Roses]], [[Ritual]], and others, they were dubbed “”positive punk”” by the UK press to differentiate them from other bands who were attempting to fly under the punk banner, such as the [[UK 82]] and [[Oi!]] acts. These positive punk bands featured tribal drumming, high-pitched vocals, scratchy guitar, and bass as melodic lead instrument, and a visual look blending glam with Native American-influenced warpaint and spiky haircuts, the first generation of the UK’s post-punk Goth bands.<ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/punk.htm]</ref> Other related bands like [[Ausgang]], [[Inca Babies]], and [[Bone Orchard]] shared much of the tribal ethos and spiky look, but took more inspiration from [[The Birthday Party (band)|The Birthday Party]]. <ref>[http://www.deathrock.com/boneorchard/links.html]</ref>

By 1982, a wave of darker, more tribal post-punk bands had coalesced, influenced by punk rock and the first-generation post-punk bands (and specifically the noisier 1980-81 post-punks [[UK Decay]], [[Killing Joke]], and [[Theatre of Hate]]). The primary bands in this new movement were [[Sex Gang Children]] and [[Southern Death Cult]]. Along with [[Brigandage]], [[Blood and Roses]], [[Ritual]], and others, they were dubbed “”positive punk”” by the UK press to differentiate them from other bands who were attempting to fly under the punk banner, such as the [[UK 82]] and [[Oi!]] acts. These positive punk bands featured tribal drumming, high-pitched vocals, scratchy guitar, and bass as melodic lead instrument, and a visual look blending glam with Native American-influenced warpaint and spiky haircuts, the first generation of the UK’s post-punk Goth bands.<ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/punk.htm]</ref> Other related bands like [[Ausgang]], [[Inca Babies]], and [[Bone Orchard]] shared much of the tribal ethos and spiky look, but took more inspiration from [[The Birthday Party (band)|The Birthday Party]]. <ref>[http://www.deathrock.com/boneorchard/links.html]</ref>

During 1983, a related movement was brewing at a London club called the [[Batcave (London nightclub)|Batcave]] <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/batcave.htm Scathe.Demon.co.uk]</ref>. Initially envisioned as a venue specializing in [[glam rock]] and [[New Wave music|new wave]] musical acts, the two main bands which debuted and performed frequently at the Batcave, [[Specimen (band)|Specimen]] and [[Alien Sex Fiend]], developed their own different sounds strongly influenced by horror in British [[pop culture]], which set them apart from the rest of the glam and post-punk scenes in Britain. Also in 1983, [[The Gun Club]] toured in Europe <ref>[http://www.trakmarx.com/2005_02/09_gunclub.htm TrakMarx.com]</ref> as did [[Christian Death]] <ref>[http://www.projekt.com/projekt/product.asp?sku=TXX60016 Projekt.com]</ref> which meant the European and the American deathrock scene were now able to directly influence one another.

During 1983, a related movement was brewing at a London [[Gothic Rock]] club called the [[Batcave (London nightclub)|Batcave]] <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/batcave.htm Scathe.Demon.co.uk]</ref>. Initially envisioned as a venue specializing in [[glam rock]] and [[New Wave music|new wave]] musical acts, the two main bands which debuted and performed frequently at the Batcave, [[Specimen (band)|Specimen]] and [[Alien Sex Fiend]], developed their own different sounds strongly influenced by horror in British [[pop culture]], which set them apart from the rest of the glam and post-punk scenes in Britain. Also in 1983, [[The Gun Club]] toured in Europe <ref>[http://www.trakmarx.com/2005_02/09_gunclub.htm TrakMarx.com]</ref> as did [[Christian Death]] <ref>[http://www.projekt.com/projekt/product.asp?sku=TXX60016 Projekt.com]</ref> which meant the European and the American deathrock scene were now able to directly influence one another.

By 1984, the term “”positive punk”” was outdated, and the tribal positive punk bands, the various bands from the Batcave scene, as well as the bands from [[Leeds]] (such as [[The Sisters of Mercy]] <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/gotbands.htm ScatheDemon.co.uk]</ref>, [[March Violets]], [[Red Lorry Yellow Lorry]], and others) some of which used drum-machines, had all come to be referred to as “”gothic”” <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/histgoth.htm Scathe.Demon.co.uk]</ref> or [[gothic rock]] <ref>[http://mutantnation.com/underground/goth.asp MutantNation.com]</ref>. The same year, California deathrock band [[Kommunity FK]] toured with [[Sex Gang Children]] (and the following year with [[Alien Sex Fiend]] <ref>[http://www.starvox.net/feat/kfk.htm Starvox]</ref>) which continued the trend in which American and British movements intermixed.

