Within Temptation "The Unforgiving"

It is one thing to face your demons, but to actually try and launch a Constantine-esque crusade on the worst of them; some even fear of saying the name, like it's Voldemort or something, but probably much worse. I cannot say that this type of pursuit is good for your (mental) health. That is what I got from the lyrics, and maybe it is not so literal, but that is my interpretation, and this sounds a little more interesting.  The album begins with an interlude that addresses the need to stop evil, so "Why Not Me?" Again, a regular person trying to kick a-- and take names is plausible, at least in comics, which was written to tie in to the concept this album holds. The first song starts with a slow building crescendo that sees our heroine in a dark church despite losing her faith; there is something that still keeps her fighting, but what? Is it a former friend who was "Shot in The Dark?" The symphonic metal heroes then up the ante and get ready to kick some brass, tear some strings, and enter another astral plane where the demons are more than visible, but may damn well near kill you if you fell asleep "In The Middle of The Night" in this speed-symphonic structure that has haunting harmonies that may give Evanescence a run for their money, or already has.  I also enjoy how she hits those higher notes in the chorus. Still there, but now she has somehow entered her own mind, as she rides a motorcycle to escape this memory that has overtaken her heart she tries to go "Faster," but no matter how far she rides she still remembers the "Fairy Tale of Lies." Maybe it was all just a dream, because she seems to back in the place where we started, with crying eyes, a confused face, and a sense of irony when a possibility that "Fire and Ice" can possibly co-exist peacefully. Our heroine seems to be thrown back into the other side where "dreams are a joke here/They get in your way/That's what what you need to fight day by day." Which is true for anyone who seem to be working a dead-end job, just so they can earn money to follow their true passions, or pay for school. Back to the story, she has no idea where she is as the whiplash caused some slight confusion and a minor concussion. Before she could be held hostage by the creatures known as darkhearts, she was rescued by one of the infantries from the underground resistance and was introduced to the resistance's leader; the solo was not as heavy as "Iron," but was still memorable. I hope I can be forgiven for this reference because some people can be soooo sensitive and would hit my head with a skillet. After all pleasantries were cast it was time for them to go to war, and the chorus asks "Where is The Edge?" This inner conflict seems to cause her to second guess herself, and have an effect on the others as this thought replays in her mind "In the end you will give up the fight" and your soul will be mine. Scary. "Sinead" seems to be a song of reckoning, slight introspection into the insecure state of her faith; which may weaken her resolve to follow this pursuit because of this doubt that asks her if it is even worth anything at all. As her new allies are on the battlefield, she freezes, and maybe it is just a memory, but that face causes her to enter a  state of comatose as the darkhearts steal her away. It is too late to save her, as the resistance is under too much weight of the darkness, and she is buried under not only six feet of dirt and literal darkness, but is "Lost" in this crossfire of altered states. The snarky delivery of the vocals accompanied by this trudging through the brass may sound like "Murder" on the ears, but it is merely a warning. She was still in a comatose state at the time, but the resistance has located her body and are planning to dig her out, but they must do it from above ground to avoid the enlightenment of the darkhearts to their secret location. She must be rescued to save the world from "A Demon's Fate." Maybe the solo can save us because the song is good, but sounds similiar.Wait! I have a shovel to dig her out, and please do not hit me with it. Following through with the plan will be much more difficult than perceived, and will be more than a miracle if it succeeds. Time is running out as light is forming around the edge of the eyelids which transform into a "Stairway To The Skies." Her angel has come to bring her home, but two things: redemption awaits her, and "I thought this would be the end/But I know you'll understand/All that is keeping me here." Even though she did not walk up those stairs, a mere touch rejuvenated her positive light that was overtaken by a blackened heart which merely takes the souls of those who give in too easily. "I Don't Wanna" be too critical, but this bonus track...nevermind.  This bonus track seems like it might have fit on the actual album, and maybe even in the storyline instead of one of the songs that was one the record. I would like to say that the sound took a little trip and brung back time sigs from Jamaica, and maybe instead of "Empty Eyes" they might have red ones.