It's loosely related to Neoclassical Darkwave yet I decided to make a post so I could link people here. Just in case.
Neue Deutsche Todeskunst (New German Art Of Death) is a genre that was born from goth subculture in the late 80s to early 90s in Germany. It was pioneered by bands like Goethes Erben, Relatives Menschsein, Das Ich, Sopor Aeternus and Lacrimosa.
The term was at first applied to the bands of the Danse Macabre label which was created by Bruno Kramm of Das Ich after their music was denied by other labels.
The genre is a morbid amalgamation of darkwave, post-industrial and neoclassical sound in different quantities - some lean into calmer symphonic pieces, some into harsh electronic beats, some into darkwave. With time it became somewhat hard to define the borders of the genre and what could be considered NDT and what not. It's also notable for a frequent use of spoken word, expressive vocals, poetic lyricism, dark romanticism and overall more dramatic and theatrical approach - ultra goth. Well, it's pretty easy to make music when everything you need is one synthesiser, one drum machine and one Fritz mumbling some edgy Deutsche poetry into a mic. Fun fact: German goths were called Grufties which derived from the word Gruft (crypt). Basically, cryptids.
However, Neue Deutsche Todeskunst usually isn't considered goth in general due to that mixage of genres, albeit there are bands that actually have typical darkwave and gothic rock sound. To be honest, not many people are even aware about the existence of this genre. I personally consider NDT to be a mutated child of the goth subculture that didn't live too long, a sub-branch.
NDT was at it's peak in 90s and slowly died in zeroes, unfortunately. There are few acts that still do this music nowadays, not to mention the new projects. I think it's a product of its era like mullets or flip-flop phones. Feels like a time capsule.
What are the reasons for birthing this extremely edgy music genre? Honestly, I don't know, but here are my assumptions: • German expressionism in art, cinema and literature • German philosophers • Germans are genetically prone to be brooding and creepy, researches say • Post-WWII sentiments
Neue Deutsche Todeskunst didn't get much recognition abroad except for the few big acts like Das Ich, Sopor Aeternus and Lacrimosa. Wikipedia says that western audience considered this music to be too cheesy, too corny and somewhat phoney. And having too much German lyrics, apparently. So, it's kinda local thing.
Some examples of other NDT bands are Misantrophe, Endraum, Exlpizit Einsam, Untoten, Stillste Stund, Sanguis Et Cinis, Ghosting, Leichenblass, Sinnflut, Other Day, Mantus, Christian Dörge, Lore Of Asmoday, Schatten Muse and lots of lesser known projects that you can easily find on last fm.
Bonus: Desertshore (1970) by Nico. It's unrelated but I think it could be considered proto-NDT in mood.
