Clan of Xymox

Formed in Amsterdam in 1984, Clan of Xymox became one of the mainstays of the 4AD label. Along with labelmates such as Cocteau Twins and Dead Can Dance the Clan's dark electrogothic approach to music quickly became the benchmark by which all other bands to follow were judged. Their self titled debut, released in 1985, was highlighted by the club classics "A Day" and "Stranger". In 1987, the band was included on 4AD's popular "Lonely as an Eyesore" compilation, as well as releasing their darker follow-up CD, "Medusa".
 
  In 1988, Clan of Xymox changed labels, moving to Wing, a subsidiary of PolyGram, and shortened their name to Xymox. Modifying their sound to appeal to a larger audience, their 1989 debut record for Wing, "Twist of Shadows", sold in excess of 300,000 copies. "Phoenix" followed two years later, but without the same clout as their three predecessors.
 
  In the early eighties, Xymox became the sole signing to the independent label, Zok Records. They released four recordings, primarily in the dance genre: "Metamorphosis", "Headclouds", a mini-CD called "Subsequent Pleasures", and one remix CD.

   In 1997, the band reclaimed their original name, Clan of Xymox, and began the work of reclaiming their original sound and glory. "Hidden Faces", produced by Dave Allen (of Sisters fame) and John Rivers (of Love and Rockets note) hearkened back to the 4AD years, and although it did not completely regain the power of their initial sound, it was clearly the best work they had done since "Medusa". This release was followed by a number of American and European dates, including coheadlining the Zillo and Leipzig festivals in Germany.
  
In 1999, Clan of Xymox signed on with Metropolis Records, and delivered "Creatures" to a public that had been waiting for the true follow-up to 1985's "Clan of Xymox" album for 14 years. "Creatures" not only captures the sound of their amazing debut (which has also been reissued in 1999 along with "Medusa"), but infuses it with the dark rock and Gothic guitar styles of such masterful bands as Andrew Eldritch's Sisters of Mercy.
   In the mid eighties, Clan of Xymox helped define the very beginning of the electroGothic movement. Rejoin them now as they further define its future.