7 Recent Goth Rock Tracks to Gloom Out to

The state of goth rock in 2024 is pretty strong. There are plenty of passionate younger bands keeping the old school spirit of the music alive, and there are also those offering their own spin on things. Last year saw a marked increase in visiblity for the genre, with both classic acts and rising stars releasing music and/or touring the U.S. and Europe. It’s been an exciting time for the goth/darkwave world.

Here are 7 recent dark and moody tracks worth diving into.

“Dead Inside” by ACTORS (Single, 2024)

This recent release from Vancouver post-punk quartet ACTORS emulates the beat from Bauhaus’ “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” and riffs on the opening of the vampire movie The Hunger (which featured Peter Murphy and his bandmates performing that hit) in the video. It’s a loving homage with its own identity that still sounds fresh.

“Symbiosis” by Casket Cassette from Love Letters to Ghosts (2023)

Here’s a dark yet perky, synthy goth tune where Constant Williams’ ominous vocals get immersed in the mix to became part of the overall color of the song. Guitar and vocal echo and percolating keyboards abound on this high-energy, dance-friendly tune. If you like “Symbiosis,” also check out “Spine” (with Carrellee) from the new Losses EP.

“Without a Doubt” by Color Theory/My Manifesto (Single, 2024)

Perhaps more goth-adjacent, the one-man band of Color Theory (aka Brian Hazard) calls his music “melancholy retrosynth” that was influenced by a childhood weaned on the likes of The Cure, Depeche Mode, and The Smiths. Works for us. He teams up with fellow ‘80s-influenced artist My Manifesto (Nick Comanici, who takes the lead, while Hazard handles the harmonies) for this deliciously downbeat, lush track which tackles drinking and depression.

“Ghost of the West Coast” by Corlyx from Up on the Cross EP (2024)

A song inspired by this duo’s exodus from Los Angeles that led to the birth of Corlyx, “Ghost of the West Coast” is an energetic rock banger with an assertive chorus. Singer/video director Caitlin Stokes and guitarist/producer Brandon Ashley have ‘80s and ‘90s influences for sure, and they wanted to include some ‘70s-style guitar here. Touring bassist Davide Rocco also contributes to this memorable cut.

“Barbwire Kiss” by Night Club from Masochist (2024)

When the group recently posted that someone thought of them as a “Gothic Aqua,” fans chimed in that they felt the more apt comparison was of a Gothic or depressed Britney Spears. That tracks. Singer Emily Cavanaugh was a die-hard fan of hers in high school, and she and synthesist Mark Brooks create beguilingly saturnine songs that sound like a merger of those dark and light styles. They always create visually striking videos to go with their memorable tracks. Check out the dancing in this clip.

“Like a Hammer” by Then Comes Silence from Trickery (2024)

Here’s some driving goth/post-punk from this Sweden trio. If you tend to favor guitar-oriented over electronic-flavored dark music, then check these guys out. As with ACTORS above, at a time when there’s a dearth of live drummers in goth, it’s nice to get a full rock band that’s tight and invigorating. “Like a Hammer” is one of those tracks that could translate to a larger audience because it can also appeal to hard rock fans.

“Cauldron of Thorns” by Twin Tribes from Pendulum (2024)

Over the last few years, this Texas twosome (Luis Navarro and Joel Niño, Jr.) has built up a big following with their moody, ethereal brand of darkwave. This second single from their newest album features a nice blend of synths and flittering guitar and the signature propulsion they being to their music. Two Tribes have been on fire this year, playing dozens of shows across North and South America and Europe.

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Photo of Casket Cassette via Instagram