.

.

EVANESCENCE
+ The Beautiful Monument
@ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne,
30th August 2023
(Live Review)

Review and photos by Samantha Meuleman (@samantham_shots)

.

Evanescence / Photo @samantham_shots

.

As I arrived at Rod Laver Arena the anticipation was palpable as everyone lined up waiting to gain entry. My gut told me this would be a show to remember, and it wasn’t wrong. When I got into the venue the atmosphere was electric, as fans from different generations came together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the band’s debut album, Fallen. The evening promised a journey through time, and Evanescence, led by the incredible Amy Lee, certainly did not disappoint.

Kicking the audience into gear was the supporting act The Beautiful Monument who were handpicked by Evanescence for this tour. It’s not often you see a support act that captivates an audience so much, but their energy truly impressed and I’m sure they’ll have new fans after this tour. Lead singer Lizi Blanco dominated the stage and performed “Give Up,” “Stay” and “Hellbound,” to name some favourites from their set. Keep an eye on The Beautiful Monument, they definitely made an impression on these fans.

.

The Beautiful Monument / Photo @samantham_shots

.

The Beautiful Monument / Photo @samantham_shots

.

Then the moment came, Evanescence took to the stage to applause from the crowd. They started off the night with the epic “Broken Pieces Shine,” a song that electrified the crowd and opened them up to the rollercoaster of emotions we were about to experience. From the very first note, it was clear that this was not just a concert; it was a cathartic release for both the band and their devoted fans. 2018 was the last time Evanescence were in Australia and there were tears and screams of joy at them being back on an Aussie stage. The arena erupted as the energy of “What You Want” reverberated through the air, setting the tone for a night of powerful music as well as many moments of raw emotion.

The heart of Evanescence’s magic lies in the enigmatic presence of Amy Lee. She is a force of nature who immediately had the entire audience under her spell. Her voice was as ethereal and captivating as ever. Whether it was the vocal power of “Going Under” or the defiant attitude of “Take Cover,” Lee’s vocal prowess remains as good as ever. As she belted out each note with precision, it was clear that her voice, live and unfiltered, was exactly as fans had hoped – an absolute powerhouse of emotion.

Some highlights of the evening were the two medleys that were performed, the first of which seamlessly blended “Lose Control,” “Part of Me,” and “Never Go Back.” Including the medleys really gave Evanescence the chance to increase the songs in the one and a half hour setlist. The fans obviously loved the chance to hear as many songs as possible and it also kept up the high energy pace of the show.

.

Evanescence / Photo @samantham_shots

.

The setlist (see below) was a carefully curated journey through Evanescence’s discography, each song carrying its own emotional weight. It included “Call Me When You’re Sober,” the emotional “Wasted On You,” and the nostalgic “Imaginary” showcased the band’s versatility, proving their ability to seamlessly transition between various musical landscapes. A highlight of this was when Amy would begin a song on keyboard, then jump into the action with the rest of the band as the chorus came to life. The crowd was transported through the years, reliving their own personal stories with Evanescence’s music as the backdrop.

One of the most poignant moments of the night was Amy’s performance of “Lithium” on a grand piano. Her haunting and ethereal voice really carried the emotion and pain of the lyrics to a captivated audience. A meaningful song to many in the audience, it was clear there were many who were moved by it.

The second medley featured five songs, with four being from the Fallen album. “Haunted,” “My Last Breath,” “Cloud Nine,” “Everybody’s Fool,” and “Whisper.” “My Last Breath” was my favourite and little 13-year-old Sam would’ve been so overjoyed knowing she’d one day hear it live. This mashup of songs and emotions was a testament to the band’s impact on their fans’ lives, as memories of the past intertwined with the present. The pulsating rhythms of “Use My Voice” and the anthemic “Blind Belief” had the entire arena moving in unison building up to the final two songs.

.

Evanescence / Photo @samantham_shots

.

It was the encore that truly took the night to its zenith. Amy Lee took a heartfelt pause to introduce the new band member, Emma Anzai, on bass. The crowd’s cheers reached a crescendo as Anzai, an Aussie herself, embraced her role in the Evanescence family. Lee’s gratitude was palpable as she thanked the crowd for their unwavering support since the release of Fallen. The nostalgic sentiment hung in the air, connecting the past with the present in a beautiful tapestry of music and memories. Then as Amy took to the grand piano again and played the opening chords of “My Immortal”, the crowd collectively took out their phones creating a sea of light. Their voices echoed throughout the arena as they sang along with a song that as touched each of them in their own individual ways.

The night reached its emotional climax with the iconic “Bring Me To Life,” a song that has become synonymous with Evanescence’s legacy and if you haven’t heard it live, you need to either get to a show or look up a video – be prepared to be moved! As the final notes resonated through the venue the crowd roared and the band took a bow and thanked the audience. This was not just a concert; it was a shared experience that encapsulated two decades of music, memories, and emotions.

For me personally, this show was more than just a concert. Having grown up with Evanescence’s music, the performance was a nostalgic journey back to the days of blasting “Fallen” on repeat. To be present on the album’s anniversary and to capture the essence of the show through photography was an experience I’ll cherish forever.

As the crowd dispersed, the energy of the evening lingered in the air, a reminder of the power of music to transcend time and connect souls. Evanescence’s performance in Melbourne was a testament to their enduring legacy, a legacy that continues to evolve and inspire, leaving a mark on the hearts of their fans.

.

Evanescence / Photo @samantham_shots

.

SETLIST

1. Broken Pieces Shine
2. What You Want
3. Going Under
4. Take Cover
5. Lose Control/Part of Me/Never Go Back (medley)
6. Call Me When You’re Sober
7. Wasted On You
8. Lithium
9. Far From Heaven
10. Imaginary
11. Better Without You
12. End of the Dream
13. Haunted/My Last Breath/Cloud Nine/Everybody’s Fool/Whisper (medley)
14. Use My Voice
15. Blind Belief
16. My Immortal
17. Bring Me To Life

.

Evanescence / Photo @samantham_shots

.

Check out Samantha Meuleman’s (@samantham_shots) full gallery of this event HERE

.

Follow EVANESCENCE

.

Evanescence / Photo @samantham_shots

.

Press Release 24th May 2023 (below) HERE

Presented By Destroy All Lines, TEG MJR and Triple M

EVANESCENCE
Australian Tour

Celebrating 20 years of
FALLEN

Performing highlights from
FALLEN
& Career spanning set

.

.

AMNPLIFY – DB