OnderStroom Records / Belgium / RE 2022 / 12"
Aroma Di Amore (AdA) was a trailblazing Belgian cult band that emerged in the early 1980s, known for blending electronics and rock with biting Flemish lyrics, post-punk/cold wave aesthetics, and an intense political and poetic voice. Fronted by Elvis Peeters (Jos Verlooy) and driven by Fred Angst (Gerry Vergult) on guitar and synths, AdA combined sharp social commentary with experimental soundscapes, earning a loyal following in Belgium and abroad.
Their breakthrough came during the 1982 Rock Rally, where their mix of deep basslines, icy drum machines, jagged guitars, and surreal lyricism stood out. They addressed themes of war, nuclear anxiety, and societal unrest with a mix of sarcasm and poetic absurdism, reflected in powerful tracks like “Lauwe Oorlog” and “Voor De Dood”—the latter becoming their most iconic song.
Over the years, they released a string of influential records including Koude Oorlog (1984), De Sfeer Van Grote Dagen, Harde Feiten (1986), and Koudvuur (1987). While their critical reception was strong, mainstream success eluded them, and the band experienced periods of inactivity, lineup changes, and underwhelming sales, despite a growing international cult status.
In 2024, after 40 years, Aroma Di Amore officially concluded their career with a series of farewell concerts and the release of a vinyl box set covering their key years (1983–1987), cementing their legacy as one of the most visionary and subversive acts in Belgian underground music history.