Within Temptation are now an arena band. Quite an impressive step up in just two years time from supporting Evanescence’s arena tour in 2022 to holding the headliner slot all their own. This Dutch symphonic metal band are known for delivering a concert that feels like an immersive, theatrical journey through mythological realms and the universe itself, blending heart-pounding metal with sweeping orchestral arrangements, and stunning visuals to enthral audiences.  

We only have two sets tonight; Annisokay and the main event Within Temptation, but there’s a few special guests to spice up the night and make this show a real treat for fans of the genre. 

The sole responsibility of warming up the crowd falls to post-hardcore Germanic band Annisokay, since the ongoing war in Ukraine kept Blind8 away from the stage tonight. As the opening song broke free, a symphony of colours erupted, flashing blues and reds throbbing to the heartbeat of Silas Fischer’s powerful drumming. Each beat was punctuated by strobe lights, and the kickdrum felt like a knife in the chest.   

The band really benefited from the impeccable sound system of this arena. The audio engineers must have fine-tuned the set up to accommodate the lofty sounds of Within Temptation, and Annisokay is elevated to spectacular soundscapes thanks to them.  

The soaring vocals of Christoph Wieczorek are crisp and clear, and the growls of Rudi Schwarzer resonates deep in your chest. The guitar tone is pristine, a perfect blend of biting clarity and powerful distortion, against the backdrop of Peter Leukhardt’s rumbling bass.  

They feel a little heavy for this crowd, pushing past the constraints of metalcore with neck-snapping riffs and crushing breakdowns, well deserving of a pit, but there might be too much sophistication from the audience tonight. Their energy is exciting, and to bring the room to their level, we are treated to a very stirring performance of Linkin Park’s ‘One Step Closer’, an anthem of a track with guaranteed engagement. 

It’s a little wait for Within Temptation to take to the stage, and you really appreciate the Leeds First District Arena for it’s efficiency and comfortability. There’s almost a festival feel to the evening, fans sitting atop spread jackets along the outskirts of the standing bowl and a mobile beer salesman is let loose amongst the crowd, despite an accessible bar bang opposite the stage. The balcony seats are filling up now, but the standing crowd doesn’t seem to swell too much, which makes for a comfortable show with excellent views regardless of your spot.  

The lights dim and the sound awakens. Soft, warm hues wash over the arena, reminiscent of a serene sunset, and video screens flare to life, projecting colours that shift and swirl like molten lava. The visuals draw inspiration from the grandeur of ancient coliseums, with digital renditions of towering pillars framing the stage and fantasy landscapes blending with abstract animations.  

The visuals create a kaleidoscopic spectacle that mesmerises the audience, lulling them into a hypnotic state, broken when Sharon den Adel swans out onto the stage. She often wears elaborate outfits that enhance the band’s dramatic aesthetic, and tonight is no exception, her plumage of purple glittering under the lights. Sharon’s voice is one of the defining features of a Within Temptation show. It is a breathtaking blend of strength and ethereal beauty. She effortlessly transitions with a vocal control so polished, showcasing her ability to deliver both intense belts and soft, introspective passages with equal finesse. 

During the high-energy choruses, her voice pierces the ceiling, like with the performance of “Stand My Ground” where the dramatic instrumental interlude built anticipation before unleashing a wave of sound that had the entire crowd singing in unison. It was a testament to the band's ability to forge connections with fans, who were so enamoured by the music and production. Sharon held the microphone out into the crowd, her bond and genuine love for them apparent and moving.  

The laser lights cut through the shadows, crisscrossing above the balcony like bolts of electricity, as Ruud Jolie’s solo wails, the visuals intensify: colours explode like fireworks, cascading down the screens. The energy swings back to frenzy as the concert reaches its peak when the special guests make an appearance.  

First up to help Sharon on the 2024 track ‘A Fool’s Parade’ is Ukrainan singer/producer Alex Yarmak. His range is impressive, as is his energy, leaping from heights and running from side to side, challenging the crowd to watch where he goes and snap out of the mesmer of the visuals. However, whether it was just a poor mix or technical difficulties, Sharon completely swamped him during the duet parts.  

Sharon does struggle to dominate when Tarja creeps onto the stage however. Emerging from the darkness like a phantom under the glowing chandeliers, the legendary Nightwish frontwoman’s unmistakable voice floods the arena with a richness and depth unattainable for most vocalists. Each note seemed to blossom into a bigger sound. Her soprano, clear and radiant, seamlessly elevated the symphonic elements of Within Temptation’s music. She delivered hauntingly beautiful melodies, showcasing her remarkable ability to convey such emotion with her voice.  

The interplay between the two voices was enchanting. Sharon's ethereal tones complemented Tarja's dramatic, operatic inflections. The chemistry between the two singers was evident, and the audience was spellbound by their siren songs. Draped in an elegant gown like liquid midnight, Tarja takes centre stage for ‘I Feel Immortal’, her own song, and the atmosphere transcends to a bewitching altitude.  

Her powerful voice rings out, clear and unwavering, cutting through the instrumentation like a bolt of lightning. When she sings, it’s as if the very walls of the venue pulse with her echo. Each note resonates deeply, leaving the audience breathless in trying to mimic the epic vocal performance. The synergy between Sharon and Tarja is palpable; they harmonise seamlessly, their voices intertwining to create a sound that is as enchanting as it is intense.  

Throughout the collaboration, the stage was alive with a symphonic orchestra and dynamic visuals, enhancing the magic of the performance. During the poignant ballads gentle pastel lights created a dreamy atmosphere, while the silhouette of the band stood out against a backdrop of swirling colours, retaining the cinematic quality established right from the start. 

In the climactic moment of ‘Paradise’, the two powerhouse vocalists come together for a finale that feels monumental. Their voices entwine in a breathtaking crescendo, a moment of bright harmonies that brings the audience in standing and seated to their feet, a single entity, erupting into wild cheers and applause as the final note hangs in the air, suspended in time.  

Fog shoots up from the stage, the visuals morph against the grand, gladiatorial arena backdrop, and the crowd cheers to the bursts of colour synchronised to the triumphant thundering of the final song, a climactic display of colour and light. The atmosphere becomes charged, each note dripping with intensity.  

The audience, bathed in a colourful spectrum of lights, become part of the show. Lost in the moment, unified by the primal energy of metal as the dazzling spectacle of a Within Temptation fades around them to black.  

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Within Temptation + Annisokay