Gig review: Evanescence at First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds

On the stage of Leeds’s First Direct Arena, Evanescence delivered a heavy, more impactful sound than ever. Opening the UK leg of their headline tour, the gothic rock quintet offered a breath-taking display of musical breadth and depth.

Appearing on a smoke-filled stage under bright strobes, the band launched into their latest album’s title track and show opener, Sanctuary, as the backdrop transformed into a gothic church. Amy Lee’s hauntingly beautiful vocals immediately resonated with the thousands of goth-clad fans in the room.

Moving into Tell Me When You’ve Had Enough, Afterlife and Rapture, the frontwoman’s prowess kept delivering; just when you think you’ve heard her full range, she effortlessly pushes the boundaries, leaving the crowd speechless. Her hair flew through the air, headbanging during heavy riffs, her fingerless-gloved arms punching the sky with force.

The arena erupted for a crowd singalong to the career-defining Going Under, as black, liquid-like ribbons on the screen seemed to drag the stage downwards. With Lee urging the crowd to join in, fans screamed “going under” at full volume. The set then shifted to a more intimate moment as a piano appeared onstage, with Lee playing live for the hauntingly beautiful Like You.

As soon as that song ended, the band returned to high-tempo, heavy tracks, including Self Destruct and the throwback Call Me When You’re Sober. The band utilised the full stage with force throughout, with moments where the drums and guitarists were raised into the sky on platforms, floating above the audience. Drummer Will Hunt looked angelic throughout, his bright blonde hair backlit by spotlights from above.

Returning to the piano, Lee, visibly emotional, said: “Thank you, Leeds. If this song resonates with you, thank you. Please know you are not alone.” That introduced the phone-torch wave for Forever Without You, featuring spectacular high notes within an intimate, artful display.

K.Flay joined the band onstage for Fight Like a Girl, grinning at the crowd in pure adrenaline. Later in the set, Poppy appeared with Lee, live for the first time, for End of You. The heavy screams and high notes kept the momentum surging, with Poppy beaming back at the fans singing along.

The final two tracks, My Immortal and Wide Open Heart, ended the show with grace, beauty and immaculate showmanship. Penultimate scenes saw red confetti falling from the ceiling as the band took their final bow to offer more thanks and goodbyes.

The night closed with an impressive frisbee-style toss from Will Hunt, who sent his drumheads into the crowd for eager fans to catch and reminisce on a magnificent night.