Interview with Side-Line Magazine
‘The promises of modern technology become something like a devourer of light’
read the full interview here:
A SUBSTITUTE FOR LIGHT
A SUBSTITUTE FOR LIGHT – the new DIORAMA album – OUT NOW!
order as CD / VINYL or listen –> HERE
radiant pop hymns from diorama’s darkroom
with “a substitute for light”, diorama explore the many faces of light – as promise, direction, and deception.
it flickers in screens, reflects off glass, and lets memories fade into shadow. this light reveals what we long to
see while concealing what would hurt too much. between discarded love and digital paralysis, the songs
search for a true source of energy – a spark born not from electricity, but from consciousness itself. “a substitute
for light” glows beyond the tunnel where truth and illusion race side by side – cynical, sharp, yet drenched in a
strange warmth. in the end, it asks whether what enlightens us truly sees us, or merely feeds our reflection.
on their eleventh studio album, diorama once again reset their creative compass toward new horizons and
deliver what may be their most immediate and accessible work to date. following the avant-garde intricacy
of “tiny missing fragments”, this record embraces clarity and emotional precision – with tight arrangements,
melodic boldness, and vocals that strike with renewed force. the result is a sound that moves between
club-ready drive, hypnotic ballads, and hovering melancholy. music that ignites instantly yet resonates long
after the final note.
there is no escape, but there is a way to live with the inescapable. comfort in the darkness. a substitute for light
single & videoclip million dollar smile
listen and watch on youtube: DIORAMA MILLION DOLLAR SMILE
MILLION DOLLAR SMILE by DIORAMA is now available on the digital platform of your choice to stream and download (and enjoy).
MDS is the 4th single taken from the album A SUBSTITUTE FOR LIGHT – set for release on april 10th 2026, and now available for pre-order in a limited double vinyl LP and digipack CD edition.
MILLION DOLLAR SMILE
lyrics and music by torben wendt
production by torben wendt & felix marc
performed by diorama mastered by michael schwabe at monoposto
marketed by accession records
VIDEO
starring the band in their echo chamber
camera(s): dodokay
cutting and editing: teedoubleyouann
editing support: dodokay
exklusive release konzerte in oberhausen & hamburg
–
ticket jetzt sichern!
das neue DIORAMA album A SUBSTITUTE FOR LIGHT wird am 10.04.2026 veröffentlicht. zu diesem anlass spielen DIORAMA 2 exklusive release konzerte – mit einer mega setliste aus evergreens, neuen hits & specials. wer sich APOCALYPSE LATER oder LEAVING HOLLYWOOD mal wieder auf der bühne wünscht, sollte sich die termine vormerken. 😉 natürlich werden auch vertreter der neuen singles von NO COMPLICATIONS bis MILLION DOLLAR SMILE (weltpremiere!) vertreten sein. mit WIEGAND ist eine starke supportband am start, die wunderbar mit dem dark wave vibe von DIORAMA harmoniert.
die termine im einzelnen:
10.04.26 oberhausen kulttempel
tickets: kulttempel.ticket.io
weitere infos: kulttempel.com
20:00 doors – 21:00 wiegand – ca. 22:00 diorama
–
11.04.26 hamburg markthalle
tickets: eventim.de
weitere infos: markthalle-hamburg.de
19:00 doors – 20:00 wiegand – ca. 21:00 diorama
–
–
Secure your ticket now!
The new DIORAMA album A SUBSTITUTE FOR LIGHT will be released on April 10, 2026. To celebrate the occasion, DIORAMA will play two exclusive release shows — featuring a mega setlist with evergreen classics, new hits, and special surprises. Anyone who wants to hear APOCALYPSE LATER or LEAVING HOLLYWOOD live on stage again should mark these dates. 😉 Of course, songs from the new singles — from NO COMPLICATIONS to MILLION DOLLAR SMILE (world premiere!) — will also be included. WIEGAND will be joining as a strong support act that perfectly complements DIORAMA’s dark wave vibe.
The dates in detail:
10.04.26 – Oberhausen, Kulttempel
tickets: kulttempel.ticket.io
further info: kulttempel.com
20:00 doors – 21:00 Wiegand – approx. 22:00 Diorama
—
11.04.26 – Hamburg, Markthalle
tickets: eventim.de
further info: markthalle-hamburg.de
19:00 doors – 20:00 Wiegand – approx. 21:00 Diorama
new single more gold
dear friends, fans, random readers.
the wait is over: our new single MORE GOLD is released. out as as 16.01.2026!
MORE GOLD is available everywhere – on all major streaming and download platforms worldwide. add it to your playlists, turn it up loud, and share it with the people who matter to you.
to celebrate the release, we’ve also premiered a brand-new official music video on youtube.
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQgM6TYownE
watch it, leave us a comment, and let us know how MORE GOLD makes you feel.
thank you for being part of this journey.
MORE GOLD. MORE CAGE. MORE EVERYTHING.
love,
diorama
no complications video premiere
on friday, 12 december 2025, at 12:12 CET, the video clip for “NO COMPLICATIONS” will premiere on youtube.
thank you for dedicating a part of your life to this. like honestly: thank you.
new single and download/ordering options
out on 12.12.2025: NO COMPLICATIONS the first single from diorama‘s upcoming album.
—> for download and to (pre-)order please visit https://save-it.cc/accession/diorama-no-complications
—> also checkout the available album options (incl. the strictly limited double vinyl LP edition) under https://save-it.cc/accession/diorama-a-substitute-for-light
NO COMPLICATIONS tries to find strategies on a mystical level to control one’s own memories – a quiet struggle between the desire for clarity and the urge to keep the past shrouded in fog. The song paints the picture of an inner paralysis in which forgetting and repression become a well-rehearsed ritual.
PRODUCTION FINISHED
diorama have finished recording their upcoming new album! release news will be published soon.
diorama return to belgrad
finally.
„Get ready for an unforgettable night with Diorama, legends of the dark wave and electro scene, as they return to Belgrade after 14 years! This spectacular concert will take place on October 11, 2025, at Zappa Barka. The band has released four studio albums in the meantime and performed at all major alternative festivals. Don’t miss the chance to experience their unique energy live! Tickets are available online at tickets.rs, and also at Zappa Bar & Vrtoglavica Club. Hurry up, as prices will be higher on the day of the concert!“
NEW DATES EVERYBODY.
fresh dates added to the live calendar! check out the upcoming dates section and get your tickets to the promised diorama lalaland. we‘ll be there.
or as the excellent author of everything says:
diorama – Melancholy and Ecstasy
With their distinctive blend of Dark Wave, Electronica, and Alternative Pop, Diorama create emotional sonic landscapes – profound, danceable, and always atmospherically dense. The band, centered around vocalist and mastermind Torben Wendt, merges electronic intensity with organic depth – carried by introspective lyrics, a haunting voice, and an impressive live presence.
With more than ten studio albums and international live appearances, Diorama have built a passionate and loyal fanbase. Club anthems meet artfully arranged mid-tempo ballads, infused with echoes of Industrial and Progressive Rock.
On stage, Diorama deliver an energetic and visually captivating performance – a live experience that goes straight to the heart. Whether at festivals or in intimate club venues: every show is a journey through light and shadow, a dance along the fine line between euphoria and abyss, between escapism and confrontation.
Under the headline „a substitute for light“, Diorama are continuing their musical journey 2025/2026.
Line-up:
Torben Wendt – Vocals | Zura Dzagnidze – Guitar | Felix Marc – Keyboards | Markus Halter – Drums