The Second Coming
All is quiet within the Lustfaust camp. Each member is glad to have witnessed the demise of the band and Kevin Ashworth has released an ‘obituary’ edition of Falke Tränen. A chance encounter between Berger and Kruger at Der Blaue Auster Bar after a lengthy session at Hansa Studios provides the possibility of starting anew with the band. Both Kruger and Berger are becoming increasingly disillusioned with their day jobs and are recognising the long-lost sentiments they shared at Lustfaust’s inception. Both agree they would like to revive Lustfaust but without van Baelen’s input. They contact Kazuki who echoes their sentiments. The newly re-formed band hastily arranges a series of gigs at Der Blaue Auster for the following week to preview the new three-piece Lustfaust.
Lustfaust play as a threesome for the first time in mid September 1978. The gig is a roaring success with many new punters turning up to see the band. One of these, Johnny ‘Oracle’ Daniels, introduces himself to Kruger. They hit it off instantly, partly due to their similar ethnic mix (both are ‘Germericans’ – Americans born in Germany) and Kruger invites Oracle to play guitar with the band. Both Kazuki and Berger are less keen, sensing the problems that occurred with van Baelen may reoccur. A small fissure in Berger and Kruger’s relationship develops as a result of the disagreement.
Berger, Kruger and Kazuki practice alongside Oracle. Kruger senses that the four have a chemistry together that he is keen to exploit and manoeuvre into something productive. Kruger begins to record the jams, which angers Berger who feels the band are not as developed as they could be and are certainly not ready to begin work on the next Lustfaust release. Berger returns to making noise with industrial machines and tools hoping to sabotage Kruger’s recordings. Noticing the ever-widening gap between Berger and Kruger, Oracle suggests making the next album a joint solo effort with a side apiece for Berger and Kruger. Both agree that this is a good idea.