Twist Of Shadows (studio album) by Xymox

Twist of Shadows is truly one of the lost masterpieces of the late 80's. It was, is and shall forever be a wonderful work of mysterious dark synth music, perfectly balanced halfway between `Substance'-era New Order and The Sisters of Mercy. The album was more electronic than their previous, more-Goth releases and combined ominous sounds with moments that were uplifting and hopeful.
"Evelyn" opens the album with an orchestral flourish, not unlike the way "Plainsong" opens The Cure's `Disintegration', which evolves into a haunting yet strangely danceable piece about yearning and longing. "Obsession", also excellent, has a similar vibe and format. Next up is the Goth focused "Craving" that could have been ripped straight from the Sisters `Floodland'; it features the kind of juggernaut bass line that a Goth power song should. What follow are 2 ballads, something that Xymox had never done before: "Blind Hearts" is the most pop of anything on the album and "The River" is a minimal number sounding a bit like a clone of Peter Murphy's "My Last Two Weeks". On the 2nd half of the disc you can find "A Million Things" and "In the City", which are both energetic and moody blending synth, bass and wet-effected guitars. "Imagination" may be the best song on the album, yet oddly is the only one where female member Anka Wolbert replaces Ronny Moorings' baritone voice on lead vocals. The programming is very reminiscent of New Order's "True Faith", but the feel is more uplifting and hopeful. The album winds down with the dreamy, atmospheric instrumental "Clementina".