HOLLAND is a fine place and over the years has produced several strong bands, none more so than six some Within Temptation. Hailing from Waddinxveen in the south of the country, full production and confidence led this popular gang onto the Nottingham stage, with a backdrop delivering colourful graphics and haunting voices leading to several powerful openers, slow as they may have been.

Formed back in 1996 by singer Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt, it has been a while since they last hit British shores. That aside, the crowd’s enthusiasm didn’t dampen, even though the venue wasn’t a sell-out, as they matched the symphonic metalers for energy and noise. We had many smiles as Within Temptation ploughed through their back catalogue of tunes, of which they’ve amassed plenty in their near thirty year career. Front woman and vocalist Sharon didn’t say too much but when she did, it was done calmly and with passion, especially when the band knocked out Stand Your Ground.

Much thought goes into the overall production as Within Temptation like to offer strong value to match their strong songs; after all they’ve knocked out seven albums in their career to date and show no signs of slowing down yet. On another plus note it was good to see guests inserted on this tour, namely ex front woman from Nightwish Tarja Turunen, who duetted with Sharon for a few songs, I Feel Immortal being just one.

As always a decent word must be said about support gang Annisokay, a foursome who I’ve not seen before even though they’ve hit our shores several times. They gave it their best, sensibly putting in a Linkin Park cover mid-set to keep the interest flowing.

Overall though, it has to be said that Within Temptation, and that is all of them, Jeroen van Veer on bass, Martijn Spierenburg on keys, drummer Mike Coolen, plus guitarists Ruud Julie and Stefan Helleblad really have chucked the kitchen sink at this Bleed Out tour in terms of lighting and overall production. And whilst some of the songs might have been pedestrian at times, the power and delivery from all musicians couldn’t be faulted.

Would I see them again? I am tempted…

WORDS & PICTURES: ROY GOODALL.