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Here's a list of bands I like, or might like, or at least fit the idea I was trying to convey when I created this list. Almost all of the following descriptions and reviews come from Internet sources, so don't blame me for typos, unfavorable statements, etc. I offer no apologies for excluding a lot of purely metal, classical, industrial, and EBM music groups.

For each entry, the format is:

BAND NAME : DESCRIPTION [SOURCE]

Please send additions, corrections, and band descriptions to:
David House (dhouse@gothic.net)

= Recently Updated
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(NOTE: Many more recommendations and links to sounds will be added soon)

Vae Victis

French Dark/Goth/depressive band. ["B.U.L." , Mon, 03 Nov 1997]

Valmont

Recording and performing since 1991, Valmont is both the name of the act and the artist responsible for both the music and the vision. 1998 finds him featured on a nationally distributed compilation, touring regionally, and working toward the completion of his first label release as he continues to view the world through a glass darkly. Influenced heavily by, and drawing comparisons to such artists as Clan of Xymox, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Peter Murphy, and Gary Numan, VALMONT seeks to bring a songwriter's touch to electronic music. The style maintains an atmospheric, dreamy quality: thick, steady rhythms push along the choirs and strings. The mood and themes are often dark: turbulent emotions, sexual tension, violence, suicide.. Buzzwords often used to describe it are "Gothic", "Gothic-Industrial", and even "New Romantic". It may not be the kind of "Gothic" or "New Romantic" that some listeners are used to, but it soon will be. [http://www.idrecords.com/valmont.html]

Vampire Nation

From the very first strains of the Egyptian bagpipes that kick off this album and the cover photos of the Sphinx, I knew I was in for an otherworldly experience with Vampire Nation's debut on a Los Angeles label known mainly for gothic rock bands such as Praise of Folly and The Deep Eynde. What Fredrik of the Nation has created is an innovative, almost unique brand of electronic music, steeped in the "darkwave" movement that blends goth with diverse elements but broad in the sweeping scope of its orgionality. His multi-textured, mostly beat-oriented keyboard sound incorporates everything from a Native American shaman to Gregorian chants and Middle Eastern percussion, as well as a hip-hop influenced bass sound he mysteriously calls "coven funk." Beneath the surface, I detect hints of Lycia in the way he layers the dark synth voices, Muslimgauze for the exotic percussion arsenal, and perhaps Enigma for the danceable chant style. But these are only vague signposts, as I said there is really nothing that sounds like Vampire Nation. [http://members.aol.com/Vampnation/hex.html] [http://members.aol.com/FORTIFY/]

Various Artists

• The Black Bible:(1998) Cleopatra's newest compilation is a four disc set of rare and unreleased gothic, ethereal, industrial, and experimental music. If the limited edition (1,500) single- disc promo copy I received is any indication of the quality of the comp, I'll be buying it myself! There's plenty of old-school (Fields of the Nephilim, Bauhaus, The Wake) and enough new sounds (Gary Numan, Genitorturers, Suspiria) to keep things from getting too dated. When I saw the song titles I thought that it was just another comp of previously released material, but how wrong I was! Many of the songs here are alternate mixes, remixes, or demos of well-known goth classics. Truly another fun compilation from the folks at Cleo. [http://www.people.virginia.edu/~mwk2c/darkvelvet]

• Industrial Baby!:(1998) A double-disc set of industrial/electro/techno that spans the globe--you'll find bands here from the US, Australia, and England, etc. After listening to the pioneer industrial/techno band Attrition doing "The Merry Machine '97 Remix," everyone else here just seems like a copycat. On the other hand, this is a compilation and overlap is expected. Highlights are State of Being, Grace Overthrone, Glampire, Angry White Mob, Neuroactive, and Bride of the Atom. This disc could benefit too from being a single disc of strong songs instead a rambling two disc (I said the same about The Pink and the Black). In general, this is a fine set of industrial songs that will introduce you to underground bands and styles that may be unfamiliar. [http://www.people.virginia.edu/~mwk2c/darkvelvet] [http://www.delinquent.com/].

