‘Gothic Noir’: Cleopatra Records Brings Together Classic and Contemporary Voices in Darkwave

Founded in January 1992 in Los Angeles by Brian Perera, Cleopatra Records has maintained a significant presence in the gothic rock, darkwave, industrial, and metal music spheres. The label initially built its reputation through the reissue of influential, out-of-print recordings and the production of tribute compilations that contributed to the preservation of key works within these genres. By the mid-1990s, Cleopatra expanded its impact with a series of tribute albums honoring foundational acts such as The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Christian Death, and Fields of the Nephilim. These efforts were accompanied by curated collections that highlighted emerging and legacy artists across deathrock, post-punk, and metal, reinforcing the label’s role in shaping and sustaining the dark music scene.

Over the years, Cleopatra Records has cultivated a catalog that includes influential figures such as Gary Numan, Switchblade Symphony, Razed In Black, and Christian Death, while also supporting newer artists within the darkwave genre. Its continued relevance stems in part from a strategic focus on thematic compilations, which have positioned the label as a central platform for both preserving the legacy of gothic music and introducing contemporary interpretations to a broader audience.

Cleopatra Records is set to release ‘Gothic Noir’ on May 23, 2025, continuing its longstanding practice of reinterpreting familiar music through a gothic framework. The compilation presents newly recorded versions of well-known love songs, including ‘Wicked Game,’ ‘Careless Whisper,’ ‘Iris,’ and ‘Brown Eyed Girl,’ rendered in a darker tonal palette. Developed under the direct curation of the label, the project underscores Cleopatra’s role not only in distributing gothic music but also in commissioning original work, reinforcing its position as an active contributor to the genre’s ongoing cultural output.

‘Gothic Noir’ Compilation: Concept and Production

Curated by Cleopatra Records, ‘Gothic Noir’ presents a collection of cover songs reinterpreted within a gothic framework, described by the label as a “darkly passionate” compilation. Building on its established approach to thematic releases, and following the earlier 2025 compilation ‘Gothic Valentines,’ Cleopatra reimagines widely recognized romantic tracks—including ‘Wicked Game,’ ‘Careless Whisper,’ ‘Iris,’ and ‘Brown Eyed Girl’—through darker arrangements that align with the label’s stylistic direction and broader catalogue.

The production of ‘Gothic Noir’ was overseen in its entirety by Cleopatra Records, which commissioned new interpretations from artists within its network. Among these, the Swedish electronic duo Priest was invited to record a rendition of ‘Wicked Game,’ reflecting the label’s direct involvement in shaping the compilation’s artistic direction and reinforcing its curatorial role in the project.

Containing nineteen tracks, with eighteen included on the vinyl edition, ‘Gothic Noir’ brings together emerging voices in goth and darkwave with established figures from the genre’s history. The compilation features newly recorded interpretations commissioned specifically for the project, including Buzz Kull’s version of ‘Truly Madly Deeply,’ Soviet Soviet’s take on ‘Iris,’ Lamori’s adaptation of ‘Brown Eyed Girl,’ and Deus Ex Lumina’s arrangement of ‘Careless Whisper.’ In addition to these contributions, the release incorporates archival material from Cleopatra Records’ catalog, notably a 1980 Joy Division session produced by Martin Hannett and an early 1982 demo by Ministry, offering a broader historical context to the compilation.

The combination of newly commissioned recordings and historically significant material positions ‘Gothic Noir’ as a noteworthy entry in Cleopatra Records’ catalog, underscoring the label’s continued influence within the gothic music community.

Contributing Artists and Tracks

‘Gothic Noir’ presents a cross-section of Cleopatra Records’ goth and darkwave roster, bringing together newer artists and established acts within the genre. The album begins with Buzz Kull, a dark-pop project based in Cleveland, delivering a subdued interpretation of Savage Garden’s ‘Truly Madly Deeply,’ followed by the Italian duo Soviet Soviet, known for their atmospheric sound, with a reimagined version of the Goo Goo Dolls’ ‘Iris.’

Priest, a Swedish synth-pop group formed by former members of the internationally recognized band Ghost, contributes a cover of Chris Isaak’s ‘Wicked Game,’ adding to the compilation’s stylistic range. The album also features Australian darkwave veterans IKON with their track ‘Black Roses,’ and includes The Mission UK’s ‘Severina,’ a seminal piece from the gothic rock canon, reinforcing the compilation’s connection to the genre’s foundational acts.