By 1984, the term “”positive punk”” was outdated, and the tribal positive punk bands, the various bands from the Batcave scene, as well as the bands from [[Leeds]] (such as [[The Sisters of Mercy]] <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/gotbands.htm ScatheDemon.co.uk]</ref>, [[March Violets]], [[Red Lorry Yellow Lorry]], and others) some of which used drum-machines, had all come to be referred to as “”gothic”” <ref>[http://www.scathe.demon.co.uk/histgoth.htm Scathe.Demon.co.uk]</ref> or [[gothic rock]] <ref>[http://mutantnation.com/underground/goth.asp MutantNation.com]</ref>. The same year, California deathrock band [[Kommunity FK]] toured with [[Sex Gang Children]] (and the following year with [[Alien Sex Fiend]] <ref>[http://www.starvox.net/feat/kfk.htm Starvox]</ref>) which continued the trend in which American and British movements intermixed.

The current deathrock movement is similar to the original deathrock scene in Los Angeles and the Batcave movement in London <ref>[http://kisskissbangbang.bravehost.com/faq1.html KissKissBangBang.com]</ref>, but more unified in the US, UK, and Europe through various record labels. In addition to clubs, the current scene is centered around concerts, special events, parties, and horror movie screenings, as well as bands like Ex-VoTo,[[Cinema Strange]], [[Bloody Dead And Sexy]], [[Chants of Maldoror]], and [[Tragic Black]]. The [[internet]] is playing a major role in the deathrock revival. There are [[websites]] devoted to the discussion deathrock [[music]], [[Band (music)|bands]] and [[fashions]] as well as horror movies, such as [http://www.deathrock.com deathrock.com] and [http://www.post-punk.com post-punk.com], plus [[Electronic mailing list|mailing lists]] for deathrockers on various online virtual communities, such as [[MySpace]].

The current deathrock movement is similar to the original deathrock scene in Los Angeles and the Batcave movement in London <ref>[http://kisskissbangbang.bravehost.com/faq1.html KissKissBangBang.com]</ref>, but more unified in the US, UK, and Europe through various record labels. In addition to clubs, the current scene is centered around concerts, special events, parties, and horror movie screenings, as well as bands like Ex-VoTo,[[Cinema Strange]], [[Bloody Dead And Sexy]], [[Chants of Maldoror]], and [[Tragic Black]]. The [[internet]] is playing a major role in the deathrock revival. There are [[websites]] devoted to the discussion deathrock [[music]], [[Band (music)|bands]] and [[fashions]] as well as horror movies, such as [http://www.deathrock.com deathrock.com] and [http://www.post-punk.com post-punk.com], plus [[Electronic mailing list|mailing lists]] for deathrockers on various online virtual communities, such as [[MySpace]].

The deathrock/ Batcave movement in England is also growing quickly, particularly in [[London]]. Regular deathrock nights in the city, such as Dead & Buried (named after an [[Alien Sex Fiend]] song).

The deathrock movement in England is also growing quickly, particularly in [[London]]. Regular deathrock nights in the city, such as Dead & Buried (named after an [[Alien Sex Fiend]] song).

In contrast to the early deathrock movement, the current one has additional influences which didn’t exist in the late 1970s. First, there has been a shift to a more post-punk sound as a result of the influence of the European bands of the 80s. Second, there is the apolitical influence of [[psychobilly]] which discourages political debates that have the potential to fragment the scene (however a couple of famous death rock acts, [[TSOL]] and [[Rudimentary Peni]], were originally [[anarcho-punk]] bands, and there is still some slight crossover between the two scenes). The [[Drop Dead Festival]], which is similar to psychobilly’s Hootenanny, gives bands with smaller fan bases an opportunity to play before larger crowds <ref>[http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/07.18.02/allshookdown-0229.html MetroActive.com]</ref>.

In contrast to the early deathrock movement, the current one has additional influences which didn’t exist in the late 1970s. First, there has been a shift to a more post-punk sound as a result of the influence of the European bands of the 80s. Second, there is the apolitical influence of [[psychobilly]] which discourages political debates that have the potential to fragment the scene (however a couple of famous death rock acts, [[TSOL]] and [[Rudimentary Peni]], were originally [[anarcho-punk]] bands, and there is still some slight crossover between the two scenes). The [[Drop Dead Festival]], which is similar to psychobilly’s Hootenanny, gives bands with smaller fan bases an opportunity to play before larger crowds <ref>[http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/07.18.02/allshookdown-0229.html MetroActive.com]</ref>.

