If you are a fan of the ethereal and eclectic sounds of Dead Can Dance, you are in for a treat. This genre, often referred to as darkwave or neoclassical dark wave, is rich with haunting melodies and atmospheric soundscapes. Below, we explore 18 bands and artists that capture the same mystical essence. CanDance’>Discover more about Dead Can Dance.

1. Cocteau Twins

The Cocteau Twins are pioneers in the dream pop and ethereal wave genres. Their album Heaven or Las Vegas and songs like Cherry-Coloured Funk are essential listens.

2. This Mortal Coil

This Mortal Coil is a collaborative project featuring various artists from the 4AD label. Albums like It’ll End in Tears and the track Song to the Siren are particularly renowned.

3. Lisa Gerrard

Lisa Gerrard, co-founder of Dead Can Dance, has a successful solo career. Her album The Mirror Pool and the song Sanvean showcase her incredible vocal range and emotive power.

4. Clan of Xymox

Clan of Xymox blends darkwave with gothic rock to create a unique sound. Their albums Medusa and Twist of Shadows are filled with dark, brooding tracks like Louise.

5. Love Is Colder Than Death

This German band combines neoclassical and darkwave elements. Albums like Teignmouth and songs such as Oxeia offer a mesmerizing listening experience.

6. Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennitt’s music is a blend of Celtic, folk, and world music. Albums like The Book of Secrets and tracks like The Mummers’ Dance are deeply enchanting.

7. Arcana

Arcana’s music is heavily influenced by medieval and neoclassical sounds. Albums like Dark Age of Reason and songs such as Cantar de Procella are hauntingly beautiful.

8. Ataraxia

Ataraxia combines neoclassical, darkwave, and folk elements. Albums like Sueños and tracks like Aigues Mortes offer a rich, atmospheric sound.

9. Black Tape for a Blue Girl

This band blends darkwave with ethereal and ambient music. Albums like Remnants of a Deeper Purity and songs such as Across a Thousand Blades are deeply evocative.

10. In the Nursery

In the Nursery’s music is a mix of neoclassical, martial industrial, and darkwave. Albums like L’Esprit and tracks like To the Faithful are cinematic and grand.

11. Dargaard

Dargaard’s music is a blend of darkwave and neoclassical elements. Albums like Rise and Fall and songs such as Bearer of the Flame offer a dark, mystical experience.

12. Rajna

Rajna’s music is influenced by world music and darkwave. Albums like The Heady Wine of Praise and tracks like The Dance of Cleomene are deeply spiritual.

13. Heavenly Bodies

Heavenly Bodies is a collaboration between members of Dead Can Dance and This Mortal Coil. Their album Celestial and songs like Rains on Me are ethereal and haunting.

14. Faith and the Muse

Faith and the Muse blend gothic rock, darkwave, and neoclassical elements. Albums like Elyria and tracks such as Sparks are deeply atmospheric.

15. Qntal

Qntal’s music combines medieval, electronic, and neoclassical elements. Albums like Qntal IV and songs such as Palästinalied are both ancient and modern.

16. Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble of Shadows

This project blends darkwave with gothic and baroque influences. Albums like Dead Lovers’ Sarabande and tracks like The Inexperienced Spiral Traveller are hauntingly unique.

17. Unto Ashes

Unto Ashes combines neoclassical, medieval, and darkwave elements. Albums like Moon Oppose Moon and songs such as Serve Me are deeply evocative.

18. Elend

Elend’s music is a blend of neoclassical, darkwave, and symphonic elements. Albums like Leçons de Ténèbres and tracks like The Silence of Light are grand and haunting.