Dark Music

[zxc]

Hi all. Lately I've been yearning for some really dark music. I remember once googling for dark piano pieces, and I didn't find much except a yahooanswers question. I investigated all the suggestions in that but didn't find much that interested me except Tchaikovsky's Pathetique (and even then, only the last minutes of the finale).

So, I decided to write a lengthy question on yahooanswers, which can be found at http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090219074430AAXgea2 . I gave a ton of examples, so perhaps you can all find something new there too.

Perhaps you fellow INTPians can suggest some excruciatingly dark music for me

As a side-discussion, I wonder if anyone else shares my taste of dark, minor key music, and abhors music written in major keys. I know that we're apparently drawn to dissonance, but is there more to it than that?

edit: oh wow, the yahooanswers question has got about five responses already

 

[Seducer of the Homeless]

thanks for your tips.

need to go check some out

I would suggest any Black Metal (Dissection, Emperor, Satyricon. Cradle of Filth Have great dark atmosphere)

and some really disturbing Electronic stuff. (Wumpscut, Infected Mushroom)

 

[zxc]

Heard some Emperor before. Liked the medieval-ish sound, but it didn't take long for me to get tired of the double-bass drumming and the shrieks. It just wasn't what I was looking for. I think doom metal is more up my alley, although not most doom metal...

 

[Seducer of the Homeless]

Doom Metal Bores Me

 

[Dissident]

I'm not sure if this fits and you probably know them already but Empyrium is the closer I have to that:

Fossegrim
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvPXalRBl0o
Fortgang
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr5RJcZn2do
Where At Night The Wood Grouse Plays
YouTube- Empyrium - Where At Night The Wood Grouse Plays

Even on the dark spectrum I like some contrast, like in Eternal Tears of Sorrow's:

Autumn's Grief
YouTube- Eternal Tears of Sorrow - Autumn's Grief
Prophetian
YouTube- Eternal Tears of Sorrow - Prophetian
Lost Rune of Tunder
YouTube- Eternal Tears of Sorrow - Lost Rune of Tunder


They're probably too happy for your taste tho

 

[Seducer of the Homeless]

Before the Bleeding Sun is Fantastic

 

[hermann morr]

Virginia Astley : From gardens where we feel secure. Is an all-piano album

Kate Bush : This woman's work, Hello earth, Mother stands for comfort

Current 93 : A gothic love song, Niemandswasser, Sleep has his house.

 

[zxc]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check them all out tomorrow.

Don't forget the side-discussion!

As a side-discussion, I wonder if anyone else shares my taste of dark, minor key music, and abhors music written in major keys. I know that we're apparently drawn to dissonance, but is there more to it than that?

 

[Artifice Orisit]

People enjoy music that mirrors their emotional state,

Because we INTPs are so internally focused we often experience deep dark emotions as a result of our mental explorations in areas others would fear to go. Thoughts such as "does my life mean anything?" or "how will I die?" are fairly standard fare for INTPs, but in other types they are signs of near suicidal depression.

Possibly INTPs enjoy extremely dark & complex music because or minds can relate to it.

 

[Ermine]

I wouldn't go as far as saying that I hate major keys, but I am addicted to dark, complex music for the reasons that Cognisant mentioned.

 

[zxc]

To be honest I truly do hate major keys, it drives me crazy most of the time if the piece lingers in it for too long.

 

[Ermine]

Actually, what I want most from my music is contrast, going from minor to major and back again. That's why I love Beethoven's music. It has the capability to make a great transition from despair to euphoria, all in one song, while being complex.

 

[echoplex]

Katatonia, Opeth. I like some of NIN's darker stuff too, although I'm kinda burned out on them.

 

[Ermine]

Yes! Opeth is awesome. Pain of Salvation anyone?

 

[echoplex]

Day by Katatonia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8ExFoES7DI

Grey park look the same
And the days are pale
I never thought it would rain this way
I should be knowing that, it used to be me

Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?

Your smile has decayed
It will never be the same
I never thought I would laugh again
I should be knowing this, it used to be me

Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?
Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?

Now it's dark and you're colder
Now it's dark and I'm older
Now it's dark and you're colder
And you tell me my parks are grey

Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?
Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?

Grey park look the same
All the days are pale
I never thought it would rain this way
I should be knowing that, it used to be me

Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?
Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?

 

[zxc]

Day by Katatonia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8ExFoES7DI

Grey park look the same
And the days are pale
I never thought it would rain this way
I should be knowing that, it used to be me

Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?

