Any band with the gall of advertising themselves by placing a still of Marlon Brando
next to one from a Russ Meyer exploitation flick, deserves closer scrutiny. The
following article features an exclusive interview with the Belgian quartet Diamond
Dogs, a review of their first demo "File Under God" and a selection of
their lyrics. Further information, along with samples of Diamond Dogs'
music is available at the band's own site, which is linked throughout this article.
Based in Gent, Belgium, Diamond
Dogs consists of vocalist Dominique De Vos, guitarist Filip Beyens,
percussionist Peter Debosschere and keyboardist Koen Pattyn. All of them
come from diverse musical backgrounds, having played for years in a wide variety of other
bands. However, as Diamond Dogs they are all venturing into new musical
territory with their hybrid of electronica, dance and metal.
Founded by Dominique and Filip
early in 1997, the duo originally thought of Diamond Dogs only as a
studio project. Together they recorded the four-track demo "File Under God,"
which was warmly received by the Belgian underground press. As a result of these positive
reviews, and a desire to take their music on stage, Peter and Koen were
added to the line-up early in 1998.
Diamond Dogs'
first live show was a success in all respects. The band shocked their audience, who was
unprepared for the band's energetic and off-the-wall performance style; they received
another batch of positive reviews from the independent music press along with a favorable
spot in the local newspaper; and, they were thoroughly ignored by the mainstream music
establishment.
With the recent expansion of the
band, the sound of Diamond Dogs is moving towards the more electronic and
sample-oriented. They are presently in the process of recording their second demo, and
rehearsing for further live appearances later this year.
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