Evanescence, Shihad @ VodafoneArena, Melbourne (10/02/2007)

Tue 13th Feb, 2007 in Gig Reviews

Evanescence have come a long way since Amy Lee played a Meatloaf song, as heard by former member and co-founder Ben Moody at a youth camp all those years ago. On their recent appearance at Vodafone Arena vocalist Amy Lee gave an expected impressive performance aided by the hard rock stylings of her band.

In contrast with their songs, Evanescence are a fun loving bunch of musicians enjoying their time in the spotlight – touring and performing in 2007 after releasing their latest album The Open Door. The CD/DVD Anywhere But Home thus gave a brilliant insight into their last world tour for 2003’s Fallen.

A powerful presentation by tour supports Shihad had the band shining relentlessly, playing favourites including ‘Pacifier’ (their previous band name) and ‘My Mind’s Sedate’ to a rupturing response. Heavy energy filled the arena while, among other things, Jon Toogood dangerously swung his guitar, connecting with the crowd via his charismatic stage presence and onstage persona. “Don’t it feel good just to be alive?” was certainly the feeling among patrons as the song ‘The General Electric’ kicked in. Jon ripped his shirt off to reveal a lack of muscle while proclaiming sarcastically ” Yeah, I play rugby”.

Amidst all the chaos, the microphone stand fell from the stage, only to be caught by security behind the barrier. “Cut loose!” Jon exclaimed as he proudly brought Shihad’s set to an end after hyping up the crowd before thanking Evanescence for allocating Shihad the honour of tour support.

Contrasting black and white drapes momentarily shielded the band from the ever growing curiosity of the massive crowd in general admission. At this time, there were still plenty of seats on the upper level to be filled, begging the question of whether or not it was in fact a sold-out show. The lights illuminated between Shihad and Evanescence before the stage dimmed to ominous shadows as Amy Lee, wearing an all black tutu-like outfit for the evening, led her band into an intense and heavy blast off. Despite the signs and announcements, many cameras flashed from random positions around the arena.

‘Weight Of The World’ was as uplifting and melodramatic as ever, accompanied by Amy’s clear, crisp vocals and the band’s array of riffing, drumming and bass that peaks at full throttle.

‘Going Under’, another worldwide smash swooped the arena like a maddened black crow, diving and rising with malicious intent. Standing patrons pointed and drew back their fingers as the chorus hit with maximum effort and screaming in elation. Witty remarks were commonplace and Amy never failed to pull up with a good sense of humour. In apparent disbelief at a moment between songs, Amy commented: “You guys actually paid tickets for this?” The crowd responded laughingly at Amy’s repartee.

‘The Only One’ was one of many songs when Amy crept around the stage whilst performing her angelic yet operatic vocals, interspersed with harmonic wailing. The light show gave off some fluttering and flashing as she sang “Don’t look down, don’t look into the eyes of the world beneath you.”

The audience then flew high on ‘Cloud Nine’ shortly after with a haunting introduction and some sinister notes cast into the mix. Energetic and no doubt happy fans started up their own phone light party, a littering of illuminated phone screens moved somewhat in time to the music.

Perhaps due to past experiences, Amy pleaded with the crowd to not ” go get a beer just because I am sitting down”. She seated herself at the piano and announced: “This is gonna rock”. She wasn’t wrong; Evanescence’s latest melancholic effort ‘Lithium’ was played as musically beautiful as it is tragically themed. A gradual thick blanket of fake snow fell over the stage and onto the piano top – an awesome sight to behold and a dazzling spectacle. Amy then played a nice lullaby piano intro to ‘Good Enough’. Smoke rose to fit the moment well as several fans nearby yelled “you rock Amy!” Whether she could hear them or not was debatable.

Amy preferred to focus on the music, and it showed. Evanescence as a band are an acutely talented and widely popular phenomenon. Their appearance at Vodafone Arena was proof of this; hearing and seeing them live was a spiritual experience within itself. Cool green lighting illuminated behind the band as Amy ensured emphasis on ‘Haunted’ lyrics. ” All this time, I know you’re still there, watching me…I won’t let you pull me down.”

The vertical lighting turned to an orange and blue, a welcomed accompaniment as John LeCompt and Terry Balsamo ensued fantastic guitaring. Alike many times on the night, Amy thrusted a fist to the crowd as the crowd returned her call to arms.

‘Tourniquet’ was played as strobe lights formed patterns on the ceiling before Amy emoted her question with strain yet clarity, ” am I too lost to be saved?” This was the heavy rock pinnacle of the night as Evanescence were undoubtedly thundering. Interestingly, the lights fell as the seemingly pre- recorded vocals “I want to die” were screamed out with agonising effort. I’m guessing that this effect was to preserve her voice for the rest of the set, as opposed to the potential for damage from such a throat scratching scream.

Recent hit single ‘Call Me When You’re Sober’ received a response that didn’t surprise. Amy played the song on keyboard under a spotlight as the band backed her up with a hefty dose of pure rock adrenalin. Imaginary began with those eerie strings which then prompted Amy to “linger in the doorway…” She tread to the edge of the podium and roused some fans before pacing back again. Amy made her way back to the keyboard briefly as a kind of hard rock euphoria erupted to the break down “inside my soul for hours”.

‘Wake Me Up Inside’ was a triumph; another hugely popular hit that is more of an anthem than a tearjerker, as like so many of Evanescence’s songs. Amy sang the title lyrics while fist pumping the air, which has now become one of the frontwoman’s traits. “Frozen inside…” was followed by Linkin Park style backing as all sang “Save me from myself”.

‘Whisper’ saw green strobes abound to mirror Amy’s trademark operatic vocals as the adulated princess of goth rock enjoyed revving up the fans with a fist pump as she swirled and ducked around. The lights then went up briefly. “Thank you so much,” Amy said.

Somewhere in there the lads hilariously jammed it up with the beginning of what was their short lived rendition of Korn’s ‘Blind’. Amy put it to a stop with “alright, seriously” as she began another piano piece. Orange vertical lights glowed as ‘Missing’ began. Signifying the end of the set list, Amy gave more pumps of her fist as the last two chords crunched down on guitar.

The first song of Evanescence’s encore was ‘All That I’m Living For’, along with amazing additions on guitar and drums. Newly added bassist and replacement for William Boyd, Tim McCord lapped up the atmosphere and proceeded to amp up the crowd with lifts of his open palms from his side of the stage.

Thereafter, the crowd suddenly went crazy with foot stamping, squealing and screaming. The show seemed too abrupt and, despite a fulfilling set, all craved more – particularly one group of fanatical girls. At this stage of the gig, I felt over-enthused and yearned for a part in the happening mass that was the moshpit as my enthusiasm demanded more movement.The piano was wheeled out, and in an instant Evanescence were back on! Amy greeted the crowd again: “You’re so loud, it’s crazy!” ‘My Immortal’ ended the night on a sombre and pleasing note.

As with all their live shows, drummer Rocky Gray and company greeted fans and hurled out the evening’s used drumsticks, shook hands with several adoring fans shortly before the show was over. The music and memories of the night live on in the mind and it’s with great pleasure that this reviewer recalls Evanescence at Vodafone Arena.