Virgin Black

Virgin Black is an eclectic and powerful band hailing from Adelaide, Australia, known for blending elements of gothic, doom, and classical music into a truly unique sound. Formed in the 1990s, the band is led by composer and vocalist Rowan London and guitarist Samantha Escarbe. Their work often features striking contrasts between heavy guitar riffs and somber orchestral arrangements, topped with operatic vocals and an overarching sense of dramatic melancholy.

The band gained attention with their 2001 debut, Sombre Romantic, which introduced listeners to their moody and evocative style. They followed it up with Elegant... and Dying and an ambitious Requiem trilogy—Pianissimo, Mezzo Forte, and Fortissimo—that showcased their classical influences and artistic ambition. Virgin Black’s music is both emotionally intense and sonically rich, appealing to fans of both metal and neoclassical genres.