(For a more complete listing of influential artists, see [[List of forerunners of punk music|Punk Forerunners]] and [[Gothic rock#Musical predecessors .281960s.E2.80.931970s or Earlier.29|Gothic Rock predecessors]].)

(For a more complete listing of influential artists, see [[List of forerunners of punk music|Punk Forerunners]] and [[Gothic rock#Musical predecessors .281960s.E2.80.931970s or Earlier.29|Gothic Rock predecessors]].)

Horror movies also directly influenced deathrock artists. According to [[Dinah Cancer]], Italian horror movies were a large influence on [[45 Grave]]’s visual style <ref>[http://www.deathrock.it/content/view/12/10/lang,en_GB/ Deathrock.it]</ref>. Zombie movies influenced many deathrock artists, especially [[George Romero]]’s ”[[Night of the Living Dead]]” (1968) and its sequels. John Russo’s ”[[Return of the Living Dead]]” (1985) which featured [[Linnea Quigley]] and a mostly punk soundtrack<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005Y6Y2/ Amazon.com]</ref> influenced later deathrock bands. Horror-themed TV shows, such as ”[[The Addams Family]]”, ”[[The Munsters]]”, ”[[The Twilight Zone]]”, ”[[Dark Shadows]]”, etc., also provided some visual influence, as did spookily-clad horror movie hosts on TV such as [[Vampira]] <ref>[http://partigirl.www1.50megs.com/VAMPIRA.html PartiGirl.com]</ref> in Los Angeles, [[John Zacherle]] in Philadelphia and New York, [[Elvira]] in Los Angeles (then later nationally), and [[Ghoulardi]] <ref>[http://www.emplive.org/visit/education/popConfBio.asp?xPopConfBioID=543&year=2005 EmpLive.org]</ref> in Cleveland.

Horror movies also directly influenced deathrock artists. According to [[Dinah Cancer]], Italian horror movies were a large influence on [[45 Grave]]’s visual style <ref>[http://www.deathrock.it/content/view/12/10/lang,en_GB/ Deathrock.it]</ref>. Zombie movies influenced many deathrock artists, especially [[George Romero]]’s ”[[Night of the Living Dead]]” (1968) and its sequels. John Russo’s ”[[Return of the Living Dead]]” (1985) which featured [[Linnea Quigley]] and a mostly punk soundtrack<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005Y6Y2/ Amazon.com]</ref> influenced later deathrock bands. Horror-themed TV shows, such as ”[[The Addams Family (TV series)|The Addams Family]]”, ”[[The Munsters]]”, ”[[The Twilight Zone (1959 TV series)|The Twilight Zone]]”, ”[[Dark Shadows]]”, etc., also provided some visual influence, as did spookily-clad horror movie hosts on TV such as [[Vampira]] <ref>[http://partigirl.www1.50megs.com/VAMPIRA.html PartiGirl.com]</ref> in Los Angeles, [[John Zacherle]] in Philadelphia and New York, [[Elvira]] in Los Angeles (then later nationally), and [[Ghoulardi]] <ref>[http://www.emplive.org/visit/education/popConfBio.asp?xPopConfBioID=543&year=2005 EmpLive.org]</ref> in Cleveland.

However, horror was not the only influence on deathrock. Film noir, surrealism, cabaret, and various religious iconography (particularly [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholicism]] and [[Voodoo]] supplied much lyrical and visual inspiration to deathrock artists.<ref>[http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/weekly_article/england-fades-away-stylus-magazines-guide-to-goth.htm]</ref>

However, horror was not the only influence on deathrock. Film noir, surrealism, cabaret, and various religious iconography (particularly [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholicism]] and [[Voodoo]] supplied much lyrical and visual inspiration to deathrock artists.<ref>[http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/weekly_article/england-fades-away-stylus-magazines-guide-to-goth.htm]</ref>

===Revival===

===Revival===

[[Image:deathrockers.jpg|thumb|300px|Dinah Cancer and other deathrockers at Release the Bats.]]

[[Image:deathrockers.jpg|thumb|300px|Dinah Cancer and other deathrockers at Release the Bats.]]

Nearly 20 years after deathrock and Batcave first appeared on the music scenes in Southern California and London, the deathrock [[revival]] began in Southern California. During 1998 in [[Long Beach, California]], owners of the Que Sera, a local bar asked Jeremy “Jermz” Meza and friends, to throw a one-night “old school” Gothic Halloween party. After the success of the one-off party, the event quickly evolved into a regular deathrock club called Release the Bats <ref>[http://www.releasethebats.info/ ReleaseTheBats.info]</ref> and a focal point in California for the reemerging deathrock movement. (The club is named after a song by the Australian band [[The Birthday Party (band)|the Birthday Party]].)

