Meanings
alternative neoclassical dark wave
- 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 13042 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 144Her 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
neoclassical darkwave. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/neoclassical%20darkwave
“neoclassical darkwave.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/neoclassical%20darkwave. Accessed November 4, 2026.
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.