Evanescence performing their Synthesis Tour at The Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Tuesday 3rd April 2018.
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper
Bringing their work on the Synthesis album to life with a full orchestra, Evanescence brought their merger of rock with orchestra to the Motorpoint Arena last night and it went down a storm.
Touring to promote their fourth album, a re-working of their old songs, this must be their most ambitious album to date as it brings fans favourites vividly to life. Opening for the evening was a thirty minute set that saw the local orchestra play the likes of Mozart’s La Chasse and Beethoven’s Monlight Sonata alongside Sally’s Song and Zelda’s Lullaby, which warmed the crowd up nicely.
Few people in rock music have the vocal power of lead singer Amy Lee. Her soulful tone and distinguished sound are as identifiable as they are unique and performing with this orchestra brought her talent to the fore as everyone in the crowd was swept away by her immense stage presence.
Starting with Never Go Back and Lacrymosa, their virtuosity and bombast was on full display. With lead guitarist Troy McLawhorn, guitarist Jen Majura and bassist Tim McCord making their presence felt, and with Will Hunt’s drumming and the electronic keyboards adding a touch of rock theatricality and an edge to the combination of delicate and grand orchestral sweeps, it was a sound to behold.
But it was in danger of becoming the Amy Lee show as she flitted between centre stage and her piano, but this crowd did not mind at all. In Lithium she proved that she can sing just as well without the synthesised effects that have become one of the band’s hallmarks whilst Lost In Paradise showcased the majesty of the orchestra.
The modest and reflective moments of Unravelling which evolved into surging imagery had the crowd applauding in appreciation, whilst Immortal was very well received as the crowd took out their mobiles to light up the arena. Fans favourite Bring Me To Life was delivered at full throttle much to the fans delight.
For the encore Lee sang the pretty Celtic folk ballad Speak To Me which allowed her strong voice to shine, and as they finished with Good Enough and Swimming Home, they had brought a nice ending to a concert that was clearly glorious for the Evanescence faithful.