★★★★☆

Alternative-emo-metal sensations, Evanescence, have returned with their new studio album, ‘Sanctuary’ — released June 5th, via BMG and Columbia Records.

Ever since the release of their groundbreaking single ‘Bring Me to Life’ and their seminal debut album ‘Fallen’, anytime a rare but wonderful new album from Evanescence lands, you are left with no choice but to sit up and listen. ‘Sanctuary’ is no exception.

Refreshingly, the band are not attempting to rewrite history, or trial out a new style. This album is resonant with what has come before, making it a rather easy, somewhat smooth listen. However, this was intentional; in an interview with BuzzFeed, the band’s lead singer, Amy Lee, says that during the writing process she “fell in love” with the band’s “early music again”. So, this really does feel like an album made with the fans at the forefront of the writing and curation.

The album opens with the Rock ballad, ‘Beautiful Lie’. It has echoes of their 2003 single ‘Going Under’ and eases listeners into the album with its familiarity. The song’s arrangement is structured but therefore well thought out, meaning every string and beat lands effortlessly. Lee proves that her vocals have only gotten stronger over the years too. She is not shouty but instead delivers a controlled, belty vocal that has become her trademark.

The album’s second track, ‘Tell Me When You’ve Had Enough’ picks the pace up a little bit. It could have been a hit by Avril Lavigne in 2002 or a track that launched Hayley Williams’ solo career in 2020. It is a timeless grunge track, mixed with the enduring sound of American teen punk rock. This gives it a nostalgic feel, as if it’s been in the charts for years whilst still feeling impressively fresh. Perhaps paying homage to the timeless nature of Evanescence’s catalogue of fantastic music.

The next song that leaves its mark is ‘Rapture’. This appears to be the most experimental track on the album. It starts off slow and steady but ends with a loud cloud of thunder. There is a fantastic instrumental at the two-and-a-half-minute mark that will give you goosebumps.

The album’s lyrics are sublime too. They are poetic yet sharp. For instance, in ‘How Do I Heal’, lines like “Find the water’s edge / You’re the wave, you’re the voice in my head / I hear you now” are hauntingly heartwarming. The use of water as a metaphor for life’s big changes is astute and matches the song’s soft, silk, power-ballad beat.

The pace is picked up again after ‘How Do I Heal’, with ‘About Us’. This track does, however, give listeners a bit of déjà vu. It sounds a bit too similar to the opening track ‘Beautiful Lie’ and the track that follows on from it, ‘Calm Down’. It feels ever so slightly repetitive, which results in the album losing momentum. In saying that, lyrics such as: “Is this the end of the world? / Or is it just another night” and “Blame is the only answer / Because you refuse to learn” are strangely thought-provoking and satisfying to hear, especially due to Lee’s consistent and exceptional vocals.

‘Calm Down’ is described by Lee as being a bit of a “feminist anthem”. She refers to the song as being “bitchy as hell”, and I am inclined to agree. It truly is girl power delivered via a fierce, fiery, groovy metal track. The vocals in the opening part of the song are experimental and full of great riffs. It would be phenomenal live and a great opener for a set.

The album’s penultimate song, ‘Self Destruct’, is a contemporary track that bears similarities to many tracks on Florence and the Machine’s latest album, ‘Everybody Scream’. The aforementioned track features elements of gothic and folk rock, with a theatrical, mystical landscape, whilst still keeping the band’s metal-emo sound at its centre.

The last track on the album is ‘Wide Open Heart’. This is a real standout. It explores how one copes with the trials and tribulations of life in the 21st-century Western world. Ultimately, it delivers an important message. It reminds the listener to never let forces beyond our control destroy us and leaves you on an optimistic, empowered high, with hope and the courage to never let anyone steal your soul.

So, Evanescence’s sixth studio album is, for the most part, a triumph. It is nostalgic and speaks back to the band’s early days. Therefore, the album does not attempt to rewrite history and reinforces the fact that Evanescence knows their audience and are proud of their roots, which is really refreshing to see. The danger of that being, though, is that there are moments and sometimes whole tracks that sound repetitive and leave certain parts of the album blending together as one.

That said, the album is still daring, experimental and overtly alternative. It is bold in its intentions and spirit, and has some poignant, reflective moments, whilst offering its listeners many words of wisdom. Like all of Evanescence’s work, ‘Sanctuary’ provides a sanctuary for the underdog, a safe haven for those that push against the status quo. For that reason alone, this album will pick you up and bring you back to life!

Cory Gourley 

Image: ‘Sanctuary’ Official Album Cover