SHARON From WITHIN TEMPTATION Talks Knotfest, Political Messages & Australia Tour

HEAVY Music Interviews

Interview by Angela Croudace
After nearly three decades, Sharon den Adel, lead vocalist of Within Temptation, is finally bringing the band to Australia for the first time! During an interview with HEAVY, Sharon shared her excitement for performing at Knotfest and reflected on the band’s long-awaited journey to the land down under.
When asked about the band's lengthy absence from Australia, Sharon admitted, “There’s no real good excuse except that it was difficult to fit in and to find the right promoter to bring us over… but after 30 years, we’re finally coming!” She also discussed the challenges of long flights, especially with the notorious 24-hour trip to Australia, stating,"I’m going to try, it’s going to be a new experiment.”
Sharon is looking forward to more than just playing at Knotfest, where she’ll share the stage with legendary bands. “It’s like a candy store,” she says, eager to explore the festival lineup.
A notable part of Within Temptation’s music is their bold political commentary. Sharon explained that the band felt compelled to address global issues like the war in Ukraine and the plight of women in Iran. “We have a platform, and we stand for certain values… It’s important to talk about these things,” she says, emphasising that as artists, it's their responsibility to use their voice for change.
Sharon also opened up about the challenges of being a female frontwoman in a male-dominated genre. She shared that despite facing some initial resistance from certain fans, she’s always felt at home in the metal scene. "I've always felt very at home in the metal (scene)… I was never separated because I was a woman," Sharon revealed. She also reflected on the broader impact her presence—and that of other women—has had on the genre, saying, "The more there is of us, the more diversity, and it makes the scene more interesting." Sharon’s perspective highlights how women in metal have paved the way for future generations, encouraging young female musicians to carve out their own space in the industry.
With their long-awaited Australian side shows scheduled in Brisbane and Melbourne, fans can expect to hear not just their iconic symphonic metal, but a band that's unafraid to speak out on the world’s pressing issues.Catch Within Temptation at Knotfest and Monday 3 March - Princess Theatre, Brisbane, Thursday 6 March - Max Watts, Melbourne.
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