Evanescence: Synthesis Live

Although Grammy Award-winning Arkansas group Evanescence is a band, frontwoman Amy Lee is definitely the focus of this live version of their fourth studio recording (and earlier material) filmed in 2017 at Connecticut's Grand Theater. The other players are visible during the 19-song set but their time on camera is relatively brief, although they were also sharing the stage with a symphony orchestra. The low lighting also contributes to the solo artist effect, while the additional players help bring out the grandiosity in Evanescence's quasi-operatic rock. Most songs start out in relative calm before building to a crescendo built around Lee's powerful contralto. In that sense, she recalls Ann Wilson of Heart and Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine, only working with lesser material. Some observers have described Evanescence as a metal band, but that is not evident here, although Lee's red gown and black corset reflect the group's goth rock sound. Throughout the show—which features the hits "Swimming Home," "My Immortal," and "End of the Dream," among others—Lee alternates between standing in front of the microphone and sitting at a Steinway grand piano. She ends by encouraging the audience, "Embrace who you are. We can't waste our lives being afraid to live them," which sums up Evanescence's mission to help alleviate isolation and loneliness among their listeners. Presented in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include a music video for the song "Hi-Lo." A strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)