Evanescence • July 25, 2026 • Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
Evanescence brought a powerful mix of emotion, intensity, and musicianship to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre, delivering a performance that reminded fans why the band continues to stand among rock’s most enduring acts. I don’t say this lightly. It feels like they’re better live now than they’ve ever been. We’ve had the chance to see them multiple times, and this show stood out. Balancing beloved classics with a healthy selection of newer material, the evening showcased a group that isn’t content to simply relive the past. Instead, Evanescence embraced every era of its catalog, creating a show that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly current.
The band opened with “Sanctuary,” immediately setting a dramatic tone for the night. From there, “Tell Me When You’ve Had Enough,” “Afterlife,” and “Rapture” established the mood while giving the audience a taste of the band’s latest work. The newer songs blended naturally with the rest of the set, proving that Evanescence continues to write music that fits seamlessly alongside the tracks that made them famous.
Amy Lee remains the heart and soul of the band. Her voice carried effortlessly across the amphitheatre, sounding just as powerful during quiet, emotional moments as it did during the heavier songs. Beyond her vocal performance, Lee has a stage presence that feels genuine rather than theatrical. She connected naturally with the crowd, making thousands of fans feel like they were sharing the experience together rather than simply watching a concert.
The atmosphere reached another level when the band launched into “Going Under.” Fans instantly erupted, singing every lyric while the band matched that enthusiasm with a tight, energetic performance. “Lithium” followed with its emotional weight fully intact, while “Like You” was a welcome surprise that longtime listeners clearly appreciated hearing live.
The middle portion of the set highlighted Evanescence’s willingness to continue evolving. Songs like “Self Destruct” and “Calm Down” leaned into the band’s heavier sound while still featuring the soaring melodies that have always been part of their identity. “Call Me When You’re Sober” brought another wave of excitement, while “Beautiful Lie,” “Wasted on You,” and “Forever Without You” demonstrated how comfortably the newer material stands alongside the band’s classic songs. Evanescence played every song from their new album Sanctuary. Sometimes that can be a bit much. But the Evanescence fans in attendance didn’t seem to mind.
Few moments generated more excitement than “Bring Me to Life.” The iconic hit transformed the amphitheatre into one giant sing-along as voices echoed throughout the venue from start to finish. The song still carries the same energy that first made it a defining anthem for an entire generation of rock fans. Utah First Amp was on fire. Both literally and figuratively during this song. The pyro in this show was pretty cool.
Another standout moment came during “Fight Like a Girl,” when Courtney LaPlante joined Evanescence onstage alongside Nova Twins. The collaboration added another burst of energy to an already memorable evening, bringing together several of the tour’s performers for one of the night’s most exciting moments. It was the kind of surprise that elevated the concert beyond a standard setlist and gave fans something unique to remember.
As the evening drew toward its conclusion, “Who Will You Follow” kept the momentum going before the emotional shift into “My Immortal.” The crowd fell almost completely silent except for thousands of voices softly singing along. Phone lights illuminated the amphitheatre, creating one of the most beautiful scenes of the night and highlighting the lasting connection fans have with the song.
Rather than ending with another familiar radio hit, Evanescence closed the evening with “Wide Open Heart.” It served as a fitting conclusion, emphasizing that while the band proudly celebrates its history, it continues to move forward creatively. That message echoed throughout the entire performance.
Evanescence’s stop at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre was more than a greatest hits concert. It was a celebration of a band that has continued to grow while remaining true to the sound that made so many fans fall in love with their music. Outstanding vocals, passionate performances, and a thoughtfully constructed setlist combined to make this one of the summer’s most memorable rock shows.
