With the nights growing darker and colder, there could hardly be a better place to be huddled away from the incoming snow than at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena watching fiery symphonic metal heavyweights, Within Temptation...
Less than a week from the announcement of their upcoming return to the hallowed fields of Donington Park for next year’s instalment of Download Festival, the Dutch powerhouse had the perfect opportunity to show us what they have in store for the festival on an epic scale.
You’d be forgiven for being somewhat confused by the late start, with no bands taking to the stage till 7:40, a whole one hour and forty minutes after doors. This, however, was cleared up by both Annisokay and Within Temptation who each explained that BLIND8, who had been scheduled to open the evening's entertainment, had been unexpectedly called back to their home country of Ukraine. With that said, there was an optimism that the band would be able to return to the tour in time for the Paris date to continue with the rest of the European dates. I’m sure my sentiments of best wishes were shared amongst everyone in attendance upon hearing this news and I hope it won’t be too long before British rock fans have the opportunity to hear what BLIND8 has to offer.
Opening the musical proceedings for the night were Annisokay, who are no strangers to the metal scene and would have been a recognisable name to many in attendance. Often when attending arena shows, there can be a sense of disappointment in the end product of a support band through no fault of their own. Pushed out to the front of the stage, out of the way of the headliners set with little more than a small banner and an afterthought sound and light setup, the presentation has left me feeling underwhelmed in the past.
I am pleased to say this was far from the truth of what Annisokay delivered. Rocking up with their own dedicated light and visuals setup, the mood was immediately set as vibrant electronic visuals backlit members of the band before launching into their powerful brand of Metalcore which pumped beautifully out of the arena speakers. A ferocious set jam-packed with some of the bands most popular songs such as Calamity, Human and Get Your Shit Together along with a few unexpected treats. A surprise appearance from Sharon Den Adel (Within Temptation) for a performance of Like a Parasite and a special cover of Linkin Park’s One Step Closer had this feeling like much more than just some obligatory duty. Early into the set the band declared that it was their job to warm the crowd up (choice words given the blizzard that was forming outside) and as the crowd yelled back the tagline from the final song STFU, one has to conclude that they were, indeed, quite toasty.
As the lights grew dim for the headline act we are presented with a cinematic introduction to the show. Gothic imagery is projected on the screens which themselves sit between enormous columned archways. Within Temptation take to stage and as they start playing the powerful introduction to the imagery switches from that of graveyards to war and an explosion of smoke cannons erupt all around the stage.
Musically it was clear that we were witnessing very talented and experienced musicians on the stage
As the vocalist begins to sing she slowly glides onto the stage in an elegant black formal dress and intricate fascinator/mask combination. The presentation makes for a stark change from the damp, dark basement rock show band aesthetic that we have become oh so familiar with within the UK Metal scene; this was far more elegant.
This grandiose display of dark imagery continued throughout the set with visuals of blood, gothic statues and vampiric figures to name a few examples that were projected upon the screens.
Musically it was clear that we were witnessing very talented and experienced musicians on the stage but one thing truly stood out above all, Den Adel’s powerful voice penetrated through each and every song and rang clear throughout the arena.
Her mastery of both the sharp highs and warm lows were a delight to the ears and at a time when the Metal scene is producing and celebrating great female performers such as Emily Armstrong (Linkin Park/Dead Sara), Courtney LaPlante (Spiritbox) and Poppy, it feels like Den Adel deserves every bit as much attention for her display of vocal mastery and powerful performances.
As we approach the midway point in the set we are blessed with not one but two special guest appearances. Firstly, Within Temptation were joined on stage by Alex Yarmak to perform A Fools Parade which the two released together earlier this year with all profits from the song being donated to Music Saves UA, in aid of the ongoing conflict in Yarmak’s home country of Ukraine. A worthy cause only amplified by the absence of fellow Ukrainian band BLIND8.
Having already been blown away by the vocals of the Within Temptation frontwoman, I was simply not prepared for what was to follow with the onstage arrival of Tarja. The next two songs featured the sort of vocal excellence that you would expect to find in an operatic performance, complete with glass shattering highs.
From this point onwards the show really felt like it had picked up speed, almost like a marathon, the first half was a solid performance keeping pace and now they had broken away from the crowd for a strong push to the finish. As we approached the end of the set we enjoyed some of the bands more popular songs Faster and All I Need as well as a very welcome second appearance form Tarja.
The set culminated in a rip roaring rendition of Mother Earth which was every bit as epic as the name suggests it should be, wrapping up the evening with a lasting impression that captures the commanding energy that the entire show exuded. As the band took their final bows and the much needed end of gig photo, the passionate army of fans gave their noisy thanks, just as they had been all evening, and my sentiment sits firmly with them.
The evening was a stunning showcase of some of the best that the rock and metal scenes have to offer, with both bands bringing completely different styles united by a shared love for heavy music and I'm sure I wasn’t the only one heading out of the stadium into the piercing cold of the Nottingham night with a huge grin on my face.
Within Temptation performed at Motorpoint Arena on 18th November 2024.
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