• Middle Pillar Presents...What Is Eternal:(1998) Kevin Dunn, the owner of Middle Pillar Distribution in New York City, has a vision. If you have ever visited the MP website at http://www.middlepillar.com, you have an idea of what it is just by browsing his extensive catalog of hard to find material by the World Serpent label stable (Death In June, Sol Invictus, etc.) as well as releases by small goth, esoteric, industrial, and experimental labels from all over the globe. This beautifully packaged limited edition (1,000) compilation is Middle Pillar's first and is a testament to Kevin's musical perspective and vision. Here you'll find exclusive songs or mixes by groups such as Mors Syphilitica (Petals In Sequence), The Machine in the Garden (Falling Softly), and Jarboe (Breathe). As a new fan of the music of Backworld, an apocalyptic folk band from New York (they're on the World Serpent label), it's a pleasure to see them here with a remix of the song "Leaving the Isles of the Blest." Other bands represented here are Loretta's Doll, Dream Into Dust, The Changelings, 4th Sign of the Apocalypse, Unto Ashes, Quartet Noire, The Mirror Reveals, Athanor, and Zoar. Even with the diversity, the transition between songs is flawless and this disc has the feeling of one large soundscape with different movements. There isn't a bad song here and fans of any of the bands mentioned need this disc. That's right, you don't just want it, you need it! [http://www.people.virginia.edu/~mwk2c/darkvelvet] [http://www.middlepillar.com/]

• The Nitha Fields:(1998) This is a must have for all World Serpent fans (Death In June, Sol Invictus, Fire+Ice, etc.) and fans of the band Blood Axis. In fact, most of the bands here are in some way connected to Michael Moynihan's group Blood Axis. The first two tracks "Noxialicht" and "Golden Night" are excellent apocalyptic folk pieces with militaristic atmosphere by Ian Read (best known as the voice behind many of the classic Sol Invictus songs) and Matthew Butler--the first song is under the monicker Fire+Ice with Read on lead vocals and the second is marked as Lux E Tenebris with Butler at the healm. Blood Axis brings to the comp their song "The Hangman and the Papist"--one of their best (see also the review of their new live disc). The contributions by the German band Allerseelen come as a big surprise---I've never really liked them, but the two songs here "Alle Lust will Ewigkeit" and "Traumlied" are both strong and full of energy. There are two side projects here by Annabel Lee of Blood Axis: Waldteufel and Alraune. Both of these projects show how much her violin work really contributes to and tempers the overall musical sound of Blood Axis. This compilation, with its fine selection of songs and full-color booklet, is an excellent overview of music of strength and future glory. Email Ultra at ultrdisc@aol.com . [http://www.people.virginia.edu/~mwk2c/darkvelvet]

• Of Passion and Remembrance:(1998) Subtitled "A collection of darkness and beauty," this compilation is for every lover of goth and darkwave. Gossamer, Ohio's premier old-school goth band, opens up the disc with their amazing dance-floor friendly song "Run." Charlottesville, Virginia's own Bella Morte keep the momentum alive with the new romantic synth-pop goth feel of "Relics," but then give the old-school rock out with "Remains." Another local favorite, Vehemence Realized (from Richmond, VA) gives a chilling performance with "Old"--and this song really captures their Death In June meets darkwave live sound. Other bands here include Carmilla's Dress, Valmont, Gelgoloth, Rapture, and Slave Cradle--all of which contribute great songs. Now, if I could just edit out the super-silly Vampire Nation Gangster Coven song, I'd be even more joyous. (While VNGC considers his music misunderstood, I can't really can't consider him talking to an answering machine good music.) Thank goodness for the edit feature on CD players. My , this is a great compilation that needs all of the attention that it deserves...go buy it voraciously! [http://www.people.virginia.edu/~mwk2c/darkvelvet] [http://www.idrecords.com/]

