Written by: Jimmy Wah & RA - Sense Music Media | Saturday 26th August 2023
All photos by: RA >> VIEW GALLERY

Celebrating 20 Years of Fallen

EVANESCENCE are here in Australia for the first time since their unforgettable Synthesis Live with Orchestral Tour performed with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in the Sydney Opera House back on Valentines Day 2018. The release of the orchestral metal fusion album Synthesis in 2017 was an open door to Amy Lee’s classical roots which forms EVANESCENCE’s beautifully unique sound. Since the release of their seminal album Fallen (2003) they have produced a total of 4 studio albums including The Open Door (2006), self-titled Evanescence (2011) and Synthesis (2017). EVANESCENCE even rallied together to record and release one of the most highly acclaimed albums of their career The Bitter Truth (2021) while the music world veiled in uncertainty during the pandemic lockdown and band members were isolated across the globe.

The Review

A chilly late winter’s eve calls for something cosy, and what better way to get the blood pumping than thunderous double kicks and heavy riffs? That’s what THE BEAUTIFUL MONUMENT delivered as the perfect opening for EVANESCENCE. A female fronted stage with down-tuned guitars, heavy grooves and energy for days. Lizi Blanco effortlessly commanded the arena with an evocative persona that drew in the audience and treated them with buttery vocals over the top of charging distortion. This was matched by bassist Amy McIntosh’s wild dancing, spinning kicks, and hair that cut through the smoke like a paintbrush through water. The dynamic lighting was a pleasant touch for an opening band. Adam Pinzone hit the skins with power and mechanical precision. The cinematic sound filled the 20 000 seat Qudos Bank Arena, proving the power with their latest single Misery lifting the crowd off their feet as Lizi declared “I deserve better”. Before we knew it, the set was over leaving the crowd thirsty for more.

Pictured: Lizi Blanco - THE BEAUTIFUL MONUMENT

Between the two sets the audience broke out into a sing along mini mosh as the tunes of Björk, KORN, RADIOHEAD and RAGE AGAIST THE MACHINE were being played across the arena, taking us all back 20 years ago, for a lot of us, that would be our more youthful years. The music stopped, the lights went out and the eager crowd erupted in excitement. EVANESCENCE were approaching the stage and the crowd held their breath, eyes focused on the side stairs to get the first glimmer of a band member. Just like that, thunderous drums began as Will Hunt kicked off Broken Pieces Shine from the latest record The Bitter Truth. As the stage lights filled the room, the floor resembled an undulating body of water pulsating to the rhythm and flow of the music. Following the opener with What You Want from the self titled EVANESCENCE and Going Under from Fallen, it was clear that this set would deliver an extended variety of hits from the band’s 20 year career. The songs came thick and fast as EVANESCENCE went on to on to play something from every album until Amy Lee went into her first heartfelt speech with her fans.

“Sydney, it’s been a long time… and for a long time I felt like there was something missing… and I finally realised what it was. We got an Aussie in the band!” Amy pointed to Emma Anzai from SICK PUPPIES who was holding stage right, the beautiful pair opened with astonishing harmonies for Wasted On You. You could have been forgiven for blinking and missing the grand piano that swiftly graced the stage thanks to the awesome stage crew. Amy sat gracefully at the piano, the notes begun to play the familiar opening of Lithium. Taking a break after Far From Heaven and treating the audience to a montage of footage from behind the scenes and live concerts in Australia, I noticed how true Amy Lee’s heartfelt words were about inclusivity and dedication to fans, reflected by the sheer variety of attendees on Saturday, age range, abilities, gender, nothing brings people together as one more than the arts and everyone here is welcome and loved.

How do you fit 20 years worth of music into 80 minutes? Musical talent and a little magic! I noticed around the 5th song that the familiar tunes melted into one another during Lose Control and it happened again when they played Haunted, the melodies took us through a journey of the EVANESCENCE career thus far which is not short of amazing. Amy Lee reminded the audience about the special place the fans have in music, because without the fans none of this would have happened. As if it wasn’t already moving enough, the crowd eruption that came when she played the first notes of My Immortal were as much to shake floors beneath our feet. Phone lights engulfed the arena several times and this was no exception, the vibe and mood of the night was tender with a rock edge. Rapturous applause came as Bring Me To Life filled the arena complete with streamers shot with force from cannons for an incredible ending while children on the shoulders of their parents watched in awe their first live concert, this has been an amazing experience for all.

I’ve grown quite fond of writing cheeky reviews with something said to stir up controversy. As for EVANESCENCE, I just can’t help adore them. If anything Amy’s words before Bring Me To Life summed it up. “This goes way too fast”.

The Verdict

I have to give a shout out to the awesome stage crew, Security and management for allowing us to have access the whole show, to all staff and attendees who were generous and considerate of everyone inside and outside the venue. It honestly makes a massive difference. This show was perfectly executed, only downfall, it didn’t go longer ;)

9/10

All photos by: RA
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