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German goth pioneers Xmal Deutschland: ‘To British people I was like an alien’

Born in early-80s Hamburg, they became the toast of goth discos. As they release a singles collection, they recall their shock at seeing Thatcher’s Britain – and the sexist cynics who underestimated them

Huwe had seen the Clash and the Slits play London’s Lyceum in 1978, returned to Hamburg, chopped off her long blonde hair and started working in the local punk record shop, Rip Off. One early single, Incubus Succubus, stood out from the rest – with evil laughing, synthesised howls and Huwe’s dark chanting vocals, it was championed by John Peel on his radio show and became a cult post-punk classic. Both albums showcased a more refined, dark and haunting sound, and Tocsin included a re-recording of Incubus Succubus that became a staple on the dancefloor of London goth club Bat Cave.

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