Paraskavedekatriaphobia is the mouthful that is used to describe the fear behind Friday the 13th, but there were no worried souls in sight as Markus Schulz stepped up to the decks. The world number eight has built a reputation for his epic sets at The Gallery’s former home ‘Turnmills’ and he has relished (not feared!) the move to the new home at Ministry. Alongside Markus, highlights included Josh Gabriel, Simon Patterson, Mike Koglin, Gavyn Mytchel.

An intriguing venue, once inside it is sometimes difficult to imagine how the ’superclub’ eminence came about. If you have ever been to clubs such as a Matter in the 02 or Cacoon in Frankfurt you will be aware of how elegance, sophistication, and great sounding EDM can exist in harmony. Sadly, despite the best efforts of The Gallery team to promote the night through the decor, both interior and exterior, the venue does rather lack any form of style. However, what it lacks in fixtures and fittings, Ministry definitely recuperates some points for the lighting displays and frequent stella line-ups.

Josh Gabriel didn’t disappoint with his techy sound, playing some beautiful deep progressive. Just as monotony was beginning to set in he dropped a beautiful ‘Gabriel and Dresden-esque’ vocal masterpiece that led to hands being stretched as high as possible towards the ceiling. Mike Koglin continued the more progressive approach, which was rather disappointing as a more trance orientated set may have suited the night more appropriately. Markus’ ‘Koolhaus’ intro was as legendary as any Ibiza peak-time summer set, complimented perfectly by the superior lighting and (over) enthusiastic smoke machine. There were some notable tracks including an ID remix of Blackfeel Wite - First Night, and several others which are ID – ID, at least until I can work out a tracklist. Keep checking the singles charts and the album chart for more information, I know Markus was test-driving some new Dakota tracks and tunes of the forthcoming Toronto ’09 compilation and details will appear very soon.

However, for all the RicoP team, the set of the night went to Simon Patterson. Unfortunately he was timetabled for the five until close set, by which stage the main room had become sparsely populated, and our raving legs after a long day at work, not being what they used to be were feeling rather tired. But in the interests of trance, we soldiered on and wow, were we rewarded for our tribulations. Beautiful piano breaks, blissful strings and epic breakdowns synonymous with Mr Patterson’s trademark sound, interlaced with vocals tracks such as Paul van Dyk’s remix of Lisa Miskovsky’s ‘Mirror’s Edge’ proved more than enough reason to stay until way past six in the morning. But our joys were soon crushed, the next Friday the 13th is only a month away and with no Markus to alleviate our fears, Paraskavedekatriaphobia may well set in!