A new album from Evanescence doesn’t come around all that often. But when they do, they are always worth at least a pause and cursory listen: their reputation precedes them ever since their seminal hit “Bring Me To Life” first took over the airwaves in the early noughties.
In the years since and across their five previous albums, their dramatic blend of modern Nu Metal stylings with symphonic melodies is an often-captivating premise that is hard to come by elsewhere. Best embodied by Amy Lee’s signature vocals and lyrics, they have an uncanny knack at tying up varied textures and influences into a cathartic, graceful mix.
That continues here with album number six, Sanctuary. It’s not a rewriting of what has come before, but it’s also far more impactful and meaningful than picking up and carrying on as usual; from the atmospheric, rocking opening “Beautiful Lie” until the last, cinematic moments with closer “Wide Open Heart”, Sanctuary successfully sees Lee and co face forwards and meet where the wider, contemporary Metal scene has been heading with contemporaries like Sleep Token, Bring Me The Horizon, and Bad Omens.
This means, yes, guitars are deliciously downtuned and heavy, and drums focussed and punchy. But there are also plenty of electronic flourishes layered throughout, with flavours of other genres to savour as well. Some of this will undoubtedly be the handiwork of Modern Metal-producer in demand, Jordan Fish, who since leaving Bring Me The Horizon has been incredibly prolific, to say the least.
But the soundscapes of Sanctuary are in line with what Evanescence have been serving up for a long time. The difference is that much of these twelve tracks feel fresh and current, but with the right amount of Evanescence’s core approach and style that it doesn’t come off as trite or pastiche.
The only thing is that at times perhaps the melodrama can feel a touch repetitive, as there are moments throughout where others may take different choices - a soaring bridge, or a delightfully heavy drop. But those are other artists, and this is Evanescence; serene and graceful one moment, yet a simmering tempest below the surface. Sanctuary is unquestionably of its right time and place.
