Clan Of Xymox
Medusa

THE REVIEW

I must preface by saying that I have wanted to write my own review for quite some time, but until today I have never made up my mind. You will certainly notice that I am "fresh" to the "craft," you will all realize it, but I only ask you not to be cruel in the comments you leave..

"MEDUSA"... the Clan of Xymox... Well, here we're talking about existential depth beyond all limits... Released in 1986, it was immediately appreciated for its artistic qualities. Moreover, the Xymox were coming off their previous album "PHOENIX," which had strayed significantly from their personal genre; from the heavy and agonizing dark wave of their debut album, the self-titled "CLAN OF XYMOX," to the more simplistic and danceable new wave of "PHOENIX" (an album which, incidentally, I have never been too fond of due to its distinct '80s dance influence, and not that I don't love '80s dance, on the contrary...).

When I came into possession of this masterpiece, I was little more than 18, and it was given to me by someone who meant a lot to me, above all: true love... Perhaps that's why I am particularly devoted to this album, because it represented a beautiful love fairy tale, a wonderful dream that will accompany me for life... My Faith knows no boundaries just like this album doesn't... The title track is already in itself a combination of Passion and Pain that freezes the blood in your veins and that splashes you out of any real dimension...
Moreover, they distinguish themselves as a band for the refinement of their compositions, both in lyrics and of course in music. The Clan of Xymox are four Dutchmen led by Ronnie Moorings and his partner whose name is Mojca, a beautiful woman who truly appeared out of nowhere!! A truly unique Creature... The tracks follow each other inevitably dragging you into the darkest and foggiest depths of your consciousness.. You have the feeling you might falter at any moment and it's tangible that "Medusa" cannot lift you up... rather...

Yet it genuinely gives you unparalleled awareness!! It truly opens your eyes to everything, to these loves that don't last and to this life that slowly devours you... "MEDUSA" doesn't offer Hope to those seeking it... "MEDUSA" gives you awareness of what was and can no longer be. It envelops you in its musical coils like a serpent on its prey... "MEDUSA" is a sad, very sad album... But it's a sadness that helps you understand... a Melancholy without equal that directly frames your nostalgias.. Songs like Michelle or Louise you cannot forget... it's impossible.. emotionally impossible! And what about Agonist by love and Theme 1 and 2? Wonderful!

This album is the classic record that can prove dangerous if taken for what it conveys... I say this because it was the soundtrack during an undeniable period of my life. A dark Orchestra that mercilessly tormented my mind at a time when my Faith and I were in constant search for our Artificial Paradises.... A quest that marked an end.... The end of a beautiful Love... like the end of this oneiric album..
The last song the most ephemeral... lethal and without mercy, a true emotional massacre: "BACKDOOR." In my entire life there hasn't been a song that could even come close to the level of highest beauty and artistic expression of "BACKDOOR"... Maybe "LIGHTS" by Sisters of Mercy in all the musical Olympus known to me... It leaves you no escape.. not from anything or anyone... How many times tears streaked my face as I heard it... My God... A superb musical composition touched by the genius and recklessness of the text itself....

The magnificence of this album unfortunately will not be replicated by our heroes, but undeniably the Xymox in the years that followed to this day, have nonetheless managed to deliver other emotions with equally beautiful records. This peak remains unique and inimitable and above all unreachable.. The poetry of "MEDUSA" remains immortal and dangerous as the name it bears... And there are no way outs, there are no alternatives to anything, there is only that immense beauty that makes your heart bleed and shed a few tears in memory of a lost love... of an INFINITE love.