Evanescence - Evanescence
Chris Gen
It’s been a rocky-road for Evanescence since their solid debut with Fallen in 2003. There’s a turbulent history of band members fighting, leaving and then returning over the years, but one thing is for certain: the quality of the music has never wavered. Their 2003 debut ended up selling over 6 million copies worldwide and their 2006 album, The Open Door, though not as successful in the mainstream, is still a critical masterpiece. Now, five years later, the band returns and though physically they do not resemble the 2003 line up, their sound is still as epic as ever, a credit to the driving force of roaring lead vocalist Amy Lee.
Their third self-titled album recently hit the stores, and though at first it doesn’t wow its audience, after a few listens fans will be hooked. Although the songs aren’t as commercial as previous tracks (Bring Me to Life, My Immortal, Call Me When you’re Sober) the album does contain a couple of soon-to-be radio gems, which, without a doubt, will leave fans satisfied. The debut single from the album is called What You Want and it is without a doubt the most commercial sounding track on the album. Had the song been released in 2005-06, it would have been a top 20 hit, but due to ever changing nature of the industry it failed to peak the top 40.
With electronic drum beats, heavy guitars and catchy riffs combined with Lee’s now more powerful vocals and infectious melodies, the album holds a lot of promise for those who will give it a listen. Made of Stone, a song Lee penned a couple of years ago, is typical Evanescence: rage driven guitars paired with Lee’s blunt as ever lyrics “It’s never enough for you, baby” pull you into the chorus. This is followed by two heavier songs, The Change and My Heart Is Broken (the band’s second single) and they seem sure to be fan favourites.
“The Other Side”, the fifth track on the album, has a lot more attitude than anything the band has previously released. Lee sings about the death of her younger sibling in this song, a theme consistent through-out their albums, but in a way fans haven’t heard before. The song has an almost R’n’B flow to the verse and unlike similar themed songs, doesn’t come from a place of sadness.
Chris Gen
It’s been a rocky-road for Evanescence since their solid debut with Fallen in 2003. There’s a turbulent history of band members fighting, leaving and then returning over the years, but one thing is for certain: the quality of the music has never wavered. Their 2003 debut ended up selling over 6 million copies worldwide and their 2006 album, The Open Door, though not as successful in the mainstream, is still a critical masterpiece. Now, five years later, the band returns and though physically they do not resemble the 2003 line up, their sound is still as epic as ever, a credit to the driving force of roaring lead vocalist Amy Lee.
Their third self-titled album recently hit the stores, and though at first it doesn’t wow its audience, after a few listens fans will be hooked. Although the songs aren’t as commercial as previous tracks (Bring Me to Life, My Immortal, Call Me When you’re Sober) the album does contain a couple of soon-to-be radio gems, which, without a doubt, will leave fans satisfied. The debut single from the album is called What You Want and it is without a doubt the most commercial sounding track on the album. Had the song been released in 2005-06, it would have been a top 20 hit, but due to ever changing nature of the industry it failed to peak the top 40.
With electronic drum beats, heavy guitars and catchy riffs combined with Lee’s now more powerful vocals and infectious melodies, the album holds a lot of promise for those who will give it a listen. Made of Stone, a song Lee penned a couple of years ago, is typical Evanescence: rage driven guitars paired with Lee’s blunt as ever lyrics “It’s never enough for you, baby” pull you into the chorus. This is followed by two heavier songs, The Change and My Heart Is Broken (the band’s second single) and they seem sure to be fan favourites.
“The Other Side”, the fifth track on the album, has a lot more attitude than anything the band has previously released. Lee sings about the death of her younger sibling in this song, a theme consistent through-out their albums, but in a way fans haven’t heard before. The song has an almost R’n’B flow to the verse and unlike similar themed songs, doesn’t come from a place of sadness.
Stealing the album is Lost in Paradise, a pop gem that could see Evanescence make it back to the mainstream. Lee’s sultry vocals infuse “Paradise” with a sense of longing. The song is written about being lost at a time when her life seemed to be perfect; in the song Lee almost apologies for feeling as she does. It starts as a beautiful ballad that ends up with the full band involved. Even a sceptic couldn’t fault this track.
The final track Never Go Back, a song-written about the Japan Earthquake tragedy - an event that really impacted the band. The track is clearly a band favourite and rounds off the album well.
The album is a great effort and sets the bar high. For fans of the previous albums, it will definitely provide the fix needed after the five year sabbatical. The band is currently on their world tour, which has seen almost every venue sold it. Despite the new line up, the band are tight and clearly just as popular as they were in 2003.
The final track Never Go Back, a song-written about the Japan Earthquake tragedy - an event that really impacted the band. The track is clearly a band favourite and rounds off the album well.
The album is a great effort and sets the bar high. For fans of the previous albums, it will definitely provide the fix needed after the five year sabbatical. The band is currently on their world tour, which has seen almost every venue sold it. Despite the new line up, the band are tight and clearly just as popular as they were in 2003.
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