Xymox' (formerly Clan of Xymox... and they have since returned to the "Clan of" moniker) `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 masterpiece "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".

I have yet to see the revival of interest that this release deserves. While Clan of Xymox has had a resurgence, this album is deserving of more credit. Perhaps it is seen as the transition to Xymox' weaker years where they tried to go more directly into the pop mainstream - that's a shame.

This review is coming from someone who really likes punk/old school industrial, but this album is awesome. I like a handful of the Clan's albums but this one is my fav. As 80's as the synths and drums sound with the goth vocals, this disc is streaming with wonderful melody. The songs are catchy and melodic, as well as uplifting sometimes. Its still mostly goth but with a new wave backbone this time around. This album has and will be with me until cd players are obsolete. Note: This album cannot be purchased without Creatures, they go so good together. One of best mellow goth rock albums for sure

I discovered Xymox in 1990. I was introduced to them by a friend who was into the rave scene and I was absolutely blown away by their orchestration, emotion, and raw talent. Three albums were available at the time: Clan of Xymox, Twist of Shadows, and Phoenix. These three form an exquisite progression. Clan of Xymox has a rare quality of originality among rave music. Twist of Shadows displays a larger production budget and more complex orchestration. Phoenix presents a maturity that seems to be the bluesy flower of the energetic adolescence of the first 2. The entrancing voice of Anka Wolbert still sends chills up my spine after 10 years of repeated listening. If you were ever into "New Wave" "Modern Rock" "Rave" or "Goth", you must own these seminal works of an amazing band. At their best, Xymox was as good or better than: the Cure, U2, New Order, or Depeche Mode.

this is simply one of the best albums of all time... floaty, dreamy, distant.. yet with a great driving rhythm.. and speaking of driving.. this cd is a must for long car journeys..xymox blends synth textures and reverbed guitars in a most melancholy way.. accented with ronny and ankas beautifully dark voices...it reminds me of night...

Xymox is light enough to please synth-pop fans, and dark enough to be somewhat gothic. Overall pretty unique style, with a cool mix of sounds and tempos. Deep vocals and angst filled lyricism add to the ambience.

Some of my favorites: "Evelyn"/"Obsession"/"Craving"/"The River."

Worth checking out: De/Vision, Distain, B-Machine!