There had been hardly enough time to get into the diverse-mystic world (of sound) of the previous release Nigredo of DIARY OF DREAMS - and here it is, the nevertheless impatiently expected third part of the 'trilogy' started with GifTraum, the EP MenschFeind.
Will it confront us with new questions? Does it include answers to those incomprehensive emotions left by Nigredo? Or will it leave us again marvelling and searching inside the mythological world of Adrian Hates and Gaun:A?

As expected the artwork of the felicitous three-paged digi-pack is referring to the emotional topic of this mini-record. Threatening but sad those strange eyes are looking at us from that scary children's face. The lyrics printed inside are underlining this impression.
No surprise, listening to the EP the first time was almost disappointing, after being used to the standard of a masterpiece like the album Nigredo. MenschFeind, which, like the EP Panik Manifesto, has got almost the length of a fully-fledged album, is the straight continuation of the path chosen with Nigredo. Nevertheless the current EP in quality, regarding both music and lyrics, comes up to the album, just without reaching its diversity. I am rather sure MenschFeind is the most sorrowful and gloomy release of DIARY OF DREAMS so far. It is intensely following the approach made with Nigredo to get emotions across to the audience by using only little melody, almost recitative, but even more sophisticated rhythm arrangements.

The intro of the opener and theme song MenschFeind seems to create a direct connection to the hidden track of Nigredo, to then merge seamlessly into the actual song. With surprisingly sparse lyrics and rather simple arrangements, but propulsive rhythm it results in an aggressive, dismal, very danceable, but unusually straightforward chorus, which leaves the listener with an emotion of enraged desperateness.
The first of two German tracks, Haus der Stille, is also arranged even more rhythm-oriented then normally expected from Mr. Hates & friends and the restrained voice again does not feature much melody. Yet the song has a rather complex structure and transmits, just as the lyrics, a feeling of having no chance to escape the maelstrom of fate, but still hurriedly trying.
Entirely consistent every single track of MenschFeind illustrates the different grades of desperateness in the mythology of DIARY OF DREAMS continuously and in its own way. Day-X-Relic produces a resigned and helpless impression, because of the lurching, dancing counter-melody and a rather low, restrained voice singing a tune stressing hardly more than two half-tone steps. As reserved in melody as Day-X-Relic, Killers seems to be the description of the callous child depicted right next to the lyrics, which apparently had left everything behind. Just the dragging, but still propulsive rhythm and the lyrics are an evidence of possible hope, which guides the listener to Treibsand. This song in comparison is almost light-hearted due to the skipping, not so interesting counter-melody, which is immediately turned into a seeking, wistful atmosphere by restrained pounding drums and the distorted voice. The Cage holds everything for an elaborate piece of music like interesting rhythm- and second-melody-arrangements, which are full of drive and by all means danceable. Still this song falls behind the others, though it absolutely sticks to the prevailing spirit of MenschFeind.
As completion of the 'trilogy' and a sneak preview towards future DOD-releases remains Pentaphobia, this in my opinion is the most intense track of this record. Melodious in tune and counter-melody and with gentle drum-arrangements it touches me like no other song of MenschFeind. Full of sorrow it leaves us behind with the hope that the next sign of life of DIARY OF DREAMS will solve this condition.

All in all the EP MenschFeind is absolutely recommendable - perhaps not for the DOD-newbie, but it is a must for every fan. As expected it is of high quality from the first to the very last minute. Even though numerous highlights could be found on Nigredo, MenschFeind hardly contains a single song that one could honestly call an instant classic. On the other hand there is no exceptionally weak title, either. So MenschFeind remains a rock-solid release and absolutely deserves its 9 points.