Among the notable entries on the compilation are Lamori’s gothic reinterpretation of Van Morrison’s ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ and Gene Loves Jezebel’s rendition of ‘Serpent Queen.’ A Flock of Seagulls offers a new version of their 1982 single ‘Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You),’ merging elements of the original with stylistic cues aligned with the compilation’s overall gothic framework.

‘Gothic Noir’ closes with contributions from Miranda Sex Garden with ‘Are You the One?,’ industrial goth act Razed In Black with ‘Share This Poison,’ and British group Fear Cult with ‘She Loves Me Not.’ These concluding selections reflect what Cleopatra Records describes as “the cream of Cleopatra’s goth community,” linking foundational artists such as Joy Division and Christian Death with a new generation of darkwave performers, and underscoring the label’s ongoing role in shaping the genre’s trajectory.

Cultural Context and Anticipation

‘Gothic Noir’ arrives amid a broader resurgence of interest in gothic aesthetics and music, a movement in which Cleopatra Records has played an active role through sustained engagement with the goth community. The label has continued to develop themed compilations and curated projects—including the recent ‘Goth Top 100’ countdown and the holiday release ‘Gothic Valentines’—as part of a deliberate strategy to promote and maintain visibility for the genre.

The integration of contemporary darkwave acts with established goth and industrial artists positions ‘Gothic Noir’ at the intersection of legacy and renewal. Described by Cleopatra Records as a “thrill-packed deep dive,” the compilation seeks to connect the genre’s formative influences with its current trajectory, reflecting both an acknowledgment of gothic music’s history and a strategic effort to engage newer audiences.

Building on Cleopatra Records’ established record of success with genre-focused compilations, ‘Gothic Noir’ has generated considerable anticipation among both longstanding followers and newer listeners. The release is positioned to support and potentially expand interest in gothic and darkwave music, reinforcing the label’s ongoing role in shaping the development and visibility of these genres.

Reception and Coverage

As of late April 2025, ‘Gothic Noir’ remains unreleased, and independent critical reviews have not yet been published. Public awareness has largely been driven by Cleopatra Records through its official media channels, including a featured announcement on the label’s website dated April 23, 2025, which highlighted the contribution by the Swedish synth-pop group Priest and outlined the compilation’s central concept.

Outside of Cleopatra Records’ official channels, promotion for ‘Gothic Noir’ has been limited, with visibility largely confined to the label’s social media and select sales platforms such as Bandcamp. As of now, no formal commentary or reviews have been issued by independent music publications or industry critics, leaving initial perceptions shaped primarily by the label’s own messaging. While the full track list and promotional materials have outlined the scope and intent of the compilation, its reception—both critical and public—will become clear only after its scheduled release on May 23, 2025.

Conclusion

With ‘Gothic Noir,’ Cleopatra Records continues to affirm its influential position within the gothic and darkwave music landscape, solidifying its longstanding reputation for curatorial sophistication. Since its establishment in 1992, the record label has consistently showcased its ability to bridge generations and styles, balancing legendary acts with rising talents. This compilation demonstrates Cleopatra’s thoughtful selection process, merging revered classics with contemporary reinterpretations that collectively capture the enduring essence of gothic aesthetics.

The carefully chosen renditions on ‘Gothic Noir’ offer fresh perspectives on iconic love songs, potentially drawing both seasoned gothic music enthusiasts and new listeners into the genre. By juxtaposing established artists such as Christian Death and Joy Division alongside newer voices like Priest and Buzz Kull, Cleopatra Records not only honors gothic music’s storied past but actively shapes its future.

Anticipated to enhance dialogue about the relevance and dynamism of gothic music, ‘Gothic Noir’ represents more than mere nostalgia—it embodies the genre’s continuing evolution, spearheaded by a label deeply attuned to the intricacies of gothic culture. Cleopatra Records, through this meticulous compilation, reinforces its pivotal role in shaping gothic music’s narrative, ensuring the genre remains vibrant and culturally resonant in contemporary musical discourse. Readers who have followed the label’s journey or experienced the featured artists firsthand are invited to reflect on how these performances, recordings, or cultural moments have influenced their connection to the gothic scene, both past and present.