This is another concert I could hardly await and was absolutely looking forward. I love DIORAMA and their shows are always exceptional. Besides, both bands have just released outstanding new records that downright scream for a live support. I would have loved to do several shows for a tour report but unfortunately I had to do some of my normal work that exactly brings me the money to pay my “hobbies” ;) So at first I just could envy the ones attending the shows in my hometown and Cologne till it was up to be to invade the • Matrix • in Bochum ;)

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As I heard from my hometown show that DIORAMA was downgraded from the hall to the Café I was a little bit scared but eventually the Tube was well-filled as usual. I was keen on a nice DIORAMA shirt, but the one they had I did not like and so I decided for a dressy SLAVE REPUBLIC bodice.

On time :: SLAVE REPUBLIC :: entered the stage and kicked off with the opener Paint My Heart Black from the brand new album Quest For Love. And in a second the crowd was dancing. They played 7 out of 10 from the new, plus two from the debut Electric One. However, I was happy, because all my personal faves got played ;) Guest drummer Daniel Myer did not appear on tonight’s show, he was otherwise bound, leaving SLAVE REPUBLIC on stage what they are: a duo. On their live performance the band is invited to polish a little more as it was rather one-dimensional. Sound was ok but did not reach the power you have on CD. And I noticed one, two points were singer Alec reached his vocal limit. But it did not do any harm to be honest; I like the band and the music. Light… well… we talk about the Matrix… I know they can do it but they seemingly do not want. Maybe I should try it with infra red next time… ;)
Setlist: Paint My Heart Black, Walking Ghost, Lashes Kiss, Emptiness, The Driver, Less Of Me, Lovers Suicide, Primärreiz, Promises And Broken Hearts

Short break, frenetic welcome… it is clear what for fans are here tonight. Also :: DIORAMA :: get in with the opener of the new album Even The Devil Doesn’t Care and do it right from the first second on. The crowd is thrilled and sings along every song. There are two screens, on the left and on the right, showing the video The Scale and Hope amongst others, pictures of the new artwork, and other stuff. I have to say the front cover on this big screen (square upright) looks way more impressing than quadratic on CD. I would love to have this as a big print. Felix Marc most time disappeared behind his keys, also less sight of drummer Marquess, while guitarist Sash was put into shadows on the other side. Well, main focus always was - of course - on singer Torben Wendt, who performed so energetic and emotionally. It almost looks as if he sings himself in kind of a trance, putting his inside out. A roller coaster of feelings, for him and for us. As I already said, a DIORAMA is something special, something exceptional, brilliant, outstanding and breathtaking. DIORAMA plays one and a half hour and come back for two encores. During the first one the song Why? gets underlaid with photos through the band’s history, you know, that special kind of snapshots made at rehearsals, on tour, after show parties, in the studio. Such kind that make you smile or even laugh out loud. Funny to see how the band has changed during the last 17 years. What an awesome show! What an awesome band!
And once again I envy those ones who head out tomorrow for the last show on tour in DIORAMA land Reutlingen.
Setlist: Maison Du Tigre, The Expatriate, Exit The Grey, When We Meet Again In Hell, Erase Me, Ignite, Weiß und Anthrazit, Das Meer, Summit, Someone Dies, The Scale, Child Of Entertainment, Hope, Over // Why?, Advance, The Long Way Home From The Party // Synthesize Me

story & pics © Dajana