Evanescence Brought New Forward-Looking Energy With a Killer Show in St. Louis Tuesday

July 31, 2026 Sean Derrick

–by Sean Derrick

In a combined show of the power of strong female-led metal Tuesday’s Evanescence show at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis was intense from the first note to the last.

In town to promote their 6th studio album, Sanctuary, Evanescence is proving they are still a major force to be reckoned while focusing on the future while not just settling on their past accomplishments like many veteran artists do. But more than that, they back it up with relevant new music that is fresh and exciting, especially live.

After one of the most impressive debut albums of all time in 2003’s Fallen the pressure and expectations for a repeat has been unreasonably high. In fact, the genre of nu-metal kind of hit a rut and for a time seemed to get lost in nostalgia. It has recently seen a bit of a resurgence, thanks to timely movie and television soundtrack placings (a fact that Evanescence has smartly hit, as well.).

But, through that nu-metal “rut” Evanescence has retained a strong presence and answered the bell each time. With last month’s release of Sanctuary the band has hit a bullseye with an album full of new stylings while retaining that familiar goth/nu-metal sound.

The result is an album that looks forward while retaining the essence of a familiarity that fans love. Tuesday’s concert showcased the entire album over the course of the entire 100-minute set, and the new songs immediately seemed interesting and fresh while also displaying the comforting essence of what Evanescence has been about.

A large portion of the new sound is the impact from bassist Emma Anzai’s contribution in her bass and backing vocal harmonies, which pair perfectly with Amy Lee’s exceptional vocals. This was prominent especially on “About Us” and “Wasted on You”.

Anzai’s entrance into the band in 2022 has allowed longtime bassist Tim McCord to transition to guitar alongside Troy McLawhorn and has given the band a new, heavier, re-energized lineup that was fully evident Tuesday.

Anzai’s low end bass was perfectly in sync with drummer Will Hunt like they were always meant to play together.

Lee, who founded the group in 1994, displayed a voice that has only seemingly gotten stronger over the past 30 years. Her impressive talents were front and center on all of the songs, but a few rose above the rest. “Better Without You” just caught the crowd in awe and, of course, “My Immortal” which is still as powerful as it was 23 years ago. But “Fight Like a Girl” drew some of the loudest reactions as Lee was joined by Courtney LaPlante and Nova Twins for a take-no-prisoners collaboration.

Tuesday’s show featured a trio of female led powerhouses. Spiritbox, fronted by Courtney LaPlante, pounded out a menacingly solid hour-long support set with a stripped-down stage devoid of anything with the band’s name (save for drummer Zev Rose’s shirt). The audience knew exactly who they were, though, with a set that featured “Circle With Me”, “Soft Spine” and “Jaded”.

Nova Twins performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Nova Twins, a British rock duo consisting of vocalist/guitarist Amy Love and bassist/vocalist Georgia South, opened with a magnificent roar. This powerful pair displayed an electric and driving set that featured intense vocals over a progressive rock/fusion/funk/grime/electronica/punk/experimental instrumentation driven by South’s mind-blowing bass lines.

The pair formed in 2014 with a drive for something different. And the difference is beyond good! Love’s vocals alternate between clean straightforward rock, to rock rap, to beautiful harmonics, all while shredding on guitar.

Every song was invigorating and powerful. From “Antagonist”, to the catchy “N.O.V.A.” working the crowd, and “Choose Your Fighter” it was nearly impossible to ignore their performance.

South’s bass playing is mesmerizing (Think Mike Kerr from Royal Blood, but heavier and more experimental). It is the driving force that brings this duo into a class of their own and pairs perfectly with Love’s intensity.

This is the first time Nova Twins has played in St. Louis. I am really hoping they come back for a full show. I will absolutely be there if that happens, as they are now on my playlist on full rotation.

Check out the rest of the photos from the evening in the gallery after the setlists below:

Nova Twins Setlist:
Antagonist

Cleopatra

N.O.V.A.

Choose Your Fighter

Monsters

Glory

Spiritbox Setlist:

Black Rainbow

Perfect Soul

Keep Sweet

Cellar Door

Jaded

The Void

Tsunami Sea

Circle With Me

Rotoscope

Sew Me Up

Holly Roller

Soft Spine

Evanescence Setlist:

Sanctuary

Tell Me When You’ve Had Enough

Afterlife

Rapture

Going Under

Lithium

Like You

Self Destruct

Calm Down

Call Me When You’re Sober

Beautiful Life

Wasted On You

Forever Without You

Bring Me to Life

Imaginary

Better Without You

About Us

Fight Like a Girl (With Courtney LaPlante and Nova Twins)

Who Will You Follow

My Immortal

Wide Open Heart

Evanescence performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Nova Twins performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Evanescence performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Nova Twins performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Evanescence performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Nova Twins performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Evanescence performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Nova Twins performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Evanescence performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Nova Twins performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Evanescence performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Nova Twins performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Evanescence performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Nova Twins performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

Evanescence performing at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Tuesday. Photo by Sean Derrick/ Thyrd Eye Photography.

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