Website: Evanescence
Oh, how our radios were assaulted in 2003 with Fallen and the obsessively-played “Bring Me To Life.” And oh, how our metal ears were insulted when suddenly everyone began to refer to Lacuna Coil as sounding “like Evanescence.” Perhaps a better description of the Amy Lee-fronted outfit would be Linkin Park With Chanteuse rather than any sort of comparison to Italian symphonic black metal. But I digress.
The Open Door marks the first album of Evanescence recorded post-departure of primary songwriter Ben Moody; his replacement, Terry Balsamo and Lee took over penning to-be hits for the group. The result is a little less Linkin Park and a bit more mood; a lot less whining and a bit more variety in style. While Lee’s voice remains easily identifiable, complete with fortissimo and lung-powered lack of depth, opening track “Sweet Sacrifice” immediately shows a lot more versatility. And perhaps it’s better that Moody took off in a huff, because many of the song structures are less predictable and cookie-cutter. “Lacrymosa” has swagger and chorale, and “Lose Control” is just plain different in a good kind of way.
This doesn’t mean Evanescence has suddenly crossed into mega-respectable territory, as songs like “Snow White Queen” and “Like You” are just as bland and forgettable as ever. Ballads haven’t improved, there’s no guaranteed-hit “Bring Me To Life” on the disc; first single “Call Me When You’re Sober” is just plain horrid. Still, The Open Door is a big step up from Fallen, making the band sound a lot less like Puddle of Nickelsmack with a female lead and more like their own band. It’s intriguing. Now if only Amy Lee will stop saying ridiculous things in interviews, maybe the band can move beyond their immature Hot Topic audience.
