The new trendy electronic music subgenres are becoming more gothic
October, 05; 2026. By Arscodex
Over the past year, certain new electronic music subgenres have gained popularity, and a clear trend toward a Gothic aesthetic has emerged.
A prime example is the currently trending "Melodic Techno" subgenre; it typically features vocal tracks with a melancholic undertone, underpinned by the standard array of progressive house elements—usually at a tempo of around 125 BPM.
This "return to melancholy"—spearheaded by modern acts like the DJ duo Agents Of Time—also pays homage to early electronic music, utilizing synthesizers with a Gothic feel reminiscent of those used by Kraftwerk during the genre's formative years.
Meanwhile, "Psybient" and "Psychill"—subgenres that once thrived in chill-out spaces worldwide—are fading from the scene, making way for two new, similarly Gothic-leaning subgenres: "Darkpsy" and "Forestpsy," which also bear a strong resemblance to one another.
In short, there is a discernible shift toward Gothic and melodic styles—specifically sounds originating from the North—at the expense of Southern or Eastern influences.
A prime example is the currently trending "Melodic Techno" subgenre; it typically features vocal tracks with a melancholic undertone, underpinned by the standard array of progressive house elements—usually at a tempo of around 125 BPM.
This "return to melancholy"—spearheaded by modern acts like the DJ duo Agents Of Time—also pays homage to early electronic music, utilizing synthesizers with a Gothic feel reminiscent of those used by Kraftwerk during the genre's formative years.
Meanwhile, "Psybient" and "Psychill"—subgenres that once thrived in chill-out spaces worldwide—are fading from the scene, making way for two new, similarly Gothic-leaning subgenres: "Darkpsy" and "Forestpsy," which also bear a strong resemblance to one another.
In short, there is a discernible shift toward Gothic and melodic styles—specifically sounds originating from the North—at the expense of Southern or Eastern influences.
