X-Marks the Pedwalk

Formed in 1987 they were orginally called Scarecrow, but after leaving their first label they renamed the band X-Marks the Pedwalk (the name coming from a short story by sci-fi/fantasy author Fritz Leiber about a future dystopia where vehicular manslaughter is considered a sport). The band was started by schoolmates André Schmechta and Jorg Bohme, also known as Sevren Ni-Arb and Regan Eracs respectively. After producing a number of singles for Talla 2XLC's label Zoth Ommog, they released their first album Freaks in 1992. After a disagreement over the direction of XMTP, Bohme left and was replaced by Sevren Ni-Arb's brother Thorsten Schmechta (aka Raive Yarx) for the follow up Human Desolation.

Another album followed (The Killing Had Begun) before XMTP stunned some fans with a changed stylistic approach in the 1995 release Meshwork, which featured a mature, techno-influenced sound and the vocal presence of Sevren's future wife Stefanie Eckmann-Schmechta (aka Estefania). It was followed up one year later by Drawback, which continued the evolution of the sound. The birth of his first son and frustration with record labels in general led Sevren to dissolve the XMTP project altogether and quit music. A compilation album of rarities, unreleased tracks, and b-sides called Experiences was released in 2003 as the final milestone of the project.

Official Homepage:
www.xmtp.de