This isn't a regular concert DVD. Within Temptation brought in the 60 piece Metropole Orchestra and the 20 voice Pa'dam Choir to accompany their performance. It's the perfect additon to their gothic sound, making the songs even more majestic and bombastic. 14 High Def cameras captured the show for the DVD.
7 of the 12 songs (there's also a beginning overture) are from 2007's The Heart Of Everything. Life Of Agony's Keith Caputo makes an appearance during the concert to sing the duet "What Have You Done" from that CD. Other guests include Anneke van Giersbergen (ex-The Gathering) and George Oosthoek (Orphanage).
The bonus DVD includes 22 songs, as opposed to 13 on the CD. The Oosthoek appearance is on the DVD only. The DVD bonus material includes a 30 minute documentary about the concert and the band's history. There are also interviews with the orchestra conductor, fans and others.
Black Symphony is highly recommended for Within Temptation fans. The audio and video quality, the guest appearances and the addition of the orchestra and choir make it a very memorable concert. The only negative on the U.S. version is that the audio CD doesn't have all the songs on the DVD. There are double disc import versions that do have all the songs on CD.
(released September 23, 2008 on Roadrunner Records)
