Sharon den Adel and Tarja Turunen in a heavenly symphonic metal duet

★★★★☆ (4/5)

WITHIN TEMPTATION PERFORMING AT LEEDS FIRST DIRECT ARENA
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST

Within Temptation at Leeds First Direct Arena on November 19, 2024, was a spectacular showcase of symphonic metal brilliance, enhanced by the powerful performances of guest vocalists Tarja Turunen, Alex Yarmak and support band Annisokay. This stop on the "Bleed Out" world tour celebrated Within Temptation’s latest album and underscored their talent for blending theatricality with raw emotion.

The German quintet Annisokay opened the night with a blistering set that immediately captured the audience’s attention. Known for their blend of melodic hooks and crushing breakdowns, they delivered a tight, energetic performance. Songs like "Throne of the Sunset" and "Human" showcased their skillful balance of aggression and melody, while frontman Rudi Schwarzer’s harsh vocals and Christoph Wieczorek’s clean singing created a dynamic interplay that kept the crowd engaged. It did help that they covered Linkin Park’s “One Step Closer” and brought on Sharon den Adel for “Like a Parasite”, but that said they showed they had enough chops to command the stage and left many in the audience curious to explore their catalogue further.

Within Temptation, delivered a polished and emotionally charged performance. Frontwoman Sharon den Adel captivated the audience with her ethereal vocals, seamlessly moving between the band’s older hits and newer material from Bleed Out.

The production featured stunning visuals, including dramatic lighting and immersive screens, creating a cinematic experience that complemented the band’s grandiose sound. Tracks like opener "We Go to War" and "The Reckoning" brought the arena to life, while ballads showcased Den Adel’s vocal prowess.

The inclusion of Ukrainian producer and vocalist Alex Yarmak on “A Fool’s Parade” further underscored the night’s message of unity and artistic collaboration.

The clear highlight of the night was the guest appearance of Tarja Turunen, former vocalist of Nightwish, whose operatic voice added an extra layer of depth to the performance. Her collaboration on tracks "The Promise" and "I Feel Immortal" was a dream pairing for fans of the symphonic metal genre. The chemistry between Tarja and Sharon was clearly visible, making these moments unforgettable for those lucky fans on the front row.

Then during the encore, the band performed with Tarja again on the immense “Paradise (What About Us?), reflecting themes of hope.

The gig concluded with a rousing performance of "Mother Earth," a fitting finale that encapsulated the evening’s feeling of empowerment and resilience against adversity. The audience sang along passionately, leaving no doubt about the impact Within Temptation continues to have on their fans.

This was a triumph for Within Temptation, with the addition of Tarja elevating an already stellar show to unbelievable heights. Annisokay provided a solid opening, ensuring a diverse and electrifying evening for fans. The synergy of world-class musicianship, striking visuals, and heartfelt performances made this a standout night in Leeds on the "Bleed Out" tour.