Unnerving Vocal Terror

Mental illness, despair and AIDS are just a few of the topics Diamanda Galas takes on in her work. With her three and a half octave vocal range Galas can turn a shriek into an aria. Galas is classically trained and has studied a wide range of musical styles which has created a sound that is distinctly her own. Her themes are dark and difficult but there is the slightest ray of hope in much of her work.
Upon her brothers death from AIDS Galas focused on the disease. She has worked closely with ACT UP and was arrested in a protest in New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral. Her operatic trilogy "Masque of Red Death", dedicated to her brother who died before its completion.
She has also performed the blues. Her recording "The Singer" includes her unique cover versions of songs by Willie Dixon and Screaming Jay Hawkins. The power of her keening voice and piano is chilling. Her recordings "Judgement Day" and "Vena Cava" further explore the depths of despair and madness.
In 1994 Galas teamed up with Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones to record "The Sporting Life" her most accessible recording. Her themes on this recording are mainly mental illness and murder.  The song "Baby's Insane" is terrifying sing along.

Galas has also worked extensively with the film industry contributing to many film soundtracks. Several of the songs from "The Sporting Life"are included in the soundtrack of Oliver Stone's film "Natural Born Killers". She was also one of the voices of the vampires in Francis Ford Coppola's "Dracula".

Her live performances are always thrilling and terrifying at the same time. They are dark moody performances featuring her piano and often she will be drenched in blood. Her work is not for everyone but it has a sense of drama that can overwhelm and enthrall the audiences.