Epica and Amaranthe transform Manchester’s O2 Apollo into a symphonic metal spectacle, blending theatrical grandeur, soaring vocals and genre-defying energy into an unforgettable co-headline showcase.

Words & photos by Sabrina Ramdoyal (sabrinaramdoyal)| Feb 12, 2026

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Welcome to a sonic journey where rhythm meets soul and melody transcends boundaries. From crashing rhythms that make hearts race to gentle harmonies that soothe the spirit, the spectators at Manchester O2 Apollo were about to witness a co-headline tour where the realm was met with raw passion and lyrical artistry. 

The journey began with the support of the double-bill powerhouse with Charlotte Wessels, who commanded the stage with unwavering confidence. Having released three albums in her solo career, Wessels’ stage presence was charming. The vocal range was immediately impressive, effortlessly navigating the operatic high notes of “Chasing Sunsets” and “Dopamine” while receiving strong harmonic support from keyboard maestro Sophia Vernikov. Timo Somers proved an exceptional counterpart, delivering showcase solos that demonstrated the duo’s proven harmony. His intricate guitar work on “The Crying Room” created an intimate moment as both artists shared the centre stage, culminating in a vulnerable display. The final song of the set, “The Exorcism,” was pure brilliance—a fusion of ethnic and spiritual grooves that combined the brooding sophistication and strength of death metal. The song channelled both darkness and transcendence, perfectly encapsulating the band’s ambitious sonic vision. With new material like “After Us, The Flood” alongside established favourites, it proved that Wessels’ forward-thinking approach was not only just justified; it was stirring.

With the smoke cleared, the Dutch symphonic outfit Epica transformed the Manchester Apollo into a theatrical metal cathedral, bringing a spectacular show focused on their latest album, Aspiral. From the very beginning, with Simone Simons emerging veiled through smoke-filled architecture during “Apparition,” the band commanded total attention, skilfully balancing passion with orchestral beauty. The production values were exceptional, featuring elaborate projections, billowing smoke, and custom staging that matched the epic scale of the music. Heavyweight tracks like “Cross the Divide” ignited mosh pits, while power ballads such as “Unleashed” and “Tides of Time” revealed their emotional range. Keyboardist Coen Janssen captivated the audience with his spirited stage presence, and Mark Jansen’s death metal growls perfectly complemented Simone’s operatic vocals. A standout moment followed when Charlotte Wessels joined Simone for an intimate duet on “Sirens–Of Blood and Water,” providing a beautiful contrast to the surrounding bombast. “The Grand Saga of Existence” emerged as the pinnacle of the evening with its anthemic refrain, “we all stick together” and closing with “Beyond the Matrix,” Epica left the Mancunian crowd feeling genuinely uplifted, proving the ability of symphonic metal to inspire and transport.

Swedish metal innovators Amaranthe delivered an electrifying 18-song performance that showcased their distinctive three-vocalist approach and genre-blending sound. The trio of vocalists—Elize Ryd, Nils Molin, and Mikael Sehlin—formed the centrepiece of the evening, seamlessly transitioning between clean melodies and harsh growls. Their dynamic interaction was astonishing with each member commanding attention from elevated platforms. Meanwhile, the rhythm section, led by guitar maverick Olof Mörck and bassist Johan Andreassen, crisscrossed the stage with theatrical flair. This visual choreography matched the sonic complexity of their performance, drawing from all seven studio albums.

Musically, Amaranthe delivered a kaleidoscopic range of sounds, incorporating symphonic elements, pop sensibilities, and a variety of metal subgenres, including Europop and alternative metal. Tracks like “Fearless” highlighted their heavily programmed sound, where electronic textures complemented the traditional instrumentation to create an infectious rush. Their new song “Chaos Theory” was actively received, with fans singing along despite it being a fresh addition to the setlist. Strategically balancing bombastic energy with emotional depth like mid-set departures “Crystalline” and “Amaranthine”, it introduced majestic simplicity through piano accompaniment, providing a significant emotional contrast to the surrounding intensity. The latter featured a modified intro with just Elize and keyboards before exploding into full-band intensity. The finale was particularly crowd-pleasing, with “The Nexus” and “Call Out My Name” inspiring jumping and headbanging before the encore. After playfully declaring Manchester victorious in an inter-city volume competition, Amaranthe closed the show with thunderous renditions of “Archangel,” a mashup of “That Song” with Queen’s “We Are The Champions,” and “Drop Dead Cynical” bringing the Manchester o2 Apollo into a massive dance party. 

The band’s appetite and commitment at the packed Mancunian venue shone through every moment, proving why Amaranthe remains one of the most captivating live acts in modern metal. For the dedicated fans at the barrier, this was an unforgettable experience. In the crowd, it was viewed as a masterclass that left everyone keen for their next return.