• Saints and Sorcerers:(1996) A great compilation of gothic, experimental, and darkwave bands. Everything from the acid goth of the Babylonian Tiles to the old-school goth sound of Praise of Folly to the ethereal sounds of Blue Dahlia. You'll find the rare "4-4-4" by The Deep Eynde here as well. I'm not a big spender when it comes to compilations, but this one has introduced me to some new bands and re-acquainted me with some old ones--I'd say that it's worth every penny. [http://www.people.virginia.edu/~mwk2c/darkvelvet] [http://www.saintthomasrecords.com/]

• Saints and Sorcerers II:(1998) Like its predecessor, this edition of Saints and Sorcerers is a great compilation of goth and neo-goth bands. Songs by Praise of Folly (old-school goth), Procession of Faith (darkwave), Cruciform (a World Serpent-esque band), and Babylonian Tiles (acid goth) make this comp a great addition to any collection. As with the Of Passion and Remembrance comp, the big downfall is the monotonous and repetitious Vampire Nation track. It's a different track (this one being "Egyptian Sex Magik"), but this one-man band has absolutely no talent (in the studio or live). But, don't let one track keep you from exploring this great compilation. [http://www.people.virginia.edu/~mwk2c/darkvelvet] [http://www.saintthomasrecords.com/]

Vas

Vas is a duo of singer and santoor player Azam Ali and percussionist Greg Ellis. Ali is Iranian born but raised in India and she brings those influences to bear on her songs which are sung in a hybrid language reminiscent of Lisa Gerrard. Vas are from Los Angeles. [http://www.echodisc.com/cat.voice.html]

• Sunyata: (1997) Quite simply, the best album of 1997. Ellis makes a propulsive, sometimes atmospheric rhythm bed through which Ali's voice twirls in soaring, often heartrending arabesques. If you love Dead Can Dance, you want this album. [http://www.echodisc.com/cat.voice.html] Sunyata is the debut recording from Vas. I love a beautiful voice and Azam is the embodiment of middle eastern mystery. With the use of drums, percussion and the human voice a harmony of true wonder is created. [http://www.nevermore.com/theoracle/cds.html]

• Offerings: (1998) The mysterious female chant/singing, resonant sitars, and Eastern ambience of Vas's new cd _Offerings_ remind one strongly of Dead Can Dance/Lisa Gerard solo work. Even the titles are similar: made-up words, esoteric references to myth, (e.g. Mist-Weaving; The Temple of the Maiden). This new work is even more expansive than their last outing, _Sunyata_. The chanteuse's voice is even fuller than before, and they are more reliant on harmonic instruments, whereas before, it was basically drums and voice. Ali Azam's Iranian dulcimer (the santour) fiercer and more percussive on this album as well. This cd has the same mystic/escapist feel any 4AD lp, sans the gothic overcast. One of the best world/ethereal cds of the year. [Craig Gidney, cgidney@nas.edu, 22 Dec 1998]

Vazz

• Something Never Meant:

Vegasphere

Dark electronic pop band from Ontario. [http://www.gothicsociety.com/fm2/links.html] With their roots in dark pop music, VEGASPHERE have been described as "Techno-industrial". They are in the same vein as Depeche Mode and Jesus Jones. Whenever VEGASPHERE is performing with bands like Spahn Ranch, C-Tec, or the New Creatures or spending endless hours in the recording studio, their songs are the focus of their undivided attention. [http://www.vegasphere.com/main.html]

• Life's Little Transparencies:

• Driven E.P.:

Vehemence Realized

Their music is often described as "hauntingly beautiful", while evoking images of "walking in the city, in the rain, at night." We are accepted as gothic with a label of "dark pop". V.R. creates atmosphere with complimenting melodies and a "huge" and intimate sound... featuring voice, trumpet, synthesizer, and unrelenting darkness and honesty. [http://www.carpemortem.com/vehemence/] [http://www.idrecords.com/vehemence.html]

