I’ve mentioned  that I also really am into Goth, Darkwave, Post-Punk and other bat related stuff. Fortunately, I got the chance to review  Clan of Xymox in Luxor Live, Arnhem (thanks Marco and Ingrid!!), and in my humble opinion: loads of metalheads listen to these kind of genres (just look at the popularity of Lebanon Hanover, Perturbator, Carpenter Brut, and many others and you will concur). So why not review a Darkwave concert on a metal-zine? My thoughts exactly! Here we go!

Forty five years ago the Dutch Clan of Xymox was (co-inventor) of the Darkwave genre. With hits such as “A Day”, “Stranger”, “Michelle” and the gothic smasher “Jasmin and Rose”, they managed to put Dutch Darkwave and Gothic on the map. With releasing their self-titled debut and “Medusa” on the legendary 4AD label they managed to convince friend and foe that these young lads and lady from the Netherlands are bat winged force to be reckoned with. In fact, a lot of songs still get airplay on frequent and infrequent Gothic dance parties around the globe; and deservedly so, the doom and gloom CoX still makes nowadays is still high up in the Indie charts. Ronny Moorings (only member left since their rejuvenation in the end of the nineties) still manages to brew quite some crafty tunes. This is the third time I can witness them in Arnhem and the sixteenth time I have seen them perform (seen them in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and the UK). Does this band still hold any tricks for me or is it the “best of” set I am used to? Will they finally play “Medusa” live? Let’s find out.

But first, it is time for The Essence. Already active since 1984 and still going strong! First of all, the sound is very good and crystal clear on stage. You can see that these lads from Rotterdam are enjoying themselves and are experienced (live) musicians. Songs as “Out of Grace” and “Only for You” (including keyboard on tape) make sure the 80’ies are back. Their are a lot of references with The Cure and sometimes it even feels like Robert Smit is standing there (when you close your eyes for a second). But I must admit after thirty minutes it is enough form and I am eager to see Clan of Xymox, but I don’t mind waiting and hear a few songs before this enthusiastic band leaves the stage. Solid opening act which attracted more than a few fans, and deservedly so.

By now, the venue is not sold out but quite packed. Good to see that both old and young fans were present.  After half an hour of waiting, the intro of  “Stranger” sets. But there’s something wrong with the sound: vocals are barely present and the volume is way too soft. This continues with “Love got Lost”, “There’s no Tomorrow” and “X-odus”, It seems like there is definitely something going wrong with the sound (engineer) because only the monitors on stage are working.  Ronny is very displeased and stops the show starting a discussion with the engineer which is visibly and audibly not in control. Whether this was handled nicely, opinions will differ. But it surely had an effect and the sound improving significantly so we could enjoy “Jasmine and Rose” ,”A Day”, “Muscoviet Mosquito” and many more. With a total of nineteen! songs we were in a treat and people really enjoyed the show. We are also treated with “You’re the One” ,which I doubt ever having witnessed live, and the new excellent track “Fire“, It all concluded with playing the Goth evergreen “Back Door”.

Although the beginning was lackluster due to sound problems Clan of Xymox eventually managed to pull off a sizzling, thrilling and danceable show providing old and new songs. It can be seen as a very good overview of their extended discography, spanning four decades. The visuals on the background were superb and the lights, aided with some surprises, were excellent. Although, once again, they didn’t play “Medusa” me and the rest of the audience thoroughly enjoyed this performance. Personally I can’t wait to see them for the 17th time! And that says something. This never grows old!

   Tracklist Clan of Xymox:

1. Stranger
2. Love Got Lost
3. There’s No Tomorrow
4. X-odus
5. Jasmin & Rose
6. Blood of Christ
7. Emily
8. You’re the One
9. Loneliness
10. Suffer
11. She
12. A Day
13. All I Ever Know
14. Your Kiss
15. Louise
16. Muscoviet Musquito
17. Fire
18. Michelle
19. Back Door

   Tracklist The Essence:

1. Separation
2. The Crack
3. Out of Grace
4. The Death Cell
5. Everything
6. A Mirage
7. Only for You
8. Endless Lakes / Surrender