Xymox

Xymox, also known as Clan of Xymox, is a Dutch darkwave and gothic rock act from Nijmegen, the Netherlands. The project forms around frontman Ronny Moorings, with Anke Wolbert involved in the early live-in line-up in 1983. The group develops a sound that combines darkwave, electronic pop, gothic rock and acoustic folk.

Early years and first releases

The first release is Subsequent Pleasures, issued as an early EP in 1983. Pieter Nooten joins afterwards on keyboards, and the band begins to make its name in the emerging Euro-wave scene. A meeting with Brendan Perry and Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance leads to support slots on a UK tour and then to a recording deal with 4AD.

4AD period

The first two full-length albums, Clan of Xymox and Medusa, establish the group’s place in gothic and darkwave music, with Moorings’ songwriting presented against a smooth, melodic style. In 1989, Moorings leaves 4AD and releases Twist of Shadows, which becomes the project’s most successful and most complete release to that point.

Later changes and line-up

After Twist of Shadows, the next albums, Phoenix and Metamorphosis, mark a more difficult period and a sound that differs strongly from earlier material. Following the poor reception to Metamorphosis, Moorings moves to another label, parts ways with his bandmates, and brings in Mojca Zugna on bass. Zok Records later reissues Metamorphosis and issues the EP Headclouds.

Return and later albums

After a four-year break, Moorings returns with Hidden Faces, described as a logical follow-up to Medusa. In the 2000s and beyond, the project continues with Creatures, Notes From the Underground, Farewell, Breaking Point, In Love We Trust, Darkest Hour, Kindred Spirits, Matters Of Mind, Body And Soul, Days of Black and Spider on the Wall. The live line-up is listed as Ronny Moorings on words, guitar, piano and voice; Mojca Zugna on bass and voice; Yvonne de Ray on keyboards; and Mario Usai on guitar.

Other releases

Alongside the studio albums, the discography includes live releases, compilation material, John Peel Sessions, remix collections and the DVD Visible. The project also issues the early Subsequent Pleasures title again as a reissue, and a bootleg remix release appears under the title Remix.