Veil

(FEMALE-VOCALS, ROCK) Attempting a gothic sound comparable to mid-period Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bryan Gregory's first post-Cramps project, the aptly titled Beast, was nothing like his old group. The Beast's three 45s in the early-'80s were of mixed quality, and Gregory soon faded into obscurity. His three bandmates, however, moved to the UK and forged ahead as the Veil, releasing an underrated album of dark poptones like "Manikin," "Twist" (both singles) and "Love in a Dying World" (a Beast remake). Vocalist Andrella's wispy voice and quasi-Egyptian shtick manage to charm even when some of the material does not. [http://www.trouserpress.com/bandpages/VEIL.html]

Veil of Shadows

hello, i am colleen from veil of shadows. we are a goth band from baltimore..... just wanted to get some on line friends and see if anyone wants to bo on the mailing list. write me for our bio's and any info. [vyvyne@webtv.net (Colleen Lyons), 1997/08/08, alt.gothic.music]

The Veldt

(ROCK) (review of "Afrodisiac") From Raleigh NC; Choice. This music is mellow, with beat and that great guitar-in-a-tin-can effect. Many influences shape The Veldt's sound, yet among The Cure, Cocteau Twins, and Public Enemy, none hold the flag. While certain songs suffer from a stylistic Sybil complex, others possess an equilibrium of rock that soothes. The mini song teasers glow in the dark! Another high, the band's touring-buds: Fishbone, Catherine Wheel, and Lush. With the release of Afrodisiac on Mercury, we'll see if this buzz lasts! [http://www.wired.com/wired/2.03/departments/music.reviews.html]

Velouria

Now known as Anilore. [www.middlepillar.com]

Velvet Belly

(ACOUSTIC, FEMALE-VOCALS) Norwegian, like Bel Canto, adopting a structure of melodic songs with a female vocalist but much more acoustic than electronic. Also, instead of sounding like the aforementioned group, Velvet Belly seem closer to America. [http://www.puug.pt/symbiose/pages/info.html]

Velvet Chain

(FEMALE-VOCALS, ETHEREAL) Velvet Chain is an "alternative-adult-contemporary" band built around the sultry vocals of Erika Amato and the inventive song writing and arranging of Jeff Stacy. Notably heavy on groove, the sound is smooth, melodic, and easy on the ears." [http://www.iuma.com/IUMA/band_html/Velvet_Chain.html]

Velvet Kelvin

(DREAMPOP,MALE-VOCALS,FOLK) Dreampop folk from West Virginia. [http://surf.to/velvetkelvin] [https://members.tripod.com/~chidden/sounds.html]

Velvet Violet

(ELECTRONIC, INDUSTRIAL) (review of "Valley of Shadows") The celebrated follow up "Valley of Shadows" took the music in a new direction while still keeping it's original and experimental edge. The album has been described as a strange blend of electronic goth a la Skinny Puppy or Ministry , Haunting piano pieces reminiscent of This Mortal Coil , unrelenting drum beats hint at a Sisters Of Mercy influence. [http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Mezzanine/1841/Home.html]

Ventricle

ambient, gothic sound collage featuring female vocals [http://www.ventricle.com/]

