Clan of Xymox released Medusa through 4AD on 1 November 1986, which makes today the album’s 40th birthday. It was the Dutch band’s second album for the label, following their self-titled 1985 debut.
The band formed in Nijmegen in 1983 around Ronny Moorings and Anka Wolbert, later joined by Pieter Nooten and Frank Weyzig after the move to Amsterdam. An invitation from Dead Can Dance’s Brendan Perry to support them on a UK tour led to the 4AD deal.
John Fryer produced Medusa together with the band. Nigel Grierson shot the sleeve photography, with design by 23 Envelope, 4AD’s regular design studio at the time.
The original LP ran ten tracks, from “Theme I” and the title song through “Michelle”, “Louise”, “Agonised by Love” and “Masquerade” to “Back Door”. The current 4AD edition adds “Blind Hearts”, “A Million Things” and “Scum” for thirteen tracks in all.
Medusa closed the band’s first 4AD run. As Xymox they moved on to Wing Records for “Twist of Shadows” and “Phoenix”, and Moorings later took the Clan of Xymox name back. The band shared the single “Broken Heart” / “Fire” in September 2026.
4AD – https://shopusa.4ad.com/products/cad613-medusa
Apple Music – https://music.apple.com/us/album/medusa/299699391
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/7oK1VXwgIGlm9PQFg2J67w
Clan of Xymox – https://clanofxymox.com/
Side-Line – https://www.side-line.com/clan-of-xymox-medusa-turns-40/
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