In the series of albums that has inspired and influenced me and others, I want to bring attention to Diamanda Galas. She's well known and respected by artists of all genres, and up to this date I haven't heard of anyone without a strong opinion of her works - either they dislike her expression or they love it.

Now I could mention several albums, but the one I choose is " The Divine Punishment & Saint of pit". I do advise you all to listen in on albums like "The litanies of satan" and "Schrei", but that wasn't my first encounter with her musical works. The Divine Punishment & Saint of pit, or plague mass as it is known from the later live release, was a very special musical experience for me.

If I am correctly informed she made this musical work in connection to the spreading of the HIV virus.  The theme, the chosen lyrics, the final musical product and performance has a hard hitting effect. I had the pleasure to see her perfom the mass in Oslo in the 90's - and have been a big fan of her work since this first encounter in the late 80's. If you do not have this in your collection, I strongly recommend you put it on your wish list.