Last year I advocated a monthly D-day. It did not happen. Much more it seems I have to be satisfied with an annual DIORAMA event only. Too bad. But when it comes to tours and live shows DIORAMA appear to be rather stingy. There was no full tour in support of the band’s most recent album Cubed and 2012 only sees a handful of shows too. Two ones in Germany and only one as a single club show. But… luckily… this one was set to take place at Bochum’s • Matrix • club. Great to live nearby… ;)

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To grace the show was always beyond question. DIORAMA long conquered my heart musically and outperform bands such as Diary Of Dreams, in my opinion, which became - in comparison - fairly lame these days. Besides, this show tonight even hold two more offers not to miss out: first DIORAMA was supposed to play one or two brand new songs from an album to be released in fall and second, DIORAMA’s own key wiz FELIC MARC debuted his solo project live on stage in Germany.

That’s of course conditions that made this show to something special per se. Many fans (even from Russia) and friends came together to witness a show par excellence. After the clock stroke 8 :: FELIX MARC :: entered the stage and surprised with a full band line-up, playing mostly songs from his sophomore Parallel Worlds. Keyboard player Mylucina took over singing parts and even delivered a really impressing duet with Felix at Collector. Pure magic. Gooseflesh. Another highlight for sure was the cover version of INXS’ super hit Mistify, which was really awesome. Generally speaking one could sense out a certain Torben Wendt school all the time, which is definitely not meant in any negative aspect. FELIX MARC carves its own niche, is authentic and independent but also ranges on a high quality level and never drifts off into sickly sweet synth pop tunes. FELIX MARC played a 60, 70 minutes show. Wow! Stunning!
Setlist: Digital Love, Belles (Surrender), Ghost, Moscow Paris, Modern Talking, Parallel World, Fallen Stars, Mystify, Collector, The Muse, Life Is Porn, Garden Of Light, Give Back The Moments

Short break, a beer and taking a breath and it’s up to :: DIORAMA :: to take over. Easy job. They kicked off with a brand new yet untitled song, followed by the classic Exit The Grey and the Cubed-song Ignition. Did take a second to master the crowd I’d say. Audience is under fire, enthused, almost frenetic, sings along whenever it is possible and cheered the second new song called Hello Goodbye.
Once again mastermind Torben Wendt delivers an extremely charismatic performance, while his band plays its souls off. And again, Torben got injured during the show (twisted his knee), had pains and was hobbling over the stage since then. Ouch. Though, he did not slow down any bit and rocked the stage. Much the opposite. He even pushed back the curfew, played one or two more songs and came back for three encore songs. It was truly amazing! Fans were almost freaking out and not to stop adoring the band. Maybe it is just because DIORAMA rarely play shows. That makes every single to something really special, something unique and intensive. Yes, not for love or money I wanted to have missed this show. Afterwards even more and unexpected friends we bumped into, what a pleasure, had a great time chats. Fortunately I had a day off and could take things easy. It got late. Ok, Matrix, see ya tonight again. Another show’s waiting ;)
Setlist: New Song, Exit The Grey, Ignite, Definition Power, Acid Trip, Why, Refugee, Hello Goodbye (new song), Erase Me, Last Minute, Stereotype, Home To Millions, Advance, The Girls // Someone Dies, Child Of Entertainment, Synthesize Me

story & pics © Dajana