For the fifth time in a row the German city of Cologne welcomes the ‘Schwarze Scene’ in its city centre for the annual Amphi Festival. Of course Gothtronic will be there to make a report for all of you who won’t be there. Yet it’s way more fun to be there yourself, and since Amphi festival is really worth travelling to Germany for we decided to help you. Therefore: 10 reasons why Gothtronic believes everybody should travel to the Amphi Festival 2009!

1. Cologne
Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany. The city centre is filled with nice shops and is located around the beautiful gothic ‘Dom’-cathedral which is definitely worth a visit. At night you can enjoy the view while picnicking along the Rhine, or you can have a great meal in one of the many restaurants. The Amphi Festival terrain is located right on the other side of the railroad-bridge.

2. The connection
Cologne isn’t that far away from the Netherlands! An ICE train will bring you to the city centre in no-time, and without train transfers.

3. Golden oldies
The festival organisation did a good job in booking some of the ‘golden oldies’ in the dark music scene. Go back t the roots of gothic rock with Fields of the Nephilim, listen where modern EBM artists get their inspiration at the Front 242 gig or enjoy synthpop icons Camouflage.

4. Dancing!
You can leave your high heels at home and bring comfortable shoes: there will be dancing! Saturday it will be Sven Friedrich (Zeraphine, Dreadful Shadows) of Solar Fake, the always well-dressed guys of Covenant, or the Greek goddesses of Marsheaux who’ll bring you a great dance-floor soundtrack. Sunday it’s Diorama, Jesus on Extasy and for the fans of more medieval tunes Qntal.

5. Even more dancing!
If you thought ‘Pff, what should I do with all these bands?’ while reading point 5 you’ll probably be delighted to hear the bill also offers something more upbeat and aggressive. Xotox, Agonoize, Feindflug and Hocico will be the ones responsible for a rising temperature on the dance-floor.

6. Dutchies
This year there are a lot of Dutchies on stage! Sunday Delain will present their latest work ‘April Rain’ to all of you, and we can witness the new singer of The Gathering. For those of you who aren’t really into rock music there’s Omnia who’ll bring their neo-Keltic tunes to the theatre on Sunday.

7. After-parties
When the bands stop playing it doesn’t mean the party is over! Among others DJ Honey (Welle:Erdball), Johan van Roy (Suicide Commando) and DJ Alexx (Eisbrecher) will spin records for you all night long.

8. Shopping
If you’re still looking for a certain album, some great shoes, a nice bag or a tight corset: you’ll probably find something you like at one of the many shops on the festival terrain.

9. Camping
This year the Amphi Festival Camping makes its debut! If you’re not into camping there’s always a nice hotel or hostel in the city centre.

10. The atmosphere
Rain or sunshine, chilly or terribly hot: Amphi festival has been a blast for four years in a row!

Convinced? Take a look at the Amphi website for more info, and order a ticket. See you there!