Evanescence, Halestorm & The Warning
October 20, 2024
Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB
Canadian Beats Passport
Sunday, October 20th marked Evanescence’s long-awaited return to Edmonton – Nearly 18 years after their last foray here with Stone Sour and The Black Maria.
This time though, was a femme-fatale lineup of some incredible bands, with fellow rockers Halestorm and The Warning joining the trek.
The Warning is a 3-piece hard rock act hailing from Mexico, featuring 3 sisters – Daniela (guitar/vocals), Paulina, and Alejandra. I first caught them a couple of years ago with Three Days Grace and was blown away. These ladies have got it. Catchy, heavy, yet melodic and fun. Their 8-song set flowed well, and they always looked like they were having so much fun – which really adds to it for me, especially being unfamiliar with their music. I have a feeling they’re going to go on to great things. This is a band that absolutely has the potential to be huge.
Halestorm was up next, and Lizzy Hale is the epitome of what a frontwoman should be. She’s not only stunning but an extremely talented singer and guitar player. Active all over the stage, energetic, and displays such a massive range of emotions. From the first lines of the acapella “Raise your horns” intro, into the massive scream at the beginning of “I Miss the Misery”, Halestorm was absolutely ON FIRE. During “Break in, Hale was joined by Amy Lee as the pair performed the song together (something they’ve done together since 2012). I’m really only familiar with the album “The Strange Case Of..”, but with 5 songs played from that album, I definitely got to rock out to some of my favourite tracks of theirs. The final scream in Love Bites just floors me every single time. I first saw them at a small venue 11-ish years ago, and I think I’ve only missed one or two shows since.
Finally, the main event – and the first time I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them.. EVANESCENCE. They were impeccable.
All the hits and the band was super tight. I normally try to watch a few recent live videos of a band to see what I’m getting into, but I didn’t this time, because I wanted to find out for myself. They are one of those staple bands of the last 20 years, and I was curious if their live show stacked up to the recordings.. well let me tell you – it most certainly did. Amy Lee is spot on with her vocals as she confidently owns the stage, moving like a wisp, with her long-flowing stage outfit sweeping with her every movement.
I sure hope they don’t wait another 18 years to come back – they put on an incredible show that left fans in awe.
