Die Form

As if almost defining a stereotype, 'Die Form' apparently pronounced 'D-Form) is every thing you'd expect from a European S&M oriented band. Whip-wielding leather clad dominatrix and themes of submission and dominance fill their erotic performance art. More notorious for tits than hits, they make a distinct impression making their own little niche in a seamier corner of the Gothic realm. Yet there is more to this band than dancing around the whipping post. Together nearly 30 years now, founders Philippe Fichot and Éliane P have recorded copiously, not to mention side projects. The consistent output managed to secure them an enduring following over time. Like-minded fans founded something of a cult around them, often emulating the sensuous Éliane. They first tasted early success on the German play lists with "Die Puppe" in 1982. Optimum utilization of the then fledgling 'remix' craze gave them opportunities to issue a 12' version, which eventually found it's way into the clubs.

However, sustained popularity was not to be. While they maintained a following, popular interests turned elsewhere. Sometimes perseverance is rewarded, and in the 90's they had something of a renaissance, in the wake of some fine releases on the Hyperium label, and eventually constituted some arousal from U.S. ears with the operatic, 'Cantique' in the early 90's. Soon this found it's way on to American dance floors, and perhaps more notably, it played a part in landing the band with the influential Metropolis Records. Their subsequent release "Duality" in 1997, containing the soon-to-be club staple "Rain of Blood", drew perhaps the greatest attention of the bands career. The starkly erotic album was the high water mark to date. It was also about this time that the inevitable compilations began to rear their rearranged heads. They had released a majority of their material with Normal early in their career, and Hyperium thorough most of the 90's.

Cleopatra was the first to culminate their tracks on a 'major' label. Need less to say, a band as prolific as Die Form is served well by compilations, but their will always be those that will dispute exclusions. Cleopatra’s entry, "Vicious Circles," drew mainly from the Hyperium years. Following up on 'Duality’s success, Metropolis released the sweeping double-disc ‘Histories' in 1999. In alliance with European Tristol label, Metropolis has released much of Die Form’s back catalog.

Much of it having been long out of print. They have since released several more albums, including this years offering 'Ex Human'. The evocative pair not only provides a binding theme for the bondage crowd, but Philippe also is responsible for all them bands erotic, bondage oriented cover art. It's safe to say as long as long as restraint prevails, so to speak, so will this pairs love for it endure. Die Forms Official Site: www.dieform.net