Venus Walk

(FEMALE-VOCALS, ROCK) The CD "Side Effect" is the combination of electronics and strong rhythms interwoven with female vocals to create a modern electro-goth sound. This new CD has ten tracks that range from hard-edged to intriguing, dark and smooth. One of the songs "Isolation" can be heard on the Ras Dva compilation "There is no Time" [http://www.execpc.com/~pinedell/4.html] (review of "Side Effect") What is it with San Francisco lately? It seems to be THE place right now for anyone in an electro-goth based band. First, Switchblade Symphony came about and helped resculpt the gothic scene as we know it. Now, we have Venus Walk, the duo of Andrea DiNapoli and David Winn. They seem to be taking what Switchblade Symphony started with and elevating it one step further. Although many of the songs have the tendency to blend into one, there is some definite creativity brewing in this young band's eyes. Most tracks are handled vocally and lyrically by DiNapoli, a young lass with a beautiful voice - even though she seems to step on Souxies's toes now and then. (it's time to let the Banchees rest kids). David Winn does take the reigns on the track "Volition", which sheds a new light on this already promising new band. I would say that the only true problem I have with this CD is that it tends to be a little low tech for my tastes. Maybe if there were some higher quality machinery involved in the recording process this could've been even better. But that's not enough to bring down the overall song writing ability of this impressive duo. I look forward to whatever they produce in the near future. [http://ezines.net/panopticon/frameset.htm]

Veronica Black Morpheus Nipple

The band shares a strong affinity with many of the fashion conscious new wave and synthpop bands of the early eighties, as well as some of the older pioneering electronic/noise bands like Kraftwerk, The Silver Apples, The Village People, Einsturzende Neubauten, and Leonard Cohen. "This finely-crafted, smartly arranged industrial/goth/synth music alternately oozes and snaps." [http://www.wickeddisc.com/vbmn.htm]

Via Crucis

Heavy Christian Goth. [http://faraday.ee.unf.edu/~kbrigm/underground.html]

Vidna Obmana

Long-time ambient explorer, building a good reputation as maker of beautiful but also chilling, relaxing atmospheres. [http://www.puug.pt/symbiose/pages/info.html]

• The River of Appearance: (1996) This release-one of Projekt's litany of moody bands-could easily be called darkwave (Goth ambient for the uninitiated) lite. A lush, pretty piece of electronic orchestral fluff with slow-changing chords bound by such "earthy" effects as clay pots, water bottles and rainsticks. I'd prefer more variety in the sounds (the piano/very artificial synth chords wear thin after a while), and some of the chord sequences are a bit stilted and obvious, but the general feel is soothing enough. No single track stands out; in fact, they tend to swirl together in a tide of rich and complex harmonies. The sound quality is top-notch. Hey, Goths need elevator music, too. [http://www.oculus.com/review22.html]

• Trilogy: A luxurious flow of gentle atmospheric keyboard dominated music originally recorded over a period of years from 1990 to 1992. Inspiring, uplifting and intensely spiritual. The 3 CD's are split up into 3 categories. Passage In Beauty, Shadowing In Sorrow, Ending Mirage with an accompanying explanation and a modest photo booklet which aught to be studied along with the music to understand the total beauty.

• Memories Compiled 1: A compilation of earlier recordings from this ethereal project. Recorded between 1988- 1989. Darker than some of the later work, but still atmospheric and otherworldly. [http://www.nightbrd.demon.co.uk/catalogue/catalog.html]

• Twilight of Perception: In this CD, Belgian composer put his pieces of music which are previously unreleased or were contributions to international samplers. Compared to his recent release "The River Of Appearance", "Twilight..." is less conceptual and presents much more diverse stuff, ranging from silent and meditative ambient to traditional Turkey-music inspired "Traditional Spirit (gulum seni)" and a perfect abstraction in "Primary (gamelan 3)". So, if you are searching for a one-mood conceptual ambient record, this CD is not for you. "Twilight..." is extremely diverse and presents various sides of one of the most outstanding modern ambient creators. A must for each fan of classical ambient. Rating: 4.25/5. [http://www.cs.auc.dk/~giedrius/edge/issue12/r12goth.htm]

View/Vicious Circle

Two names for the same band. Slow, dark, melancholic sound, texts concerned with issues of the soul. Uncommon, not gothic. [http://www.puug.pt/symbiose/pages/info.html] View is influenced by bands like Suede, The Chemical Brothers, Hard Floor, Sinead O'Connor, This Mortal Coil, in addition to some 4AD and Mute bands. [http://home.sol.no/krieriks/view/view.htm]

