Bands & artists like The Damned

If you like The Damned, these artists play in similar sounds, ideas, or styles. Use this as a starting point to branch out and find something new to listen to.

New to The Damned? Start with our listening guide.

Artists to try next

Siouxsie and the Banshees

Siouxsie and the Banshees

Guide

Their blend of gothic rock and post-punk features haunting melodies and layered instrumentation, much like The Damned.

alternative rock gothic rock new wave
The Cure

The Cure

Guide

Known for their atmospheric soundscapes and emotional depth, they share a similar gothic aesthetic with driving rhythms.

alternative rock gothic rock new wave
Joy Division

Joy Division

Their post-punk sound combines driving beats with haunting vocals, paralleling the tension and release present in The Damned's style.

post-punk
The Sisters of Mercy

The Sisters of Mercy

With their deep vocals and heavy use of synthesizers, they create a dark, atmospheric sound that aligns closely with The Damned's aesthetic.

alternative rock dark wave gothic rock
Killing Joke

Killing Joke

Their fusion of punk rock energy with industrial elements creates a powerful sonic landscape reminiscent of The Damned's driving pulse.

gothic rock industrial metal new wave
The Birthday Party

The Birthday Party

Their chaotic energy and dark lyrical themes echo the raw intensity found in The Damned's music.

gothic rock post-punk
Echo & the Bunnymen

Echo & the Bunnymen

Guide

They combine melodic hooks with a moody atmosphere that parallels the haunting melodies characteristic of The Damned.

post-punk
Dead Can Dance

Dead Can Dance

Their ethereal sound blends world music influences with dark, atmospheric tones, creating a haunting quality similar to The Damned.

ethereal wave neoclassical dark wave world music

Common questions

Who sounds like The Damned?

Artists similar to The Damned include Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, Joy Division and The Sisters of Mercy. Each shares elements of The Damned's sound while bringing their own perspective.

What genre is The Damned?

The Damned is primarily known for new wave, punk and gothic rock. A driving pulse underpins layered textures, weaving together moments of tension and release through sharp rhythms and haunting melodies.

Where should I start if I like The Damned?

If you enjoy The Damned, start with Siouxsie and the Banshees — their album "Hyæna" is a great entry point. Their blend of gothic rock and post-punk features haunting melodies and layered instrumentation, much like The Damned.