Xmal Deutschland (pronounced: /ɪksmal ˈdɔʏtʃlant/), often written as X-Mal Deutschland, were a German gothic rock band. Founded in 1980 with a completely female line-up, they had chart success both in and outside their native country. Their last album was released in 1989.

Biography

Xmal Deutschland were formed in 1980 by Anja Huwe (vocals), Manuela Rickers (guitar), Fiona Sangster (keyboards), Rita Simonsen (bass) and Caro May (drums) in Hamburg.

The Sequenz EP was essentially a remake of a John Peel session, which had been originally recorded on 30 April 1985 and broadcast on 13 May 1985. The EP contained the tracks "Jahr Um Jahr II", "Autumn" (the band's first song with English lyrics, apart from brief snatches of English that appeared in "Qual", "Young Man" and "Tag für Tag") and "Polarlicht" but omitted "Der Wind", which was played at the Peel sessions.

"Matador", produced by Hugh Cornwell of The Stranglers, was released in 1986. Xmal Deutschland also opened for The Stranglers at a concert in Wembley Arena, London, as well as supporting them on their entire UK tour.

Their follow-up album, Viva was recorded in Hamburg and was released in 1987 through Phonogram,

Media appearances

"Incubus Succubus" featured in episode 2 of the second season of Snowpiercer.

Discography

Albums

  • 1983: Fetisch (4AD)
  • 1984: Tocsin (4AD)
  • 1987: Viva (X-ile (Phonogram))
  • 1989: Devils (Metronome)

Singles and EPs

  • 1981: "Schwarze Welt" b/w "Die Wolken", "Großstadtindianer" (ZickZack) 7" single
  • 1982: "Incubus Succubus" b/w "Zu Jung Zu Alt", "Blut Ist Liebe" (ZickZack/ZickZack Platten) 12" single
  • 1983: "Qual (12" Remix)" b/w "Zelt", "Sehnsucht" (4AD/Virgin/Beggars Banquet) 12" single
  • 1983: "Incubus Succubus II" b/w "Vilo" (4AD/DRO/Nexus/Nexus International) 7" and 12" single
  • 1984: "Reigen" b/w "Eiland" (DRO/4AD) 7" single
  • 1985: "Jahr Um Jahr II" b/w "Autumn", "Polarlicht" -Sequenz (Red Rhino/DRO/Fundamental) 7" and 12" single
  • 1986: The Peel Sessions (30.04.85) (Strange Fruit) EP
  • 1986: "Matador" b/w "Paho" (Xile/Mercury) 7" and 12" single/maxi-single
  • 1987: "Sickle Moon" b/w "Illusion" (Xile/Phonogram/Mercury) 7" and 12" single/maxi-single
  • 1989: "Dreamhouse" b/w "Drowned You" (Metronome) 7" and 12" single/CD maxi-single
  • 1989: "I'll Be Near You (Radical Remix)" b/w "The Girl in the Iron Mask", "I'll Be Near You (Retouched Radio Version)" (Metronome) 7" single/12" maxi-single/CD maxi-single

Compilations

  • 2024: "Early Singles (1981-1982)" (Sacred Bones Records)

References

  • Anja Huwe