Xmal Deutschland - Devils

Xmal Deutschland's "Devils" (1989) is often seen as a departure from their earlier, more gothic sound, with a move towards a more commercial, pop-oriented direction. While some fans appreciate the album's atmospheric qualities and consider it underrated, others find it a disappointment compared to their earlier work on labels like 4AD. In essence, "Devils" is a point of contention among Xmal Deutschland fans, with some embracing its unique qualities while others lament its deviation from the band's earlier, darker sound. 

Review by Didier BECU

Hold your horses, before you kill me. "Devils" is not the best album by X-Mal Deutschland, but by far their most ignored one. The problem begins because only a handful of people are aware that this fourth and final album had been released. Of course back then there was no future for Hamburg’s finest. The 90’s were making their entrance and there was simply no place left for this influential band that released two classic albums on 4AD, "Fetisch" and "Tocsin" and even their third non 4AD album "Viva". Even if "Viva" may be my favourite album by Xmal (I know you all prefer "Fetisch"), I listen a lot to "Devils".

Don't panic!, I’m aware that the band were in a way betraying their Gothic roots. Since 'Matador' was released as a single everyone knew that the band were striving for a more pop sound and "Devils" was the ultimate proof of that.

Technically speaking you can’t even say that "Devils" is a real X-Mal Deutschland as  Anja Huwe and Wolfgang Ellerbrock were the only remaining members. Manuela Rickers, Fiona Sangster and Peter Bellendir had already left the sinking ship because "Devils" was a commercial disaster. Not only were they far far away from 4AD, they also left many fans speechless with their new approach. The gorgeous voice of Anja Huwe stayed, the moody synths were there too, but all of a sudden X-Mal Deutschaland sounded like…fuckin' Roxette!

'Heavens and Seas' was like a female version of The Waterboys, 'I Push It Harder' like a pre-Spice Girls song and 'You Broke My Heart' could have been penned by Phil fuckin' Collins. Mind you, despite writing this, I fall for this type of music as it’s better to be a copy from Phil Collins than Pearl Jam (there goes my credibility, but I mean those words!)(just remember that this is written by some asshole called Didier!)

Nah, "Devils" is (and always will be) a collection of gorgeous new wave pop songs, but in a way a failed attempt from a band that wanted to cross their borders. Anja Huwe still has the most sexy voice in music, they still could write tunes (listen to Searchlights!). And before you really start torturing me: no, there’s no Stummes Kind on here, but "Devils" is sublime nonetheless.

Ripped from a Canadian issued CD to MP3

1 - I'll Be Near You

2 - Searchlights

3 - You Broke My Heart

4 - Sleepwalker

5 - When Devils Come

6 - Heavens and Seas

7 - Dreamhouse

8 - I Push It Harder

9 - I Should Have Known

10 - All In My Hands

11 - Drowned You

12 - Dreamhouse Theme