Evanescence (Deluxe Edition)
Studio Album by Evanescence released in 2011Evanescence (Deluxe Edition) review
The signature style of Evanescence
For many listeners the band Evanescence is associated, first of all, with its irreplaceable leader and vocalist Amy Lee. Actually, that is not surprising at all, because the experts agreed many times that the singer has one of the most powerful and incredibly well- trained voices. Heavy guitar riffs and Amy’s beautiful voice really do fit each other in a great way, and rock fans understood that back in 2003, when the band released the debut album Fallen. Evanescence line-up changed since that time; however the group still remains faithful to their chosen direction. Melodiousness in combination with heavy sound became the collective’s signature feature. Metall, gothic rock – it is difficult to find the precise definition for the band’s creativity. And is it necessary to define, anyways? Going Under, Bring Me to Life, Call Me When You're Sober and a great number of other hits are the best proofs of the fact that Evanescence musicians know how to write outstanding and emotional songs. Amy Lee’s lyrics deserve special attention as well – the singer has something to share with her listeners. Interesting music and rememberable lyrics became the permanent elements of Evanescence art, while the professional and talented performance proved to be the guarantee of music lovers’ acknowledgement. So, the release of a long-awaited album finally took place. What hits have been prepared by rockers for us?
New album, new hits
Definitely, Evanescence is not from the category of bands, which found their popularity due to one or two good songs. The eponymous long play Evanescence became only the third studio attempt of the band, however the first two included a plenty of strong compositions. But now it is time for new and fresh ones. From the very first notes of What You Want it gets clear that Amy’s vocal is still of the traditional high level – the singer’s voice keeps on pleasing with its power and strength. The composition Made Of Stone starts with the guitar riff, decorated by the piano melody. Arrangements somehow balance between heaviness and melodiousness, and sometimes even surprise with its tenderness. By the way, connoisseurs of elaborated and difficult vocal parts will enjoy the whole record, from the beginning till the end. This time the album was produced by two professionals: Steve Lillywhite and Nick Raskulinecz. The band started working with Steve, but then the musicians decided that it would be better to finish the recording process with Nick. Such rearrangements are not always successful, but this album is an exception. The long play goes literally in one breath.
Modern gothic or obscure alternative?
The new record from Evanescence became the place of confluence of styles, which had been chosen by the band at the very beginning of its career. This includes gothic, alternative and metal. It is difficult and almost impossible to state with certainty what elements are presented in a bigger amount and what moods dominate. Keyboard parts add melodiousness, touching lyrics lead listeners towards the gothic, while stubborn guitars keep on talking about metal. This very crossover became Evanescence signature style. Nevertheless, one of the spotlights is taken by Amy Lee’s voice. The new record of Evanescence gives fans a great number of opportunities to make sure that there are good reasons why her vocal is considered to be one of the best on the world rock stage. So, five years of waiting were worth it – the eponymous long play from Evanescence turned out to be amazing, just like the fans expected it to be and it completely satisfied all the expectations.