For the first time in their career, symphonic metal giants Within Temptation are ready to hit Australia, bringing their epic sound to Knotfest alongside exclusive sideshows.
Since 1996, Within Temptation has wowed the world, but never Australia. That changes now. Vocalist Sharon den Adel is thrilled to finally bring Within Temptation to Australia. "It's an incredible line-up [Knotfest]. So, it's really, really cool that we could join the Knotfest festival. So I'm going to see a lot of bands."One festival highlight for Sharon is witnessing other bands in action. "I really enjoy the more unknown bands that I haven't heard that much about, especially because I'm always hoping to find some band, new blood that will inspire you like, 'oh my God, this is really a cool sound, they're going to be big one day and I saw them already'."
While she is yet to compile the Within Temptation set list for Knotfest, and is looking forward to getting feedback on what Australian fans would love to hear, Sharon talks about bringing a show to Australia that is unlike those that European fans have seen.
"I always take my time for those kind of things, and sometimes it's just like two weeks before that I finalise it, because it's just this process also thinking of, okay, the feedback you get and those ideas always need some time.
"With the sideshows, you can do the whole set and give a better picture of who you are as a band and with the festivals, you have to be the core of what you are. It's a very short part, but it is the core of who you are. That's what you can show; and you get to enjoy the other bands and the atmosphere. . . with the sideshow, people will come that already know your music, of course; and with the festival, you get to win over hearts."
With the group's 2023 album 'Bleed Out' being what Sharon states is the best representation of their sound today, understanding that fans still want to hear all the songs they love plays a huge part of how the set list is crafted.
"You want to be the representation of what you are today, and to our own opinion, that's the best of who we are. You do bring as much as possible to bring the same kind of atmosphere you want to bring across as a band as you are.
"So of course, with a sideshow, you are able to do way more because you have more time to build up your set and try out things."
After visiting Australia as a child, Sharon is eager to explore again, making time for sightseeing amid the band's long-awaited debut. "We're most definitely going to take our time to do a lot of sightseeing.
"I also heard some crew members saying, 'if we're going to rent a car, you want to come?' Sure. Instead of flying to one place, they would rather drive there and then see a little more of the country. I might pick them up on that idea that I might, you know, instead of flying, I might join them, do the road trip instead and see a little bit more of the country.
"It's such a diverse country in nature and cities are even so different from each other. It's a continent, so it's very logical also in a way. It's huge."
From what will undoubtedly be high-energy performances at Knotfest and their sideshows, Within Temptation is bringing an unforgettable experience to Australia. With their epic sound and captivating stage presence, this is one band you definitely won't want to miss.
Within Temptation 2025 Tour Dates
Mon 3 Mar - The Princess Theatre (Brisbane)Thu 6 Mar - Max Watts (Melbourne)
Knotfest Australia 2025 Line-up
SlipknotA Day To Remember
BABYMETAL
Slaughter To Prevail
Polaris
Within Temptation
Enter Shikari
Hatebreed
In Hearts Wake
HEALTH
Miss May I
Vended
Sunami
Knotfest Australia 2025 Dates
Fri 28 Feb - Flemington Racecourse (Melbourne)Sun 2 Mar - Brisbane Showground
Sat 8 Mar - Centennial Park (Sydney)
