Amphi Festival - Cologne 2007 (Day 2)

Tanzbrunnen, Cologne, Germany
21st to 22nd July 2007
Amphi Festival Day 2: Portion Control, Saltatio Mortis, Katzenjammer Kabarett, Heimataerde, Emilie Autumn, Krypteria, Fetisch Mensch, Mesh, Down Below, Samsas Traum, Untoten, Frontline Assembly, Zeromancer, Subway to Sally, Dreadful Shadows, Apoptygma Berzerk

After we had enjoyed the after party a little on the previous day, we spent the night in Cologne, so we were pretty early at the festival site on another sunny day. Already, several Goths were walking across the area, looking at clothes and other stuff at the booths, sat down for some food or took the chance for some conversations before the musical part of the day started. We did the same and right on time at 13:00 the festival day started with old-school EBM guys PORTION CONTROL from UK.





Portion Control - Main Stage (Karolina Moszkowicz)

PORTION CONTROL are one of the most influential and copied harder edged electronic bands in the world. They have been honoured and name checked by the likes of DEPECHE MODE, SKINNY PUPPY, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, NIN & ORBITAL. Formed in London in 1979, they have produced a stream of critically acclaimed releases. 2006 saw the release of archive a boxed collection of 5 CD's that included all the portion vinyl now they forge on unfettered by typical genre thinking, continuing to deliver a unique, innovative, updated and relevant sound that is theirs alone - this is best summed up by the newest release ‘filthy white guy’. http://www.portion-control.net/ / www.myspace.com/porcon 



Music & Performance
Dean Piavani and John Whybrew started the festival day on Sunday by means of moderate industrial sounds. Their music is very much of trance quality, not overwhelmingly danceable and yet very hypnotic. Smooth, changeable rhythm and strong defining beat stand for the greatest advantages of the projects, as the visual part of the gig seems to be skipped away (cause the Lonsdale t-shirt worn by the front man doesn't seem to fall under the category of the 'highly developed scenic performance' does it?).



Rating
Music: 6
Performance: 3
Sound: 7
Light: daylight
Total: 5.4




Saltatio Mortis - Main Stage (Carsten Leopold)

SALTATIO MORTIS is a famous mediaeval rock band from Germany and was formed in 2000. The upcoming album is called ‘Aus der Asche’ and will be released in August 2007. SALTATIO MORTIS are:



Alea der Bescheidene (vocals, bagpipe, shawm, guitar), Bruder Frank (Bass), Cordoban der Verspielte (bagpipe, shawm, violin, vocals), El Silbador (bagpipe, shawm), Falk Irmenfried von Hasen-Mümmelstein (bagpipe, shawm, hurdy-gurdy, vocals), Lasterbalk der Lästerliche (drums, percussion, timbal, programming), Mik El Angelo (guitar), Thoron der Zweibärtige (drums, percussion, bagpipe and shawm) and Magister Flux (pyrotechnics, design). http://www.saltatio-mortis.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/mittelalterpunk



The diversified performance of these bandsmen satisfied the fans of mediaeval sounds. The band and the audience too had a lot of fun during the gig.

Setlist
01. Salz der Erde
02. Falsche Freunde
03. Spielmannsschwur
04. Tritt ein
05. Keines Herren Knecht
06. Dunkler Engel
---
07. Licht und Schatten

Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 9
Sound: 8
Light: daylight
Total: 9.7






Katzenjammer Kabarett - Theater Stage (Carsten Leopold)

Once upon a time, during a CHRISTIAN DEATH concert in the south of France, two little boys decided that it was high time for them to start making something wild and frantic out of their ideas. As they were surrounded with moaning creatures in black lace and huge boots, they clinked their plastic glasses and shouted: “let’s be a band!” Meanwhile, at the same concert a poor lonesome bassist was dreaming of a band from outer space.



