PROPAGANDA (PART 1)

The music genre called Gothic Rock is generally acknowledged as being a post-punk offshoot. Bands such as Bauhaus, Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Cure defined the early sound.

Reddit describes Goth Rock thus: 'Goth music', aka 'gothic rock' - is dirge-like style of rock music featuring scything gutars, high pitched basslines, and deadpan vocals. The confusion arises from the fact the goth label has been hijacked by just about every other subculture movement since the 90s.

Wikipedia further defines Goth Rock as: "a separate movement from post-punk. Gothic rock stood out due to its more dark sound, with minor or bass chords, reverbs, dark arrangements or dramatic and melancholic melodies, having inspirations in gothic literature allied with themes such as sadness, existentialism, nihilism, dark romanticism, tragedy, melancholy and morbidity."

Add a bit of fascism (Nazi symbology) and fetishism (lots of leather) and you will have the picture of what characterizes Goth Rock.

This style of music fits snugly within the world of monsters for its dark and foreboding lyrics and vocals, as well as its atmospheric instrumentation.

It's no wonder that magazines were devoted to Goth Rock. Presented today is the first part of PROPAGANDA #19 (Fall 1992). Among other types of "'core" music, Goth Rock was well-represented in this 'zine.

This issue is highlighted by an interview with Robert Smith from The Cure, and articles on Christian Death, Nosferatu, This Mortal Coil, The Shroud and others. And, not to leave monster fans hanging, there is also coverage of that oddball horror film, THE MASK!