Earlier this week, Within Temptation dazzled tens of thousands of rock fans with an eye-popping Main Stage performance at the UK’s Download Festival. Renowned for their spectacular live shows, now fans everywhere will have the chance to watch one of the band’s most astounding dates yet. On September 22, Within Temptation will release a brand new double-DVD, titled ‘Black Symphony’.

Their most ambitious staging to date, Black Symphony was a unique concert at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena on February 7, 2008. Sold out months in advance, Within Temptation performed to 10,000 fans with the 60-piece Metropole Orchestra and a 20-voice classical choir, as well as on-stage stilt performers, costume changes, and an array of stunning pyrotechnic and lighting effects. The colossal production extended to Europe's largest video screen (a massive 400 sqm), reaching across the entire width of the stage, and 14 full HD cameras. Special guests on the night included Keith Caputo (ex-Life Of Agony), Anneke van Giersbergen (The Gathering), and George Oosthoek (Orphanage).

Kerrang! magazine awarded the concert it’s highest 5K rating, saying “this really is the greatest show on earth”
(Review with pictures)

In addition to the Rotterdam concert, a plethora of bonus content and extensive behind the scenes footage will be included. Although full details will be made available at a later date, it is likely to feature the band’s 2007 year-end show at the Beursgebouw in Eindhoven, of which one highlight was an exclusive acoustic set. ‘Black Symphony’ will also be available as a double-CD.

Within Temptation are currently taking over the European festivals, with slots at The Electric Weekend (Spain), Pukkelpop (Belgium), Beatstad (Netherlands), and Rock En France (France) just a fraction of their plans. The band are looking forward to supporting the legendary Iron Maiden in Holland and London next month. For the first time ever, Within Temptation will also take to the stage in Israel, the Ukraine, and Greece this year, before closing 2008 with some exclusive seated shows in The Netherlands and Belgium.

You can hear Within Temptation on the Rock3 Webcast 'Progressive Metal' station Here:

Within Temptation – Black Symphony DVD – September 22