The band really started in 2000 when they found THE voice! There was only one thing left to do: working! So they did, and explored their own universe: a Death-Rock Avant-garde cabaret, a label that serves them to describe their influences and the way that their actors want to go. Their influences come from cabaret songs to Death-Rock, including electronic contemporary music. Their aim is to find their correct proportioning for these influences mix in a homogeneous music, surrounded in an atmosphere of Avant-garde, silent films and absurd play.



The Kabarettists have decided not to release a CD for the moment for they consider not having completely reached what they are aiming to. However, they also decided to release for free in January 2005 the drafts of what will become their first album in mp3 format. Indeed, most of the tracks will be re-recorded in order to give, added with new tracks, their first real, pure and perfect album. The KATZENJAMMER KABARETT opened two times for the DREASDEN DOLLS in France so far and also played in Germany for a Ghost Dance party. The show at Amphi Festival was dominated by the expressive performance of the fragile beautiful female singer with a very sexy outfit. The setlist is unfortunately not available. http://www.katzenjammer-kabarett.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/katzkab

Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 7
Sound: 7
Light: 7
Total: 7




Heimataerde - Main Stage (Karolina Moszkowicz)

HEIMATAERDE, a rather mysterious project of Ashlar von Megalon, is famous for medieval stylizations and fantastically rhythmical electro music. Having quite a number of “brothers” in his crew (Ansgar v. Hucretha, Horso, Raphael aus Nienbrügge, Nikolaus Berchovesche) Ash keeps on serving the audience a mixture being a blend of old and new which appeals to quite a number of electro/industrial fans. The albums: ‘Kadavergehorsam’ and ‘Gotteskrieger’ seem to be a perfect poof to that. http://www.heimataerde.de/ / www.myspace.com/heimataerde



Music & Performance
Electro rhythm and armour - though the combination of the two seems rather unexpected or even conflicting, it works very well on the stage. Great, hard-hitting, harsh sounds go into the making of the highly catchy and danceable entity which occasionally achieves an emotional tone. The sphere of the performance is built by means of great costumes, fake fights and all the 'knightly' props the band uses during their show. All in all the defendants of light are doing fine, serving ravishing sounds and kicking as usual!



Setlist
01. Intro
02. Deus Lo Vult
03. Endlos
04. Moerder
05. Gib mir
06. Eins sein
07. Wiedergaenger
08. Lebloser Koerper
09. Morituri Salutant

Rating
Music: 9
Performance: 7
Sound: 7
Light: daylight
Total: 7.8






Emilie Autumn - Theater Stage (Karolina Moszkowicz)

Being a classically trained violinist EMILIE AUTUMN co-operates with such artists as Courtney Love (HOLE) and Billy Corgan (SMASHING PUMPKINS). Her solo project features the music which she defines as "Victoriandustrial” or "Violindustrial". Her debut concept album ‘Enchant’ was released in 2003 while the second ‘Opheliac’ (out in 2006) stood for a passport to international career. http://www.emilieautumn.com/ / www.myspace.com/emilieautumn



Music & Performance
EMILIE AUTUMN is by all means an artist who knows how to build a magical atmosphere during the concert. Unique, highly appealing music being a combination of harsh industrial, punk and classic elements, neurotic, astute voice and abundance of instruments used to create the melody was bedazzling.



The additional advantage of the show was elaborate scenic part: expressive make-ups, wigs, stylish, colourful costumes which made me think of modern marchionesses, Dresden dolls, geishas or elves, opulence of props: rag-dolls, teddy bears (thrown onto the stage by the fans), stars, moons, flowers etc.: all that made impression of an enchanted garden to which the gates were opened right in front of our eyes. What's worth mentioning: the spectacle played on the stage was not just a mere representation of imagination: it perfectly matched a bit unreal, fairylike, dreamy quality of the presented music.



The atmosphere was also built by means of beautiful, dim lights and the theatrical scenic manner of the musicians. Emily: mimicking, acting, playing her extravagant violin (associations with Malmsteen or Mae appeared on the spot) revealed such charisma, wildness and power I couldn't get my eyes off her. In my opinion, it was one of the best concerts during Amphi Festival 07!

Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 10
Sound: 8
Light: 8
Total: 8.6






Krypteria - Main Stage (Carsten Leopold)

KRYPTERIA is a German-Korean four piece, fronted by lead singer Ji-In, a stunningly talented and breathtaking beauty, who studied vocals and piano at the renowned Musikhochschule / Cologne, and her trio of band mates form one of Europe's hottest new live acts. KRYPTERIA have a knack for dramatic punch-you-in-the-face songs with sizzling melodies all spiced up with mysterious atmospheres and classical elements such as their trademark Gregorian chants.



This unique blend of music is featured in all its forcefulness on their new album ‘Bloodangel’s Cry’ which was released in January 2007.But who are KRYPTERIA? After teaming up in 2004 the cosmopolitan foursome has left amazed audiences in its wake ever since: Not only because they deliver high class power hymns that effortlessly crossover to the melodic genre, but also because they stage a surprisingly energetic and entertaining live performance that will rock your socks off. KRYPTERIA are Ji-In (vocals/piano), Chris (guitars), Frank (bass) and Kuschi (drums). http://www.krypteria.de/ / http://www.myspace.com/krypteria



Music & Performance
The music of KRYPTERIA was a special kind of guitar-rock, powerful and pushing, highlighted by the charming front woman and her distinctive voice. The band had a lot of fun to play for this crowd and the crowd quickly was infected by the powerful performance and the good temper of the band. The set started with ‘Sweet Revenge’ and ran about 40 minutes. Eye catcher on stage was the beautiful and charming female singer who already was announced by the anchorman Honey as the most beautiful singer of the weekend. But she was not only beautiful, her voice was great too and in spite of some rain the crowd enjoyed the gig.



Setlist
01. Sweet Revenge
02. Time to bring the pain
03. Get the hell out of my way
04. Out of tears
05. Scream
06. The Promise
07. Somebody save me
08. I can't breathe

Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 8
Sound: 8
Light: daylight
Total: 8






Fetisch Mensch - Theater Stage (Carsten Leopold)

Unfortunately I missed the show because they started more then 15 minutes delayed and I had to leave the Theatre Stage to see MESH on the main stage. It was really bad luck that both bands started now at the same time…


Mesh - Main Stage (Carsten Leopold)

MESH from Bristol were founded in 1991 and consist of Mark Hockings and Richard Silverthorn nowadays. Neil Taylor, the third original member left the band in summer 2006 and was compensated by Geoff Pinckney. Live on stage MESH usual is supported by a live drummer and so it was this time too. MESH is still one of my favourite bands - it's ingeniously Synth pop with beautiful melodies, catchy refrains and significant lyrics. The last album called ‘We Collide’ and was released in last year and at the moment the band is busy finishing a live DVD. http://www.mesh.co.uk/ / http://www.myspace.com/meshwecollide



Music & Performance
MESH entered the stage ten minutes earlier than planned because they had a little longer set prepared and didn't want reduce it. So they took the chance to start some minutes earlier as the stage was already prepared for them and the fans were not really angry about it. MESH performed their set with the usual line-up - two Keyboards, live-drums and partial an additional guitar played by Richard. Mark didn't play guitar this time like he usually does. As usual in the background nice video projections were running and the foreground of the stage was dominated by the charismatic front man with his powerful and expressive performance.



The set started with ‘Firefly’, followed by a good mixture of songs taken from different periods of the band’s history. Highlight of the show was the song ‘Crash’ because during the song the keyboards and the backing tape stopped working, only the drums and the microphone worked beyond. Usually a problem, but not this time - the band didn't care, the drummer continued and Mark sang proceed "unplugged" – it was really very crazy and formidable too. For the next and last song ‘From This Height’ all units were resuscitated and the show finished regular with the wonderful long instrumental outro of ‘From This Height’.



