The Dark and Drenched Delight of Within Temptation: A Review
As the weather outside teeters on the edge of torrential downpour, audiences inside The Annex pull their umbrellas tight and prepare for a night that promises to be anything but damp. Indeed, the concert hall is aglow with the warm presence of Sharon den Adel and her visionary metal ensemble, Within Temptation. And trust me, hot towels and a warm drink would do nothing to match this level of warmth.
Where Is the Wet Noodle?
The night spins into motion, and we kick things off with “We Go to War”—an anthem that screams ‘get out there and fight!’ Or at the very least, posture dramatically. The visuals behind the band are dystopian: crumbling buildings, sad kids, ye olde “the world is on fire” imagery. It’s like they’re trying to remind us that while our lives may be miserable, at least the music’s brilliant! We wouldn’t want to be too happy, now would we?
Not to be outdone, “Bleed Out” makes an entrance, and oh boy, anyone still unshaken by the opener is about to face a musical onslaught dipped in djent and heavy breakdowns. If there were any knees left standing, they’d be buckling like a beetle in a windstorm! Sharon’s conviction translates to electric energy in the room, proving once again that rocking out while addressing human rights issues feels strangely powerful. Who needs a superhero when you have a metal goddess?
Make Love, Not Followers
The band’s frontwoman is not just about theatrics and electronic wizardry; there’s real substance here. Sharon den Adel opens up about political issues like abortion and immigration, igniting the stage with her fervor. However, in a plot twist fit for a comedy, this boldness came with a price—a loss of 20,000 followers after a supportive Instagram post for Pride. Honestly, who knew tolerance was a touchy subject in the realm of heavy metal? Sounds like someone needs a lesson in amplification!
Metal Meets Megaphone: The Art of Activism
Sharon’s passion does something rare in the rock world—she makes heavy metal not just heavy, but heartfelt. After belting out “Ritual,” the audience is treated to what could easily be termed a ‘metal manifesto’ on feminine freedom. At this moment, cheers from female fans rival the volume of the band itself, proving that *this* isn’t your grumpy teenage angst metal. This is a rallying cry!
“A Fool’s Parade,” co-written with Ukrainian musician Alex Yarmak, shines through as a beacon of modern empathy mixed with personal experience. And what’s this? A QR code for donations to Ukraine behind them? It’s like they’re hosting “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” but the stakes are higher and the music is infinitely better.
Encores That Could Raise the Roof
Then come the encores, and darling, they don’t hold back! “Our Solemn Hour” echoes through the hall like a great choral masterpiece, and “Paradise (What About Us?)” injects some much-needed nostalgia. Meanwhile, “Mother Earth” wraps the night up with a dazzling punch, pulling us right back into that sweet pocket of the early 2000s. It’s practically a time capsule, and we’re all happily suffocating in the sweet memories of our awkward teenage selves!
As the final notes ring out, I can’t help but marvel at Sharon den Adel’s ability to combine charisma, social activism, and rock magic. If there’s any takeaway from this experience, it’s that even in the wet, dark corners of Stockholm, the flames of passion can bring light—no umbrella needed. And if you ever wondered what happens when you mix a bit of metal with a lot of heart, well, looks like you just found your answer!
