Amazon.co.uk Review
The second album from Evanescence,
The Open Door sees this Arkansas, Little Rock quintet build on the metal melodrama and ambitious, Wagnerian operatics that saw former single "Bring Me To Life" top the UK chart for five weeks. The departure of co-founder Ben Moody, who reportedly left the band in 2003 to tackle an alcohol problem, means
The Open Door is very much the work of singer/pianist Amy Lee. Fusing gothic, supernatural imagery with affairs of the heart, songs like "Lithium" and "Call Me When You're Sober" - a break-up number that makes like a Halloween Alanis Morisette, all girl-done-wrong sentiments ("Don't cry to me/If you loved me you would be here with me") and dramatic metal chug sound every bit as huge as the stand-outs on their predecessor. As on
Fallen, their 2003 debut, Evanescence pull the neat trick of blending rock heaviness with chart-friendly anthemicism (little wonder the band claim the mighty Meatloaf as an early inspiration). But some interesting moments come when Evanescence ease off on the metal histrionics, however - "Lacrymosa" delves a little deeper into classical composition, a trip-hop paced number featuring the strains of a string orchestra and the sombre chorus of an opera line.
--Louis Pattison
CD Description
Sophomore album from gothic pop-metal band, the eagerly-awaited follow-up to their multi-million selling 2003 debut 'Fallen'. The band's future was in doubt after founder and chief songwriter Ben Moody quit the band halfway through their first major world tour but, bolstered by ex-Cold guitarist Terry Balsamo, frontwoman Amy Lee has proved herself a worthy replacement. This album is easily the equal of their debut, more consistent throughout, if perhaps lacking any real standout tracks. Includes the singles 'Call Me When You're Sober' and 'Lithium'.
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