Setlist
01. Firefly
02. What are you scared of
03. Petrified
04. My hands are tied
05. Fragile
06. Leave you nothing
07. Friends like these
08. Crash (unplugged)
09. From this Height

Rating
Music: 10
Performance: 10
Sound: 9
Light: daylight
Total: 9.8




Down Below - Theater Stage (Karolina Moszkowicz)

DOWN BELOW was formed in 2003 and already their debut album ‘Sinfony23’ got positive reception from the fans as well as their occurrence at Moritzbastei at Wave Gotik Treffen. Since then Neo-Scope (voice), Carter (guitars), Convex (bass) and Mr. Mahony (drums) have released two singles ‘Private Soul Security’ and ‘From the Highest Point’. During the show at Amphi, the band was supported by Henning of UNHEILIG on keyboards. http://www.downbelow.de/ / www.myspace.com/thatsdb



Music & Performance
The gift of enchanting the audience can't be overestimated... DOWN BELOW, despite the fact that they are a relatively young band - have that gift, and what's more, they are not afraid of using it! What they presented during their show was a classic gig: dim, warm lights, the band playing in the darkness for most of the time and Neo Scope - the vocalist - standing face to face with his listeners, trying to appeal to them by means of his vocal, music and vampire-like eyes... I think he succeeded...deep, warm timbre of the voice and perfectly done melody line gave an effect that was both enchanting and invigorating.



The atmosphere and the organization of scene made me think of those stylish concerts organized in small, cosy clubs, or even those played in concert halls... the effect was definitely amazing. DOWN BELOW played the songs of both their debut album ‘Sinfony 23’ as well as new single ‘Private Soul Security’ which features both vivid and emotional tone. They got a really positive reception from the audience so one may say the band has chosen the right way to win the listeners.



Setlist
01. Intro
02. Sinfony23
03. From the highest point
04. Private soul security
05. Lovely places
06. Down below
07. Heal
08. Run away
09. On my way
10. Dark queen
11. Angel

Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 6
Sound: 8
Light: 6
Total: 6.7






Samsas Traum - Main Stage (Karolina Moszkowicz)

SAMSAS TRAUM is an Avant-garde band from Germany, fronted by Alexander Kaschte. Their music consists of elements of Industrial, black metal, Gothic and neoclassical music. SAMSAS TRAUM started in 1996 when Alexander released his first solo tape. Three years later the solo project became a group of three, and their official debut ‘Die Liebe Gottes - Eine märchenhafte black metal Operette’ made most Industrial fans take notice with brilliant Industrial rock sound with Classical music. The follow-up appeared in 2000 with ‘O Luna mein’; a musically matured and varied album of more polished arrangements, balanced instrumentation and beautiful choir-parts. In this time, Alexander went on to create his darker alter-ego Weena Morloch, which was more noise music based, and included samples from horror movies. Many more SAMSAS TRAUM albums have been released each year, with more Industrial/Classical arrangements. http://www.samsas-traum.info/ / www.myspace.com/samsastraum



Music & Performance
The sun rays dancing on the stage wreathed in smoke and vapour coming from the ground stemming after the rain created the first scene for SAMSAS TRAUM concert. The second scene was the wall of sound which was as much crushing and overpowering as theatrical. Passionate tone of guitars, powerful electronics and the saxophone that was breaking into the strong thicket of the melody created a musical fabric both enchanting and smashing.  What the band offered to the listeners was an exquisite metal power combined with emotionality of avant-garde operetta and genuine lyrics plus a fair dose of so called 'conversation'. Alexander Kaschte - the vocalist - usually chats with his audience, establishing contact and filling the breaks between the particular songs. They played their popular songs such as ‘Tineoidea’ and ‘Endstation Eden’ finishing with ‘Kugel im Gesicht’ being a strong accent perfectly closing an energetic gig. I was simply flooded by sounds: all featuring the elements characteristic for SAMSAS TRAUM: changeability, unexpectedness, harshness blended with lyricism and ubiquitous gothic/metal  music references.



