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Classically train pianist Debra Fogarty turned Goth-Rocker cleverly mixes electronic dance beats with Beethoven-esc strings creating an unusual contrast of musically genres of Goth, industrial, and darkwave. Formed in 1998 in Hollywood, Diva Destruction quickly garnered much attention on both sides of the Atlantic with their 1999 debut album, Passion's Price which came out on Fogarty’s own label and featured a second vocalist, Severina Sol (a member of the Seattle-based industrial band Fockewolf).
At first listen, you might be deceived by the overtly similar vocal styles of Debra Fogarty and Siouxsie Sioux. Even shades of a Danielle Dax influence are apparent, however, Diva Destruction have a more robust sound than either as they redefine Goth for the 21st century.
Exposing The Sickness, the band’s debut for Metropolis, finds Debra in a particularly pissy mood as she vents lyrics as bitter as a betrayed lover. Fogarty doesn't sing and write about witches or vampires rather her songs describe relationships that are inevitably tragic. Members Sharon (keyboards/backup vocals), Benn Ra (guitarist and former member of Nation of Fear), and AntheM (drummer) are a huge factor in the makeup of the group’s heavy sound. The strong emotions of their songs range from fast and angry dance songs to seductively dark ballads. Heavy drumming and muted guitars is a signature of Diva. This couple with aggressive and yet somewhat vulnerable vocals gives the band a very distinct sound. Mixed by a famous producer, Scott Humphrey (producer of Rob Zombie and Motley Crue) was another huge factor in the making of this disc. Nitzer Ebb member, Julian Beeston contributes a remix of “Trees”.
Spring tour dates for the US and Europe are being put together, so if you want to see this theatrical ensemble check http://www.divadestruction.com/ often
TONY ENGELHART
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