Futurepop

Futurepop is a recently-emerging musical genre, an outgrowth of EBM with synth pop influences. It is characterized by uplifting, grandiose and arpeggiated synthesizer melodies reminiscent of trance. The term was coined by Ronan Harris (of VNV Nation) and Stephan Groth (of Apoptygma Berzerk) while attempting try to describe the style of music their bands played.

The style's historical roots can be traced mainly to EBM and the related "dark electronics" culture (darkwave; electro-goth). Futurepop music almost invariably has vocals and the lyrics and melodies often have a dark undertone. The lyrics are frequently science fiction oriented, idealistic or anguished. Futurepop is popular in the goth scene, and a centerpiece of the so-called "cybergoth" subculture.

Some bands have adopted the new term and others have shunned it, even when futurepop bands are clearly a primary influence. Notable bands considered futurepop (at least by some) include Assemblage 23, Covenant (later works), Icon of Coil, and T.O.Y. (formerly known as Evil's Toy in their more harsh EBM days).