Viola Peacock

(ROCK, FEMALE-VOCALS) Blending insomnia, guitars and noise into a melodic history of the sky, Viola Peacock guides us through another blurry night in Youngstown, OH. [http://www.iuma.com/Bedazzled/band_html/Viola_Peacock.html] (review of "The Hangmans Beautiful Daughter") US 'Velvet Underground' influenced indie goth. (review of "This way to the alley where they eat your heart") Indie gothic mixture. More female vocals. [http://www.nightbrd.demon.co.uk/catalogue/catalog.html]

Violent Blue

Violent Blues CD has become the Fav disc in many peoples collection, no surprise for us, with it's dynamic blend of ethereal coolness and BRIGIDS incredibly beautiful "Vox Humana". Frequently heard on David Sadoff's Lunar Rotation show, 107.5-FM THE BUZZ Houston. David recognized Violent Blue with "best song by an unsigned band with female lead singer, Tremolo", off their cd. Violent Blues live show is a "must hear" with the bands stellar musicianship, Brigid leads her audience on a "journey", "it's an experience". [shapeshifter@tonezone.com, alt.music.texas, Feb 20 1997]

Violet Arcana

Violet Arcana melds ethereal vocals, a higher consiousness, and the infinite possibilities of electronics to create a vision into the inner world of higher-being. In his free time, listen to "dark melancholic classical, techno, and ambient stuff. Experimental dance techno is big with me right now. I listen to most of the popular techno artists like Future Sound of London, Prodigy, Underworld, Leftfield, Aphex Twin, plus the lesser known recording artists like RAC and Autechre." [http://www.violet-arcana.com/h_biography.html]

• In the Scene of the Mind: "Ethereal, dreamy, organic, ambient, melodic, contemplative soundscapes for the surreal music listener." is how Violet Arcana describes their music. They pretty much covered it. The music on the disc does flow very well throughout the cd as a whole. The music itself is enjoyable, relaxable, and upbeat all at the same time.All lot of the songs have the same basic melody, but that goes in hand with creating a landscape of music. Some of the tunes are danceble. The recording is great, the sounds come out at you very nicely. All in all, I am happy they sent me the disc, I wouldn't have found it if it weren't for the Internet. Get this disc for those times when you want electronic music but not the heavy beats of industrial or techno and when the drifts of ambient music tend too dissipate too fast, this disc will cover that and fill the void. [http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Alley/2755/review.html]

Violet Burning

(ROCK, MALE-VOCALS) (review of Advance Release (self-titled?); rating=5 Xs) The Violet Burning is a Orange County, California quintet with a sometimes funky, country twangy, noisy psychedelic rockin act who quote influences from post-punk artists, including The Cure, Joy Division, and Echo and the Bunnymen. One thing that is certain is that this band knows how to put together a 90's rock song. Often breathing hinds of Smashing Pumpkins and an occasional U2 vocal style, this band has what it takes to kick some serious ass on the charts. "Crush" has an almost gothic feel at times, indian tempo, and somewhat of a U2 vocal. "Blind" offers a tired mellow feel to the album and was the last song to be picked for the new record. Featuring Jason Pickersgill on bass, Any Prickett on guitar, Jeff Schroeder on guitar, Michael Pritzi on vocal and guitar, and Jeremy Wood pounding the skins, this grouping has the right chemistry to put together many musical elements and styles and compose it to a extremely solid, modern sound who's time is here. [http://www.dtc.net/~scepter/feb.html] [http://www.ubl.com/artists/003345.html] Much of The Violet Burning recalls the bands that Pritzl cites as influences: Echo and the Bunnymen, The Cure, Joy Division. "When we were recording the album, we broke it down into three categories: love songs, broken-hearted songs, and broken-hearted love songs," laughs Prickett. But the generally melancholy mixture is sprinkled with a variety of other flavorings. There's a touch of trippy psychedelia ("Arabic Tremolo Radio"), the faint essence of funk ("Fever"), a smidgen of Western twang ("Waiting"), scintillating squalls of noisy guitar separated by moody lulls, several of which ("Blind," "Silver") feature Pritzl's falsetto. Underpinning it all is a distinct brooding quality that smacks of Gothic rock. [DEAD LINK: http://www.domo.com/vb.bio.html] [www.thevioletburning.com] Drawing upon influences from The Cure, Echo and the Bunnymen and the Verve with a dash of trippy psychedelica, The Violet Burning's debut CD is a refreshing break from all the drippy alternative acts airing today. Arabic Tremolo Radio is a great tune with it's catchy chorus and laid back sound. At 65 minutes it's a bit long but still entertaining to listen to. Recommended for fans of Live. [http://azstarnet.com/~zscene/lbl.htm]

