Okay, review time!
So. The Heart of Everything is the latest released album from Within Temptation, a Dutch gothic-metal group consisting of Sharon den Adel (vocals), Robert Westerholt (guitar), Jeroen van Veen (bass), Stephen van Haestregt (drums), Martijn Spierenburg (keyboard) and Ruud Jolie (guitar). It is the follow up album their 2004 smash The Silent Force. I acquired the CD a few days ago and have been listening to it pretty much non stop since (as my Last.fm account can testify ^_^;). Thus, I decided to do a review.
Disclaimer: I am not a professional reviewer. I would be terrible at it. So my opinions may be kind of shallow. But that is what I thought of the album, no flames kthx if you do not agree with my reviews. And of course, please buy THoE so you can also form your own opinions.
First thoughts:
- Whee, a new WT album, that's just made my yearz! (Yes, actual first thoughts when I got it - like the fangirl I am.XD;)
- Pretty PRETTY cover. The doves are so lovely, and Sharon is just gorgeous in it. And of course IMHO, a great album cover helps in appreciating a CD, so its off to a good start.
- I'm really disappointed that Sound of Freedom is not included on the album. Perhaps it will be a bonus track on a single or just a concert-specific track.
Tracklisting
01. The Howling
"When we start killing, it's all coming down right now
From the nightmare we created, I wanna be awakened right now"
We begin the album with one of the most touted songs - the theme for the new online RPG The Chronicles of Spellborn. A great opening to the album, it's one of the longest tracks, and also one of the most haunting, combining the sounds of choir and orchestral instruments effectively.
02. What Have You Done
"I, I've been waiting for someone like you
But now you are slipping away..."
A rare collaborative track featuring Keith Caputo from US indie act Life of Agony. Probably one of the more commercial radio-friendly tracks that WT have done. Could have done without all the repetitive screaming "What Have You Done Now" in the background, but overall, a strong track. And the album version differs from the single version, with a different opening and a break in the center of the song where Sharon shows off her amazing vocal range.
03. Frozen
"Well, I still need to try,I sacrifice the earth
You say that I am frozen, what can I do?"
One of the weaker tracks on the album, but by no means terrible. It's just kinda blah compared to what WT are capable of. A slower song, with their trademark elements, but not really anything new. Nice vocals, nice tune, good work with the instruments, it's just nice, not really memorable.
04. Our Solemn Hour
"Sanctus, espiritus is this what we deserve
Can we break free
From chains of neverending agony
THE kickass song on the album, which would sound absolutely amazing live. The opening rocks, and it continues on from there. It actually reminds me somewhat of Jillian from The Silent Force album in its heavy choir usage. Combining latin chanting, powerful instruments and a consistantly strong vocal performance from Sharon creates one of the most memorable tracks on the album.
05. The Heart Of Everything
"Open up your eyes
See what you've become, don't sacrifice
It's truly the heart of everything"
The title track of the album. At times eschewing angelic tone in favour of raw power, especially on the lower notes, the vocals in this are great, reminding me of older WT. The constant tribal-style beat in the background gives the song a unique sound, the slightly crunchy guitar work is great, and the way it goes from slow to rock to slow again gives the song plenty of depth. A keeper.
06. Hand of Sorrow
"Was it worth the ones we loved and had to leave behind
So many years have past toward a noble land of lies
Will all our sins be justified?"
Beginning with a pretty piano intro, it then launches into a brilliant cello piece that is just divine. The effective use of those instruments continues throughout the song and carries it along very well with the guitars and drums, right until the ending. And of course, Sharon's vocals are wonderful.
07. The Cross
"Why have you waited to embrace me, my dear?
Cold is your silence, denying what is real
I'm still wondering why I'm still calling your name, my dear"
A rockish ballad-style song that I'm not terribly fond of. Unlike most of the other tracks, the song itself doesn't really change its layout throughout, keeping a constant pace with only the guitars and other instruments really breaking through on the choruses. Slightly weaker vocals - apart from when Sharon breaks into falsetto mode - in this one as well, which prevented me from truly enjoying this song.
08. Final Destination
"I can't stand the feeling inside of me.
'Cause the speed of me is jaded.
And it will be my end."
This is actually quite Evanescence-sounding, and possibly the kind of song that could have been included on TSF. Not to say its bad, actually it's quite good, if typical.
09. All I Need
"Can you still see the heart of me
All my agony fades away
When you hold me in your embrace"
Maybe the most beautiful and calming of the songs on THoE - a strong ballad with rock-influences. A perfect showcase for both the strings arrangement and Sharon's vocals, much like Memories on TSF.
10. The Truth Beneath The Rose
"Pray for me 'cause I have lost my faith in holy wars
This paradise denied to me 'cause I can't take no more"
Clocking in at a generous 7 minutes, it begins in typical WT fashion with the slow orchestra and the choir, but once the chorus hits...it truly makes the song, making it possibly THE song on the album. The longer than usual length for a WT song gives the song impact as well, with none of the time wasted. With strong performances from all areas all round, it is another song that would be brilliant live.
11. Forgiven
"You'll always be mine
I know deep inside
All that stands forgiven"
The ending track is another pretty ballad, primarily piano-based, much like what WT are known for their ending songs (like Somewhere on TSF). Whispier than usual vocals gives this song an almost lullabye ambience, as is a soothing ending to a great album.
Overall: 8.5/10
A stronger effort than TSF, THoE attempts to go back a bit to its roots to it's Mother Earth style, but still keep a commercial feel about it, which seems to have worked very well. All the tracks are strong, well written, quite a few were incredible, and even if I had mixed opinions about some tracks, they are still superior to a lot of stuff that is out there at the moment. A great effort.
Now awaiting the Nightwish album released near the end of the year. Will do a review of that then. ^^