Review: Within Temptation The Aftermath: A Show In A Virtual Reality

Within Temptation: The Aftermath — A Show In A Virtual Reality Livestream

Within Temptation streamed The Aftermath: A Show In A Virtual Reality on 7/15 in Europe and 7/16 in North and South America. The Dutch symphonic metal band used cutting-edge technology to display the band performing in four different futuristic virtual worlds. There were several guest appearances by performers who previously appeared on the band’s original recordings. The is only one word to describe the show, WOW.

Like most other bands, Within Temptation’s tour dates were postponed due to the Covid pandemic. In lieu of touring they did what a lot of other bands did, produce a livestream show. The band said, “We are absolutely gutted that the Worlds Collide Tour has been pushed back again and we cannot perform live in the same venue as our fans. With this digital show, we hope that the fans can still feel our energy, our love for – and above all – our passion for music. Take care and we hope to see you on July 8 or July 9.” However, due to technical difficulties the show was delayed by one week.

Initially the band was not originally sold on the idea of a livestream show. Vocalist Sharon den Adel says, “During the whole pandemic, we weren’t keen on doing a livestream. The magic of seeing and hearing a band perform live — combined with the energy of the crowd — is something you cannot simply recreate with a livestream. So, for a long time, we were clueless. One thing we knew for sure: We would not compromise on a livestream if we could offer something out of the ordinary, something jaw dropping, intriguing, spectacular, and mythical!”

She continued, “Then we found it: A world that we could shape into our wildest fantasies and in which we, as a band, could perform while still maintaining the dynamics and magic of our traditional live show. We are absolutely thrilled to invite you to Within Temptation: The Aftermath – A Show In A Virtual Reality. A show that takes place in different scenes of a post-apocalyptic world, in which we are witness of the aftermath of destruction of mankind. A world in which it is unknown if anyone or anything of the human race survived. It is a search for answers about both its becoming as well as its legacy.”

This was the ninth livestream show that I have reviewed in the last year. Each of the previous shows were unique in their own way. Some were straight live performances while others attempted to be more creative. However, The Aftermath is creativity to a whole new level. Computer technology was used to immerse the band into virtual scenes from a post-apocalyptic world. The imagery was intense and would probably not be suitable for someone susceptible to epileptic seizures.

The show was divided into four scenes with the band performing three songs in each scene. A futuristic looking head with bright red eyes narrated the show providing context prior to each scene. The fall of mankind was followed from its destruction of nature, to its reliance upon religion to solve its problems, to turning against each other due to fear, greed and envy, and ultimately to the destruction of our world. Mankind reached for the stars and was reborn through love, fighting for survival, and sacrifice.

The first scene was set in a large city destroyed and ravished by war. The band performed “Forsaken”, “Our Solemn Hour”, and “Paradise”. For the second scene the band was transported to large underground world with large statues of fallen gods. Sharon de Adel sang attired in angelic wings while flames roared below. Songs included “The Purge”, Entertain You”, and “Raise Your Banner”. The third scene featured guest appearances by rapper Xzbit for “And We Run”, Christoph Wieczorek of Annisok for “Shed My Skin”, and Jasper Steverlinck of Arid for “Firelight”. The final scene saw the band performing in space singing “The Reckoning”, “Supernova”, and “Stairway to the Skies”.

The Aftermath was a production straight out of a sci-fi movie. I find it difficult to fully describe all the complex imagery that was on display in this show. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, it would take several thousand words to portray the events of The Aftermath. It is something you must witness with your eyes. The songs, which spanned the bands career, all seemed to fit with the scenes in which they were performed. Sharon den Adel and the rest of the band put on performance that was out of this world.

Of all the livestream shows I have watched during the last year, The Aftermath: A Show In A Virtual Reality is the one I would most recommend. If you missed the show, it is available for 48 hrs through Sunday night! Tickets are on sale at http://within-temptation.com.

Set List