Within Temptation: The Heart of Everything
Readers of this column will know I rather liked this lot's last album and was worried they would have a hard time matching it. I needn't have. If anything this album matches it for quality and there is a song on here that makes "Angel" seem a bit week. "What Have You Done," which features Keith Caputo just stuns from the first listen. It's goth-pop pomp at its absolute best. As if that was not enough, there is the absolutely blinding "Our Solemn Hour."
There is absolutely nothing on the last Evanescence album which comes anywhere near close, and some have speculated that this song is WT laying the gauntlet down. Never mind the fact that Sharon Den Adel has probably the best voice in female goth metal completely eclipsing the vocals of Ms Lee. The vocalist can do sweet but also has enough grunt behind it to get out some wicked power. The band is providing music for the new RPG Spellborn as well as releasing a strong candidate for album of the year.
There is not one duff track on this CD, a powerhouse of the genre from start to finish. I will be amazed if there is anything this good for quite a while. Simply stunning stuff and essential if you like quality symphonic goth tinged metal.
That is your lot for this week. Next week I have several reissues to peruse as well as a new album from the great British band Burn. There might be a smattering of live reviews as well.
As always, I wish you safety and please check out live music where ever you might find it.
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