Evanescence

     Millions of people have Fallen in love with their debut, or were at least intrigued by it.  Considering the commercial success and impact the album had appeared to have on the modern rock landscape it would intimidate any band to create a follow-up. The main reason for sophomore slumps is because the artist tries to recreate what was so successful about the debut, and that can rarely be done without it becoming derivative to some extent, but you’re foolish if you think I’m calling their second record a slump; it wasn’t.         This five year Evanescence this band experienced was for the best. This album may not be “What You Want” for some of you fans, but I think it is exactly what you need! From the first beat to the finale with tinkling and undulating piano, strings, and that driving drum kit we know that a fervent energy has returned, and I’m sure it wasn’t solely because of new band mates. The heart that is referred to in “Made of Stone” could possibly be the same person their second album’s first single referred to; I will not name names, but I will mention that she may be free of a dark new day. Am I the only one that can hear “The Change” in Amy’s voice in this song? Listening to the song is like you are floating on a glacier in the frozen tundra, and every time the chorus appears there is a tiny avalanche causing those ice mountains to cave in. “My Heart is Broken,” and while I do enjoy the rhythm, strings and piano, it hurts me to know that someone was never sober, because they never called back; the guitar has a predominantly argumentative nature in this tune, only to occasionally harmonize. I guess they decided to jump on “The Other Side” of the modern rock landscape. It sounds so familiar, but has its charms. I was reminded of Nickelback in the first opening seconds, and it sounds like there is a tiny country influence. One of the most energetic offerings would have to be this next track. There is no time to waste as what could be a majestic mansion submerges in the depths of the sea; no light can “Erase This” eternal darkness that would consume the surviving heart in this relationship. You may not be “Lost in Paradise,” but you do get lost in the song, and those near five minutes you cannot get back, but if you’re in an oasis why should it matter? It’s either the lithium, or I am really coming closer to the “End of The Dream?”  It may not be these “Oceans” that are haunted, but more so the memories of love lost. She realizes the ties that could revive her happiness are long gone, so she floats on this partially deflated heart  searching for a guiding light while proclaiming to her ex: “You'll never find what you've been searching for/Something to fill the void and make up for all of those missing pieces of you/Like I could only dream to do.”  It is not that I would “Never Go Back” to this song, because it has a considerable amount of energy; I just prefer the aquatic cardio a little more? More icy imagery comes to mind while “Swimming Home” as I focus on each element to try to avoid dying of hypothermia I am reminded of Imogen Heap, and think to myself what a fine ending this album had. There were bonus tracks, and the first one may give us a “New Way To Bleed,” but the pain is gone within a few minutes, and sevin dust is no joke. The second bonus track has a guitar riff that is reminiscent of Nickelback, but with the musical context that riff is placed in it only makes the song better. You can “Say You Will” disagree, but that wouldn’t make me “Disappear.” Those two tracks happen to be the best of the bonus tracks, and the rhythm and delivery of Lee in the chorus reminds me of one of Breaking Benjamin’s most distinctive songs, and it doesn’t matter if you follow me or agree.  The final bonus track is not bad, it just never found the “Secret Door” to the room of my favorites: What You Want, Made of Stone, Erase This, Lost in Paradise, End of The Dream, Oceans, Swimming Home, Say You Will, and Disappear.