LIVE REVIEW: Within Temptation / Annisokay - Utilita Arena, Cardiff 15th November 2024

It’s a cool evening in the Welsh Capital as a band who are rapidly arriving at their 30th anniversary arrive at the start of the UK leg of the Bleed Out Tour. 

Within Temptation are one of the biggest symphonic metal bands of all time, probably sitting in the big three alongside Nightwish and Epica. Over the years the band has proved to be worthy of arena headline slots, as well as high billings at festivals across Europe. This is a band who have headlined Bloodstock remember, putting them on a par with Megadeth, Gojira, Parkway Drive and Ghost.

It's somewhat surprising then, that the Utilita Arena in Cardiff is probably only half full when the Dutch outfit hit the stage. But for those that have chosen to attend, it’s a treat for the band pull out every stop in a 90-minute performance that wows with a hugely impressive and massive stage show that supports a wisely curated set list which draws from 2023’s Bleed Out as well as a mix of fan favourites from the band’s impressive catalogue. 

Before Within Temptation, we get 40-minutes of German post-hardcore outfit Annisokay who warm the crowd up nicely. I’ll admit that their sound washes over me, their music sitting very much in the generic in-box. It’s a style that is appreciated by many though, for the band get a huge reception throughout their set. There’s an emotional element to the set, with QR codes flashing on the monitors encouraging fans to contribute to funding to support those caught in the Ukraine / Russia conflict. This is fuelled mainly by the absence of Blind 8, the Ukrainian based band who were due to be part of this tour. 

Sharon den Adel later confirms the band will be back with the tour in France. With the band comprising 50% new members including drummer Silas Fischerr who has literally stepped in for this half of the tour after the departure of Nico Vaeen, it’s impressive to see how cohesive they are. Bonus points for a duet on Like a Parasite as den Adel makes an appearance to cheers from the crowd, and the inclusion of Linkin Park’s One Step Closer certainly grabs attention for those only mildly interested. This sees growling singer Rudi Schwarzer hit the barrier, much to the excitement of those on the front row. 

Annisokay have a huge, heavy sound, what I’d describe as typical for the genre, with huge, sonic bass breakdowns and the contrast of founder member and guitarist Christoph Wieczorek’s cleans with the unclean roars of Schwarzer. I can’t say that their songs are memorable, as I cannot recall much about them, although Ultraviolet was powerful and the finale of STFU encouraged great audience participation. They seem well suited to the tour, and although I doubt there were many present when they played Fuel Rock Club in 2017 (puzzled faces all round when Wieczorek mentions their previous show in Wales), they no doubt grabbed a few new fans with this high energy show.

If you want epic, then look no further than Within Temptation. The Dutch band formed in 2006 by Sharon den Adel and Robert Westerholt are now consummate professionals. This is an event, a musical show as much as a heavy metal show, with a light show and visuals that would match any band on the circuit today. Even if their soaring symphonics don’t float your boat, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the sheer scale of the band’s production. 

Of course, a flashy light show and cinematic projections mean nothing without the music to match, and this is a band who have ample quality to match. They race into the first part of the set with a high tempo, We Go to War, Bleed Out and Ritual from the latest album matched by smoke towers and lights that threaten sensory overload. Whilst the band get cheers as they hit the stage, it’s Den Adel that receives the wildest screams. 

Heavier live than on record, Within Temptation have a great sound, Den Adel’s vocals crystal clear as they soar through the cavernous arena. There’s some poignancy as den Adel references Blind 8, before a feisty and emotive Wireless. Stand My Ground sees the audience join in with gusto. Ukrainian musician Alex Yarmak joins the band on stage for A Fool's Paradise, before the moment many have waited for arrives. 

Midway through The Promise the band are joined by Tarja Turunen, the former Nightwish singer who duets with Den Adel with impressive results. She, like den Adel, looks amazing, and vocally they are both fantastic. The operatic levels that are reached on occasion is breath-taking, and I’m thankful that the often-muffled sound is perfect tonight. To acknowledge Tarja’s presence, we also get one of Tarja's song in the shape of I feel Immortal, which is delivered superbly. 

It may be their best-known song that closes the main set – Faster seems to be known by everyone in the arena and outbreaks of mum dancing can be seen in the seats. It’s a hooky pop tune with a decent riff, and ideally placed to end the show on a high. 

It’s not over though, with Churchill’s speech leading into the most epic song of the evening. Our Solemn Hour is just magnificent, backed by provoking and well thought video, the song’s anthemic quality isn’t lost on the crowd, who join in once more on the uplifting chorus. Tarja returns for the penultimate song Paradise (What About Us?) which stirs the tensions for a final time before the sweeping Mother Earth concludes a fine evening. 

They may not be everyone’s cuppa, but tonight Within Temptation proved that they are well suited to this size venue with a show of formidable stature.

Review and photos by Hutch

Thanks to Wilful Publicity for the accreditation.