Words by James Locke Photos by Marc K/Nell
I knew it was going to be a big night. Evanescence at the Metro? It almost sounds like a mistake having a band that massive tucked into a venue that small. I’ve been a fan of theirs since high school, when their album Fallen basically rewired my brain, every track being on repeat at some point of my life since. I finally caught them live in 2023 for the twenty-year anniversary tour, and it was worth the wait. Evanescence are a band you have to see live. The music hits heavier, the lyrics carve deeper, and the combination of heavy riffs, booming bass, hard-hitting drums, and of course, Amy Lee’s otherworldly vocals are mesmerising. I knew what to expect this time round… or so I thought.
Inside, it looked like any other busy night at the Metro: drink lines at the bar, people comparing merch, pockets of laughter and chatter. Then I walked down the hallway, turned the corner, and saw the crowd. My god. The room was absolutely packed to the walls, and we were still half an hour out from showtime. The atmosphere was electric in that way you only get when everyone knows they’re about to witness something truly special.
When the lights finally dropped, the entire crowd erupted, but when Amy walked out, it became deafening, and it repeated itself every time there was even half a second where her voice fell silent. The energy coming off the crowd was unreal. Opening with their recent single “Afterlife”, the venue held its breath as Amy began to sing, the whole room drawn into the moment — until the chorus hit and the night truly kicked off.
Jumping straight into “What You Want” next, the powerful drums sent the room into a frenzy with a more upbeat jam, and suddenly the entire floor was moving. You could tell Amy probably wasn’t used to a venue this small anymore, because between songs she joked, “You guys are going to be here for one more song, right? I’m trying really hard not to kick you in the fucking face,” which had the whole room cracking up.
After that short break, the band took it back to the Fallen era with “Going Under”, which punched straight into their roots, hitting with that early-era fire that helped define a whole generation of metal and emo kids. It sent chills down my spine, and I wasn’t the only one — the crowd belted every lyric back with as much force as they received it. The Metro simply couldn’t contain the power of Amy Lee and the fans. It felt like the walls were vibrating with it.
“Call Me When You’re Sober” had the crowd locked in as Amy took the reins with her piano, before “Lost In Paradise” and “Lithium” — with their haunting intros — brought the room to a standstill. It was like it was frozen in time, and the only thing that mattered was the sound from that stage in that moment. From there, the set rolled through an incredible set of their biggest hits and songs they haven’t had in rotation for years. Hearing so many tracks from across their catalogue was a reminder that Evanescence’s discography is stacked — even for those like me who always default back to Fallen.
“Wasted On You” was unbelievable, especially that final held note — so much control and power — leaving the room stunned. 2025’s “Afterlife” and “Fight Like A Girl” absolutely ripped live too, hitting with a freshness and force that elevated the entire night. Anthems like “Imaginary” and “Use My Voice” felt surreal — the roar of the crowd as they chanted “Don’t you speak for me” for the last chorus with Amy was absolutely mesmerising.
The band eventually stepped off stage, leaving Amy alone at the piano, and the room instantly hushed. As soon as those iconic opening notes of “My Immortal” rang out, the crowd melted. Her voice began gently, delicately, before building layer by layer, each chorus heavier with emotion. Phone lights swayed, people leaned into each other, and the entire room sang as one until the band returned to finish it in full force.
Everyone knew what was coming next. One song left. The song. The crowd had been intense all night, yet somehow, as “Bring Me To Life” began, the Metro shifted into another gear entirely. The scream that filled the room was unbelievable. Amy was completely immersed in the moment as she kicked things off on the piano, yet she still cracked a smile at the love and energy hitting her from the crowd. It’s one of the best songs I’ve ever seen live, and this performance somehow took it to a whole new level — every person in that room giving everything they had. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable night, and you could tell Amy and the band were genuinely moved by the love Australia has shown them on this tour.
From the first song to the last, Amy was locked in emotionally. You could feel every lyric, every memory, every burst of raw feeling as if she was reliving them right there on stage. Maybe it was the tight, intimate setting, but Amy was so playful and warm between songs — joking, smiling, radiating this fun, almost cheeky energy. It felt like she was hanging out with mates rather than performing halfway around the world, and that closeness made everything hit even harder.
The whole band was locked in too. The guitars cut through with crisp, hard-hitting riffs that elevated every moment. The drummer was absolutely driving the set — not just holding the groove but having the time of his life, twirling sticks, tossing them into the air every song, and never missing a beat. And the bass? Tight, punchy, and way more powerful than you ever quite get on the recordings. Live, those low-end hits didn’t just support the songs — they pushed them forward, giving everything a heavier, more physical impact.
Overall, last night was incredible. I never thought I’d get the chance to see Evanescence in a venue like the Metro, and I feel unbelievably lucky to have been part of something so intimate and so special. Every person there deserved to be there. I don’t think a single soul left with a clean voice. Evanescence have been dominating big venues for years, selling out arenas without breaking a sweat, but seeing them take it back to the kind of place they would have played two decades ago… it was breathtaking. And honestly, with talent like that, if they had to start fresh today, they’d take over the world all over again. What still gets me is that through it all, Amy made it look effortless. Hitting impossible notes like it was second nature, holding them as easy as you or I breathe.
If you’re not seeing them tonight supporting Metallica, strongly consider grabbing a ticket. Watching two bands of that calibre in one night will be legendary. And if Evanescence can make the Metro feel like an arena show, just imagine how massive it’s going to feel at Accor Stadium!
Setlist – EVANESCENCE
14 November 2025 – Metro Theatre, Sydney, Australia
• Afterlife • What You Want • Going Under • Yeah Right • Call Me When You’re Sober • The Change • The Other Side • Wasted on You • Lost in Paradise • Lithium • Fight Like a Girl • Take Cover • End of the Dream • Better Without You • Imaginary • Use My Voice • Blind Belief • My Immortal • Bring Me to Life