Your smile has decayed
It will never be the same
I never thought I would laugh again
I should be knowing this, it used to be me

Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?
Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?

Now it's dark and you're colder
Now it's dark and I'm older
Now it's dark and you're colder
And you tell me my parks are grey

Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?
Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?

Grey park look the same
All the days are pale
I never thought it would rain this way
I should be knowing that, it used to be me

Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?
Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?

Liked it overall, but the style of vocals and drumming wasn't really my thing.


Try Tristram, YouTube- Diablo Soundtrack - Tristram Village . Few songs match this for mystery...

 

[Anthile]

Yes! Opeth is awesome. Pain of Salvation anyone?

I'm in love with them.


Also very dark music: A Silver Mount Zion and the pure-instrumental antecessor Godspeed you! Black Emperor.

 

[Vegard Pompey]

Day by Katatonia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8ExFoES7DI

Grey park look the same
And the days are pale
I never thought it would rain this way
I should be knowing that, it used to be me

Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?

Your smile has decayed
It will never be the same
I never thought I would laugh again
I should be knowing this, it used to be me

Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?
Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?

Now it's dark and you're colder
Now it's dark and I'm older
Now it's dark and you're colder
And you tell me my parks are grey

Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?
Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?

Grey park look the same
All the days are pale
I never thought it would rain this way
I should be knowing that, it used to be me

Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?
Let's stay here for a while
Is something gonna happen today?

That is my favourite Katatonia song. Great stuff, very bleak...

 

[zxc]

I'm in love with them.


Also very dark music: A Silver Mount Zion and the pure-instrumental antecessor Godspeed you! Black Emperor.

I've been listening to Godspeed You! Black Emperor, after you suggested it here, and I absolutely love Slow Riot For New Zero Kanada and F#A# Infinity. Thanks for posting this!

 

[zxc]

Bump, another huge thankyou to Anthile. I'll investigate the other suggestions here once I know GYBE's stuff back to front!

 

[Seducer of the Homeless]

Wojciech Kilar - Bram Stoker Dracula soundtrack is really good

 

[zxc]

Wojciech Kilar - Bram Stoker Dracula soundtrack is really good

Yeah it is

 

[Yossarian]

Dark music? Yeah, that goes for me, overall. I think many of us go between that and classic rock.

Also I think INTP's are very prone to nostalgic music, stuff you listened to as a kid or during some influential/memorable time, whether it is dark or light.

Been checking out some of these listed above, very good stuff.

 

[Seducer of the Homeless]

Who are the darkest classical composers?

 

[thestralDM]

Check "Midnight Syndicate" out....

Check out their album, "Realm of Shadows".

 

[Vegard Pompey]

Sorry, I didn't actually read your original post until now. I love most of the parts you named in your Yahoo! Answers query, though it is a different kind of dark than the ridiculously dark music I listen to. I actually cannot think of many songs with this kind of dark feeling, but as far as doom metal goes, I can recommend two acts to you: Reverend Bizarre and Warning. They are the only two doom metal bands that aren't drone that I have had any interest in whatsoever. By the former, I suggest the debut and the EP Return to the Rectory, by the latter I suggest Watching From A Distance.

 

[RobertJ]

I'm not really sure how dark it is, but this is one of my favorite piano pieces.
YouTube- Castlevania - Bloody Tears

 

[Anling]

As a side-discussion, I wonder if anyone else shares my taste of dark, minor key music, and abhors music written in major keys. I know that we're apparently drawn to dissonance, but is there more to it than that?

Well, I really like minor keys as well. But I like "cheerful" stuff as well.

 

[zxc]

Dark music? Yeah, that goes for me, overall. I think many of us go between that and classic rock.

Also I think INTP's are very prone to nostalgic music, stuff you listened to as a kid or during some influential/memorable time, whether it is dark or light.

Been checking out some of these listed above, very good stuff.

Nostalgic stuff, definitely. I'm 18 now, and the stuff I listened to when I was younger was often video game music, games such as Diablo 2, Doom, Age of Empires 2 and Unreal Tournament GOTYE. I still like the music from these games, but I love Diablo 2's music in particular.

Who are the darkest classical composers?

I don't know, and I'd like suggestions for this as well I don't think much classical music can be called dark though, except for certain modern stuff.

Check "Midnight Syndicate" out....

Check out their album, "Realm of Shadows".

I will thanks

Sorry, I didn't actually read your original post until now. I love most of the parts you named in your Yahoo! Answers query, though it is a different kind of dark than the ridiculously dark music I listen to. I actually cannot think of many songs with this kind of dark feeling, but as far as doom metal goes, I can recommend two acts to you: Reverend Bizarre and Warning. They are the only two doom metal bands that aren't drone that I have had any interest in whatsoever. By the former, I suggest the debut and the EP Return to the Rectory, by the latter I suggest Watching From A Distance.

