Women of Sodom Bio

"Women who have their own power, whether it's sexual, or whether it's material -- we still don't know how to label them; they're still a threat. We still want to brand them either a witch, bitch, or a psycho."

Strapped to a table, pumped full of anesthetic, I turn my head to watch the breathtaking Ilsa enter the room. Stretching her ominous latex gloves, Ilsa turns to a rubber-clad nurse and deadpans, "Have you prepared him for the exam?" My accelerating heart beat is drowned out by the pounding industrial music pumping into the cold, sterile room. I am a willing victim in the Women of Sodom's reverse-morality play.

"I am the doctor and I am here to give the exam.
There will be a roomful of students watching, but don't be
nervous -- you are in good hands. Put on your rubber gloves!
Sterilize the instruments! Attach clamps! My assistant has
prepared you for the exam. You may feel some pressure!
This may feel cold! I am going to insert my finger now!"

Founded as a platform for Ilsa's radical philosophies and alternative feminism, the Women of Sodom are much more than a band. Their stage approach dramatizes the music's vignettes of domination over males. The music and the stage activities transport the audience to a world in which sex with the crucified Jesus is not only permitted but encouraged. "Jesus is the ultimate trophy boyfriend," says Ilsa. "We are trying to overturn Catholicism's twisted view of the female role in the church."

"The church only knows two kinds of women,
harlots and saints."

The core of the group consists of Ilsa von Bulow, lead vocalist, and Xavier Dietrich II, purveyor of eclectic industrial dance music. A typical stage show is a wild festival of pulsing music, slave abuse and humiliation, and exotic performances. Member Anneka provides backing vocals ranging from middle eastern chants to bluesy wails. Jane Bondage is the band's guitar playing nun, and also Ilsa's real-life teenage 'sister'. Bunny Peculiar interacts with Ilsa and the slaves throughout the show, keeping adrenaline levels climbing steadily. Lex is the slave cum cage drummer. He is also laden with drum pads during the performance and the Women rhythmically abuse their "human drum." Sahar, a belly-dancing goddess, adds another layer. Ilsa and Anneka's vocals switch effortlessly between German, Hebrew, Italian, and Latin, and rising and falling within Xavier's decadent sonic architectures.

The Women of Sodom have their own extensive web-site featuring animated art, a video clip, sound files, and a slew of stunning photos by resident band photographer, Michael Harkavy.

"Xavier is my best friend and maid, so he wears the maid outfit on-stage to please me," says Ilsa. Don't expect him to be subservient to anyone else though as he states, "I'll do anything for Ilsa, yet I am the musician behind this project and not one of the slaves. Ilsa and the other women respect that." He does look good in the maid outfit, however, as he is tall and lanky with shoulder-length reddish brown hair. In fact, he bears a striking resemblance to Jesus. Ilsa announces, "He is my own personal Jesus! Actually we have done a performance art piece called 'A Valentine for Jesus,' in which he played the part, crucifix, crown of thorns and all."

"Worship and confess to me in this small, dark, room.
I keep my door locked and shut, as cold as metal, but inside
it is wet, soft and supple. My doorway has a curtain,
push it aside and on your knees, kneel!"

Women of Sodom have played to large crowds across the US. They played in New Orleans during Mardi Gras last year and frequently play in New York City and Boston. Xavier and Ilsa are currently at work on their next album at their Boston studio, Fort Dietrich. Until then they are not planning any shows.

"I invited you over. You are the guest of honor.
We put you in a cage. You don't deserve us. You are
nothing!"