Evanescence have been pleasing the masses with high-drama sounds and nu-rocking dynamics since they awoke in the public conscious with their breakthrough debut album, Fallen.
Steered by the elemental operatics and deeply heartfelt cries of vocalist, pianist and bandleader Amy Lee, the group have amassed a massive fandom over the past two decades through a series of arena-filling anthems and some of the Aughts’ biggest-selling, platinum-certified rock releases. They’re beloved in a way most bands can only dream of.
But which Evanescence song is the best in their setlist? The anthem that unleashes the biggest cheers? The track that truly brings fans to life? We asked out readers to rank the greatest cuts to catch in-concert, and they ranked the top 5 accordingly.
“Sanctuary”
Though many came through this week to salute the sounds found all throughout Evanescence’s latest album, Sanctuary’s title track got an extra push in the comments. Another way to put it? Evanescence fans have breathed the song in deep, and they’re screaming it out loud that this one’s tops.
The anthem is both of-the-moment and evergreen, Lee rising above the driving rock crunch to sing an anthem for those who “gather strength in silence.” A cathartic resistance song, delivered passionately in the face of adversity.
They only just started playing this one live, but their latest set-opener has already become a fan favorite.
“Like You”
“You’re not alone/No matter what they told you”
Evanescence shows have a tendency to bring thousands upon thousands of people together, so the broader connective messaging Lee brings to parts of this Open Door-era power ballad resonates, big-time.
That said, despite being 20 years old, “Like You” — a deeply personal song written about the death of Lee’s sister — was only brought to the stage for the first time this June.
Nevertheless, it was a long-awaited and much celebrated feat that’s got the fanbase extra excited.
“Farther Away”
“Farther Away” is closely tied to the Fallen era — it was the B-side to “Bring Me to Life” and had also been a bonus cut on the Japanese edition of Evanescence’s debut LP; it was later re-released on their Lost Whispers rarities collection in 2016. The band bring gravitas and groove to the song, while Lee brings a ton of drama to her powerful vocal (“I run to you/And run away from this hell”).
While it had been a staple of their sets in the early days, Evanescence haven’t brought this to the stage since 2004 (per setlist.fm), a date that only gets farther and farther way each passing day. Despite this, the fans keep calling out its name in hopes of its return.
“Whisper”
Evanescence fans shouted it out from the rooftops that Fallen’s closing track is a much loved, metal-chunking classic. It’s been that way for decades.
That said, the tune hasn’t been performed live since 2023, something that no doubt drives the faithful into fits of madness. Should it ever reappear onstage, the roar of approval will be massive.
“The End of the Dream”
The be-all, end-all Evanescence live experience, per this poll, “The End of the Dream” has been brought to the stage a few different ways over the years — whether via nu-brooded, distorted means or the softly intoned, though no less epic, orchestral treatment of Evanescence’s “Synthesis Live” tour.
No matter the volume, you can expect Lee to deliver impactful, to-the-rafters cries about pushing past pain and remembering “how to breathe again.” A stunning feat, and one fans dream of seeing at each and every Evanescence concert.