Violet Times

(SISTERS, MALE-VOCALS) Darkish & doomy (of course): bass-heavy, chiming guitar; couple of slight problems (vocals a bit ropey at times, music a bit repetitive), but definitely better than a lot of what passes for goth these days. In other words, they're "very promising". The music is reminiscent of the Cure (c.faith/17 seconds) and the Sisters (c.dominion/poison door sort of sound), strange eh? The vocals are occasionally reminiscent of the Nephilim (but don't let that put you off). All this should be taken as my brutally honest opinion: I'm not claiming they're the best thing to hit goth since James Ray, but they're actually quite good (and at least they're not another godawful indie band, the likes of which I get regularly deluged with). Anyone interested in the demo tape should contact me via email (pete@scathe.demon.co.uk) and I'll try and drag further details out of them. [Pete Salmond , alt.gothic.announce, 1996/03/14]

Violit Vernakular

(ROCK, MALE-VOCALS) This one was handed to me with a statement that it is not elektronik. I put the cassette in my tape player and was taken aback. Whats presented here is a really good standard rock and roll band. These guys have a very appealing edge. In some instances the music has a near gothic feel, (Red Lorry Yellow Lorry) and at others the singer has a Jim Morrison type thing going on. I liked this quite a bit, and I am sure they will only improve as time progresses. Contact In Perptual Motion for further info. [http://www.digitalangel.com/ipm/demos.htm]

Virgin Prunes

formed in 1976, disbanded 1986. various members now doing other work (gavin friday solo, dik occasionally with current 93 etc, mary and strongman as the prunes). a group that rather defies categorization - not really "goth" per se, though "if i die, i die..." is a goth staple. a better genre, if one insists upon giving one (which gavin apparently *hates*), would be "experimental". more a performance troupe than a band, really. their sound ranged from very experimental ambient and exploratory works to the more accessible band-oriented sound of "the moon looked down and laughed", and at least until 1984, when guggi left the band, was as much a visual experience live as an aural one... tragically, a group viewed more shallowly than deserved by goths who show disdain for their more experimental side and by industrial types who have only heard the goth standbys. [http://www.vamp.org/Gothic/Text/gothlist.html] Music I find difficult to listen to. Music I'm not sure if I like or not. Most of it's experimental... all of it's angry. Worth listening to just to hear what it sounds like. [http://www.tezcat.com/~exile/gothic.html]

Vishnu's Secret

(MALE-VOCALS, FEMALE-VOCALS, ETHEREAL?) Vishnu's Secret is a Santa Cruz duet consisting of female singer and a cellist/guitarist and an occasional saxophone. Celebrate is representative of the band's style, which a major record company brushed off as "too dark...". [http://www.iuma.com/IUMA/band_html/Vishnu's_Secret.html]

Vitriola

(see "Evil Twin")

Voice Of Destruction

Electro-gothic sporadically embracing punk, resulting in a fast sonority populated by denouncing samples. [http://www.puug.pt/symbiose/pages/info.html]

Voice Of Eye

• Vespers: (ETHEREAL, FEMALE-VOCALS) deep space jams. [http://www.ventricle.com/fr/text.html]

David House, dhouse@gothic.net