Five years after “The Bitter Truth“, The Evanescence they come back with “Sanctuary“, the sixth studio album of their career, out now tomorrow June 5th. After over three years of work, the new album represents a new chapter for the band led by Amy Lee: a work that preserves the emotional intensity and identity that made the group famous, while updating its language through a modern production perfectly inserted into the contemporary rock and metal panorama.
With this album, electronics takes on a decidedly more central role than in the past. From the first listen, the band's desire to look forward rather than take refuge in the old era emerges and the first track “Beautiful Lie” proves it. The influence of Zakk Cervini And Jordan Fish it's obvious, but the album always maintains the fundamental characteristics of Evanescence.
The first six tracks represent the most energetic part of the album. From “Tell Me When You've Had Enough” to “Afterlife“, the band builds a sequence of incisive and immediate songs, constantly keeping the energy high title track “Sanctuary” instead stands out as one of the most representative moments of the album, intense and monumental.
The two singles released in advance summarize the album perfectly: “Who Will You Follow” fully shows the influences of Zakk Cervini and Jordan Fish, while “Afterlife” preserves those sounds that characterized the group, as well as being the single that marked the return of Evanescence.
After a first half dominated by energy, the second half leaves room for more introspective and emotional moments. This is where Evanescence's historical roots emerge most. “How Do I Heal” And “Forever Without You” represent the most vulnerable and touching moments of the entire album. In the latter, Amy Lee's extraordinary vocal interpretation emerges, embellished with impressive high notes.
Also “About Us” maintains many of the characteristics that have made the band recognizable over the years, while in the final part of “Self Destruct“the orchestral arrangements stand out. The closing entrusted to “Wide Open Heart” instead looks to the future, incorporating modern influences close to the metalcore world.
There final sensation at the end of listening it is to find yourself in front of a surprisingly album sliding. While facing emotionally intense themes,”Sanctuary“it never sounds heavy or distracting, but accompanies the listener naturally between moments of great impact and more intimate passages. It is a record that does not try to replicate the past, but neither does it try to deny it.
More than a simple return, this new album represents the confirmation that Evanescence still have a lot to say and, above all, that they still know how to do it.
The tracklist
- Beautiful Lie
- Tell Me When You've Had Enough
- Who Will You Follow
- Rapture
- Afterlife
- Sanctuary
- How Do I Heal
- About Us
- CalmDown
- Self Destruct
- Forever Without You
- Wide Open Heart
Daniel D`Amico for SANREMO.FM
