On Monday, October 14th, 2024, Bahnhof Pauli in Hamburg hosted the double headlining tour of DOOL and HANGMAN’S CHAIR. We’ve been eagerly anticipating DOOL‘s return to club stages, since the release of their brand-new album “The Shape Of Fluidity” back in April of this year. There was added excitement to see HANGMAN’S CHAIR as the co-headliner of the tour, since both band’s music fits one another well, even though they are quite different. A week prior to the beginning of the tour, both bands released the single “2 AM Thoughts” together, proving how incredibly well their styles can blend.
HANGMAN’S CHAIR took to a stage blanketed in fog, which gradually dissipated as the intro played, creating a gloomy atmosphere. The band kicked off with their hit “Cold & Distant” from their album “A Loner,” released in 2022. This is arguably one of their most memorable up-tempo tracks, making it a perfect choice to warm up the crowd, as it starts faster and heavier than other compositions, such as “An Ode To Breakdown” and “Who Wants To Die Old.”
The magic of HANGMAN’S CHAIR lies in their haunting melodies, painting a melancholic landscape. This is contrasted with heavier rhythms and accentuated by the soulful and unique voice of frontman Cédric Toufouti. These elements work perfectly live, creating an atmosphere that draws listeners into a somber yet remarkably pleasurable space. A song like “Naïve” serves as a perfect example of said experience.
The time came for DOOL to take the stage. Greeted by a cheering crowd, they began the evening with “Venus in Flames,” which also opens their latest album, “The Shape of Fluidity.” This track, in particular, reflects the cohesion of old and new elements the band is known for. One of these key elements is the emotion embedded in their compositions, which is even more palpable live, where every band member’s performance feels not only precise but deeply personal. This personal touch was incredibly inviting and left us in awe.
The band played the first three songs from “The Shape of Fluidity,” then took a brief detour to the album’s last track, “Hand of Creation.”
We try not to pick favorites, but there’s something unforgettable about the song “Self-Dissect.” The guitar work in this song, combined with the powerful yet emotive vocals of lead singer Raven van Dorst, remains engraved in our memories.
They continued with two older tracks, “Wolf Moon” and “The Alpha,” which blended seamlessly across what was nearly a full performance of the new album. “House of a Thousand Dreams” and “Hermagorgon” followed, reaffirming that every track on this album is nothing short of outstanding. The band closed the evening with their classic cover of “Love Like Blood,” originally by KILLING JOKE, and ended with a public’s favorite, “Oweynagat.”
The evening truly exceeded all expectations and left us wanting to see more of both bands. We wish the crowd would have been somewhat louder on this particular evening, having witnessed arguably one of the best tour packages of the year. Both bands left their soul on the stage and that´s more than one could hope for.
Setlist Hangman’s Chair
- Cold & Distant
- An Ode To Breakdown
- Who Wants To Die Old
- Dripping Low
- 04/08/16
- Naïve
- The Worst Is Yet To Come
- 2AM Thoughts
- Kowloon Nights
- A Thousand Miles Away
Setlist Dool
- Venus In Flames
- Self-Dissect
- Hand Of Creation
- The Shape Of Fluidity
- Wolf Moon
- The Alpha
- Currents
- Evil In You
- House Of 1000 Dreams
- Hermagorgon
- Love Like Blood
- Oweynagat
Text and Photos by Michelle R.
