Review: Within Temptation - Unplugged at The Joint 01/24/14

It's been sometime since Dutch symphonic metal masters Within Temptation have visited Los Angeles. To be exact, September of 2007. Undoubtedly, this Friday's return to The Joint in Los Angeles was well received by the dedicated fans that turned up to see the first show of the sure to be massive world tour in support of the bands latest effort, Hydra.

Kept under the radar until two weeks ago, three members of Within Temptation (Sharon [vocals], Ruud [guitar], and Robert [guitar]) descended on the City of Angels to promote their latest album, Hydra, to Southern California fans. The show consisted of an intimate, and sadly, short acoustic set that energized everybody before they were given the chance to listen to Hydra in full, and meet the band as well.

Before being let in, the less than 100 fans were asked to not photograph or record the show as Sharon was suffering from a sore throat and didn't want the show to be representative of the tour or her future performances. Upon walking in, the band was rehearsing one of their latest songs, "And We Run," which features guest vocals from rapper Xzibit. Shortly after, the band left the stage, promising to return soon to put on a complete performance.

Around 9:45, the band returned to the stage to perform some much anticipated songs. Opening the set was "And We Run." Sharon and company flowed through the song with grace, reminding the crowd of the beauty of acoustic performances, but also how sore throats can take a toll on even the most seasoned vocalists. Even the rough throat couldn't deter the audience's (and band's) joy as they powered through the opening track of Hydra, "Let Us Burn." The test of a truly good song is to see if it all works as well acoustically as it does electrically. With all the orchestral flourishes Within Temptation adds to their music, some may say they could lose their edge when performing acoustically. "Let Us Burn," and the following tracks, "Paradise [What About Us?]," and "Whole World Is Watching" all proved to be as good acoustically as they are electrically. The stripped down and raw versions illuminate the emotional complexities of the lyrics and soft melodies that can sometimes be forgotten in the bombastic waves of amplifiers.

As the show began to wrap up, the band threw in two classic songs, "Faster," and "What Have You Done," with the latter proving to be the crowd favorite of the night. The entire venue was singing along to the chorus, and even obliged Sharon when she asked "what do I want?" with everybody screaming "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE NOW!"

The band received a roaring and well-deserved applause from elated audience members who received what they came for: new tunes and the soaring music of Within Temptation.

Setlist:

1 - "And We Run"

2 - "Let Us Burn"

3 - "Paradise [What About Us?]"

4 - "Whole World Is Watching"

5 - "Faster"

6 - "What Have You Done"

All in all, it was a night to remember and cherish.

...here's to metal, friends, and Hydra.