neoclassical darkwave

noun

A subgenre of darkwave that emerged in mid-1980s, characterized by a dark and melancholic atmosphere combined with elements of Western classical music.

Meanings

nounneoclassical darkwave (uncountable)

alternative neoclassical dark wave

  1. uncountableentertainmentA subgenre of darkwave that emerged in mid-1980s, characterized by a dark and melancholic atmosphere combined with elements of Western classical music.

    Some other bands, like Dead Can Dance and In the Nursery, began incorporating elements of classical orchestral and chamber music to create a style known as classical darkwave.

    2019, Eric S. Strother, edited by Janet Sturman, The SAGE International Encyclopedia of Music and Culture, SAGE Publications, page 1304
    2 more examples

    The leads, two thin girls with dark eyes and darker threads, unleashed a sticky brand of soul. With a blend of ethereal and neoclassical darkwave, they kicked off their set with a slow song about lost love, isolation and melancholy.

    2010, Stephen Pytak, The Wild Damned, Mazz Press, page 144

    Her music's what they call "neoclassical darkwave." It sounds like a chorus of dark angels took their harps and violins and staged a revolt against heaven, all crashing, soaring and broody, layered over with Euphoria's smokey-smexy vocals.

    2018, Genevieve Iseult Eldredge, chapter 1, in Derailed: A Moribund Prequel Novella, Monster House Books, LLC, page 10
Cite this entry
APA

neoclassical darkwave. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/neoclassical%20darkwave

MLA

“neoclassical darkwave.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/neoclassical%20darkwave. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “neoclassical darkwave,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/neoclassical%20darkwave.

Source: neoclassical darkwave on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.