Live | After Forever – 013 – Mainhall – Tilburg [NL]

5 October 2025

Just under a year ago, After Forever announced that they would be playing a show at 013 Tilburg. Since that show sold out in no time, a second show was added. For this one tickets also sold like hot cakes, so the second show was moved to the main hall of 013.

On October 5th, I set my navigation system for Tilburg to catch the second show. And I can already tell you that I certainly don’t regret that. It was clear that After Forever still has fans from all over when I walked past the queue before the venue opened.

Once inside, I saw a large number of fans rushing to the front rows, where they refused to give up their spots. I think these fans may have been waiting 15 years for this show (or shows). Slowly but surely, the venue filled up with more and more enthusiastic fans.

ANGEL WOLF-BLACK

When the intro ,,Ex Cathedra” resounds through the hall shortly after 8:30 p.m., the excitement among the fans is clearly audible and palpable. The gentlemen and lady kick off with ,,Monolith Of Doubt”. What immediately stands out is that all bandmembers on stage are clearly enjoying this happening. Celebrating their first two albums, `Prison Of Desire’ and `Decipher’, 25 years after the release of the former.

Of course, there were plenty of people skeptical about the fact that these shows would be performed with Angel Wolf-Black on lead vocals. A reunion performance without original After Forever singer Floor Jansen [Nightwish]. Is that even possible? Well, I can say YES to that with all my heart. Angel literally sang her heart out and silenced the critics. Job well done; you nailed it!!!

THE MUSICIANS

It was also nice to see that Mark Jansen [Epica], Sander Gommans & Bas Maas [Doro|Rock Justice] took care of the guitar parts. Drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek [Epica] flew in at the last minute to take care of the drum parts, as drummer André Borgman had unfortunately suffered a foot injury and was unable to perform. Together with bassist Luuk van Gerven [Robby Valentine], they laid down a really solid foundation for the rest of the musicians.

On keyboards, Jeffrey Revet [Stream Of Passion] managed to create the right atmosphere. But what struck me most was that there were seven people on stage who were probably enjoying this event even more than the fans. Amazing camaraderie.

SYMPHONIC METAL AT ITS BEST

That said, I can also report that the lighting and sound were perfectly controlled by the crew. Okay, the smoke could have been a little less, but that didn’t bother the audience.

When Sander addresses the audience to thank them for turning up in such large numbers for these shows, it is clear that he is visibly moved. It’s nice to see this. Angel even catches him calling it an evening full of Gothic. But of course, it’s more than that, this is Symphonic Metal at its best.

The songs are played tightly and with crystal clarity. Sander and Mark’s grunts complement Angel’s parts beautifully and, as always, provide the necessary balance between the classical vocals and heavy tones of the music.

MORE SURPRISES

During ,,Wings Of Illusion” and later during the encore ,,Follow The City (The Embrace That Smothers, Part II)”, Joep Beckers (drums) and Jack Driessen (keyboards) also join the band on stage. It’s wonderful that these two men were also included in this reunion show.

It is clear that this evening, and the one before it, have written a piece of After Forever history. A more than successful return to the stage to celebrate their music once again, with old and new band members. The fans got their money’s worth, and I wouldn’t have expected anything less from these guys.

The big question now is whether there will be a sequel or even a tour, or whether it will remain at these two gigs. Only time will tell, as all band members basically have their own bands and projects. We shall see!!!

In any case, this was a performance to enjoy for a while!!!

AFTER FOREVER SETLIST

Ex Cathedra [tape]
Monolith Of Doubt
Tortuous Threnody
Emphasis
Intrinsic
Zenith
Inimical Chimera
Beyond Me
Mea Culpa [tape]
Leaden Legacy (The Embrace That Smothers, Part I)
Wings Of Illusion
Estranged (A Timeless Spell)
The Key
Semblance Of Confusion
Yield To Temptation (The Embrace That Smothers, Part III)
Forlorn Hope

ENCORE

Discord
Energize Me
Follow In The Cry (The Embrace That Smothers, Part II)