Review and Photography by Damien Harvey
Within Temptation’s *Bleed Out Tour* at OVO Wembley Arena, 16th November 2024
The OVO Wembley Arena was ablaze with anticipation as Dutch symphonic metallers Within Temptation brought their *Bleed Out Tour* to the UK capital. With their signature blend of theatrical staging, electrifying vocals, and poignant storytelling, the band delivered a performance that will resonate with fans for years to come.
The show opened with “We Go to War,” a fittingly explosive start that set the tone for an evening of unrelenting energy. As the band launched into “Bleed Out” and “Ritual,” it became clear that Within Temptation’s live production is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the ears. Four towering platforms ensured every band member was prominently showcased, while digital screens enveloped the stage in vivid visuals that elevated each song’s narrative.
Tracks like “Don’t Pray for Me” and “Wireless” pulsated with raw emotion, seamlessly blending the band’s symphonic roots with their more recent electronic direction. Fan-favorites “Stand My Ground” and “Faster” kept the crowd on their feet, singing along with Sharon den Adel’s soaring vocals.
Midway through the set, Sharon paused to address the audience with a heartfelt tribute. She spoke about members of the Ukrainian band Blind8, who had been slated to support the tour but had returned home to fight for their country. Sharon’s words struck a deep chord, prompting a wave of applause and solidarity from the crowd. The moment underscored the evening’s emotional weight, uniting the audience in a shared expression of love and support for the people of Ukraine.
This sense of community was amplified during “A Fool’s Parade,” where Alex Yarmak’s guest appearance added an intense layer of resonance to an already powerful song.
The evening reached its zenith when Tarja Turunen joined the stage, first for the hauntingly beautiful “The Promise” and then for a breathtaking cover of her own “I Feel Immortal.” Her chemistry with Sharon during “Paradise (What About Us?)” was nothing short of spellbinding, their voices weaving together in a symphonic dance that was a masterclass in vocal prowess. These collaborations offered fans a rare treat, blending the legacies of two iconic voices in symphonic metal.
On a personal note, the highlight of the night was “A Fool’s Parade,” featuring Alex Yarmak. As a devoted fan of the song, witnessing the full version performed live felt truly special. Yarmak’s guest appearance elevated the performance, capturing the raw emotion and intricacy that make the studio version so compelling. Hearing it live was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ll cherish forever.
The encore was a triumphant conclusion, beginning with the cinematic of “Our Solemn Hour” and the heartfelt poignancy of “All I Need.” As the band closed with “Mother Earth,” the entire arena seemed to swell with energy, a fitting tribute to the band’s enduring legacy and connection with their audience.
Within Temptation’s *Bleed Out Tour* at Wembley Arena was more than a concert, it was a deeply moving theatricle spectacle. From the dazzling production to Sharon’s heartfelt words about Ukraine, every moment felt purposeful and profound. The band’s ability to blend personal, political, and fantastical themes into their music is unmatched, and their live execution only magnifies this brilliance. It was a night to remember, not just for the music but for the shared humanity it inspired.
Setlist:
We Go to War
Bleed Out
Ritual
Don’t Pray for Me
Wireless
The Reckoning
Shot in the Dark
Stand My Ground
A Fool’s Parade (with Alex Yarmak)
The Promise (with Tarja)
I Feel Immortal (Tarja cover & with Tarja)
Supernova
Faster
Encore:
Our Solemn Hour
All I Need
Paradise (What About Us?) (with Tarja)
Mother Earth
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