Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the Worlds Collide Tour featuring two of rock’s big-hitters, American goth/rock superstars Evanescence and Dutch symphonic metal band Within Temptation finally arrives in the UK after numerous postponements due to COVID. Tonight it is the turn of the Dutch band to close out the night but, with both bands bringing with them spectacular productions, no fan of either band would leave a packed Leeds First Direct Arena disappointed.
The more commercially successful of the two co-headliners, at least in terms of the UK, Evanescence took to the stage and delivered a stellar performance. With a voice and stage presence built for arena’s, vocalist Amy Lee powers through the set covering every inch of the stage with her equally phenomenal band. Of course you can’t keep your eyes of her as she headbangs and stamps around belting out a plethora of Evanescence fan favourites including “Call Me When You’re Sober” and “Going Under”.
Absolutely breathtaking to watch, Lee takes her performance to another level when she sits behind a piano for tracks like “Far From Heaven”. Showcasing a voice that simply captivates the audience, she brings the set to a grandstand finale with a spine-tingling performance of “My Immortal” before the band sign off their set with megahit single “Bring Me To Life”. For the most part, Lee and Evanescence let their music do the talking but, after delivering a performance of this magnitude, there can’t have been many people complaining.
Evanescence Photo Copyright © Jo Forrest
On mainland Europe, symphonic metal troop Within Temptation are festival headliner material. Despite suffering with illness earlier in the week, there was no stopping the Dutch band and their stunning vocalist Sharon den Adel. Storming through the “Faster” and “Paradise (What About Us?)”, any concerns that the band would struggle to follow the spectacular Evanescence were soon put to rest. Accompanied by an equally jaw-dropping production, the Dutch symphonic metal band brought this night to an epic end with their dramatic songs and dramatic theatrics.
While blasts of Smoke and flames lighting up the stage , things took an emotional turn for a sensational rendition of “Supernova”. One of the highlights of their set, den Adel had the attention of the entire room with her powerful vocals. Thundering down the home straight, they follow “Supernova” with five more tracks including “What Have You Done” and “Ice Queen” before bringing the curtain down on this rock extravaganza with a mesmerising rendition of “Mother Earth”.
For nearly three hours, two of rocks biggest female-fronted artists shook the foundations at Leeds First Direct Arena in spectacular fashion. For both the bands and their legions of fans, this tour has been a longtime coming but Lee, den Adel and their bandmates made damn sure that they will be talking about this night for a long time to come.
Within Temptation Photo Copyright © Jo Forrest
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