The Heart of Everything

How have I had this blog for a year and a half without reviewing anything by Within Temptation?

I first learned about Within Temptation from a Facebook ad recommending them based on my love for Nightwish. I've since learned to listen to those ads, because that one was dead-on. Fans of Nightwish's epic, symphonic bombast and "beauty and the beast" vocal approach will be delighted by this group from the Netherlands. Obviously there are differences between the two--Within Temptation doesn't use real orchestras as Nightwish is in the habit of doing, they are absent of folk music influences, and their sound is more gothic than Nightwish's power metal. If you're looking for epic, grandiose, and beautiful metal, Within Temptation (particularly this album) is a recommended first stop.

First track "The Howling" starts quietly, like a lovely flower opening up, until it EXPLODES with the sound of epic choirs laid on top of booming guitars. The chorus further adds Sharon den Adel's lovely vocals to the mix. There is an extended, orchestral, semi-ambient section in place of a solo. This song pretty much exemplifies the album and was a fine introduction to Within Temptation for me.

"What Have You Done" is a duet between den Adel and Life of Agony singer Keith Caputo, which turns out exceedingly well. Other album standouts would be "Our Solemn Hour", which has some of the best choral vocals of the album and samples from Winston Churchill, of all people; the title track, which combines the guitar riffing with majestic strings so well it sends chills down my spine; and epic "The Truth Beneath the Rose" (in the sense of being 7+ minutes long; every song on the album is already epic). The recurring instrumental section combines the usual choir and orchestra with deep operatic male vocals, which is simply pretty cool. I've also found "Hand of Sorrow" and "Final Destination" especially enjoyable.

In summary: The Heart of Everything is packed with beautiful, huge-sounding metal that you should probably listen to. Especially if you enjoy Nightwish.