I have randomly selected the cd to begin this new blog with - and it is from Dutch symphonic metal band, Within Temptation.
Formed in 1996, Within Temptation have released a number of albums, which have moved from the symphonic beauty of "Mother Earth" and towards a more commercial, reminiscent-of-Evanesence sound.
This is their 2011 release and one of the more recent cds I have purchased (since the 2011 earthquake closed our local CD store, my purchasing has been severely limited - I have also realised quite how many cds I own that I don't really "know".
It is a handsome looking set, with a slip in case that comes with the CD
and a DVD, along with a large folded poster. On the back of the poster
are a number of names - people that promoted the release via Facebook, I
do believe. The lyrics booklet is illustrated with line-art sketches,
presumably from the comic book.
There is a comic book series available, and several short films, which are included with the "special edition" on a DVD. The short films are haunting and weird. The first three are all in black and white, with dubious syncing between lips and audio (a flaw? intentional? I know not) and they are moody and somewhat melancholic, leading into the song they represent. I have yet to figure out how they tie together. The fourth is colour and seems a little more upbeat, merging with the song ("Where is the Edge").
The songs themselves are fairly similar, with catchy choruses and the vocals seem to vary little in pitch. The music is more atmospheric, but is let down by the fairly repetitive nature of the songs.
"Utopia", on the DVD (not the cd) with Chris Jones (a British singer) is radio-friendly pop. It does have a nice melody to it, but it lacks rather in majesty and power.
Now, for the analysis of the CD itself:
It opens with a nicely eerie intro, with a woman declaring how someone has to save the world, so "Why not me?" - this intro is extended on the DVD. "Shot in the Dark", the following song, starts promisingly, with some nicely atmospheric chords before the vocals begin and bring with them the commercial vibe and rhythm that in synonymous with this album.
"In the Middle of the Night" begins in fairly typical rock style.Vocals are a little different at first, but ultimately become the same as the earlier. Some nicely atmospheric bits on behalf of the other musicians.
"Faster" has the full on commercial vibe going - by now Sharon's voice is beginning to irritate me somewhat, in a manner that it never did in the earlier albums. Very catchy, good rhythm, I can see it being popular to the mainstream.
MAINSTREAM.
Where is the dark atmosphere and the haunting folkish feel that I use to cherish with this band?
Well, the next track ("Fire and Ice") begins with a haunting melody and piano. Promising?
Oh yes, she's singing at a lower pitch. Very nice. Let's hope it remains that way... It does, although her pitch still seems a little on the slightly shrill side... Much better atmosphere in this song, however.
Let's see how "Iron" follows it up. Well, rockier beginning. Are we going to see any variation in the vocals? Somewhat. Chorus is nice and catchy.
"Where is the Edge" has a nice beginning, but then falls back into the same pattern as the earlier songs.
"Sinead" is somewhat more haunting, and followed up by the rather beautiful "Lost". From here in the album continues to be reasonably decent - or maybe I'm getting used to it. I enjoyed "Murder."
We're back into the rock with "A Demon's Fate" but after the slower preceding tracks, it provides a decent variation in pace.
Finally, we conclude with the beautiful and haunting "Stairway to the Stars", which is much more of the Within Temptation that I have grown to love. Her voice is pitched slightly lower and the music flows in haunting counterpoint. A lovely way to finish.
Individually, the songs are quite enjoyable - and I could imagine leaping around the lounge and maybe doing a bit of headbanging to them. However, listening to this CD from beginning to end is a little tedious, as the songs are all fairly similar in vocals and rhythm - it comes across as somewhat uninspired and monotonous. Best listened to in short doses, or randomly muddled up on your playlist.
I give this album 6/10. It had some damned fine moments, but overall was a little bit too commercial for me.
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