Diary of Dreams- Nigredo

Dark, dramatic, and danceable, the new full-length from Germany’s Diary Of Dreams will please goths and club aficionados alike. Tracks like “The Witching Hour” are contemporary and upbeat enough for Covenant and VNV Nation fans, while the old-school darkwave of “Psycho-Logic” has all the snarling impact of early Attrition or even the Sisters of Mercy. It’s the more classical elements that make this album such a joy to listen to, though: the big string sections on “Portrait of a Cynic,” the soft pianos on “Mask of Shame,” and the grandiose German chorus of “Krank:Haft.” The vocal style of composer and singer Adrian Hates is similar to a host of other European electronic bands, but it works well here, especially with the top-notch production. Processed growls on “Reign of Chaos” add to the song’s drama, while layered harmonies give the futuristic “Cannibals” a touch of understated elegance. While Diary Of Dreams is mainly an electronic project, guitars also make an occasional appearance, with power chords punctuating the emotional crescendos of “UnMensch” and dissonant wails contrasting with the affected vocals of “Tales of the Silent City.” This record is more than melodramatic enough for any goth purist, and EBM and synth-pop fans will appreciate the catchy programmed rhythms. An equally good listen on headphones or the dance floor, it’s easy to see why this band is so popular in Europe. It’s only a matter of time before America catches on.

Read a page from the Diary at www.diaryofdreams.de