After the release of The Unified Field in 2013 it became silent around multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and producer Chris Corner. Tours got cancelled and news about his state of health were a cause for concern. 2015 however, brought many changes for IAMX. Chris Corner moved from Berlin to sunny L.A., got healthy, recorded and released Metanoia on October 2 and started touring. First the US and now Europe.

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I absolutely like IAMX records. And also the new one, Metanoia, is outstanding again. But much more it is the live show, which is always a highlight of extravagant outfits, stage performance, make up and visuals. An IAMX show definitely shouldn’t be missed.
Okay, let’s go. To Cologne. Third time this week. Traffic chaos was even bigger than ever before, plus Madonna playing nearby and a fair next door, so to say. It needed some tricks and secret paths to get to the • Essigfabrik •.

:: IAMX :: did not have any support band and let us wait. And wait. Why did I start that early from home struggling through all the traffic jams? Pfff… Instead of an announced show-time at 8pm, IAMX kicks off at 9pm. Bad, have an early shift and an almost 2 hrs. ride back home… Well… Meanwhile we got entertained by the stage tech. He seemingly picked his best day on tour ;)
By the way, tonight’s show revealed kind of similar setting as during the Garbage show. IAMX had hardly left the stage at the Webster Hall in NYC and already stood on stage in Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourg). Next day – Cologne, Essigfabrik. And this hall was a bit too big for IAMX.  Approx. 500 fans came around to party with them. As for that, no jetlag visible. Guys and girls (Chris Corner, Janine Gezang, Sammi Doll, and Jon Siren) seemed to be wide awake and in best mood.

Next downer was a photographic one. No photopit, no lights. Even the fans started nagging. And I was so in high expectations after I have seen first live shots from the US tour. Damn! So sad, as the band had a lot to offer again visually.
Musically, of course, the show was a real pleasure. IAMX played songs from all six records in versions different from the regular album tracks. Sometimes it took time to recognize which song that was. And I couldn’t stand still. IAMX is quite magic. Only sexual hints and nip slips I found quite childish. Especially since the androgynous ladies were extra skinny without anything beautiful or shapely on their bodies. Well, men might see that differently… ;)

After one hour the regular set came to an end. But fans didn’t have to scream for long to get IAMX back on stage for two encores before we ultimately had to leave. Great show! With lights nd some nice photos it would have been better…

Setlist: I Come With Knives, The Alternative, Happiness, Mercy, No Maker Made Me, Volatile Times, Tear Garden, Oh Cruel Darkness Embrace Me, Spit It Out, Bernadette, Surrender, After Every Party I Die, Aphrodisiac, Your Joy Is My Low // Bring Me Back A Dog, Kiss + Swallow // I Am Terrified

story & pics © Dajana & Dajana Winkel • Photography