Nearly 20 years after deathrock and Batcave first appeared on the music scenes in Southern California and London, the deathrock revival began in Southern California. During 1998 in [[Long Beach, California]], owners of the Que Sera, a local bar asked Jeremy “Jermz” Meza and friends, to throw a one-night “old school” Gothic Halloween party. After the success of the one-off party, the event quickly evolved into a regular deathrock club called Release the Bats <ref>[http://www.releasethebats.info/ ReleaseTheBats.info]</ref> and a focal point in California for the reemerging deathrock movement. (The club is named after a song by the Australian band [[The Birthday Party (band)|the Birthday Party]].)

The current deathrock movement is similar to the original deathrock scene in Los Angeles and the Batcave movement in London <ref>[http://kisskissbangbang.bravehost.com/faq1.html KissKissBangBang.com]</ref>, but more unified in the US, UK, and Europe through various record labels. In addition to clubs, the current scene is centered around concerts, special events, parties, and horror movie screenings, as well as bands like Ex-VoTo,[[Cinema Strange]], [[Bloody Dead And Sexy]], [[Chants of Maldoror]], and [[Tragic Black]]. The [[internet]] is playing a major role in the deathrock [[revival]]. There are [[websites]] devoted to the discussion deathrock [[music]], [[Band (music)|bands]] and [[fashions]] as well as horror movies, such as [http://www.deathrock.com deathrock.com] and [http://www.post-punk.com post-punk.com], plus [[Electronic mailing list|mailing lists]] for deathrockers on various online virtual communities, such as [[MySpace]].

The current deathrock movement is similar to the original deathrock scene in Los Angeles and the Batcave movement in London <ref>[http://kisskissbangbang.bravehost.com/faq1.html KissKissBangBang.com]</ref>, but more unified in the US, UK, and Europe through various record labels. In addition to clubs, the current scene is centered around concerts, special events, parties, and horror movie screenings, as well as bands like Ex-VoTo,[[Cinema Strange]], [[Bloody Dead And Sexy]], [[Chants of Maldoror]], and [[Tragic Black]]. The [[internet]] is playing a major role in the deathrock revival. There are [[websites]] devoted to the discussion deathrock [[music]], [[Band (music)|bands]] and [[fashions]] as well as horror movies, such as [http://www.deathrock.com deathrock.com] and [http://www.post-punk.com post-punk.com], plus [[Electronic mailing list|mailing lists]] for deathrockers on various online virtual communities, such as [[MySpace]].

The deathrock/ Batcave movement in England is also growing quickly, particularly in [[London]]. Regular deathrock nights in the city, such as Dead & Buried (named after an [[Alien Sex Fiend]] song).

The deathrock/ Batcave movement in England is also growing quickly, particularly in [[London]]. Regular deathrock nights in the city, such as Dead & Buried (named after an [[Alien Sex Fiend]] song).

==Characteristics==

==Characteristics==

Deathrock emphasizes a [[creepy]] atmosphere and an introspective mood within a punk and eerie goth [[musical structure]]. Deathrock songs use simple chords, echoing guitars, a prominent [[Bass guitar|bass]], and drumming which emphasizes repetitive, punk beats within a [[4/4]] time signature and often produced using a [[drum machine]]. To create atmosphere, scratchy guitars, spooky or sinister synths, and experimentation with other instruments are sometimes used. Lyrics can vary, but are typically introspective, surreal, and deal with the dark themes of isolation, disillusionment, loss, depression, life, death, etc, as can the style, varying from harsh, to melodic and melancholic, to upbeat and tongue-in-cheek. Deathrock lyrics and other musical stylistic elements often incorporate the themes of campy [[horror film|horror]] and [[science fiction film|sci-fi]] films, which in turn leads some bands to adopt elements of [[rockabilly]] and [[surf rock]]. <ref>[http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/weekly_article/england-fades-away-stylus-magazines-guide-to-goth.htm]</ref>

