Music Review: Evanescence - Evanescence

It's been five years since we were last graced by the stunning voice of Amy Lee. Now Evanescence, who were touted as 2003's new Linkin Park, are back with their brand new self-titled album and proving that they are no one-hit wonders. The album has everything of their standard trademark complete with ethereal vocals, moody lyrics, wailing guitars and pounding drums.


From the blasting opening track and lead single What You Want, it's quite clear that you are going to have any amazing journey ahead. It's also evidence that Lee has lost nothing of her song writing ability. The song is catchy and instantly memorable. The piano almost sounds of place as the song goes on but is also strangely fitting.


Following is Made of Stone which is heavier rock and a darker version of Evanescence than we have previously known. The guitar scratching in the background and vicious lyrics are showing that this is a new and more adult version of the band. The song shows such growth that it is nothing short of amazing.


The Change and My Heart is Broken set a new standard for all other similar bands to live up to. The key to loving these tracks is remembering what endeared the band to you to start off with. It's a return to their The Fallen days and it's not experimental. It's Evanescence at their rocking best. It's the melody. It's the sheer stunning quality of Lee's voice. It's the music. It's the best way to describe these two tracks.


Skipping forwards a few tracks and you find Lost In Paradise. Here we have a much subdued track. Yes, they did a ballad. This is what the original version of My Immortal should have been. It plays along quietly, a true ballad and then at the right time, the band comes in with guitars wailing. It may sound like a bit of disaster in written word form but when you actually hear the song, it is amazing and perfect.


Sick is a return to the darker and heavier version of the band that we first found on the track Made of Stone. This song will rock you and you will love it. This is both lyrically and musically emotive. It's a highlight of the album with both the story it's telling and the performance. Listen to this track and tell me that you don't love it.


Returning to their original style are the tracks End of the Dream, Oceans and Never Go Back. It's like listening to their early work with a more mature song writer which is what was missing from The Open Door. They let go of the feeling that was there in their debut. Now, with their third album, they mastered how to mature and reach back to their roots. Don't be disillusioned into thinking that this is old work rehashed, it's not. This is something all new and no matter what gets written, nothing will prepare you for what you will hear.


Closing the album is Swimming Home which is an electronic, rock, ballad mix up. Nothing you have ever heard before will prepare you for the song. It's stunning. This is something that you've never experienced. Lose yourself in it's sheer beauty. The song is amazing. 


The album doesn't have a My Immortal or Call Me When You're Sober but it does have more than it's fair share of stand out tracks. This album may have taken five years to reach us but it's certainly been time well spent writing and perfecting the album. If you have only ever liked one of their songs in the past, this album will appeal to you. Even if you don't put the album on your 'To Buy' list, make sure as hell it's on your 'To Listen' list.


Evanescence is out now through EMI Music