I have literally fallen in love with this genre since I first started listening to that kind of stuff about 5 months ago. Which is surprising, because I had shunned everything except heavy metal since I was 10 years old.

I don't know if it's because I'm getting older (35 next month) or it's just that I decided to get outside my comfort zone musically, but I really love this kind of stuff.

16 Horsepower-Black Soul Choir
The Coffinshakers-Last Night Down By The Grave
Those Poor Bastards-Is This Hell
Sons Of Perdition-Blood In The Valley
Dead Brothers-Death Blues

Anyone else?

You ought to add Murder By Death, Jay Munly, Woven Hand, and Slim Cessna's Auto Club to the mix too. Love the genre.

Actually, I've been hearing a bunch of Slim Cessna thanks to LastFM. I was already familiar with Woven Hand. Don't know why I didn't include them.

EDIT-Jay Munly is currently playing on LastFM, and is my first exposure to him. Thanks.

I'm a huge fan of both 16 Horsepower and Woven Hand, I'll have to check out some of the other bands mentioned here, when I get the chance.

I have reviewed quite a few of the Americana//Outlaw Country bands in my local area. One of the best such bands I have ever heard is the Darnell Woodies. Both of their CD's are just phenomenal. They are also very, very nice people. Others include the Pinkerton Raid; Sarah Shook and the Devil; John Howie, Jr. and the Rosewood Bluff; The Black Sleep; The Bo-Stevens, and more. Mandolin Orange has a great sound. (I'd love to interview them but that is not going to happen, they blew me off rather obviously, but hey, that's the breaks. It would be an occupational hazard, I guess, if this were an occupation...) There is also a cool Punk band in my area called the the P-90's, which includes members of several currently performing country bands! They are very nice people, too. I have an upcoming interview with them where we discuss how Country musicians ending up starting a Punk band. The Drummer, John Howie, and his Honkytonk band will be opening for George Jones next month.

Reviews are on the ezine, and videos of some of the bands are on the Midnight calling Youtube page.

I have had a few people in the Goth community question why I am featuring Country and Bluegrass related bands on Midnight Calling Ezine. Simply put, because its mine and I can. Also, I will feature music from people who are nice regardless of the genre.

P.S. If it's true that anything "dark" is Goth, then Bluegrass icon Ralph Stanley's 'O Death' is about as Goth as it gets.

Woven Hand are amazing........

Strange enough, I used to dislike country music until I started listening to more and more of the neofolk genre and especially bands from America, like many of Michael Gira's post-Swans projects.

I think where I finally caved was listening to Birch Book, the country music-influenced side project of melancholic neofolk outfit In Gowan Ring.

Also, whenever I hear the term "country gothic", I can't help but think of Nick Cave's ballad-esque work.

I've since added works by Leonard Cohen and Johnny Cash to my music collection.

I still can't stand any of that modern "country rock" music, but the side of country closer to just pure traditional folk music is always welcome.

Thank you so much for introducing me to this subgenre! From what I've listened now it sounds awesome. Country is always full of feelings for me as I've heard it since childhood.

I think a darker, gothic perspective fits country music well.

I wonder if Tom Waits would count.....

Mark Sinnis and Creech Holler might also be your cup of tea.

Speaking of Nick Cave, I've really been hitting up his songs on youtube.

Stagger Lee
Red Right Hand

I've also been on a big Those Poor Bastards kick.

Phantom of the Black Hills, great hellbilly/doom country!
http://www.phantomoftheblackhills.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/phantomofblackhills

Also Goddamn Gallows
http://www.goddamngallows.com/

..and this:

http://heathenapostles.com/site/free-do ... the-night/

Someone on another forum said it was too country & western but it reminds me of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds a bit, I really like it.