Setlist
01. Tineoidea
02. Einer gegen alle
03. Fuer immer
04. Bis an das Ende der Zeit
05. Endstation Eden
06. Stromausfall im Herzspital
07. Die Zaertlichkeit der Verdammten
08. K.haos-Prinz und Wind-Prinzessin
09. Ein Foetus wie Du
10. Kugel im Gesicht

Rating
Music: 9
Performance: 7
Sound: 8
Light: daylight
Total: 8.3


Untoten - Theater Stage (Carsten Leopold)

UNTOTEN (German for “The Un-dead”) is a German Dark-Wave musical group based in Berlin. The band was founded by David A. Line and female vocalist Greta Csatlós in 1994. The lyrics are written primarily in German and English, supported by female vocals. UNTOTEN are David A. Line (male vocals, composition and lyrics) and Greta Csatlós (female vocals and visual concept). http://www.untoten.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/untoten



Unfortunately there was only the chance to see not much more than one song of this band because the schedule was totally out of sync after the long delay on the second stage. The performance of UNTOTEN was pleasing for the eyes, dominated by the beautiful female singer dressed in a white dress and the two beautiful female background dancers.

Setlist
01. Garten /Vorspiel
02. Die Jagd
03. Raubtieraugen
04. Die Gruft
05. Koste das Blut
06. Die out by the Sea (unplugged)
07. Wach auf!
08. Hexenfieber
09. Flammen der Liebe
10. Herz der Finsternis
11. Des Raben Flug (unplugged)
 
Rating
Music: 7
Performance: 8
Sound: 7
Light: 8
Total: 7.5




Front Line Assembly - Main Stage (Karolina Moszkowicz)

FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY (FLA) began in 1986 when Bill Leeb decided to part company with Canadian Industrial pioneers SKINNY PUPPY under alleged controversial circumstances and set out of his own musical quest. Whilst Bill trading under the pseudonym Wilhelm Schroeder had real little influence in SKINNY PUPPY, it was a place where he learnt his trade and saw the germination of some of the ideas that would form the backbone of FLA.



Following two self released demo tapes ‘Total Terror’ and ‘Nerve War’, (which are like gold dust to the hardcore FLA fan although Total Terror was re-released as part of the two CD ‘Total Terror 1 and 2’ in 1993) FLA debuted in 1987 with their first album ‘The Initial Command’. The album was quickly followed by the release of FLA's second album ‘State of Mind’ (1988) and the two mini albums ‘Corrosion’ (1988) and ‘Disorder’ (1988). Having more than 40 releases on their account, including the newest ‘Fallout’, they are one of the most known projects of dark Industrial. http://www.mindphaser.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/thefrontlineassembly



Music & Performance
FLA, the legend of dark industrial playing live secures a fair dose of incredible sounds. FLA, who recently released the new album entitled ‘Fallout’, presented the new material as well as the old songs like e.g. ‘Mindphaser’ or ‘Millenium’. The main person on the stage was obviously Bill Leeb who looked after establishing the contact with the audience and organizing the scene space. Still, it was a rather frugal show as far as the scenic effects are concerned; what played the main part was the music. As far as I could hear the fans were satisfied from the choice of songs and their exquisite quality featuring pounding rhythms, fast pace, harsh sounds, danceable background, the coldness of electronics and the warmth of beat, all perfectly mixed to create a hard-hitting, ravishing sonic machine.



Setlist
01. Vigilante
02. Liquid Separation
03. Internal Combustion
04. Millennium
05. Unleashed
06. Plasticity
07. Mindphaser

Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 6
Sound: 7
Light: 6
Total: 7






Zeromancer - Theater Stage (Karolina Moszkowicz)

The Norwegian band ZEROMANCER was formed in 2000 after the split of the band SEIGMEN. After that has happened, Alex Møklebust (vocals), Erik Ljunggren (programming), Kim Ljung (bass) and Noralf Ronthi (drums) joined forces with Chris Schleyer (guitar) and released their first album ‘Clone your Lover’. After that they released two more albums ‘Eurotrash’ and ‘ZZYZX’. The new album name is ‘Sinners International’. http://www.zeromancer.com/ / www.myspace.com/zeromancer1



Music
The ZEROMANCER concert appeared to be a huge success - the audience reacted enthusiastically and spontaneously to every subsequent song presented by the band. The atmosphere and speed of the gig was rather changeable - the Norwegians started with a strong beat of ‘Need you like a Drug’ which already spirited the crowd away, to slow down and mellow the listeners out by extremely heart-rendering ‘Cupola’ - yet the powerful and ravishing mode prevailed. Extremely melodious and yet danceable and catchy - the music of ZEROMANCER stands for the first class dance floor hit and an invigorating force as well.



