Amy Lee Still Reigns Supreme
When you hear that a legendary band is coming to town, you drop everything and buy a ticket. No questions asked.
Evanescence, one of the bands that defined rock in the 2000s, returned to Southern California on their Sanctuary Tour with a lineup that celebrated multiple generations of female-fronted rock and metal. Joining them were London's Nova Twins and modern metal powerhouse Spiritbox. 20,000 fans filled North Island Credit Union Amphitheater on a warm summer evening in Chula Vista, eagerly awaiting a night packed with soaring vocals, crushing riffs, and unforgettable performances.
I arrived just in time to catch a part of Nova Twins' set. Amy Love and Georgia South brought plenty of energy, blending heavy bass-driven grooves with nu-metal and hip-hop influences. It was my first time seeing the duo live, and they immediately left an impression. They're definitely a band I'd like to see again.
Spiritbox was one of the night's most anticipated performances. Courtney LaPlante showcased why she's considered one of the best vocalists in modern metal, effortlessly transitioning from haunting melodic cleans to ferocious screams during the heaviest breakdowns. Their set balanced standout tracks from Tsunami Sea with fan favorites from earlier releases.
One of the most memorable moments came during "Perfect Soul," when a tsunami of bubbles drifted across the stage and into the warm evening air. Combined with the dreamy lighting and Courtney's soaring clean vocals, it created one of the most beautiful visuals of the night. The energy shifted just as quickly when circle pits erupted during songs like "Circle With Me," reminding everyone just how intense a Spiritbox crowd can become.
As the stage went dark, the anticipation was reaching its peak. Thousands of fans knew what was coming next.
The moment Amy Lee walked onstage, thousands of fans were transported back to the 2000s. More than two decades after Fallen, her voice remains one of the most distinctive in rock. Rich, haunting, and powerful, she sounded as strong as ever throughout the evening.
Backed by Will Hunt on drums, Troy McLawhorn and Tim McCord on guitar, and Emma Anzai on bass, Evanescence powered through an impressive 21-song set. The massive LED backdrop transformed for every song, while the elevated drum riser added depth and scale to an already impressive production.
The band devoted much of the show to their new album, Sanctuary, performing nearly the entire record while weaving in the songs that made them legends. Classics like "Bring Me to Life," "My Immortal," "Going Under," and "Call Me When You're Sober" drew some of the night's loudest singalongs, proving these songs remain just as powerful today as they were twenty years ago.
Fans were also treated to "Afterlife," the theme song from Netflix's Devil May Cry, along with a rare performance of "Like You," a deep cut longtime fans rarely get to hear live. One of the night's biggest surprises came during "Fight Like a Girl," when Courtney LaPlante and Nova Twins joined Amy Lee onstage for a collaboration that perfectly captured the spirit of the tour and celebrated women across multiple generations of rock and metal.
Evanescence continues to prove they are far more than a nostalgic act. Their new material stands confidently alongside their biggest classics, and Amy Lee's voice remains one of rock's defining instruments. If the Sanctuary Tour is coming to your city, don't miss it.
