Gothic rock (sometimes called goth rock or simply goth) is a genre of alternative rock that originated during the late 1970s. Originally bands from the genre had strong ties to the English punk rock and emerging post-punk styles. The genre itself was defined as a separate movement from punk rock during the early 1980s. Gothic rock artists deal with dark themes and intellectual movements such as gothic horror, Romanticism, existential philosophy, and nihilism. Notable gothic rock bands include Bauhaus, The Cure, Siouxsie & the Banshees, The Sisters of Mercy and The Mission. Gothic rock gave rise to a broader goth subculture that includes goth clubs, goth fashions, and goth-oriented