Xmal Deutschland

From ArticleWorld

Xmal Deutschland, also written as X-Mal Deutschland, was formed in 1980 by Anja Huwe (vocals), Manuela Rickers (guitar), Fiona Sangster (keyboards), Rita Simon (bass guitar) and Caro May (drums) in Hamburg, Germany. Their first single, "Großstadtindianer" was released in 1981 on Alfred Hilsberg’s ZickZack label.Around this time Rita Simon was replaced by Wolfgang Ellerbrock.

Big Break

In 1982 the band released the Goth classic "Incubus Succubus." Incubus Succubus is still a requested song at dance clubs. Drummer Caro May was replaced by Manuela Zwingmann, also in 1982. While German audiences were less than receptive at first, a United Kingdom tour opening for the Cocteau Twins resulted in a label deal with independent label 4AD.

Their debut album, Fetisch and the singles "Qual" and "Incubus Succubus II" were released in 1983, all 3 making the UK Independent charts, even though the band used German lyrics.

Final Lineup

Manuela Zwingmann left the band in 1984, being replaced by Peter Bellendir. This lineup of Huwe, Rickers, Sangster, Ellerbrock, Bellendir proved to be the longest running. 1984 saw the release of the single "Reigen" and the album Tocsin, followed by a world tour throughout the year 1985.

1986 saw the release of Matador, produced by Hugh Cornwell of The Stranglers. Xmal Deutschland also opened for The Stranglers at a concert at Wembley Stadium in London.

Their follow-up album, Viva was recorded in Hamburg and was released in 1987, followed by the single "Sickle Moon". Viva contains a large number of English lyrics; among others was a poem by the great Emily Dickinson.

The band was to go their separate ways in 1989. There has been no news of them ever reforming.