It is a little hard to find. I'll check out those two acts thanks What sort of dark music do you listen to?

I'm not really sure how dark it is, but this is one of my favorite piano pieces.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MM_Q0nfaG0

Wonderful song, not too dark but fantastic all the same.

Well, I really like minor keys as well. But I like "cheerful" stuff as well.

Sometimes I don't mind cheerful stuff, but most of the time minor-keyed music, or exotic-key music, is what I prefer. I really like the diminished scale as well.

 

[Beat Mango]

I haven't heard anything darker than NIN. Their album Further Down the Spiral, I found extremely disturbing. You get a strong feeling of Reznor's authenticity, that he actually felt the feelings that the song expresses, unlike pretty much any black metal I've heard.

 

[zxc]

I haven't heard anything darker than NIN. Their album Further Down the Spiral, I found extremely disturbing. You get a strong feeling of Reznor's authenticity, that he actually felt the feelings that the song expresses, unlike pretty much any black metal I've heard.

I'll check out that album when I can. I can't say that I find black metal dark at all, but certain doom metal acts are.

 

[Vegard Pompey]

It is a little hard to find. I'll check out those two acts thanks What sort of dark music do you listen to?

Well, what you listed struck me as dark in a melodic kind of way but not as much in terms of atmosphere or lyrics (does not make it inferior in any way, remember, I love your examples)

I can post some examples of what I consider dark:

The Axis of Perdition - Deleted Scenes From The Transition Hospital is THE soundtrack to dying.
YouTube- The Axis Of Perdition - In The Hallway Of Crawling Filth

Those Poor Bastards - Some really dark country, can't find any songs from their newest and best album on SadSteve though.
http://sadsteve.com/preview.py?id=4...5&title=Those Poor Bastards - A Curse&artist=

Lifelover - This is the bleakest music I have ever heard, but you may not be able to appreciate it fully without understanding swedish. They have a handful of songs in english though.
http://sadsteve.com/preview.py?id=a...651094d43d505e86b7&title=01-Nackskott&artist=

And also, some dark ambient, like Lustmord, Bohren & der Club of Gore and Atrium Carceri.

 

[zxc]

Well, what you listed struck me as dark in a melodic kind of way but not as much in terms of atmosphere or lyrics (does not make it inferior in any way, remember, I love your examples)

I can post some examples of what I consider dark:

The Axis of Perdition - Deleted Scenes From The Transition Hospital is THE soundtrack to dying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27LFm9zHhp8

Those Poor Bastards - Some really dark country, can't find any songs from their newest and best album on SadSteve though.
http://sadsteve.com/preview.py?id=4...5&title=Those Poor Bastards - A Curse&artist=

Lifelover - This is the bleakest music I have ever heard, but you may not be able to appreciate it fully without understanding swedish. They have a handful of songs in english though.
http://sadsteve.com/preview.py?id=a...651094d43d505e86b7&title=01-Nackskott&artist=

And also, some dark ambient, like Lustmord, Bohren & der Club of Gore and Atrium Carceri.

I'd disagree on the atmosphere part, as what makes a song 'dark' for me is largely to do with the atmosphere.

I've been listening to some dark ambient lately. Most of what I find isn't very dark to me, but I've found some good stuff as well.

All of today and yesterday, I've been listening to the HL2 soundtrack. The highlight song for me is Particle Ghost YouTube- Half life 2 - Particle Ghost (music) which is subtle and eerie.


edit: I think I tried listening to a few of Lustmord's songs, but I didn't like any of the ones I heard.

 

[merzbau]

i'm with you on minor-key stuff. it always sounds more deep and truthful. when mixed with atonal sounds, minor chords can be apocalyptic sounding.
it would, however, be difficult to recommend something without knowing what frame of reference you have.
if you like classical, definately check out ennio morricone's soundtrack for "the thing", and "black angels" by kronos quartet. you may also like shinjuku thief, a melbourne local who does extremely dark theatre soundtracks.
also try joy division's "closer", sator absentia's "mercurian orgasms", raison d'etre "in sadness silence and solitude"... bohren & der club of gore's "black earth"

some of the darkest music is on the more experimental side; xenakis, throbbing gristle, whitehouse, lustmord, brighter death now, megaptera, merzbow...
depends on how extreme you want to go.

