Hmm... Call it fate that a stomach flu kept me away from the Eindhoven gig next day. Instead I spontaneously decided to go to this Frankfurt show one week later.
Because, both bands presented themselves this evening completely different and on a way higher level as in Cologne.
Frankfurt’s Batschkapp was almost sold out. To silly that the announced time wasn’t the begin of the show, but the door time, leaving many fans in front of the door waiting for an hour, freezing their asses off, while getting wt at the same time *brrrr*. I left my jacket in the car around the corner…fatal mistake I’d say ;) Maybe it’s now enough for a sickness certificate.
Waiting and weather was probably the reason, why the fans were so trashy. Unfriendly till the hair tips, no one wanted to move a little bit in the crowded hall. Though there was much movement, because the smokers had to leave the venue. Nice for the rest, but instead of smoke a lot of other fragrances find its way into noses, and they are hardly ever enjoyable. The female bartender looked like she wanted to offer beating for every drink request, while the dear Dani and me got cautioned against photographer bashing bitches. Ola, what a nice view!
Ok, dont worry, it's not the end of the world ;) We didn’t get thrashed (although the special ladies lokked like they would like to do so) and the crowd emerged a little later as absolutely enthusiastic and supportive. Much to the pleasure of the bands… ;)

:: pics ::

:. NOYCE TM ~ kicked off at 9pm. With a new intro they self-confidently entered the stage. Tonight Florian Schäfer, Oliver Goetz and Thomas Krupatz painted the town red! Sound was significantly more charismatic, pounding, driving, involving the fans right from the beginning. No nervousness anymore, no unsureness. But no chance to get away completely ;) At Tagwerk the technique failed and the band was thrown off. No drama at all, fans took it exhilarating and NOYCE TM went on shortly after. Also light was newly arranged, especially bringing singer Florian into his own. Too bad that the Batschkapp was sooo crowed and we didn’t have any chance to change our positions while taking photos *sighs*. You stood where you stood. And that for the entire evening, which in fact was 10 minutes longer for NOYCE TM compared with the show in Cologne. It was like experiencing two completely different bands this evening :)
Setlist: Coma Intro, The White Room, Sleepwaker, Tagwerk, Hypnotized, Karmakoma, Our World, Headland, Panique, Year 03

:. DIARY OF DREAMS ~ 20 minutes later the breathtaking intro set in again. Dam it, it is really hard to shut the mouth since the tour isn’t finished yet and many fans still want to be surprised by this… ;) *psssssst* Ok, setlist was slightly changed, Retaliation was cut, and proven Soulstripper added. The Valley is still to find on every setlist but got never played so far *sighs* Good for me, since already She And Her Darkness moved me to tears, I had to dust off when the floodlights came. No fires tonight, the stage was too small, no catwalk either, just a little front building. Oh, and finally… at Traumtänzer Adrian Hates opened his hair ;) Easy barometer for the "work atmosphere" it seems. As sooner he lets his hair flow, as more Adrian feels comfortable on stage ;) The audience anyway went crazy from the first tune, screamed and applauded and danced.
Setlist: Intro, Nekrolog 43, False Affection, False Creation, The Plague, She, Chemicals, Son Of A Thief, UnWanted, Butterfly:Dance!, Hypo)crypticK(al, Mensch:Feind, UnMensch, AmoK, Traumtänzer, Soul Stripper, Kindrom, The Curse / [acoustic set] The Curse, Giftraum, O’ Brother Sleep / She And Her Darkness

What’s left to state is the fact that DIARY OF DREAMS is one of just few bands with a huge die-hard fan community. These kind of fans who take all efforts to see them performing live and following them from show to show, buying the entire merchandise collection and supporting the band in any possible way. Waiting among all these fans for almost an hour let me wonder where from all these people came, under what circumstances they secured rarities or got to the shows. DIARY OF DREAMS can count themselves lucky.

Let me say thank you for all that you have given me.
Thank you for everything you've done.

Lonely I ride the highways under a starlit canopy, like a lonely warrior on and endless journey. I enjoy the night, while the bright light of Castor, Pollex, Sirius, Rigel and the Betelgeuse touches my soul. Maybe I already like it too much, to present myself this way. I change from the Hessian to the Sauerland; perceive the fox on time that thankfully and much lively disappears into the undergrowth. Afterwards I force up into the hills, pass snow-capped the mountain’s tops (there was really a bit of snow left ;)) and slash spookily shining single waft of mist. The highway is filled with heavy loads and trucks racing neck and neck, using all three traces if necessary, or just lurching over them sleepingly. Every now and then it happens to me too when I overestimated myself at this snowy weather. Luckily I have enough room to get my own and the car’s ass back on rail (grooves) again.
3am I’m back home and turn in, hyper but tired though and ponder that I need a new, faster car, to ride along the highways with 200km/h at night. Too bad that is was definitely the last DIARY OF DREAMS show during this tour, because I won’t get any fucking day off from this fucking work. Little comfort: Mr. Dave Mustaine expects me on Monday. Not bad at all ;)

story & pics © Dajana