Ausgang

Formed in Birmingham in 1983, Ausgang emerged as a pivotal force in the UK Batcave and deathrock scenes. Originally performing as Kabuki, the band rebranded to Ausgang (German for 'Exit') to reflect a more aggressive, outlaw persona.

Their sound identity is characterized by Max's distinctive raspy vocals, which critics often likened to a 'broken guitar string,' paired with high-tension bass thumping and dissonant guitar work. They were contemporaries of Sex Gang Children and The Birthday Party, sharing a penchant for theatrical, high-energy live performances that often involved extreme physical antics. Their career arc saw them move from the jagged deathrock of 'The Teachings of Web' to a more experimental, slightly mellowed sound under the moniker 'Ausgang-A-Go-Go' in the late 80s, a move intended to shed the 'Goth' label which they felt was restrictive. Despite a period of inactivity, their reformation in 2004 solidified their status as cult icons of the genre, frequently cited in seminal texts like Mick Mercer's Gothic Rock books as essential architects of the dark alternative sound.