 

[zxc]

i'm with you on minor-key stuff. it always sounds more deep and truthful. when mixed with atonal sounds, minor chords can be apocalyptic sounding.
it would, however, be difficult to recommend something without knowing what frame of reference you have.
if you like classical, definately check out ennio morricone's soundtrack for "the thing", and "black angels" by kronos quartet. you may also like shinjuku thief, a melbourne local who does extremely dark theatre soundtracks.
also try joy division's "closer", sator absentia's "mercurian orgasms", raison d'etre "in sadness silence and solitude"... bohren & der club of gore's "black earth"

some of the darkest music is on the more experimental side; xenakis, throbbing gristle, whitehouse, lustmord, brighter death now, megaptera, merzbow...
depends on how extreme you want to go.

Thanks for the suggestions and info!

I certainly like classical, but I'm not really keen on electronic music (notable exception being Particle Ghost from the HL2 soundtrack YouTube- Half life 2 - Particle Ghost (music) which is, incidentally, my 'song of the week'. Avant-garde style dark music isn't really my thing either, as I prefer rather melodic stuff (but with a perfect atmosphere, such as Matt Uelmen's soundtrack to Diablo 2). I particularly like piano though! (perhaps because I play a bit of piano/keyboard myself)

 

[merzbau]

not keen on electronic music.. hmm.. it's always amusing when people say that-- i mean phil collins is pretty electronic. i get the gist, though. natural instruments played by real people. you'll love these then:

Ennio Morricone - Humanity (Part I)
YouTube- Ennio Morricone - Humanity (Part I) The Thing OST

bohren & der club - skeletal remains
YouTube- Bohren & Der Club Of Gore - Skeletal Remains

 

[Vegard Pompey]

bohren & der club - skeletal remains
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUSBuer8tBY

!

One of my favourite dark ambient artists.

 

[preilemus]

I'm not huge on dark music, but a great electronic album i have been really into for the last few months is Mezzanine, be Massive Attack.

An excerpt: YouTube- Massive Attack - Dissolved Girl

not the darkest song on the album per se, but one of my favorites

 

[zxc]

i'm with you on minor-key stuff. it always sounds more deep and truthful. when mixed with atonal sounds, minor chords can be apocalyptic sounding.
it would, however, be difficult to recommend something without knowing what frame of reference you have.
if you like classical, definately check out ennio morricone's soundtrack for "the thing", and "black angels" by kronos quartet. you may also like shinjuku thief, a melbourne local who does extremely dark theatre soundtracks.
also try joy division's "closer", sator absentia's "mercurian orgasms", raison d'etre "in sadness silence and solitude"... bohren & der club of gore's "black earth"

some of the darkest music is on the more experimental side; xenakis, throbbing gristle, whitehouse, lustmord, brighter death now, megaptera, merzbow...
depends on how extreme you want to go.

I've been away with my family over the weekend, and I've been loving Morricone's soundtrack for The Thing! Thanks a lot for that one! (now I'm interested in seeing that movie; I have no idea what it's about but I doubt that it can be bad, with a soundtrack like that).

I tried Black Angels by Kronos Quartet but it didn't really do anything for me.

not keen on electronic music.. hmm.. it's always amusing when people say that-- i mean phil collins is pretty electronic. i get the gist, though. natural instruments played by real people. you'll love these then:

Ennio Morricone - Humanity (Part I)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BgzzYQD59g

bohren & der club - skeletal remains
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUSBuer8tBY

To clarify: I've tried various songs labeled as 'dark ambient', and most of it is just electronic noise. For the most part, I couldn't properly enjoy it, and for most of them, the atmosphere wasn't there. I also dislike techno and the like. The song I linked in my last post, Particle Ghost by Kelly Bailey, is the sort of 'electronic' song that I like.

Time to try out Skeletal Remains... I'll probably edit this post in a few mins

edit: Well, I must say I really liked it. I liked the first half better than the second though, because I thought the piano was > the sax. I'll be checking these guys out now, thanks again for the recommendations!

 

[Razare]

Need dark music? You need Death In June

YouTube- Death in june - Rose clouds of holocaust

 

[Razare]

Dark music?

You need Death In June:

YouTube- Death in june - Rose clouds of holocaust

Ignore the stupid video and just listen to the music.

 

[preilemus]

Dark music?

You need Death In June:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fI85hmqILs&feature=PlayList&p=30FBFB043333DBC9&index=0&playnext=1

Ignore the stupid video and just listen to the music.

sounds like The Church. i'm thinking of Under the Milkyway in particular

 

[zxc]

Dark music?

