A few years ago Evanescence were one of the biggest breakthrough bands in the world with their monster hit Bring me back to life, from the OST ‘Daredevil’, from the album ‘Fallen’.

Singer Amy Lee’s vocals made a mark on the album and amidst a bad phase of band co – founder and lead guitarist Ben Moody slipping out of the band and newcomer Terry Balsamo taking his place on the new album, its their first single Call me when you’re sober that is making the airwaves hotter than ever.

The new album is rocking just like their debut and features Amy in her element with her haunting and engulfing vocals over distortion – driven guitars and drums.

Many tracks start off slowly, only to end in a climax of roaring guitars and energetic vocals. Try the lean Lithium that Lee dedicated to Kurt Cobain, or the album ending piano based Good Enough to the heavy Weight of the World and Snow White Queen that are the main goodies here. For those who may not know, Snow White Queen identifies with a fan who’s stalking her. You might also tune into The Only One and Your Star that have good moments too. The two time Grammy winners have a lot to share with their fans on this new album, so check it out.

Evanescence had improved in almost every way since ‘Fallen’. Lee's vocals are still top notch, her lyrics are deeper and evoke emotion more, the lead guitars are great in the mix, and the songwriting in general feels like the right direction for the band. What makes this album so special is that it not only improves upon everything, it experiments upon the band's sound. Some songs are more atmospheric, some are in your face rock, some are stripped down ballads, some seriously scary, with almost half incorporate strings, and some also incorporate beats and experimentation similar to Bjork. It definitely says something that the best songs on ‘The Open Door’ are the creepiest you might have heard. Fans of goth rock this is for you.  

Lyrics included.

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira