24 August 2023 – Riverstage, Brisbane – words by Gabrielle Ross – pictures by Nicole Matthews
“Brisbane! Let’s make some noise!” roared Lizi Blanco as Australian alt-metal band The Beautiful Monument began their opening set with their heavy hitter ‘Invisible’. Known for their expressive, high energy stage presence and raw, emotional and impactful lyrics, The Beautiful Monument did not disappoint tonight at Brisbane Riverstage. Slamming through a hit packed setlist The Beautiful Monument played a beautifully executed show with Lizi Blanco (vocals) hitting every note and dominating the stage with her dynamic energy. Percussion by Adam Pizone (drums) and juicy rhythm by Amy McIntosh had punters bouncing their heads as Alex Manhire (guitar) played saucy riffs on guitar.
The Beautiful Monument – Riverstage – photos by Nicole Matthews
Taking time to hype punters up even further for the headliner Blanco revealed how excited they were to be playing with Evanescence tonight “they have been a huge influence on our music, so this is a dream come true” before launching into the finale of their short but sweet set with ‘Stay’ followed by their 2023 single ‘Hellhound’. The Beautiful Monument soon left the stage, but not before showing Brisbane exactly why they are sure to be one of Australia’s hottest up and coming alt-metal powerhouses!
A rumbling, hauntingly beautiful intro, complete with laser light show and a roaring crowd introduced Evanescence to the stage. Catching just a glimpse of Amy Lee’s smiling face as she danced and swayed backstage before making her explosive entrance onto the Brisbane Riverstage just made the bands return to Australia all the more sweeter!
Evanescence – Riverstage – photos by Nicole Matthews
Celebrating 20 years of their hugely successful, award winning and iconic album Fallen, the titans of alt-rock, Evanescence, exploded into their smash-hit packed setlist with an earth shattering display of theatrical prowess, musical talent and stunning visuals. Punters were overwhelmed with nostalgia, Amy Lee’s beautifully powerful voice filled the soundscape as the band effortlessly flowed from ‘What You Want’ to ‘Going Under’ and then to ‘Take Cover’.
A thunderous flow of incredible drumming lead by Will Hunt (drums) and roaring guitar leads, courtesy of Tim McCord (guitar) and Troy McLawlord (guitar) flanked Lee’s iconic vocals as the band effortlessly jammed it out on stage. A fresh, talented and Australian face was introduced to punters by Amy Lee, Australian bassist Emma Anza, definitely has earned her place in the iconic band with her thudding bass lines and powerful backing vocals.
Evanescence – Riverstage – photos by Nicole Matthews
Showing not only her skills with her incredible vocal range, Lee took to the keyboard and to a classic black piano to play tinkle the keys for some of the bands more hauntingly gothic tracks like ‘Lithium’ and a powerful solo to a new song that hadn’t been heard before, ‘Far From Heaven’.
Evanescence effortlessly flowed further into their set with ‘Imaginary’, ‘Better Without You’ and ‘The End of A Dream’ before kicking into a fast and heavy Medley jam packed with more of their fans favourite hits and following with ‘Use My Voice’ and ‘Blind Belief’.
Evanescence – Riverstage – photos by Nicole Matthews
The piano made its way on stage again just in time for a goosebump-inducing rendition of ‘My Immortal’, fans were singing in perfect harmony with Lee’s hauntingly emotional vocals. Evanescence launched into the first few bars of ‘Bring Me To Life’ as fans burst into cheers and sang along with every word as Lee’s powerful vocals rang out across Brisbane Riverstage for an insane, heart palpitating finale to Evanescence’s long awaited return to Australian shores.
GALLERY
