XMal Deutschland* – Fetisch

Without great excesses
X Mal Deutschland's debut 'Fetish' 1983 is a terrific album! I think 4ad didn't draw this band at that time for nothing! But already with the follower 'Toscin' in 1984 there are slight weaknesses, both musically and in the increase of their inspiration. For me, 'Fetish' is and remains the album par excellence.

Dark tribal type post-punk record. Sorta reminds me of a more minimal and primal version of Siouxsie And The Banshees.

I've always been fascinated by the dissonant and noisy way Manuela Rickers plays guitar in the early recording of Xmal Deutschland. Not a single melody or usual cool stuff most pre-goth band are into. She gives the band such a unique abrasive sound, agressive and hypnotic. She's really one of a kind here.
And this album is perfect.

is there a reissue or a Bootleg of the 4AD UK Pressing? I just purchased a pristine, brand new looking copy at a flea market in berlin that looks 100% new...

Such a great band. Even though I don't speak German, The instrumentation is perfect.

This is the great, epic debut. They had this amazing drag to their sound that others didn't have. Manuella Zwigman's drumming was catchy and simple which really gives a solid backing and real character base to the songs. Each album by X-mal has a unique character, this one is bleak, brilliant with no filler songs. This stands as one of the great albums of the time.