Deathrock emphasizes a [[creepy]] atmosphere and an introspective mood within a punk and eerie goth [[musical structure]]. Deathrock songs use simple chords, echoing guitars, a prominent [[Bass guitar|bass]], and drumming which emphasizes repetitive, post-punk and tribal beats within a [[4/4]] time signature and often produced using a [[drum machine]]. To create atmosphere, scratchy guitars, spooky or sinister synths, and experimentation with other instruments are sometimes used. Lyrics can vary, but are typically introspective, surreal, and deal with the dark themes of isolation, disillusionment, loss, depression, life, death, etc, as can the style, varying from harsh, to melodic and melancholic, to upbeat and tongue-in-cheek. Deathrock lyrics and other musical stylistic elements often incorporate the themes of campy [[horror film|horror]] and [[science fiction film|sci-fi]] films, which in turn leads some bands to adopt elements of [[rockabilly]] and [[surf rock]]. <ref>[http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/weekly_article/england-fades-away-stylus-magazines-guide-to-goth.htm]</ref>

However, the frequently simple song structures, heavy atmosphere and rhythmic music place a great demand on the lead vocalist to convey complex emotions, so deathrock singers typically have strong, distinctive voices and a strong stage presence.<ref>[http://www.starvox.net/crypt/3april2.htm StarVox.net]</ref>

However, the frequently simple song structures, heavy atmosphere and rhythmic music place a great demand on the lead vocalist to convey complex emotions, so deathrock singers typically have strong, distinctive voices and a strong stage presence.<ref>[http://www.starvox.net/crypt/3april2.htm StarVox.net]</ref>

===Revival===

===Revival===

[[Image:deathrockers.jpg|thumb|300px|Dinah Cancer and other deathrockers at Release the Bats.]]

[[Image:deathrockers.jpg|thumb|300px|Dinah Cancer and other deathrockers at Release the Bats.]]

Nearly 20 years after deathrock and Batcave first appeared on the music scenes in Southern California and London, the deathrock [[revival]] began in Southern California. During 1998 in [[Long Beach, California]], owners of the Que Sera, a local bar Jeremy “Jermz” Meza and friends, to throw a one-night “old school” Gothic Halloween party. After the success of the one-off party, the event quickly evolved into a regular deathrock club called Release the Bats <ref>[http://www.releasethebats.info/ ReleaseTheBats.info]</ref> and a focal point in California for the reemerging deathrock movement. (The club is named after a song by the Australian band [[The Birthday Party (band)|the Birthday Party]].)

Nearly 20 years after deathrock and Batcave first appeared on the music scenes in Southern California and London, the deathrock [[revival]] began in Southern California. During 1998 in [[Long Beach, California]], owners of the Que Sera, a local bar asked Jeremy “Jermz” Meza and friends, to throw a one-night “old school” Gothic Halloween party. After the success of the one-off party, the event quickly evolved into a regular deathrock club called Release the Bats <ref>[http://www.releasethebats.info/ ReleaseTheBats.info]</ref> and a focal point in California for the reemerging deathrock movement. (The club is named after a song by the Australian band [[The Birthday Party (band)|the Birthday Party]].)

The current deathrock movement is similar to the original deathrock scene in Los Angeles and the Batcave movement in London <ref>[http://kisskissbangbang.bravehost.com/faq1.html KissKissBangBang.com]</ref>, but more unified in the US, UK, and Europe through various record labels. In addition to clubs, the current scene is centered around concerts, special events, parties, and horror movie screenings, as well as bands like Ex-VoTo,[[Cinema Strange]], [[Bloody Dead And Sexy]], [[Chants of Maldoror]], and [[Tragic Black]]. The [[internet]] is playing a major role in the deathrock [[revival]]. There are [[websites]] devoted to the discussion deathrock [[music]], [[Band (music)|bands]] and [[fashions]] as well as horror movies, such as [http://www.deathrock.com deathrock.com] and [http://www.post-punk.com post-punk.com], plus [[Electronic mailing list|mailing lists]] for deathrockers on various online virtual communities, such as [[MySpace]].

The current deathrock movement is similar to the original deathrock scene in Los Angeles and the Batcave movement in London <ref>[http://kisskissbangbang.bravehost.com/faq1.html KissKissBangBang.com]</ref>, but more unified in the US, UK, and Europe through various record labels. In addition to clubs, the current scene is centered around concerts, special events, parties, and horror movie screenings, as well as bands like Ex-VoTo,[[Cinema Strange]], [[Bloody Dead And Sexy]], [[Chants of Maldoror]], and [[Tragic Black]]. The [[internet]] is playing a major role in the deathrock [[revival]]. There are [[websites]] devoted to the discussion deathrock [[music]], [[Band (music)|bands]] and [[fashions]] as well as horror movies, such as [http://www.deathrock.com deathrock.com] and [http://www.post-punk.com post-punk.com], plus [[Electronic mailing list|mailing lists]] for deathrockers on various online virtual communities, such as [[MySpace]].