Evanescence delivered a breathtaking performance at Pine Knob Music Theatre, capping off a powerhouse night with Spiritbox and Nova Twins in spectacular fashion.
Nova Twins hit the stage and never let their foot off the gas. The British rock duo tore through a blistering six-song set packed with attitude, swagger, and relentless energy from the opening notes of “Antagonist.” Amy Love tore through razor-sharp riffs while delivering fierce lead vocals, Georgia South unleashed thunderous bass and backing vocals, all while drummer Jake Woodward drove every song with explosive grooves.
The set raced through “Cleopatra,” “N.O.V.A,” “Choose Your Fighter,” “Monsters,” and closed triumphantly with “Glory.” Every track highlighted the band’s electrifying fusion of punk attitude, crushing metal grooves, and hip-hop swagger. Love’s effortless bursts of rap added another layer of intensity, while the bass-heavy sound hit with incredible force, shaking the venue from start to finish.
“N.O.V.A” sparked the biggest crowd response of the set, with chants ringing throughout the arena and turning the song into a celebration shared between band and fans. In just six songs, Nova Twins made an unforgettable statement, delivering the kind of opening performance that instantly wins over new listeners while leaving longtime fans wanting even more.
Spiritbox wasted no time turning the arena into their own cinematic world, taking the stage beneath towering strobes and swirling clouds of smoke. Courtney LaPlante was mesmerizing, effortlessly shifting from soaring, soulful melodies to guttural screams that hit with breathtaking force. Mike Stringer’s razor-sharp riffs cut through the mix, Josh Gilbert’s thunderous bass added crushing weight, and Zev Rosenberg powered every moment with relentless precision.
The set ripped through highlights including “Black Rainbow,” “Perfect Soul,” “Cellar Door,” and the crushing “Jaded,” each song raising the intensity. Before “Keep Sweet,” LaPlante dedicated the song to “the girls, gays, and theys,” earning one of the night’s biggest cheers. She kept the mood light before “Rotoscope,” telling everyone to finish their last bite of hot dog and dance. During the recorded “Tsunami Sea Poem,” smoke and bubbles drifted through the crowd. As “Tsunami Sea” swelled, the lights caught every floating bubble, creating an ethereal underwater dreamscape. Before “Holy Roller,” LaPlante joked it was the perfect time for another hot dog or a bathroom break before dedicating it to fans new and old. A blistering “Soft Spine,” aimed at everyone who never believed in them, closed a set that was as theatrical as it was devastatingly heavy.
As smoke swallowed the stage, Evanescence emerged one by one to a roar of applause before launching into “Sanctuary,” the explosive title track from their latest album.
Amy Lee remains one of the rare vocalists whose live performances surpass her studio recordings. Her soaring, ethereal voice never faltered, effortlessly shifting from the blistering intensity of “Going Under” to the haunting beauty of “Lithium.” Backed by Troy McLawhorn and Tim McCord on guitars, Emma Anzai on bass, and Will Hunt behind the kit, Evanescence performed with razor-sharp precision from start to finish. The production elevated every moment. Multiple towering platforms gave each member space to shine while stunning visuals stretched across the sloping backdrop, creating a cinematic atmosphere. Pillars of fire erupted during “Calm Down,” and “Bring Me to Life” raised the energy even higher as the crowd enthusiastically supplied the missing male vocals before confetti cannons blasted across the arena.
Lee introduced “Forever Without You” with a heartfelt message of hope, transforming the venue into a sea of glowing phone lights. Surprise guests Courtney LaPlante of Spiritbox and Nova Twins then stormed the stage for an electrifying “Fight Like a Girl,” their infectious chemistry earning one of the night’s loudest ovations.
The finale was equally unforgettable. “Who Will You Follow” soared before Lee stripped everything back for a deeply moving rendition of “My Immortal.” The band then returned in full force for “Wide Open Heart,” ending the night on an uplifting, triumphant note as the final chords echoed through the venue. It was a fitting conclusion to a performance that celebrated Evanescence’s past while embracing the exciting future still ahead.
