Evanescence graces Nashville with high-octane energy & hits

I walked into Bridgestone Arena genuinely excited this past week. For starters, it would be my first time seeing openers Nova Twins and, while I’ve had a few opportunities to catch their shows in the past, I’ve never made it, so I was thrilled to finally see them live on a big stage. Second, I was really excited to see Spiritbox, another band I had wanted to see for a long time but just hadn’t found the right opportunity until now. I listen to them constantly and was looking forward to this being my first time seeing them live.

And let’s not forget Evanescence. I have a lot more to say about them later.

First up was Nova Twins and, while they’re not actually twins, they performed in such perfect harmony that they might as well have been. I remember thinking during their set that they were so good and so inspiring that it made me want to pick up a guitar and learn. Their tones were unlike anything I’ve ever heard and their energy is at levels typically reserved for closing acts. Mark my words, Nova Twins are going to be huge; they have everything required in becoming one of the biggest bands in the world — from stage presence to undeniably catchy music.

Next up was Spiritbox, playing some very heavy music. All the songs were there and I know their catalog by heart… but something about their energy was turned way down this night. The one song I did find myself getting into was “Soft Spine”, which was a surprise! Maybe next time they will go as hard as my expectations.

Evanescence and I have had a 20-plus-year relationship.

I distinctly remember seeing them in New York back in 2003, playing at a local K-Rock music festival. Their first album had just come out and they were exploding so fast that, within their first year of touring, they were already headlining a festival in Syracuse, New York. I was so in love with Amy Lee at that point in my life; I thought she had the most beautiful voice I had ever heard. While that show absolutely rocked, I eventually outgrew Evanescence and moved on to other genres and styles. But this night in Nashville, Evanescence absolutely blew my life apart. I could feel Lee’s voice going through every atom in my body. The energy was high. The songs were catchy. The audience was screaming the lyrics back at her and, if nothing else, it made me want to go out and buy every single one of their albums on vinyl, just to have it forever.

They played all their hits and even a bunch of new songs; while sitting through new material from a band with such a long career can sometimes feel tedious, it did not tonight. Every single new song they played absolutely rocked. I highly recommend picking up their latest album! It’s amazing and so is this band. If you have the opportunity, please go see Evanescence live or catch one of the band’s remaining dates on the tour. You will not regret it.

Photography by Anastasia Elliot; recap by Derek Jones

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