Apoptygma Berzerk live, @ Elysium Austin,TX 09-11-2009

It was rainy, dark, and I was hella tired from getting up @ 6 in the morning to go to work, but I dragged my ass to the Apoptygma Berzerk show @ Elysium on Friday. This was easily one of the top three shows I've ever seen in nearly twenty years of concert-going, based on the band's energy, Stephan's stage presence, and the crowd interaction. I went into this one a bit worried- mostly due to little things like: (a) lack of cool merchandise, and (b) crappy opening prog rock band, but Apop didn't disappoint in any way, shape, or form. There was something for just about everybody in the set they played, and I was glad they didn't compromise by playing just the old favs that would appease the goth/industrial crowd, but that they also included a large portion of YAMATW and three of the best tracks from 'Rocket Science' right along side old hits like 'Deep Red' and 'Eclipse.' Not that Apop had to worry: the crowd was singing every word to all the songs, and enthusiastically cheered for 'Apollo' right along side old gems like 'Love Never Dies.' For me, the highlights included an incredible version of 'Shadow,' the stonkin' set opener 'Star Sign,' with its incredible energy, and 'Mourn' stole the show, but it was all so incredible, no one wanted Apop to be done, and they played for nearly two hours. All the while, Stephan and his brother Jonahs interacted with the audience and encouraged them to sing along. The band itself had this almost supernatural energy that punctuated their irresistable synth pop hooks. I'm a little hazy on the order, but from what I remember, the setlist contained these songs:

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