Anniversary concerts are always interesting. It’s usually a celebratory affair of a defining moment in a career, and in Evanescence’s case the 20th anniversary of their debut album “Fallen” was one to definitely reminisce on. With two Grammy awards under their belt during this album cycle, and two mammoth chart topping singles that are still a major part of pop-culture now, they really established themselves as one of hard-rock’s most promising bands. Twenty years later they are still selling out arenas and bringing diverse audiences together to cry and anthemically scream along to lyrics together that cite empowerment and urge resistance. 

With a sold out Sydney crowd packing out Qudos Bank Arena on a Saturday evening, it felt exciting knowing we were about to witness this iconic band doing exactly what they were always destined to do. It was only five years ago that I first witnessed Evanescence live for a very special show where they performed with a symphony orchestra to reconstruct some of their biggest hits and fan favourites. While this magical show felt like a special once-in-a-lifetime experience, I was very eager to see them really harness the full high octane potential. 

Walking out onto the stage to “Broken Pieces Shine” and “What You Want”, they quickly reassured the crowd they were about to witness the band at their very best. “Going Under”, “Call Me When You’re Sober” and “Lithium” were early placed hits that perfectly bookmarked some obvious highs throughout the set. And in-between they delivered fan favourites that had some fans singing along very passionately around us. 

Amy Lee captivated the crowd with her near-perfect vocals that had people second guessing whether she was singing live or not. The biggest takeaway from the show was that she really can sing THAT well. She sounded better than she has ever sounded, and had this beautiful control on her vocals. 

With a giant “e” hanging above the stage, the production was more focused on the incredible lighting rig that kept you alert with its bright flashes and incredible lasers. It was an impressive added element to the show which met the high standards the band set themselves, and kept you in awe. 

Encouraging the crowd to always use their voice and stand up for what they believe in before performing “Use My Voice”, Amy Lee demanded “don’t let anyone speak for you. We are so much stronger than they want us to be”. As the show neared a climactic end, everyone turned their phone-torches on for “My Immortal”, before the confetti bursting “Bring Me To Life” hit the peak. 

The only thing that racked my brain was that the crowd remained seated the entire show. If you weren’t in GA then you stayed sitting, and whenever someone went to stand people told them to sit down. It felt a little polarising for this show as the passion and energy from the crowd seemed to be there, but they seemed glued to their chairs and filming the song instead of embracing the freeing moment, and that felt like a lost opportunity. I truly thought everyone would get up and lose themselves when the band came in for the final chorus of “My Immortal”, or for the entirety of “Call Me When You’re Sober” or “Bring Me To Life”, but no. 

However we won’t let that take away from how genuinely impressive this show was. Amy Lee’s vocals are godly, and the impressive energy the band still inhabit is commendable. I can’t wait to see Evanescence back and headlining a festival next time they return, because surely that milestone moment is next. 

Evanescence Australian Tour

Monday 28 August – AEC Theatre, Adelaide *SOLD OUT*

Wednesday 30 August – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne 

Saturday 2 September – Red Hill Auditorium, Perth *SOLD OUT*