Everything that my brother Jon wrote about Evanescence… I think I kind of agree with. This blog was uploaded in 2019- and by and large my sentiments towards Amy Lee and her band are more or less the same as what Jon previously wrote about way back then. The hard rock band are influential in an objective sense across all music and across all of time. But for me, their music isn’t that unique nor resonating. A hard core fan wouldn’t agree with me there; but this is what I feel. And hence, when the group unveiled their deluxe edition album of Fallen last year, I was torn. “Bring Me To Life” is one of my favourite songs ever- it speaks about feeling alone and asking God (or a friend or family member) to bring them to life, to inject a sense of vitality, or reinvigoration, of purpose and meaning into a presumably dull and monotonous existence. It’s this song that speaks to the core of who we are as human beings, and invites us into living life to the fullest and ensuring that you have your family and friends and God in your corner. “Bring Me To Life” defines the band and I reckon it’s predominately what they’re known for. But for me, who hasn’t grown up with these guys, and who doesn’t have that nostalgia and sentimentality attached to their music; Fallen and by extension the deluxe edition (with new tracks and demos and live tracks), didn’t really ‘wow’ me. Technically and musically, it’s incredible though, and I can see the brilliance in this expanded edition. Amy’s vocals are superb, and the timelessness in this record is incredibly evident. But on a personal note, I found the instruments too loud and the subject matter rather depressing. As I have in this instance, I can objectively say an album is at the top of its game. Subjectively though, it’s a bit of a let-down- and it’s by no fault of the artist- it’s simply because I didn’t grow up with the group.
And so, is Fallen and the deluxe edition worth listening to? Worth shelling out x amount of dollars to purchase? You be the judge. You might connect with these songs- and that’s great. Or you might be like me- knowing their superb but not quite connecting- and that’s fine as well. Music speaks to different people and on different levels, and I’m glad that artists like Evanescence do exist and are pushing the envelope in songs about hard-hitting issues. Artists can’t be that dark and moody and serious and ‘depressing’ all the time (and that’s why this album in one sitting or even in multiple sittings really does my head in!); but if Evanescence is your jam, then more power to you! Lyrically, this album is incredibly intense… but if this album makes you better yourself and your own personal life with your friends and family; then can an album really be ‘bad’? Well done guys for reminding us about the issues that are often swept under the rug (like addiction and sex trafficking!), and let us hope that their next album is a lot more palatable to the ears!
5 songs to listen to: Bring Me To Life, My Immortal, Tourniquet, My Last Breath, Breathe No More