Performance
Alex Møklebust had a wonderful contact to the audience; he even paid attention to the aggressive fans by the stage to calm down! Generally speaking, his performance was extremely energetic, thrilling and very sexy: the lights, smoke, sparkling decorations the musicians were wearing slightly shimmering in a dim light and fine, dynamic performance of the front man - well, all that proved to work perfectly! Alex's charisma and power plus exceptionally powerful music made the show really vibrant.



Setlist
01. Need you like a Drug
02. Chrome Bitch
03. Doppelganger I love you
04. Imaginary Friends
05. Cupola
06. Clone Your Lover
07. Stop the Noise
08. I'm yours to lose
09. Dr. Online
10. Fade to Black

Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 8
Sound: 8
Light: 7
Total: 7.9




Subway to Sally - Main Stage (Carsten Leopold)

SUBWAY TO SALLY was founded in 1992. The seven musicians from Potsdam/Germany are considered to be a great live band. Trademark of the band is heavy rock and metal supplemented with mediaeval sounds that are integrated by bagpipe, hurdy-gurdy, lute, mandolin, shawm, violin or flute. The lyrics are exclusive in German and mostly deal with romantic, love and living in mediaeval times. SUBWAY TO SALLY are Eric "Fish" Hecht (vocals, flute, bagpipe, shawm), Silvio Runge "Sugar Ray" (bass), Ingo Hampf (guitars, mandola, lute), Silke Volland "Frau Schmitt" (violin), Simon Michael (drums, percussions), Michael "Bodenski" Boden (acoustic guitar, hurdy-gurdy, vocals) and Simon (acoustic guitar, vocals). http://www.subwaytosally.de/ / http://www.myspace.com/subwaytosally



Music & Performance
Metal met mediaeval music and the antiquated instruments harmonized very well to the electro instruments completed by one or more male voices. Quickly the spirit went over and the audience was screaming, jumping and singing along. The pyrotechnical effects boosted the powerful performance and the audience was very satisfied. During the song ‘Kleid aus Rosen’ (dress of roses) the singer gave away roses to the fans in the first row and one rose he gave to Ms. Schmitt, the beautiful violin player. During the song ‘Eisblumen’, singer Eric got two fans from the crowd onto stage and later he animated them to surf the crowd. At the last regular song, the crowd was sprinkled with confetti. An encore of course was given and the final finish of the show was the obligatory encore ‘Julia und die Räuber’.


 
Setlist
01. Das Rätsel II
02. Kleid aus Rosen
03. Henkersbraut
04. Der Hofnarr
05. Sieben
06. Eisblumen
07. Feuerland
08. Mephisto
09. Ohne Liebe
10. Carrickfergus
---
11. Julia und die Räuber

Rating
Music: 8
Performance: 9
Sound: 8
Light: daylight
Total: 8.3






Dreadful Shadows - Main Stage (Nicole Kizina)

DREADFUL SHADOWS were a German Gothic Metal band, formed in 1993 in Berlin. Initially part of the Gothic rock and Dark Wave movement, the band had developed considerably by the time of the release of their debut album, incorporating metal elements and modern electronics, causing the band to be considered part of the Gothic Metal genre. DREADFUL SHADOWS' last studio album, ‘The Cycle’, was released in September 1999. The band embarked on their final tour of Germany in the year 2000. DREADFUL SHADOWS disbanded in 2000 to work on separate projects. Now in 2007, several concerts are planned with DREADFUL SHADOWS performing together as a group again. The band is keen to stress that this is not a reunion, as nothing new is being performed or recorded. Fans can vote for the songs they want to hear on the band's website. http://www.dreadful-shadows.de/