You need Death In June:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fI85hmqILs&feature=PlayList&p=30FBFB043333DBC9&index=0&playnext=1

Ignore the stupid video and just listen to the music.

I listened through it, but it didn't really appeal to me (I think due to the type of music, rather than the music itself).

 

[pussinboots]

yes!!! Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Opeth.

also das ich and early lou reed........actually, any lou reed really.

 

[zxc]

yes!!! Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Opeth.

also das ich and early lou reed........actually, any lou reed really.

I really like Godspeed's Moya, and Opeth's Silhouette. Haven't heard much else from either of them though.

 

[pussinboots]

also tool and neutral milk hotel.

 

[mathy]

Recommend (trying not to repeat much of what's already been said--lots of good suggestions so far):

Mentioned several times, but warrants repetition: If you haven't already listened to more of Opeth, I highly recommend everything they've put out. Really amazing stuff. The thing that I love most is the way they are able to flawlessly change between moods, sometimes rapidly, sometimes building...

Also HIGHLY recommend Ulver. Very dark, very focused on the mood they create. Really, you can't go wrong with anything they've made. The later stuff is a bit more electronic, avant-garde, BUT not in a typical or expected way (in fact, I generally don't like electronic music either). The older stuff leans more towards black/doom metal, but again, not in a typical or expected way. Best listened to in a dark room with a good pair of headphones, or in a car ride, alone in the dark (through the country or city).

Anathema is wonderfully dark and moody. Sort of doom-ish metal, a little more folky and less boring than most doom metal I've tried to get into. Older stuff tends to be darker, although still recommend you try the newer stuff.

Also, Agalloch is very good... I've only listened to the latest two albums (The Mantle, and Ashes Against the Grain)... Now that I think of it, I should really listen to some more.

Since you like Dream Theater, I'd recommend Pain of Salvation (I think someone mentioned them previously). Personally not one of my favorites (although I don't care much for DT either--the vocals really bother me too much... too cheesy) but still good at creating mood.

Others:
Devin Townsend (this guy is nuts... but amazing) -- may not be your cup of tea, but I love it)
The Gathering (maybe?)
Green Carnation
Riverside

I used to listen to more stuff that would apply to what you're looking for but mostly I just got bored with it, except for the really good stuff (mentioned above). Can't even really remember all the names of the bands anymore.

Have you listened to Mozart's Requiem in D minor? Beautiful, painful, dark...

 

[zxc]

Recommend (trying not to repeat much of what's already been said--lots of good suggestions so far):

Mentioned several times, but warrants repetition: If you haven't already listened to more of Opeth, I highly recommend everything they've put out. Really amazing stuff. The thing that I love most is the way they are able to flawlessly change between moods, sometimes rapidly, sometimes building...

Also HIGHLY recommend Ulver. Very dark, very focused on the mood they create. Really, you can't go wrong with anything they've made. The later stuff is a bit more electronic, avant-garde, BUT not in a typical or expected way (in fact, I generally don't like electronic music either). The older stuff leans more towards black/doom metal, but again, not in a typical or expected way. Best listened to in a dark room with a good pair of headphones, or in a car ride, alone in the dark (through the country or city).

Anathema is wonderfully dark and moody. Sort of doom-ish metal, a little more folky and less boring than most doom metal I've tried to get into. Older stuff tends to be darker, although still recommend you try the newer stuff.

Also, Agalloch is very good... I've only listened to the latest two albums (The Mantle, and Ashes Against the Grain)... Now that I think of it, I should really listen to some more.

Since you like Dream Theater, I'd recommend Pain of Salvation (I think someone mentioned them previously). Personally not one of my favorites (although I don't care much for DT either--the vocals really bother me too much... too cheesy) but still good at creating mood.

Others:
Devin Townsend (this guy is nuts... but amazing) -- may not be your cup of tea, but I love it)
The Gathering (maybe?)
Green Carnation
Riverside

I used to listen to more stuff that would apply to what you're looking for but mostly I just got bored with it, except for the really good stuff (mentioned above). Can't even really remember all the names of the bands anymore.

Have you listened to Mozart's Requiem in D minor? Beautiful, painful, dark...

Thank you very much for all these suggestions and particularly the annotations! I used to be starved for dark music, but now it seems I'm flooded with possibilities. A heaven of sorts

 

[Chronomar]

I also enjoy music with minor keys and discordant notes.

 

[mathy]

No problem zxc. Let me know how you like those and I may be able to make some more recommendations from there.