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By JEFF MAKI
Holland's Within Temptation is one of the frontrunners of the female metal scene overseas, playing large festivals and shows to thousands of fans. Not yet known widely in the United States, the band introduced itself here as part of “The Hottest Chicks in Metal Tour,” directly supporting Lacuna Coil. I saw a show lead vocalist Sharon den Adel and her bandmates gave Cristina Scabbia and company a run for their money. Toward the end of their set, it even seemed as if they were the headlining act. It's obvious Within Temptation has a solid fan-base here in the United States even though an album has never officially been released here. The Heart of Everything is the band's first release in the United State after many years of waiting.
Starting off as more of a folk metal band with classic and orchestral elements, Within Temptation's last album The Silent Force, represented a noticeable change in style. While retaining their roots, the album focused on more of a modern direction, prompting many to claim they were Evanescence imitators. The result was a highly successful album with hit singles that marked the start of Within Temptation gaining worldwide recognition. The Heart of Everything continues the evolution of the band's sound, this time with a much darker and energetic vibe. If you've heard the album's first single, “What Have You Done Now” (featuring Keith Caputo of Life of Agony), don't be alarmed. As catchy and trendy as it may seem, it does not at all represent the overall sound of the record.
“The Howling” (written as a promotional song for the game The Chronicles of Spellborn) and “The Heart of Everything” (inspired by Braveheart) reveal a newer, darker Within Temptation, with den Adel singing in a lower key backed by chugging guitar riffs. The album's centerpiece, “Our Solemn Hour,” is one of Within Temptation's strongest and most captivating songs ever. Featuring samples of Winston Churchill's “Be Ye Men of Valor" speech, the lyrics deal with mankind's fascination with war, propaganda and how we as people fail to learn from our mistakes and destruction. The chant of “Santos Espiritos” leads the song's chorus, meaning “A cry out to god,” as den Adel explained to us in a May 2007 Live-Metal.net interview. (READ INTERVIEW HERE) “Hand of Sorrow” is an upbeat gothic rocker with triumphant orchestration, haunting pianos and one of the catchiest choruses of the album.”The Cross” and “The Truth Beneath the Rose” both featured at the end of the album, are the closest in sound to past material. Den Adel sings in her classic soprano over more progressive material with gothic synths and choral vocals. “The Truth Beneath the Rose,” (inspired by The Da Vinci Code) in particular, could have been included on the Mother Earth album, sounding like Lord of the Rings put into music.
Of course The Heart of Everything features three mesmerizing ballads: “Frozen,” “All I Need” and “Forgiven.” “Frozen” was the second single released and will further the Evanescence comparisons. The song's lyrics focus on domestic abuse, but regardless of the dark topic, it's a beautiful piece. “All I Need” may actually turn out to be the song with the most crossover appeal, as it has a strong resemblance to Shania Twain. The material in between the slower songs is cinematic, dark and heavy.
The Heart Of Everything has already charted in numerous countries overseas and is on its way to becoming the band's most successful release to date. This album has the potential to be huge in the United States, as well, if given the proper airplay and promotion. Sharon den Adel's performance here is magnificent. She has become the queen of female-fronted metal. This is easily the best of the genre since Lacuna Coil's Comalies and, in fact, it's better than that. Don't simply dismiss this band as an Evanescence clone, as they were around when Amy Lee was in elementary school. Within Temptation is far more advanced in every musical aspect and The Heart of Everything is one of the best albums I've heard in recent years.
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