Within Temptation Bring Symphonic Metal and Epic Guests to Leeds First Direct Arena [Photos]

It’s been nearly two years since Dutch symphonic metal outfit Within Temptation were in Leeds as part of a gargantuan double-header with Evanescence, even though it almost feels like yesterday.

Tonight, they’re back at the FD Arena for one of the remaining dates on their Bleed Out tour, and while their return might not see the Arena packed to the rafters, the Dutch band make sure that this night will be as epic as it could be.

Opening the night are German post-hardcore/metalcore crew Annisokay, who, bathed in moody lights, prove to be a more than effective opener. With minimal space, the band use visuals, programming and crunchy metalcore riffs to get heads nodding in the front rows while a cover of Linkin Park’s smash hit “One Step Closer” and guest appearance from WT’s vocalist Sharon den Adel for “Like A Parasite” grab the attention of those wandering about the arena/bar areas.

Kicking off with a slew of tracks from the new album, the set kicks off with the band bathed in red for a thumping rendition of “We Go To War.” The Dutch band follow that up with four more tracks from the new disc in the form of the title track, “Ritual,” “Don’t Pray For Me,” and “Wireless.

Dwarfed by an epic production, Sharon den Adel strides confidently about the FD Arena stage as the band continue to power through equally epic and flawless renditions of “The Reckoning” and “Stand My Ground.” Being one of the latter dates of the tour, fans already knew what was coming next, so, as the set progressed, you could feel the atmosphere and excitement in the room building.

Bringing out two guests to join them, firstly Ukranian Alex Yarmak joined the band and, following a passionate plea from den Adel, raged through “A Fool’s Parade” before Finnish operatic icon Tarja joined the band for humungous renditions of “The Promise” and her own “I Feel Immortal.” The latter was preceded by one fan exclaiming, “I can feel the tears building already…”

While Tarja’s appearance was a highlight for many fans, it has to be said that Within Temptation was not going to let the appearance of an icon of operatic music steal all of the limelight. Powering to the end of the night, “All I Need,” the return of Tarja for “What About Us?” and a soaring “Mother Earth” seal off an epic evening of symphonic metal in Yorkshire.

Within Temptation Set List:

1. We Go to War
2. Bleed Out
3. Ritual
4. Don’t Pray for Me
5. Wireless
6. The Reckoning
7. Shot in the Dark
8. Stand My Ground
9. A Fool’s Parade (with Alex Yarmak)
10. The Promise (with Tarja)
11. I Feel Immortal (Tarja cover)
12. Supernova
13. Faster
14. Our Solemn Hour
15. All I Need
16. Paradise (What About Us?) (with Tarja)
17. Mother Earth

Within Temptation (w/ Annisokay) @ First Direct Arena (Leeds, UK) on November 19th, 2024

38 photos