Artists: NACHTMAHR + ALTER DER RUINE
Title: PHILADELPHIA LIVE REVIEW
Date: 8/1/2009
Contributor: DJ Totentanz

On their 2009 East Coast US tour, Austria's industrial powerhouse Nachtmahr, as well as openers Alter Der Ruine, found themselves here in Philadelphia for the very first time and presented with a show unlike any other on the rest of the tour. Performing in a record store was a first to both these bands and staging things in a place like Digital Ferret would no doubt be an unusual experience, especially to Nachtmahr, who have already become a staple on the European festival circuit. Fortunately, both bands arrived at the store seeming excited, eager to put on the best show possible for their Philadelphia friends and fans, and up to the challenge of taking in-store performances to a whole new level.

Alter Der Ruine kicked things off with one of the strongest performances I think I've ever seen out of a support act and I'm not even sure longtime fans would have anticipated the energy they'd bring to their live show. With an arsenal of tweaked out wireless synths, the guys proceeded to run rampant around the store, tear through the crowd, and even take things out to the street to give a good scare to unsuspecting passers by. While many live acts try to engage the audience through the standard “show me your hands” clapping rituals, singalongs, or the ever-tired “scream as loud as you can” shtick, Alter Der Ruine opted to involve the audience directly by passing around a cowbell and letting various audience members play along with them. Considering they not only played one hell of a set, but made me laugh in the process, Alter Der Ruine definitely stands out as an act that's not to be missed live. They've got some killer songs and a sense of humor to boot. Hopefully they'll come pay us a visit in Philadelphia again soon!

As the performance area was readied for Nachtmahr to begin their set, I started to wonder how this was even going be pulled off. While Digital has hosted many a quality live band since beginning the 4th Friday series, Nachtmahr is arguably to biggest name to play at the store thus far. Despite consisting of only Thomas Rainer and Massimo Moscato, when I say big, I mean BIG. Big sound, big visuals, big presence. Only 1 year before, I'd seen Nachtmahr take the stage at a venue that doubles as a hockey rink in Leipzig, Germany, and completely blow the doors off the place. These guys know how to put on a show, there's no question about that, but would it translate well to a much more confined space? The verdict? Hell yes it did! With full visuals and sound in place, despite the limited space, Nachtmahr started with a bang and launched head first into a fast-paced, beat-heavy setlist that placed favorite tracks such as “Boom Boom Boom” and “Feuer Frei!” alongside new mate rial. It wasn't long before frontman Thomas Rainer began to climb the CD racks and make the most of the somewhat unusual space he'd be given.

Always ready to put a unique spin on things, Philadelphia offered fans a rare opportunity to experience Nachtmahr in a relaxed and intimate setting, as well a chance for the bands to interact with and get to know many of their area fans. When the night began to draw to a close, all parties seemed genuinely pleased with the evening they enjoyed together. For anyone who was there, it will no doubt be looked back on as an evening to remember! I, for one, am eager to see both of these great bands make a return to our city and urge anyone with a chance to check them out, wherever you are, to not pass up the opportunity. You absolutely won't be disappointed!