Starting a review for a show that left you speechless is no easy feat, so I'll just go right out and say it: Evanescence's Tinley Park show on July 8th was nothing short of phenomenal. There were fantastic opening acts by Nova Twins and Spiritbox, immersive stage visuals, absolutely ridiculous vocals and instrumentals, and a crowd with energy like no other.
NOVA TWINS
The UK-based Nova Twins swept the stage with their punk outfits and rocker attitudes that was a complete treat for early fans. During their modest 30-minute set, they blasted the crowd with bass, drums, and perfect screams. The duo brought a funky electronic spin to their otherwise heavy rock sound using electronic modulation on both their bass and vocals. Stage presence was clearly important to them as it appeared to be perfectly honed in the 12 years they've been a duo, moving like rock flowed through their veins. I truly hope to see them on this side of the pond again soon, as their diverse repertoire of rock sounds was fresh and invigorating.
Nova Twins performing at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL, July 8th, 2026.
SPIRITBOX
Thanks to a notably efficient stage team, Canadian band Spiritbox began their set shortly after Nova Twins left the stage. Paraphrasing the beautifully-worded quote by frontwoman Courtney LaPlante, she shared that it's important to play shows with bands like Evanescence, a group that brings belonging to metal fans that may otherwise feel they don't belong.
I quickly thereafter learned the strong correlation between Evanescence fans and Spiritbox fans. Rapturous applause shook the amphitheater both before and after every song the band performed. Their signature bass-heavy riffs and LaPlante's seemingly effortless screams riled the crowd to a ridiculous degree. Her poised and relaxed demeanor was an almost shocking juxtaposition to the hypnotic screams she let out when she performed.
An understated-but-emotive stage lighting scheme amplified the performance without at all stealing the spotlight from Spiritbox. During the performance of "Tsunami Sea," though, smoke-filled bubbles flooded the stage, all softly backlit by the stage lighting. Although bubbles typically scream "whimsical" to me, these instead felt highly emotional and heavy being paired with the band's breathtaking performance. This set could have gone on forever, judging from the mesmerized crowd's headbanging and rocker hand signs swaying in the air for the entirety of the 50-minute set.
EVANESCENCE
"It's good to see familiar faces when we come here! Thank you for coming again and again!"
Needing no further introduction, Evanescence strode onto stage promptly at 9:20pm. Having thought applause for Spiritbox was rapturous, I'm not sure I can conjure a word that describes the excitement the crowd unleashed at the sight of frontwoman Amy Lee taking the stage.
This show was a masterclass in "less-is-more" in all elements except stage visuals, which were beautiful and expressly perfect in the "more-is-more" department. I initially believed the stage design to be extremely minimalistic, but was quickly proven wrong as stage elements began to rise from the stage base and fire shooting out every which way during the performance of "Calm Down." What started out as a seemingly "calm" concert evening turned into a full-blown, after-dark rock fest.
The fans that showed up were pretty age-diverse, speaking volumes about the power of Evanescence's 30+ year run in the industry. There were teeny-tiny little fans (appearing as young as four years old) standing alongside older fans decked out in their favorite ironic music slogan tees and band merch.
Evanescence and fans at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL, July 8th, 2026.
The diversity in the set list ensured there was something for absolutely everyone at that show; the band's sound may be easily identifiable by ear, but at no point in the night did I know where they were going next as they rode through old and new hits alike. If it's even possible, Lee's vocals sounded even more serene and powerful than the studio versions of the songs she sang that evening (including never-before-this-tour-performed-live throwback "Like You"). Her fluid, energetic movement around the stage was perfectly complemented by the band's rock star attitudes and presence.
Evanescence performing at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL, July 8th, 2026.
You could feel the power of all 15,000 expected attendees belting out with Lee throughout the 21-song set. The sense of community in strangers is one I almost didn't expect to experience this night. Neither the band nor the crowd lost steam as the night progressed, culminating in completely insane performances of "Bring Me to Life," "Fight Like A Girl" (with Nova Twins and Courtney LaPlante), and "Wide Open Heart." This show was one you stay until the very last song for, and wouldn't consider leaving a second sooner—lest you miss the confetti cannons' reprise.
That being said, this is a show that I would encourage even casual fans to attend. There is nothing quite like hearing Nova Twins, Spiritbox, and Evanescence in one night under one roof. Lee and the band couldn't have been prouder to put their newest album, Sanctuary, on display in its perfect glory; it was extremely special to witness live.
While their opening acts will change throughout tour, Evanescence is going to be rocking town-to-town throughout the U.S. and Europe through late October. Don't let this be the regret that haunts you, and grab a ticket!
See remaining photos below.
Evanescence and fans at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL, July 8th, 2026.
Nova Twins performing at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL, July 8th, 2026.
