Within Temptation

You’d think in an age where technology has progressed as far as it has now that more people would use it just to do incredibly cool stuff on a colossal scale. Cool for the sake of cool should never be avoided, especially when it comes to arena rock spectaculars, most bands on the arena circuit think it’s ok to have some strobe lights, a big screen and maybe, *maybe* some pyro if they can spare the expense. This is unequivocally not ok. If you want to be taken seriously as an unmissable live act, you might want to take a few pages out of the playbook of Dutch Symphonic Metallers Within Temptation. Because nowhere else is the aforementioned big screen going to be held in the mouths of two colossal dragon heads that breathe real fire. Sold yet? Good, cos it only gets better from here. Of course, such spectacle is nothing without the songs or the chops to back it up and you don’t have to be a member of Within Temptation’s fervent cult following to recognise that. Sharon Den Adel’s unimpeachable vocals carry the set, her operatic style amping the sturm und drang of their set up to ridiculously exciting levels as the rest of the six piece band hurl out note perfect versions of songs from their over 15 years together as a band. They’re truly on the top of their game, with no-one in the business of rocking able to top them for scale or spectacle. 2014 saw the release of their new album Hydra, so it’s only a matter of time before they reach your shores, and you owe it to yourself to check it out!

In their first return since 2011 WT commanded the stage as if they'd been doing nothing but resting up for this show - as opposed to the nearly year-long world tour they've been on with Hydra. From start to finish during the 19 song set the energy level never fell off. Even during an acoustic rendition of Sinéad, which brought Terminal 5 to near silence ( no easy feat ), the intensity of the show never flagged.
Somewhat a victim of their own success and talents; if there were any critiques it would be that the bigger symphonic and choral arrangements sometimes don't translate as well with just the band, as there are moments in these songs where there is just orchestra or choir and the band sort of "waits" through those measures. But because none of us would want any of these songs cut from the playlist, it's a small price to pay.
Sharon took a few moments to offer words of hope for a better world between "Finest Hour" and "Stand My Ground". For those who don't know - Stand My Ground was written for NYC in response the attack on 9/11 and it is amazing to see it performed here.
Definitely a show that was worth the wait - only I wish the wait weren't so long between their US tours !
Full set list at http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/within-temptation/2014/terminal-5-new-york-ny-63cca263.html

Within Temptation is always a treat live. I saw them many times in bigger venues when I was in the UK and I was wondering how they would adapt to what is a slightly smaller place. They did not disappoint: There was no room for their usual pyrotechnics, which meant that the performance was all due to Within Temptation's ability to just play, sing and interact with the crowd. Sharon's voice is probably one of the most memorable in this genre. She sings amazingly the most energetic songs as well as the most melodic parts. She is able to change pitch at the speed of lightning. Unlike some other bands, you can tell that she enjoys this exchange of energy with the crowd. There is also the great music, which can be seen as theatrical or opera like but without going into the excesses of some Scandinavian bands: This music has soul and is not just about technique. The sense of melody is constantly present and the lyrics are not just about fairytales but often touch contemporary subjects. All in all, if you like rock female-fronted bands, you would do yourself a favor to go and watch them live. They proved at the Regency Ballroom that they could play both in very large venues (like the O2 in London) and more intimate settings.

In the KOSMOS theater @ Yekaterinburg on 15th oct 2013, there descended a dazzling SUPERNOVA..
That spectacular Starburst was THE evergreen, beloved star who remains our heartthrob: SHARON..

A sellout crowd was hungrily feeding on Sharon's ebullient and effervescent bubbling energy
With her entry and every re-emergence she wound literally burst onto stage with an explosive entry that is trademark Sharon and which she carries off with her usual aplomb.
The adulating crowd gave back a lot of that energy for Sharon to build-up on and deliver a scintillating, mind-blowing, unforgettable performance which will echo for years in the memories she created yesterday.

Every member of the band too was absolutely divine, going hell for leather and giving it all they had. Each one put up a spectacular performance belting out their best.
We were also thrilled with their beautiful gifts from this band of untiring and devilishly inspiring metal maniacs who extended the show with a couple of extra numbers.

Absolutely love this Diva and her band, her lyrics and her voice which HAS to be heard live by every fan of her music..

Jason
(a highly biased fan prejudiced in favor of WT)

They amazing to see in concert! The singer just comes right out kicking ass at singing and is so full of energy that she is dancing and bouncing around all over the place like she just had a handful of candy. It was amazing! I don't know what it is about their music but the more I listen to it the more I like it and I never seem to get tired of it and then when you see them in concert they are able to bring the music to life. If you became a fan of theirs recently and would love to listen to one of their older songs fear not because they play songs from all their albums. The first concert I went to I was completely blown away because they came out of encore two or three times and I believe they played every song they had ever made. It was the best. I have to give massive kudos to the singer because I think at the concert she wasn't feeling the best and she still did encores and rocked it out!
They all seem so incredibly nice. Sharon den Adel made some very touching short speeches that goes beyond the music and that you really should take to not only home with you but to heart as well. They are one band that I will do in my power to never miss a concert when they come around.

Incredible, never-to-be-forgotten show! Perfect blend of new and older material. Exactly the right amount of crowd interaction to get us involved and make us feel part of the show without taking too much time away from the amazing music we came to see. The sound was set up perfectly - crystal clear and the exact right volume balance between each of the instruments and Sharon. I would see this exact same show again tonight if I could. It was seriously that good.

Within Temptation: The best concert ever.
Sharon was amazing. Her performance and her voice were ecstatic. You cannot stop falling in love with her voice in the concert. And the guys, Rudd and Stefan, were delighting the audience with the unstoppable smile on their faces and their hyperactive performances and their interaction with the fans. Just be there, and let yourself free, and let Sharon and the band take you on the course to divinity with them.

Waited 12 years to see them live, and it took flying 3000 miles from the States to London to finally experience their show. Loved every second of it! You can't find a better singer than Sharon. The whole group is down to earth, having fun on stage, and doesn't take themselves too seriously. They look like they enjoy the crowd as much as the crowd enjoys them. 10 out of 10 for Within Temptation live!

The show was awesome!

I really expected something more like "small city" show, but the production was really well thinked, including LED screen and flame throwers!!!

The voice of Sharon was amazing, even considering that she had a "problem" with her voice, and the band was also amazing!

Well, I really liked this show and I'm sure that I would go to another show of them ;D

Great concert! One of the best I saw. Sharon and the band really killed it. Nice video effects as well! Can't wait to have them back here :D

They did a nice job in performing both their old and their new songs to come (tour was to promote a future album). My only regret is that they didn't perform one of my favourite songs, but hey they can't play everything in one evening.