Gothik

(Cleopatra)
by Angela Dauthi

If not definite, Gothik is certainly a complete overview of the “darker side of music.” Taking Gothic sub-genres from 1983-1985, Cleopatra records has put them in a two hour, two disc set. There’s enough for everyone; don’t be greedy around that vein…

There’s old Alien Sex Fiend here, spitting out bile and horror mixed with machine parts. There’s The Wake, swelling in erotic baritone, darkwave and vampires. Executive Slacks forces Gothic industrial down your throat, tearing and ripping as you try to swallow. EXP have even come up with “experimental Gothic,” generating sounds that twist the skull and contents within, all in the context of a groove. You can hear the brooding, breeding pain in every gasp of Prophetess, and how could you have a goth compilation without Christian Death? Although it’s after Gitane DeMone left the band (she does a solo track here as well), they still have seized the crown and held on. Switchblade Symphony makes the soundtrack for hundreds of nightcrawling lives.

With thirty-three bands, national and international, showcased on Gothik, covering virtually all aspects and years of the goth scene, a complete review would take a full page. Needless to say, darkness has fallen. The discs have unreleased tracks as well as classics. Grab your eyeliner, it’s time to stalk the streets, looking for healthy flesh.